Chapter 215

Aeneas

As the summit played out on the ground, the Improved Daedalus class vessel orbited high above. Instead of simply orbiting idly, the crew of the Aeneas was hard at work. Her powerful Asgard designed sensors scanned the planet below. Focusing on Bedrosia, mineral deposits, subterranean structures, and military infrastructure were being cataloged. Following the mindset of know thy enemy, these detailed scans would provide a deep understanding of Bedrosia, and what the nation was capable of.

Several new additions to the crew of the Aeneas were hard at work carrying out another task. These men and women were electronic intelligence collections specialists of the US Air Force. Using equipment installed for the voyage, these specialists busily monitored and collected all communications emissions emanating from Bedrosia. These captured signals were recorded for later analysis. Signals traffic analysis was also pinpointing areas of military activity.

Oddly, two hours before Bedrosian military signals traffic had suddenly ground to a halt. Judging this by the volume of military communications traffic detected on arrival, worried the ELINT specialists. On Earth, sudden lack of military communications traffic was an indicator of impending attack. If that were true here, then Optrica must surely be the target. Being that diplomatic personnel were within the borders of that nation, an attack was one thing that could not be allowed to take place. Tapping his earpiece, the ELINT team commander informed the bridge crew.

"Bridge, this is Lieutenant Heathers." The young officer began.

"Go ahead."

"Signals activity from Bedrosia just bottomed out on us." Heathers explained.

"Any clue as to why that is?" The watch officer on the bridge asked.

"Best guess, they are up to something. We are not talking about a lessening of military traffic here. It looks like the entire military has gone under emissions control. It's a communications blackout." Heathers replied.

"Copy that. We'll look around and see if we can find anything that should be going on." The watch officer replied.

Deviating from the standing tasking orders for the sensor operators, the watch officer directed they search for military activity that might endanger the diplomatic personnel below. First, an assault from sea was ruled out. Moving on, no large formations of ground unit activity were noted. Then, something worthy of note was detected. At low altitude and high speed, a flight of fifty Bedrosian shuttlecraft was detected. Speeding towards Optrica in tight formation, this flight of shuttles would reach Optrican borders in three hours.

"We can safely assume this is an attack formation based on their flight profile and numbers." The sensor operator stated.

"Ok, let's get the word out. Signal Nimitz, and the Diplomatic Security Service team. I'll go wake the commander." The watch officer stated.

Moments later a single subspace message was let loose from the communications array on Aeneas.

Conference area

As is normal in diplomatic exchanges, a number of scheduled breaks were planned. Drinks and finger foods were consumed, while gathering thoughts for the coming round of negotiations. Nyam and Minister Fallon chatted, while Under Secretary Barnes looked around. Twenty feet away, he noticed the leader of his protective detail advancing towards him.

"Mr. Under Secretary, I need to discuss something of urgency with you now." The DSS Agent began.

Stepping away from the gathered peoples involved in the summit, the two men strode off. Stopping far enough away to be out of earshot, a whispered conversation began.

"What is it?" Barnes asked.

"Word from Aeneas sir. They have detected what they believe to be an inbound air attack from Bedrosia." The agent replied.

"How sure are they of this?" Barnes asked.

"Very sir. They planned for this eventuality. Steps are being taken now." The agent explained.

"Thank you for brining this to my attention. We'll see what Rigar has to say about this." Barnes fumed.

Several minutes passed. While the assortment of individuals present for this conference readied themselves for a return to the task at hand, Barnes studied Minister Rigar closely. The man exuded arrogance and superiority towards those around him. In many ways, he reminded Barnes of diplomats from less friendly nations on Earth. Yep, he is up to something.

Returning to their seats at the polished conference table, a gentle breeze sailed through the garden setting. Slowly, the assembled delegates and their accompanying aides made their way to their seats. Locking eyes with Rigar, Barnes found himself front and center to the contemptuous expression on his opposites face. Time to put an end to this Barnes thought.

"I'm ready to be regaled with more inventive mistruths." Rigar began.

"Minister Rigar, such remarks are far out of place in this meeting." Fallon countered.

"I would like to bring up a matter that has just been brought to my attention, and is of concern to all present. Does anyone object?" Barnes asked.

"I have no objection." Rigar stated.

"Nor do I." Fallon agreed.

"It has been brought to my attention that a formation of aircraft originating from Bedrosia is currently on making its way towards Optrican airspace. My people tell me that the flight profile they are currently following is indicative of an impending attack." Barnes stated.

"Is this true Minister Rigar?" Fallon demanded.

"How is this germane to the topic at hand?" Rigar asked lightly.

"So you refuse to answer the question?" Fallon demanded harshly.

"No Minister of the Bedrosian government can be compelled to reply to such a foolish question." Rigar replied arrogantly.

"Those craft approaching if left unchecked will breach Optrican airspace in less than three hours. It is pointless to continue to evade the question Minister Rigar. You're overlooking the fact that your actions have already been detected." Barnes countered.

A smirk painted across his face as Rigar looked at those around him. Everything was unfolding as he knew it would. What was coming could finally bring an end to this war.

"Do you deny this allegation Minister?" Fallon demanded in a raspy voice.

"How many Optrican untruths did you expect me to listen to? The time to end this war is at hand. The craft in question are homing in on my position. The position you invited me to sit in." Rigar spat.

"Do you expect to survive such an assault on our capital?" Fallon asked hotly.

"It may mean the end of my life, but the result is worth the cost. Destruction of your capital will bring about an end to the Optrican's heretical beliefs, and the insurgency you've waged against Bedrosia for generations." Rigar replied.

"Minister Rigar, you are greatly misinformed. I suggest you cast your gaze towards the sky behind you." Barnes suggested.

As a group, everyone at the table or near it looked towards the sky above them. Growing in size, three fireballs plummeted from the heavens above. Arranged in an arrowhead formation, it was impossible to mistake these for a natural occurrence. As the seconds ticked by, the three flaming objects grew larger and larger.

"What is the meaning of this? What is this?" Rigar demanded with uncertainty.

"Neither the Optrican's nor the Bedrosian's have any craft capable of space flight so I've been made aware. Unfortunately for you, my people do. Still think this is an Optrican fabrication?" Barnes asked lightly.

Locking eyes with the man across from him, a single bead of sweat rolled down Rigar's forehead.

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