The Trilisk Revolution (Parker Interstellar Travels) Read Online Free PDF Page A

ineffectual,” Raigel said. “More analysis is required, but I believe
this is checkmate.”
    Narron
leaned forward. “I think Raigel has been compromised.”
    “Raigel,
explain,” Sager said.
    “Many
of our systems are under heavy enemy influence, including the gravity spinners
and our power plants,” Raigel reported. “The objects we detect on visual
wavelengths are most likely not where they appear to be. If our weapons do even
fire, they will be firing off target.”
    The
most powerful battleship ever made, and we’re defeated before even firing a
shot.
    “If
it’s not real, then their size and appearance can be faked, too,” Narron said.
“Maybe the enemy ships aren’t large at all. Maybe there’s only one.”
    “Distract
them,” Sager said. “Target our energy weapons at the most likely locations for
enemies. Launch missiles and put them on standby patrols. Launch all our
courier ships with warning messages, have them translate to FTL. Maybe…”
    “We’re
receiving a transmission most likely from the aliens. Continue with your orders?”
    “Wait,”
Sager said.
    “They
know our protocols, too?” Narron asked.
    “Affirmative.
Routing the channel through to you,” Raigel said.
    A
woman’s face appeared on the screen. She was attractive, though with a scar
across her left eye socket and an obviously artificial eye.
    There’s
no reason to have a scar and such a gaudy eye. She wants us to see that for
some reason, Sager
thought. Another intimidation tactic? Seems kind of juvenile.
    “I’m
sorry for disabling your ships. Earth is under threat,” she said. She pursed
her lips, took a breath, and continued. “I’m going to lay it out for you
straight. We have a fleet of alien ships and we’re headed for Earth. But we’re
not the force that destroyed Seeker . We’re here to remove an alien
influence from the top echelons of Earth’s government. We’ve chosen to isolate
you because we want to win over your support. Or at the very least, prepare you
to take over when we leave. Earth will be leaderless as a result of our
action.”
    “The
person portrayed is a good facsimile of Telisa Relachik, the child of Captain
Relachik of the Seeker ,” Raigel said on the officer channel.
    “The
kid of Relachik? Sick joke. These aliens are twisted,” said Narron.
    Sager
looked at the channel from the aliens. It was set up for two way communication.
    “Show
yourselves. Release my spinners, and we will negotiate with you,” Sager said on
the channel.
    “As
I said. I have to isolate you. I can’t let the aliens know I’m coming. I don’t
expect you to understand or believe me now.”
    “What
have you done with Marco Polo ?”
    “It
will be joining you shortly,” the woman said. “I suggest you move that
delegation aboard Bismarck , Admiral Sager. Just in case things get
really ugly. The survivability of the delegation should improve on that
battleship. These core world politicians will be useful in lending weight to
your claim to power under martial law when we leave.”
    Sager
shook his head. It was all too much to believe.
    They
could just destroy us if they wanted. Could it be real? They know who I am.
    The
woman stared at them in silence for a moment more. “I have evidence to offer
you,” she finished. “I’ll arrange for its delivery. I want you to get looking
at it right away, and I know you’ll fear a hack. So, I’m going to disarm your
point defenses now just to show you that I can.”
    “Point
defenses have deactivated,” Raigel said.
    “I
don’t need to hack you. I can set any bit in any system on the ship from here,”
she said. “So do Earth a favor and take a look at my evidence, think about my
plan, and make plans of your own. Earth will be leaderless within the next few
days. The Bismarck will be an important part of keeping things
together.”
    The
channel closed.
    “We
have received a large data package,” Raigel said. “The Marco Polo has
detranslated within ten