Williamson, Michael Z - Freehold-Grainne War 03 by Contact & Chaos (v5.0)

Author:Contact & Chaos (v5.0) [Contact & Chaos (v5.0)]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Lieutenant Jetter was far more patient than his Marines. On the other hand, as warriors, reconnoiterers and athletes, they understood the need for planning.

The good news, as he reported back, was that the trade so far only included better lithic tools. Whichever group was sponsoring this incursion seemed to be figuring to bring the Ishkul up slowly, or to trade for advantage. There didn't seem to be an intent to offer them the universe. He suspected it was one of the political groups looking to make friends and build a presence that the natives would request in any negotiations. Sneaky. Also very well thought out. He had a précis on the groups involved, and this didn't sound like most of them. That was for intel to deduce, though. He simply reported his observations. No craft apparent, no landing sites on any scans. The humans on site were in excellent physical condition, likely hired military types. He saw a lot of stone and ceramic axes, improved handles with a curve suited to the native physiology to increase moment. So whichever group it was had actual scientists working for it.

"All in all, I would describe it as a very professional operation," he said over encrypted link to Ambassador Russ. "There are twelve humans, six of them on rotating security shifts, six doing the negotiations. The humans are armed with bows and spears, but my sensors indicated some heavy small arms in one hut, including an M Twenty-Three squad weapon and some flame projectors. So they're ready for trouble."

Russ replied, "That raises the question of did whichever group that hired them approve of that? It could be a discreet way to order them pulled, if some peacenik group is behind it, and can be identified. Tell them their mercs were prepared for actual violence and have them ordered back for violating the vision of universal peace."

"That was my thought, sir. Let them run out a lot of line, then yank. We don't want them weaseling out and trying again, only better."

"As long as the visible trade goods are moderate improvements over the present, with no blatant increase in capability, nor any substantial military advantage, you are to continue to observe and not interfere."

"Understood, sir," he agreed. "You're placing a lot of faith in my observational and interpretive skills, sir."

"Should I not?"

"Sir, I believe I can handle the mission. I am just reminding you I'm a Marine, not a scientist. Perhaps one could be made available?"

"You raise an excellent idea, Lieutenant. We should do so. I don't know that we can, but I'll explore the possibility."

"Thank you, sir. I will report again on the same local ephemeris tomorrow."

"Well done, Marine. Relay the congrats to your platoon and continue."

"Roger that, sir. Jet out."

So they'd wait and watch. That wasn't a problem. They were good at that.

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