The tank shifted its focus to the new threat. By this time, the trooper had moved anyways so it hardly mattered, but this re-deployment cost the tank the initiative. The troopers headed for the barn while the tank attempted to destroy what wasn?t there.

As they approached the barn, they saw Sergei, and he realized he was exposed. Fully expecting to be gunned down by the ?terrorists? he surrendered to his fate, and raised his arms in defeat.

“?Don?t fire” Was all he could manage to squeak out.

?Brother, do not be afraid. We need your help.” Came from a the mechanical voice of form the helmet. ?We are in great need of somewhere to hide until the other liberators arrive in this area.”

Sergei wondered at this statement. Liberators were not the term he was thinking. It was then that the tank had figured the ruse, and started lobbing AP rounds into the ancient barn. Splinters and hay were everywhere, and the troopers immediately dropped, and yanked him down with them. Not three seconds later an AP round tore through where he had been standing. Splinters peppered his back, and anger rose in him as he fought the helplessness rising in his gut.

?This way,” he grunted, and rose to run towards the back of the barn. He ran without care, and without thinking. He knew of a place in the back of the barn where his father stored grain liquor he made in what little free time he had between growing seasons, and harvest time. It was empty now, but definitely large enough to accommodate the three.

The troopers were close on his heels and seemed used to quick response without questioning. This also impressed him. These men were professional, and efficient. Seemingly without fear. Together they removed the piles of hay stacked on the long unused door to the cellar. The door reluctantly opened, and the three slipped into darkness as AP rounds continued to destroy the last Sergei?s dilapidated barn.

One of the troopers hit a unit on his chest, and the room was illuminated in a dull green glow. A chemical light of sorts Sergei guessed. They assessed the room for a minute, and decided there was no way in or out, other than the way they just came in. They both aimed their auto rifles at the entrance, and waited as the noise continued outside.

The senior man then whispered into a helmet radio talking to some other person unseen.

?Brothers, this is armor unit Sierra 4. A GDI Medium has pinned us down in sector 23E. Armor destroyed. Situation is critical. We are under fire inside a large structure and require assistance. Sierra 4 out.”

Sergei never heard the response. The barn crashed down above them, and Sergei knew little more than the dull green glow, and pain as the wall collapsed onto him.