BALADA:Beneath Thy Virgin Glow Are There A Thousand Deserts Glittering,

9th book in the BALADA series.

The warp, 378th battle wing, Vampire’s Vengeance, main conference room
Ealiupus 23rd 8:38 Imperial Standard time (adjusted for this battle)

“All right everyone, let’s go over the plan one last time.” Metternich said to his subordinates and they started doing a recital of the steps to their operation.

“1 and 2” Metternich said the numbers and his officers replied with the particular parts of the plan, they did it in rhyme since it was easier to remember that way; the plan was of course written down, but this way it made it easier if you had to think on the spot and couldn’t consult the papers.
“Make them not look at you.”
“3 and 4.”
“We hit the floor.”
“5 and 6.”
“We dig the tricks.”
“7 and 8.”
“Ride through dark to the black gate.”
“9 and 10.”
“Give the news then.”
“11 and 12.”
“The federals are not themselves.”
“13 and 14.”
“The traffic’s keen.”
“15 and 16.”
“The climax scene.”
“17 and end.”
“For help call a friend.”