Shadows of the Gods: Crimson Worlds Refugees II by Jay Allan Read Free Book Online Page B

well then…it is decided. Now, before we adjourn…I know there is much work to be done before the expedition departs. I would like to remind everyone just how potentially dangerous this mission will be. Hieronymus, I know you are anxious to discover as much as possible about the First Imperium, but I caution you—no, I order you—to exert the utmost caution. You must be very careful what you disturb and take every effort not to trigger any warnings or alarms that may still be functional.” That’s a potential advantage of a wartorn world. With any luck, systems like that were long ago destroyed .
    “Yes, Admiral. I understand.”
    “And you, Commander.” His eyes moved to Barcomme. “I know you are charged with producing a massive amount of food very quickly, but I must caution against the use of too much energy. This entire operation rests on the edge of a knife. If an enemy vessel should pass through the system and detect power generation, the fate of the expedition will be likely be sealed.” He had a hitch in his throat, a momentary reaction as he thought about the danger she was walking into. “And with it the fleet’s…for we wait on the success of your efforts, upon which hinge our hopes for survival.”
    “I understand, Terrance.” She slipped and used his first name, but if anyone noticed or thought it was odd, they didn’t let on. “We will be careful.”
    “Good.” Compton stared down the table, to the hulking form at the opposite end. “Colonel Preston?”
    “Yes, sir!” Preston replied, his voice cracking like a whip. James Preston was a Marine, through and through, and he looked and sounded every bit the part.
    “I want you to command the ground forces. You will leave four companies for shipboard duty, and take the rest of the Marines with you.” The fleet had some other ground forces, an understrength orta of Janissaries, some Europan and RIC mobile forces. But Compton had faith in his own Marines, and this operation was too important to make decisions based on anything but tactical ability. A homogeneous force of Marines would operate better in a crisis situation than some multi-national conglomeration designed to salve the egos of the fleet’s nationalities. Compton had seen the Marines in action many times, and if anyone could keep his people on the ground safe—keep Sophie safe—it was Preston and his leathernecks.
    “Yes, Admiral.” Then, a few seconds later, “Don’t worry, sir. The Marines will see it done. Whatever happens.”
    “I have no doubt of that, Colonel.” He looked at Barcomme then at Cutter. “Colonel Preston will be in overall command of the expedition. I want both of you to understand this…his orders are final, and they are to be obeyed without question…as if they are coming from my own lips. Understood?”
    “Yes,” Barcomme replied. “Understood.”
    Compton stared at Cutter. “Hieronymus?”
    “Yes,” the scientist replied, a little more grudgingly than Barcomme. “Understood.”
     
    *    *    *
     
    “Max, thank you for coming. I know it’s late. Come in…sit.” Compton was seated at a chair just inside the door. The room was mostly dark, just a single fixture on a dim setting throwing off any light at all. Max Harmon stood in the doorway, a dark shadow against the bright illumination from the corridor.
    Harmon stepped into the room, and the door slid shut behind him. “Of course, sir. Whatever you need.” He stood at attention, just inside the room.
    “For the love of God, Max, sit. I’m getting tired just looking at you standing there like that.” Compton had called Harmon in the middle of the night, something he knew was not conducive to his recent campaign to get his aide to relax more. But he’d made a decision, and he wanted to tell Harmon. He’d expressly told the aide not to worry about what he was wearing, just to come however he was. But somehow, Harmon looked ready for a parade inspection, his uniform spotless and