Free Trident Fury (The Kurgan War Book 3) by Richard Turner Page B

back Titan Prime. The Kurgans did not come off much better. However, the much hoped for breakthrough in that region has not happened. To make matters worse, an enemy counteroffensive managed to take back two planets and inflict over thirty thousand casualties on the Marine and Army divisions involved in the fight.”
    Sheridan knew that friends he went through the academy with could easily be among the thousands of killed and wounded. It tugged at his emotions. The first thought that flashed through his subconscious was that he could use a drink. Sheridan took a deep breath and cleared his mind. He had vowed never to drink again, and he was not about to give in to temptation.
    “If we’ve stalled in the Titan system, what’s next for the fleet?”
    “I don’t know. I hate to say it, but I’ve been told by a reliable source that some politicians back home are talking about entering into negotiations with the Kurgans.”
    “Father, they can’t. If they do, all of this will have been for nothing. Did they not learn anything from the last war? All the people the Kurgans have taken will be forced to become citizens of the Empire. I for one don’t want Tarina to be brainwashed into becoming my enemy. Hell, you and I both know it, we’ll end up fighting them again in a few generations. We have to end this war on our terms.”
    “Michael, you and I serve at the discretion of our civilian leaders. If they tell us to pull back and let the Kurgans keep what they’ve already taken in exchange for peace then that is precisely what we will do.”
    Sheridan bit his lip. “What does Admiral Oshiro think about this latest development?”
    “I honestly don’t know. I suspect that this is something we will discuss when he calls.”
    “Can I come by later? I’d love to hear what the admiral had to say.”
    Robert Sheridan smiled and sat back in his chair. “Michael, after my teleconference, Captain Killam and I will go over what was said to make sure that we understand what it is Admiral Oshiro wants us to do. You may be my son, but until I announce what is going on at the morning staff briefing, you’re going to have to remain in the dark like everyone else.”
    Sheridan felt foolish for pushing his luck. His father was right; he would have to wait to learn what was going on.
    The admiral said, “Look, why don’t you and Sergeant Cole sneak in the back of the morning brief and listen in. Most of it is routine fleet business, but there may be a new tidbit or two you may find interesting.”
    Sheridan nodded. “Thanks, Dad. Any news is better than listening to the rumor mongers spinning their tales every time you go to eat in the mess hall.”
    “Oh, before I forget, Captain Killam was speaking to the head of fleet personnel and has asked that you and Cole be assigned to a raider battalion. Looks like your stay with us could be coming to an end.”
    Sheridan tried not to look too happy; however, a position with a deep space raider unit was something he had been agitating for with Killam for months. “Any idea when the transfer orders may come in?”
    “No. Why don’t you speak with Captain Killam after the brief and see if he’s heard anything?”
    “Will do.”
    “Now if you’ll excuse me,” said the admiral as he stood up. “I want to meet with Killam in the ops room. We need to go over our notes before the teleconference begins.”
    “Yes, of course, sir,” replied Sheridan. He held out his hand to shake. “I’ll see you in the morning after the briefing.”
    “Sounds good. Perhaps we can have a coffee together. You, me, Cole, and Killam should be able to find a quiet corner to chat in.”
    Sheridan turned and left his father’s quarters. He looked around to make sure that the hallway was empty before jumping up into the air and letting out a triumphant cry. After months away from a combat unit, he was finally heading back into the fight with Marines under his command. He could not have been