Starfire - A Hard Military Space Opera Adventure (Aeon 14: The Orion War Book 10) by M. D. Cooper

Author:M. D. Cooper [Cooper, M. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Wooden Pen Press
Published: 2019-05-29T16:00:00+00:00

SUPPOSITION

STELLAR DATE: 10.17.8949 (Adjusted Years)

LOCATION: Palatine, Euros

REGION: Earth, New Sol, Orion Freedom Alliance

The Orion Guard’s top admiralty met deep within the Guard Command complex in what they called the ‘Star Chamber’. Praetor Kirkland rarely visited it, usually preferring to summon the Guard’s commanders to his own offices.

Today, he didn’t have the patience required to wait for them to arrive.

He stormed down the long corridor that led to the chamber, his gaze fixed on the doors, willing the men and women within to sense his approach and ready themselves for what was to come.

Of course they’ll know I’m coming, and I imagine they know why.

A minute later, he reached the end of the hall, and as he neared the two massive slabs of stone, they swung aside, admitting him into the inner sanctum of his people’s military.

The sixteen commanding admirals of the Orion Guard sat around the circular table, all eyes on him as the officers rose and nodded in greeting.

“Praetor Kirkland,” Admiral Myka spoke first. “We were just discussing the latest reports. I assume that is why you are here.”

“It is. I look forward to how you’ll explain the defeats we’ve suffered.”

“Well, for starters, they’ve been minor,” Myka replied as she waited for Kirkland to take his seat. “We’ve lost a few systems in the Expansion Districts and on the rimward edge. What happened at Karaske and Rega was something else entirely.”

“Oh?” Kirkland pressed. “Those were Transcend and ISF ships at Karaske. Karaske! That’s deep within our borders. How did the enemy know that system was significant? Garza is too careful to have led his enemies there. Stars, half of you didn’t even know that’s where he based his operation.”

The admirals glanced at one another before Myka cleared her throat and responded. “That was a betrayal, sir. Lisa Wrentham directed our enemies to attack Karaske. We also believe it was her Widows that destroyed Dock 1 in Rega. It seems like she’s switched sides.”

“Nonsense,” Kirkland shook his head. “I’ve known her for thousands of years. She wouldn’t just turn on me.”

“Her ship was—”

Kirkland’s hand sliced through the air. “Lisa Wrentham is not her ship! Yes, it is possible that the Perilous Dream has been taken by our enemies and they’re using it against us, but I will not hear of Lisa’s betrayal. She’s lost more than you could know to join the true cause.”

“And the reports that her Widows were fighting against Orion Guard forces on Durgen?” Admiral Myka pressed. “Could our enemies have taken control of her Widows?”

“No.” Kirkland shook his head. “That is not possible. Lisa assured me herself.”

“Are—” Admiral Prel began, but the praetor cut him off.

“We have Transcend fleets operating inside our borders, they’ve taken the Perilous Dream, and the Transcend’s civil war has come to an end. It feels like the tide is turning against us, people. I want to know what you intend to do to stop this.”

“We’ve no word from General Garza,” Myka’s tone betrayed no emotion. “Are you suggesting that I take control of the war effort?”

Kirkland locked his gaze on Myka’s.

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