Battle Earth III Read Free Page A

door behind them. He didn’t like being treated like a ranker, but there was little that could be said on the subject. Phillips looked up to see the three officers stood awaiting some big news. In that moment, his relaxed mood dropped as he realised quite how imposing the troops were in their Reitech suits. Only Taylor wore no armour, but he still carried a rifle and sidearm.
    “What have you got for us, Sir?” asked Chandra.
    “I have it on good authority that British forces are planning to cross the channel and engage the enemy in northern France. I don’t know when, but the fact remains, that they will not do it until they can see we have brought the enemy to a halt.”
    “Well hell, Sir, we did that last week, didn’t you hear?” fumed Taylor.
    “I hear you, Major. I am doing everything in my power to convince Field Marshall Copley to launch his attack immediately. We have stopped the enemy once, but they were hot on our tails. We all know too well that we can’t get the equipment we need to the frontline fast enough.”
    “And if we don’t get all the support we need, there may not be anyone left to use it,” snapped Chandra.
    Phillips nodded in agreement.
    “I completely agree. I believe help is imminent. A British offensive in the north could be a game changer.”
    “How big an offensive are we talking, Sir?” asked Taylor.
    “His Majesty’s armies are fully prepared and ready for war. I have seen reports that Commonwealth forces have flocked to Britain to give assistance. If the British army is landing in France, they’re doing so in number.”
    “Alright,” muttered Friday.
    “What about the US, Sir, any news?” asked Taylor.
    “Not much beyond what you already know. They’re having a hard time of it just as we are, but they are holding. Major, you have been key in the testing of Mr Reiter’s research, and I am sure you have plenty more to give. These Reitech suits are now out of his hands. Find out what he’s working on, and give what assistance you can.”
    “But I am cleared to return to the Company, Sir.”
    “We both know that isn’t true, Major. There may come a time when we put wounded men out in the field to fight, but they will be desperate times indeed.”
    “Are things not already desperate enough?” asked Chandra.
    “Look around. The base has been heavily reinforced. The Company is managing perfectly well. There is more to winning this war than being on the frontline.”
    Friday smirked in the background. He knew what the Commander was saying. The frustration and pressure of being behind the lines whilst everyone he knew was in danger was not pleasant. So maybe it did take balls to do his job , thought Friday.
    “Right now, we need every advantage we can get. Major, you’re up for guard duty this afternoon, is that correct?”
    “Yes, Sir. Light duties to give the troops a little rest,” she replied.
    “Good, then they can manage without you. Captain Friday will handle that while you assist Taylor. Your continued combat experience while he has been recovering should be valuable.”
    Chandra moved to confront the command, but Phillips interrupted her.
    “Major, you two have more combined experience in close combat with this enemy than anyone I can think of. You’ll be back to the front line before long. Any work you put in now could save just as many lives as you being out there.”
    Both of them knew there was no sense in arguing any further. The more Chandra thought about it, the more she had problems she wanted solutions for. She knew Reiter was the man for the job.
    “We’ll get on it, Sir.”
    “Good. Your Company is on base duty until further notice while you work on R&D.”
    The three officers saluted the Commander and quickly turned and left. None of them spoke until they had got out of the building and once more into daylight and fresh air.
    “Captain, we may well have a couple of days rest here. Giving us guard duty was just a simple way of getting our