Nowhere to Hide by Saxon Andrew Read Free Book Online Page A

anger was abating. “We did not see what eventually killed our ships but we now know that invading that galaxy is going to be fraught with danger and we will probably endure losses to take it.”
    The Grandfather swelled, “It’s been too long since we’ve encountered a galaxy that caused us harm. I’ll discuss this with the Council and get back to you on what to do next. How much longer will it be before your entire family is ready?”
    “Four months.”
    “I’m going to suggest that other families send their surplus of ships to you. You’ll need to work them into your ranks.”
    “Who will be in command?”
    “I’ll let you know.”
    “That is going to take some time to work them in and give them their assignments.”
    “I understand. I’ll give you the time you’ll need to get ready.”
    “Thank you for your kindness, Grandfather.” The display went dark and the Father hoped he would remain in command. He didn’t want to be considered a rival to a new commander but knew that was going to happen if someone else was chosen to lead. He thought about it and hoped the Grandfather’s wouldn’t put a new leader in whose forces were not as large as his own; it would cause too much resentment in the Family. He focused on the issue and decided that they would probably send an advisor who he would be forced to listen to. Whoever it was would have the council’s ear and that was actually worse than a new commander. Anything that went wrong would be placed on his back.
    He looked at his plans to attack the galaxy and swept them off the table. He couldn’t make any plans without the one chosen by the council’s input. He thought about it and decided that this would buy his family more time before they were forced to invade. On second thought, the council may insist his plans be followed to avoid further delay. He looked at the scattered plans on the floor and called in six children to pick them up and reorganize them. He would just have to wait and see what was going to happen. He smiled and decided to add ten thousand pages of support data to the document. That should tilt things his way; at the very least it would delay the attack.
    ***
    Kregen looked at the two new officers sitting at the conference table and wondered about their ability. He knew Marissa would handle her end but the other two were so young. The numbers of Attack Ships had grown so fast that he could no longer control the vast number. He needed good flag officers to get them organized and trained. Were these two youngsters ready for a star? He looked at Marissa, “You’ve chosen these two to command the next two fleets?”
    “They show the most talent at using the new ship, Sir.”
    Kregen looked at Annie Newsome and Ryan Fox and wondered if they had what it took to command large units. He turned to them and told them how he felt, “I’m not certain the two of you are ready to command large numbers of ships.”
    Annie looked at him and had a smirk on her face as Ryan said, “I’m not sure about that either.”
    Annie looked quickly at Ryan and was obviously surprised at his remark. Kregen stared at Ryan, “It was your squadron that was selected to take out the probes in the last battle. You must be doing something right with your pilots.”
    “They are motivated to prove they’re better than any other unit, Sir.”
    Annie quickly said, “My wing could take them.” Ryan looked at Annie and smiled. Kregen said, “What do you think about that, Captain?”
    Ryan looked at Kregen, “It’s good she has that confidence in her unit, Sir.”
    “Could she do it?”
    “Probably not.”
    Annie’s brow furrowed, “We can do it anytime you want to give it a go.”
    Kregen smiled and saw an opportunity to see what these two were made of, “I think I’d like to see that. The two of you will prepare your squadrons for a war game in three days. You’ll be given the boundary coordinates you will have to stay inside and the starting time. Load