Battle Earth: Extinction Book 2

By Nick S. Thomas

Earth’s Greatest Warrior, Mitch Taylor, must make a stand in the face of a relentless invasion of Earth!

A desperate battle for Richmond is about to begin, but Colonel Taylor knows that the war cannot be won if the Alliance continues its current path. When the genius Milo Rivers offers hope, both Taylor and Major Sommers are despatched to retrieve information and technology which could turn the war around.

Yet Taylor’s Marines are about to descend into a deadly trap, and they must fight not just for the future of Earth but survive to see another day.

‘Battle Earth: Extinction Book 2’ is a futuristic sci-fi action adventure that chronicles vast bloody battles after humanity’s reach into the stars. It follows on from the ‘Battle Earth’ and ‘Battle Beyond Earth’ series but can be read as a standalone series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Swordworks Books
• Release date: Mar 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463425442

Book preview

BATTLE EARTH

EXTINCTION BOOK 2

By Nick S. Thomas

Copyright © 2020 by Nick S. Thomas

Published by Swordworks Books

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Prologue

After a brutal civil war that divided the Alliance and nearly led to Earth becoming uninhabitable, a period of peace had been won at a near catastrophic cost. The prospect of another war seemed unfathomable, and none of the races desired it. But nobody in the Alliance could have predicted the existence of another race, not entirely new, but created in the laboratories of the Aranui in a vain attempt to regain the golden age they had once enjoyed. Merging Human anatomy with the advanced technology of their own, the Aranui had created a vast army of cyborg soldiers with which to create a second empire, and save themselves from extinction, for only a few hundred of their people remained. Yet in their new creation, they created a monster. One of their new creations turned against them, leading their new army against them. Atua, one of the earliest and most powerful of the new cyborg race, now called himself a God, and sought to remake the universe in his own image.

The Aranui, once close allies to Mitch Taylor and the Alliance were now gone, and with a mighty fleet and army at his disposal, Atua began his final solution, and launched it with complete surprise upon the Alliance. Atua first set his army of Kaimahs against Colonel Mitch Taylor, the hero of the Alliance. Taylor had been a controversial figure throughout his entire military career, spanning two lifetimes. Despite some massive achievements, he was a risk taker and lacked discipline, frequently ignoring orders and angering his superiors and those in power. Despite this, his actions had made him a symbol of victory, freedom, and survival. Attributes the enemy would soon use to break the will and morale of the people of Earth.

Travelling aboard the latest and most advanced warship in the Alliance fleet, the ANS Audacious, Colonel Taylor was supposed to be overseeing an uneventful operation to the uninhabited ice planet of Temia. But on arrival, the Audacious came under attack by an unknown enemy. At first the powerful vessel’s armour seemed impervious to enemy missiles, but it was not long before the ship lost power and was pulled into the atmosphere of the planet before breaking up. Escape pods had been launched, but the ruthless Kaimah pilots soon shot the unarmed modules out of the sky. Barely surviving a crash landing, Taylor soon went about organising the defence, but was outnumbered, outgunned, and overwhelmed.

The ground battle on Temia did not last long as the few survivors of the Audacious were brutally cut down, despite a brave but ultimately futile resistance. Even the mighty Colonel Taylor could not seize victory against such odds. Yet while the enemy held the Colonel in captivity, they used his defeat as a propaganda tool to break the will of those still resisting them. Two Alliance fleets fell to the enemy, and the Earth defence platforms could do little against the advanced weaponry of the enemy.

Earth was to become a battleground once more, with little to stop the enemy from breaking into orbit and beginning a vast campaign on the ground. Yet Taylor was not done yet, and with the help of an unlikely ally, he was able to get free and return to Earth. Seeing his home on fire once more failed to deter him, as he went forward to do anything and everything he could to keep his home safe. The enemy was pushing to take Washington DC from the West as troops poured in from the East, yet Taylor was required for something else entirely. The extraction of Milo Rivers, the former President of the Alliance and genius scientist who had been the driving force between so much of the technology that had brought them through the last two wars.

