"John G. Hemry - Stark's War 3 - Stark's Crusade" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hemry John G)

with that enemy controller.”

“I agree. He’s too caught up in the deception game. Someone watching the bigger picture
has to reign him in, Ethan.”

“Okay. I get it. That someone would be me, right? I guess that’s the right job for someone
back here. Lamont, this is Stark.”
 “Hey, boss. We’re doing great.”

“Lamont, stop trying to string this guy. Open fire as soon as you’re ready.”

“You mean like now?”

“I mean like real soon. It’s still your call. But don’t let him get off the first shot, or I’ll rip
your head off when you get back here.”

“Uh, roger that. Stand by for fireworks.”

After several more verbal exchanges with Lamont, the increasingly frustrated and angry
controller had apparently reached the end of his rope. “Stop all movement or I will activate our
security forces!”

“Hold on. Did you say you needed our LAAOC?”

“Yes, you idiot!”

“Well, I got your LAAOC right here, pal.” On Stark’s display, he watched threat symbology
detach itself from the tank as its main cannon swung and fired in one motion. An instant of
shocked silence reigned, then the shell impacted on the main surface communications relay,
hurling fragments of rock and metal in all directions. Lamont’s other tanks opened fire, raking
the landing field defenses even as those defenders frantically tried to bring to bear weapons
designed to engage overhead targets, not forces deployed on the field itself.

The neat infantry formations dissolved, armored soldiers scattering into combat dispersal
and engaging targets with deliberate skill. Stark switched displays to the camera mounted in an
individual soldier’s helmet, watching through the eyes of a squad leader as she led her troops
into a defensive fortification. Symbology on the battle armor Heads-Up Displays painted
lightning quick detections of armored foes, HUD targeting systems highlighting kill-points as
the squad swept forward, pausing only to fire their rifles as they picked off each target. Wish I
was doing that, instead of sitting here. Wish the other noncoms had chosen someone else to lead them
so I could still be a squad leader. But I got another job to do now.

The squad Stark was observing overran the fortification, the remnants of the enemy
weapon’s crew hastily surrendering. On the squad leader’s HUD, points for attaching
demolition charges were now illuminated on the heavy surface defenses. The squad broke into
fire teams, some guarding the prisoners while others placed the demolitions to ensure the
weapons’ destruction. All happening perfect without me calling the shots. This is the way it ought
to be. I know from lots of experience that the best thing leaders can usually do is keep their mouths
shut and let their people do their jobs. As long as they ain’t screwing up, anyway. But man, it’s
frustrating.