“As I was saying … that’s the good news: Unlike the Phage that waltzed in and shrugged off nearly everything we threw at them, this enemy seems to be on par with us technologically with a few exceptions. The fact our lasers can burn through their hulls and our missiles can down their ships is heartening.

“The bad news, other than the fact another species has decided to kick us in the teeth, is that they now know everything we do. These opening engagements are learning experiences for both sides. Not only that, but they’ve captured one of our ships and, obsolete or not, the Leighton and her crew will likely be able to give them far more additional intel about us than we’ll be able to gain about them.”

Celesta looked away, feeling her cheeks burning. She was still bitterly angry with herself for the loss of two ships but doubly so for the loss of the Leighton. Not only was the crew likely already dead, but she’d given the enemy a treasure trove of information about them. When she looked back, Admiral Marcum was staring right at her with an unreadable expression. He nodded slowly once to her before continuing.

“There is one more thing we’ll address in this preliminary meeting, possibly the more important as it has implications for what we do going forward,” he continued. “Our new friends, the Ushin, know who this new species is. They call them the Darshik, though I’m probably not saying it right. Communications with the Ushin are still in their infancy and it is very, very difficult to sometimes get even simple concepts across. You’ll all have a series of briefings on them in the coming days, but suffice it to say that even though they communicate audibly with each other that’s where the similarities end. Their vocalization organs can’t even mimic our phonetic sounds and vice versa. All you need to know for now is that they are our allies and the Darshik problem will not be going away on its own. That’s all for now … dismissed. Captain Wright, please remain.”

Celesta remained seated while the others filed out, most avoiding looking at her, but the ones who made eye contact telegraphed either curiosity or sympathy, the latter setting her nerves on edge.

“Let’s go somewhere a bit more practical than this enormous room full of CIS listening devices,” Marcum said. “Grab your ensign out in the passageway and we’ll go to my office.”

“Yes, sir,” Celesta said automatically and followed him out the door.