Time War: Invasion by Nick S. Thomas Page A

heavily relied on. Then, just as he hoped for some sign, they heard explosions erupt in the distance. At first just a few, and then their frequency increased to such volume it was just a constant drone as the areas around them were carpet-bombed.
    "This is it. This is the beginning," said Beyett.
    "Can we finally go kill something?"
    Corwin shook his head at Porter.
    "Not yet, this is just the start."
    "How long do we wait?"
    "One hour."
    Beyett agreed with him. "That should give some time for the Allied forces to arrive, but a long way before seaborne landings."
    "How else are they getting here?" asked Hunter.
    Corwin pointed up to the sky.
    "Parachute and glider."
    Hunter seemed amazed. The concepts weren't entirely alien to him, but he'd never seen either with his own eyes. When the bombing finally came to a close, it was soon followed by the thunder of ship guns joining the assault. The time passed quicker now, and all were eager to go when Corwin finally got up to move.
    "Stay quiet, stay safe. Don't fire unless absolutely necessary. Don't reveal yourselves to anyone, and never kill an Allied soldier."
    "Even if they would try and kill us?"
    Corwin knew it was hard to accept.
    "We have no friends in this world, Vi, so let's try and make some, okay? You encounter any Allied forces, then you do everything in your power to ensure they don't get hurt."
    "And if we encounter these Allies, and for some reason they don't try and shoot us, but want to know who the hell we are?" Nylund asked.
    "Beyett, got any ideas?"
    "We can try and blend in as part of them."
    "Think that will work?"
    Beyett shook his head. "I doubt it."
    "Then we are a Ranger unit."
    "And people will buy that?" asked Vi.
    Corwin shrugged. "It's worth a shot. Come on, let's move out."
    He led them back to the track they came in on and then southeast, away from where the main offensive would likely come. As they reached the edge of the tree line, Corwin heard the sound of engines. He raised his hand quickly, calling them to a halt and to duck down in the foliage. Their multi-terrain camouflage worked relatively well, especially since most of the desert dust and sand had been washed away by their unexpected plunge into the lake the day before. He gestured for Beyett to come up beside him. The genius among them had never been so close to his side in a warzone before, but Corwin increasingly had to rely on his knowledge of history.
      Three small tanks rode into view. They looked lightweight and lightly armoured, carried four drive wheels without any bogeys, and a stubby barrelled gun in a small turret.
    "German?"
    Beyett shook his head at Corwin. They could finally make out the Allied star painted over the front of the hull as they tore past them at quite a speed.
    "How the fuck did they get here so soon?"
    "I don't remember what they're called, but I recall the Allies flying light tanks in with gliders at times in this war."
    "A tank in a glider? Who the fuck would be crazy enough to do that?"
    "Desperate times call for desperate measures, Vi, and you work with what you have," replied Beyett.
    "They gonna do any good?" asked Corwin.
    Beyett shook his head. "Who knows? But if they are here, that must mean there have been substantial airborne landings. We must be careful."
    Corwin got up and led them across the open field and beyond. They reached the outskirts of a small town. There were no lights on for fear of bombings. This made their work all the more easy. Most windows were covered up with shutters as the civilians hunkered down in hope of survival. Corwin stopped them once more when he saw a glimmer of movement. A German soldier walked out of the front door of a house. His rifle was slung over his shoulder as he lit up a cigarette. Corwin looked to Frasi and simply nodded.
    They stayed put and watched Frasi run to the back of the house without making a sound. A few seconds later he appeared behind the soldier and drew a knife across his throat before he even