Voltran Unchained: Guns of the Federation Book 3 by James Anthony

Author:James, Anthony
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-29T00:00:00+00:00

FIFTEEN

“We’re going to Savixor,” said Grisham.

“I don’t think anyone’s surprised by that news, sir,” said Bishop.

“But a couple of us are surprised you weren’t involved in an accident while you were on Fremont,” said Adler.

“Admiral Danner was suspicious,” said Grisham. “But I think he’s convinced himself I’m still onside.”

He filled his crew in on the details of his recent meeting.

“From what you’ve told us, I’m not so sure the Admiral fully believes you, sir,” said Deneuve.

“How come?”

“Just a feeling I have,” said Deneuve.

“We’ve been given this mission,” said Grisham. “Why would he do that if he had doubts?”

“Savixor is a long way away, sir. Away from anyone you might wish to contact. And even if the Admiral thinks you’re out of his control, he’ll know this is a mission you’ll do your best to complete anyway – in order to maintain your front.”

Grisham pondered Deneuve’s words. “You may be right, Commander.”

“But—?”

“There is no but,” said Grisham. “When we return from Savixor, I have a feeling the situation within the Human Federation will be resolved one way or another. If I’m wrong and it’s hanging in the balance, I’ll contact Senator Maynard.”

“And offer him what, sir?” asked Deneuve. There was an accusing note in her voice.

“What’s wrong, Commander?” Grisham suddenly understood. “You think we should use the Voltran to kill Admiral Danner right here and now.”

“Yes. No.” Deneuve cursed. “I don’t know, sir. It feels like you’re playing by one set of rules – honest rules – while everyone else is pulling cards out from their sleeves.”

“This is who I am, Commander,” said Grisham.

“With all due respect, that sounds like an excuse, sir,” said Adler. “You wanted to be given control of your own fate, and now it’s in your hands, you don’t know what to do with it.”

“I understand what you’re saying,” Grisham admitted. “However, let’s imagine I ordered an attack on Fremont and let’s say that attack resulted in Admiral Danner’s death. I don’t know if that will put an end to the Freedom party. The Admiral is a senior member – hell, he might be the most senior member – but he’s never pretended that he’s in this alone. What if he reports to someone else? Even if we manage to escape Loxor and avoid engaging with the local fleet, we’ll still have triggered a war within the Human Federation.”

“Damnit,” said Adler. “We’re in command of the most potent warship in the fleet and we’re still being blown by the wind.”

“I’ve got one of Admiral Danner’s team on the comms, sir,” said Lopez. “He’s politely enquiring why we haven’t left Loxor airspace yet.”

“You can politely tell him to—” Grisham stopped himself mid-sentence. “I’m not about to start launching missiles at Fremont. We’re leaving.” He looked across the bridge. “And, Lieutenant Adler, it’s my opinion that by doing so, I am controlling my fate. This is my decision and I’m making it for what I believe are the right reasons.”

“Yes, sir,” said Adler.

The Voltran was already outside the Loxor atmosphere and Grisham commanded it to full acceleration.

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