“I mean that the Torax are laser-resistant and can go supernova, from what I gather, yet they can also act as ranged troops: different functions for different instances. We could use them alongside humans shooting, or as shock troops. The Veiletians can go invisible. We can use their element of surprise. It would be foolish to have them in either of the two previously mentioned categories. If everyone is in individual autonomous units, they need to also be able to merge seamlessly back into groups that match their strengths.”
“I get what you're saying,” I said thoughtfully, and he was right. We didn't want to lose our strengths, like a group attack of exploding Torax. “With that in mind Gus, whether you like it or not, you’re now in charge of overseeing our training and military tactics.”
“That’s okay boss, but I’ll only be comfortable passing information onto team captains.”
I laughed at him. “Awesome. Now, one more thing for you two; when you left Anatoli, what levels were you guys again?”
“Thirty-four for me, and Gus here was 38,” Mick replied on Gus’s behalf.
“Good stuff. Well in that case we’d like to try to transcend you both. We’ll start with Gus first. He’s the highest level, and it’s also a good test on sub level 40.”
“Yeah!” Mick slapped the table. “I sooo wanna transcend. Did Astrid and Rufus manage it?”
“Yeah. Easily, in the end.”
“Fantastic!” Mick said with a laugh, throwing himself back in his seat. “We're gonna be seriously OP man, this is awesome.”
“It still takes a long time, Mick,” Ember added.
“That's cool. We're in it for the long haul! We’re Damn near immortal, remember!” Mick replied.
“We will go through it after the meeting with you. But first, we need some clear plans. Acclo, please tell us everything we need to know.” I said.
“The first item is to make you all aware that it will take 15 days to get to the Perseus system, based on the various engine capabilities in our fleet. Despite the Uprising’s ability to make the distance in eight days, we must work with the Thoth’s and Seshat’s smaller jump distances and longer recharge rates.
“I advise we also make a stop off before we arrive at our destination to ensure we have everything we need prior to the battle. In my opinion, it would be unwise to turn up under-prepared, therefore Elyek and I have plotted a detour. As we approach the Perseus system, there are several supply planets we can make use of. It is a far more desolate section of the galaxy, meaning we can pick up what we need without risk of attack. Then we’ll travel to Beler 3103 using only propulsion engines for that stage of the journey. That way, if we need to jump out of danger, our engines will be recharged and we can move quickly.”
“Seems to be a very well-thought-out plan with no glaring flaws I can see. Questions, anyone?” I asked, looking around at those present. No one spoke, so I took that as acceptance and continued.
“Last thing on the agenda, rules. I want you all to come up with a series of important rules and suitable responses to rule breakers from your own experiences. Have a good think after the meeting, then we’ll look through it together to share practice and form our own code.”
“May I suggest we arrange a meeting every couple of days to catch up and discuss how everything is going?” Acclo suggested.
“That's a great idea, Acclo. Book it whenever suits.”
“Of course, Captain.”
“Right, guys. Anything else?”
“Don't forget we need to change the name and registration on the Uprising,” Elyek added.
“Damn Elyek! You're bang on. Are you okay sorting that out?”
“Of course, Captain. I was going to, anyway. I just thought I’d bring it up, so no one had concerns at a later date. It will be done. Is there any name you'd like to use in particular?”
“Anything you think fitting, Elyek,” Ember interrupted. “I trust you more than Shaun when it comes to naming us. He has his strengths, and names are not one of them.”
“Hey! Havok’s a good name, so is the Uprising.”
“Havok is a fantastic name, which perfectly fits my outlook in life,” Havok laughed into my mind. I chuckled back while Ember was speaking.
“You didn't come up with the Uprising, and it took you over two weeks to give Havok a name.”
“I don't mind, anyway.” I said. “I trust Elyek, and this ship will always be…” I pumped my fist in the air and shouted, “Uprising!” As usual, the response was not what I would have hoped for, but probably what I expected. The miserable fuckers. At least Mick shouted ‘Uprising’ back, and pumped his fist, so I wasn't totally hung out to dry. “Okay people, time to wrap it up unless there’s anything else? Nope?” No one was forthcoming with anything new. “In that case, you can all fuck off, apart from Mick and Gus. We’ve got some work to do,” I said, grinning at the pair of them. Everyone said their goodbyes, leaving us alone.
“Here we go then, let's see what happens,” I said as Ember and I approached Gus. He seemed surprisingly relaxed considering, sitting with his eyes closed. We entered his mind, following the same procedure we had before on Astrid and Rufus, only this time we didn't need to give him the shock treatment.
Gus opened his eyes within seconds; the fastest I had seen it happen, so far. He flickered just the same, and if anything, he seemed to be panicking more. He was difficult to contain. We managed it though, bringing him safely through.
We went straight to Mick's mind next, and the absolute opposite was true. It took ages to get him to open his eyes; even the first shock treatment didn't work. In the end, it took all three of us to deliver a shock as one before his eyes opened. Once they did, he got
