Free America's Galactic Foreign Legion - Book 3: Silent Invasion by Walter Knight Page B

time to put a
forearm up in self-defense. The huge black hairy monster bit
through the commander’s arm like it was a twig. The commander was
torn apart in seconds. Wolves were everywhere. The team leader
tried to climb a tree. The smooth cedar bark covered by moss and
high branches was not conducive to climbing, but he inched up
anyway. A large wolf leapt up at the team leader, snatching him
from the tree and shaking him like a rag doll. Death came
quick.
     
    * * * * *
     
    By dawn, spider parts and equipment littered
the forest marsh. The mud was discolored red from blood.
Legionnaires listened to the horrifying carnage during the night.
Hours later, six spider marines stumbled into camp and begged to
surrender. They seemed in shock. I told the spiders to keep their
weapons, and let them follow us to Finisterra. As we walked, no one
talked much about what happened last night, or about what might
still happen if we did not get out quick before the sun set again.
No one there would ever be able to forget.
     
    * * * * *
     
    PRESS RELEASE FROM LEGION HEADQUARTERS IN NEW
MEMPHIS:
     
    Military Governor General Kalipetsis today
by executive order decreed that the unprovoked killing of any wolf
to be a Class A Felony (capital offense). General Kalipetsis said
the wolf is vital to the fragile ecosystem of New Colorado because
it rids the forest of invasive pests that cause untold harm to the
ecology and the quality of life for all. The General went on to say
that the ecology of New Colorado has been so abused by war,
radiation, and exploitation that he hoped this one small
incremental step would be the first of many steps to undo the
extensive damage across the globe. He ordered all Legion units to
be sensitive to the environment when planning operations.
    When asked if coyotes and foxes might get
similar protection in the future, General Kalipetsis said, “I don’t
give a rat’s ass about coyotes and foxes.”
    The general’s order immediately drew praise
from the Audubon Society, PETA, ALF, and several Democrats in
Congress.
     
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Contents
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
    At Finisterra, the radiation levels were
cause for concern. I took anti-radiation pills, but after a while
my hair started falling out and my gums started bleeding. The
spiders were not affected by the radiation. I’ve been told that
cockroaches can survive high levels of radiation, so I guess it
makes sense that the spiders would thrive in it.
    My company prepared to move southeast to New
Memphis, leaving security to a battalion of Green spiders from the
Waterstone National Guard. That was fine with me. Finisterra had no
shortage of mud. There was certainly a magnificent supply, and I
would not miss the place. There was a lot of economic activity in
Finisterra. The miners, mostly spiders, were still digging a
fortune of gold out of the Singh Mine.
    Guido, who still had a large storage unit of
contraband in Finisterra, announced a going-out-of-business sale
open to the general public. The good stuff like SAMs, RPGs, machine
guns, and C-4 sold early before I had a chance to check for illegal
sales. I did not want any more nukes put on the market.
    Private Wayne was fascinated by a stolen
motorcycle Guido had for sale. Guido reduced the price because no
one wanted to ride a motorcycle in the North’s cold, wet weather.
Guido let Private Wayne take the bike out for a test spin. Private
Wayne did a one-wheeler down Main Street, and then sped out of
town. He fell in love with the motorcycle.
    “You are a natural biker,” commented Guido,
when Wayne returned. “Because you’re my friend, I’ll let the bike
go for only $1,500.”
    “I’ll buy it,” said Private Wayne, not even
bothering to haggle. “I love the wind and bugs in my face.”
    “Be sure to wear your Kevlar helmet,” warned
Guido. “These hogs are dangerous to ride.”
    “What are you going to do?” snickered
Corporal Williams. “Become a Hell’s Angel?”
    “I do