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Cindy looked at the map on the right. She noticed there was no way for Marlena to could get through the line of enemy space craft. It was a miracle that she got to earth.
The General said, “If we get the satellites back in working order, we can defend against the invaders.”
Cindy noticed how the Vvong ships stayed away from the satellites. She thought it was odd that the enemy would let the satellites just float around them.
She said, “General, I think we have to be careful. These Vvong creatures are sneaky. They could be using the satellites as a trap.”
The General looked at her as if she was crazy for only a brief second but he nodded. “Yes, we thought the same thing. But if the satellites were back in line. We can cast a special field around the earth.”
Royce said, “General, I wanted to know why the special field was not working before the Vvong ships came to earth.”
The General visibly was flustered and turned away from them and looked up at the map. The other screens showed the construction of the satellites in 3d transparent renderings. The General said, “The satellites were not working. We found the cause of the problem and we can fix it.”
“So,” Cindy said, “somebody sabotaged the satellites.”
“Yes, but we found who did this,” the General said.
“I think this is risky,” she said. “Where’s the Illuminati? Why aren't they helping us?”
Cindy knew the Illuminati helped the Professor. They should be in this fight with their people.
The General said, “They have already helped us with their technology and ships. They're not the same as they used to be.”
Cindy was not sure about that and thought about the story Professor Jacobs told them about Krump, the Illuminati leader, and also his friend, Erlick, who died. She wondered where was Alarina. She should be in this meeting.
She said, “What do you want us to do?”
General Graves said, “We want you to help us defend our ships while we repair the machines.”
“Wait,” Cindy said, “you want us to go into space and defend against those giant ships?”
“Yes, we have a plan. We can launch new satellites into space and connect to the other satellites still in working order.”
Royce said, “I also don't know about this. I think it is a gamble to do this. We should wait until Lazarus comes back with Excalibur.”
“We need to think about this, General,” Cindy said.
“We are going with or without you. We need to know in the next hour if you’re going with us because we are launching the ships in the morning and we need to get the ships prepared.”
Cindy looked at the other Alphas.
Grace said telepathically to her. “I don’t like this. I think it is a trap. Can’t they see this?”
“I can tell you my answer now,” Cindy said.
“Wait. Talk amongst yourself and come back to me,” General Graves said. “Remember you will be defending Earth and could turn the tide of this war.”
“Ok, give us an hour.”
***
CINDY PACED BACK AND forth in their quarters. She called Professor Jacobs to join them again. She told them about the plan to get the satellites back in working order.
Professor Jacobs said, “what is this barrier that the satellites will project?”
“I don't know,” Cindy said, “but I think they are underestimating the Vvong creatures. They see them as monsters, not scheming villains. But we know better. Morgana has been manipulating us and Merlin. I wished Lazarus and Merlin were here.”
Grace said, “Professor, what do you think about the Illuminati? Can they help us?”
Professor Jacobs was sitting at the table. Della was standing behind him like a bodyguard. But the elf placed her hand on his shoulder like a wife or lover. He didn't seem to notice their close intimacy. Then she also wondered why Della didn't go back with Captain Marlena on her ship.
Professor Jacobs placed his hand on his chin. He was in deep in thought. He said, “Where is Alarina? She is with the Illuminati. Maybe, she can give us advice.”
Della said, “I will find her. I can move around here unseen.”
Cindy looked at the clock stationed at the front of the door. She thought it was funny how things like clocks never change. They only have 30 minutes left before she made a reply to the General. The door gently closed. She didn't see Della leave.
Cindy kept pacing. She knew her answer and would tell the General when the time was up. She hated to choose like this under duress and without Lazarus. Cindy felt a longing to see him right now.
Professor Jacobs said, “I believe you’re right. This was a trap, but I think if this barrier will work. It could stop the Queen Vvong from coming here.”
“She might be here already,” Royce said. He sat on the bed next to Grace.
“Yes, that might be true,” Cindy said, “but if we get the satellites working the Vvong could just destroy them.”
Grace said, “I don’t like this waiting. I want to fight.”
Cindy was not used to seeing Grace this agitated and ready to strike at the enemy.
“No, not yet,” Cindy said. “I don’t like the odds. If we had Lazarus here, he could be the deciding factor. What should we do?”
Grace said, “He would do anything to fight against the Vvong, but he wouldn’t send us into a losing battle.”
“I don’t know about that,” Cindy said, “remember the fight in Austin. If Royce didn’t show up, we might not be here.”
“I think even without Royce,” Grace said, “it would have been the same outcome. Remember, the Vvong Queen has been manipulating us from the beginning. She planned all this.”
Royce said, “But why did she not kill us all?”
“She needs us. Or she needs Lazarus through us. We cannot die,” Cindy said.
The door slowly opened. It was Della and Alarina. They walked inside.
Della said, “I found Alarina. She was locked in her room.”
“Who would do this?” Cindy said.
Royce growled. “It must be somebody working against us.”
He looked like he was about to change into an Alpha Grog and rushed out of here.
Alarina said, “Don’t worry. We will get to the bottom of this.”
“We have some questions for you,” Cindy said.
