Driftmetal III by J.C. Staudt

Author:J.C. Staudt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: adventure, pirates, robots, airships, cyborgs, antihero, automatons, blimps, dirigibles
Publisher: J.C. Staudt

6

Angus handed me the most complicated-looking bluewave comm I’d ever seen. I turned it over to inspect its various knobs, dials, and buttons. It looked more like a brick-sized remote control than a comm.

Angus waved his hand as he explained its uses, gesturing toward each of the neatly formed platoons standing before us in the cargo bay. “Each unit has been designated its own call sign. Whereas you used to command Kelvin, Celsius, and Fahrenheit as individual prototypes, those trigger names now correspond to an entire platoon each. If you ever need to give an individual command, you can do so like this.” He pressed a button and spoke into the receiver. “Celsius five. Step forward.”

A robot in the front row of the nearest unit, fifth from the end, took a step.

“Remember, if you don’t issue commands through this device, your orders will be limited to the units within earshot. Their built-in bluewave receivers should work perfectly while you’re transmitting. Otherwise, if they can’t hear you, they can’t know what you want them to do.”

“So I should avoid losing both this and my voice,” I said.

“More or less. Each Galvos soldier is armed with its own hybrid rifle, and is thereby equipped to neutralize threats of every kind. Their sensor arrays include instruments for identifying the best payload to use on any and all available targets, so you won’t have to micromanage them where that’s concerned.”

“This’ll be like playing a wargame.”

“You’re invading Esperon’s capital city. This is not a game, Hal.”

“So I’m controlling everything. What happens if I die?”

Angus raised an eyebrow and looked at me. “Try not to.”

That’s reassuring. “How do I remember which unit is which?”

“Memorize them.”

“They’re identical.”

“When we sketch out the invasion plan, you’ll have time to place each platoon exactly where you want it. All you have to do is remember which unit you put where.”

“How many units are there, total?”

“The smallest unit you’ll be able to control without moving down to individuals is the platoon. That’s forty automatons. Three platoons make up a company, and six companies form a battalion. The legion contains ten battalions, for a total of six thousand troops. You’ll be in command of every last one of them.”

I almost lost my balance. “Six flipping thousand?”

“Roathea is a big island. Even with surprise on our side, the Regent will have reserve forces of men-at-arms at the ready. Plus any civilians who have a mind to put up a resistance.”

“When they see us coming to save them from the Regency, they’ll fall to their knees and worship at our feet,” I said. “Even if a few of them do start to get rowdy, I’m sure the Mark-Sevens will be able to handle it.”

“I hope you’re right. Unfortunately, we don’t have much choice where that’s concerned. The people will react as they will. Is that something you’re prepared to deal with?”

“Yeah, sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You haven’t thought through all the implications, have you?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “No, but I’m sure you have.

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