Champions, Chapter 3 by JFM CH 3 The Politics of War “Red Athens needs new leadership,” Edgar Willow said to the old lady, “we need a new direction for the city, and that isn’t something the old Houses can bring. If you vote for me, to be next military consul, I’ll not only stop the Italian Communists from taking this city…I’ll rebuild what they destroyed across this planet.” “And what experience do you have?” Edgar knew she would ask this question, this being the twentieth house he had come to he had been asked the same question in half of them. “I used to be a tank gunner for the Confederation, then I moved my way through the ranks. I understand what happens when politicians try to be generals, I was a private once, I know how to speak to and handle the common soldier..” “But the Dorians are like the Kennedy’s back on Terra. Do you really think you can beat James?” “I don’t ju...
Trajan had been scouting in the woods of Gaul with two of his Praetorian guards when they heard noises of men coming close to them. They were obviously drunk as they were yelling loudly; but that didn’t make them any less dangerous. Trajan had to use his instincts to tell him where the attack would come from. He heard footsteps in the distance. He put his ears to the ground and recognized about twenty men coming their way. He signaled silence from his two praetorian guards, then told them to hit the dirt. He wanted them to think there was only one Roman here. IF they had known whom they were fighting these Gauls might have turned back right where they came from. But Trajan looked like a regular soldier—chest plate shielding his body; studded iron helmet; gladius blade; and two javelins—rather than the emperor that he was. His captains had told him that he shouldn’t go on scouting missio...