Suddenly, the valley behind the Maraudererupted in a flood of incandescent golds and fiery reds. Missile barrages launched from Delta company's hidden lances arced down into the valley. The missiles shot in at the Liao Marauderslike Palosian stingers aiming for bare flesh. Each blast froze the Maraudersin a stroboscopic montage of flame and destruction.
Andrew nodded grimly as the Marauderpilots sprang into action. They're good, or they wouldn't have survived this long. They're also tired and—what was the word Craon used? Sloppy.
The Marauderscharged up the valley's gravel-strewn slopes to close with their attackers. Their PPCs might not function well at close range, but the medium lasers in their claws certainly did. Because of its sheer size, the Marauderwas also fearsome in close combat because it could crush the limbs and head of lighter 'Mechs with one swat of its claw.
The Jennersof Cat and Bullseye Lances moved from cover, giving the Marauderstheir first glimpse of the enemy. Fighting hard against gravity to rush their massive machines up the slopes, the Maraudersdid not even attempt to shoot at the lighter 'Mechs. Delta company's pilots, on the other hand, gave the Marauderpilots no slack.
The Jenner'sstubby wings locked down toward the Maraudersand shot ruby red lances of cohesive light at its enemies. The energy bolts seared deep scars into the Marauders'pockmarked ceramic armor, and steaming bits of it dropped onto the hillsides. One laser shot through a chink in a Marauder'storso armor, half-melting one of the 'Mech's gyrostabilizers and causing the pilot to miss his next step. The Marauderstumbled, then tumbled backward, heels over head down to the valley.
Seeing the Maraudersenter what he and his men had deemed the "kill zone," Andrew punched a button on his command console. Opening a tactical channel through to his men, he growled a low order. "Arm the mines now!"
As the leading Marauderplanted its ponderous metal foot on the hillside barely ten meters from the crest, a fireball ignited beneath the giant foot, then rose up to consume it. Unbalanced by the explosion, the pilot tried valiantly to steady herself. She pressed the shattered limb into the ground again, but it failed to hold. The Maraudertoppled over and triggered another mine that ripped a huge hole in the Mech's torso as it somersaulted down the slope. The 'Mech slid the rest of the way down the hill in a cloud of yellow dust, then lay very still on the valley floor.
Andrew set his radio to broadcast over the full range of frequencies available to Mechs. "It's your choice, Cuirassiers. You're in the middle of a live minefield. My mission is to stop you, but that doesn't mean you all have to die. I'd just as soon save you and my people, but it's a choice only you can make."
After a moment or two of silence, a cultured voice answered his call. "I am Major Xong. You will honor all the Ares Conventions as they pertain to prisoners of war?"
Andrew smiled. "Each and every provision, Major."
"And our 'Mechs?"
Andrew heard the chill in the Major's voice. No one in his command wanted to be Dispossessed, but no one was foolish enough to give enemy troops weapons, or allow them to keep the same. Andrew chewed on his lower lip for a moment, then answered slowly. "Well, Major, as I understand it, your unit is made up of captured Davion Marauders.I doubt the Prince will write you a thank you note for keeping them in good condition, and you won't be able to keep them while you're being processed, but I imagine you could get them back. It all depends on how cooperative you are. That may seem a faint hope right now, but I'd say it's a damn sight better than any other prospect you currently face."
Xong's reply came after a moment's reflection. "Your logic, like your trap, seems inescapable. Before I make a final decision, I would know your name and that of your unit."
Andrew grinned. "I'm Captain Andrew Redburn and this is Delta company."
"Ah, Redburn. You and your people took Cochraine's Goliaths.This makes my choice easier. If you would be so kind, Captain, I would like to offer the surrender of Freemont's Cuirassiers, First Battalion, Kuo Company."
Redburn nodded solemnly. "Welcome to peacetime, Major."
Andrew watched as the last of Xong's Mech Warriors boarded the airskimmer sent out by the Aragon Borderers. Thank God the Major was reasonable. It could have gotten nasty otherwise.
Robert Craon's voice buzzed into his neurohelmet. "Why didn't you tell him, Captain?"
Andrew shrugged even though Craon could not see. "No reason. He made an honorable and intelligent choice. I can respect that—he chose the life of his people over honor. I can't see the value in pointing out that we fooled him, can you?"
Craon's voice, drained of mischievous enthusiasm, answered slowly. "I guess not, sir."
"Good, Robert. Remember that." Andrew chuckled evilly. "And, Leftenant, would you be so kind as to stick around and supervise the Borderers' sappers when they come out to recover those other four mines. Waste not, want not. . ."
45
ComStar First Circuit Compound
Hilton Head Island, North America, Terra
15 November 3028
Myndo Waterly took pleasure in the way Primus Julian Tiepolo grimaced as she made her motion. She also noted the shocked look on Precentor Tharkad's face and the sour look stealing over the Precentor of New Avalon's features. No allies here, but no serious competition, either.She shot a covert glance at Villius Tejh's closed face. Is Precentor Sian with me or not?
The Primus folded his hands into the broad sleeves of his tan robe. "You have heard the motion made by Precentor Dieron. She moves that we place House Davion, its allies, vassals, and agents under a complete and total Interdiction." The Primus's head came up like a vulture scanning the area where it has been feeding on a carcass. "Precentor Tharkad."
Ulthan Everson balled his fists. "Primus, fellow Precentors, this motion is clearly without basis in fact. We have no reason to cut off House Davion. They have done nothing against ComStar directly that would justify our interdicting services to them. I would also add that doing so would destroy our ability to listen in on Davion's orders and plans."
Myndo laughed aloud. "Forgive me Primus, but Precentor Tharkad's logic is grossly flawed. He argues that we should not strangle the wolf at our door because then we would no longer be able to locate him by his howls. What good is it to monitor Davion's messages piecemeal when his intent is so clearly obvious? He means to conquer the whole of the Successor States!"