Democracy 02 Democracy’s Might by Chris Nuttall

Author:Chris Nuttall
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-07-17T09:02:16+00:00

Tiberius scowled inwardly. Admiral Porter would give what advice he thought would keep his position secure, not real and useful advice…and any resemblance to reality would be purely coincidental. Tiberius had read Joshua’s report carefully enough to satisfy himself, but the others either hadn’t read it or didn’t believe it. Worse, it could be a political ploy. If they hit Joshua with an impossible demand, one that he couldn’t satisfy…they’d have an excuse to get rid of him.

“I have analysed the information on rebel fleet numbers,” Porter said, slowly. Tiberius could almost hear his brain ticking over as he tried to decide what he should say. “It is possible that the rebel fleet was effectively destroyed.”

“Come on,” Lord Bolivar said, crossly. “Four squadrons of superdreadnaughts escaped the firestorm at Morrison. That does not sound destroyed to me.”

“No, My Lord,” Porter agreed. “However, it is clear from the sensor data that most of those ships were badly damaged…and it is almost certain that the squadrons were scattered. Some of those ships will require time in a shipyard before they can be returned to the front lines. The nearest such facilities are at Yanasaxon and they will be overwhelmed by so many starships requiring assistance.”

He smiled, thinly. “Morrison is strongly held,” he added. “The Main Strike Fleet could be deployed, now, in an offensive role.”

“That seems to be clear enough,” Lord Roosevelt said. “We should launch an offensive, now.”

Tiberius held up a hand. “There are other considerations,” he said. “The Main Strike Fleet was badly damaged itself in the fighting. Admiral Wachter has requested reinforcements and, now that we have given the rebels a bloody nose, we can afford to free up additional battle squadrons.”

“Out of the question,” Lord Bolivar said, firmly. “Do you know how many sectors might explode into rebellion if those superdreadnaughts are withdrawn?”

“They can be held down with battlecruisers and even cruisers,” Tiberius snapped back. “We don’t need the superdreadnaughts to keep them in line!”

“There are other considerations, as you well know,” Lady Ngyuen said. “If Admiral Porter believes that an advance is possible, then it is possible.”

“Do you even believe that?” Tiberius asked her, angrily. “If Admiral Wachter believes it can’t be done, shouldn’t we listen to him?”

The discussion broke down into a bitter argument. Tiberius could understand their point – and their paranoia. Joshua, deliberately or otherwise, had excluded most of the spies from his meetings…and had relieved a number of their clients. Admiral D'Ammassa and a handful of others had been executed…and that worried them. The people who were meant to keep an eye on troublesome commanders – and that very definitely included Joshua – were being blinded…at the worst possible moment.

“Perhaps I could propose a compromise,” Lady Mecklinbourgh said, finally. She was old enough to be respected, even by the other Heads, who weren't known for respecting anyone. “I propose that we send the reinforcements, but place someone else in command. Admiral Allmanritter, perhaps.”

“One of your clients,” Lord Roosevelt said. “Does he have the

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