All’s Fair in Blood and War by Michael Anderle

Author:Michael Anderle [Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2018-12-26T22:00:00+00:00

QBS Izanami, Bridge

Bethany Anne and Michael stood shoulder to shoulder, looking out over the fleet. The ships were displayed across half of the screens that wrapped the bridge.

Bethany Anne's mouth drew into a tight line as she observed the three other groups getting into formation. “Is this enough, or have I kept too much back to cover my ass while we’re gone?”

The ancillary fleet looked tiny and insignificant in comparison to the super-massive ships they were flocking to join.

Michael’s hand enveloped hers. “You’re sending four superdreadnoughts plus a host of other ships, all filled with highly destructive weaponry, to each of the larger targets. That should be more than sufficient to deal with what we’re looking at.”

John’s voice cut in over the speaker. “Hey, Boss. We good to go?” His face appeared on an unoccupied screen. “I think Eve might just use Scott as a warm-up if we hang around much longer.”

Bethany Anne raised a finger. “Let me check. Izanami, get me the others onscreen.”

The remaining screens lit up. Bethany Anne opened her link to Alexis and Gabriel while she waited for everyone to arrive. Alexis, Gabriel, we are about to get underway, and the three of you are not here.

We’re almost there, Mom, Alexis replied.

The elevator door opened a moment later to emit the three youths.

“Nice shipsuits,” Bethany Anne commented to Alexis and Gabriel.

“A gift from Aunt Jean,” Gabriel explained.

Bethany Anne smiled. “Then I'm sure they have a few extras included.” She turned her smile on K'aia. “Good to see you again, K'aia.”

K'aia nodded, lost for words. She'd forgotten again what it was to be in Bethany Anne's presence.

Bethany Anne gestured to the couches and turned back to the screens.

“Now that we’re all here,” she gave Scott a pointed look as he slid into view beside Eve, “finally, let’s move out.”

Scott grinned. “What, no speech? I’m disappointed.”

Bethany Anne shook her head, her lip curling slightly. “No more speeches. I’ve talked enough recently to be mistaken for a politician.”

Gabrielle made a disappointed face. “Not even, say, one minute and forty seconds for a pep talk before we leave?”

John grunted, shrugging nonchalantly. “I reckon two would do it.”

Eric shook his head. “Nah, I need a good solid five minutes of you telling us how great we are.”

Bethany Anne raised an eyebrow, her mouth making a little “o” of sympathy. “That’s a shame. I don’t know why you’d put money on me taking five whole minutes to go over what you already know.”

The guilty faces on the screen said it all.

“No speech,” Bethany Anne told them with finality. “See who makes money on me now.” Scott’s eyes flicked toward Michael. “Really?”

Michael lifted his hands in a good-natured shrug. “What can I say?” He grinned at the others on the screens. “You can settle up when we get back.” He didn’t fail to catch the look Bethany Anne threw his way. “My wife and I will enjoy the dinner you all just paid for.”

Bethany Anne cut the screens and returned to watching the fleet.

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