Free Warfare: Rise Of Mankind Book 2 by John Walker Page B

hull. Enemy soldiers spilled out, their bodies rag dolling all around her.
                  One of the bodies bounced off her shield and caught on fire. That’s just horrifying. Wow.
                  “Thank you, Panther One,” Tai’Li command said. “I think you just saved a lot of lives.”
                  “We’re not done yet. Keep up the pressure. We have to wrap this up.”
                  Three down, seven to go. Push it guys, push it .
     
    ***
     
                  “Panther Wing reports they are taking down the drop ships, sir,” Adam said. “They should be wrapped up shortly and are going to deploy some ordinance on the troops already on the ground.”
                  “Okay, but get them back into the air as soon as possible. Much as I want to give those guys on the ground some help, it’s thick up here too.” Gray paced over to Olly. “Come on, Olly. What’ve you got for me?”
              “Redesigning code is one thing but doing so in a fire fight makes it a lot more complicated.” Olly sighed. “I’ve got some of it going but it’s going to take time to compile and test. If we screw up and try too soon, they might find a way to counter it again.”
                  “Time’s not a luxury we have but do it right.” Gray turned to Redding. “How’re we doing on that evasive?”
                  The ship shook from a direct hit.
                  “Not great, sir,” Redding grunted. “That bastard’s got us at a disadvantage. We’re flying backward and he can plunge straight ahead. We need something to turn the tide of this, give him another broadside or something.”
                  “Tim, how’d you do on cataloging the system?” Gray patted the navigator’s chair.
                  “They keep it really clean, sir.” Tim shrugged. “I never thought I’d say this, but I miss the inefficiency of our recycle and reclamation teams.”
                  “You and me both.” Gray scowled at the screen. “Okay, this is what I need you to do. We have to coordinate with the alliance better. Multiple ships blasting at these guys should make short work of them. Crystal Font, you still on the line?”
                  “Yes, Captain,” Kale replied. “And we heard your comment. I agree. Let us gather our strength at the following coordinates, away from the planet.”
                  “Sounds good to me.” Gray turned to Redding. “Get us to those coordinates ASAP and let’s put some points on the board. The longer we carry on like this, the worse it’ll get.” And the better chance more enemies will show up. Come on, guys. Let’s get some urgency here.
     

Chapter 6
     
                  Clea entered the command center for ground control. Lieutenant Colonel Marshall Dupont stood amongst his aides, observing the battle raging on the planet below. She cleared her throat and approached, offering him the customary Earth salute as he acknowledged her. Now to convey Gray’s orders.
                  “Lieutenant Colonel,” she started, “Captain Atwell sent me.”
                  “Yes, I know. He sent the order.” Marshall rubbed his brow. “One of the alliance ships sent over a coded message with detailed information on where the research facility is. Even if those bastards out there knew exactly where it was, the defensive matrix would’ve made short work of any drop ships trying to gain easy access.”
                  “What’s that mean for us?”
                  “That you won’t be able to go straight in.” Marshall brought up a holographic, three dimension map of the area. “I’m afraid you’ll have to drop in over here both to avoid detection and fall outside the defense grid. Once on the surface, you’ll make your way overland,