Read Battle Earth for Free Online

officers entered the room. They wore their BDUs, meaning they had rushed to the briefing. The audience leapt to their feet as the base leaders sat before them.
    “Thank you, Gentleman, be seated,” said General White.
    The crowd quickly sat down remaining silent. Everyone present was very anxious to hear the news, and the General did not delay.
    “Shortly before 0800 hours a distress signal was sent from an Ares colony ship. The message claimed that the base had come under attack by an unidentified enemy. Communication officers on the Moon were unable to regain contact with Ares or its vessels, and based on the contact, there are not expected to be any survivors.”
    Whispers and comments began to arise across the room, becoming a drowning drone of conversation.
    “Pipe down!” shouted White.
    They all went silent again.
    “Now, based on the information given, we have not been able to identify the attacking forces. The info did not correlate to any military forces that we are familiar with. The crew who sent the message suggested that the forces were not human. Now I don’t want anyone to jump to any conclusions. What is clear, is that an advanced enemy has viciously attacked a civilian colony. There are already ships on the way to investigate, but as you know, it’ll be months until they arrive.”
    There was a hush, as no one knew how to take the news. The planet had become used to peace between major powers. A new threat as substantial as was being suggested came as a shock to them all.
    “At the moment that is all we know. However, while we should not panic, we must take this threat seriously. Alert levels are being raised across the world and all military personnel are being ordered to base and brought up to combat readiness. For all we know this could be the work of terrorists, an eastern power or a private organisation. Until we know differently, stay calm and be ready. That’ll be all.”
    The General left, but the information he had provided only wetted his audience’s appetite. The officers were eager for action, but were still trying to understand and interpret the meaning of what they had been told. Taylor was one of the first to leave. His driver and jeep were gone. He shook his head in surprise, but quickly took to a walking pace, there was nothing left to do but return to his unit.

Chapter 3
     

    Ten days later.
    Taylor put his beret on and headed for the door. Stepping out onto the parade ground, Lieutenant Suarez had already gotten the company assembled as ordered. For days they had continued their regime of fitness and combat training. Not another word had been spoken to the Major regarding the urgent assembly with the other officers.
    As Mitch walked towards his finely presented unit, a jeep rode into view. Before he could get out a word to the company he recognised the stars below the windshield of the vehicle. It was the General’s car. Suarez ordered the men to attention as the vehicle stopped beside them and the General leapt out in an enthusiastic manner. They’d never seen a General move so fast.
    “Taylor, with me, now!”
    The General had not even broken his stride. He led Mitch around the corner of the assembly building of the drill square, out of sight and hearing of all who were formed up.
    “Sir, what can I do for you?” asked Taylor.
    The General turned and took a good look around the area to be sure they were alone.
    “This is privileged information, you hear?”
    “Yes, Sir.”
    “The vessels that were dispatched to the Ares colony have been receiving readings of something heading for us. Now we don’t know what it is, but it’s big. Some experts are saying it’s coincidental, but I don’t believe in that crap. Official word is that the Ares colony is experiencing communication faults and assistance is en route.”
    “Sir, that is not at all what we were led to believe.”
    “Agreed. Whatever is heading our way will be passing the Moon colony first. Now, it’s a big