Jesse's Starship 3: Joshua's Walls (14 page)

“Not if we mixed our troops.”

“What do you mean?”

“We place a human between your warriors. Humans are so much shorter than your troops that they would not interfere with them firing over our head.”

Tindel nodded, “And your warriors would keep the low level attacks away.”

Josh smiled, “That’s how I see it.”

“Who will be in overall command?”

“You can do it.”

“I honestly prefer firing with my warriors.” Josh smiled and Tindel said, “I don’t usually get the opportunity because of leadership responsibilities. However, you are fully capable of keeping track of everything happening around us so I can add my fire power to the line.”

Josh blew out a breath and said, “The Engineers have come up with a new tool for my troops.”

“What is that?’

“They’ve redesigned our sliver rifles to correspond to the ones your warriors use.”

“How will they hold them up?”

“There is a telescoping rod that comes out that supports the new rifle and allows it to swivel in all directions.”

Tindel nodded approvingly, “What is the rate of fire?”

“About thirty percent higher than the ones you use.”

“Perhaps we should be using this new rifle.”

“You could but you’d be giving up the freedom of motion your warriors currently have.”

Tindel thought for a moment and shook his head, “I wouldn’t want to do that.”

“I agree. The artistry of your warriors with their weapons is amazing.”

Tindel looked at Josh and said, “What are you not telling me?”

“The engineers want us to trial a new force field.”

“What?”

“They’ve developed a new portable force field that will cover us during a drop.”

“Why do we need that?”

“The Weg are going to be able to move above us on the next drop. They can swoop into the middle of our formation and attack us from behind.”

Tindel thought about it and said, “I would hope they would jump us out if that happened.”

“Why? If the new force fields operate as we hope, the only reason to run is if they’ve dug under us or the numbers above us become impossible. We’re going to fight as long as possible before we run this time.”

“They can still dig under us any time they choose.”

Josh nodded, “But will they wait until the diggers arrive before launching their flyers?”

“Probably not.”

“Remember, we’re selecting a place where they don’t have any tunnels and it’s going to take some time for them to arrive underground.”

“They’ll get there faster than you can believe.”

“I’ve seen them and I know you’re right. However, they move faster above ground and through the air. I suspect we’ll have more time to inflict damage than we have in the past.”

Tindel smiled, “You set it up. I’ll make sure my warriors know their responsibilities.”

Josh nodded and turned back to the video.

Y
ung was swung over the side of the carrier with his squad and yelled, “Now that wasn’t so bad. Let’s drop and do it again.”

Sgt. Dixon leaned over and whispered in his ear, “How’s your back?”

“One more of these and I’ll apply for disability.” Marsha laughed and Yung said, “Did you know Old Yellar is back?”

Marsha’s smile vanished, “When?”

“He arrived yesterday and is one of the platoon commanders in B Company.”

Marsha lowered her head, “I’m ashamed I ever felt anything for him. I was so foolish.”

“I would ordinarily agree with you but Sgt. Graham says he’s doing a great job.”

“I don’t believe it.”

Yung sighed and shook his head, “Mars, everyone reaches a breaking point. Graham tells me that he had physical issues when he failed to make the drop. I really think that might have been the problem.”

Mars shook her head and turned back to her squad. Later that day she accidently bumped into Lt. Cantwell coming out of the cafeteria. “Oh, excuse me, Sir.”

Cantwell grabbed her by the arm to prevent her from falling and she immediately noticed he was larger than she remembered. He had put on some muscle. “No, pardon me, Sergeant.” Cantwell paused and said, “Hey, you were in my former platoon.”

Marsha’s face turned red and she nodded, “Yes Sir. I was a private in Sgt. Krusiev’s platoon.”

Cantwell nodded, “I’ve seen the drop you made and I’m proud of your platoon’s accomplishment.”

Marsha stared at him for a moment and said, “What happened to you, Sir?”

Cantwell’s lowered his head slightly and then looked her in the eyes, “I couldn’t control my nerves. I felt like I was going to pass out just before we lifted. I had no energy and could barely focus on what was going on around me. The Colonel pulled me out of ranks and sent me to the medic.”

“What was wrong?”

