Sol Shall Rise (The Pike Chronicles Book 1) by G. P. Hudson

to be compromised. Any threats to this mission must be identified and eliminated.”
    “It will be done.”
    “How do you rate their preparedness?”
    “They are an efficient fighting force. Every member of the security team is a combat veteran and many have experience serving on Diakan battleships. They are well equipped and well disciplined.”
    “And our Security Chief?”
    “He is competent.”
    “Ensure he remains competent.”
    “It will be done.”
    Tallos cast an eye to the next Diakan at the table. The Medical Advisor, Matos. He knew that Matos had standing on Diakus as well as on Earth. He spent considerable time teaching the humans Diakan procedures and medical technology. Doctor Ellerbeck herself had been one of his students. He understood human physiology, as well as that of several other alien species. He would be a valuable asset on this journey. “And how is our Chief Medical Officer?”
    “Doctor Ellerbeck is examining the Captain and his symbiont as we speak.”
    “I trust the Doctor will advise us of any threats to the Captain or his symbiont?”
    “As a former student, the Doctor accepts my role as advisor. I am confident she will keep me informed.”
    “The Captain needs guidance. He will not accept it from a Diakan. As his physician, the Doctor is best suited to help the Captain find his way. See to it that she has everything she needs.”
    “It will be done.”
    “Very well. By the Will of the Great See’er, this mission shall commence on schedule. The Captain is proving difficult to control, however.”
    “Does his symbiont not make him more compliant?” asked Matos.
    “The combination of the symbiont with human physiology produced several undesirable responses. It is uncertain how manageable the Captain and his symbiont will be.”
    “Will they need to be terminated?” asked Kinos, the security expert.
    “Unknown. The success of this mission is of paramount importance. For now, we need to allow the humans to continue with their duties. If after leaving their system the Captain becomes a danger to the mission’s success, it may be necessary to take action.”
    The Diakans all nodded their agreement.
    “By Her Will, this meeting is now closed.” Tallos bowed his head.
    “By Her Will,” recited the other Diakans, all bowing their heads in return.

CHAPTER 10
     
    Commander Wolfe ran through a mental checklist as she walked. The Hermes had a fine crew that was meeting, and at times exceeding her expectations. That was no small accomplishment. A perfectionist herself, she demanded no less from those serving under her. She was also pushing the crew harder than normal. They were on a unique mission and Wolfe needed to know who could handle it and who couldn’t before leaving the Sol system. If she didn’t weed out any bad apples before then, she would be stuck with them for the entire mission, and that was unacceptable. So she would continue to ride the crew, whether they liked it or not.
    The mission and the ship were certainly different from what she was used to. On The Independence the objective was clear. Be battle ready at all times. The largest and most powerful ship in the fleet, The Independence saw more than its share of combat. And most of Wolfe’s experience was forged in the fires of battle. This mission, however, was different. It was unclear who the enemy was, or if there was any enemy at all. They would probably not see any combat. Instead, they would play a game of galactic hide and seek.
    She proceeded down the long corridor, watching the steady activity as crewmembers passed her. They were a good crew. And they would be an excellent crew by the time she was done with them. Whether they saw combat or not, the crew would be as prepared as any. The Hermes would be battle ready regardless of enemy. She needed to let go of The Independence. She had to leave it buried in the past. Only The Hermes mattered now, and she vowed to make it the envy of the fleet.
    Turning a