Triumph's Ashes: The Cassidy Chronicles Volume Five by Adam Gaffen

Author:Adam Gaffen [Gaffen, Adam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

Tycho Under

Stardate 12008.29

It was a tense night.

Kendra worked with Autumn on the speeches they were to give, for once coordinating her words with another. She allowed Autumn the lead, partly because she’d heard her declaration of the revolution and was impressed and partly because she was furiously consulting with Diana, Mike, Mac, and Stone via their implants.

Alyssa, Caitlin, Nour, and Mac were all occupied with the planning for the events surrounding the announcement. Alyssa applied her experience running a security division while Nour provided insight into the way MinSec infiltrated. Caitlin fussed over the positioning of notables, and Mac solidified the electronic security. Nicole and Stone sat in with the combined Starfleet Marine/Free Luna forces, ostensibly to critique Nordstrom’s training techniques but really to provide cover for their investigations: Autumn, Nour, and Caitlin.

“I think you should take the next part.”

“What?”

“Kendra, weren’t you listening?”

“Sorry Autumn. I’ve had a long couple of weeks, and then this crisis on top of everything else. I guess I’m just a little bit preoccupied.”

Autumn pushed her padd aside, leaned back, and took a sip of her drink. It was late enough she’d switched off of coffee and she made a face at the non-caffeinated flavor. “I know what you mean. I finally thought we might be getting hold of this tiger we released, and now it’s trying to bite us. Again.”

“I’ve found leading is like that,” agreed Kendra. “No sooner do you deal with one crisis than another pops up. It’s like trying to win at whack-a-mole with one hand tied behind your back and a hammer two sizes too small.”

“Whack a what?”

“Forget it. Earth thing, you wouldn’t know it and it’ll take too long to explain. Of course, this is one reason you’ve signed on with us, to spread the burden of leadership. I just wish Kyra and Tamara could have gotten away, but they’re dealing with their own issues.”

“Right, the miners on Vespa?”

“Yes, and there’s some technical issue on Titan. Cass is the brains of the organization. She usually deals with the scientific side, meaning Kyra and her wizards.”

“What do you think will happen tomorrow?”

“Well, Mac and Alyssa are as good as anyone I know at security. The OutLook personnel surrounding you will help if it’s an up-close and personal attack, and the Marines, with Stone and Nour’s help, ought to give us a good perimeter. Space-borne attacks shouldn’t be an issue either, assuming Nymeria and the Wolves have anything to say about it.”

“And our spy?”

“Tomorrow, watch for who isn’t there. They won’t want to be caught in any crossfire.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Good. Now, I’m for bed. Right now I couldn’t tell if what you were saying made sense or was gonna start World War Four. We can review again in the morning, over coffee.”

“Agreed.”

*

“Colonel?”

Kate Kennedy was an up-and-coming analyst on Davie’s staff. As such she’d been assigned to work under Colonel McKnight, on the overnights, until she’d proven herself.

“What is it, Kate?”

“We received the take from the latest LOSS pass over the far side.

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