could very well be facing another conflict. As a precaution, our forces at our forward bases have been secretly placed on high alert and patrols in our home system have been increased. With that said, we cannot deny the success of these colony ship missions and what potential they may bring for supplying Earth with colonies that can immediately thrive. I also cannot stand by and allow the colonists on each of the ships to be butchered if we fail to protect them.” Admiral Grant paused and looked over at Admiral Tramp on the side of the stage. “But, with our forces deployed for defense, the EDF had no reliable resource to send out to these colonies and initiate contact, until now.”
The admiral found Hood again and his voice was sharp as a knife. “Captain Hood. The Armstrong has been identified as the resource to send to these worlds. Its crew will make contact, identify and deal with any threats, and protect the colonies until reinforcements arrive. You have one week to identify and build your command staff, ready your crew and prep your ship for this mission.”
The admiral walked around the podium and never took his eyes off the young captain. “Your past experience with the Cilik’ti and your command strategies make you the right choice for this mission. Our job—hell, our very existence—is to defend our people, and putting our best assets in harm’s way provides us the greatest avenue for victory.”
Admiral Grant slowly looked up at the images of the three systems, and the ships that carried the colonists. “Prepare your people, Captain, because you’re going out there.”
Chapter Three
Mars Orbital Station
Tuesday , January 14
Earth Year 2155
Hood sat in his seat, rubbed his chin with his hand, and stared intently at the scrolling video of the Epherium Three project as Admiral Grant concluded his explanation of the Armstrong’s first assignment. Admiral Grant, noticing Hood’s distracted focus, addressed a question directly to the Armstrong’s new commander. “Captain Hood. I know that this is a lot to soak in, but I would like you to say a few words now that we’ve given you the background for this mission. I think we would all like to hear about your ideas for your staffing, if you’re ready.”
Hood stood. “Absolutely, sir. If you could transfer the display controls to my desk please, I would like to do this from here if I may.”
“Sure, Captain.” The admiral pressed a few buttons on the podium to transfer the display controls.
Hood looked at the attendees around the room, smiled at Admiral Tramp and tried to relax. “It is a great honor to have been chosen for this command, and I am deeply thankful for your trust. I wholeheartedly agree with Admiral Grant on what he said about ship commanders. In the great darkness of space, we have to be the rock that the crew stands upon when it matters most. The Command staff must work in sync to solve problems, execute decisions and overcome obstacles. Without that strong foundation, it all falls apart.”
“Like many of you here today, I was involved in the early aspects of our defensive capabilities before the Cilik’ti invasion and, like you, I lost friends and comrades. But we were able to adapt, grow and overcome. Today, as I take command of the Armstrong , I look back at the sheer amount of change mankind has endured over the last twenty years. We have come a long way from our early infancy of exploring space and are actively seeking new homes for our people in other star systems. Our ships can now move great distances with the aid of space-fold technology, and our fleets have advanced in every way since the day the Apollo was called to action all those years ago.”
“I have a unique connection to the Epherium Three mission. My uncle, Jonathan Hood, was the commander of the Magellan destined for the Cygni system and his closest friend, Arthur Grange, was given command over the Cabot headed to Tau Ceti. As a boy, my curiosity often
The admiral found Hood again and his voice was sharp as a knife. “Captain Hood. The Armstrong has been identified as the resource to send to these worlds. Its crew will make contact, identify and deal with any threats, and protect the colonies until reinforcements arrive. You have one week to identify and build your command staff, ready your crew and prep your ship for this mission.”
The admiral walked around the podium and never took his eyes off the young captain. “Your past experience with the Cilik’ti and your command strategies make you the right choice for this mission. Our job—hell, our very existence—is to defend our people, and putting our best assets in harm’s way provides us the greatest avenue for victory.”
Admiral Grant slowly looked up at the images of the three systems, and the ships that carried the colonists. “Prepare your people, Captain, because you’re going out there.”
Chapter Three
Mars Orbital Station
Tuesday , January 14
Earth Year 2155
Hood sat in his seat, rubbed his chin with his hand, and stared intently at the scrolling video of the Epherium Three project as Admiral Grant concluded his explanation of the Armstrong’s first assignment. Admiral Grant, noticing Hood’s distracted focus, addressed a question directly to the Armstrong’s new commander. “Captain Hood. I know that this is a lot to soak in, but I would like you to say a few words now that we’ve given you the background for this mission. I think we would all like to hear about your ideas for your staffing, if you’re ready.”
Hood stood. “Absolutely, sir. If you could transfer the display controls to my desk please, I would like to do this from here if I may.”
“Sure, Captain.” The admiral pressed a few buttons on the podium to transfer the display controls.
Hood looked at the attendees around the room, smiled at Admiral Tramp and tried to relax. “It is a great honor to have been chosen for this command, and I am deeply thankful for your trust. I wholeheartedly agree with Admiral Grant on what he said about ship commanders. In the great darkness of space, we have to be the rock that the crew stands upon when it matters most. The Command staff must work in sync to solve problems, execute decisions and overcome obstacles. Without that strong foundation, it all falls apart.”
“Like many of you here today, I was involved in the early aspects of our defensive capabilities before the Cilik’ti invasion and, like you, I lost friends and comrades. But we were able to adapt, grow and overcome. Today, as I take command of the Armstrong , I look back at the sheer amount of change mankind has endured over the last twenty years. We have come a long way from our early infancy of exploring space and are actively seeking new homes for our people in other star systems. Our ships can now move great distances with the aid of space-fold technology, and our fleets have advanced in every way since the day the Apollo was called to action all those years ago.”
“I have a unique connection to the Epherium Three mission. My uncle, Jonathan Hood, was the commander of the Magellan destined for the Cygni system and his closest friend, Arthur Grange, was given command over the Cabot headed to Tau Ceti. As a boy, my curiosity often
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