"Advance robot battery 7," he said out loud. "Knock him out of the
sky." The order was passed on, and several seconds later the blip that
had been the enemy cruiser also vanished from the globe.
A yeoman entered, bringing news of the Coalition reinforcements.
Dubcek acknowledged the message, gave one of his own, then turned to
his young lieutenant as if in answer to his unspoken question. His
eyes, like those of a bird of prey, had returned to their normal
luster.
"We don't have to beat him, just hold him off till help arrives. That
is why we are aligned defensively, ready to counter-punch, and take
advantage of his mistakes." Both turned back to the projection, and to
their own thoughts.
11) 0-0-0
Masaryk began to speak again, but Dubcek waved him off. "Here," he
pointed. "He's moved his battle station behind the carrier, and
brought the corresponding battleship to corridor five, trying to
strengthen his position for a frontal assault."
Brunner hesitated, not wishing to overstep his bounds. "Does that
surprise you?"
Dubcek almost smiled.
"No. He imagines he's being clever, showing me something I haven't
seen. But I've played this game a few times before." To his exec:
"Battleship A to corridor four." Masaryk nodded, and passed the order
on. The main battle computer silently acknowledged the move.