Hell's army officers

by Andrew Komarowski

Lieutenant Semenov, sir!

  — Feet up and go to my "Drop"! Questions?

  — Uniforms, sir? — remembered ceremonial uniforms hanging in the closet, asked Semenov.

  — Anyway... — frowned the General. — If only faster...

  — Understood, sir. May I disconnect?

  Hearing the question, Kharitonov grimaced as a headache, snorted and cut me off.

  — Hello, Vic! Can you hear me? — pulling yourself a flying suit, in the General channel of mileslas Igor asked. — I've Kharitonov in "the Drop" caused. Apparently, already stands at the entrance to the hotel...

  — Yeah. Hear. Not you alone... ' replied wolf. — You feel that the dressing we are waiting for serious...

  And don't give a... — giggled Orlov. — Be able to beat, personally I would have behaved the same way.

  — Are you talking about? On the night AFTER you retired? — sarcastically asked Williams.

  — No, Victor almost immediately went to sleep... sadly admitted Irina. — So that part I would be slightly lengthened...

  Imagining her face, which surely played a foxy smile, Igor laughed.

  Okay, chatters, are we ready?

  Yeah. Meet in the hallway...

  ...Oddly enough, Kharitonov disgruntled look. On the contrary, a glance at rasseivayushchei the vacant seats of Demons, he smiled and asked:

  — Well, the figures broke away? Also we should leave you two alone for a few hours, as it happens God knows what! Staged a brawl at the bar, destroyed two of the guardhouse and barracks, sent to the hospital company and a half of the planetary infantry... Pretty good for one evening!

  Wolves looked puzzled Semenov Now, if we were confronted by those who were commanded by Colonel Ridley, we would have worried...

  — And you can leave the link Volkova on the planet? — suddenly asked Williams.

  Why? — surprised Kharitonov.

  — Yes already got! He and his guys! Again overwhelm all those whom make it. Before we go into space. He's crazy, boss! And out of control! Return it to the property and? Let him psychologists will work! And we put the local boys in a puddle. Yourself...

  Puzzled look at the serious face of Helen, the General had listened to her words, and then softly asked:

  — Are you kidding?

  Then he stood and laughed...

  A demonstration bout was gray and dull — Navy, specializing in the parades and the solemn escort of the ships senior officers of the force fought extremely predictable. Every action performed by his units early in the fight, was exceptionally beautiful, precise to the second... was no different from training schemes. Therefore, to fight them in automatic mode — closing management of "Merlin" on the database BK-ashek and their calculation block. Looking at the maneuvers by the "defenders" of Newport. Irina occasionally caught myself thinking that he sees a stupid dream: to attack the superior speed and maneuverability "Merlin" as he tried to make the commanders of the ships of the Seventeenth fleet was suicide! Therefore, the first vector of units of Demons, sensing the weakness of the enemy, were ships of the line, occupying the third line of the attack order and is not protected even fighters. Apparently, people who are able to predict the emergence of a "pathetic" bunch of nine fighters in the rear of the attacking groups, in the Navy, was not. Or they relied on the power of protective fields that can turn any attack into a useless waste of time.

  The Demons themselves didn't think so. So "stepping back" from the upcoming three perfect orders fighters... afterburner broke through their ranks and flying past the "stars" of the ten destroyers, quickly "destroyed" battleship "Genghis Khan", the cruiser and two of the four mine-layers. After blocking of communication channels conventionally destroyed battleship among subordinates the commander of the fleet began to panic a bit. And if the next attack of Demons, the destroyers are still unable to answer simultaneous outbreak of evolutionto and the main pivot around its axis, after the death of the second cruiser and the last of the MOH-NIS each of the commanders of the ships began to fight on their own.

  The situation has not improved it, but it's great it raised the spirits of the Demons that ran amok among the ships "enemy". In General, channel mileslas began a terrible mess: wildly laughed Williams But to be honest, I am not sure it is applicable in battle: I used to know exactly what it can expect and in what time. Although... to get used to it probably can. What about everyone else?

  I don't know... — sighed Irina. — Let's first learn how we, and then decide how to train Igor and Helen.

