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

chaos and confusion as possible while you get your thing done."
    "Yes, Ma'am."
    "Then I'll leave you to make your plans. All I'll need to know is timings and flight paths, in order to give you clear runs at the Purge ships and fighter support to go with it. Let me know when you have it planned out. You have two hours. I'll see you aboard the Neptune, Colonel."
    She split of from the two of them with her own escort. Taylor stopped for a moment and stared into Jafar's eyes.
    "You really think this plan can work?"
    "It has to. It will take Huber's fleet hours to get the better of the Purge. In that time, the Gezgen K'til could be in position,and it would be over for us all."
    Taylor gestured for Jafar to follow him as they made their way back to Rains’ ship.
    "Say we can pull this off and get marines aboard every one of these Purge ships, what then? Set charges and blow them sky high?"
    "I was, as you say, going to think outside the box."
    "Go on."
    "The Purge ships are heavily armoured, even by Krycenaean standards. Why not use them against the enemy? Destroying them would be advantageous. But we could use them to our advantage."
    "Yes, yes. Load 'em with nukes and send them right into the Planet Killer."
    Jafar nodded.
    "Do you think it could work?"
    "If we can take them, yes. The ship commands will have to be input from the bridge of each ship individually after they are taken. I can create a command string which will make it quick and simple for each team."
    "Sounds crazy but might work."
    Taylor couldn't believe what was being suggested, but their entire situation was beyond belief.
    "It's a simple plan, but if we can make the first stage work, why not? I hope you're right about boarding these things."
    They reached the ship. It was already waiting with the engines fired up and ready to go. They lifted off the second they had gotten through the door and before they'd found a seat.
    "Everything in order, Colonel?" asked Rains.
    "You ready for the craziest mission you ever heard of?" asked Taylor.
    "After the shit we've been through, nothing would surprise me. Does it involve sticking it to the bastards?"
    "Damn straight," replied Taylor.
    "Well all right then, let's get this show on the move!"

    * * *

    Taylor strode into the temporary briefing room he’d been allocated aboard the Collingwood. All the key officers of 2nd Inter-Allied were gathered, along with Silva and Parker. All stood upon his arrival. He palmed them off as if embarrassed by the sentiment.
    "Be seated!"
    It took just ten minutes to explain the plan to them. They did not question it nor seem at all surprised.
    "I am assigned a single platoon to the task of taking on the task of each ship in this Purge fleet. I know that spreads us thin. However, with the element of surprise, it should be all that is required to get the job done. It will also leave us a few platoons in reserve which will fill any holes if they arise."
    "You mean if we get blown out of the sky on the way to the target?" asked Jackson.
    For a moment Taylor was concerned the Captain doubted their mission, but Taylor could see the sarcasm in the Captain's face.
    "I'm not saying this isn't a dangerous mission, but when have we ever known any other kind? This Purge must be stopped. I can't say I'm enthused about having volunteered for the task, but if you want something done right and all that."
    A few laughs echoed around the room.
    "As you all know, we have comms working again in spite of their jamming technology. This is a major breakthrough for us. When the battle begins, we will be hidden in the minefield and debris around it. This should easily conceal our craft until the last moment. Fighters from the Neptune and her support ships will provide further cover for our movements. Each assault craft will be allocated a target as they are identified. Lieutenant Ota, your Company will be the reserves for this. I pray you are not needed, but be ready for anything."
    "Where will you be, Sir?" she