Black Ops by Craig Alanson

Author:Craig Alanson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2017-05-24T06:00:00+00:00

“Inquisitor Shone,” Admiral Tashallo bowed his antenna in respect. “If you wish to conduct a review of our actions during the recent engagement, Captain Dahmen is available here, on this ship. Admiral Sashell departed with the 67th Fleet only two days ago. You could-”

“I have no questions for Admiral Sashell. Nor Captain Dahmen,” the Inquisitor said simply. “My purpose here is to inquire about the message you reported receiving, the message which stated the Thuranin intended to attack.”

This time, Tashallo was not able to fully conceal his surprise. The message he reported receiving? Was the Inquisitor questioning the authenticity of a message from Fleet Intelligence? A chill struck Tashallo’s thorax, then he quickly recovered. He had not risen to his lofty position by being rattled by unexpected developments. “Yes. I admit I was initially skeptical that Fleet Intelligence had acquired information so precise; the exact locations and times when the enemy would come through three wormholes. It was the fact of Fleet Intelligence offering sixty to one odds, and no points taken, that convinced me the information must be accurate. You will note I did not wager against Fleet Intelligence at first.”

“I have so noted.”

“Immediately upon reaching the decision to act on the information contained in the message, I issued orders to prepare the 98th Fleet to depart the Glark system, and I took a fast packet to confer with Admiral Sashell. We were able to-”

The Inquisitor cleared her throat. “Admiral Tashallo, I read your report. Your actions were exemplary, as were those of Admiral Sashell, Captain Dahmen and the crews of all three task forces. You will all receive commendations, and I can tell you in confidence, Admiral Sashell’s claim to reset the handicapping of your wager post-battle will be rejected.”

Tashallo smiled outwardly and groaned inwardly. A quick ruling in his favor could only mean that some people at Fleet Headquarters expected to get cut in on the 98th Fleet’s action. Damn it, Tashallo thought to himself, any time you get a major score, there are a hundred hands out looking for a taste. Fine, he would give them a taste of the vig, and the admiral commanding the Blue Squadron would expect to be paid his ‘tax’ although Blue Headquarters had not known about the battle until it was well over.

The Inquisitor no doubt knew exactly what thoughts were racing through Tashallo’s mind, for she paused before continuing. “Congratulations to you, Admiral. I have been instructed to convey the gratitude of Fleet Headquarters, and of Admiral Mavanne in particular.”

“I am grateful, for their, gratitude,” Tashallo stumbled.

“That is not why I am here.”

“Then, why?”

“Fleet Intelligence reports that message, with its extremely accurate data on enemy intentions, did not originate with them.”

“Wha-what?” For a moment, Tashallo was rattled.

“Fleet Intelligence was shocked to hear of the battle you fought, they had no idea the Thuranin planned any kind of offensive. Indeed, they were about to issue an estimate stating the enemy was unlikely to mount any offensive operations for the next seven months.

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