Fall of Icarus by Jon Messenger Page B

anything, he knew that their attack would only ignite the fervor of the Terran Empire.   The single attack could lead to years of open warfare, the likes of which hadn’t been experienced in a century and a half.   The stories of those brutal battles, leaving millions dead on both sides, had never been forgotten.   Yen cringed at the idea of another war like that, in which so many were left dead.   No, Yen had realized that the assault on the Terran Fleet could not be the end of the Alliance assault, but rather the tip of a long and deadly spear.   He only hoped those in power, the High Council in particular, thought much the same.
                Dinner was served, though conversations took precedence over eating.   For many in the room, their food was barely touched by the time their plates were taken away, having only shifted their entrées from one side of the plate to another while discussing their theories in hushed tones with those they shared their table.   Thankfully, Yen, Adam, and Keryn had avoided most of the gossiping, spending their time lost in small talk and pleasantries.   Having served together for over a year, Yen and Adam had many stories about one another which kept Keryn laughing throughout the meal.   By the time dinner was over, their table’s jovial attitude still remained.   They still joked between one another as Captain Hodge finished her meal and stood once more.   A silence fell over the room as she gained everyone’s undivided attention.   Cameras in the room turned and began recording.   Yen had a suspicion that her speech would be replayed on all ships in the attack Fleet simultaneously.
                “Over the past few months,” Captain Hodge began, “a new and dangerous threat has emerged from the Terran Empire.   A small invasion Fleet of six Terran Destroyers slipped into Alliance space, in clear violation of the Taisa Accord.   This is the first major incursion in violation of the Accord in one hundred and fifty years.   Were that their only transgression, it would be grounds enough for us to go to war.   However, as you are all aware, invading our sovereign space was not the only atrocity they committed, nor was it the most recent.   Almost a year ago, direct actions of the Terran Empire resulted in the deaths of over one hundred Infantry soldiers on Perseus II.   More recently, however, this invading Fleet has attacked and destroyed five Alliance Cruisers.”
                Yen felt the ache in his chest at the mention of Perseus.   From the corner of his eyes, he could see the same sorrow-filled expression on Keryn’s face at the mention of her brother’s loss.   “The Terrans have done more than just invade our space.   They have made an open declaration of war, a declaration that has not been lost on the High Council.   In response, the High Council contacted me yesterday with new orders; orders to break orbit and make haste toward the Terran Fleet’s location.   Our orders are simple: destroy the Terran Fleet at all costs!”
                A raucous cheer erupted from the crowd as the rumors were validated.   To Yen’s surprise, he felt a hand fall on top of his.   Keryn squeezed his hand hard as he looked at her.   Her violet eyes burned with an agitated fervor and he could see her breasts rise and fall with excitable breaths.   Turning his hand, he laced his fingers with hers and held her hand as Captain Hodge continued.
                “Your enthusiasm is a direct reflection of what I felt when I heard their message.   To know that all of our training and all of our waiting has finally come to fruition, it was nearly more than I could bear.   However, I encourage you to continue your diligent training and rehearsals during the next few weeks of transit.   We face a dangerous and determined enemy in the Terran Fleet.   I don’t need to remind you that they have already destroyed five ships