Defying the Prophet: A Military Space Opera (The Sentience Trilogy Book 2) Read Free Page A

preoccupied with “important war matters,” declining even direct appeals made by the British ambassador several times.  
    Even professional diplomats eventually get tired of constantly having smoke blown up their ass, placated by verbal sleight-of-hand, so the British peace delegation finally conceded their mission was a failure and disgustedly prepared to leave Waston. One final, bon voyage meeting with the Secretary of State revealed a far different attitude to the stunned British diplomats. The Union’s recent victories at Tensee had emboldened Kenwood into taking off the mask. The United Stellar Alliance had absolutely no interest in discussing “peace” with the Confederacy with them, or anyone else — they were winning.
    * * * *

 
    Chapter-3
    Talent hits a target no one else can hit.  Genius hits a target no one else can see.  — Arthur Schopenhauer
The Planetoid Discol, City of Waston
May, 3862
    “Have Rico drag Bat along to all of our staff meetings from now on,” said Admiral Douglass Campbell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
    “Couldn’t hurt. Bat, sure as shit, nailed that surprise attack on Loggins at 2 nd Tensee with that weird sixth-sense of his,” answered Admiral Simon Bradley, Chief of Fleet Operations.
    “And see if you can find out who the hell killed Bat’s promotion, while you’re at it, will ya? Wouldn’t do for a couple of four-stars to be seen taking advice from a mere commander.”
    “You think someone has it in for Bat, sir?”
    “Somebody is sure as hell shipping a lot of classified information down South. Who else around here has the paranormal abilities it’s gonna take to smoke the bastard out? If I were actively betraying my country, Bat Masterson is the last person I’d want sniffing around behind me.” 
    “I’ll get right on it. Might also give us a hint as to who’s playing it fast and loose with all this stolen info.”
    * * * *
The Planet Ginia, City of Rikmon
    The new Commander-in-Chief of all Confederate military forces immediately ordered Admiral Eileen Thorn to take TF-20 and TF-22 of 2 nd Fleet to Missip, to reinforce and take overall command of what was left of 3 rd Fleet. Kalis also ordered Vice Admiral Carpenter, still loitering at Tucky, to bring his TF-31 back to Ginia, where he could keep his thumb on the boy. Carpenter hadn’t done anything technically wrong, as he’d adhered to chain-of-command to the letter. But Kalis needed officers who could think beyond the book, when situations warranted it — and if ever a situation warranted doing what was right , instead of what was technically correct, it had been Tensee.
    Kalis also had another problem beyond the loss of strategically important Tensee.  Christopher Rawley’s death was a staggering blow to Kalis’ command structure. Rawley had been a truly gifted combat commander. There was no replacing him, but if anyone could salvage something out of the Tensee debacle, it was Eileen Thorn. 
    Another problem facing Kalis was that his computer friend Bozo had sent word the Federals were again amassing another “Grand Fleet,” with intentions of assaulting Ginia once again.  He needed to distract the Yankees — give them something else to think about besides Ginia for a while. Kalis initially intended to send Thorn on this diversion mission, but after learning of Chris Rawley’s death, he’d no choice but to send Eileen to sort out that mess out west that the president’s meddling had created. 
    Kalis wondered if Chris’ protégé… what was his name again? Ah yes, there it is: Ben Stillman…  I wonder if Stillman learned anything from his time with Chris and Eileen? Both spoke highly of him. I guess it’s time to find out if Mr. Stillman will step up.
    Kalis had no one else he could spare. 
    * * * *
    Admiral Simon Bradley, Chief of Fleet Operations walked next door and stuck his head into the office of his Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Enrico Melendez.
    “”Rico, grab Bat and