Alpha One - Chris Burton [81]
Koenig was exasperated, but knew that to force this issue would be futile. “Fine. I will ask Admiral Clarke to brief White on our stance. Before we close this discussion, Mr. President, I wanted to talk to you about the Odysseus Project. Are you familiar with it?”
“Yes, I think so. That’s the Tri-Star wormhole project, which is I believe being partially funded by government. I don’t know much detail I am afraid.”
“The project is being sourced by Nexus Thru Space, Inc. They have submitted a proposal to send a ship with Alpha support into each wormhole, which was approved with the caveat that Alpha would attempt to open both wormholes together to either prove or disprove the blue wormhole theory. Are you familiar with the theory?”
“I am. The main reason for the war, we are led to believe.”
“The problem being that, while Nexus has agreed to provide us with an additional line of funding, which we welcome, it transpires that the original proposal was a public/private funding initiative, with the project being partially funded by ECG. This means ECG was provided funding to Alpha through a third party, that is, by stealth.”
Roslyn frowned. “Is that really the main problem here, Admiral? Should we not be more concerned with their being able to get to the Tri-Star region and whether the Sentinels and the Betanica sect’s beliefs are correct?”
“Yes, We need to formulate an agreement between Alpha and ECG so that the funding line is not jeopardized and that the media see the funding as not being made via the back door.”
“Okay, I agree. I will ask our representative to draft an appropriate addendum. Do you not have an opinion on the wormholes, Admiral?”
“Yes, I do. Currently accessing the Tri-Star system is not a problem. The Sentinels have poured all their resources into the Ionian system, leaving the area relatively clear. I believe the mission element of the project is due to commence early in the New Year. As for the blue wormhole theory…it is more than possible that if a further corridor opens up. then we could be granting access to species from other galaxies. If any of the wormholes are two way then we are inviting both the good and the bad to enter our region of space. It’s not really a new thing. The interest for Alpha is in whether the blue wormhole will form and how.”
“The Betanica Sect have, they say. evidence proving that a tyrannical race will come through. Perhaps we should be seen to be sensitive to their beliefs, maybe just as a precaution?”
Koenig laughed. “Admiral Shenke’s task force is on stand-by to attend the Tri-Star region if required. I am not completely against the possibility that there may be something in this. Alpha has learned from mistakes made in the past. I understand the Sect infiltrated ECG, but at a much higher level than we thought.”
Koenig’s attempt at humor had taken the edge of what was a challenging conversation. Roslyn acknowledged the humor and continued it. “They have infiltrated Alpha, too. Where will it all end?”
“We will soon find out, Mr. President.”
With that, the two leaders said their goodbyes and the comm link closed. The conversation was heated, but had ended on a better note. Koenig then reopened the briefing document and began to read. Once again he was interrupted by a comm link. This time it was Admiral Clarke.
“Just wanted to advise you that the Odysseus Project time lines have been agreed. The two Nexus vessels are en route to Alpha six. Have you spoken to President Roslyn about the third party funding?”
“Yes, I have just spoken to him, although he was pre-occupied as you might expect. I will emphasize to Mr. Rose when I next speak to him that it is important that we ram home the advantage and get this battle finished. I want Admiral Shenke’s mini-fleet available to potentially support the Nexus ships… Just adopting a belts-and-braces approach.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
The Return to Titan
Obtaining clearance for a personal exit from Earth was always complicated, particularly in war time. Carla had confirmed