“That is still the case for the most part,” Corusc sighed, “but this is too important. We need to know what the Drasin are doing, and it should be our ships and our eyes out there. But as things currently stand, we will have to lean on the Terrans a little more.”

“We have been doing that far too much already,” Tanner said firmly, a scowl on his face.

“On that, we are in agreement, Admiral,” Corusc said. “However needs be as they must. Please, contact me as soon as you know what is happening at the Terrans’ home system.”

Tanner nodded. “Of course, of course. I doubt that there will be much information to be had. However, the Drasin have had four times the period they need to destroy a world. Most likely that armada is on the move again.”

Corusc nodded heavily, knowing where Rael likely thought it would go. “I understand that, but perhaps the Terrans will surprise us one more time.”

Tanner chuckled. “I doubt they will ever cease surprising me, Elder. Captain Weston still shocks me to this day, and he left this fabric many days ago.”

On the Enterprise, Captain Carrow really only had one pressing question to ask.

“Where do we go from here?”

Gracen considered the question for a while before she answered. “As soon as the Heroics are ready, we’re going on an offensive.”

Carrow nodded. The Heroics was the name they’d give then new class of ships constructed of mixed Priminae and Terran technology. The Odysseus, the Heracles, the Achilles, the Bellerophon, the Hippolyta, and the Boudicca made up the class on the Terran side. The Priminae had their own names, but Carrow could never quite remember them.

“An offensive with six ships is a risky move, if you don’t mind my saying so, ma’am.”

“I know, but we don’t have time to wait for more,” she admitted. “Any pressure we can take off of the Earth’s forces, well, the longer they’ll be able to hold out. Time is the one thing that we desperately need on our side now.”

Carrow nodded. “I’m not sure that the Enterprise can keep up with the Heroics, ma’am. What is there for us?”

“You have a T-drive. You can keep up with anything that flies,” Gracen answered, “but while you were gone I was working on something for you.”

Carrow leaned forward. “And what might that be?”

“Tachyon waveguide cannons,” she answered. “They’re a bit faster to build than entire ships, so I earmarked four from the first run for the Enterprise.”

He smiled, relaxing a little. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ve felt more than a little exposed without them.”

“Just remember, Captain,” she reminded him, “the Odyssey and Weston took on the Drasin several times without them. Don’t rely on the technology. Sometimes it’s just good tactics that win the day.”