Free The Navigator 2: We the People by Ben Winston Page B

you of this and offering this service."
    "Do you know how long the threat will be viable?" she asked.
    Joe shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. I will be going to their compound and speaking to the potential attackers, as well as the rest of the group, to try and talk them down and let them know we are not their enemy."
    "This sounds complicated; will you require assistance?" She asked.
    Joe smiled at her. "I appreciate that, but I really will only be speaking to them. It is a very complicated and fragile situation. Any kind of assault on them would put the lie to anything I said. We actually do want to gain their trust and support. Once the Council is safe, and our discussions have concluded, I will return to their compound with Cassandra Lane,"
    the Madam nodded. "I will prepare a detail of Guards to send with the Council, the station is secure, but the extra people will mean extra duty for station security. Will ten minutes be acceptable?"
    "Very acceptable, if you need more time, simply send word. Currently, the station is unaware of this plan as well. We will use this time to correct this. Thank you for understanding, Madam," Joe said and bowed to her.
    She cocked her head at him. "Major Anderson, my instincts as well as my duty tell me I can trust you. However, we both know those can be deceived. I am taking a very large risk here."
    "I am aware of that fact, Madam. I swear on my blood and that of my ancestors that there is no deception I am aware of in this. The security and safety of the Council is my primary concern," Joe replied.
    She looked into his eyes for a few silent moments before nodding. "Then let us do this. I will return shortly."
    When Joe returned to the main discussions, the Council had just finished officially restoring Cassie as a Navigator.
    "Have you finished making the arrangements, Major?" Young asked.
    "At this end, Mister Chairman. We will begin transferring you in a few minutes. Admiral Hawklings may wish to contact the station and make arrangements for your stay. I will do my very best to make certain it as short as possible," Joe replied.
    "Admiral Hawklings tells us that you wish to offer the gifted community a place in the new Citadel community?" Young asked.
    "I do, Sir, it was something I was going to speak to you about. Both myself as well as Sharon, if you agree to recruit her, tend to think in military terms. It would be very beneficial to have experienced civilian leadership involved as well. With all of these resources to draw on, we should be able to create a successful and productive community that will be a benefit to all of us," Joe replied.
    "What of the militant faction of Navigator Lane's community? How do you see this being handled?" Councilor Orelov asked.
    Joe looked thoughtful for a moment. "That is a difficult question to answer, Councilor. To be totally honest, we will have to play it by ear with them. Ideally, I would like to give them a little more training and assign them to rescue and retrieval missions here on Earth. They have been working to save as many gifted people as they can already, so their experience in this could prove to be very helpful if we wish to continue that policy."
    Councilor Namakaze looked at Chairman Young. "Chairman, our times are changing quickly and radically. I would suggest we will need more of a military to protect us and our interests in the coming years. To that end, it could only help us to have gifted people among them. At this time and to that end, I would propose we promote Major Anderson to Colonel. I feel we should give him leave to recruit Navigator Lane's group as well as his wife and her friend. It is clear that his suggestions and recommendations are for our benefit. We should support him in this."
    "Other comment's or opinions?" Young asked.
    "Only a question if I may, Chairman?" the Indian councilor asked.
    Young nodded for her to continue. She smiled at him. "I see no issue with the recruitment of Laura Anderson, however,