Best case was a delayed detonation, but the worst case was split between a premature detonation and the scattering of the bomb’s atoms across God alone knew how much airspace. The kind of radiation fallout that would cause would be . . . unprecedented in human history.

“I hope they know what they’re doing,” she murmured. “It’s a big risk.”

“They’re playing for keeps, last hand of the game if they lose, ma’am.” Carrow shrugged it off. “There’s no point in holding anything back.”

“No,” she admitted. “That is the truth.”

She sighed, but pushed it off. “I assume you were able to update the President and his advisors on our situation?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Gracen steeled herself. “And the reaction?”

“They’re not happy with you right now, ma’am,” Carrow admitted candidly, but then shrugged. “The President said, however, do what you have to do.”

She closed her eyes, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She’d have done that anyway, but at least now she knew that someone at home understood to a degree at least. It was like Carrow had said, it was maybe the last hand they’d ever be dealt. Go big, or go home. There weren’t any other options.

“Alright,” Gracen said. “Then we’re going to take our little squadron of heroes and we’re going to make every little bit count.”

Ethan Carrow nodded determinedly. “Understood, ma’am.”

“Admiral.”

Tanner half turned, surprised by the voice. “Elder. You . . . came to the command center?”

“We need to speak,” Elder Corusc said. “Your private duty area?”

“Yes, of course.” Tanner gestured. “Right this way.”

They walked over to the office and took a moment to get settled before Elder Corusc spoke. “I understand that the Terran ship, the . . . Enterprise? has returned.”

“That’s correct. They settled into our orbit within the last cycle.”

“I know that, according to your reports, you didn’t know where they went . . . but we both know where they went, Admiral. Have they informed you as to what they found?” Corusc asked, his tone heavy.

“No.” Tanner didn’t bother denying the knowledge. “I expect that I will be informed, quietly, within the next day, most likely by either the ambassador or the admiral.”

Corusc nodded. “Very well. Admiral, the elders need to know that information as well.”

“Of course, but I thought that you preferred not to be aware of anything that went against current policy?” Tanner said, knowing that at the moment the councils were engaged in politicking beyond the normal hassles. There was a growing element that wanted to risk absolutely nothing that might bring the Drasins’ attentions back to the colonies.

Personally he considered that to be blind, but it wasn’t his decision to make.