Alliance by Graham E Howarth

Author:Graham E Howarth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Published: 2022-10-11T00:00:00+00:00

14. A Change of Plan

The news that an Antarian Battle Force was on its way to Earth was a shock to the Earth personnel. They had anticipated that the threat would come, but had hoped for more time. The threat had been discussed between the Earth Command Council, the Earth personnel in Tressillian space and the Tressillians themselves. No one was under any illusion that the Antarians were quite capable of carrying out their threats. The fact that they had already destroyed an Earth outpost with little resistance added weight to the urgency of Councillor Joffrey’s first request.

“Judging by the information that you have already supplied to us,” the Councillor said, “our Naval Space Forces will find it very difficult to oppose the Antarian Battle Force. We have been upgrading our Home Fleet with the technological know-how you have supplied, but our projections show that the Antarian Force will still be superior in fire power. At best we can stall their progress once they drop off the Vector Line they are using, but our situation appears to be hopeless unless you can send us some kind of help. We know that your forces are stretched, but even if the Battle Fleet from Earth that is with you now can return to Earth, it will be a significant boost to our defence systems. I can see that Vice-Admiral Clarke is there with you. We would welcome his thoughts on the situation along with your views on speeding their return to Earth.”

Gerry Clarke took a deep breath. In all his time wondering if there were other sentient species out in the vastness of the Universe, he had not thought for one minute that the Earth would be under attack as a result of becoming aware of not just one such species, but two.

“You will know by now that our fleet out here has been allocated to two of the Tressillian Battle Fleets in support of the efforts to repel the Antarians. It’s not too late to recall them. Our friends here are trying to up their Battle Cruiser production to meet the threat to their colonies and space stations.”

Before he could continue, one of the high governors to the left of Janraken indicated that he would like to speak.

“Please excuse my interruption,” said Governor Graten, as his name appeared on the screen in Tressillian and English. “I know I speak for my fellow governors when I say that we would not want your force here to be used in our fight with the Antarians at the expense of your world and its colonies. I submit to the High Council that the Earth ships be recalled immediately from their missions and sent with all haste to defend the home world of our human allies. Governor Trabet, I suggest that the recall message is sent now. Speed is of the essence. If the Antarians succeed in defeating the Earth forces it will be a great blow to our struggle against them also.”

All the governors around the table nodded in agreement.

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