Re-Creator of Universes - Book 4 of Re-Forge

The Boys from Shangri-La

Months later, the final strategy meeting for approaching Infinity Hub was winding up after hours of discussion and debate. Matt said: "Queen of Emissaries; observing our human interaction must be a revelation for her Majesty."

Eden's conference room proceedings were being communicated live to the Hive Queen. She answered: "This is a first for me, Administrator. I am fascinated by your system of government. It is somewhat different to my own. My word is absolute, and this hive ship has never mounted weapons."

"Emissaries have relied on stealth, speed, and force fields through the ages. Only the Bennu and Humans have the power to defeat our shields."

Matt said to the room: "The critical point relating to this battle, and any other for that matter is... 'Simple is Best.' If the strategy is too complicated, then the chances of failure increase."

Matt said to the group: "I have heard the opinion of everyone now. So, before I set this plan out officially, is there anyone else wishing to add value?"

The conference room remained silent, so Matt said: "We do have a reasonable idea about what awaits us at Infinity Hub due to the advice of the Emissaries and the unfortunate Bennu Captain who faced Adara, but we must remember that a plan is only a starting point. It always falls to pieces after the shooting starts."

Matt said: "Okay, Emissary Queen, I will bid you farewell for now and I will talk to you soon. Thank you for listening to our meeting, to everyone else, thank you for attending, you are dismissed."

After Eden confirmed the connection was severed, 'B' Sharp rose up from its hidden location inside the central pedestal of the table and loudly, Matt said: "I'm sorry, everyone, come back in. I'm throwing that strategy out. I can never trust aliens after the close calls we've had in our recent past."

Everyone retook their seats or floated near the table and then Matt said: "Pay attention to the actual strategy we will follow."

Representations of Infinity Hub and the warehouse appeared in the holo-viewer, and Matt said: "In my view, our primary target must be the Seed warehouse. We must protect the creation seeds at any cost."

"The Emissary Queen says the Bennu believe the warehouse is a low priority and little value. However, I think they must be aware that we think differently. I think that because of that, they will guard it with warships and stationary defence systems anyway. Possibly more than at the Hub itself."

"To this end, we will deploy six hundred ships to take possession of the warehouse and protect it. SP1, you will command that fleet.

"Members of the GRAV team, and Jenny. All of you have received the Ebola viral inoculations. If you wish to participate in a 'possible,' ground assault, to capture Infinity Hub, you will need to be on Eden and on standby, from the moment the attack begins."

They nodded and bowed acceptance and Matt's gaze moved to Peter and he said: "Peter, the SP1 ship needs an Administrator to stay on board and you are not yet inoculated. You have been sworn in by SP1, so your place during this conflict is on SP1 at the warehouse."

Peter also bowed to show acceptance of his role, then Matt said: "We will assault Infinity Hub with Eden and the remaining six hundred SP ships at the exact time that SP1's fleet launches its attack against the warehouse forces."

"The remainder of our SP ships will stay here to defend the hive as it absorbs its Emissary ships and is modified to add weapons. That will be ample protection for the queen and her hive just in case she is not lying."

Matt looked to Storm and said: "Storm, you are by far, our most potent and destructive asset. During the battle, you will become the primary focus for the Bennu at Infinity Hub. The queen said earlier that the Bennu like going after enemy motherships. I believe they are unconsciously programmed to destroy them as the best way to bring 'calm' to a species is to kill their motherships first. It's what I would do, were I in the enemy's shoes."