Drift Effect

Chapter 8: Reprieve

Curry turned her attention to the holographic window featuring President Oaks. "A full retreat out of Shanxi?" she inquired.

The President wasn't alone in the virtual meeting; two additional windows were open—one for High Governor Carter and another for Captain Matterson. The former appeared lost, confused, and slightly queasy. 

Clark couldn't blame her. While everyone else possessed some level of military experience, the High Governor had been a businesswoman before being voted into office. Now, she was on the verge of being entangled in a potential alien invasion. 

Oaks nodded at Curry's question. "President Chen has advised the Federation that they are recalling their entire fleet out of the system," she replied. "It's not just the Colony Station and its escorts anymore. The system will be completely devoid of Taiwanese military personnel in fifteen minutes, real-time."

"Do they intend to abandon the system?" Carter asked. 

"For now," Oaks replied. "There's no word on whether they will relinquish their rights to it, though."

"I doubt they will," Matterson said. "They're focused on preserving the Colony Station, and they don't have enough defenders to face more than a hundred ships."

"New Carolina doesn't either," Carter added, her voice barely above a whisper as she paled. "Captains," she continued hoarsely, "what are the chances of these aliens bringing their fleet to us?" 

"Rather high," Curry replied gently. 

"I concur," Matterson agreed. "We're too near Shanxi for them not to notice us." 

The High Governor slumped slightly for a few seconds before shaking her head. "Then we need to prepare. President Oaks, what's the status of our new fleet? You mentioned that they were on their way." 

"Yes," Oaks replied. "The scouting ships left the Inner Systems three days ago. They're traveling at their top speed and are expected to reach your system in five days."

"That seems a bit too fast for a carrier fleet," Matterson remarked. 

"It's not the carrier fleet," Oaks clarified. "Due to the critical nature of the situation, we've dispatched a task force of frigates instead. They're carrying with them half of a neutronium core."

Clark perked up on hearing that. 

"Let me guess," Matterson replied with a grin, "the other half is with the carrier fleet?" 

"Yes, it is," Oaks said. "Plus an auxiliary flotilla from the Philippines."

Clark raised an eyebrow in surprise, staring at the President's window. 

Apparently, he wasn't the only one who found that shocking as High Governor Carter asked, "Why have they joined in? Not that I don't appreciate it."

"Probably to pay us back when we helped them clear out the pirates from the New Visayas system," Oaks replied. "They can't lend any ship bigger than a destroyer, though."

Carter nodded before sighing. "Any help is welcomed. And the fact we're getting a Bridge… I don't know how I should feel in this situation."

The President hummed in understanding. "Just know that help is coming," she assured. "Now, once the task force arrives, they'll only need a few minutes to finish setting it up."

"We'll be ready to receive them," Matterson promised.

"That's still five days away," Carter commented. "Can we hold them off for that long?"