“Barring any surprises during tomorrow’s full session of the new Parliament, it will be announced that we’ve agreed to terms and will be entering into a limited protection treaty with the Ushin. We’re expecting a full brief package from Ambassador Cole’s staff in the next few hours, and as soon as we’re authorized we’ll be sending the first intelligence assets to begin verifying everything we’re told.

“Due to a variety of reasons, not the least of which being the attacks on Terran ships and systems, we will want to move very quickly to take back the initiative. The Ninth Squadron will be deploying with the advanced formations to establish beachheads in the Ushin systems we’ll be expected to clear of Darshik ships.”

“Do we have any sort of intelligence on Darshik strength levels in these systems, sir?” Celesta asked. “We’re only marginally more familiar with them than we were with the Phage when it attacked, and I’d prefer not to have a repeat of how that turned out.”

“Nor I, Captain.” Marcum leaned back in his seat. “We’re in a wait and see position until Cole’s team gets the briefing scrubbed and sent up to us. Communicating with the Ushin is still ponderous and, at times, inaccurate so it’s slow going.”

“And yet we’re rushing in to—”

“You and I don’t make policy, Captain,” Marcum cut her off. “And we’ll not be discussing it now. The reason for this meeting, besides wanting to look you in the eye before I decided whether or not to have you relieved of command, is to tell you I want you to begin organizing all Black Fleet assets in this system any way you see fit to facilitate a quick deployment. You’ll be the first ships out to the initial rally point and then your destroyers will be flying ahead of the convoy when we make the final push. My aide will be transmitting your official orders that will give you the authority you need. Any questions?”

“Many, many questions, sir,” Celesta said. “But it will wait. We’ll begin redeploying all Seventh Fleet ships as soon as our orders come in.”

“Then that will be all, Captain.”

“Aye aye, sir.”

****