  — Sure... — the wolves and smiled, making a short pause, he added: — in General, the idea is original. I'm proud of you, baby! I'm proud of you...

  I'm not one to be proud of? — feeling that thrilled him, said Irina. Just try to match...

  ...Salapa markers the last two "Tornado", links to Igor and Helen fell in to the "Merlin" Volkov, beginning a reversal to the battleship "Ivan the terrible". And by equalizing the speed, depicted "the tree". Spatial figure, the apex of which was the car of the Victor, "barrel" fighter Semenov and Williams, and "branches" — the other side, was so dense that it caused a mild panic, the Manager of one of the Keys:

  — A group of ships with call sign "Demon"! I — Key-four! See threat convergence! I recommend to increase the distance!

  The demon five! I am a Leader-one! Give the bearing to the boarding Desk! Fly as you want...

  Hearing the call, "Leader-one", Irina was she if she did not change memory, it was the commander of the HQs Brigadier General Rommel.

  Wow! "Ivan the terrible" himself the Big Boss? muttered Williams in General, the channel of mileslas. I've always wanted to meet him... Such an imposing man...

  — Great for your Harry? — smiled Gomez. — In his place I would be offended... Oh, I feel you'll get from him tonight...

  — From whom? From Ford or from Rommel? — laughed Semenov.

  — Do you pray at night, Desdemona? — menacing voice asked Ellen Harry.

  — Myl round neck, a tramp! laughed Irina. — And you, Othello, sell me two tickets to the show! And classics on holovizio and in life — are two big differences...

  — Aside La-La... — wolves gave the signal "do as I do", and the first three "Merlin" by chic fell on the landing table battleship...

  The operator of the boarding Desk took the time: to the time when the hold reaches normal atmospheric pressure, all the Demons have time to change into ceremonial uniforms and get some valuable guidance from grave as ever, Volkov's:

  — To smile to everyone. It's possible to remain silent. No bosses to annoy...

  Is, chief, first getting out of his vehicle, smiled Helen. — Everything will be as you want...

  — Strangle... — "jealous" Harry.

  — I will jump on your cold corpse... in unison, Ford muttered Irina and after barely restraining a smile guys, a quick step moved to the open gateway.

  At the captain's bridge was crowded: in addition to the watch to calculate and General Kharitonov, opposite the tactical screens and blocks iskina sat twenty senior officers of SCD. Including and the commander. Building a unit in front of Rommel, Volkov reported on the implementation of the task, stood in line and froze.

  "Very impressive," according to Ellen, a man, walking down the line of Demons, suddenly grinned and pointed a finger at the chest of the Victor:

  — Wolves! How many enemy ships hit you personally?

  I don't know, sir...

  — Approximately? — frowned the General.

  — A little more than forty confirmed, sir! Battle tactics in the structure of a link does not clearly identify the author of a successful hit, sir!

  Watch how stretched the faces of the generals, never got interrupted, it was so funny that Ira barely restrained smile.

  — That's crazy! And who of these guys are your partners?

  Lieutenant Orlov and Lieutenant Gomez, sir!

  — Please, tell about your progress, Madam Lieutenant... is coming close to Orlova and looking her in the
eyes, chuckled Rommel.

  — About twenty, sir! — aunt Ira, mentally commenting to herself: "God only knows how many actually — Vic suggests, mark was shot, and I just hung the shields..."

  After hearing her answer, Rommel turned to Kharitonov standing nearby and grinned.

  — You have to be proud, Herr General!

  — Yes, sir!

  — Senior Lieutenant Volkov?

  — I am, sir! — said Victor.

  — I would like to hear your opinion about the main shortcomings in the tactics used against you by the Seventeenth fleet.

  The most important error, sir, is an attempt to attack us. It was necessary to act defensively. If the rear hemisphere of each of the heavy vehicles, hanging motionlesstucked in the protective field of the Tornado, its destruction it could have taken us five times longer. In addition, if...

  — Nonsense! interrupted him some of the generals. — The fleet hanging in the stillness. — this is nonsense! Did you even read the books, Lieutenant?

