same again. But, it has brought a unity that this planet, this Solar System, has never known. The United States’ position is that we cannot, and will not, stand by and go about our normal lives when an apocalyptical threat hangs over us. We will take the fight to the enemy!”
Cheers of support rang out around the room. But President Moreau stood up in opposition. The hall slowly fell quiet enough that he could be heard.
“My country of France was ravished in the last war, worse than most. We cannot ask more of our people. We cannot support such warmongering, nor are we willing to lose more people in another pointless war.”
“Fucking idiot,” Taylor murmured.
General White heard him but was glad no one else did. He did, however, share Taylor’s belief. He shot up from his chair to address the Frenchman.
“I was not aware, Mr President, that any human faction could be considered warmongers. I also seem to remember that when your country was threatened many nations, whose leaders stand before you today, went to your aid. You are here today because the world supported you. Will you not give anything back to protect all our futures?”
The French President’s face went red with anger and rage.
“Millions of French citizens and soldiers died in the last war! What more can you ask of us? We have won! Let us return to peace and our normal lives, and forget the troubles which are now over!”
Taylor shook his head as Chandra leaned in to his side.
“Naive bastard, how can he turn a blind eye?” she whispered.
They watched in amazement as several world leaders cheered in support for the Frenchman.
“It’s easier to pretend the problem doesn’t exist rather than deal with it,” he replied.
“Then you are in favour of going through the gate?”
“If it cannot be destroyed, yes, it is our only option.”
She smiled to herself. Taylor is back on side.
The American President stood up once again, and General White called the room to silence. Walters was a tall but thin and wiry man and in his early seventies. His hair was a shiny white, but he still had a full head of it. He was a staunch republican, and a man who had clearly lived a hard but successful life; his face heavily wrinkled and rough. He stood tall and proud; a man who was strong in the head even if his body no longer was. His suit was of a cut not seen in fifty years. This man was as a relic of a bygone era.
“You have all heard the facts. The United States is committed to the safety of this planet and that of the Lunar Colony. And to that end, we will do whatever is necessary to protect them. In four weeks, we will send a fleet through the space gateway, with the intention of taking the fight to the enemy. We need all the support we can get. I ask you all to dig deep into your conscience and appreciate how vital this mission is to us all. Now I ask you, a show of hands. Who will join us in this enterprise?”
The British Prime Minister and German President were first to raise their hands and voice their support. A number followed until the final divide was set. A third of the leaders in attendance remained silent, still including Moreau.
“Then it is decided,” stated White. “We have a majority support for action. I thank you all for your support in this undertaking and would ask you to have your Generals liaise with myself immediately. I hereby call this conference to an end!”
Taylor could see the disappointment in Walters’ face. They had enough support, but he had clearly hoped to rally world leaders as one. Those who had not voiced their support quickly stood and left the room. Most of the others broke out into conversation with the people around them.
“This divide will not end here,” said Chandra. “Many have shown their true colours. If they falter at such a time, then we would do well to keep a keen eye on them.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Mitch, that we should not assume that all mankind is on our side. I do not say they would ally with the enemy, but they would certainly act in hindrance of us.”
Taylor nodded in agreement. He had seen such during the war. After they had given everything, it amazed and disgusted him that politicians walked away as if they had the moral high ground.
“Ignorant bastard!”
He said it loud enough that several around them heard, but he didn’t care. General White paced up to the two of them with a sigh.
“It is done then.”
“Nothing is done, Sir. This is the beginning of a long road,” replied Taylor.
“Has any progress been made on improving Earth’s orbital defences?” asked Chandra.
White nodded hesitantly.
“Yes, but I am not sure anything we can do would withstand the overwhelming power of their first assault. That is the nature of static defence. The best thing we can do is to develop our fleets. With another few months of all-out construction, as we are doing, I believe we could have enough Navy power to fight them out there and away from our colonies.”
“Then the Marines’ role will be more important than ever. This enemy pursues ruthless and fearless boarding actions that are devastating. Maybe just a hundred or two got aboard the Washington, and we came close to losing her, and perhaps the rest of the fleet.”
White looked at them in shock.
“Taylor is right. It was no plain sailing.”
“And yet you still support the decision to go through the gate?”
“I don’t see that we have an option anymore,” replied Taylor.
It was clear to them both the General was genuinely surprised to hear that they were not convinced by their chances of success, yet they wanted to go anyway.
“We’ve got three weeks. Soldiers are not a problem, veterans and recruits alike. Since the war ended, a continuous recruitment campaign has boosted the Marine Corps to numbers none of us have ever known. But what we now need so urgently is ships. The dockyards of the world are working around the clock, but ultimately, those on the Moon and L2 and L3 are the key players.”
Neither of them answered as they awaited more convincing words from the General.
“I know we are sending you into the unknown, but not without every ounce of support than can be given. I have already volunteered to join the Washington as leader of the Marine forces within the fleet, a request I have do doubt will be accepted.”
Chandra turned and peered into the man’s face in surprise. It was clear he had every intention of doing so.
“Then I suggest you get some combat training in, Sir. You’ll almost certainly need it.”
White nodded in surprise.
“Major, yes, yes, of course. Now, Colonel, there is work to be done. This new fleet will embark in three weeks. I want you both to return to the Washington. I have already gathered together personnel of Inter-Allied who have recovered and are ready to re-join your ranks, as well as a few dozen experienced marines to redress your numbers. They’ll be at the Deveron within the hour.”
‘Thank you, Sir.”
They left the building with their escort to find Jafar and the two platoons they had brought. They were still waiting for them beside the ship. It wasn’t long before the promised reinforcements turned up.
“Fucking great,” muttered Taylor so that only Chandra could hear.
She looked up to see that Suarez was among those approaching. They both knew he was trouble. Neither wanted to promote him or even accept him as a platoon leader, but he had been with them from the very start.
He led the thirty plus marines who approached as if he owned them and was coming to the rescue. He had a broad sleazy smile across his face.
“Good to be back!” he shouted, making a rather casual salute on approaching.
Chandra didn’t make contact with him, choosing to address the incoming troops as a whole.
“No time for niceties. Load up, we are moving out!”
Taylor smiled at the Colonel’s dismissal of Suarez’s arrogant greeting which shot him down in flames.
