Book 4: Chapter 183: Optics Pt.1

Book 4: Chapter 183: Optics Pt.1

USD: The Morning after IFRB Warrant

Location: Meltisar, Mil-1A, Meltisar High Command, Tias CIC

A massive fireball streaked toward Alex. Her heart pounded as she raised her staff and gritted her teeth. Sweat dripped down her forehead and her pointed wizard hat blew off her head in a gust of wind as she strained to hold back the fiery onslaught. The effort drained her energy rapidly, but she managed to halt the red balls momentum just before it reached her.

The lush green ground around her withered and blackened under the intense heat, charred remnants of grass crunching beneath her boots. With a grunt of exertion, Alex hurled the fireball back at her opponent.

Who effortlessly somersaulted over it towards her.

Alex did her best to release a flurry of light attacks to conserve her energy but then one of the punches was grabbed and Thea threw her to the ground. Attempting to roll away, she then grabbed Alex and put her in a headlock.

Thats not fair! Alex mashed on her controller harder, slamming the X button repeatedly to try to get her character out of a headlock. Her health bar shrank rapidly until she finally was released with a barely visible sliver.

She launched an immediate counterattack only to run out of stamina. Wasting no time, she launched into recharging her energy, but then a low-powered range attack flashed in and sent her character collapsing onto the ground.

A groan escaped from her throat as she released the game controller to grab a bite from a shared bowl of nacho flavored crisps.

Thats not fair.

Thea chuckled and grabbed a chip from her own bowl. You need to spend way more time practicing if you want to beat me.

A chime signaled someone entering. They both looked behind their seats to wave at Elis.

What have you done? Elis scanned the room, her eyes lingering on the corner of the room that Alex had renovated. Two comfy recliners, a large sofa, and a few end tables surrounded by a large gaming-style holographic display. It was surrounded by a see-through bead curtain that separated the space from the rest of MIL-1As primary CIC controlled by Tia.

Alex shared a look with Thea before snatching up another crisp. The beads made a rattling sound as Elis entered the din and stole one of the snacks for herself before fixing Thea with the look. You shouldnt be teaching her bad habits.

Hey! Alex protested. It was my idea. Thea just helped me select the things because I didnt know what to get.

Elis gaze slid over to her. The gaze of disapproval shined a bit more strongly than Alex was used to causing her to tug on her collar. What?

Elis raised an eyebrow. You decided to install a gaming room inside the CIC of the systems most important military stations. Did you even ask Tia?

Its an obvious fix to a design flaw. Alex said defensively.

Elis rolled her eyes and shook her head. How could I even expect something else?

Alex stuck her tongue out at her sister, then looked at Thea who was barely containing her laughter. Elis came around to sit in the middle of the sofa between them, skewering Thea with a glance. Youre supposed to be an adult. Whyd you let her get away with it?

Thea raised an eyebrow. Why wouldnt I encourage her? I enjoy playing games, and shes the boss.

Elis frowned. Shes still a kid. Sometimes she needs moderating.

Alex felt her cheeks heat up before she protested. Hey! Thats not true! Im not a kid!

Tia transfixed her with a stare. I can see right through you. What the heck are you three doing?

You postponed things we had to find something to do while waiting, Alex offered. Elis let out a victorious shout, and it was hard to not turn to see if her sister had finally won a fight.

Tia leaned around her to look, anyway. Her voice was a neutral flat. In the CIC.

Alex bit her lip. Why not?

Tias eyes slid back to her, and Alex felt like the other girl was silently judging her. It was a relief when the other girls expression softened and a slight grin appeared. Sure. Why not?

Alex nodded carefully. So, what about the meeting with Veliana? It was important enough to keep us all waiting?

Tia crossed her arms and the flat stare returned to lock on to Alex. It had to do with the IFRB Warrant yesterday. Youre not the only one being targeted. The Corpos have put a lot of effort into pumping the IFRBs prosecution department. The Solarians are a named defendant in the same case you are. Someone sent in a trove of unfiltered recordings and data from Nu Crateris.

Alex felt her cheeks redden as she knew exactly who Tia was referring to. Shed sent the data forward as a defense mechanism when the colony administration on Dedia IV had been trying to strong-arm her into completing the eradication of the troublesome Rexxor nests that had been threatening to overrun their settlements.

What do you mean? Alex asked.

The Corpos have laid the colonization of the planet and violation of the accords on the feet of the Solarians. You nuking the nest next to the colony hub is just icing on the cake. They have some kind of evidence that the landing of colonists on the nest was a deliberate act, which it might very well have been. You dont just unload thousands of people on top of the nest of a hostile species, sapient or not.

Alex frowned. It didnt make much sense to me at the time, either.

Veliana told me that the Solarians believe it was a false flag operation, and the commander of the convoy was a Corporate plant. Tia frowned before glancing at the noisy corner.

Alex tilted her head. But there is no proof?

Tia nodded. Which is a problem.

Alex bit her lip. Is this something we seriously need to worry about? We have a war to plan, and if the IFRB is running to our enemies playbook, shouldnt we just ignore them?

I dont think you appreciate how integrated the old Federation institutions are in everyday life, everywhere. They are ingrained in the systemevery financial transaction, every contract validation, every dispute mediation, and even the mail are facilitated by their various departments. They might not be as visible as the four major powers, but there is a reason everything across every core system is compatible. Everyone adheres to IFRB standards because not doing so means disaster.

Tia paused to take a breath, then continued. Even if we wanted to retool all of that ourselves, we couldnt do that overnight. It would take years, even with Nameless working 24/7 and without any external threats beating at the gates. Which isnt likely.

Why didnt you mention this before? If they can just yank the rug underneath our feet so easily Alexs lips drooped into a worried frown.

Because it wasnt a likely problem. The IFRB doesnt like to get involved. They dont get involved. Thats why they remain in the background. But this seriously violates their charter and their enforcement division is probably foaming at the mouth to get in the limelight for once. I dont even remember when a major case went before the IFRB courts off the top of my head. It just doesnt happen.

But it is now.

No one wants the Drakari involved, or another war with them.

I read a little about that a long time ago when I was researching the Octanis Accords, but I dont understand why people are afraid of them?

Tia let out a breath. Well, youre going to find out. One of their diplomatic envoys arrived to oversee the IFRBs investigation.