The Tactics of Revenge Read Online Free PDF Page B

in case we have to use it. And as far as we can tell, the Klin are not aware of our operations at Nellis. They think our only shipbuilding programs are at the East Coast facilities and with Boeing. We need to keep them believing that.”
    Allen could tell from Lee’s frown that he didn’t know what he was talking about. “I’m sorry, Lee. I keep forgetting you’re not part of the inner circle – until now. Let me fill you in.
    “As you’re already aware, the Klin spaceships are pretty sophisticated, but they seem to be missing certain basic capacities and capabilities – namely having to do with their weapon systems. This is understandable, since the Klin don’t seem to be very experienced at waging war. They may be sly, back-handed bastards and political manipulators, but as far as hard-as-nails warriors, they seem to be missing the killer instinct, and their technology shows it.
    “What we’ve been doing down at Nellis AFB – outside of Vegas – is add a few new weapons systems to some of the Klin ships, some of the ones that are off-the-books. We’ve installed a new smart-missile system, a rapid-fire cannon and even a few new counter-measures. The techies tell us that most of the defensive systems of both the Klin and Juireans are centered around their energy weapons, and our tests have shown that simple ballistic projectiles can pass right through their shields with little effort.”
    “No shit – sir!” No matter how hard he tried, Lee still couldn’t get past the stars on his uncle’s collar; the ‘sir’ was simply habit by now.
    Allen smiled, a sly, devilish smile. “No shit. In close-in action, the Juireans could be in for quite a surprise – and same for the Klin – if it comes down to that.”
    “Do you see that as a possibility?” Lee’s voice suddenly turned serious.
    Allen mirrored his nephew’s solemn expression. “We may have to dance with the Klin at this time, but the fact remains that they are still the main reason we’re in this mess in the first place. They may not have actually pulled the trigger, but there are still a billion dead Human beings as a result of their action – or more correctly – inaction. That’s not something you can easily ignore. Eventually, it will have to be addressed, one way or the other.”
    Lee nodded. He knew his uncle was right. Even though the truth had been revealed to him only minutes before, he fully grasped the complexity of the situation they were facing.
    It had only been a few short months since the events of November 6th – a date which was now etched upon the psyche of every man, woman and child on the planet Earth – even more so than December, 7 th or 9-11.
    Yes, the date of 11-6 was now one of intense emotional meaning for every person on the planet, no matter their nationality, religion or ethnic background. Humanity had been staggered and stunned, with perceptions regarding the very nature of existence poured into a blender and set on high. No one could tell anymore what was real and what wasn’t; not the politicians, not the military – even religious leaders found it difficult to come up with any lasting comfort for their flocks. Everyone was just going through the motions now, trying to convince themselves that what they were doing was making a difference.
    And LCDR Lee Schwartz, U.S. Navy, was no different. His sole existence now revolved around the need for revenge against the Juireans through military action. And the clock was ticking toward the time when Humanity would begin to push back. Whether that push came against the Juireans or the Klin – or both – Lee really didn’t care. Not anymore.
    And no matter how long it took, eventually, someone would have to pay.

Chapter 5

    Adam and Sherri covered their heads with cloth hoods and headed back toward Lann Hall. As they were leaving the shuttle, Adam got an idea, sparked by the brief conversation Sherri had had with the Hyben in line with them earlier that evening.