— 11 —
A group of men loitered around Bromley's tank, Lariat Two Six. Among them, Bromley recognized Colonel Hammer. He got off the skimmer and started toward the Colonel, but a figure in the crowd stepped in front of him and stopped him short. The figure was Smyth. When Hammer saw the confrontation, he closed the distance rapidly.
"Lieutenant Johnson is dead," Hammer said abruptly. He addressed Bull Bromley, but his words were for both lieutenants. "Johnson's skimmer ran into a civilian vehicle as he was rounding up the last of his men. Sergeant Santy is experienced, so I've given him charge of that platoon." Hammer sighed. "I can't let this mission go out with two platoons commanded by sergeants. Lieutenant Smyth is going. He's the only choice."
"I don't think I can trust him, sir," Bromley replied, fists clenched at his sides.
"You have no choice, Lieutenant!" Hammer snarled. "I won't have you jeopardize the lives of my men. If he disobeys you, shoot him!"
Without further word, Hammer stalked off.
Pete Smyth approached Bromley cautiously, and after a moment said, "I know your feelings in this situation, sir. I'll do my duty."
Bromley gave him a searching glance. "Do that. Men are depending on you." He looked around and called, "Sergeant Lewis!"
"Sir!" Sergeant Lewis hurried over.
"How soon can we move out?" Bull asked.
"Immediately," Lewis told him. "We need to know which route to take, of course, and the marching order." Smyth cleared his throat. Lewis glanced at him. "Sir?"
Looking at Lieutenant Bromley, Smyth said; "Under the circumstances, I wonder if emergency CEOIs aren't in order."
CEOIs, or Communications Equipment Operating Instructions, were used back in the days when military orders were transmitted by radio instead of laserlink, and subject to interception and deciphering. CEOIs were books that included code names for units and officers. These codes allowed orders to be given quickly and concisely, and prevented the enemy from interpreting them. Hammer's Slammers use laserlink communications systems which were completely secure, so CEOIs were almost never required. Even so, every tank and skimmer carried a book of them.
"There are many disadvantages to their use, sir," Lewis replied smoothly. "Most men don't know how to use them, so we'll lose valuable time. Your orders will have to be worded more carefully. I don't know if we can afford the confusion they'll create."
If Bull chooses to use emergency CEOIs, turn to section 13.
If Bull decides not to use emergency CEOIs, turn to section 14.