Outliers of Tirano

  -7-

  Royal Council Chamber

  Arvor Castel

  Planet Tirano

  Along with other council members, I awaited Siniastra's arrival in the Council Chamber. The tension in the chamber caused the hair on my arms to tingle. Count Rohfek fidgeted in his chair while his forefinger flipped pages on the screen of his notepad. Admiral Kiptani hadn't taken his eyes off his command screen since he'd entered the Chamber. Every few seconds he'd push an icon on the screen, probably reviewing fleet strength and tactical capabilities. Lydmila paced back and forth behind Siniastra's chair, stopping every few steps to glower in my direction.

  After one of her glowers, Lydmila lifted the comlink on her wrist and read it. "The Queen arrives."

  Everyone stood to face the door. Siniastra marched through, accompanied by two Vhirko. Bloodshot eyes and black circles under her eyes revealed she hadn't slept since I'd left her chambers. In her state, she might not have the physical and mental stamina to last the day.

  She crossed the room to the Throne. She head held high exactly in the manner that Zhun'Mar always had when he approached the Golden Vine Throne. Lydmila pulled out the Throne and Sini sat. Lydmila remained two paces behind the Throne.

  "Please be seated everyone," Siniastra said. "You too, Lydmila. We have much to accomplish in a short time."

  Lydmila sat stiff-backed next to Rohfek and directly across the circular table from me. Rohfek looked down at his notepad, while Kiptani's thumb rubbed the tips of his long brown fingers. Siniastra turned to Rohfek. "Have you made any progress in finding the traitor?"

  Siniastra's calm tone contrasted to my nervous state. My palms were sweating. I clenched my hands on my lap to steady them.

  Rohfek flipped through his notepad. "Some progress, your Highness. I expect to have a complete report by the end of the day."

  Siniastra moved her eyes to Lydmila. "And you Commandant?"

  "The traitor is a wily one. He's covered his tracks pretty well, but I'll snare the little vermin."

  "Make sure you do," Siniastra said in a tone that sent a chill down my spine. She turned her head and fixed her gaze on Admiral Kiptani. "Admiral, what plan for an attack have you developed?"

  Kiptani tapped forefingers together. "Your Highness, my staff has spent all night analyzing the Armada's capabilities for an offensive mobilization. We haven't added any new ships to the Armada in a deka. All of our military doctrine has been formulated in anticipation of defensive campaigns. We strongly advise against any type of offensive action. We just don't have adequate firepower or logistical support for an extended operation. Our best strategy is to remain in a defensive posture and rely on the Belts to protect us."

  Siniastra's face reddened. "Admiral, I ordered you to develop a plan for an immediate strike on Tamok. Not some fainthearted garbage about hiding behind the Belts. I could have figured that out and I'm not even twenty loops old."

  Kiptani stiffened his neck and shoulders. "We understood your orders. We developed lightning strike alternative. A series of empyrean booster jumps that would deploy a squadron of Vipers to Tamok space. They would launch a volley of missiles then immediately commence jump back to Tirano."

  "Why only a single volley?" Lydmila asked. "That couldn't inflict much damage."

  "Two reasons," Kiptani replied. "First, there's no certainty that the boosters can take that much stress. They should make it to Tamok, but we can't be certain they will make it back. If the boosters fail and Tamok warships pursue, the squadron will be sitting ducks. I want to get the squadron as far away as possible before booster failure. If we get them close enough, some of our destroyers can escort them back."

  He paused and pushed an icon on his screen. A holographic map of Tamok space appeared in the center of the Council table. He pushed another icon and a series of dots appeared within the Tamok perimeter. "Second reason. As you can see, the squadron's flanks will be exposed when they come out of jump. If the Tamok fleet is positioned on either flank, it'll destroy our squadron before they know what hit 'em."

  Lydmila shook her head, a broad smile on face. "You're too conservative. The Tamok know our doctrine is defensive. They expect us to hide behind the Belts. They'd never anticipate an offensive incursion into their territory. If we launch an all-out assault, they'll be totally unprepared. We can destroy the panther while it lies in its lair full of confidence."

  "I have to agree with the Admiral's initial comments," Rohfek said. He rubbed his chin. "Such a risky maneuver could lead to disaster. It is better to sit behind the Belts."

  The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Sini. "And what do you think, Kuinsi?" she asked.

  "Now we're asking someone with no military training what he thinks?" Lydmila scoffed.

  Sini slowly turned her head toward Lydmila. "Commandant, if you ever question me again in that tone, I will find a new Commandant." Her determined tone left no doubt she would do so.

  I quirked an eyebrow in appreciation. Sini combined an innate sense of command with her mother's fearlessness. Lydmila, or anyone else who crossed her, had better tread carefully.

  Lydmila's heavy jaws clenched. "Yes, your Highness," she said in a flat tone.

  Sini kept her gaze fixed on Lydmila. "Now, Kuinsi. Your thoughts," Siniastra said.

  I kept my hands under the table. A bead of sweat formed on my forehead. "What if the traitor tells the Tamok of our plans? Until the traitor is found, we shouldn't undertake such a perilous course of action. It would place too many at risk."

  "Wise counsel," Kiptani said. "He has no military training, yet he understands the risks."

  Sini rose from her chair and used her height to its full advantage to tower over those seated at the table. "I will hear no more objections, Admiral. We will proceed with the strike tonight, with or without your concurrence." Her blue eyes hardened to cold steel. "I wish to speak to Admiral Kiptani alone. The rest of you are excused."

  A startled look creased Rohfek's face while Lydmila's thick lips formed a smug smile. Rohfek deactivated his notebook and waddled out the door. I waited until Lydmila had disappeared down the corridor before I headed for my quarters with Corporal Oksana in tow. What would Rohfek and Lydmila would do when they heard the news.