Free Quake by Andy Remic Page B

still mine.’
    ‘OK, OK. Look, Sarge, it’s a very nice tank. We were very impressed. Is it operational yet?’
    ‘Only on The Sergeant’s say-so,’ rumbled Simmo.
    ‘Whatever you say, buddy.’ Jam grinned, placing the cigarette between his lips, squinting through the smoke, picking up his ammo and leading Mongrel to the door. As he was stepping through the portal, he turned. ‘One last thing - if I ever need back-up, I’ll be sure not to give you a fucking call.’
    Simmo scowled, but Jam and Mongrel had gone.
Spiral Mainframe
    Data log #12522
    CLASSIFIED SADt/6345/SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
    Data Request 324#12522
    SAD
    Search and Destroy Missions
    When Durell and Feuchter’s warship, currently tagged as Spiral_mobile, was destroyed, hundreds of genetically enhanced Nex soldiers were also destroyed. However, even without the guidance of their masters -the true enemies of Spiral - the Nex had a network of systems in place across the globe which enabled them to continue operations and pose a minimal threat to Spiral agencies worldwide.

    SAD missions were instigated: teams of DemolSquads whose mission objectives for the past year had been to search out and completely destroy Nex nests and relevant minor military outposts.

    The SAD missions have been extremely successful in minimising current threat from the Nex. Although all the Nex soldiers have not been destroyed, intelligence shows that they have almost been terminated. They are currently running at a 4% strength when compared to infestation numbers this time last year.

    Most recent find:

    Brazil, 18km east of Humaita Team:
    Jam, Slater, TT [Demoll2]
    Nex destroyed:
    40 genetically altered soldiers

    Current SAD team leader: Jam [Demol_H]

    Keyword SEARCH>> NEX, SAD, SPIRAL_sadt, DURELL, FEUCHTER
    The Hangar was huge, housing perhaps a hundred helicopters of different configurations and eight SX7 Harrier Jump Jets. Jam, Slater and TT stood, staring out at the rain beyond the corrugated walls and waiting for the Comanche pilot to arrive. They all carried huge canvas sacks - clothing, provisions for their operation in the former Yugoslavia, guns and, of course, ammunition. Slater had already overseen the loading of three KTM 800Vi motorcycles, which had been strapped unceremoniously beneath the Comanche in lieu of missiles, and all the group needed now was a pilot.
    Jam smoked, watching the rain and listening to Slater and TT’s idle banter. Slater was a huge man whom Jam had fought with on many occasions and who reminded him a little of Mongrel - both were tufty-haired and sported missing teeth from too many NAAFI brawls, and both took shit from no man. But whereas Mongrel was pure animal, very much in the mould of Sgt Simmo, Slater had more of a philosophical air, although it took a lot to get to know that side of him, and in truth it only rarely appeared after seventeen pints of lager.
    TT, on the other hand, was a complete contrast. She was ex-Sniper squad and had moved sideways to the Demolition Teams, or DemolSquads as they were affectionately known. Tall, lithe and muscular, she was extremely reserved and aloof, rarely speaking unless it had to do with work. She had high cheekbones and short blood-red hair, pale blue eyes, and full lips hiding neat little teeth. She was oblivious to Jam’s charms - much to his consternation - but had proved herself on many occasions with her skill with a rifle and telescopic sight.
    ‘You OK, Jam?’
    ‘Mmm,’ he said, flicking his cigarette butt out into the rain and watching the heavy downpour destroy the filter. Jam turned, gave Slater a small grin, then said, ‘You check the SAD records? I have - just for my own personal amusement, you understand.’
    Slater nodded. ‘Current statistics show Nex strength running at just four per cent of this time last year when ... well, when you blew their warship to Kingdom Come.’
    ‘Ahh, the old bomb in the bag,’ said Jam, his eyes hard. ‘Makes you come over all warm