Nawlin continued guarding his teammates as Ken and Aiden landed. their presence only taking the time to identify them as friendly and give them a wave to land before he was once again on post. this OP had taken a dark turn and he felt guilty his luck had served him so well. tense moments passed as the rest of the group plus some friendly new mechs showed up. once they arrived, he relaxed and stood, never turning his back but looking over his shoulder trying to find some wit, finding none. he noticed the missing pilot. he nodded before looking back. his tone was somber, not forced, and without sarcasm. today took a bad turn, but it wasn't on Blade's shoulders. as Aiden packed Kuraiko into the chopper mike gave them a thumbs up, turning only when ken finally lifted off. he called as he moved to stack up on an enterance. this was it, this was the last stand for the mercs. [I]"We've lost one man, and we're another down. I dunno about you, but I ain't in much of a mood for lettin' a bunch of bandits think they got one over on us, or that they can beat the LDF and leave us hurtin'. So, we show 'em what skill and smarts are, what our trainin' does fer us, and we smack 'em down hard. Do it like you know how to. Let's go".[/I] mike tensed as he checked his weapons on final time. all thoughts flew to revenge and retribution. [I]"Stand ready!"[/I] Blade yelled, a moment before the silent signal motioned them to assault the cave. they had the time to clear the door before Mike's armor was buffeted by rounds. as soon as he could make sense of the chaos, he opened up with the shoulder guns, the heavy .308 rounds tearing furrows into the rock as it sweeped soft targets. the combined fury of the roughriders was ruthless in the confined quarters as larger weapons opened up from both sides, prowler lifting its sniper and aiming by rough barrel aim emptied the mag at a group of hastily armored vehicles before any surprise weapons could be brought to bear. [i]"Nawlin - move with Esailia and keep her covered!"[/I] mike caught the ground team running towards a tunnel. mike swore as Prowler ran after them, keeping low as it switched its rifle for the sidearm. the shotgun would do better...if he ignored the possibility of hitting the ground team or hostages. thus the pistol was chosen and held ready as he followed his charges.