Battle Earth VI (32 page)

"What did he say?"

"God only knows. We can only hope he makes it."

"You really did it. It worked."

"No, we did it."

Gallo rushed to the Colonel, weeping.

"I am so sorry, Colonel. I thought, I thought."

"Save it, you couldn't have known. Tsengal is a tough one. He'll pull through.

Tsengal had not been able to deliver Chandra's message. Taylor could see whatever he had to say was important, and that bothered him, but for now he turned to the scene of carnage before them.

"We paid a heavy price here, Yorath, Monty, Blinker, all dead. I saw dozens of others drop but not sure who. Silva's in a bad way too, Mitch.”

"Eli? Where is she?"

He turned, looking across the battlefield where they had made their charge. He couldn't believe she wouldn't have been there for the final fight. She staggered towards with him, using her rifle as a crutch. He rushed to her, grabbing her so tight thatshe squirmed in pain.

"God you scared me, Mitch."

"Demiran is dead, and most of the Mechs have surrendered or laid down arms."

She could barely believe it but sighed in relief.

"What do we do now?"

"What we fought all this time to do, live. Earth is ours."

Tsengal's words still preyed on Taylor's mind, but for now he knew they had entered a new age of peace. He was going to enjoy it while it lasted.