just stares vacantly into my external visual sensors. "I dunno how. Why's that any a' your business?"
I do not bother to answer, as he is clearly incapable of understanding the serious consequences of misappropriated military funds. I begin searching the governmental datanet via wireless interface and discover financial transactions that divide the money saved by disbanding the infantry divisions into two main categories: increasing the politically essential subsistence allowance and funding the federal police combat forces known as Op-Squads. I face combat and must put my reliance for repairs upon an illiterate mechanic and a government that is lying to the public about how it spends tax money. Since I cannot gain infantry support and Captain Lokkis has refused to assist, I consult the president. "Unit SOL-0045, requesting infantry support."
"Infantry support?" Sar Gremian asks, sounding irritated. "Why? Dammit, never mind why. Request denied."
"I require authorization—"
"I know, I fucking well know! Tell him he can't have any soldiers."
The president says, "You can't have any soldiers. Just do what he says."
The president has clearly authorized Sar Gremian to give me commands. This will at least save time.
"Understood. I will conduct this exercise operating independently." I break transmission and address Captain Lokkis. "Please clear your vehicles from my approach vector."
"What?"
"Move your cars. Unless you want me to crush them."
Lokkis issues rapid orders to move the ground- and aircars blocking my path. I move forward at a cautious pace, launching an aerial drone. It arcs up to an elevation of twenty meters and is promptly shot down by rebel missile fire from the compound. I lock onto the missile's trajectory and fire mortars, but am unable to determine whether the rounds strike their intended target.
Approaching from the northern face of the bluff is a tac-tically disadvantageous maneuver. I reverse course and loop the long way around, reapproaching from the south. My warhull is tall enough that my uppermost turret sensors provide a partial view into the compound. Internal berms block my view in seven tactically important locations.
I am down to three drones