Free Crossroads of Fate (Cadicle #5): An Epic Space Opera Series by Amy DuBoff Page B

What about positioning of the Bakzen fleet?”
    Ramsen scowled. “The distribution of the Bakzen forces seem random. We haven’t been able to extrapolate any likely targets or timing based on our mapping of the rift and TSS positions.”
    Wil came to full attention. “Wait, you have a map of the rift?”
    Taelis looked taken aback. “Yes.” He glanced at Ramsen, then back to Wil.
    Unbelievable. “Why did no one ever share that with me?”
    “I’m sorry, it didn’t seem important to send to you while you were still training.”
    Wil took a calming breath. “Show me.” Anything related to the rift is important. Or, maybe looking into the void with the Aesir changed my perspective, seeing how the Bakzen continue to tear apart the fabric of space.
    The holographic map projected over the table. Wil examined the image, seeing the weak points between subspace and regular space portrayed as dark spots across the map. The dark areas were clustered around the main rift, but others branched outward. Not all were connected, but small tears radiated well beyond the war zone. It’s almost like subspace pathways… “Has this map been cross-referenced against normal space?”
    “We did,” Taelis said, “but there’s no correlation.”
    You need to know what to look for. “Did you account for subspace movement in your analysis?”
    Taelis looked ashamed. “We tried, but haven’t been able to. This is one of the many reasons why we couldn’t wait any longer to bring you here.”
    “Let’s see…” Wil accessed the map library on the touch-surface table. He found the most recent subspace scan and overlaid it with a map of normal space, with labels for the Taran-occupied worlds. The two images were a jumbled mess suspended over the table. Wil stood up and began manipulating the images by hand, aligning some key points to account for the common movement patterns in subspace. He made a few adjustments to the inputs via the touch-surface table and then refreshed the composite map.
    When the new image resolved, Wil’s stomach sank. Expressions of horror spread across every face around the table. Hovered above them, the map showed all the micro-rifts forming direct pathways to the major Taran colonies, including multiple pathways directly to Tararia.
    Taelis paled. “How could we have missed this?”
    Wil swallowed. The Aesir were right—the Bakzen want all of us gone. “We can’t waste any time.”
    “No.” Taelis looked drained of hope. “Tell us what to do.”
    It’s all on me now. “Our first order of business is to attack the Bakzen supply lines. Their forces aren’t yet sufficient to make a full assault from the rift, or they would have made a move already.”
    “Agreed,” Ramsen said.
    Taelis nodded faintly.
    I wasn’t expecting to break up my team right away, but I don’t see another option. “My Primus Elite trainees and I can communicate faster and more securely than subspace comms. They’ll move into the field as officers at some of the key TSS outposts and on the lead tactical vessels so I can instantaneously relay secure orders to the fleet. They have also been highly trained with battle strategy, and can advise on tactics even when I’m not directly involved. That way, I can focus on one key battle at a time while they handle the rest of the coordination.”
    Taelis pulled himself together. “Of course. Just tell us where you need everyone and we’ll arrange the transport.”
    Wil mentally ran through each of his men and weighed several scenarios. I need to keep my Seconds with me. Ethan’s pilots will be an invaluable strike force. The rest all have the skills and autonomy to function without direct supervision. He typed a list of twelve names on the tabletop and the specific position for each to assume in the fleet. “Ramsen, please take these men and acquaint them with the TSS forces. I’d like them positioned at these locations.” Wil highlighted a dozen points on the holographic map