“I can assure you the Council has considered those facts. It’s been decided the chance to gain a significant chunk of Confederation space is an opportunity that cannot be easily disregarded.” He sighed. “But it’s more than simply that, and in this part I must also agree. The Confederation will be hard-pressed in this coming war, and if the Union is allowed to win the victory without us, to absorb all of Confederation space, there can be little doubt we would be next.”

“So we’re to strike pre-emptively, to secure as much of the Confederation as possible ourselves to keep it from them?” There was doubt in her tone.

“The Council doesn’t believe we can sit by and passively watch events unfold. They feel that the Confeds are too weak, morally if not in arms, and that they will inevitably fall to the Union when war begins. The Union is already vastly larger than we are…to sit by and allow them to swallow up the Confederation, and all its industry as well, would be disastrous.” He paused. “No, if the Confederation is to be conquered, as much of it as possible must fall to us, and quickly. Before the Union invades and wins without us. Then it will be too late.”

She shook her head. “Can we even mount such an invasion now? Half the fleet is still on garrison in the conquered systems. Getting them back to base for refit will take…”

“The Council believes it can be done in six months.” Vennius’s tone suggested he had a rather different opinion than the Council.

“So, am I to be given a command in the invasion force? A new vessel?”

“No, Kat…at least, no, you won’t be with the invasion force. At least not initially.”

She looked back at him, not entirely hiding her confusion.

“However, you are getting a new command. The greatest ship ever constructed by Alliance industry. Invictus.”

It was an honor, one of momentous proportions. Invictus had been under construction for three years, the greatest battleship in Alliance history. And the command of the strongest ship in the fleet would be a direct stepping stone to the high command.

“I’m honored, Uncle. To be Commander-Primus in the fleet…” Her words drifted off as she saw Vennius’s face.

“You deserve Invictus, Kat, more than any officer I have ever known. In fact, your elevation to fleet command is all but assured. But…”

“But?” She was beginning to realize just how uncomfortable Vennius was. “What am I to do, Uncle?”