  — Yes, sir. But what's outdated. The option which I suggest has already been checked in. The loss of the Sixth fleet, reflecting the invasion of the Cyclops system in Lagos under the scheme, was sixfold less than that of the Seventh, which was covered by Arlene...

  — It's funny — the chorus commented on several "theorists".

  Funny? — In the eyes of the commander of the VKS flashed a frenzy. You know what really funny? That nine fighters have blown your so-called "elite HQs" in the nines! And then you advise me to cut the funding of the Project General Kharitonov? Yes, the cost of the ships lost in the system of Kweli, a hundred times above the amount necessary to create a Second Line! By the way, maybe you still not know how to count? Then, due to what you want someone to win? Huh?! In General, I'm waiting for the signature financial estimates of the THIRD stage! — Rommel looked at Kharitonov. — In six months I need another two of these men! Do you understand? The financing won't be a problem...

  — Yes, sir! The estimate will be ready tomorrow! — said Kharitonov.

  — This is such a speed I like. And these thinkers... let them deal with their assholes! — Rommel scornfully looked at the screens still hung defeated the Seventeenth fleet, and turned to the ranks of Demons To the planet take?

  — Yes, sir! — chorus barked guys.

  — Then take to their ships. Belay that order! Come on, Vova, here we go again... — he turned to Kharitonov. And these... well, you understand me... this mother... Tired...

  — Yes, sir!

  — Listen, don't overreact — not at the parade! Let's go take a ride. Don't know about you, but I'm already a hundred years did not fly...

  — Be careful, Kurt! — outside in the hallway, in a low voice told him Kharitonov. — Limiters traction there. At all. Would be killed in five seconds.

  — Okay, first look, fly like you guys. Lord, who will not regret the copilot's seat for the old gall and the General?

  Anyone, sir! — said Volkov.

  Then I climb to your partner! Are there any objections?

  — Depending on how you go, sir! I can't help Helmut.

  — I only ship! — portrayed fear Rommel. — Damn, I like you. My intimidating environment rather bite her tongue than to make a joke...

  — Always at your service, sir! continued Schwartz. — With this we have no problems!

  — What is? asked Rommel.

  — Yes, that's commander tortured...

  — Do not understand? — frowned Brigadier General and even stopped.

  — All Cyclops knocks himself, and we barely have time to finish what it is after. Ask him, ask: "Let me shoot, ple-a-ASE", and he told us: "too young, suddenly hook"...

  Rommel burst out laughing so that his eyes filled with tears.

  — Your name, Lieutenant?

  — Schwartz, sir! Helmut Schwartz!

  — Scream! I owe you one!

  — Come on, sir! I don't need anything. Is that a nicer co-worker. From Demon 2!

  — Was adopted. To take control. Will you partner! — promised Rommel and turned to Irina: So, where's your bird, Lieutenant Orlov?

  Rommel was not only "impressive", but quite nice. After a few minutes of communication Irina came to the conclusion that the man who rose to the post of commander of the VKS, not necessarily a bastard or a bitch as she seemed in the Academy. While she, dressed in a suit, the General was standing in front of her "Merlin" and not showing displeasure, waited for an invitation to the wheelhouse. Having a spare suit, covered with a protective film, are not outraged and demanded to replace him, and silently and quite fast have done all the procedures required for re-activation. Sitting in the copilot's seat, carefully watched all the prelaunch manipulation, without hurrying up and not suggesting, and when "Merlin" broke with raised from the hold of the landing of the table, did not become hysterical demand to fly.

  Gently pushing the machine away from "Ivan the terrible", Orlova slightly twirled in the space, trying to keep Rommel felt the capabilities of the engines and control jet fighter and remember limiting values of thrust and curvature of the turn. And then, on reflection, decided that the person who started the service in the normal pilot can sort out the rest. And gave him control.

  — If you knew how I fed up to wipe your ass in the headquarters! — when trying to accelerate, muttered the General. — If I had my way, I would love to sat into the pilot seat of a fighter or landed on some planet in units of planetary infantry...

  — Are to blame, sir! — carefully put him Irina. Because of your shoulder straps...

