Alpha One - Chris Burton [63]
The scheduled comm link opened and Ambassador White appeared on Koenig’s 3D wide screen.
“Conal, how are you? Are you well? It’s been a while.”
“I am well, Admiral. Despite my age, I still have the energy of a teenager. Especially when it comes to my wife and children.”
They chatted for a few minutes about family and old acquaintances, before White cleverly moved the conversation to Alpha and Earth’s commitment to her.
“You realize support for your forthcoming campaign is still good on Earth.”
“Yes, although it is clear there are divisions.”
“ECG is working to remove them but we must do our part. The problem is that Alpha appears removed from the political aspects of this. I presume you would relish the prospect of enhancing your support on Earth.”
“Why not cut straight to the chase Ambassador?” Koenig was bored of White’s circling of the issue and wanted to find out what ECG was putting to the table.
“Well, my friend, ECG asked me to broker a new relationship between Alpha and themselves, one which serves both parties in the current climate. They don’t want a controlling influence again, but to develop relations, perhaps establish a reporting line, without having a direct say. They want to be in a position to influence Alpha’s decision-making process. In return, they will offer a new and considerable funding line. I am sure this would be of extreme benefit to you.”
“We have adequate funding from the APF and other parties.”
“I am sure you do Admiral, but space battles cost money and frequently squeeze the war chest. There will be losses, new ships need to be built and manpower and resources replaced. Additional funding from these outside sources won’t be immediately forthcoming because the ‘war’ is seen as an Earth issue.”
“What did ECG have in mind?”
“Not much. A direct reporting link between ECG and Alpha. Ideally between you and the President personally, but on an informal basis and a change to your articles that makes you once again representative of Earth, i.e., that your ‘main’ reason for existence is the protection of Earth.”
“All seems a bit familiar. ECG won’t fund unless they have an influence on the actual decision making process. They need to define ‘reporting’ further.”
“They don’t seek to be your masters. Funding would be specific and paid yearly in advance. ‘Reporting’ suggests advising ECG on Alpha issues, presumably with some cross-discussion about ways in which ECG can help and ways that they feel Alpha should go. There would be no formal command structure in place.”
“So what does ECG get out of this?”
“At the moment they feel completely divorced from the whole thing. There is a war in which many of its citizens are going to die and they don’t currently sit at the table, let alone have an influence. They accept Alpha would want more relaxed reporting lines. They accept a command structure is inappropriate, but they do want to be involved.”
“There are issues with Alpha’s current funding providers and our reporting lines to them.”
“There are, and ECG doesn’t wish to prejudice these. Discussions need to be more in depth, but need not be complex. I propose you appoint a member of your bench to act on your behalf and that I sit as chair in order to broker a deal. This whole issue need not stand in the way of your main issues today, Admiral. A battle is imminent and that is your main concern. Do you wish me to set something up?”
Koenig was not overly convinced, but discussions didn’t commit and he needed to see which way Roslyn really headed on