Carinae Sector: 01 - Traders' Scourge - Part 2 - Maveen Offer Read Free Page B

by both men as an outstanding medical academic and politician. Fiona was just commenting to Stuart about a call she had received from England two hours previously.
    ‘King William has expressed concern with the situation and has asked to be updated as important developments arise. He has spoken also to the British Prime Minister to convey his distaste at the unilateral actions of the Americans in attacking those space ships. He felt that the British PM would also take that up with the US Ambassador.’
    Stuart briefly stated that ‘That this is all that anyone could expect’ and continued into another report, as the prime minister looked over a report from HMAS Sydney and commented.
    ‘So, Commander Walker is reporting that the aliens have been met by a civilian ship.’
    He paused and looked at the report and went on again.
    ‘The Aurora Discovery is operated by a Steve Greene and his wife Samantha, and his brother in-law Dan Edwards. The Commander goes on to state that Steve was until recently a RAN Commander. Wilson, can you please get me the service record of this fellow?  I know a little about him but do not actually know him.’
    The assistant hurriedly excused herself and left to get the requested report from the navy offices, as Fiona Wilkes now put down a folder and commented.
    ‘Ian, I taught Samantha Edwards in Melbourne before the pandemic. I had heard she left the Army reserve, and recently married a RAN Commander who she worked with in Malaysia.’
    Ian arched an eyebrow as he considered the news and replied.
    ‘So a former navy officer and a medical team marvel. Fiona, things are looking better already. Stuart, do you see any problems with former defence force personnel being involved in this situation?’
    Stuart considered the question thoughtfully and did not reply immediately. The media occasionally alluded to the opposition leader being dim witted, but he had a keen mind even if being nearly bald with large ears did not help his image either. Stuart gave both Ian and Fiona a polite smile that they unconsciously returned as he spoke at length.
    ‘Well Ian, as you know not being defence force personnel means that the couple can be appointed as envoys or civilian mission leaders, and that other leaders can endorse or support their leadership. Also we can always ask Mr Greene to resume his navy rank if necessary at a later stage. I then noticed that a well known biologist, Dan Edwards, Samantha’s brother is also onboard with several former RAN personnel. Now if we can get those four US science team members in Perth up to the Abrolhos, we have the start of a science mission to research those aliens.’
    With Fiona nodding in agreement, Ian considered the logic of his political opponent to be on similar lines to what he was thinking and politely voiced the same.
    ‘Glad to hear we are all thinking the same thing, a good point, and my thanks Stuart about those US scientists. Gregson, can you please get me a line to the US President?’
    Stuart gave Ian a polite nod at his thank you. As another assistant rushed out of the Prime Ministers office, the three senior political figures fine tuned the urgent request that Ian would place in front of the US President.
     
                                                                ***
     

Chapter 2
     
    Captain Narindestat strode down the rear gangway of the Trader ship and determinedly took several steps onto the white sand. He paused to study the underneath of his ship before issuing a series of orders.
    ‘I want a pair of suited and armed guards at the bottom of the ramp at all times. I want four hose teams going over the hull from the outside, and we will progressively drop and raise ships shields in the sections they are working on. I want the fuel production process to continue as fast as possible.’
    Several crew members followed him onto the island, before the captain knelt and stirred the