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Justin tapped the notebook. "Do you want my notes?"
Shang touched a finger to his right temple. "Got it up here. You write up the orders for the Axton strike and I'll holler if I need help with the rest. It's my plan, after all, so I'll do the work."
Closing his notebook, Justin smiled. "Hoped you'd feel that way."
Justin looked up from behind his desk as Alexi Malenkov entered the office. "What are you doing up? Didn't we work you hard enough earlier?"
Alexi glanced at his chronometer, then frowned. "Hell, Justin, it's not even midnight. The last three months have been so bad that I can never get to sleep until dawn. Besides, until Duke Michael transmits some new data, and with you and Tsen sequestered away in the map chamber, I actually get to take it easy."
Justin extended his right arm and stretched it. "You must lead a good life, Alexi, because there certainly is no rest for the wicked."
The tall analyst laughed. "Maybe I can change my image." He nodded toward the notebook, then looked at the computer console. "Got anything you need me to do?"
Justin hesitated for half a second, then smiled. "Sure." He tore one page from the notebook, then handed the book to Alexi. "I've got orders to write it all up, but the rest of these notes need to be transcribed." Justin held up his metal hand. "This thing reduces me to hunting and pecking, and so my typing speed is horrid. Just enter the notes as is and transfer the files to my section. Destroy the notes and make no copies."
Alexi nodded. "Standard operating procedure. Roger, Citizen boss. Code word?"
"The first thing goes under Operation Riposte." Justin thought for a moment. "The other thing you have there should be code-worded: Judas Retribution."
Alexi raised an eyebrow. "Sounds nasty."
Justin shrugged. "Triage. Like amputating a limb before the infection in it can kill the whole body. After you're done, give me a readout on all the Maskirovka termination technicians we have in Tikonov, preferably on Elgin and preferably an attractive female."
Alexi bowed from the waist. "Your wish is my command. Should have everything for you within the hour."
"Good, Alexi. Good." Justin smiled despite his weariness. "If all goes as pla
47
Northwind
Draconis March, Federated Suns
11 January 3029
Akira Brahe, sweat pouring down his face, dropped the scarlet targeting crosshair for his Orion's,autoca
The autoca
Jiro Thorvald, Kaji-3,had turned his Marauderin accordance with Akira's order. His right claw spat out an azure whip of man-made lightning from the PPC. The energy beam lashed armor from the stricken Phoenix Hawk'schest, utterly obliterating the Team Banzai insignia on its right breast.
Akira shivered despite the heat as he watched the colossal Phoenix Hawktotter, then fall to its back. These mercenaries, the Blue Blazer Battalion of Team Banzai, fight as if possessed. I once thought mercenaries had no honor, no sense of duty to anyone but themselves. Morgan Kell and Jaime Wolf first made me question that idea, and now these Blue Blazers oppose us even though they ca
Chu-iPer Andersen, leader of Korasulance, called to Akira on the radio. "Ichisector is clear, Chu-sa.We've driven the Blue Blazers back. Do we pursue?"
Akira watched the Phoenix Hawk'spilot punch out before he answered. The 'Mech's faceplate blew up, and the pilot's command chair clipped it while blasting free of the downed 'Mech. The pilot's chair spun off crazily before the guidance rockets ignited, stabilizing its flight. The pilot drifted down into the courtyard of a ruined, fire-blackened building, and support infantry lent to the Genyoshaby the Fifth Sword of Light regiment swarmed all over it like ticks on a dog.
"Negative, Korasu-i. Break off the engagement." Akira took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "We are not here to fight Team Banzai. We blunted this incursion as a courtesy to General Conti. We couldn't stand back while the Blue Blazers overran the Fifth Sword of Light's headquarters, could we?"
Andersen's voice echoed back much of the frustration that had underscored Akira's words. "Hai, Chu-saBrahe Akira-sama. Wakarimas."
Akira pressed his lips together into a grim line. We have suffered gross indignities in this campaign. The 5th Sword of Light and the 36th Dieron Regulars treat us as though we were mercenaries. They resent us because the Coordinator has blessed us. And the Internal Security Force Liaison . . .Anger flashed through Akira. He seeks to exert control over theGenyosha just because we are exempted from ISF supervision. He ca
Akira keyed his microphone. "Did you copy that transmission, Denko-M"
"Hai, Chu-sa,in fact and sentiment," Chu-iJack Seaborg answered in a gravelly voice. "Our sector is clear as well. It appears the mercenaries are withdrawing to the Rockspire Mountains."
Akira nodded. "Hai,Seaborgton. Let's pull all three lances back to the firebase perimeter."
Akira glanced back at where the Blue Blazer pilot had gone down. He winced as he saw the mercenary being buffeted by cuffs and blows from the infantrymen. One, a Chu-iby the look of his uniform, brandished a katanaand screamed at the mercenary. The mercenary, clutching his broken right arm to his stomach, stumbled along as best he could.
Akira moved his Orionforward, keying the external speakers. "He!Have you no respect for an enemy who has fought valiantly?"
The Chu-iturned slowly and brandished his sword at the BattleMech. Even without the enhanced vision afforded him by the 'Mech, Akira could easily read the contempt on the man's face. In a high-pitched voice that reminded Akira of a yapping dog, the man yelled, "Who are you to question me? I am Chu-iSakai Iemasa. Generation after generation of my family has fought for the Dragon . . ."
Akira cut him off with a harsh laugh. "Beware, Chu-iSakai Iemasa, for the Dragon's blood runs in my veins. You phrase your protest like an invitation to battle." Akira's cruel chuckle echoed off the surrounding ruins. "I do not believe you wish to challenge me here and now, do you?" Akira swung the 'Mech's left arm into line with the Lieutenant to punctuate his question.