Free Méridien (The Silver Ships Book 3) by S. H. Jucha Page B

was hubris on his part that he should suggest a new President pro tem candidate. But without his efforts, would we even know the silver ships existed? More than likely, at some time in the future, we would be like one of the Confederation colonies suddenly concerned at this giant ship entering our system. We would probably attempt to communicate with them right up until the moment they began burning our populace to ashes.” Maria paused to gather her thoughts. She straightened her shoulders, assuming a TSF officer’s posture. “President McMorris had a plan to secure the safety of our system with Méridien technology. Instead we see it being used to fatten the bank accounts of our richest companies. If our people knew the truth, they would be outraged as many of us are here today. And I have met Julien and worked with him. I do not doubt the veracity of this information.” Maria paused again, taking time to regard the faces in the room. Something she saw encouraged her. She looked at Alex and said, “So I would be proud to be the Admiral’s candidate and submit my name to the Assembly if they reelect a President pro tem.
    Maria hadn’t any idea of the reception her announcement was going to receive. She had braced herself for a backlash of negativity. What she received was a roar of approval and a sudden mob of handshakes, pats on the back, and statements of congratulations. Through the crush of well-wishers, she looked to the front and saw Alex looking back at her, a crooked grin on his face. She gave him a resigned smile in return. It appears neither of us appreciates being thrust into the world of politics , she thought.
    Alex shared several last thoughts with the group before he left the meeting. The first was that he hoped they would keep private what they learned today. Release of the information, he told them, had to be properly timed. Second, once the information was released, they needed a plan to deal with those companies that controlled the Méridien technology. Third, once Maria was elected, he would need the T-Stations up and running quickly to supply his ships.
    “I have two questions for you, Admiral, before you go,” Nemea Lorne said. When Alex nodded to her, she continued. “What are your intentions after we outfit your ships? We’re arming you to such an extent that you could become the ruler of New Terra.”
    Alex held up his hand to quiet the room from the outburst. “It’s a fair question,” he said. “Assemblywoman Lorne, you should know that I have enough power to do that now if that was my intention, but it isn’t. When my city-ships are completed and we are outfitted, we will be leaving New Terra and only returning on invitation of your government. The people who depend on me need your help only temporarily. It is my belief that, at this time, New Terrans and Méridiens are not suited to mix as one people—perhaps in a few decades or more.”
    Alex could tell that the answer was not what Lorne had expected. She was still considering his response when he asked, “Did you not have a second question, Assemblywoman Lorne?”
    “Yes, thank you, Admiral. What are your plans if Clayton Downing remains in place?”
    “Intriguing question, Assemblywoman Lorne,” Alex replied. “I hope we don’t have to find out.”
    The meeting broke up. The Representatives were anxious to discuss the ramifications of Maria’s announcement and the information they had received. Before Alex’s group left, Renée gave Maria a final hug, whispering in her ear, “You will make a great President, Maria. Your world needs someone like you.”

-8-
    Alex’s plan to publish the information necessary to undermine Clayton and his accomplices began with asking Christie to contact her producer. Hours later, Christie commed Alex back and told him her producer wasn’t taking her calls. As an alternative, Alex contacted other media houses but gave up after eight companies cut the connection when he announced his