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Willis didn't bother to sound cowed. 'Mr Chairman, I've had more than enough experience with politicians second-guessing command decisions after the fact. In my professional opinion, the battle was not winnable. Period. After the disasters that have befallen the EDF, I stand by my decision not to lose ten Manta cruisers in a futile exercise.'

He turned to face her, but she didn't back down. 'I don't like your insubordinate tone, Admiral.' Again.

Willis brushed aside his comment. 'The most important thing, Mr Chairman, is the alarming news King Peter reported. If the Klikiss race has returned to reclaim their worlds, that could be a substantial threat.'

'And you believe that fairy tale? Without proof? The Klikiss have been extinct for ten thousand years. It was a defence strategy -just Peter creating more imaginary monsters.'

'More? Like the “imaginary” threat of Klikiss robots and Soldier compies, you mean?'

Deputy Cain's tone was deceptively mild. 'General Lanyan is still at Rheindic Co. There have been no reports about a Klikiss invasion on any of the worlds he went to inspect.'

Willis was obviously flustered. 'Exactly how is he supposed to make a report? He's got no green priests. Have you received any word from him at all?'

'I expect the General back soon. He will deliver a full report when he returns.'

Willis waited in her formal stance, she seemed bulletproof. 'Will that be all, Mr Chairman?'

Finally Basil sat down. 'Unfortunately not, Admiral. Since we did not achieve our goals at Theroc, you now force me to pursue Plan B.'

Cain had a perplexed expression on his face. 'Plan B? We've not discussed our next move.'

'I didn't require your input, Mr Cain. The objective is clear enough.' He turned to regard Willis. 'Even though I'm not impressed with your combat decisions during the Theron debacle, I cannot afford to lose one of my seasoned commanders. Nor can let your ten Mantas sit here idle while more of the Hansa slips through my fingers. I've run an assessment of our breakaway colony worlds to see which ones have the weakest defences and the most strategic importance. I'm sending my grid admirals to these carefully selected “softer targets”, to plant the Hansa flag and bring them back into line--by any means necessary.'

'You mean invade and occupy?'

'That's exactly what I mean, though I would choose different words.'

'I'd like my Juggernaut back if you're going to send me into combat, sir. The battle picture at Theroc would have changed dramatically if I'd had my Jupiter as well as the Mantas.'

'Request denied. General Lanyan will retain command of the Juggernaut for the time being, but perhaps after a successful operation, you'll earn back the right. For now, make do with your ten cruisers.'

He touched his deskscreen, illuminating a star system, then called up images of green-blue oceans, reefs, and small settlements built out of giant shells, as well as large refineries, pumping stacks, and condensing facilities. 'I'm assigning you Rhejak, an ocean world with an ocean-based economy. The people have been comfortable for a long time. They won't be much of a problem - even for you, Admiral.' He laced his fingers behind his steel-grey hair.

Willis frowned at the images. 'You want me to conquer a vacation postcard? For what purpose - just to bolster the Hansa's ego?'

'To acquire Rhejak's materials. The oceans and reefs there are a good source of rare metals and minerals, which the Hansa needs. One of their kelp extracts is a valuable supplement for pharmaceuticals, including anti-aging treatments. Knuckling down on a few islanders and fishermen shouldn't be beyond even your abilities.'

Willis was clearly annoyed. 'I've got decades of experience, Mr Chairman, and dozens of victories under my belt. I'm not accustomed to being addressed this way by a… a civilian.'

'I am your commander-in-chief, Admiral.'

'I have some concerns about that particular point. I've reviewed all available EDF