The Venusian Gambit by Michael J Martinez

Author:Michael J Martinez
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Night Shade Books
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

May 14, 1809

“Lord Weatherby, I assure you whilst I feel your information is of the highest validity, I cannot simply allow you to take half my fleet to Venus whilst we prepare to retake England—our very homeland!—and drive the foul French from our shores!”

George, Prince of Wales and Prince Regent-in-Exile on behalf of the captive King George III, paced his council chamber with an energy typically reserved for infantry drills—or, in the prince’s case, a particularly high-stakes game of cards. His agitation was understandable, certainly, for there in the room were his two most trusted military advisers—Lord Admiral Thomas Weatherby and General Sir Arthur Wellesley—advocating two entirely different things, neither of which assured success by any reliable measure.

But the potential to retake England, no matter the cost, was the most deciding factor. And even Weatherby had to admit he would choose similarly if in the prince’s position—though the prince did not, and would not, have all the information available to Weatherby.

“Sire, I wish it were otherwise, but it is my belief that if we can defeat the French upon Venus, our chances of success south of Hadrian’s Wall shall be vastly improved,” Weatherby said. “Without the bulk of their fleet, they cannot be resupplied. Our people continue to resist the occupation, and without supplies, the French are weakened.”

Wellesley cleared his throat. “With utmost respect to Lord Weatherby, sire, the bulk of the French forces require neither food nor water, and even should they run out of munitions, they remain impervious to most types of injury. There will be no greater opportunity to fight them than the summer months, when our troops will require little in the way of additional supply themselves. Plus, the ships of His Majesty’s Navy can provide a great deal of firepower as we land, especially should we take the mouth of the Thames. They may sail as far as Windsor, allowing us a foothold in the south and the liberation of London itself!”

Weatherby did his best not to scowl at Wellesley. “The general is, of course, an exceptional tactician, and I do believe we can provide his foothold in the south with but a few of our ships. Meanwhile, the bulk of the fleet can make for Venus and easily eradicate the rest of the French fleet. From there, we can even return to provide support as needed, whereas they will have none. And it is quite well proven that our facility upon sea or Void is far superior to theirs. Best to crush them on Venus, or in the Void, rather than in the Channel or the North Sea, where they then might simply escape to the Continent and resupply. Sire, I urge—”

“Enough!” George cried, placing his hands to his ears. “I have had enough of both of you!” This silenced both commanders long enough for the Prince Regent to produce a letter from his coat pocket. “Do either of you know what this is?”

Wellesley stared with furrowed brow, but Weatherby recognized the large, looping script upon the page.

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