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Frustrated, Valentine felt like he was playing a chess game where only his opponent was allowed to take three moves for his one. They'd be checkmated in short order.
"Longer than it'll last if we wait on what the Kurians have dreamed up," Valentine said.
"Javelin was named right, that's for sure," Jolla said. "Thrown over the front rank of shields at the enemy. If it hits, great. If it misses, the thrower doesn't expect to get it back. 'Sorry, General Lehman, we missed.'"
Bloom and Moytana exchanged glances. They both looked to Valentine. What were they expecting, a Fletcher Christian moment? Valentine wondered just what was said about him in Southern Command mess halls.
Valentine didn't want to think that Javelin's acting CO had his nerves shattered. Maybe he'd recover in the light of day.
Except by the light of day it would be too late.
"I'm willing to wait and hear what their terms are," Jolla said. "They may allow us to just quit and go home."
"Why would they do that?" Bloom said. "We're at the disadvantage now."
"Perhaps their real target was Karas. Kurian regulars are good enough when suppressing a revolt by farmers with pitchforks and rabbit guns. They're not as successful against trained troops. Except for in extraordinary circumstances, like Solon's takeover."
"All the more reason to pitch into them," Valentine said.
Jolla wiped his head again. "I'll go and see what they have to say. Bloom, this is a little unorthodox, but I'm promoting you to command of the Guards with a brevet for colonel.
Radio to Lehman's headquarters for confirmation and orders about how to proceed. Do you think we can get a signal through, Nowak?"
"So the radio silence order-"
"I think the Kurians know we're here now," Jolla said.
Nowak's face went red. Jolla shouldn't have snapped at her. Anyone might ask a dumb question under these circumstances.
"Thank you for your confidence, sir," Bloom said.
Nice of you, Cleo, changing the subject.
"You know the regiment and commanded them when Gage was away. If something happens to me, you're the best regular . . ."
Of what's left, Valentine silently added the unspoken words.
Valentine didn't know Southern Command military law well enough to know whether a colonel commanding could promote someone to colonel in the field, and frankly didn't care.
Nowak put down the handset.
"Colonel, I don't think you should go," she said, her face still emotionless. "Let me get their terms."
"They might pull one of their tricks," Jolla said.
"All the more reason for me to go," she said.
"Oh, Dool," Jolla said. "Why did they take your pants? I can see your shoes."
Dool tugged at an ear. "What's that, sir?"
"Your pants."
"I plain dumb forgot! They said to tell the brigade commander, 'Caught with your pants down.' I thought they were nuts. He was laying there dead in the town square. I guess they meant you to get it."
Jolla stood up. "Those were their words?"
"Yeah, caught with your pants down. I was to remind you."
