Free TFS Theseus: The Terran Fleet Command Saga – Book 2 by Tori Harris Page A

headlong into membership in the Pelaran Alliance. Personally, I have a hard time understanding that position, since we don’t yet have any idea what membership in such an alliance would entail.”
    “Humph,” Naftur grunted. “I believe I might be able to shed some light on that question as well, in just a moment. And yes, if I have any say in the matter, Sajeth Collective forces will not attempt an attack on the Guardian without your prior knowledge. Returning now to the topic of charting a path forward, we must develop some sort of contingency plan for how we will proceed over the coming days and weeks. If, for example, I am either unable to locate the Resistance task force or unable to stop their attack on Earth even after locating their vessels, the manner in which we mount our defense of your world could have grave consequences for relations with the Sajeth Collective.”
    “Forgive me, Admiral Naftur, but I’m not sure I follow. Since we are the ones being attacked, why should the method of our defense be a concern for us?” Sexton asked under raised eyebrows.
    “Your question is one of justice and fairness, Admiral Sexton, which is understandable. Unfortunately, such concepts have little bearing on the outcome of the current situation. Although the Resistance task force is not officially sanctioned by the Sajeth Collective, I fear the Governing Council has reached a tipping point — one that will determine their official stance towards relations with Terra going forward. I can assure you that both the Resistance and its sympathizers within the Sajeth Collective do not anticipate that their task force will encounter any Human military resistance during their attack on Earth. They believe the Guardian spacecraft itself represents the planet’s only significant defense, which they hope to decoy and/or avoid altogether during their attack. Furthermore, during the battle at Gliese 667, we did not detect the launch of any communications drones before the Resistance ships were destroyed. So I believe we can safely assume that they were unable to warn the task force of Ingenuity’s offensive capabilities.” Naftur paused, drawing in a deep breath and exhaling slowly before continuing. “Having witnessed Ingenuity in battle for myself, as well as some of the forces preparing to defend your world, I now believe that Terran Fleet Command might well be capable of destroying the Resistance forces outright. My fear is that such a victory will do little more than serve as a pretext for a wider war.”
    “Surely you don’t mean to imply that we don’t have the right to defend ourselves against this unprovoked aggression,” Sexton asked, beginning to feel frustrated at where the conversation seemed to be heading.
    “Not at all. Indeed, it is your duty to do so. What I believe we must consider, however, is how the complete destruction of Resistance forces might actually serve to strengthen their cause within the Sajeth Collective. Some within the Governing Council will see Earth’s unexpected military capabilities, and their willingness to use those capabilities to destroy Sajeth Collective vessels,” Naftur held up his hand, anticipating Sexton’s objection, “ — even though they were used in a defensive role — as proof that the Pelarans will soon begin their domination of this region of the galaxy.”
    “Using Earth as their proxy,” Admiral White observed.
    “Just so. Those members of the Governing Council who were previously unsure of their position might then be easily swayed to join those supporting the Resistance. The history of both your world and mine is replete with examples of criminals and traitors who were transformed by circumstance into heroes and martyrs.”
    “That depends on who is writing the history books, I suppose,” Sexton replied, leaning back in his chair and staring at the ceiling as the implications of this latest complication raced through his mind.
    “It is invariably the