Temple of the Gods - Andy McDermott [106]
‘In jeeps or on foot?’
‘On foot.’
‘Good – that gives us a few minutes’ start, at least.’ The lack of fuel reaching the choking engine caused a literal death-rattle to echo through the cabin. The M60 slowed sharply. ‘That’s it, we’re done. Get out now!’
Nina forced the heavy hatch open and climbed out on to the top of the turret. Behind her, the massive diesel finally cut out. The squeal of the tracks faded as the tank ground to a standstill. She lowered herself to the hull, then jumped off, running for the gully.
Eddie exited via the driver’s hatch and quickly caught up. ‘Dunno how the fuck we’re going to get out of this one.’
‘No, no no,’ Nina admonished. ‘You’re supposed to say something positive.’
‘I would, but unless somebody offers us a free helicopter ride we’ll have a job.’ They reached the gully and started up it. The ascent was steeper than it had looked from the tank, wind-deposited sand making finding footholds a treacherous task. ‘Head over to your left, it looks a bit easier.’
She hauled herself up to a flatter area of rock, looking back towards the base. The running figures were making worryingly rapid progress. ‘Oh God, they’re catching up! How long before they can shoot at us?’
Eddie followed her up. ‘If any of ’em are good shots, they already can! But they’re air force, so we’re probably safe until they’re within twenty feet . . .’
‘Why do people in one branch of the forces hate everyone in the others more than the people they’re supposed to be fighting?’ Nina gasped as she ran up the slope. A clump of boulders ahead offered temporary cover from gunfire.
Beyond them, a hundred or so yards distant, rose a ridge. ‘We need to get over that,’ said Eddie. ‘The rock on the right, go up behind it.’
Nina changed direction. The slope became steeper, slowing her. Her throat began to burn with each breath. A look back: the men chasing them were blocked from view by the boulders. ‘At least they can’t shoot at us now—’
A distant sound caught her attention. Eddie immediately picked up on her alarm. ‘What is it?’
‘I can hear something! Sounds like—’
‘A chopper,’ he finished for her. Even with his diminished hearing, he could make out the thump of rotor blades. Someone at Silent Peak had called for help, and with the other secretive military facilities in the region essentially on permanent alert, it hadn’t taken long for the response to arrive.
No sign of the aircraft yet, though. They still had a chance to find cover. ‘Come on, go!’ he shouted. ‘We’ve got to get over the ridge!’
‘I’m going, I’m going!’ Nina complained, panting.
Feet rasping over rock and sand, they pounded up the slope. The incline became steeper as they approached its top. Eddie had to use his hands for support to clear the final yards. ‘Almost there . . .’
The helicopter’s rotor noise became a boom as it came into view. A Black Hawk; it was about half a mile away, but curving towards the base. ‘Down!’ Eddie commanded, but more as an automatic response to an airborne threat than in any real hope of finding concealment – they would be plainly visible against the barren hillside.
He looked for cover. Nothing usable on this side of the ridge. On the other side was a shallow natural bowl, broken rocks strewn within.
Not great, but better than nothing. ‘Over this side, quick!’ They scrabbled over the ridge and half ran, half slid down to the nearest large rock and crouched behind it. Nina cautiously peered round the boulder to find the Black Hawk.
It was changing course, turning sharply to head towards them. ‘Oh, crap,’ she squeaked.
Eddie was already searching for better cover, but nothing presented itself. Wherever they went, the Black Hawk could simply hover overhead. ‘So much for ’em not being able to shoot at us.’
‘This is not my fault! Any ideas?’
‘You don’t have a white flag, do you?’
Even if she had, it became clear a moment