Operation Andromeda

"Ladies, gentlemen, members of the Interplanetary Council, members of the Interplanetary Embassies, and members of the Federation Military, welcome.

'We are met today, to discuss a matter of great importance; a matter which has only now come to light. Yesterday, at 2356 hundred hours, a crippled Mantaran vessel entered our port here, bearing Mr. and Mrs. Alnora, ambassadors of Mantara.

'As of the third of last month, Mantara is occupied and threatened with destruction by an Asilanteneian fleet. We do not yet know if this is a hostile action by Asilanten itself, or if this is a rogue fleet; however, the Interplanetary Alliance must deal with the current problem first." Mr. Eknophin, president of the Interplanetary Council paused for breath. "Mr. and Mrs. Alnora, Your Excellencies, would you please stand? I believe you can explain the situation better than we can."

The Mantaran Ambassador and Ambassadress rose and bowed to the assembly. "We thank you;" Mr. Alnora began, "as President Eknophin says, our home, Mantara, is occupied and threatened with destruction along with our people, none of whom are allowed to leave.

'We don't know why this fleet seeks to destroy us, any more than you: Mantara has always been peaceful, and, as far as we can tell, Asilanten has no cause for hostility against us." he stopped and nodded to his wife .

Mrs. Alnora continued: "We tried sending distress signals, but this fleet intercepted them; we managed to get past their guard in our small ship, but we were hit as we reached open space and our vessel was damaged; fortunately not severely, so we came here to get help.

'Mantara has no warships and our people are being terrorized by Asilanteneian thugs, who are planting explosive, code-commanded charges over our whole planet." her golden eyes filled with tears which spilled over and down her dark cheeks. The Council respectfully looked at the table while she dried her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. "We don't have much time: no more than a week, if even that." Mr. and Mrs. Alnora bowed again and sat down.

President Eknophin rose and broke the heavy silence, which had settled over the room: "Thank you, Your Excellencies.

'I believe we all understand Mantara's situation and our duty is plain enough; the most important thing is time, now. If we have only one week, time is our greatest adversary: even our fastest ships cannot reach Mantara in less." he looked around the long table. "We mustn't delay any longer: General Alta,"

"Sir!"

"Send your fastest armada. They will need to distract the Asilanteneian fleet and evacuate Mantara; if possible, they are to disable the charges , but their first concern is the safety of the Mantarans.

"Yes, sir, It will be done."

As the Council stood to leave, the record keeper shouted: "Hold on! President, what is this operation to be recorded as?"

There was a moment of silence; President Eknophin looked askance at the general.

"This will be called... 'Operation Andromeda'." General Alta nodded politely and hrried to the hangars, knowing that every second counted in the race against time.