Countdown by John Walker (most life changing books TXT) 📕

“It will be reactionary.” Trenik sat on the bed. “My people have already launched an attack. They are coming for the Gold Empire. I would like to know the whole plan.”

“I don’t think they’re going to tell us. I’m getting the feeling they don’t trust either of us.”

“That is ridiculous. You are one of them.”

“I’m a civilian,” Harcourt pointed out, “a scientist, yes, but not a military man. We are… not as privy to information as you’d think.”

“Idiotic. But okay. I should speak with the captain. Or this commodore. Anyone! Please, Harcourt… help me help them. Before it is too late.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll try again.” Harcourt turned away. “I wish Lyson had stayed. She might have better luck with these people. But I’ll do what I can.” He stepped out, holding the door. “Talk to you soon. Hang tight.”

Of course. Trenik rolled his eyes. Because I can do something else. Frustration burned in his chest. He tried to breathe through it, but it didn’t work. He remained aggravated. It will only get worse the longer I have to do nothing. Unfortunately, that was exactly what he had to do. And what’s more, he had to learn to accept it.

These humans have much to learn about using an advantage. Trenik flopped on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I hope for all our sakes they live long enough to seize this opportunity.

***

Oliver made his way to the hangar so he could get back to the Morrigan. They were heading out soon to join one of the Confed battlegroups coming in. Alden planned on getting back to the capital long enough to establish control then he’d join them before they made their final push.

“Peck!” A familiar voice drew his attention. Albert Gage came hurrying up, waving. “I didn’t know if you made it out of there alive, man!”

“Holy shit, man!” Oliver shook his hand. “I wasn’t sure about you either. How’s it going? Were you hurt?”

“Nah, I made it out okay. I’ve received word from my people too. They’re all okay. In fact, they have some weaponized ships. They’re ready to help us with the ervas threat. I’ve put them in touch with your logistics people. When we’re ready, I’ll join them to take command. Give these pricks a real ass kicking.”

“Amazing. Wow. I’m glad to hear it.”

“Where’s Rita?” Albert waved his hand behind him. “I’ve looked everywhere.”

“Oh boy.” Oliver told him the story about what she did, about her leaving with Loch. “We have people heading out to get her back right now.”

“Holy shit, man. That’s…” Albert blinked a couple times. “I’m not even sure what to say. I’m sorry to hear it.”

“Me too.” Oliver shrugged. “We’ll fix it. The best we can.”

“I wish I would’ve known. I’d have helped with that.”

“I know, man. I thought you were…”

“Nah, I ain’t that easy to kill.” Albert smirked. They walked in silence for a few moments. “So… I know everyone’s coming together. It’s a real love fest. But… I have a curiosity. A wonder, I guess.”

“What’s up?”

“What are our chances do you think? Do we have this?”

Oliver didn’t answer right away. Having sat through the briefing, he may have been one of a few people with an informed opinion about that point. Unfortunately, he wasn’t certain. They didn’t know what they were facing. Most of their situation came down to guesswork involving numbers.

And that’s why he couldn’t give Albert a direct answer. I don’t want to give him false hope. At the same time, he couldn’t remember a time when he told people they were in trouble. Not without some path forward. I guess this is the time to be honest. He’s not a military man and he shouldn’t be here if he’s not confident.

“We are doing everything in our power to stack the odds,” Oliver said, “meaning we’ve got everyone on deck. We can say two human nations are involved. MerCon is practically a third. The civilians helping don’t count as a fourth. What this comes down to, though, is whether or not the ervas have the same type of resources.”

“You mean… if they have the equivalent grouping of forces.”

“Right. Are we outnumbering them three-to-one?” Oliver shrugged. “Or do they have such a vast fleet that we’re in real trouble? Even our prisoner can’t help us with that. They don’t know the full extent of our opposition. So…that’s why I can’t outright say yes, we’re going to win this fight.”

Albert clapped him on the back. “Well… I guess we’ll do the best with what we’ve got, huh? I personally look forward to fighting someone that isn’t a human being. Might be nice to face off with some allies on my side. Former enemies. I dunno. Part of me thinks this battle was a long time coming, that we really needed it.”

“Maybe so.”

Oliver hadn’t put too much thought into it. Unification might’ve still happened without them but after everything that happened in the frontier, all the discoveries and violence, outing Whitaker and working with the Gold Empire, even bringing MerCon around… it really did change the dynamic of human interaction.

“Alright, I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than jaw jack with me.” Albert picked up the pace. “I’m off to a briefing of my own before heading out. See you around, Peck! Good luck!”

“You too!” Oliver watched him disappear around a corner up ahead before veering into the hangar. He hadn’t known about the civilian side of things. Partly because he hadn’t thought of people like Borden and Albert as civilians. They were capable enough. If they stepped up and didn’t become liabilities, then they’d be welcomed to the party.

I’ll ask Noah what he thinks about our chances.

But Oliver had duties of his own. Organizing security on the ship, ensuring they didn’t experience another sabotage