“I had a bleeding ulcer and nearly died from loss of blood. I should have known it but I ignored the blood I was coughing up. I assumed it was nerves. I was wrong. However, I’m happy I’ve been given another chance and I really hope my platoon can live up to the standard Captain Krusiev has set.”

Marsha smiled, “I’m certain you will, Sir.”

Cantwell smiled and said, “Thank you, Sergeant. See you on the ground.”

“Yes Sir.”

• • •

Yung and Lt. Cable waked up behind Mars and Yung said, “What’s going on with Yellar?”

Marsha shook her head, “He was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer. He says he nearly died before they stopped the bleeding.”

Jess looked back at Cantwell as he walked away and said, “He looks like he’s been working out.”

Marsha looked and nodded, “It does appear he has.”

Yung and Jess smiled and Yung said, “No fraternizing with enlisted warriors.”

Marsha smiled, “It hasn’t stopped the two of you.”

Both Yung and Cable showed surprise at her remark. Yung smiled, “Where on Sparta would you ever get such an idea?”

Marsha laughed, “Come on, can’t you two take a joke.” Marsha walked into the cafeteria and Yung leaned over and whispered, “We have to be more careful.”

“NO! You have to be promoted!”

Yung smiled, followed Jess through the door, and watched her as she walked toward the Officer’s tables.

• • •

A week later, Captain Krusiev walked in front of Second Platoon and Yung called the platoon to attention. The twenty-five warriors looked at Krusiev and saw that Lt. Cantwell was standing with him. What was going on? Krusiev looked at Sgt. Yung and saw him take a deep breath. He looked at the platoon and said, “It has come to my attention that one of the noncoms in this platoon has an emotional relationship with one of my officers.” The twenty-four warriors all looked at Yung whose face was red. It is inappropriate that an officer has a relationship with an enlisted warrior…however, it is not forbidden as long as they do not serve in the same unit. I have given Lt. Cantwell his platoon back and I expect you to continue at your high level of performance. Are there any questions?”

Marsha lifted her hand, “Sir!”

“What is it, Dixon?”

“I request to be transferred to Lt. Cable’s new platoon.”

Krusiev smiled, “That’s the smartest thing you’ve done, Sgt. Dixon. Your request is granted and you may move your gear now.”

Marsha stepped out of ranks and Cantwell looked at Krusiev, “Why is she leaving, Sir?”

“Everyone knew it when you were in command before.”

“Knew what?”

“Sgt. Dixon has a huge infatuation over you, Lieutenant. It appears she realizes that it could affect her during combat and is doing the right thing in requesting reassignment.”

“Sir, may I speak with her before she leaves.”

“I will not allow her to stay, Lieutenant.”

“I understand, Sir.”

Krusiev nodded and Cantwell ran after Marsha and yelled, “Wait a minute.”

Marsha stopped and turned around, “What is it, Sir?”

Cantwell grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her hard. Marsha felt it to her toes and her eyes remained closed when he broke the kiss. “I will see you again, won’t I?”

Marsha smiled and said, “You know where I am.”

Cantwell smiled and turned to go. He said over his shoulder, “Indeed I do.”

He arrived back at his platoon and Krusiev left. Cantwell smiled at his platoon and said, “I owe you. We are going to be the best platoon in this planet’s army and you are the ones that will make that happen. It’s my honor to be with you and you can count on me to be with you no matter what happens.”

The men and women in Second Platoon looked at their new Lieutenant and they took his measure. He had changed and they could see it. Yung yelled, “Second Platoon!”

Every warrior in the platoon yelled, “YOOOOO RAHHHH!”

Krusiev heard them as he walked away and smiled. They were ready.

• • •

The next week the new armor arrived with the new force fields and magnets built into the plates. Krusiev’s Company received the first shipment and they started their training immediately. It didn’t take the warriors long to figure out what the new force field was designed to do. Yung asked Lt. Cantwell to meet with the platoon and answer their questions about what they were being asked to do. The meeting was held in the platoon’s barracks and Private Bingham asked the first question, “Sir, we are of the opinion that the new armor is designed to be pulled through large concentrations of Flying Weg, is that true, Sir?”

