"Angle the tank so we'll pass directly over it." He paused. "Can you
project this image?"
"Keep it in existence and control where it goes though we're no longer
inside? Yes, I can do that."
"Fine. And can you make a hole in the bottom as the tank shape passes
over the trench?"
"I can."
"That's what I thought. My idea is that we drop into the trench and the
tank continues on. It goes into the forest beyond the camp and as soon
as all the troops have followed, you destroy the image."
"Instantly?"
"If you can."
Gowru breathed gustily. "I can create it instantly, but the reverse is
not true. It has to fade away, and that takes time."
Rains didn't want that, since it would reveal the nature of the tank.
"Is there any other way to dispose of it?"
"I think so," said Gowru. "I can project it into the forest and let it
rise later with a trail of fire. I can imitate a rocket."
A rocket tank would give them something to think about. "Excellent. But
remember to drop out of sight in the trench. The troops on foot will be
concerned with the tank. They won't notice us in the darkness."