Fire at Will by Blaine Lee Pardoe

Author:Blaine Lee Pardoe [Pardoe, Blaine Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780451461780
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 1324618
Publisher: Roc
Published: 2007-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

15

Dropship Der Samthandschuh

Nadir Jump Point, Pingree

Bolan Military Province, Lyran Commonwealth

31 October 3137

The meeting had been called by—no, demanded by Duke Vedet. When word of the archon’s order for another wave of targets in the former Skye holdings had become known, the duke had been infuriated. He had channeled his anger into a request to meet with Trillian Steiner. Trillian knew he would rather have complained directly to the archon, but distance and time made that impossible. Upon receiving his curtly worded message, she had suggested that they jump to an equidistant system, which turned out to be Pingree. Her ship carried lithium batteries, so she was assured of a quick return.

Trillian wasn’t looking forward to the meeting, nor did she dread it. Dealing with the duke was her responsibility, and she could certainly understand his anger. She had deliberately buried the plans for the Skye incursion among a myriad of other plans and contingencies, precisely so that they had been easy for the duke to overlook. Trillian had taken early responsibility for the overall plan of assault, and so she felt no qualms in facing down the duke and his complaints.

Stripping him of reserves limited Lyran operations in the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth, but Clan Wolf was due to strike at Marik-Stewart planets as well. While Duke Vedet saw only the limits being placed on his capability to strike, she knew that redirecting his troops did not affect the overall strategy for the war.

He had left General Nordhoff to clean up the resistance on Bondurant. The militia there, the Bombardiers, had painted their ’Mechs and vehicles to mimic those of the Silver Hawk Irregulars. Ever since the Irregulars had lifted off-planet, the militia had been lashing out, launching raids all over the southern continent. The local population loved them. Roderick was right about Anson Marik’s plan to use them as an idea as well as a military force. The locals rallied to them, supplied them, hid them. General Nordhoff would have a busy few weeks.

Brewster’s shuttlecraft was coming alongside Der Samthandschuh to dock. Using boots with magnetic soles, she was able to walk easily through the lack of gravity to the air lock. There were two fully armed ships’ guards waiting there. Trillian’s jumpsuit was snug but comfortable—most clothing felt good in zero-g. As the air lock light went green over the doorway, it hissed slightly and opened.

Duke Vedet looked tired. His eyes were more sunken than the last time she saw him. His ebony skin seemed to glisten with sweat. His massive brow was wrinkled, as if he were deep in thought. He also wore a simple jumpsuit, but his revealed the muscles he had developed since the last time they had met. War has changed him already, Trillian thought. How much more will it change him before all of this is over?

“Duke Vedet,” she said cordially.

He stepped through the air lock. “Lady Steiner. I assume you have a cabin where we can talk?” Anger bled into his voice.

“Of course. Follow me.

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