Chapter 40: Plan X

The Trenches, Contested Territory, Aviye

Zai

Zai's idea of a change of tactics involved dashing a half-kilometer into enemy lines.

She took out another squad of combat frames, bringing her kill count to nine combat frames and maybe thirty infantry - if she had to estimate - before pausing to let her support vehicles catch up. In the cover of a small hill, Zai checked in over the radio, only to be surprised when a new voice answered.

"Raven One, this is Solar One. I must register my protest to your proposed modification of the day's itinerary. Over." Captain Xu said over the radio.

"Solar One? I thought you were back at the base. When did you get here?" Zai asked. Perhaps it was her imagination but she could have sworn she heard a note of frustration in Captain Xu's voice.

"Raven One, Solar One. I am driving the truck. That was always part of the plan. It would have helped if you actually read it. Over."