immediately.”
“And just leave everyone behind?”
“Fact is, Suarez, if it gets to that point, there won’t be much we do can for them.”
The room went silent. None of them could believe that they were being asked to leave civilians behind in the case of disaster.
“I know it sucks, but it’s our job. Now, I want the Deveron docked on the roof of this building. Officially it’ll be there to act as a static gun defence, which will at least in part be true. It will also be ready for an immediate bug out should we need it. We’ve got a few hours, get the men on rotation and make sure everyone gets at least a couple of hours kip. With any luck there’ll be no fighting at all, but let’s be prepared for the worst.”
* * *
Hours had passed with little rest for any involved. Major Taylor stood beside the Prime Minister as they watched the hulking vessel approach. The communications officers continued to put out signals in multiple languages, as well as light and sound communication. They had received no response. Mitch tightened his grip around his gun, he had a bad feeling about what they were about to face.
The Prime Minister and all other key command staff were in the emergency command and control centre that was built below the surface of the Civic Centre. It was intended to be a centre for use during environmental disasters or internal threats to the safety of officials. All watched open mouthed at the monitors as the huge vessel soared towards them.
The vessel was the size of a city. You would be hard pressed to explain its actual shape with so many protruding structures that appeared to be fins and aerials. The finish of the vessel was harsh and industrial, as if it was bare ironwork in a factory. It was an ugly ship in every way, but no less imposing. It was elongated with vast engines at its rear and an aggressive and ugly prow resembling a hammerhead shark.
“They’re three miles out, Sir.”
“I don’t want anyone showing any aggressive action at all, let’s not provoke a war,” said Olsen.
They watched in amazement as a huge door opened on the mouth of the vessel, though it was small in scale to the ship. The space glimmered as camouflaged ships poured out in their dozens.
“Look at that, the way they blend into space,” said Kelly.
“Yes, a chameleon camouflage technology, something we never managed to develop to an operational standard. You don’t use such devices when you come in peace,” replied Taylor.
“Easy, Major, let’s not jump the gun.”
“Sir, our comms are being jammed, we’ve gone dark,” said Visser.
“Prime Minister, this is an attack, do not let them invade unopposed!” shouted Taylor.
“Major Taylor, must I remind you who is in charge!”
“Gentleman!” Kelly shouted.
They turned to see the craft descending on their colony. It was impossible to make out the total number as their camouflaging technology meant that they were difficult to spot and count, but it was already at least fifty.
“We must find some way to make contact,” said Olsen.
“Can we access any of the video feeds, Commander?” asked Taylor.
“Only from cameras in and on this building which are connected directly, all others are jammed along with comms.”
They heard a loud striking noise as one of the unidentified vessels landed against the side of the civic building. There was silence for several seconds as every person in the room anxiously awaited their next action.
“I need to investigate that personally, keep the blast doors shut and only open them when I return!” Taylor ordered.
“Major, this could be a first contact situation, I must be there!”
“Sit down, Prime Minister! Everything we know and have seen so far suggests the actions of a hostile force, you will go nowhere near them until I am satisfied!”
Olsen dipped his head. He was angry for being put in his place, but he knew how foolish he was being. It was potentially a very exciting time and he was
“And just leave everyone behind?”
“Fact is, Suarez, if it gets to that point, there won’t be much we do can for them.”
The room went silent. None of them could believe that they were being asked to leave civilians behind in the case of disaster.
“I know it sucks, but it’s our job. Now, I want the Deveron docked on the roof of this building. Officially it’ll be there to act as a static gun defence, which will at least in part be true. It will also be ready for an immediate bug out should we need it. We’ve got a few hours, get the men on rotation and make sure everyone gets at least a couple of hours kip. With any luck there’ll be no fighting at all, but let’s be prepared for the worst.”
* * *
Hours had passed with little rest for any involved. Major Taylor stood beside the Prime Minister as they watched the hulking vessel approach. The communications officers continued to put out signals in multiple languages, as well as light and sound communication. They had received no response. Mitch tightened his grip around his gun, he had a bad feeling about what they were about to face.
The Prime Minister and all other key command staff were in the emergency command and control centre that was built below the surface of the Civic Centre. It was intended to be a centre for use during environmental disasters or internal threats to the safety of officials. All watched open mouthed at the monitors as the huge vessel soared towards them.
The vessel was the size of a city. You would be hard pressed to explain its actual shape with so many protruding structures that appeared to be fins and aerials. The finish of the vessel was harsh and industrial, as if it was bare ironwork in a factory. It was an ugly ship in every way, but no less imposing. It was elongated with vast engines at its rear and an aggressive and ugly prow resembling a hammerhead shark.
“They’re three miles out, Sir.”
“I don’t want anyone showing any aggressive action at all, let’s not provoke a war,” said Olsen.
They watched in amazement as a huge door opened on the mouth of the vessel, though it was small in scale to the ship. The space glimmered as camouflaged ships poured out in their dozens.
“Look at that, the way they blend into space,” said Kelly.
“Yes, a chameleon camouflage technology, something we never managed to develop to an operational standard. You don’t use such devices when you come in peace,” replied Taylor.
“Easy, Major, let’s not jump the gun.”
“Sir, our comms are being jammed, we’ve gone dark,” said Visser.
“Prime Minister, this is an attack, do not let them invade unopposed!” shouted Taylor.
“Major Taylor, must I remind you who is in charge!”
“Gentleman!” Kelly shouted.
They turned to see the craft descending on their colony. It was impossible to make out the total number as their camouflaging technology meant that they were difficult to spot and count, but it was already at least fifty.
“We must find some way to make contact,” said Olsen.
“Can we access any of the video feeds, Commander?” asked Taylor.
“Only from cameras in and on this building which are connected directly, all others are jammed along with comms.”
They heard a loud striking noise as one of the unidentified vessels landed against the side of the civic building. There was silence for several seconds as every person in the room anxiously awaited their next action.
“I need to investigate that personally, keep the blast doors shut and only open them when I return!” Taylor ordered.
“Major, this could be a first contact situation, I must be there!”
“Sit down, Prime Minister! Everything we know and have seen so far suggests the actions of a hostile force, you will go nowhere near them until I am satisfied!”
Olsen dipped his head. He was angry for being put in his place, but he knew how foolish he was being. It was potentially a very exciting time and he was
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