Something Different

Part 3

"That's because they don't fire actual bullets. Blanks don't make as much recoil. And to let you know, these rifles are modified to have enough power to punch clear through two brick walls, and then go through and out of the target."

"Oh...I'll take the ones with less recoil." I laugh at myself before I look to Sylov shyly. "So where are these toy guns?"

"Over in the pillbox," he said, his Russian accent still there. He was no doubt a former Russian, or had lived there for a while.

I nod and walk over. I grab one and come back, looking at the shredded boxes. "Like the accent. You from Russia?"

"I was born in Russia. Didn't like it, though, so I left. Came here," he said, picking up his Dragunov and aiming off into the distance.

"You're a very interesting man, Sylov. I hope I'll be able to get to know you as a friend instead of just a superior..." I blush slightly and aim as well with the smaller gun. I smile softly and chuckle.

He narrows his eyes and lowers his rifle. "What the hell...?"

I lower my rifle as well and look to Sylov. "What is it sir?" Damn it...let it slip again...

He was too busy focusing on something in the distance.

I look out into the distance before suddenly seeing something. "S-Sylov...tell me what the hell that is..."

"Only one way to find out," he said, walking to the jeep that had the fifty caliber machine gun attached to it.

I walked alongside Sylov, concerned. "Want me to drive while you got the gun?"

"Hope you drive well," he said, hopping on the back and manning the MG.

"No problem." I hop in the driver's seat and begin driving, flanking towards the dot. I was intensely listening for any sound Sylov might make. I was waiting for orders.

"Flank left." The thing came more into view the longer we drove. It seemed like some kind of armored vehicle.

I did as I was told, and I looked back at Sylov for an instant. I wasn't sure if this vehicle was stronger than us, but I prayed that Sylov's aim was a good enough advantage. He kept his finger on the trigger, though he didn't pull it. He narrowed his eyes further, wary of any surprises.

I continued and slightly blushed as I glance back at Sylov before focusing on the path ahead. Oh come on, Taylor...last time you felt this way, the man was killed...don't do it again!

"Stop here," he said, getting out his .44 revolver.

I slow to stop, as to not throw Sylov around up there. I look at the vehicle. "What is that...?"

"Dunno. We can't go any further though," he said, examining the area before them.

"Hm." I examine it as well. "We should go...they haven't done a thing to us."

"Yeah, but at the rate they're moving, they'll run into both the pulse field and the minefield. The pulse field'll fry everybody inside that vehicle."

"Then let's head back then and watch them from a distance." I look to Sylov, wondering what his response would be.

"Anything from that distance would be only a dot on the horizon."

"Then we just sit here?"

"You can go back," he said, hopping out and taking out his Dragunov.

"Sylov, I'm not just leaving you out here with a possible enemy." I get up and man the gun. "Sorry, sir, but this is just how I do my job."

"Stand down, Cadet. You aren't allowed to operate the turrets yet."