“I assume everyone is ready for the attack, and you all know exacdy what you’re expected to do.”
They murmured agreement.
“I just want to call your attention to the basic job we’ve got to do. The Komani will be mounted on their flyers. They’ll be the shock troops. Their mission is to hit the Terrans with beamguns and missiles, and knock out or neutralize the Terran armored vehicles.
“We’ll be the infantry. We move in behind the Komani attack waves and mop up. We’re the ones who’ll actually board the Terran vehicles and smoke out their crews. It’ll be tough, unspectacular, dangerous work. Our casualties will probably be high. But at the end of this day— before the showers that Ron predicts—the Terran Mobile Force will be wiped out. Within a week, the garrisons of the four cities either will have surrendered or been destroyed. Shinar will be free.”
None of the young leaders cheered, but Merdon could see the eagerness and determination in their eyes-
“Is this meeting for men only, or can a lowly female come in?” Altai asked, and without waiting for an answer she stepped into the command post. A beamgun was buckled at her hip, and a bandoher of grenades slung over one shoulder.
Merdon grinned at her. “I was beginning to wonder what was keeping you.”
“You didn’t think I’d stay away, did you?”
Their eyes met and locked for a long. wordless moment.
Romal broke the silence. “Did you see the fire in the Komani camp?” he squealed. “It took them hours to get it out. Six tents full of stores and ammunition, up in smoke.”