The major in charge outlined the situation to him quickly;
“Things are pretty confused here. Watchman. We control the four major cities on the planet, and this spaceport. The Komani raiders have been shooting up the countryside. There are bands of native rebels with themBrigadier Aikens has the Mobile Force out hunting down the raiders.”
Without more ado, the major bundled Vorgens into an aircar and sent the Watchman off. with a Marine pilot and gunner, to find Brigadier Aikens and the Mobile Force.
II
The Valley
Sergeant Mclntyre had come a long way in the heat of the afternoon, scrabbling over the broken rocks, half tumbling down the steep slope of the valley, while the big yellow sun of Oran blazed hotter and brighter every minute.
Finally he saw the first outpost of the Mobile Force—a scout car, its turret hatches open, and a few men sitting lazily in the scant slice of shade the car offered.
As he approached, one of the troopers got up slowly. adjusted his glare visor, picked up his weapon and hailed him;
“Who goes?”
“Sergeant Mclntyre, K Company, returning from patrol.”
Mclntyre stopped a few paces before the younger man. He could feel the sweat trickling down his flanks.
“Returning from patrol?” the trooper echoed. “Where’s the patrol, Sarge?” 12
“You’re looldn* at it, Idd,” Mclntyre answered. “Are we gonna stand here all day? I’m hot, tired, thirsty and I’ve gotta make a report to my company commander.”
The soldier swallowed his amazement, “Yeah, sure, Sarge. Come on over to the car.” He turned and bawled out, “Lieutenant!”