Peace Army by Steven L. Hawk

Author:Steven L. Hawk
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw
Published: 0101-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

* * *

Soo was preparing for the deployment of his hastily assembled unit when he received the summons from Governor Truk. With so much to do in the next twenty-four hours, the interruption rankled. A civilian could not understand the enormity of swapping an entire contingent of soldiers like the one on Telgora.

The planet held more than ten thousand Minith warriors, many of whom had spent years dealing with the planet’s population. They possessed experience and training key to protecting the mining operations from the Telgorans.

Soo had tried explaining the impossibility of the task to Truk a week earlier when he was handed the mission, but the governor would not be swayed. He wanted all forces swapped out within a month. It was an impossible task, but he was careful not to tell Truk that. If the Governor of Waa—and the leader of all Minith—wanted it done, he would accomplish the mission. Or at least, allow Truk to believe it was accomplished.

Soo was willing to tell the governor what he wanted to hear while working to make it a reality.

All of these things went through Soo’s mind as he stood in front of the governor’s desk. He knew to walk a fine line. Truk was not one to cross, even if he was a civilian.

“General, what do you know about our commerce initiatives?”

The general was surprised by Truk’s question. He had expected to be drilled on the readiness of the replacement force.

He took a second to form his response before speaking. “Governor, I know a great deal about our commerce initiatives.”

Truk’s left ear twitched. Apparently he had not expected that response. The governor probably thought all Minith soldiers were ignorant of anything outside of capturing worlds, enforcing quotas, and stamping out rebellion.

“Really? Tell me what you know.”

Soo knew he was being tested, so answered as succinctly and completely as he could.

“Sir, we hold fourteen planets now, including Waa. Each of those planets produces resources, which are then traded to various planetary partners for resources we require, as well as…”

Soo hesitated. It angered and shamed him to admit what he was about to say. He fought to keep his ears erect.

“Well, sir, we exchange resources for protection. And for guarantees of non-aggressive acts by several of our partners.”

Both of Truk’s ears twitched. He had not expected Soo to know that detail.

“Tell me, General Soo,” the governor replied calmly. His voice did not convey anything other than calm. “How does a military man possesses such extensive knowledge of Minith trade relationships? I just learned of these… issues… recently.”

It was Soo’s turn to be surprised. Not that Truk had just learned of the trade issue with its partners. Most Minith, unless they were closely involved with direct trade negotiations, would not know those details. His surprise was that Truk would admit not knowing. It was rare that a superior would ever admit any shortcoming to a subordinate. Soo appreciated the openness and responded in kind.

“Sir, my brother’s wife was a member of the trade committee on Minith.

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