New Frontiers (Expansion Wars Trilogy, Book 1) by Joshua Dalzelle

Author:Joshua Dalzelle [Dalzelle, Joshua]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2016-08-03T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“Captain Wright is on the com, Admiral.” Marcum’s aide stuck her head in his office.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Emerson,” Marcum said. “I’ll take it in here.”

“Senior Captain Wright reporting as ordered, Admiral.” Celesta’s face appeared on the monitor.

“Are you alone in your office, Captain?” Marcum said, fighting to keep his voice neutral.

“Yes, sir.”

“I don’t think I need to tell you how badly you’ve pissed me off this time, Wright … suffice it to say that at my earliest convenience you will be removed from the bridge of that ship,” Marcum started, still struggling to keep his tone measured and professional.

“Unfortunately for me, that day isn’t today. I’ve reviewed Commander Barrett’s service record and I just don’t think he’s ready to assume command, nor can I afford to have the Icarus’ efficiency go down the shitter by swapping in a new command staff on the brink of a major offensive. I need Ninth Squadron and your ship at their best.” Marcum stopped and just stared at his captain. She was staring back at him impassively, not offering any explanations or excuses.

“Needless to say, I don’t think you’ll need to worry about me forcing you onto the bridge of the New York. What it is about you Black Fleet officers that makes you think you know best is beyond me … but I’m about to do some long-overdue house cleaning once this—”

“Admiral, if this is supposed to be some sort of pep talk before a major military operation I fail to understand how this in any way is helpful to either you or me,” Celesta said, managing to look bored by the whole thing.

“Oh, I’m sorry … am I holding you up, Captain?” Some of the anger Marcum was feeling began to slip past his façade.

“No, sir, you’re not,” Celesta said calmly. “But you’ve indicated that we have an operation upcoming and I’d prefer to focus on that. I’m not denying that I disobeyed orders and ordered my ship out of orbit as well as leaving the station while it was on lockdown. We could argue the finer points of that, but I get the distinct feeling that it wouldn’t be a productive conversation, at least not right now.”

“Very well, Captain.” Marcum swallowed down his retort. How was she able to so easily get under his skin? He knew it was beginning to look like he had a personal axe to grind with regards to Wright and that put her at an advantage.

“Barring any surprises during tomorrow’s full session of the new Parliament, it will be announced that we’ve agreed to terms and will be entering into a limited protection treaty with the Ushin. We’re expecting a full brief package from Ambassador Cole’s staff in the next few hours, and as soon as we’re authorized we’ll be sending the first intelligence assets to begin verifying everything we’re told.

“Due to a variety of reasons, not the least of which being the attacks on Terran ships and systems, we will want to move very quickly to take back the initiative.

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