by Aer-ki Jyr
“Do you wish us to return?” Ronoken asked.
“Not to the Tauriel System. I need you and many others to deploy to a closer target. If you are able to penetrate their security, I require the seizure of one of their shield generators and as many of their adjacent anti-orbital batteries as possible.”
Virrian starred at the Rit’ko’sor closely. “You think we can create a foothold that will also defend against their orbital fleet?”
“You see…Zen’zat can think when you try. Yes, if you can move undetected then there is a chance. And if we can have their own defense shield protecting our landing zone we can take one of their worlds with far less loss of ships.”
“You have been waiting for this, haven’t you?” Ronoken asked.
“I have. We cannot keep trading losses to take planets, for we have not been given enough resources to stomp this heresy out. We must therefore use guile, and I needed to know if insertion was viable. Better to test it on a world far from the border where you were likely to return to report.”
“The Archons can see us,” Virrian pointed out.
“Which is why we must choose our target carefully and you must move even more carefully. We can use this tactical only once, for they will adapt to it. Where then do you think we should try for?”
The Zen’zat glanced at each other, then both answered in sync.
“Gallifrey.”
“Gallifrey,” Sess’met agreed, “would be a worthy target. One they feel is safe. Getting a fleet there will be problematic, so the timing must be precise. We require reconnaissance first and a slow infiltration. I want both of you there first to hunt for these technological Pefbar devices or these altered trees. If the way is clear, more will come and hide. When the time is right, if we have an opportunity, we will strike. If not, we will withdrawal and try another target. Again, patience is key.”
“We understand,” Ronoken said. “We are not so arrogant as you believe.”
“You still have much to learn, but if you were unbearably arrogant I would not have chosen you. I require subordinates that can think, and unfortunately that means retraining you. Do not allow yourselves to be killed or I will have to start over with others more arrogant than you.”
“We serve the V’kit’no’sat however is required,” Virrian said firmly.
“You are beginning to, and in that I see hope. If only I had drone warships…” Sess’met said angrily. “The empire is eager to learn how to fight the Hadarak better because we know we are inferior, but where we assume superiority we are stubborn and slow to change our ways. I need this attack to be successful not only for our campaign, but to teach others who assume they are my superior. So more Zen’zat and others are not lost needlessly due to arrogance. We must be both lucky and precise. If we cannot have both we must withdraw. It is essential that you understand the gravity of this.”
“Three of my Zen’zat were killed on this past mission,” Virrian answered. “I do not underestimate Star Force. I learn from failure and adapt.”
“That is why you will be in command of the assault force. Ronoken will be in command of the reconnaissance. Use your own judgement wisely. I will not be able to direct you from afar.”
“When do we leave?” Ronoken asked confidently.
“Choose Zen’zat less arrogant than most. 3,000 in total spread over dozens of ships. Leave as soon as you are ready.”
Both Zen’zat bowed lightly out of respect, then turned and left immediately, leaving Sess’met to analyze the samples delivered. His report needed to be sent to Zyrnox immediately, but not his plans for Gallifrey. The upcoming assault was going to be on his own authority…and better not to tell anyone of it beforehand. If successful he would use it to bash some sense into their arrogant heads. If it failed, he didn’t feel like explaining why to his idiotic peers.
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