Fracture Lines (The Glass Complex Book 2) by John Hindmarsh

Author:John Hindmarsh [Hindmarsh, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Rexon Press
Published: 2016-09-10T06:00:00+00:00

Commander Gillespie called the strategy meeting. Steg and Dean attended, representing the Stingers. The starship was represented by the commander together with her Weapons, Systems and Astro team leads. At Steg’s suggestion, Stacia of Fain was also invited; the Fain, he had said, should have representation if they were being committed to a strategy that impacted them.

Gillespie said, “We expect to exit s-t in approximately four hours where we’ll be on the edge of the Eos system. If our navigation team is as good as it should be, we’ll be a day ahead of the freighter and its escort. Be aware, based on Steg’s information, Defender will be in the region, too.”

“How do we justify stopping the freighter?” asked Stacia.

“We’ve been authorized by the Eos authorities to act as their customs inspectors. We can stop and check any vessel heading into their territory. The freighter—it’s called Djamu and is registered with the Grange system. It’s a typical flag carrier—the crew are not Grangians—and has registered its destination as Eos. The crew is mixed, with some Terrans, including the skipper and two other bridge officers. The Xesset starship has not declared any destination.”

“So we sit and wait for the freighter?” asked Rose Curtis, the Weapons lead.

“Yes. We’ll request Djamu to stop and allow us to board for a customs inspection. There is a probability the Xesset will attack us at that point. Alternatively, they may be cautious; they’ve lost their two companions. We’ll have to be ready for almost anything.”

Steg said, “We know Eos has not issued an import license for military supplies or weapons. So, if we find any, it gives us a reason to arrest the freighter and take possession of the shipment. We expect our actions, at least, will trigger an attack by the aliens, assuming they’ve been passive to that point.”

“Have you decided who’ll lead the boarding party?” Gillespie asked.

Steg said, ‘Yes, it’s my responsibility.”

“I offered to arm wrestle,” Dean said. “He refused.”

Steg smiled. He had used his experience of fighting Xesset forces to reinforce his claim. Dean had agreed, reluctantly.

Steg said, “There may be Xesset on the freighter, either hidden or generally at large. If so, they could attempt to repel us when we first board, or let us go about our inspection and try to ambush us later. We’re using three teams, twenty marines in each. Kirby and Riddell will lead two. I’ll lead the third. Dean will have the remainder of our mercenary force at the ready here, on Wasp, in case the aliens try to board her. We’re going to review our tactics after this meeting. We’ll be armored and fully—and I mean fully—armed. If the Xesset attack, we must overwhelm them immediately.”

“Do we have any more questions?” Gillespie asked her bridge team. “No? Very well. Steg and Dean, I’ll let you go meet with your mercenaries. Stacia, you should brief your team. I want to discuss tactics with Rose and Lessa.”

*****

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