Alpha One - Chris Burton [124]
“Will you be advising President Roslyn?” asked Kohn.
“Yes, I need him to know. This will put the fear of God into ECG so I will play down some of the more dramatic elements of Shenke’s message.”
* * * *
President Roslyn was staying in his Lake Lugano Villa. He decided only last week that a week of solitude would improve his deteriorating mood. A week away from the media might stall the steep—and continuing—decline in his approval ratings. He needed a miracle, or some kind of political or economic disaster, to save the day and turn his second term as president around. His opponents snapped at his heels, and his own party tried to disown him. He needed something, and that something just fell onto his lap.
The private comm link from Admiral Koenig was a surprise, as had his unusual request for the two of them to meet in private and unofficially. He accepted, and immediately invited the Admiral to join him at his villa for a long weekend, some recreational activity and private discussions. Koenig declined an extended visit and opted instead for a brief meeting followed by dinner. Four hours later, he received his own copy of Professor Winterburn’s message together with some commentary from Admiral Shenke and Admiral Koenig. The news was appalling, but this was exactly what he was looking for. This was a crisis requiring strong leadership and moral guidance. It would also necessitate rejoining of Alpha and ECG. It seemed Roslyn was about to get his way. Koenig’s private yacht landed on the banks of the lake just two hours later.
They greeted each other courteously. The two men did not hate each other; they did have a grudging respect for each other but would never be friends. They were miles apart on most issues, which Koenig felt was unlikely to change. Still, the surroundings were glorious, and there was no denying he needed Roslyn’s help and he needed it now. The cost of the Sentinel War escalated massively in the last month or so, and the lack of funding from other sources including the APF left the war chest empty. The APF in particular surprised Koenig with their steadfast refusal to provide additional funding while the ‘ unjust war’ with the Sentinels took place. How ironic that the Sentinels were right all along.
“So Admiral, we have a huge problem. Have the Kryl come through the wormhole yet?”
“Not as far as I am aware. I am still waiting for a further update from Admiral Shenke. We should shortly be deploying Admiral Rose’s fleet. The trouble is, we are desperately short of funds. We need something quick and unofficial if we are to defend the wormholes properly.”
“Quick and unofficial? Haven’t we had active discussions to increase our cooperation in these areas? Surely, having let the official talks progress, we should be in a position for a political rejoining. I think enough progress has been made for to achieve this quickly.”
“No,” said Koenig. “We must keep this unofficial for the time being. We have to consider the consequences of this thing getting out to the media. They would put their collective heads together and cause mass panic. They already know about the Sect and their beliefs. If they find out we need funding to send additional resources to the Tri-Star system, it would be bedlam.”
“Very well. I don’t want that any more than you. It will be ECG who has to pick up the pieces, not Alpha. Let’s be honest, you‘re protecting your interests in this matter. You don’t want to be seen with the begging cap in hand, so to speak, pleading for financial assistance from ECG. I can keep this covered up, and I can provide you with funds to assist you immediately. I have to, in the interests of the protection of Earth and its people, not to save you any embarrassment.