[dcs_p]Still, Devon honestly believed he was a much better pilot than the opponent
before him. He also realized he had not taken any engine damage yet. Gyro is
still working properly too. Suddenly he realized he was kidding himself. He had
made the challenge and would have to fight this enemy. If only the cheating fools
hadn’t already pegged him with artillery twice.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“My name, Devon Carns, is Paul Daggert.” Paul’s voice was deep, and he
sounded as if he were an older man. One thing is for sure, he is either an
arrogant fool or he is trying to put on a show for his men. The confident
commander continued, “I am the commander of the reformed 19th Word of
Blake militia, now in service of the Denouncement Sect. You may have heard of
us before, as we took action against you and your unit on Wasat. Our militia is
also known as Retrospect.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Your name means nothing to me. Do not flatter yourself with your victory on
Wasat. You outnumbered us two to one. There was no honor in your victory.”
Devon spoke. He made a quick glance at his Direwolf’s status and tried to think
out a quick plan of attack. He hoped the enemy might foolishly give him more
time by sparking a battle of words. Within seconds, Devon got his wish.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“You claim we earned no honor. However we were not the ones to turn tail and
run back to our mothers in the Irece Prefecture.” Paul’s joke was well received
by many of his own men. Laughs could be heard across the general
broadcasting frequency. Devon smiled. He glanced at his targeting computer’s
readout to ensure it was still functioning with his remaining weapons. He hoped
his plan would be enough.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“You have been foolish to wander into the Irece Prefecture. You and your sect of
fanatics will meet a cruel punishment at the hands of the Strider’s Strikers. Now,
how do you choose to fight me? Augmented or on the ground?” Devon knew the
answer, but he was still going to give this dishonorable foe the traditional option
of the challenged.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“You must be joking, Star Colonel. Augmented. If I remember correctly, you get
the choice of where we fight?” Despite the man’s shortcomings as a warrior,
Devon gave him credit for his familiarity with the Clan method of batchall.
Batchall was the custom the Clans had adopted long ago, a set of rules upon
which all honor could be kept and all skill could be tested.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Aff. We will fight here in a Circle of Equals formed by your warriors and mine.
As the challenger, I demand a radius of roughly 700 meters with each participant
starting at opposite sides of the circle.” Devon knew the secret to winning this
fight would be damaging his foe’s Mech in a single section with both of his
remaining weapons. A leg might be his best hope for a winning chance. He
needed a long initial range between them so he might hit his opponent with 2 or 3
Gauss slugs before Paul could close the range to attack him.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Very well, Star Colonel. You’ll get your precious range. I caution you however.
You will not win this, and never should have made the challenge.” To his credit,
Paul’s voice did not waver. He sounded as confident as he possibly could while
threatening Devon.[/dcs_p]