FSRB Chpt 135

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==The Federated Suns Reborn - Chapter 135==
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February 3070Interlude - Revelations
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Fox's Den, Grand Avalon Mountain Range
New Avalon Combat Region
Coreward Combat Theater (Markessan Operations Area)
Crucis March
New Avalon, Federated Suns
February 10th, 3070
To say the meeting had been difficult would be an understatement. The problem with filling a room with strong willed professionals was that when they disagreed the debates could become heated! Still the respect that all of the participants had for each other had at least kept the arguments from descending into personal attacks. So far at least. The First Prince tiredly looked at the faces of his key advisers as they argued the merits of a preemptive strike back and forth. While Galen and Caradoc were defending his own position Victor couldn't help but feel they were doing so more out of a sense that they should play devil's advocate. Jackson, Ardan, and James were all making a strong case for hitting the Combine now while their communications were in shambles. In one regard they table had divided into an almost Old Guard and New Guard approach, but Victor knew better than to think this was merely old hatreds that the elder members hadn't let go. Worse he was starting to think they might be right.
At a soft knock on the door the single member of the group that hadn't spoke got up and walked to open it, taking the data pad that was handed to her by a staff member and walking back to give it to Victor. Despite himself and the situation the First Prince couldn't help but smile at his wife as she handed him what was obviously an urgent intelligence report. Giving her hand a squeeze he took the pad and began reading, the smile fading from his face at the few short paragraphs. He snapped at Galen. "Get Field Marshal Day in here. I expect she's outside."
A few seconds later the elderly head of MI1 stepped into the room and saluted. "You sent for me, My Prince."
"Has this been verified?" He held up the data pad.
"As best we can. In the circumstances. Yes." She shrugged slightly. "It's an outside source. ROM. But... My intelligence reports are backing it up. They're coming."
Glancing at the men who just minutes before he had been arguing with the First Prince nodded. "You were right, gentlemen. Jackson, Ardan, James... You were right. Galen, Caradoc I'm sorry. I've wasted your time. Theodore or Hohiro at least is about to launch a full scale attack on us with the WOB in support. We've received a copy of Hohiro's message to the DCMS ordering them to initiate an attack on us as per previous orders on the 21st of March. A ROM agent working in the Dieron HPG station under the WOB has "accidentally" sent a copy along with the deciphering ciphers to the station on Northwind. Who have forwarded it to us. I was wrong, gentlemen, and I might have cost us untold casualties with my mistake... Perhaps even the war... But we have a chance to fix my error. I have a chance to fix it. With your help."
Surprisingly it was the old Marshal of the Draconis March who spoke up almost softly. "You were trying to preserve the peace. Avoid the bloodshed of a full scale war, Victor. That's nothing to be ashamed off. But now we know war is coming we have to make sure we damn well win it!"
Victor nodded his thanks at the old warhorses words and turned to Jackson. "Initiate Operation Alexander. All 3 sub-operations. Hit them hard, Jackson."
Jackson stood nodding firmly back. "We still have time. The entire AFFS is on alert. I can have the first dropships blasting off in 48 hours Prince Victor. Operation Alexander can hit them while they are still loading their dropships to hit us..."
Ardan Sortek stood as well. "This might even work to our favor. As Jackson says we might catch at least some of their units half loaded and with their pants down..."
Victor stood as well making a point of shaking each of the officers hands as they began heading out to launch Operation Alexander. "I'll join you all in the war room shortly gentlemen..."
As they filed out he turned to his wife who smiled at him sadly and took his hand. "You did what you thought was best, Victor. There's no shame in that. Come, let's go see Burton and then you can join your generals, they can spare you for a few minutes at least..."
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