In the three-day debriefing, the rest of us thank Astinov for his sacrifice before our invasion.We also congratulated and thanked Admiral Bryant on his incredible tactical insights and planning. I hold an interview with Fredricka explaining the subterfuge we were creating by charging him with a crime. And, the effect it had on our mission. She is a little angry with me, at first. But, later she realizes it was necessary to get her to respond with the entirely believable indignation she displayed throughout the whole episode. She published an article about his sacrifice and heroism that was broadcast via all the communications facilities. But, on April 10, 2270, we receive another video presentation from the Isesinis.
The same voice-over can be heard issuing a warning as a small planet in the background is destroyed by one of the Polyhedrons. We scramble to identify the victim. Several minutes that seem like hours are expended as we search databases for the detailed view that will identify which world has been terminated. We finally define the system as HN Pegasi, a small yellow star with eight planets. Two are habitable and are home to advanced species that are Federation members. The Isesinis has destroyed the smallest of the two. Nearly five hundred million Grestita are now gone. The voice warns they will destroy everything if we don't cease and desist.
"Another lure?" I ask George.
"I don't think so. Not this time. They know the lure won't work. This is a genuine threat. And, if the Isesinis don't see we've stopped our attacks, I believe they'll act on it within a year.
"But, if we stop, won't they just attack us within our narrow confines?"
"No, I don't think they'd try that, now. I feel the Isesinis understand our tactical abilities. I guess they will be satisfied if we appear content with our little appendage of the Federation. So far, we have been much more trouble than they initially counted on.
But, we have a bigger problem. If we want to fight them, we have to find the center of their operation. We need to kill this elusive Governor and destroy his Command Center to cut the head off the snake. We'll need intensive SOCC reconnaissance to find it. It'll take time, a lot of resources and a ton of planning. It could take us a year or two before we're ready.
In the meantime, we'll have to play it cool. We have to sit here like we're resigned to the fact we can't go any farther. We need to conduct the day to day business of life, and the protection of our corridor like that's all there is. In the meantime, we can enlarge our forces. We must bide our time. We need to appear defeated."
End
Righteous Reign Episode 3 - Rampant Rampage is the third episode in a four part story. Righteous Reign and Righteous Reign II- Righteous Rule are available on-line and through many fine retailers in a variety of formats.
Rampant Rampage is a fictional story. Any resemblence to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
Rampant Rampage was written, produced and narrated by Thomas J. MacDonald.
©Copyright 2017 Thomas J. MacDonald
All rights reserved.
Righteous Reign, Righteous Reign II - Righteous Rule, and Righteous Reign Episode 3 - Rampant Rampage are registered for copyright, in Canada, under the terms of the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention.
Righteous Reign Episode 3 - Rampant Rampage Page 31