Indications
© 2020 by Walter Reimer


Thumbnail art by  foxenawolf


The leopard sat forward in his chair, elbows on knees and fingers steepled in front of his face as he watched the simulation play out. He sat perfectly still, but his eyes didn’t miss any details. In the shadows behind him his staff and aides waited expectantly.

Not nervously. He’d made it clear that if the plan didn’t meet with his approval, they would simply have to start over. He wasn’t Mikal the Cruel.

So his aides told themselves, at least.

The simulation ended, concluding with several lines of text and rows of figures describing estimated losses. Surprise was essential; if strategic surprise was not achieved the first day, the operation would either fail or result in a series of meeting engagements that would grind down the Confed Fleet’s effectiveness. The estimated losses reflected the range of end-state options.

Admiral-General al-Sakai sat back as the lights gradually came back up and swiveled the chair around to face the other admirals. “There are reports that the Colonies are in talks with the Kashlani.”

“That’s correct, sir,” a tigress wearing an Intelligence brassard said. “We haven’t discovered specifically what they’re discussing, but there are signs that they may ask for Imperial protection.”

“Get that confirmed as soon as possible.” He glanced at his fleet commanders. “Are we ready?”

“Yes, my Lord,” the Chief of Staff replied. “Vanguard units are already moving.”

“Good.” The leopard smiled. “Begin.”