Chapter 9. StarFleet Admiralty, Earth
"I need a statrep re Convoy XM 25." said High Admiral Aurora Stern.
"Captain Jose Promis, reporting. CXM two-five is standing by."
"Report, Commander Proms."
"Convoy XM 25 has 34 merchant ships. Half have crews. StarFleet escorts consists of one battleship, the Prinz, three corvetts, the Eridanus, Pictoris, and the Tucana, and nine attack ships."
"Have you switched systems to Jero time?"
"All clocks have been set for zero Jero and the superluminator comsys has been calibrated."
"Very well, Commander Promis. Due to the developing situation with the Capricorni Alliance, I expect you take extra care of the Prinz and its crew."
"Any word on the Hipparcos?"
"Still waiting. Thank you, Commander Promis. Anything else? If not, Stern out"
Stern glanced at the holographic image of the convoy. In theory, drone ships could travel the universe via the Higgs Glebe unattended. But with the rapid outward advance of humans in the New Frontier, threats to the System developed, such as gangs of pirates, or sometimes rebels or revolutionaries. Hence StarFleet's unofficial motto, Quell the storm, and ride the thunder.
So many decisions with so many unknown consequences. So many decisions that one never wants to make . . . but has to make.
Stern's avocation and only way she passed time was to study the history of military campaigns. She soaked up the ancient battles of Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Caesar, Napoleon I, the madmen of the 20th century, Hitler and Stalin, and the dark wars and skirmishes of the 21st Century.
"Yes, Ensign Enzo?" said Stern, her reverie broken.
"Councilor Vegan and a party of two."
"Send them in, please."
Vegan, already at the door, smiled and gestured to an older man and a younger woman to enter ahead of himself.
He must be at least 150 years old . . .
"High Admiral Stern, this is Ab Alto from the Supreme Council and his liaison Aria."
"This is not a good time. We are about to launch CXM. How may I assist the Supreme Council?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you in person, High Admiral Stern," said Ab Alto. "Our timiing was perfect. The Supreme Council is concerned about developments in the Gliese 785 sector. We would like our liaison, and Councilor Vegan as her escort, aboard the Prinz to negotiate with representatives of the Capricorni Alliance."
"That is not possible, honorable Ab Alto. The fleet is synchronized to get underway in a matter of seconds."
"Then, of course, you need to command it to stop."
"I am not able to do that, sir. I—"
"Is this red button the stop button? asked Councilor Vegan.
Stern looked at the synchronicity countdown. It was seconds from zero Jero. "Yes, sir, but it can only be used in a matter of life—"
Vegan slammed his palm on the button. An alarm shrieked and lights flashed.
"Statrep," said Stern.
"Captain Sorin Simme, reporting."
"Report."
"Convoy is underway. That is, except for the Eridanus."
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