As Taylor and a select few marines went in search of Rivers, Major Sommer and the rest of Recon held the enemy back on the West side of the Potomac. After a daring and dangerous raid to bring Rivers home, Taylor arrived just in time to see reinforcements envelop the enemy at Washington DC. A great victory had been won, and the greatest mind in the Alliance had been saved, but it was just the beginning. It was the first in many battles in a desperate attempt to save Earth, and all attention must now turn to Rivers to devise a means for Earth to remain free, and for humanity to survive in the face of such vast enemy numbers.

Chapter 1

Oh, shit! Newman yelled as the wheels of their vehicle lifted from the ground. They went airborne, flying over the crest of a dirt track. Taylor had a huge smile on his face as they soared through the air on a light strike vehicle. Turan was sitting on a machine gun position behind them, looking emotionless as they crashed back down to the ground. The rear end of the vehicle swerved out, and Taylor wrestled with the steering wheel to bring them back into check. He soon had them going straight.

Are you trying to kill us, Sir? Newman shouted.

Taylor only smiled in response as he put his foot down and continued to tear through the countryside.

Sir, there could have been anything over here. You couldn’t have known.

Relax, reports have this area clear, replied Taylor confidently.

And you believe them?

Come on, have a little fun, live a little.

They carried on through the countryside on a crisp and cool afternoon through lands undamaged and untouched by the war, but neither was there any sign of life. A farmhouse lay on the road ahead, but no vehicles were parked outside, for the occupants had surely long fled to safer areas. A second vehicle was in close pursuit, with Nunes at the wheel, and Mac and Meric with her.

We’re a long way out now, Sir, protested Newman.

And we’ve had a free run of it, haven’t we? Pushed them right back. They’re on the run, but they won’t keep going back forever. I want to know where they stop. Where they regroup.

Newman shook his head. He was worried they’d run into that enemy line at any moment. Taylor directed them to a rough farm track running between two wooded areas. The vehicle slid back and forth as they powered on over the soft ground. The air was cold, but not enough to harden the ground beneath their wheels. Won’t be long till we see snow now, said Newman.

Taylor nodded in agreement.

Maybe the Kaimahs won’t get on too well with it? Maybe we’ll get lucky?

A race of cyborg warriors built to dominate the universe, and you think a little inclement weather will cause them trouble? Taylor smiled.

One can always hope, can’t they?

He was only half joking. They had been through so much and could do with a few lucky breaks. The trees were thinning out as they reached another ridge they could not see beyond, but once again Taylor would not slow down. Newman looked worried but knew there would be no reasoning with the Colonel, who was having too much fun. As they raced out over another blind ridge, all their eyes widened at the sight they beheld.

Shit! Newman hollered.

Hundreds of enemy ships had landed on the fields ahead as troops organised, but they had more pressing issues. They crashed into the side of an enemy scout vehicle, a small four-wheeled truck not much larger than their own. The two vehicles smashed together, side-by-side, forcing them to run in parallel, sparks flashing over Newman who tried to lean away and also reach for his rifle.

You really are trying to kill us, Sir!

Taylor battled with the wheel, trying to keep them straight, and stay calm in the face of such a vast enemy. Before he could get his rifle in hand, Turan had swivelled the machine gun in the mount above them and opened fired, strafing the enemy at point-blank range. Dozens of shots smashed into the vehicle. Some bounced right off while others went through, and yet seemed to make little difference.

Take them out, now! Taylor ordered.

Newman got his rifle to his shoulder and fired at the door of the vehicle, but seemed to do little damage, and so he lowered his muzzle to point under the hull of the vehicle and at the front wheel on the far side. He launched a grenade from his underslung launcher. The high explosive charge ignited beneath the wheel, causing even Taylor to jump as the vehicle was launched into the air. First it struck the cage of their vehicle before tumbling off and rolling several times. It came to a stop on its roof and smoke was belching from its underside.

Now who’s trying to get us killed? Taylor asked dryly.

Newman smiled, but it soon faded away as they looked out to the vast army gathering before them.

I think we’ve seen enough, don’t you? Taylor turned sharply and applied the brakes, spinning them around quickly. He got back on the power, but they’d only made a few metres back from where they had come when a burst of fire struck the ground ahead of them. Mud and dirt showered them, and Taylor put his foot on the brakes once again. Their other vehicle had to veer off to their left side to avoid smashing into them. Taylor slipped it into reverse and spun the wheels, racing backwards as more gunfire landed around them. He hit the brakes and turned the wheel, spinning the front end around ninety degrees, before going into drive. The back end swung out just as the front came to a stop. They were heading for a dense wood as gunfire flashed past.

