The Phoenix Reckoning (The Phoenix Conspiracy Series Book 6) by Richard Sanders

Representative Baldwin. “If we give up the king, what then will Raidan ask for next? Once he’s proven that he can get us to give him anything?”
    “Asari Raidan might be an insane lunatic,” admitted Sergei, “which is all the more reason to take his threat seriously and believe that he will unleash this hell upon us that he has claimed he will. That said, it is pretty obvious that he only wants one thing—Caerwyn Martel. Give him that and he will go away, leaving the rest of us unharmed. It is only logical. And it would be good for the Empire.”
    “I would even dare say that it is our duty,” added Hadriana.
    “Yes, but would we really even be able to do that?” asked Representative Baldwin.
    “Indeed,” said Representative Ogden. “We are the Assembly, the supposed legal power behind the throne, yet we hide here, in this dreadful basement, whispering words that some would call treason. How is it even remotely possible that we could depose the king? Surely he would reject any new motion on our part to revoke his crown in the Assembly Hall.”
    “Yes, not only that, he’d probably kill off any of us who tried,” added Representative Baldwin.
    “As I said before,” said Sergei, “all obstacles may be overcome, with the right strategy.”
    “Then tell us this strategy,” said Representative Taggart. “Make me believe.”
    “Our time runs short,” said Representative Ogden. “If we remain here much longer, surely our absence will be noted.”
    “Then we must all meet again,” said Hadriana. “And soon.”
    “When we do,” said Representative Ogden, “I expect to hear a very foolproof and convincing plan. And for my part, I need to hear one or two more good reasons why we should put our necks on the line and take the risk.”
    “I too would like more reasons,” said Representative Baldwin.
    “There is no end to the list of reasons,” said Hadriana. “When we meet here again, at the scheduled time, I am sure that Minister Sergei will make a believer out of you with his plan. And then we will be the heroes who saved Capital World, not the traitors who plotted against their king.
    “Indeed,” said Sergei. “Remember, history is written by the victor.”
     
    ***
     
    “Descending from alteredspace,” reported Sarah from the helm. “Arriving in Aleator System in ten seconds.”
    “Excellent,” said Calvin. “Sound General Quarters.”
    “Sounding General Quarters,” said Shen. The alert lights flashed on each console, but the noisy klaxon and red lights were limited to the other decks. No doubt every crewmember was currently scrambling to get to their battle-stations.
    “Stealth or shields?” asked Miles, giving Calvin a backwards glance.
    “Shields, and make those weapons hot. Clear for action.”
    “Clearing for action,” said Miles.
    “Two…one…” the darkness was replaced by a view full of stars. In the distance some blinking lights could be seen, undoubtedly the station Aleator One. “We have arrived in Aleator System,” announced Sarah. “Deep and close to the station, just as you asked.”
    “Very good,” said Calvin. Even though they had sounded General Quarters, he hadn’t strapped himself into his chair, not yet. So he stood up and walked over to the Ops station. “Shen, what do we see?”
    “There is a formation of destroyer class ships on patrol, mostly refitted vessels, I count sixteen of them; they are flying no colors,” said Shen.
    “Show me on the 3D display,” said Calvin.
    The display lit up then focused in on the group of vessels. Calvin recognized them. “Those are friendly ships; ignore them.”
    “Are you sure?” asked Miles. “Because I can get us a target lock from here.”
    “I’m sure,” replied Calvin. “Those vessels are what the Roscos call a defensive squadron.”
    “ That’s their fleet?” asked Miles incredulously. “We could beat them with our shields down.”
    “Better keep those shields up,” said Calvin.