Three Square Meals Ch. 062

He stopped to consider her words, and was forced to admit that she knew him pretty well. He would have reacted exactly as she described if she'd started barking orders at him. Still there was one last nagging doubt that he had.

"What if this is a trap?" he asked her, his tone conveying his doubts. "If we get ambushed, we'll be stuck in Kintark territory, and left to fend for ourselves."

"You're wise to be cautious," she admitted. Sounding optimistic she continued, "However I'm sure the intel is good. It all fits in with the pattern of raids and assaults we've been subjected to recently, and I'm confident the Prelate isn't lying to us."

Something about the way she said that made John suspect that Prelate Jarganth had been the subject of quite insistent persuasion techniques. Glancing at Alyssa and Calara, he replied to the Admiral, "Can you give me a moment to confer with my crew, Gabrielle. Most of them are civilians, so I'll need to discuss it with them before I give you my decision."

"Of course, John. Take as much time as you need," she replied indulgently.

Alyssa muted the comm channel, and John blew out his breath before he asked, "Alright girls, what do you think?"

Calara had already brought up the Sector Map, and was currently examining Kintark territory. Before the recent conflict, the Kintark Empire had open borders with the Terran Federation, and a significant amount of trade had been done by enterprising merchants. The Kintark systems were fairly well mapped, and the Latina had already zoomed in on a compact Nebula a short distance into Kintark Space.

"I bet the base is in the 'Mar'Katrach Nebula'," she said, pointing to it on the map. "It would be the perfect staging ground for mustering a fleet to launch an attack into the Dragon March."

"With our long-range sensors, we'll be able to steer well clear of any Kintark forces," Alyssa said, looking thoughtful. "Considering how fast we are, they'd never be able to get close enough to interdict us."

"Until we enter the Nebula where the sensors won't work," John reminded her.

Alyssa winked at him, and said, "Actually, Dana said that's not strictly true; for us at any rate. Terran and Kintark sensors would be disrupted so badly they'll be useless, but our sensors are radically advanced, and we'll just lose some of our range."

He nodded thoughtfully, then looked around at the girls on the Bridge, and asked, "Does anyone have any strong feelings either way?"

"I'm happy to go wherever you take us!" Faye exclaimed with a cheerful smile.

Alyssa smiled at the tiny creature, and said, "Dana, Rachel, and Irillith all feel the same way."

"I'll follow you anywhere," Jade said emphatically, her eyes full of reverence for him.

Calara nodded, but she also said, "I definitely think we should do this. If the intel is good, we'll cripple the Kintark's ability to quickly resupply near the Dragon March." She gave him a confident smile as she added, "Even if it turns out to be a trap... it'll take at least a battleship to provide any real challenge for me and the Invictus."

"How about you, XO," he asked Alyssa.

"I agree with you," she said gazing into his eyes. "We don't want to get embroiled in this war, but we've got a lot invested in the Terran side, and if we can make a difference we should help. Besides, it shouldn't prove dangerous considering how powerful the Invictus is now, and we can always escape if we have to..."

"And it brings us one step closer to the Fleet Admiral, whilst earning us some goodwill with Admiral Lynton," John finished for her, revealing the last of his own thoughts. Turning his mind to the last of his advisors, he asked, *Edraele, what's your opinion?*

*I can't disagree with your reasoning,* she replied, although her tone was full of caution. *But be very careful dealing with these Admirals. You can't get to this kind of rank without being accomplished at manipulating people. You'll probably find there are factions vying for power within the Admiralty, and until you find out the lay of the land, you might accidentally end up making enemies amongst the different power groupings. It sounds like Admiral Lynton initially thought you were Admiral Devereux's pawn, and she could be trying to usurp her influence over you.*

He nodded, then said, "Thanks everyone for the vote of confidence and the sound advice." He glanced at Alyssa, and added, "You can reopen the call."

"Hello again, John," Admiral Lynton said to him as soon as the secure comm channel was open again. Her tone was hopeful as she asked, "Have you made your decision?"

"I have," he replied decisively. "We'll destroy this base for you."