“With this device, you will achieve at least ninety percent frontal protective coverage. You will be able to cover open ground in safety and fight where no cover exists,” claimed Reiter.
Taylor nodded in astonishment at the facts he was being told. He was already starting to appreciate the potential for Reiter’s device. It was in so many ways simple, and yet a beautifully efficient solution to their problem.
“With these shields, you will become the medieval knights of the modern era. You will be able to advance like armoured vehicles and move like infantry.”
Taylor stepped up to Chandra, who stood with the shield in a guard position as if it weighed nothing at all.
“No strain at all? You can keep that up?” he asked.
Chandra squinted at him, trying to understand if he was picking on her for being a woman, or if he was just being serious.
“Barely notice it, nothing worse than carrying a rifle.”
Taylor looked down at the launcher resting at her side.
“Pick it up, your weapon.”
Chandra reached for the grip with her right hand, and then hesitated as she realised she didn’t have her other arm to use with it. The Major lifted the weapon clumsily against the shield, trying to find a way to aim it from the protection of the shield.
“Ah, yes, you have found the next dilemma.”
Taylor spun around on the spot with a furious expression.
“Dilemma? What good is the shield if we can’t use our weapons?”
“I will remind you, Major, that this is an experimental department. We develop solutions to problems. We have found a solution to the armour problem, and we will take it from there.”
Taylor shook his head. God damn it, we haven’t got time to waste on shit that won’t work, he thought.
“I know your frustrations, Major, but this is life in research and development. I already have a few ideas on how to solve this problem. I just need a little time.”
“Time? Shit, Doc, that’s the one thing we definitely haven’t got.”
“Mitch!” shouted Chandra.
The marine officer turned at the call of his superior. She glared at him, and he instantly knew it was his cue to back down. He took a deep breath and turned back to the scientist.
“I’m sorry, but these aren’t easy times for any of us. Your equipment has been saving lives, and that’s making a big difference. I can see technology here that could be a real game changer, but you have to work faster.”
“Then I beg that you convince your leaders to allocate more resources and manpower to my operations.”
Chandra placed the shield down on the table beside her and pulled the Doctor around gently from his shoulder.
“Listen, I can see what you are doing here, and we desperately need everything you have to offer. If resources and manpower are what you need, then we will see it done.”
The scientist nodded gratefully.
“Thank you, truly. You have all given me the greatest opportunities to develop my work here.”
“No, Doc, thank you.”
She turned back to Taylor.
“Let’s get this man what he needs!”
Chapter 2
The two officers headed towards the HQ building. They were intent on getting Reiter everything he needed to pursue his development of the equipment they had seen. As they passed two soldiers, Taylor caught an ear full of their conversation. The two men were from different nations and so were communicating in English.
“They aren’t going to take me for whatever shit they are doing with humans. Why would they want prisoners anyway?”
“To study us, I guess,” replied the other.
Taylor turned and rushed back to them. Chandra casually followed suit. She had not heard the conversation and was surprised at Mitch’s sudden distraction. As she moved closer, she could hear the urgent questions he was asking.
“How do you know they’re taking humans?”
“My brother saw it during his last mission. He’s a pilot, and he said they were transporting prisoners west from Saarbrucken.”
“You sure? You’re sure they were alive?”
“Positive, Sir. He said they were mostly soldiers. Some were wounded, but they all looked alive.”
“Alright, thanks.”
Taylor turned back to Chandra and let the two soldiers continue on their way.
“You know what this means?”
“Let’s not jump to any conclusions here,” replied Chandra.
“Jones is alive, and you know it. I’d bet good money he is wherever those prisoners were being taken.”
Taylor lifted a pocket on his combats and pulled out his Mappad. Seconds later, he had the map of the area and zoomed in to the city of Saarbrucken.
“We know Saarbrucken has become a major enemy staging point.”
He tracked west along the main highway.
“There, Metz. It’s the obvious place to hold prisoners. Far enough away from the front line but with easy access.”
“That’s a whole lot of maybes,” mused Chandra.
“Come on, this is Jones we are talking about. We can’t just leave him to die!”
Chandra shook her head. She knew that she should never entertain such an idea, but her feelings for Jones had clouded her judgement. She wanted him back just as much as Taylor, maybe more so. She lowered her head as she thought over the situation, until finally she looked back up to Mitch. It was clear he was not going to let it go, and she prayed that Jones was alive as they hoped.
“Even if he is alive and imprisoned, what are we going to do about it?”
“We’ve pulled off far greater tasks. If we can get some intel on his location, then we have the equipment and troops ready to get him out.”
“Schulz will never agree to it, risking equipment and troops for the rescue of one man.”
“I wasn’t suggesting we went just for the Captain. Walker is held there too, and God knows how many others. If we can pull off a rescue mission, it will not only bring back troops, but it could provide a massive morale boost to everyone here.”
“I am not sure the General will see it that way.”
“Then to hell with him. We’ll do it on our own!”
“It’s worth us at least putting it past him before we go it alone. If we do this without authorisation, there will be hell to pay even if it is a total success.”
“Whatever the price, it’s worth paying over letting our people be at their mercy.”
Chandra smiled.
“You know, I remember a time when Jones told me that you were a man to never break the rules. A marine who obeyed every command to the letter.”
“We were not at war then. It gives a new perspective.”
“And if you had heard about troops being taken captive, and they weren’t friends of yours?” she asked.
“We’ll never know. So what, if my personal friendship is affecting my judgement? We fight for each other, otherwise what is the point of it all?”
Chandra turned away and looked around the base at the hundreds of troops coming and going. She knew that General Schulz and Brigadier Dupont would likely not authorise it, but she had to ask.
The room was silent. The Major had outlined the information she had to the Generals, and they all sat awaiting Schulz’s answer. He was in charge of all operations in the area, and they all looked to him. They didn’t seem surprised that prisoners were being held, nor show much compassion for the soldiers’ fate. They already knew and they do nothing, she thought. She panned around the room, looking for support from any of the officers, but they did their best to look away.
“No, I will not risk our people in a suicidal mission based on sketchy information. Your request is denied. I understand your desire to save your men, but this is not the time. You have done a fine job in this war, Major, and we need you to keep up the good work. With officers like you on the front line, we are bound to win the war. Your efforts will be greatly rewarded.”