Star Crusades Nexus: Book 05 - Prophecy of Fire Read Free Page A

that we cannot begin to match in terms of our own technology. From the information given to us by the T’Kari, it would take over a millennia to build enough conventional Rifts in sequence to get from Helios to the Biomech homeworld. Because of this vast range, the Rift generator equipment requires vast reserves of power to open, and is incredibly volatile. It can only be opened within a short range of the guard station, and with the express permission and access data from one of the five Powers.”
    Admiral Jackson ignored the General’s previous retort.
    “On top of that, the defensive measures are impressive. Any Rift within a light year can be collapsed in less than seven seconds, with the destruction of anything in it. According to the logs of the Helions, the Biomechs have never attempted the creation of a Rift back to Helios.
    The Secretary of Defense seemed a little more relaxed at this information, but General Rivers couldn’t see why. None of it was new, other than the comet and the threat it presented.
    “Why not? Surely it would be worth trying from time to time.”
    General Rivers lifted his hand slightly.
    “If I may,” he started. “The T’Kari say the station build by the Narau is more than just a way of controlling the Rift to the Biomechs. It is a doomsday weapon, one that has never been used. It can render the area of space useless for at least a millennia if they choose to trigger the device. This is the threat that stops the Biomechs from coming.”
    Admiral Jackson nodded in complete agreement.
    “This is true. The Biomechs are an ever-present threat. Their ability to encourage support from many directions is impressive. We have seen ships in other parts of space that are loyal to them, and this comet has arrived at just the time when the Helions prophesied the return of the Enemy. This is the matter that concerns me the most, and I feel the comet and the safety of this sector are the same thing.”
    The Secretary of Defense looked at his watch and sighed before looking back at him.
    “Yes, why?”
    “What if this prophecy isn’t the Biomechs, but instead is for the comet itself? It could potentially destroy Helios and with it the only military power in this sector. If Helios falls, a Biomech assault could soon follow, and can we rely on the others to help?”
    Even as he said the words, it was clear this was what the man had been thinking about all along. He gave a grim, barely visible smirk as General Rivers finished making his thought known.
    “So why did we only just hear about this threat, if it was so important? Surely your commanders in the Navy are capable of spotting dangers in space, isn’t that what we pay you for?”
    Admiral Jackson rose to his feet, but General Rivers lowered his hands to get him to remain seated.
    “I think we all know the value of the Navy, Mr. Secretary, and technically only the private sector workers pay for our armed forces. We are all public servants, paid for by the public purse.”
    He walked over to the image of the comet.
      “I’ll answer you again, Mr. Secretary, but the facts haven’t changed. Everybody, including us, missed this object, but all of this is irrelevant. We are here to discuss the security implications for Helios, the Orion Nebula, and the Alliance, and I think it is clear from the thoughts of the Joint Chiefs that the comet is a clear and present danger.”
    The Defense Secretary rose to his feet to leave without saying a word. He moved to the door, turning back to look at them.
    “General, it is time. The President awaits our briefing and neither this comet, nor the Black Rift itself, respects our schedules.”
    The two men left the room, and the two scientists followed shortly after, leaving the three Joint Chiefs behind on their own. General Hammerstein was the first to speak as the three considered what had been said.
    “Is it me or is the Secretary of Defense becoming a little obsessed over just one point in