  Yes, I know! Ah, if not age! said dreamily Rommel. I would love to come to you in the Project!

  — Age? You look very much even anything! — Orlov sighed and looked with horror on utanovleny down the eyelids with difficulty to withstand the acceleration of a General.

  — Thanks for the compliment, Lieutenant. Only here it is a little late: despite the fact that I try to keep myself in shape, the physical condition of my body leave much to be desired. I used to fly pretty well, but now I feel something of a freshman...

  — Yes, we too suffered the first time... noticing that the General upset, sighed Irina. — These machines are absolutely insane temperament...

  — Oh, do not say... — Rommel laid pretty flat by the standards of Demons turn and immediately returned the car to the track, cursed: Wow!

  I think I went a little overboard. The blood from his nose flowed. Well, take control — this bird is definitely not for me...

  — Yes, sir! — gradually expanding the "Falcon" nose to the planet, Orlova carefully moved the car after coming in for a landing guys.

  — Never better, sir!

  — Yes, I think that maybe to take him to his staff: the head of the guy's bright, and he can make a good career...

  — Over my dead body, sir! — broke out Irina. — Wolves — pilot from God! And the same commander! If not for him, we would have long been dead. What to do in the headquarters? Flapping ears? And who will instead fight with the Cyclops? Colonel Lisin? Or Colonel Klimov? In General, do not even expect...

  — This is a rebuke! — smiled the General, — do Not frown: is this proposal a joke. Just when he said you were for each other to anyone throat claw, I don't believe it. And that you do not care about rank and position, too. By the way, I delved into some flight records of your commander and I can say that he is really a Pilot.

  — Pilot? And in all that? — Irina was indignant. — He leads THREE of the ship! THREE different trajectories! And simultaneously monitor a number of different variables that my hair stand on end! When in training we off BK-Ashkali, none of us can for him to resist. Not to mention how to get it...

  — I'll try to drive the flight logs of your link in and skin then maybe I can understand what you are telling me. Although I doubt — then, perhaps, you need to feel...

  It...

  — Okay. I believe that virtual acquaintance with your division took place. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to
quickly land...

  — Is it fast? — slyly smiled Irina.

  — N-no! he said Rommel. — I landing mode a little easier ultimate. Of course, the ultimate for me...

  During our absence in the system of Lagos has been a lot of changes. First, around the planet now hung six orbital fortresses. And, judging by the rest masses of the new, their installation has already passed the stage of completion. Secondly, the space, until recently, littered with debris of our own and foreign ships, was thoroughly cleaned, and in space, along with military minesweepers worked about forty civil courts. Third, in the sectors approach[39] each of the Keys in good faith established a controlled mine fields — not far from bustling in there MZ-shek hung on the transport of ammunition. Fourth, the system was not breathe from warships Sixth fleet, beefed up to the state of war, scattered in space, we practiced some exercises.

  — Hooray, the Demons have returned!!! — a joyous cry Manager one of the Keys made me smile and remember to be aware of the approach to the planet and landing corridor.

  Key-two! I am the Demon five! A group of ten ships of the follow on Lagos-two! Please...

  — Guys! You what? Sit wherever! — interrupting me and stop a few dozen votes, trying to Express our respect, howled Manager of the Tower. — Two hundred and sixth, and the first squares at your disposal! Where are you so long? We've been waiting for... Oh shit... Switch on the commander of the base Colonel Ridley...

  Hey, Demons! — Iron Joe was so sincere joy that I could not help smiling. — Get on first. Wait...

  — Yes, sir! Tower, I am the Demon five! Nine of the boards coming on the first course, and one machine — two hundred and sixth...

  Demon five, I — Tower, you understand...

  After appearing in the air bosses the hubbub's died down a bit, but the tone of the negotiations commanders moving around the planet ships have changed quite a bit: even without seeing their faces, I felt that smile and they...

  — Good to see you... — Ridley, dressed in coveralls without insignia, was standing twenty meters away from my ship and stared staring at his armor. — Where did this come from?

  — Again somewhere climbed, restless... I embraced my waist Ira. — That's Salamanca...