Khan sighed angrily, but it was to Kanjana that Spartan looked.
"Get an encoded packet ready, and fast. It needs to get out before Tenskwatawa and his cronies lock down Karnak for good."
"Who are you contacting?"
Spartan's eyes opened wide as he said exactly what Khan wanted to hear.
"Gun. It's time to bring out the big guns."
Syala frowned.
"Gun can't come here. This is a private war. Gun is with the IAB. He can't just..."
Spartan shook his head and laughed.
"Not anymore. Tenskwatawa has just picked a fight with us, and when Gun gets here, we'll show him what a war really looks like."
Khan's expression had already changed, and he extended his arm to grab Spartan's.
"With Gun here, it will be just like old times."
They embraced and looked back at the bloodied and battered warriors, who just minutes before had been at each other's throats. Already the sounds of battle were almost gone, replaced by shouting. He felt the urge to shoot Nakoma dead, but instead lowered his weapon and slid it inside the side holster. His eyes shifted to Kanjana once again.
"Tell Gun what has happened. I want everything he can spare and soon, ships, aircraft, and soldiers. Tenskwatawa is a threat not just to Karnak, but to this entire region, and we will see him suffer."
Nakoma hissed with unconcealed pleasure. Spartan looked to each of them, Human, Byotai, Jötnar, and Anicinàbe. They had no business fighting on the same side, yet now all had a common enemy, one they would not stop fighting until victory was theirs.
"The games are over. This is no longer a sideshow."
Spartan pointed to where the projection had been. In its place was a shattered window that provided a view of the burning remains of Tanau.
"Today was just the first battle for Karnak. Tomorrow..."
He smiled, and this time looked genuinely excited at the prospect.
"...tomorrow is the first day of the war."
THE END
FURTHER INFORMATION
There are many more books set in the Star Crusades universe that cover some of the most momentous events such as the Great Uprising that resulted in the establishment of the Alliance as well as the Biomech War. There are multiple series including 'Uprising', 'Nexus', 'Mercenaries' and beyond. Please visit my website to learn more, examine the historical timelines and to see maps of the territories described in the books. Visit my Facebook page and contact me direct if you have any questions!
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Battle for Karnak (Star Crusades: Mercenaries, Book 4) Page 26
