Battle Earth: 11 Read Online Free PDF Page B

understanding how his own words were being used against him. He looked around at the other senior staff sitting about the room and could see that all they were waiting for, and all they were willing to accept, was for him to say yes.
    He thought about it for a moment. The one thing he had always been able to rely on was his own people. The Inter-Allied, and the many friends and allies he had picked up along the way.
    "Taylor, you know I wouldn't ask you to risk your life unnecessarily," Huber added.
    Of course you would, Taylor thought.
    But he knew he wasn't in a position to refuse, and he'd take any opportunity he could to get off the ship and onto solid ground.
    "Colonel, I cannot order you to do this. Or at least, I can, but it wouldn't be fair. But I must stress the importance of this task, and you are the only one that can do it."
    Taylor shook his head slowly and replied, "Okay, I'll do it, Admiral."
    Huber sighed in relief.
    "Good man."
    "So no other stipulations? Nothing about weapons, or anything at all?"
    "Nothing, but I suggest you go equipped as you were when you first met them. They are looking for some kind of consistency, so give it to them. And at least you'll be geared up for a fight, should you find one."
    Alone and against the most advanced technology we have ever seen? Sounds appealing.
    And yet he still felt comfort in knowing he would have a weapon to hand, even if it would do little to improve his chances.
    "When do I set off?"
    "They gave no indicator as to when, so we can only assume they meant as soon as possible."
    Taylor stood up and started to leave.
    “Colonel?”
    He stopped and turned back to the Admiral.
    “It is no secret that your woman is aboard.”
    “What of it?” Taylor answered, indignantly.
    Huber looked surprised at his defensive response.
    “Be sure to see her before you leave,” he finally added.
    Taylor relaxed, smiling in response at the Admiral’s unexpected purpose.
    “Aye, aye, Sir.”
    As he strode back towards Parker and the others, he thought about what Huber had just said. They both knew he was being asked to put his life on the line. Danger was nothing new to Taylor. But to face danger without a hope of fighting back, that was entirely alien and an unpleasant thought.
    When he reached his own people, he stopped and could see Parker staring right back at him. She could see the expression on his face and instantly knew it wasn’t news she was going to like. He approached slowly. The rest of his unit stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to him. He stopped before Parker and Morris. Jafar was there, too, looming over the humans.
    “This is how it is. I’ve been called down to the planet. Alone. No pilot, no back up.”
    “No, you can’t go without help,” pleaded Parker.
    Taylor shook his head.
    “This isn’t optional. You don’t follow me. You do not leave this ship. Not any of you. This isn’t what I want, but it is the way it has to be. You know what you have to do. Be ready for anything. Stay sharp, same as always.”
    “And if they strike you down?” Morris asked.
    “Well then you better start worrying about this ship, as they’ll surely be coming for you,” he replied.
    “Colonel Taylor, your ship is ready!” a voice called.
    He looked over the flight deck to see a small fighter prepped for him. Rains was standing beside it, waiting for him. Taylor turned his attention to Parker. He laid his hand on her shoulder.
    “You take care, Eli,” he said quietly, his hand touching her cheek.
    He turned and headed for the aircraft.
    “You know you can’t come with me, Rains.”
    “No, I’m with the programme. But I’ll still be flying your ass,” he replied and pointed to a remote console set up nearby.
    “You might be alone, but I’ll be flying you.”
    Taylor smiled. It was the best news he’d heard all day.
    “All right. No time like the now, let’s do this.

Chapter 3
     

    Taylor's craft soared towards the planet. He was