Lens of Time by Saxon Andrew Read Free Book Online Page B

first ship to clear the force field. It could have also destroyed them by launching earlier. Can you think of a reason why it did that?”
    The Leader was silent and after a minute the Operator said, “That question is problematic. If it was here to test our defenses, it should have killed the second ship.”
    “But it didn’t.”
    “No, it did not and I think the reason behind that is significant. I don’t see what it could have been but we need to examine it and try to understand why.”
    “Continue keeping us safe. I will take this up with the Council.”
    “Please let me know if you come up with a reason. I can’t get this out of my mind.”
    “I’ll be sure to let you know.”

Chapter Five
    R V looked at Mikal and smiled, “You did an outstanding job, Captain.”
    “We were lucky you were there waiting on us. I wasn’t able to shake those three ships.”
    “You at least managed to reduce the number chasing down to three.”
    “The fact three survived the pursuit through the radiation jet says a lot about their force field technology.”
    RV stopped smiling and said, “You’re right. Their ships are ahead of us technologically. We’re fortunate to have the ultrabeams.”
    “We will be successful against them but our allies will die if they confront that civilization.”
    RV had to agree. His own fleets would lose massive numbers if they had to fight that civilization. However, the new ultrabeams would allow them to at least give as good as they got. RV said, “We did not receive your feed from the attack. It appears it was blocked by the ships you attacked. I’ve examined the records and I notice you did not destroy the second ship you penetrated. Was there a reason for that, Captain Barber?”
    Loree remained silent and Mikal said, “I told her not to fire on it, Sir.”
    “You did?”
    “Yes Sir.”
    “Why?”
    “Have you viewed the most recent reports from the Hive and Horde about the attacks being done by the Majors?”
    “I have not. What does this have to do with your refusal to fire on that ship?”
    “I believe that we were being a predator in this situation and were wrong to attack them.”
    RV’s eyes narrowed and he lowered his chin to stare at Mikal. “Is that so?”
    “If you would take a look at the historical records the Hive Controller sent to us, you would see that the Nexu have not taken part in any of the subsequent attacks of civilizations after they’ve been weakened. They appear to stay in their territory and keep all trespassers out. Now we jump a ship in to attack them. They did not take part in the battle with the Majors but we choose to attack them because of their advanced technological level. Isn’t that the same thing the predators do? Find civilizations with advancing technology and attack them. Explain to me how we’re any different in what we just did? I realized after we killed the first ship that we were not right in doing what we did. Killing another ship served no purpose. We learned what we needed to know with the first.”
    RV stared at Mikal and then looked at Cyanna, “Ask for a meeting with President Sierra. Send our two Captains to meet with him to update him on what we’ve learned.”
    Mikal looked at Loree and she saw he was nervous. RV looked at him, “Tell the President why you didn’t fire on the other ship. Then report back to me and tell me what he says.”
    Mikal started to say something but RV interrupted, “That’s all, Captain. You may leave now.” Mikal quickly saluted and then left the conference room with Loree.
    Cyanna looked at RV and he said, “He’s right.”
    “What are we going to do about it?”
    “If you make a mistake, you should correct it. Let’s see what George has to say and then we’ll decide.”
    • • •
    A week later George sent a message to RV; he read it, and then went to the conference room and contacted George, “So you see it like I do?”
    George slowly nodded, “I do. I wish you had been here