Battle Earth III Read Online Free PDF

they have?”
    “Maybe a dozen or more.”
    Taylor nodded. “Alright, few enough that we should be able to make this quick and quiet.”
    “Do you really believe you can get them out?” asked Phillips.
    “If we were able to take out the Poitiers weapon, we can do anything. With accurate information of their location, it is more than doable.”
    “Okay, I can get you maps and heat signature images from the area. I can authorise you on a mission to the west, but not for this purpose. Once you head for Metz, you will be on your own. You must be aware there will be repercussions for this even if you succeed.”
    Taylor nodded, but he didn’t care what might become of them when they got back. He stared at the Commander until it became clear he had no desire to hear any more about it.
    “I will help you get to Metz, but once you return, I cannot admit to any involvement. We cannot afford to have it know that command level officers have been subordinate in the face of such a conflict.”
    Taylor sighed. Typical fucking politician, he thought as he rubbed his brow. He looked over to Chandra to be certain he had her support. He knew she would take the brunt of the flack as the Company commander if she went along with it.
    “You should let my marines do this alone, Major. You are needed with the Company. Better still, we’re Americans, and there’s only so much Schulz and that idiot Dupont can do to us.”
    It was clear that Chandra wanted more than anything to go on the mission, but she held her tongue and thought a little longer.
    “As much as it pains me to say it, you’re right. I would never have you take this risk alone, but it may be the only way of keeping this Company together. With the reputation you have earned, you hold a lot of weight around here. A platoon of gung ho yanks going on a suicidal mission without orders is far easier to justify than the entire Company being implicit in the affair.”
    Taylor chuckled.
    “For once our reputation may be what keeps us from the brig?”
    “The Major is right. If you can pull this off, then the punishment will be minimal,” Phillips added.
    “Alright, that’s it then. Taylor, you are now in command of the rescue mission which we will designate Operation Dead Stick. You will need to get Eddie Rains on board along with a second copter. He should be able to get another of the modified FVs if you ask nicely.”
    “I’m sure he’d be more than capable of the task and happy to help.”
    “Commander, I need all the intel you have on their location and enemy positions in and around Metz, and I need them before sundown. We are doing this tonight.”
    “Tonight? Don’t you think that’s a little hasty?”
    “You’re damn right it is,” snapped Taylor.
    “If command hadn’t arsed around and waited on this, we could probably have succeeded with a rescue attempt weeks ago and with far less risk. If we wait much longer, who knows where they will be or what situation the front line will be in.”
    “Major, are you sure it’s worth all this risk? You could be throwing away your commission and many lives.”
    Chandra sighed. It was clear the Commander still did not understand the comradery that kept them together and made them one of the most effective fighting forces on the front.
    “You just get us what we need, Sir, and let us worry about the rest.”
    Phillips nodded and stepped out of the room. He still didn’t understand why they would rush headlong into such danger. It was a prime example of why they were both glad he was not on the front line with them.
    “Phillips is a paper pusher and number cruncher,” growled Taylor.
    “Yep, and he’s just the man we need right now. He has got to this level because he’s suited to it. He’ll come through for us.”
    She stopped and looked into Mitch’s eyes. She was always fascinated by his utter lack of fear, or at least the appearance of it. Taylor had not hesitated to lead a rescue mission for troops who were