“It is.”

The warriors starting looking at each other and they didn’t like what they were hearing. Bingham sighed and said, “Sir, I’ve seen how the Weg can concentrate their forces. Will we be pulled out before they can achieve a dense concentration?”

“Probably not, Private.”

Bingham wasn’t expecting that response, “Sir, isn’t this suicide if we aren’t pulled out early?”

Cantwell looked at his warriors and saw their fear and concern. He thought for a moment and said, “I think most officers in my place would just say that you will do what you’re ordered to do and end this conversation at that point. However, you’re not rookies in this fight against the Weg and you know what you’re going into.” Cantwell tilted his head toward the barracks door, “Most of the units here don’t know what they’ll be facing and they’ll go into it blindly not knowing what they’re going to have to endure. I’ve heard it said ignorance is bliss and their case, it’s probably a good thing.

Cantwell paused and said, “However, I’ve seen estimates that if the Weg aren’t stopped now, they will find our worlds in less than a hundred years at their maximum rate of growth. You and I will survive if we just decide not to enter this fight but your children’s children will be facing them. Before we can defeat them, we have to survive on the planet they’ve infested. That means we will work toward being able to stand toe-to-claw with them and not retreat. We’re not there…yet.” Cantwell walked over to a suit of armor hanging in front of the room and said, “This armor is different from your old armor.”

Private Gomez said, “It can get us killed, Sir.”

Cantwell shrugged, “Yes, it probably can. But have any of you really taken a good look at the spinning force fields?”

Yung said, “What do you mean, Sir.”

“There is a very thin spiral force field that will extend out of your force field when it starts spinning. When your magnets are activated to pull you off the planet, the force field will start spinning at more than five thousand RPMs. What do you think that spiral blade is going to do to the Weg above you?” The Platoon was silent and Cantwell smiled, “There is a real possibility that we will kill more Weg in the air than we do on the surface and I will tell you now that the number we kill on the surface is going to be huge.”

Bingham looked around and turned back to Cantwell, “Do you think the technology will work, Sir?”

“I really have no idea, Private.” The Platoon grew nervous at hearing that. Cantwell paused and said, “However, if I gave you the choice to be the first ones to go up and use it or wait until someone else does it first, what would you say?”

Bingham stared at his Lieutenant and said, “What would you do, Sir?”

“I don’t know everything that’s known about your new armor but some very intelligent Alliance Scientists and Engineers believe it will work. I happen to trust them and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ll look back one day and tell my children that I took part in the drop we’re going to make.”

Gomez said, “You could also be dead, Sir.”

Cantwell nodded, “There is that to consider. But your chosen profession is to be a Spartan Warrior. Someday, that is going to mean something and I intend to be one of those that gives it actual meaning. I refuse to live in fear of dying. You never live if you do.” Cantwell paused, “Or, you can work in the support services for those of us who are going to make a difference.” He paused and said, “If any of you wish to transfer out of the service, I will honor your request. Are there any more questions?” Everyone remained silent and Cantwell stood up. Yung yelled, “Atteennnshun.”

The Platoon came to attention and Yung saluted Cantwell who returned his salute and left the barracks. Gomez looked at Yung, “He’s different, Sarge.”

Yung stared at the door and said, “I don’t think so, Gomez. I think he’s always been like this and we’ve missed seeing it.” Yung looked at the platoon, “Come on; be honest. Did any of you expect to be alive after what we saw before the first drop?” Gomez sighed and shook his head. Yung said, “Imagine the Weg that will be hit by our spinning blades. You have to admit that has to be more fun than just flying by them.”

Bingham smiled, “Sarge, I’m with you.” The rest of the platoon joined in and Yung knew they were back on board. He was going to tell Marsha about the meeting and apologize for everything he had said about Lt. Cantwell. She needed to know she had made a great choice.

• • •

The next day Gomez said, “Sarge, this spinning force field is making me dizzy.”

“Get a life, Gomez. It only takes two seconds to make the trip to the carrier. Close your eyes.”

“I know. I just don’t want to miss anything.”

The warriors laughed and Yung said, “Make a choice, Gomez. Either way, I don’t want to hear any more complaints about your armor.”