Nova Read Free

concerned
that the Karukai are not the only players, that they are extending alliances to
other groups.” Captain Serros stated. “Plus, there are other considerations. Firstly,
Humans want representation due to our recent experience of the Margrom War. This
is especially true because no tactical analyst that can write out her own title
in five minutes or less, believes that hostilities have ended between the Karukai
Imperium and the Quorum Aligned Systems.”
    “Inevitable is the appropriate word to use.” Commander Perez
commented, tone grim.
    “Exactly.” The Captain confirmed. “The Quorum would want a Shield
Operative to directly address the situation for this reason alone. Secondly,
given our experience during the Margrom War, Nova Squad would be a natural
choice.”
    “Don’t forget to add your specific actions during the War, Captain
Serros, and your total track record as a whole.” Delegate Sweetwater
interjected.
    “Yes, well, like any intelligent buyer, the Quorum prefers a
known quantity.” The Captain remarked, shrugging off the Delegate’s words, uncomfortable
with but much too savvy to fully dispute Sweetwater’s assessment. He almost
laughed out loud, knowing her dislike of public fuss only too well.
    “Thirdly,” Serros continued, “given that the rogue agent is Vosaia, my guess is that they want one of their own involved who’s a Shield Operative.
Especially given the… sensitivity between the Vosaia and Karukai
peoples. Delegate?”
    “Locked, Captain Serros.” Sweetwater confirmed, offering an
appreciative chuckle. “You are the designated lead on the mission, a specific
point that the Quorum wanted for all of the reasons we’ve already discussed. Politically,
it’s simply more comfortable not to have a Vosaia be the lead
investigating a Vosaia traitor.”
    “Make’s sense, I suppose.” Commander Perez remarked.
    “Your second in this mission is Quorum Shield Operative Major
Goyan Hadarr.”  Delegate Sweetwater informed, shifting a bit as he spoke. “She
unearthed the intelligence on the Vosaia traitor, and will not only provide
mission support but, as an active Vosaia STF before becoming a Shield Operative,
Major Hadarr will afford necessary data regarding the target.”
    “I’ve heard the name.” Captain Serros acknowledged. “Not
sure I’ve liked everything I’ve heard.” Her eyes flared like sunlight blooming during
the dead of night as she looked to the Delegate for answers. For his read.
    And trusting him to be honest.
    Sweetwater controlled an internal sigh. He knew Captain
Avara Serros very well, knew her to be the most exceptionally gifted commander
and soldier he’d ever met. Hell , he’d helped to scout and train her when
she’d been just a Cadet. Decades later, Sweetwater had been the first to back
Avara’s proposal to the Quorum to create her own team after the disastrous
outcome of the Cindrex Affair.
    Sweetwater also understood what kind of person she was and
why this question was critical to other, less obvious mission objectives. Quorum
Delegate Jameson Sweetwater knew he had to address her concerns, here and now .
    “You are aware, better than most, how tenuous the state of
the Quorum Aligned Systems currently is.” Sweetwater began. “As you yourself
just pointed out, the rising threat of Karukai expansion is both real and immanent.
Simultaneously, there is another consideration adding significant weight to the
matter at hand. Specifically, a certain political trend that, given our
situation with the Karukai, make’s creating positive relations and alliances
with all Quorum worlds and the Vosaia in particular to be absolutely
crucial.”
    “The proponents of Unification within the Vosaia Consulate.”
Captain Serros proclaimed softly.
    “Exactly.” Sweetwater confirmed with a nod. “The Vosaia are
the natural enemies of the Karukai and one of the most valuable allies if and when
hostilities break out. We need the Vosaia to be fully on