Battle Earth VII by Nick S. Thomas Read Free Book Online

thought you liked nailing those bastards?"
    "Yeah, when I had to. When they were destroying our world and killing my friends. Because back then I knew every one I killed would save lives. But now they have lost, they are nothing more than our prisoners. Fighting one is nothing more than an execution, and a dangerous one at that. It brings me no joy."
    Several of the other crew had overheard his comments and went silent. Many looked sheepish for having been so enthusiastic for the fight now they had heard is thoughts. Several felt sympathy for him, but he knew deep down they would still watch the fight with delight.
    "So what are we doing here? Why are you fighting?"
    "That's a good question, and not one I have an answer for."
    Ryan could see it was time to drop the subject and quickly shifted focus.
    "So I see you're still carting Tsengal around. Is it really necessary?"
    "Mechs being lined up for gladiatorial combat and executions, and you have to ask? Tsengal is the lone survivor from Colonel Chandra's mission. If he ever wakes, I want to be sure it's someone I trust who hears what he has to say."
    "Why? We're all on the same side here."
    As he said it, Weaver walked onto the bridge. Taylor gestured over to the civilian and whispered to Ryan.
    "You sure about that?"
    "How long until we arrive, Captain?" Weaver asked.
    "Ninety minutes."
    "You've really stepped on it," added Taylor.
    "Yes, Sir."
    He could see the military courtesy he was given bothered Weaver.
    "We're on a tight schedule, Sir."
    "Yes, the crowds around the World are eagerly awaiting your fight, Colonel," Weaver added.
    The rest of the flight went by slowly, and he had to put up with Weaver's endless bullshit that the crew seemed to lap up. Taylor had to admit Weaver may be an asshole, but he was a great salesman. As they finally came into land, Taylor instantly recognised their location. It shouldn't have been a surprise to him, but it was an odd feeling to be returning to Paris once more.
    Lines of flags tracked a path up to their landing zone with thousands of people awaiting their arrival. Much of the city was in a state of rebuilding, and only a few newly finished skyscrapers made up the skyline. They were putting down in the gardens before the Eiffel Tower. It was a one kilometre square area of land that had been given priority in the restoration of the city. Despite many streets around the perimeter still lying in rubble, the grass was impeccable and the paths and benches like new. Construction cranes mostly covered the damaged tower itself as the rebuild was being undertaken.
    "Hard to believe, hey, Colonel, that the city could ever return to its former glory?" asked Weaver.
    You were never there during the war, so how would you know?
    However, he was overcome by a sense of nostalgia seeing it once again. Their landing was smooth, and as the engines powered down, they could hear the roar of the crowd.
    "It's time to meet the fans," Weaver said.
    Taylor sighed as he put on his beret and headed for the exit ramp. His image in peacetime had always been carefully managed. He wore his Reitech armour because it was how people expected to see him. He was hardly ever out of it. Weaver always wanted him to be seen as a conquering hero, and not a politician. Rarely did he see his dress uniform anymore.
    As the ramp lowered, the warm fresh air swept inside, freshly mowed grass and moisture from the sprinklers. It was refreshing. He faked a smile for the crowd. It was not only his job, but also his responsibility to be the hero the people expected him to be. As he stepped out, he went onto autopilot. He shook hands and responded to greetings, but an hour later when he was free of it, he barely remembered a single moment.
    Finally spirited away into an army staff car, he noticed the sun going down. They had lost many hours with the time zone change coming over the Atlantic. The afternoon had gone, and he wondered if they could even do anything with the rest of the