Free Battle for Proxima by Michael G. Thomas Page B

reported unknown activity,” explained General Rivers.
    The last officer, who until now had been silent, stepped forward and pointed to the map.
    “It has been my opinion for some time, that the most likely place to construct vessels would be in relative secrecy out on the Rim. Until the uprising this was the only place, other than Prometheus, where the ships could have been built. I have been examining data from the Tamarisk mission months ago and there appears to be something very interesting going on there,” he said almost excitedly. He pushed the sequence of images onto the main display. It showed a series of heavy transports, along with one of the unknown ships.
    “You will notice that this vessel seems to have the same engine and weapon configuration as the vessel at the Anomaly.”
    “You’re suggesting we have seen these ships over the last year, without even realising it?” asked the Admiral.
    “We are not in agreement on this issue. Though my comrade is correct, with regards to the ship, there is no guarantee it was made out on the Rim. It is fair to add that the area contains limitless source of asteroids, stations and ships. Construction of civilian vessels, as well as maintenance and repair work, is conducted there all the time and would easily mask this kind of operation,” added the female Intelligence Officer.
    The Intelligence staff waited while the two senior commanders examined the information carefully. On the display, the Rim and Prometheus were a large distance apart. The planetary colonies dotted throughout the large star System had all, until recently, been part of the Confederacy. It seemed ridiculous that until only a month ago, an entire factory and research site had been discovered buried inside one of the planets itself. Admiral Jarvis checked the details on the ships, specifically the projected specification and potential for combat.
    “These warships. What can you tell from the power and weapon configuration? I don’t recognise these weapon ports.”
    “That, Admiral, we do not know. We will need to see one in action before that can be ascertained,” she answered.
    “I don’t like this, not at all. If this is correct, we may well have a problem. What if they have managed to get warships to Alpha Centauri? That image clearly shows a potential threat waiting on the other side. Maybe the reason we’ve heard nothing for months is because the entire System has been overrun?” said General Rivers.
    Admiral Jarvis nodded in agreement.
    “I will send out a signal to our commander in the field. I want full reconnaissance conducted on every colony, planet and station in Proxima. I don’t care what the consequences or the risks are, we need information and fast! I anticipate a start to our operation in a matter of days. If they have the ability to build ships, it means we could be fighting a losing war if we wait any longer. Each day they get stronger, while our forces become smaller and more tired. I want reports on my desk within twenty-four hours!” she said to the Intelligence team, before turning to General Rivers.
    “General. I need forces at full readiness for combat. If there are attempts being made to establish factories on seceded worlds, we will need to stop them fast. Your three Marine battalions and twenty-four Army battalions need to be embarked on ships and ready for combat operation in one week! Is that possible?”
    “It won’t be easy, I’ll need to requisition civilian vessels, but it can be done. If we are planning on assaulting ground forces, I could do with more heavy infantry,” he said, also turning to the Intelligence team.
    “Thank you, that will be all.”
    After a series of sharp salutes the team marched out, leaving the two commanders in the room on their own. Admiral Jarvis looked ay him curiously.
    “Well?”
    “Have you given more thought to Lieutenant Spartan and Commander Anderson’s suggestion, regarding the Biomechs?”
    “Ah, I was