Enemy at Bay by S. H. Jucha

Author:S. H. Jucha [Jucha, S. H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

17: Risky Assignment

When Tarus and Mesfar finished their discussion, Tarus ensured that the final decision was recorded in triumvirate records. After which, he sent a copy to Shadger, knowing that it would make him apoplectic.

Afterward, Tarus recalled the commanders and adjourned the triumvirate to chambers.

“We’ve an assignment for the two of you,” Tarus began. “You’re to contact the leaders of the conclave fleet operating where they can intercept our carriers. Inform the leaders that we’re willing to hear their proposal.”

The commanders waited for Tarus to continue, but he remained silent. A few nervous taps were quickly stilled.

“It will be necessary to share more information with the conclave,” Daffert volunteered.

“Such as?” Tarus inquired.

“We should inform them that a triumvirate rules our military,” Daffert replied.

“Acceptable,” Tarus pronounced.

The response emboldened the commanders. They assumed that they would have to fill in the blanks.

“When the conclave leaders learn of the triumvirate, they will want to meet directly with you,” Leptem offered.

“That’s assumed,” Tarus replied.

“In person?” Leptem pressed.

“Unacceptable,” Shadger declared.

“Possibly,” Mesfar contradicted. “The conclave leaders must take an equal risk to meet us.”

“How will the triumvirate arrive at the meeting?” Daffert asked.

“Specify,” Mesfar requested.

“Will you sail aboard dreadnaughts or arrive in a reconnaissance ship?” Daffert responded.

“Recommendation?” Mesfar returned.

The commanders willed their legs to remain still. The responsibility was weighing more heavily on them than they could have imagined. Worse, from the start, Shadger stared hostilely at them, as if he dearly wanted to have them truncated.

“Of course, this will be the triumvirate’s decision,” Daffert said. “However, a show of force will only endanger the meeting.”

“You would risk our lives?” Shadger queried.

“We seek to encourage a favorable outcome from the meeting,” Leptem replied.

That pronouncement pleased Tarus and Mesfar. It had been their goal.

“I think we’ve delivered the necessary parameters for this assignment, Commanders,” Tarus said. “We await your return to hear the meeting details. We’ll judge the conditions that you bring us. Dismissed.”

Leptem and Daffert were stunned by the brevity of the exchange. One thing did motivate them to follow the staffer out of the chambers with alacrity. It was Shadger’s fuming intensity that was directed at them.

The commanders were quiet until they found themselves outside the building. They chose a private vehicle to make their way to the spaceport. The staffer had made it clear that they should leave promptly, and he would ensure their belongings would be delivered to their carriers.

In the vehicle that whisked them to their shuttles, Leptem and Daffert sat quietly in net-slings.

“I understood what was said,” Leptem began. “But I hope you can explain what happened.”

“I think Shadger was sidelined on this decision to meet with the conclave,” Daffert opined. “This was the doing of Tarus and Mesfar.”

“That part I surmised,” Leptem returned. “I was talking about the assignment.”

“Oh, that,” Daffert replied, his quandary evident.

“We can always try to join the conclave and not worry about returning,” Leptem offered, which had the two of them hissing half-heartedly.

“Tempting,” Daffert replied. “But we need to make a plan.”

“It sounds as if the conclave team spent more time on your ship than mine,” Daffert said.

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