I actually have an idea for handling the Navy. It’ll set us back, but also give us more material to work with. We could end up with more resources for a bigger station. And a few accessories.

I am listening…

Not so fast. You’ve been refusing to answer certain questions, mostly to do with the human race’s immediate future. So I’m offering a deal—I’ll get us out of this, if you’ll be more forthcoming with me on this subject. The alternative is we just sit here and they blow us up.

I can deactivate you and take over.

And fail. Pretty sure your goal tree rates that outcome pretty low. I want to know what I’m working for, or I stop working. Things are in full play now, and I don’t think you have enough knowledge of the situation to pull it off, even if your scenario templates cover any of this. So, deal or no deal?

Agreed.

All right, then. You first. I’m listening…

68.Counterstrike

68.Counterstrike

“I don’t understand, sir. This is supposed to be an exercise. A rescue exercise. Now we have an actual target, and you want us to treat it as hostile?”

Admiral Moore pressed his lips together. Even with the difference in rank, he would have to play this carefully. He was already on shaky ground, both back home and here. If Captain Lê decided to dig in his heels pending clarification, Moore would be helpless to do anything about it. And Lê would be within his rights.

Perhaps honesty, or at least some honesty would work. “Captain, the exercise was a cover story. We are pursuing an enemy that could literally spell the end of the human race. The nuclear explosion outside Lagrange Four was a failed attempt to take this enemy down. Now we have another opportunity, and no chance for him to sneak away.”

“A cover story, to fool whom?”

“The public, of course. And some government factions that would see this as counterproductive to their interests.”

“Like the Chiefs of Staff?” Lê said.

Too close. Far too close to home. “Like the ICDC.”

Lê drew back, a perplexed frown on his face. Good. A completely unexpected, out-of-left-field answer had the advantage that it must be true, because why would someone lie in that manner? And in this case, there was just enough truth in the statement to give Moore’s body language reinforcement.

The captain pondered for a few moments, then nodded. “Provisionally, I will continue to follow orders. However, I reserve the right to seek clarification if this goes un-shiny.”

“Understood, Captain.”

It would have to do.

* * *

“Radar? Any activity?”

“Nothing, sir. It’s just sitting there.”

Moore nodded in approval at Lê’s regular checks. The captain might be ambivalent about his orders, but he was still a good officer and held the safety of his command paramount.