Alpha One - Chris Burton [80]
“We will have to watch this space.”
“So we will. For now, let’s wait and see what the fallout is like with ECG, and then we can pick up the dialogue again with Ambassador White. Thank you Gentlemen…”
Admiral Koenig was speaking to his fellow Alpha Cabinet members, Admirals Kohn and Clarke. They both knew him well enough to know that their unofficial meeting was over and they hastily departed Admiral Koenig’s substantial office suite.
Personally, Koenig was not happy with Admiral Rose’s decision to use the sub-space weapons, or with the ridiculous debacle surrounding Admiral Shenke’s efforts to pass through the Partacian system. The whole battle strategy was looking weak, and even the Sentinels’ capability was underestimated. Koenig had spoken to Rose earlier this morning and Rose seemed happy with the situation, arguing that the strategy was on target. Koenig expressed concern about the number of fatalities. It was difficult to brush over the loss of nearly thirteen thousand lives in just four days. The media were having a field day. The battle was not going well, too many lives were lost for too limited a return, and the ‘gutless’ Admiral Rose had resorted to deploying a mass destruction weapon, which was not only banned by ECG but by the APF and other regional power assemblies. Koenig had left Rose with a simple message. “You are replaceable. Make sure the campaign gets back on track.”
Koenig had little time to mull over the issues, and was just about to review a draft of the latest press release when a direct comm link opened. President Roslyn’s distinctive features appeared on the holoscreen in front of him.
“Ah President Roslyn, what can I do for you?”
“Your Commander Schneider has made a mockery of the government. I want to know what you are going to do about it.”
Nothing like going in with both feet, thought Koenig. “I believe that Commander Schneider handled the situation well, rather than crucify you like he could have done. He was asked a specific question: to deny would have meant lying and I won’t ask my commanders to do that for anyone.” Koenig was equally forceful.
“So what are you going to do to help to pacify the media?”
“I am looking at the latest draft briefing. Basically we will be stating that ECG was under the same obligation of non-disclosure as we are. Governments sometimes have to keep secrets too.”
“When will this be released?”
“This afternoon, before 4 p.m. I would think.”
Roslyn changed tack. “The media are gunning for ECG to have greater involvement again with Alpha. Ambassador White is looking to make a statement advising that progress is being made with regard to our increased collaboration. Given the events of the last week, I think he should go further. Do you agree?”
“Not really. It will merely serve to further tarnish further Alphas reputation, and ECG’s for that matter. I don’t think that White should even be speaking to the press. I think we should put the consultation process on hold for while.”
“Why? You need funds more than ever.”
“Because allowing ECG greater involvement in our actions at this time will be like admitting defeat; that we cannot cope without you. The reality is different. We have and continue to apply funds obtained from external sources…”
Koenig was getting angry. Roslyn tried to force his way back in by default. He continued, “We will make no apology for the actions we have taken. They were the correct ones. They are legitimate and they will see us through to victory.”
Roslyn could sense Koenig’s anger, a weak point in the Admiral’s normally steadfast resolve. He would not seek to exploit the weakness, not today.
“Very well, Admiral, but I see no reason to ask Ambassador