Battle Earth VI by Nick S. Thomas Read Free Book Online Page A

like this ship. They are almost unstoppable."
    "Then how do we stop them?"
    The only weakness of The Purge vessels is that they have few crew. Their massively thick armour compromises them in that way. Each ship is crewed by just thirty or forty. If you can get near them, and breach with marines, they are finished."
    "Sounds like the exact opposite of what anyone would expect to do. You see something like that and you keep your distance," replied Huber.
    Jafar nodded in agreement.
    "How can marine parties get so close if they are so heavily armed?" asked Taylor.
    "The Purge does not consider fighters and smaller craft a threat. They have relatively little defence against such."
    "Maybe that's for a good reason," replied Huber.
    "Yes, it is true that the hull of these vessels is almost impossible to breach. However, I did once go aboard one in the fleet. They have only one weak point; one thin point in their armour, the Captain's quarters. A view out into space is a valuable thing, and something no Krycenaean would go without."
    "Why don't we just hit that point with our guns?" asked Vega.
    "Because in itself the area holds no importance in combat. A breach there will do nothing to slow the cruisers down, nor cause any damage to the crew who will be deep in the belly of the ship. But breached at that point, marines would be able to blast their way further in."
    "Mmm, so through their own vanity they present a weakness," replied Huber.
    He turned to Taylor.
    "What do you think, Colonel?"
    Taylor was taken aback. He knew why they addressed so many questions to Jafar, but he was just another marine in the fleet.
    "Sounds like a job the Corps will happily see to the end, Admiral."
    "Latest reports suggest we have just twenty-four hours before their fleet reaches us."
    "The Purge will be ahead of the rest of the fleet, which you can expect within an hour of their arrival."
    "Doesn't give us a whole lot of time to get them out of the way. It seems to me they are sent as a diversion to make way for this Planet Killer, and we are actively seeking to be diverted by it," stated Huber.
    "Sir, if I may," replied Taylor. "Nothing of what Jafar has told us has ever been anything but spot on. If he says this is the way it should be done, I believe him, and would be willing to put the full backing of the 2nd Inter-Allied behind him."
    "That is high praise indeed."
    The room fell silent for a moment. Taylor could see they were all looking to the Admiral to make the decision.
    "Colonel, I have almost a hundred and fifty ships at my disposal, but the lion’s share must inevitably remain with the defence grid here for the defence of Earth. I will give you thirty to advance a hundred kilometres and attempt to make this plan work. Vice Admiral Bailey will command this enterprise from the Neptune."
    Huber pointed to the Admiral, but Taylor was already well aware of who the Admiral was; a woman newly appointed to the roll and who had served throughout the war. She had done her job well, but not yet with distinction.
    "I will give you everything you need to make this mission work, Colonel, but know that every ship we have is needed for the defence of Earth. I don't want to compromise anymore ships and personnel than is necessary to get the job done."
    "Understood, Ma'am."
    "Good. The rest of your Battalion is awaiting you aboard transports. I'll have them despatched to rendezvous with the Neptune immediately. From now on, I will be concerning myself with defence of Earth from here. You and Admiral Bailey have complete control over the operation to take on this Purge fleet," said Huber.
    That's no small ask , thought Taylor.
    "We have much more to discuss here. Bailey, Taylor, you have a big task ahead of you and little time."
    The two rose from their seats and left the room with Jafar close behind. Bailey spoke as soon as they were out into the corridor.
    "Seems to me what you need from the Navy is a deep defensive column that will put down as much