What are you doing? Newman sat up in his seat, drove his feet into the floor, and grabbed the roll cage as though his life depended on it.

We’re all out of road. It’s time we made our own. Taylor confidently soared towards some thick foliage along the tree line.

Oh, shit, muttered Newman.

Gunfire struck the trees ahead of them, and one glanced from the roll cage of their vehicle. Seconds later, they smashed through a bush that could just as easily have concealed tree stumps. Taylor was gambling and hoping for the best, and they all knew it, but they didn’t have many other choices. They smashed down bushes and foliage taller than the vehicle itself.

Tree! Newman yelled as he spotted one ahead.

Taylor pulled the wheel just in time, but their rear quarter still slid into the trunk and smashed the rear end. They were rocked, but kept on with nothing but superficial damage. Newman looked back in horror.

That was close, way too close!

Taylor said nothing, wrestling with the wheel as they continued crashing through foliage in the thick wood.

What’s the plan here, Colonel? Newman asked worriedly.

Keep going, and don’t stop till we are clear.

We need a road or to slow down. We can’t keep this up.

Taylor grimaced but nodded in agreement.

On a road they will spot us from the air, in here we will crash and burn, stated Turan.

Then what? Hide? Newman asked.

I don’t know that we can. They have enough resources to sweep this forest in no time, replied Taylor.

Then getting out onto the open road is our only choice, right?

We have to at least try, yes. Taylor pulled out between several trees on to a gap between the trees where they had been intentionally divided for what looked like a long unused path. It was the first bit of good luck they’d had.

Do you think they’re still on our tail?

Taylor grimaced, not wanting to answer, but the roar of engines overhead answered the question for them. They looked up in time to see an enemy fighter craft soar over the clearing, seemingly not noticing them amongst the thick undergrowth and woodland canopy.

They’re still there, replied Taylor.

No shit. I knew this was a mistake. We came way too far.

And yet now we know where they are.

And that couldn’t have been done by a drone?

Not one that was sent out came back, and we’re still not able to transmit, so no, he replied sternly.

The rear of the vehicle swung out in the mud, and he fought to get them straight again. They raced on along the mud track for more than half an hour when finally, they were coming to the end of the wood, and yet they could still hear engines roar overhead from enemy craft continuing their search for them.

Look! Newman yelled enthusiastically as Taylor slowed down and brought them to a halt just short of the exit that would bring them into plain view. Up ahead was an out of town shopping centre and mall. The car park was completely empty, and there was no sign of life, Where even are we?

Does it matter? Taylor crept the vehicle forward, looking out in all directions for any sign of trouble.

What are you thinking Colonel?

That we need to get as far away as possible, but we’re not gonna do that in the light of day. That could be the perfect place to holed up for a few hours. Loop back around North under cover of night.

You want to stay put? Turan asked.

We’ve covered some ground, and they have lost us for now. Taylor continued to scan the sky and ground before them.

You said if we stay put we’re finished? Newman asked.

If we stayed in this forest, yeah, but we aren’t doing that, are we?

I don’t like this at all, replied Newman as Nunes edged her vehicle up beside them.

What are you thinking, Sir? she asked Taylor.

Holed up in there for a little while, just until night.

That could work.

Could work? Newman was horrified.

If you wanted any guarantees in life then you’re in the wrong line of work, Taylor responded with a smile as he put some power down, and led them on towards the mall. He crept at a slow and cautious pace, and Nunes brought the second vehicle into convoy behind. Rubbish blew across the streets, and the only vehicles in sight were three wrecks that had gone into one another and been abandoned, one of them on its roof.

Where is everyone even going? Newman asked.

Anywhere the enemy aren’t, replied Taylor.

Yeah? And where is that?

Reports of people fleeing across the country, heading away from the cities and wherever they can be safe.

But aren’t the enemy all over?

Taylor shook his head.

You’ve seen with your own eyes. They have a lot of troops on the ground, but they can’t be everywhere.

It doesn’t feel that way.

I hear you.

We should get off the road, insisted Turan.

