Antipositional Moves by MJ Blehart

Author:MJ Blehart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sci-fi, science fiction, sci-fantasy, space opera, adventure, alien invasion
Publisher: Argent Hedgehog Press
Published: 2024-01-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Hectir turned off the broadcast.

He looked at the rest of his deputies and his guest. The DDI and DDO were present, while the DDG was somewhere in space.

For a few moments, nobody spoke. Then DDI Jeck Baryorn said, “I am really impressed by how he handled that.”

“Agreed,” said DDG Canta Berna’s hologram.

“So, what is our next move?” asked DDO Silvas vin-Aptu.

Hectir steepled his fingers. “We wait and see how many sign onto the compact, and take it from there.”

“Do you agree with my assessment?” asked Jeck Baryorn.

“I do,” Hectir said. “Now—we wait.”

Heads nodded all around the table.

“Is there any further business?” Hectir asked, but no one replied. “Very good. We will adjourn for now.”

With a nod, Canta Berna’s hologram winked out, and DDI Brayorn and DDO vin-Aptu bade them farewell and departed. Hectir remained seated with Avra.

“I agree with DDI Brayorn and Alvon’s assessment,” Avra said. “Those that sign the compact will probably turn to the CSA for guidance regarding coordinating with the Xorcerizts.”

Hectir nodded. “Most likely. I just do not know how that will look or precisely how we will handle that.”

Avra shook xerz head. “Your neutrality is both a blessing and a curse.”

Hectir laughed. “As the first, and likely only, android to serve as Director of the CSA, the last thing I would do is to end our neutrality.”

“Likely a good decision,” Avra said. “So, what will you do?”

Hectir considered that. “This will be a unique problem. I cannot put you in charge because you are representative of the Yalifira people and not a soldier. Further, you do not fall under the auspices of the CSA.”

He arose and began to pace as he said aloud all he was processing. “Our operations group has handled some major peacekeeping initiatives, but we are seldom more than a police force. We have employed independents to serve in a more military-force capacity, but it has always been defensive. Coordinating and mounting an offensive, especially with a third party against a mutual enemy, is way outside of anything the Agency has ever done in its long history.”

“The Agency must have ex-soldiers,” Avra said. “Surely there is someone in your ranks who could be the liaison between the members of the signatories of the compact and the Xorcerizts.”

“Of course,” Hectir agreed. “But none of them have dealt with the Xorcerizts directly. They would add a new unknown.”

He halted and turned to Avra. “The CSA can always designate one authority over another. That, however, might be interpreted as ceding our neutrality. Maybe they won’t sign the compact. Or maybe, if they do sign the compact, they will not turn to the Agency for guidance.”

Avra crossed xerz arms. “Really, Hectir? Wishful thinking?”

Hectir made an exasperated huff, as he had heard Humans and other races do. He shook his head. “Jeck, Alvon, you, and I agree. Silvas and Canta are not willing to speculate—but I know them well enough to know they do too.”

Hectir’s new android body processed data faster than his original body had. Despite androids not being hugely popular overall, their technology was constantly improving.

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