discuss your assistance,” he stated, “We need materials, and we need your technologies and knowledge to make us the best we can be.”
Huang glanced at him, clearly irritated but finally nodded in agreement and looked back to Irala to await a response.
“We have considered your request,” replied Irala.
There was a long silence, and they waited for him to continue.
“We have misplaced our trust in other beings in the past and paid a dear price for it. Therefore, we will assist you, but only as far as we choose, and within strict parameters.”
“Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated,” Huang said quietly.
“The first requirement is that we deal with those we trust. At this time, that is only Colonel Taylor.”
“He is a fine marine, but he is not a representative of our fleet or our race.”
Irala went silent and stared Huang down until he changed his mind. It was clear he would accept nothing else.
“That is what we will do. What will you do, Colonel?”
“Seems to me we need to do two things. We need to organise an invasion force, and to begin smaller scale attacks that weaken Erdogan’s forces before we are ready for the former.”
Huang didn’t look impressed that Taylor was calling the shots, but he knew he was powerless to affect it. Taylor carried on.
“I believe if we can draw Erdogan out and kill him, the ground operation will be comparatively easy. When Demiran fell, his armies lay down arms for the most part. More than anything, I want to reach out and put some hurt on him, make him bleed. Make him and his armies know that we can make them bleed on what is now their home soil. Let them know how that feels.”
“If we are to carry out operations in your solar system, then there is an obstacle we must overcome. A new defence grid they have assembled stops us from carrying out many potential operations on the surface.”
“Perfect, then we hit that first,” said Taylor excitedly.
It was like a dream come true that he never could have imagined possible.
“Everything was going so quickly that Huang could not get a word in, and Taylor stepped past him now to bypass the Admiral entirely.
“Give us the means, and we’ll nail that fucking station,” said Taylor.
“You’ll need Jump technology to do it. We’ll install six of your vessels with such technology, but no more. With a combined fleet, we will strike the defence grid platform in seven days.”
“Seven days?” Huang interrupted, “We have only just begun repairs on our vessels and not even buried all our dead yet. We aren’t ready to be striking back, not by a long shot.”
Irala ignored him and looked to Taylor.
“We can prepare your ships. Are you ready for it?” he asked, “You are asking us to make a leap of faith, as you call it. We ask that you prove you are willing to give as much as you ask for.”
“Give us the opportunity to strike at Erdogan, and I will give you everything I have got, and more,” replied Taylor.
“Then select six of your medium-sized vessels that can carry fighters and a sizeable contingent of your soldiers.”
“Marines,” replied Taylor.
“You travel in space aboard ships than never encounter water, and yet still you call yourself a marine?”
“Some traditions are worth holding on to, no matter where life takes you.”
Irala seemed impressed. “The finest answer. Select your vessels, and have them moved one kilometre south of this position. Have their flight crews and maintenance teams stay with them. We will outfit your vessels and have your crews familiarised with them within five days.”
Huang opened his mouth to speak, but before he’d got a single syllable out, the three aliens had vanished.
“Colonel Taylor!” he yelled furiously.
Taylor turned to him casually.
“Have you forgotten who is in charge of this fleet?”
“Admiral, we’re a pretty long way past any kind of protocol here. I don’t know you, and I certainly never signed up to serve
Huang glanced at him, clearly irritated but finally nodded in agreement and looked back to Irala to await a response.
“We have considered your request,” replied Irala.
There was a long silence, and they waited for him to continue.
“We have misplaced our trust in other beings in the past and paid a dear price for it. Therefore, we will assist you, but only as far as we choose, and within strict parameters.”
“Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated,” Huang said quietly.
“The first requirement is that we deal with those we trust. At this time, that is only Colonel Taylor.”
“He is a fine marine, but he is not a representative of our fleet or our race.”
Irala went silent and stared Huang down until he changed his mind. It was clear he would accept nothing else.
“That is what we will do. What will you do, Colonel?”
“Seems to me we need to do two things. We need to organise an invasion force, and to begin smaller scale attacks that weaken Erdogan’s forces before we are ready for the former.”
Huang didn’t look impressed that Taylor was calling the shots, but he knew he was powerless to affect it. Taylor carried on.
“I believe if we can draw Erdogan out and kill him, the ground operation will be comparatively easy. When Demiran fell, his armies lay down arms for the most part. More than anything, I want to reach out and put some hurt on him, make him bleed. Make him and his armies know that we can make them bleed on what is now their home soil. Let them know how that feels.”
“If we are to carry out operations in your solar system, then there is an obstacle we must overcome. A new defence grid they have assembled stops us from carrying out many potential operations on the surface.”
“Perfect, then we hit that first,” said Taylor excitedly.
It was like a dream come true that he never could have imagined possible.
“Everything was going so quickly that Huang could not get a word in, and Taylor stepped past him now to bypass the Admiral entirely.
“Give us the means, and we’ll nail that fucking station,” said Taylor.
“You’ll need Jump technology to do it. We’ll install six of your vessels with such technology, but no more. With a combined fleet, we will strike the defence grid platform in seven days.”
“Seven days?” Huang interrupted, “We have only just begun repairs on our vessels and not even buried all our dead yet. We aren’t ready to be striking back, not by a long shot.”
Irala ignored him and looked to Taylor.
“We can prepare your ships. Are you ready for it?” he asked, “You are asking us to make a leap of faith, as you call it. We ask that you prove you are willing to give as much as you ask for.”
“Give us the opportunity to strike at Erdogan, and I will give you everything I have got, and more,” replied Taylor.
“Then select six of your medium-sized vessels that can carry fighters and a sizeable contingent of your soldiers.”
“Marines,” replied Taylor.
“You travel in space aboard ships than never encounter water, and yet still you call yourself a marine?”
“Some traditions are worth holding on to, no matter where life takes you.”
Irala seemed impressed. “The finest answer. Select your vessels, and have them moved one kilometre south of this position. Have their flight crews and maintenance teams stay with them. We will outfit your vessels and have your crews familiarised with them within five days.”
Huang opened his mouth to speak, but before he’d got a single syllable out, the three aliens had vanished.
“Colonel Taylor!” he yelled furiously.
Taylor turned to him casually.
“Have you forgotten who is in charge of this fleet?”
“Admiral, we’re a pretty long way past any kind of protocol here. I don’t know you, and I certainly never signed up to serve
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