Inside, a holographic representation of New Russia floated in the centre of the giant compartment, surrounded by a handful of red icons.  The alien formation looked oddly familiar; James realised, with a sudden flicker of relief, that it was a formation designed to provide total coverage of the planet below.  They hadn't obliterated the Russian population, thankfully.  Their formation allowed them to keep the humans under control.

“They’ve taken out the spaceports and a handful of military bases,” the analyst muttered, as he worked his way through the tidal wave of incoming data.  “But there doesn't seem to be much damage to any of the cities.”

“For which we should be grateful,” the Captain said.  “Is there an alien presence on the surface?”

“Not that we can pick up from this distance,” the analyst reported.  “We are picking up a handful of alien radio transmissions, but they’re all located several hundred miles from the nearest city.”

James frowned, studying the holographic planet.  “They might be establishing settlements of their own,” he said.  “But surely they’d want to keep a close watch on the human settlements.”

“Surely,” the Captain agreed.  “Assuming, of course, that they think like us.”

He looked over at the analyst.  “Are there any signs they’re occupying the major cities?”

“No, but we would need to move the recon platforms into low orbit to be sure,” the analyst said.  “We can’t pick up individual humans or aliens at this distance.”

The Captain nodded to James, then led the way into a side office.  “It looks like we will have to go with Plan Gamma,” he said, once they were alone.  “Do you have any disagreements?”

James hesitated, then shook his head.  Plan Gamma made no attempt to liberate the planet, instead merely raiding the alien positions before beating a hasty retreat.  Ivan and his team of commandos could try to make it down to the planet's surface while the aliens swarmed around, giving chase to the impudent human carrier .... and then linking into the recon network to upload messages to the next human formation to raid the system.  It should work perfectly.

He shook his head again, sourly.  The aliens had some technology that humanity hadn’t been able to duplicate.  If they had yet another surprise, something that tipped the balance in their favour, they might be able to win the coming battle.  James already knew they didn't dare come within hitting range of an alien frigate.  Small as they were, their plasma cannons could do real damage.

“Then we will launch our unpowered missiles towards the planetary occupation forces and use the mass drivers to target their fleet,” the Captain said.  “They won’t see the first attack coming, I hope, but after that ...”

James scowled.  War was a democracy, he knew.  The enemy got a vote too.

“Tell the Russians to prepare for launch,” the Captain added.  “We will start operations” – he checked his chronometer – “one hour from now.”

***