Torian Reclamation 3: Test of Fortitude by Andy Kasch Read Free Book Online

own personal recorded video along with Belle-ub’s messenger, officially welcoming them.”
    “Why would you do that?”
    “To see if I could further confirm my suspicions.”
    “And their failure to show did that?”
    “In an undeniable way,” Olut6 said. “The Dirgs are the only race along this outer edge that continues to visit us.”
    “Well, the Dirgs are now a close friend and military ally of Tora.”
    “Correct.” Olut6 pointed his cigar at the screen. “Which is exactly why I suspect they’ll be the next target of the dark enemy.”
    Brandon cocked his head at that statement. Olut6 turned from the screen enough to notice it.
    “Look, Brandon. I’ve been sending reconnaissance missions to various spots in this region for the past year—sometimes a squadron of ITF1’s, sometimes fully-armed transport fleets—to make appearances, sense reactions, and generally scout things out. Conditions are not what I consider normal for advanced races anywhere except Dirg.”
    “How so, General?”
    “Too quiet. These worlds on the screen in red, the ones that stopped coming to the tournament. I can send a dozen transport ships escorted by three squadrons of ITF1’s in a slow approach right up into orbit and get no reaction. No fighters scramble, no one comes out to greet us or see what we want. The only one of these worlds that continues to assume a defensive posture upon approach is Azaar.”
    “The infection,” Brandon muttered.
    Olut6 turned to fully face Brandon. “I find it unlikely game addiction is responsible for all this.”
    “I don’t, General.”
    “I know how you feel about it. But the fact is these worlds have all had the game for decades, yet still remained at least somewhat active in their space programs, including participation in the first tournaments on Amulen.”
    “It can’t be anything but,” Brandon said. “I can sense it. I know it. As long as this game continues, the danger to the galaxy remains. The rebuilding of Amulen rests on a fragile foundation. And the infection remains at Banor’s doorstep.”
    “Brandon, where did polwar originate from?”
    Brandon looked back at the screen. “We’ve always assumed Azaar.”
    “Is that what you believe? What you sense?”
    Brandon eyes went out of focus. “No. It comes from an evil force somewhere.”
    “Now that, you may be surprised to learn, I fully agree with.” Olut6 stood up. “Let’s go. The governor and his guest are expecting us.”
    Brandon followed Olut6 out of his office and through the newly-refurbished REEP bunker. As they waited for the special lift that led to the governor’s manor, Brandon looked around.
    “General, I must commend you on the job you’ve done here. I feel safer than I ever have before—not only on this station, but at my home as well. Should the dark enemy return, I’m certain they’ll find you well-prepared.”
    “Humph.” Olut6 took his still-unlit cigar out of his mouth. “If they come back, they’ll find our defenses a lot tougher, that’s for sure—and they’ll have their hands full with dozens of new ITF1’s to contend with, not to mention a conventional fighter fleet twice the size of the last one they met. Plus a few more surprises.”
    “Interesting,” Brandon said.
    “Why is that? You’re already privy to most of our military secrets.” The lift arrived and Olut6 stepped inside. Brandon followed him in.
    “Interesting you said they’d meet a conventional fighter fleet twice that of the last one they fought here. Since we’ve tripled it in size, that must mean you have one-third of our conventional military forces deployed in foreign space. And I’m guessing it’s along the outer rim.”
    Olut6 pushed a button in the lift and they started moving, ever-so-gently.
    “You’re making misguided assumptions based on my impulsive choice of words. I wouldn’t do that. Not wise. But please consider your misguided assumptions classified.”
    Brandon only smiled in