Alpha One - Chris Burton [134]
“Thank you Mister Willis. Where are the Sec? I thought they were here to defend the region too?”
“They are standing by sir. They lack any coherent direction. Perhaps they are as stunned as we are.”
“Contact them and ask for their immediate support. There are far too many Kryl ships for this fleet to deal with on our own.”
* * * *
Enson Costello watched in disbelief from the main hangar deck’s observation platform. Over two hundred jump ships had launched and a huge battle was imminent. He was on standby, having cast aside his drink and responded to the ship’s battle station alarms and comm link requests for immediate battle deployment. With the alcoholic imbalance in his body medically neutralized, he would soon join the fray. He was ready.
Chapter Fifty-Nine
The Winterburn Interrogation
Hoskins entered the interview room, just as Winterburn sat down on a chair in front of an empty table. The room was small and partially lit. Hoskins pulled the only other chair in the room towards the table on the opposite side to Winterburn and waited for the two security staff to leave the room before he sat down. He waited as the security team outside prepared their observation equipment, and then the lighting above the table was directed into Winterburn’s face. This was an old and fairly straightforward intimidation and interrogation technique.
“Professor Winterburn. You have been a difficult fellow to track down.”
Winterburn smiled and said nothing. His face was both expressionless and featureless. Only his piercing red eyes protruded from an otherwise pallid but perfect complexion.
“Did you have some questions for me?”
Winterburn finally spoke. His accent was quintessential English public school; his demeanor was polite but forthright; he was everything he was supposed to be and yet, one look and it was clear he was not human. How were people taken in by this? thought Hoskins.
Winterburn smiled again.
“Your thoughts are transparent Commander Hoskins. I have shed my former human characteristics. A shame, really, as I had grown accustomed to them. I am telepathic, and that, my friend, is just one of the ploys I use to grow peoples’ acceptance and confidence in me.”
Hoskins tried to clear his mind and averted to standard interrogation techniques.
“Why did you choose Earth?”
“We didn’t choose Earth. We became aware of the existence of a link between our galaxy and yours. A galaxy rich in natural resources and food. Earth is but one planet of many hundreds of thousands in your galaxy as a whole.”
Winterburn spoke clearly and slowly. He seemed eager to answer Hoskins questions.
“The blue wormhole was not accessible from our galaxy apart from a small fissure, larger but similar to the one at your end. We were able to deploy a small vessel through the fissure and into your galaxy. I arrived over fifty years ago. I sought out the most likely populated planet and made my entrance. The rest I believe you know.”
“You seem keen to provide us with the answers.”
“To hold back how I got here serves no purpose. Neither do our intentions, or that you won’t be able to hold me. I already manipulate the minds of your crew. A Kryl fleet is on route to intercept you.”
Hoskins was angry but tried not to show it.
“You will find we will be a good deal harder to control than your former disciples. Our resolve to protect ourselves is paramount.”
“And futile. Your existence as a race is in our hands. You will be consumed at a rate we deem appropriate. Already an advance fleet has entered your galaxy. A much larger invasion force will follow in due course. I have nothing further to add at this time. I wish to return to my holding cell. You will be compelled to release me back to my people in due course.”
Hoskins was horrified as the full magnitude of Winterburn’s statement sank in. They are intending to consume us. He elected to ignore this and concentrate on military issues only.
“I will not. You will be subjected to lengthy interrogation by my colleagues and you will provide further answers, as will all your captive Kryl