Free Invasion Wars 1: Crimes of War by Ray O'Neil

world. “It’s your call, Commander Marr. Sindri is under your department of influence. The rest of us have no say in it.”
    “I still rule for a change in that,” Childebrand coughed out. “All in favor?”
    The emblem of the UAM took the middle before anyone else could react. “Denied, Nybling. Sindri, if what you say is true, then you have my attention. All of these other preparations would be less stressful if you could, in fact, do what you are promising. Do you give your word that you will be able to achieve such an improbable task?”
    Demeitri crossed his heart elegantly, as if they can see him. “I haven’t failed you before and I don’t plan on doing so now. I give you my word, commander, that if my invention passes the development phase, it will be able to do everything I said it will do.”
    Harold Marr almost didn’t let Demeitri finish his sentence before he gave him his answer. “I will direct war funds towards this new Exoframe of yours, but only if I have full authority of its use and intentions.”
    “I wouldn’t have it any other way, commander.”
    “I’ve had enough of this nonsense,” Childebrand shouted. It was followed by the sound of him inhaling into an oxygen mask. “He’s up to something. I know he is! Trusting a foreigner with national defense is a death sentence!”
    Demeitri smiled, unashamed to show it now. “Accusations without evidence, Childebrand. You know how it goes. Nothing is approved unless it is given with proof.”
    “Correct,” Harold stated flatly. “Now that we have the Niflheim defense decided, we will go to the matter of NDA supported terrorism.”
    “Pardon me, commander,” Demeitri interrupted during the pause, “but I have business to attend to. I am not needed any further, so I will be seeing myself out.”
    Seeing the quick nod from her boss, Valerie disconnected her wrist unit from the holoshpere, ending the connection instantly. “I’m glad Commander Marr was on your side today.”
    Demeitri ran a hand through his chestnut hair; his hair being long on one side and tucked behind his ear on the other. “He has to be on my side, Val. I’m the only thing keeping him in business.” Knocking his head back to exhaling deeply, he took a second to relax his racing brain. “Now all I have to do is find a way to make my Siegfried-Class Exoframe a reality…”
    “Speaking of such, they are running test as we speak. Would you like to watch or should I advance an appointment on your schedule?”
    “I’ll watch.” He reached out to hold her hand, a routine he’s done with her ever since he hired her. “You are my good luck charm, so you must come along. Let’s get to it, shall we?”
    She took it, her face as stiff as ever, and led him to the launchpad on the roof of their skyscraper in the Arctic Circle.
    .  .  .
    Designed during Second Spear, the Beowulf-Class Exoframe started out as an exclusive for the best soldiers — ranked staff sergeant or above. Its production was limited and the extra training needed to control the suits was seen as “more trouble than it was worth”. With the start of the Trident War right after, as well as the introduction to the Beowulf Mk II, it was required by all land-based infantry by both the UAM and the ERA. It was the only weapon capable to efficiently battle the Niflheim, without resorting to primitive carpet bombing tactics. Whoever wore the Beowulf Exoframe was turned into the equivalent of a man-sized tank.
    Two Beowulf-modeled drones rose out of the ground, standing on individual platforms that brought them to the battle arena. The T-shaped visor on their helmets glowed a deep red; the suits now activated and ready to move. Unhooking from their recharging stations, they stretched out, the joints and moving parts all clanking and clicking as they adjusted for full maneuverability. Equipping their MBC3s, they dropped into a crouch in unison, right away heading for the nearest cover. The massive room was