Alpha One: The Kronan by Chris Burton Read Free Book Online

redrafted to assist. We are also bringing Academy officer candidates and NCO’s through faster. We are at stage two battle deployments. If we reach three I will request that ECG play a day to day part.”
    “Fine, I will alert my cabinet. I agree, we should be looking to get the final year academy personnel graduated and into active service as soon as possible—with the obvious caveat that they will not be deployed in full combat, unless absolutely necessary. We are going to have to brace ourselves for huge losses aren’t we?”
    “Yes, potentially. If we take our level of deployment to stage three, then we may need to request additional funding resources.”
    “I would expect that and we have a contingency. How is the Fleet Construction Wing? Are they still bogged down with repairs or back into full production?”
    “About ten percent of the fleet is still in dock, either undergoing or pending repairs. Fleet construction is now up to fifty percent and within a couple of weeks should be at seventy-five percent capacity. Rapier and Sabre construction is at maximum. We need the Jump Ships turned around very quickly.”
    The two leaders continued their discussions as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Undetected the Warrior droid transmitted a transcript of the discussions through its communication portal. The content of their discussions would soon go global.

Chapter Eleven
Invasion Imminent

    The ‘infected’ warrior’s communication reached the editor of the World Observer news company seconds later. He expected it and the content was gold dust!
    Security protocol and legislation would normally prevent his or any media organization from broadcasting copy of this nature, but this was too important, too incredible not to release
.
The Editors conscience and his personal liberty were irrelevant—this was something the public needed to know. He would release this personally in his editorial.
    Within an hour of receiving the droid transmission, the editorial was live. The impact was instantaneous. Within two hours, the ECG Cabinet was called for an urgent meeting and the Admiralty Bench met in emergency session.
    “How on Earth did the President’s security protocols breach?”
    “We don’t know. It’s possible the droid protection systems malfunctioned, or a passing cruise ship listened in. Roslyn is obviously reviewing his security protocols. The important point here is to prevent widespread panic and to ensure that Alpha’s integrity is not compromised. I am sure Admiral Koenig will consider it a priority to address this bench.”
    The Admiral’s chamber was chaotic—the usual restrained order replaced by interruption and shouting from both sides of the bench and the usual calls for the replacement of Admiral Koenig who was clearly now “the president’s drone”.
    Admiral Clarke waited patiently for the chair to restore calm before standing once again.
    “Everyone at this bench is aware that the wormhole is reopened. The Intel on the SED and the shield systems have been available for some weeks. Admiral Koenig has had a frank discussion with Roslyn but there is no new content for the bench to review. We need to have a debate on this issue, of course, and Admiral Koenig is ready to brief you. We must avoid overstating the problem.”
    “Overstating the problem. Our own CIC has pretty much told the whole planet that he thinks Alpha, SED and the shields will fail. Even if that is not the case, this is a disastrous PR situation. There is widespread panic. The public are craving for Roslyn to assume control. This is a disaster, Koenig has to go!”
    As the back bench admiral gave way, Admiral Torrance stood up.
    “I propose a no-confidence motion in our CIC. We need a leader who protects the integrity of Alpha, as well as lead us into battle. Koenig is a military man, not a politician. He should be out there leading the fleet, not politicking with the President.”
    The general uproar continued, with two