Black Guard, The by C. R. Daems Read Free Book Online Page A

forces to
attack the estate. However, if I move between them and the estate, they are
more likely to counter with a full scale assault. That way I can force the
rebels to come to me while limiting the number attacking the estate. I’m sorry.
It’s the best I can do. I doubt I can hold against half their force without
losing the entire command. Whoever negotiated the contract lied to the Jax
Contract Committee, and you and I are going to be stuck with the bill,"
Drezner said without emotion.
    "I understand."
    "Maybe you should break off and
return to the ship if the group that breaks off overruns the Yuan forces
guarding the estate." Drezner gave a wry grin, leaving was not in the Jax
tradition.
    "I don’t know about you, but I’m
not going to let some want-a-be rebels demonstrate to the universe that the Jax
can be beaten by rabble with a piffling ten-to-one odds," I said, smiling
to myself.
    He laughed. "Thanks, Sapir, that’s
the only thing I’ve had to laugh at since we arrived. We’ll be there as soon as
we kick their ass. Try to leave a few."
    My Mfi went blank. Yes, we were stuck
with tradition—stand and fight to the last man—even though we had
been deceived. We were the Jax. But what about duty… and those under my
care. They aren’t expendable. I sat thinking for a long while. I
could not disgrace the Guard, my new family, but I would not sacrifice those
under my care for tradition. Duty would have to suffice. I clicked my Mfi to
Ceder’s channel.
    "Lieutenant, have Sergeant Solow’s
men replace any women presently on guard. Have Sergeant Rosin collect Chang.
Then I want you, Solow, Rosin, Chang, and the women Guards to meet me at Li
Ming’s quarters." After hearing his acknowledgment, I broke the connection
and headed to her quarters. Li Ming was obviously the most sensible family
member, and including her might help when dealing with the others later.
Corporal Glick nodded as I approached and knocked on her door.
    "Yes?"
    "Captain Sapir, ma’am."
    "Come in, Captain," she
replied cheerfully. Inside I gave a small bow.
    "Ma’am, I’d like to use your
quarters to discuss our plans for a probable attack by the rebels."
    "Interesting. Including me means
my son and daughter aren’t going to like what you’re about to do." She
gave me a knowing smile. As I suspected, she was the level-headed one in the
family and shrewd.
    "And because you have knowledge we
don’t."
    "I’ve no objections."
    "Corporal Glick, allow everyone
in." The room was quiet as I waited for everyone to arrive. When everyone
was present, I began. "I’ve talked with Captain Drezner commanding the Jax
army. He informs me the information the Jax was given for this contract was erroneous.
The rebel numbers were under stated by half, approximately five hundred, and
the rebels aren’t rabble. They are well organized and well-armed. They have
overrun the Yuan military and now control Ebao, which will slow down our army
and allow the rebels to break off a sizable force to attack the estate."
    When Li Ming nodded her understanding, I
said, "Captain Drezner can’t stop them as he doesn’t have sufficient
troops to take on the entire seven hundred he estimates is their current
strength. He expects the rebels will break off a group around three hundred
fifty to four hundred to attack the estate. If so, we can expect them to
overrun the Yuan military guarding the estate and arrive here with a force of
two to three hundred." I paused. Looking around the room, there were a lot
of serious faces but no fear. I’d have wagered that each person was busy trying
to figure out how we were going to deploy against that many rebels. Only Li
Ming had a slight smile. I’d wager she was as wild as a Jax Chiayi tiger in her
youth.
    "Captain Drezner will position his
troops between the town and the estate after the rebels break off a group to
attack the estate. That will prevent their sending additional rebels. He hopes
to send us support, but that will