They’d torn the red planet asunder, somehow getting right to the core of the world, leaving it nothing but rubble flying in loose formation around the Sun. She supposed that, eventually, it would collapse entirely back into one world again, but she was certain that nothing would ever live on it no matter how much time passed. The red planet had never been a particularly hospitable world, but now there was more chance of a human living on a barren asteroid than on Mars.

Her thoughts turned toward Earth and she shuddered, thinking of what it would be if they didn’t step up and end this situation, now.

“Clear that,” she ordered, not wanting to look at the pictures any longer.

The screen blanked, then returned with the tactical map of the system that showed the Drasin locations unchanged. The orbital track of Ceres was highlighted as the point at which the squadron could begin a long-range engagement of their targets using the waveguide cannons, but that was yet a long distance off.

A lot can change between now and then, and we still don’t understand why they’re standing there and waiting on us. These things are bestial, yes, but they’ve never been stupid. They’ve seen what the Odyssey could do to them. Are they just resigned to what’s going to happen?

Now that made no sense. Nothing about them indicated that the Drasin were the type to roll over and play dead. They weren’t even the type to give up in the face of overwhelming odds. They just threw themselves at the danger like the very worst sort of fanatics.

What are you up to?

“We’re seeing movement on the alien forces in orbit, Mr. President.”

Conner groaned, closing his eyes and shaking his head. “What are they doing?”

“We’re not sure, sir. They’re readjusting their formation, but we don’t have any consensus on what they’re attempting yet.”

“Great. Is Captain Weston in the air?”

“Yes sir, thirty minutes ago. He’ll land in New Mexico within the hour.”

The President nodded. “Well, at least we have that. Best put all our units on an enhanced level of alert and make sure that air defense units are stocked and ready for a fight.”

Conner saw his aide wince and didn’t blame the man. “Enhanced” level of alert basically meant wake everybody up, no matter how tired they were, and tell them to be ready for something that no one could say was actually coming. It was horrible for morale and combat effectiveness, frankly, but there was little choice in the matter.

“Yes sir, Mr. President.”