Read Online Battle Earth VII by Nick S. Thomas - Free Book Online Page B

Weaver to just walk in.
    "It's time, Colonel. Your crowds await you."
    He stepped out and walked on with the man he despised so much. He just talked endlessly, and Jafar followed closely behind.
    "Now remember, people want a bit of excitement. We're going to have your opponent there now so that you can..."
    "What? Why?" Taylor insisted.
    "We've got something special planned for this one. People need to feel there is a challenge and some risk and excitement."
    "Risk, for me, yeah."
    "Come on, Colonel, it may be your life out there, but can you imagine what would happen to any of us if any harm came to you? We have to keep you alive no matter what, so don't worry."
    They weren't particularly reassuring words, but they did reinforce what he knew he had to do. He was led to a conference hall in the stadium that was full of reporters. It was not lost on him the fact it was a totally sealed environment. If there were protests in place like Eli had mentioned, he'd never have seen them. Weaver stopped them for just a second and pointed his finger at Jafar.
    "You can stay out here."
    He looked to Taylor who nodded in agreement and then took up position beside two Gendarmes, the local para-military policemen who seemed uncomfortable as he towered over them. The press conference had clearly been ongoing for some time, and as Taylor entered, the commentator who resided over the last fight introduced him.
    "I'd like to give a warm welcome to our conquering hero, Colonel Mitch Taylor. Come and step up here, Colonel."
    He stepped up to find he was once more bombarded by cameras and in the limelight that he never appreciated. Uncomfortable silence overcame the hall as they all waited for him to speak, and yet nothing came. He looked at the teleprompter across the room that was flashing to get his attention. It was yet another speech written by Weaver that he had never even got a glimpse of, until now.
    Taylor tried to open his mouth, but the words were not coming out. He knew what he should say, but it would almost certainly condemn his career. As time crept by, the commentator leapt back to the stage to stand beside him and get things rolling.
    "Colonel, were all very honoured to have you here, but I want to introduce his opponent. We've got something special for you all here today. I don't know if I'd give any applause, but I'm certainly very excited myself. I want to introduce to you one of the greatest soldiers in the Krycenaean army, one of Demiran’s handpicked veteran bodyguards. He faced off to Colonel Taylor and his companions once before. He bears the scars of that fight and still stands to take on the man himself in single combat!"
      A screen at the back wall slid open and there he was, just as he had said. Taylor felt his body tense for action as he recognized the ornate and agile armour, as Jafar had worn when they first met. The Mechs were dangerous, but this was the first time since meeting Demiran in personal combat he had felt an overwhelming threat against him. The only weapon he carried was his sidearm, which made him feel woefully underequipped. The commentator continued.
    "Second only to the world-destroying Demiran himself, these aides to the enemy leaders have been called 'Destroyers' by those who have met them in combat.
    Destroyers? That’s just been made up for effect.
    "What do you say, Colonel, about going up against one of these fearsome Destroyers in a fair fight. No rules, close quarter weapons only, and last man standing wins!"
    He stepped from the podium to allow Taylor to retake his place. Mitch was still uncomfortable about turning his back on what they were now calling a Destroyer, but this was his opportunity. He was being broadcast to who knows how many millions.
    "Welcome to all of you and thanks for tuning in."
    Weaver smiled, it was just as the teleprompter read.
    "You know who I am, and you know what part I played in the wars."
    Weaver looked to the prompter because he didn't recognise the line at