AMP Blitzkrieg Read Free Page A

captured. If you have had dealings with them you may want to keep that fact in mind."
    The Dakari Admirals dismissed me as they discussed their options. I was called back into the room 15 minutes later. "Mr. Grange, the decision has been made to forward your request to Regents Tower. We will be checking out the information you have provided. If any of that proves true, that information will be forwarded on to the Council. But if the information you have provided is false in any way Mr. Grange, expect the inquiries to be over."
    I thanked the Admirals and assured them that the information was accurate. I was then escorted to a third ship where the ride was again spent in a holding cell with little to no external stimulus. I found myself happy to face the Council if for no other reason than to no longer be in a cell.
    Regents Towers was named after a dust cloud formation that was visible in the night skies over the planet Hegomy. It was a stunning view as I rode in a small transport from the space dock to Council of the Wise building in the city central. Wassing was a city of blue skyscrapers with sculptured decks protruding from many a room. The people in and around the Council were neatly dressed and courteous. My time for questioning had come.
    "Council members and associated guests, we have before us a representative of the nation of Defiant. He is offering cooperation in the war against the Torrians and the Milgari. He also offers trade relations and the sharing of intelligence. Two sub-inquiries have been conducted with only a single negative vote. The first order of the day will be a speech by the Human after which the floor will be opened for questions. Please extend your normal courtesies."
    I stepped up to a podium before 120 council members and an audience of more than 500 guests. I placed my hands on the podium and leaned in to an oddly shaped microphone. An assistant quickly grabbed my upper arm and pulled me gently backward. Another then stepped up to the podium.
    "We apologize for any inconvenience but this has been ordered as a closed door meeting. The Council will be meeting with our guest in private. Please exit the guest chambers in a kind and courteous fashion. Thank you."
    My opening speech was delayed by 20 minutes as the chamber cleared. When the doors had been closed the assistant gestured for me to return to the microphone. I stepped up and once again placed my hands on the podium.
    "Councilmen of the Dakari Expansion, I stand before you today in the spirit of freedom, the freedom for our peoples to live their lives in peace, the freedom to determine our own destinies. We have a common enemy, the Torrians and their henchmen the Milgari, an enemy that has taken much from each of us, an enemy that has committed atrocities beyond the pale."
    I continued to make my case for another 15 minutes before resting and stating my closing argument. "… And because of this I stand before this great chamber today. Our people need your assistance. In return we offer ours. This constant threat to both of our peoples must come to an end. Through the spirit of cooperation, I believe this enemy can be defeated once and for all. I believe that freedom and prosperity await both of our peoples once that common goal has been achieved. I thank you for providing me with this opportunity before you. Please ask any questions you may have, I will do my best to answer them in to the best of my ability. Again, thank you."
    The chamber was silent. The assistant then stood at the podium to direct the questioning. "Please use your designators to add your name to the queue. The questions will be asked in the order received. Please be courteous and limit the questions to a single succinct question. Our time limit for today’s session has been suspended given its gravity. All normal chamber rules apply. The questioning today will begin with Councilman Walther Maldoon…"

Chapter 2

    Walther Maldoon… he was as ornery and outspoken as