Free Ghost Fleet (The Pike Chronicles Book 4) by G. P. Hudson Page A

files?”
    “We had our suspicions. My people were building cases against the traitors. We didn’t expect them to act so quickly.”
    “So you were surprised by the coup?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then there were some gaps in your intelligence.”
    “I wouldn’t say that…”
    “If there weren’t, you would have known about the coup. Did you know about the coup, General?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Then there must have been gaps in your intelligence, which means you may have, in fact, missed some of the traitors.”
    “Speculation.”
    “Perhaps, but you can see how some can be concerned,” said Sallas. “This really is the only way we’ll get access to the jump system, and probably the only way New Byzantium has a chance of surviving.”
    “We are fully capable of fighting our own battles,” said Calledonius, but Sallas knew the statement was more bluster than anything else.
    “I know we are,” Sallas lied. “But this will give us a greater advantage. The new fleet will fight alongside your fleet. One jump ship turned the tide in the battle against the coup. Can you imagine how effective several ships can be?”
    “They definitely provide a tactical advantage.”
    “Which is why I’ve made my decision, and I fully expect parliament to support it. What I really need now is your cooperation.”
    Calledonius grunted. “Of course, Prime Minister. What do you need to make this happen?”
    “First off we’re going to need battle ready warships. At least two to start.”
    “I have a carrier that was undergoing repairs. Last I checked the repairs were almost complete. It would give them a great deal of firepower. I can also add a destroyer. What about crews?”
    “That was the second part of the request. We’re going to need recruits for the fleet. Captain Pike does have enough personnel to man a second ship, but there aren’t enough for a third. I would prefer they came from our military, as we don’t have time to train people.”
    “I can make the option available, but it would have to be voluntary. Captain Pike may have enough people to man a destroyer, but a carrier is a much larger ship. It’ll need a crew and it’ll need fighter and bomber pilots. It would be best to propose the option to her existing crew first. They’ll have the necessary expertise.”
    “How many do you think would accept?” said Sallas.
    “I’d be surprised if any refused. With the jump system they would be serving on the most advanced ship in this region of space. I know I wouldn’t say no to such an opportunity.”
    “The sooner the better, General. I don’t know how much time we have to get ready.”
    “I will have all crew members contacted immediately.”
    “Thank you, General.”
    “I also have a destroyer in mind for Captain Pike. It was one of the coup destroyers. It sustained minor damage during the battle, but I believe most of that has already been repaired.”
    “I’m sure it is a fine ship,” said Sallas.
    Calledonius rose to his feet. Sallas marveled at how fit and intimidating the man looked, even at his age.
    “I’ll make the necessary preparations, and ensure the ships are ready,” said Calledonius. “If that is all?”
    “That is all, General,” said Sallas. “Thank you.”
    General Calledonius nodded, and marched out of the room.
    Sallas breathed a sigh of relief as the old warrior left. The encounter actually went better than he had thought. He had feared the General would put up more of a fight. In the end, however, Calledonius understood the situation. They needed the jump system. The important thing was to gain access to the technology now. If that required concessions, so be it.
    Sallas tapped the console on his desk, requesting a communication link with the Ronin, and Captain Pike. The display quickly came to life and Captain Pike’s scarred face appeared.
    “I’ve spoken to the General,” said Sallas. “He’s agreed to contribute two ships. A carrier and a destroyer.”
    “A