Battle Earth Read Online Free PDF

it was of the utmost importance. In the field these men rely on our strength and leadership, it is no time to act like a civilian.”
    “I know, I don’t know what came over me.”
    “I do, you saw the loss of your friends. I know this was a simulation, but I know that you took it hard when you saw it, just as I did. The realisation that had it been for real that we would have just lost many of the men under our command is never an easy one, but it is one that we must accept. You can’t win a war without taking casualties, fretting over those already gone will only get more killed, got it?”
    “Yes, Sir.”
    “Good. I know you’re a good officer. You have a lot of potential. As long as you can learn to keep a cool head you’ll do fine.”
    Jones strolled back across the room to where the two marine officers were stood.
    “All okay, Captain?”
    “Not sure. We are being called back to our EU bases immediately. Seems there has been some cause for major concern but nobody is discussing across the airwaves. Our bird has to be in the air within the hour. Sorry to have to leave so soon, Major, but orders are what they are.”
    “Of course, thank you, Captain. It’s a shame we couldn’t catch a beer together to finish the day off, but next time.”
    Jones quickly saluted, waited for Taylor to respond and then turned quickly back to the crowd of soldiers.
    “Platoon! Outside, now!” he shouted.
    The British paras quickly assembled and were running for the steps, their Captain at the front.
    “Sir, I am getting orders to return to base immediately, the Colonel says it is a matter of urgency!” shouted Baker.
    “Right, get the birds on the line, we need pickup, stat!”
    Baker called in the signal as Taylor turned back to his men.
    “Good work here today. We took higher casualties than are acceptable, but we were facing a bastard of an enemy! Next time I want twice as much effort and half as many casualties! We’re being pulled back to base on an emergency basis. I have no further information at this time, but I can only imagine the shit that’s about to be put before us. Back to the landing zone, now!”
    It was less than ten minutes before they reached the point where they were dropped by the copters that morning. They had jogged the whole way back, yet again in the burning sun. It was a relief to see that the birds landing just as they were arriving. They wanted nothing more than to rest their feet and relax in the air-conditioned cabins.
    The marines didn’t stop on their approach, running directly from the town into the Eagle FVs. It was an hour’s ride back to their base, a long haul to be left wondering what was so urgent that required their attention. Many wondered if they had finally been called into a war worthy of their services. There was as much excitement among the men as there was relief at lying back in their seats.
    For most of the men it was a welcome break from their early morning mission, but not Major Taylor. He had never been called away in such an emergency before. The fact that their British counterparts had been withdrawn at that exact same moment made him highly suspicious. Something big was going on, he wasn’t sure whether to be excited or concerned.
    As the copter soared back to base, never lifting more than a few hundred feet above the open plain, the Major got to his feet and went up to the cockpit. The Navy pilot flying the transport was Lieutenant Eddie Rains, a man who to look at lacked discipline. However, years of experience had taught Taylor that Rains was the best pilot he’d met. His ragged appearance and slack manner covered up his courage and abilities.
    Rains wore a jumpsuit in the same camouflage pattern that the marines wore, though his sleeves were rolled up. He wore a tattered old desert colour shemagh around his neck. On his front was a shoulder holster that could only be described as a relic. His helmet was decorated with wise cracking quotes from his favourite