AMP Blitzkrieg by Stephen Arseneault Page B

two hours before she again emerged.
    She turned and began to walk my way. After a quick glance in my direction she slowed and approached with a smile. "Hi. Mr. Bumbalee was it? Ashley Elizabeth." She held out her hand. I stood and took it into mine, lingering slightly on the release after a gentle but firm shake. It was soft as I remembered.
    "Hello Miss Elizabeth. Good to see you again and I must complement you on your hair. It seems you always have it together when we meet." I had a sudden fear that I was pushing the conversation too far. She was gorgeous as usual, but it was forward of me to say it with her only meeting Rex Bumbalee once before.
    She smiled and began to speak, "What brings you to the Alpha section today Mr. Bumbalee?" I gestured for her to join me on the bench, "Please have a seat. I am here on business. Our commodities company is attempting to open new markets here on the Grid. We have various ores, gemstones and we may be interested in expanding into transport.
    Our company, Martool Mining and Commodities has done well in the outer worlds of this sector and others and we are looking at expansion as well as current sales growth."
    "If you are interested in gemstones Miss Elizabeth, I may be able to swing a wholesale price on something if you like. Diamond or emerald earrings would go nicely with those blue eyes." Ashley turned up a smirky smile. "What woman doesn't like those things Mr. Bumbalee, and it's a kind offer, but I'm afraid my company frowns on gifts, or discounts for that matter."
    I had her cornered for the question I wanted to ask, "Oh, and what business is it that you are in? Those restrictions usually come from having the Grid as your employer. Is your line of work federal?" Again, Ashley smiled, "No, it is consulting work where I have high end clientele that value my integrity. Without a level of trust it becomes difficult to function in the environment I work in."
    I nodded my head to the obfuscated answer "I see, does your employer have a name? My company may be interested in some of your consulting services at some point in the future. You might find working with us on a project both profitable and enjoyable." I smiled.
    Ashley remained cool and collected with her response. I could immediately tell she was very practiced at what she did. "I have a card with a number that you can call. I am personally a subcontractor, but I am always looking to expand my business connections." She placed the card in my hand and then stood, "I hate to rush off Mr. Bumbalee, but I have other business to attend to with a client this evening. If you wish to discuss enlisting my services, please contact the number on the card."
    Ashley smiled as she walked away. Her walk was a thing of beauty unto itself. I had to shake myself away from staring as she strode off down the hall. I placed the card in the pocket of my suit and headed back to Alpha Bay and the Wren. I was soon on my way back to Defiant.

Chapter 5

    When I arrived back at Defiant the Colonel had word from our scout ships. It was bad news. Twenty-two days earlier the Milgari had counter attacked the The Dakari fleet at Mortel. Of the 75 ships the Dakar had stationed there, only 16 had managed to escape. A Milgari fleet of more than 500 ships had arrived without warning.
    The Teldaki Marines that we had left on the planet were wiped out by more than half a million Milgari soldiers. The fighting lasted for five days before the overwhelming force took complete control. The remaining Teldaki citizens had been forced back into work in the mines. Word had come from the Dakar that the next coordinated attack was canceled. They were massing a force to protect their next closest star system.
    I felt bad for the Teldaki Marines. It felt like we had abandoned them. They had been provided with weapons and supplies. But we had taken all of our transports home as the technology on them was not something we wanted to lose. They had been trapped on their home