Taylor nodded in agreement. He manoeuvred them through the parking lot and right up to the front entrance of the mall. The doors and glass entrance were smashed open.

Somebody robbed the place? Newman asked in disbelief.

In desperate times, people will do anything.

Yeah, but their lives are at risk. We’re being invaded, and they want to rob the stores?

I don’t think they were here to take the TVs.

The what?

Taylor only smiled as he realised how antiquated the terminology was.

Screens.

Then what?

Food, drink, clothes, outdoor equipment. All the things they might need to survive out on the road. The stuff most people never have ready for an emergency.

It’s not like anyone could have predicted an invasion, replied Newman.

That’s the point of being ready, isn’t it? You don’t have to know what is coming to be prepared for a shit storm.

Were you? Turan asked bluntly.

Newman looked aghast at the biting question to the Colonel, and yet Taylor had to shrug and concede defeat.

We’re some of the best fighting men and women in the Alliance, and we weren’t ready or prepared for nothing, were we? Newman jumped in on Turan’s side.

We had it too easy for too long.

Easy? A few years out of the war, and you think that’s easy? Newman asked.

Compared to what we went through, sure. You think military funding would have dried up if the risk of war had remained?

You’re saying we became complacent?

Damn right.

Fair enough, but say we had ten times the warships we did, it wouldn’t have mattered, would it?

Maybe. Held in reserve until tech could be developed to counter their weapons, instead we lost everything. We’ll never know now, will we?

We didn’t lose the Collingwood, said Newman in hope as he remembered their landing.

What? Taylor asked in amazement.

We didn’t evacuate the ANS Collingwood. Admiral Sims and Major Sommer could see what was going on, and they put us down in some crappy junkyard.

She’s still operational?

I don’t know, maybe, but until we can stop those missiles, it doesn’t matter, does it?

But Taylor was lost in thought and the hope that one of the finest warships remained.

It’s just one ship. Newman could see Taylor calculating what he could do with it as their wheels rolled over and crushed glass while they drove right into the mall.

I always wanted to do this, said Newman with a smile.

Drive around a mall?

Hell, yeah, race around inside one, tearing the place up.

All the things we can do in life, and that’s your dream?

You’ve got to enjoy the little things, or the day comes when it’s too late.

Ain’t that the truth, sighed Taylor.

She’s no good to us, you know that right, Sir?

Taylor looked at him in a confused way, waiting for him to go on and explain himself.

The Collingwood, I know what you’re thinking, Sir.

I doubt that, he replied cynically.

She’s a fine ship, and in any other circumstance she’d be a hell of an asset, but until we can combat those missiles that just shut systems down, she’s useless to us.

Then we know what we need to do, don’t we? he replied as if that was what he was thinking all along.

Sir, for a man who has spent his life defending Earth, you sure always seem eager to leave it.

Not eager at all. I hate space, and I hate space travel. If I could never leave this world again, I’d be a happy man for it, but that isn’t the life we lead, is it? War can’t just be fought on the ground.

Not like we can fight it in the air either. Even if the Collingwood could be brought back to the fight, she couldn’t stand against all this, protested Newman.

I wasn’t suggesting she should. Right now, the enemy bring in unlimited supplies without check, and that needs to stop.

Newman agreed, but the prospect of hitting them before arriving at Earth seemed so far out of reach, when they were desperately fighting to survive on the ground as it was.

They soon came to escalators and an area that was impassable to their vehicles. Taylor sighed. He didn’t like having to stop at a dead end, but they had no choice. He stopped and leapt out, his feet squashing a plastic bottle and other rubbish. The floor was strewn with debris where the shops had been raided for anything of use.

We’re not gonna be able to see anything from in here, said Nunes.

No, and nobody can see us either, replied Newman.

There’s a security tower. It’s the only eyes from inside, go find it.

Yes, Sir, Newman replied in an overly confident and sarcastic manner.

Nunes, you’re with me. The rest of you stay put. Remember comms are out completely, so if you get into trouble, you get back to the vehicles and get the hell out of here. Failing that, you go on foot, and do whatever you have to do to survive.

We’re really in the shit, huh, Sir? Nunes asked.

Na, this is nothing. A few hours until darkness, and we’ll be back in the game and home in no time.

Home?

"Nearest thing to it. Somewhere you can get some