Ephialtes (Ephialtes Trilogy Book 1) by Parker Gavin E

Author:Parker, Gavin E [Parker, Gavin E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: parcom entertainment
Published: 2015-09-21T18:30:00+00:00

Steiner, Foley and Johnson had been in the refectory watching the streams from Mars when news of Venkdt’s election to the Martian presidency had come through. Johnson had immediately thrown a cupcake towards the screen. “Get off my damned planet,” he had said, to laughter from the others.

“That fella needs an ass-whooping,” said Foley, “and I mean to give it to him.”

Steiner slapped Foley’s back. “Politics by other means, my friend,” he said, “and we are most certainly other means. In fact, we’re one mean other means.”

“What are you talking about, fool?” said Johnson.

“I’m talking about our upcoming debate with Mr Venkdt there,” said Steiner. “He’ll be using ten dollar words and we’ll be using plasma rifles. Should be an interesting discussion.”

“I’m not debating nothin’ with that fool,” said Johnson. “I just want to kick his ass for being un-American. I can’t even stand to look at his face,” he said as he launched another cake.

“You trying to feed him to death?” said Steiner.

“Can’t stand to look at the fool,” said Johnson, “that’s all it is.”

“I appreciate the sentiment,” said Steiner, “but can you throw your own food instead of mine? I’m still hungry.”

“Hungry? You should be honoured I’m throwing your food. It’s your patriotic duty. You’re always thinking of yourself, Steiner. How about giving something up for Uncle Sam?”

“I’ve given Uncle Sam plenty. The cakes are mine.”

Johnson gave him a sideways look. “I never trusted you, man,” he said in mock seriousness. “Anyone who puts his love of cakes over the love of his country is suspect to me. Maybe I should kick your ass before I kick his,” he said, nodding towards the screen. The streams moved on to some other news and Steiner, Foley and Johnson went back to their eating.

They had been training now for weeks. They had spent hour upon hour in the IVRs and as much time again physically training in the gym. The Martian template for the IVRs had been massively useful. The lower gravity had many effects which they hadn’t considered. The parabola of any ballistic weapon was a significantly different shape due to the lower gravity. It took a long time to get used to their munitions acting differently. Atmospheric pressure was much lower on the Martian surface too, again affecting their shells and missiles. They had to relearn the way they aimed. The command drones themselves were a little sprightlier in Martian simulation since, in effect, they were nearly two-thirds lighter than they would be on the surface of the Earth.

Though it seemed difficult at first (Johnson in particular was worried that he was unlearning many years’ worth of highly commodifiable experience) they had settled in to the Martian training and now felt as comfortable fighting on the surface of the virtual Mars as they had on the battlefields of Earth. Venkdt Corporation had provided very detailed models of their facilities on Mars and their own brass had provided many scenarios for them to train in.

They had trained at capturing Venkdt facilities on the surface of the planet.

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