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Halsey’s task force made record time getting back to Lunar Command. Only a brief pause in Tau Ceti’s gravity well to replenish their energy levels slowed them down at all.
The Ganymede stood in orbit around the moon, and Halsey took the shuttle to Lunar Command. Settling into the hangar, she could see a crowd of people waiting there.
Including Supreme Commander Ozawa.
She stepped out onto the deck, and a general applause and cheering erupted. Despite her best efforts, she gave in and smiled and waved. Ozawa stepped forward to meet her.
“Great job, Admiral!” he said, saluting, then offering his hand for a warm handshake.
“Thank you, Admiral,” she said.
“Our optics detected no damage to any of your ships,” he said.
“No, sir. No damage. But,” she turned and looked at the flag-draped coffins of five marines being off-loaded. Seeing this, everyone stood at attention and saluted, the mood suddenly solemn.
They stood and waited for the coffins to come by.
“Come, let’s have some lunch and you can tell me all about it. We are most curious about why you didn’t hit the planet’s facilities,” Ozawa said.
“Yes, sir. A new development, some of which we brought back with us!” She indicated again to the shuttle, and now three civilian-looking women were being brought out on stretchers. They were all awake, and all looking very wide-eyed at the new place they found themselves.
“Oh, I see.”
They began walking, though she looked back over her shoulder, reluctant to leave her dead, and her three new charges.
“They will be well taken care of, Admiral. I assure you,” Ozawa said, noticing her slow steps.
“I know they will.” There was a tear in her eye which she quickly wiped away, before Ozawa or anyone could see it and thus dent her tough persona.
He stopped and put his hand on her shoulder.
“There is no shame in shedding a tear for the brave fallen, particularly those under our direct command,” he said gently.
“Of course, there isn’t,” she said, and they started walking again. “Admiral, I noticed the Ambassador in orbit when we came in.”
“Yes, Hooker is joining us for lunch. He has news for you, as do you for him, I’m sure.”
“I hope it’s good news,” she said.
“We think so. But there is no time for resting. I want your task force turned around quickly and ready to go. Point Luck awaits.”
She nodded.
“Yes, it does. No rest for the wicked,” she said.
“I’ve never understood that American saying. But in this case, we who fight the wicked have no luxury to rest,” he said.
She nodded sadly, and looked back one more time at the three women.
“You have no idea how wicked, Admiral.”
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THE END
Coming Winter 2017:
EVIDENCE OF WAR, BOOK 3
“Star System Midway:
Fleet-Opposed Invasion”
Prologue
Planet Amfero, Constellation of the Devil
410 lightyears from human and Restan space
The War Council were squirming in their seats. The Emperor’s representative had arrived, and they knew the Emperor was not pleased.
“We have been inflicted with a great shame. A review has showed we’ve lost many ships. An attack on our home territory has been endured. The Emperor says it shall not happen again!”
No one spoke up in their defense. To do so could be fatal.
“It seems we have neglected that arm of the galaxy for too long. Some race has grown strong because of that neglect. And they dare to attack us! What is next? Is the Emperor himself in danger? What’s to stop the next attack from striking at the very heart of our empire? On our very planet!”
Still no one dared answer.
“The Emperor has decreed you will find and exterminate this upstart race of beings. Take overwhelming force with you. We know where they are. Will you defend the Emperor to the death?”
“Yes!” they all cried at once.
He turned and left the room, leaving them to plan and execute the upcoming war. But they had no fear.
They knew not the taste of defeat.