"Pulling out the Strands" by Patrick Allan

 

Note to all readers

This is the equivilant of a trial version - if you like it, please email me at , and I will continue to write the story, published in parts. If you want it emailed directly to you, mention that in your letter.

 

Chapter 1

C'Donath leant back in his chair and sighed. Investigation into the terrorist group known as the renegades was slower than expected. His spies and informants were gradually disappearing, and more and more convoys and deliveries were getting plundered. Generals and leaders continued to demand information on the threat, ignoring how much trouble was involved for the data gatherers.

The comm buzzed. "Lieutenant C'Donath? General Germin'atha wishes to speak to you."

The Igadzra inwardly groaned. "Please tell him I'm sorry, but I have more pressing activities to attend to."

"Yes, sir"

Germin'atha was the Minister for the Upper North Territories, where one group of the renegades had made their headquarters. An impatient Zidagar, who seemed to ignore what others needed to do, he would take insult from C'Donath's reply, but the Lieutenant was beyond caring. The Strand Forces had never faced a danger such as this, and warships in the Crescent were reasonably scarce, providing easy pickings for renegades.

Warships - another topic for High Command to bicker about. The council had been split on the decision to take funds from projects so more warships and other offensive weaponry could be created. The one project creating most of the disagreements was Operation Probe, contrived to explore systems to the galactic west and southeast. Rumours were spreading of red battleships patrolling the lower borders, and the Government was peeved they knew nothing.

The comm buzzed again, breaking C'Donath's line of thought. "What is it?" he snapped.

"Sir, the General insists that he meets with you. He claims to have important news."

"Very well. Send him in." the intelligence officer acquiesced, cursing the persistent politician as he cleared his desk of reports, and prepared himself for another long meeting.