Part 17

“So we talk, with familiar words.
Nothing new, just words and answers the same for ever more
We always use the same old words, ever ever more”

“So”, said Captain Freddie, “what do you think of that”
The lights raised from the dim twilight that Freddie and most captains of Fleet liked to conference in up to more pleasing ambience.
“It’s mad, a nightmare, but I can see more hope in it than a stand-up fight”, replied Ko-on
“That’s the spirit. You know we don’t stand a chance in a broadside encounter.” smiled Freddie.
“It’s all clear to me, and we’ll get the programming worked out; but is this how you got through Midtreanas?”
“Yes, madness, hope and pushing things to the limit. Always the way in the frontline”
Ko-on paused for a moment. “You and the Admiral think we’re in a front line?”
“Absolutely Ko-on”
“It’s only one ship and it’s attendants” said Ko-on.
“It’s only one ship, it’s attendants and a cloaked bomber. That and our Star Pool will be active soon. This fight, it’s the start. A lot more will come in the next few days. The Sterateel, start small, but large enough to divert ships. They want us to call in help, but to not think there’s an invasion force standing by”
“How do you know?” asked Ko-on
“I don’t really, but it’s a used tactic. Common enough for them. We’re about to become a tactical system. They want the combat ships and colony out of the way” said Freddie
“The Star Pool?”
“Will be used to launch an attack against Fleet and then destroyed. But you can’t do that with an angry system snapping at your heels”
“So it’s all about Fleet?”
“Has been” said Freddie, “For a long time now. We are just Fleet to them”
Ko-on nodded. He’d been brought up on the benefits of Fleet in the war with the Sterateel. Everything was Fleet and them.
Ko-on smiled. “I’d best get things organised with Jolo. He’s going to love this”
“Thanks Ko-on. It’s going to be good.”
“That I do not doubt” Ko-on smiled as he walked out of the Captains office.