Chương 232: Chapter 231 - Level 3

The rustle of uniforms punctuated the silence. Apparently, everyone other than the members of the Compact already knew what the fleet admiral had just dropped on them. Alexander leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

"I don't mean to be an insensitive asshole, because this was definitely a tragedy, and I'm still processing that the Lost Prophet used our platform to set it off…" He took a breath.

"But aren't you being a little melodramatic? They'll vote in new Assembly members. In the meantime, whoever's next in line will step up." Jody shook her head slowly.

"No, Mr. Rooke. There are no successors. Continuity of government has failed completely in ninety-two percent of countries."

"How is that even possible?" Khalida asked. Even she couldn't keep the shock from her face. Robert leaned forward.

"Initially, we believed the Lost Prophet spread his infection directly, using private functions and personal meetings. We now know, thanks to forensic authorities on the ground, that it was also being spread through contaminated food and drink distributed by companies AEGIS had purchased." He sighed.

"Gift baskets. Personal bottles of congratulatory wine and champagne. Support programs for the poor and disadvantaged. It's a fairly comprehensive list. Bottom line, this has been happening for almost a decade, and the primary targets were anyone…" Robert paused, visibly choosing his words.

"The wealthy, political figures, authority figures, or anyone otherwise influential. However, the shotgun nature of the infected refreshments means there was a lot of collateral damage. Think aides and support staff. And their families. We suspect that was intentional, too." Alexander could almost see it. Offices. Homes. Entire buildings. A single infected would quickly spread it to their friends, families, and colleagues.

"Panama was a trial run," Raelene whispered from where she sat with the others along the wall.

"A controlled outbreak to test how fast his infection would spread, using AEGIS as a stopgap to control and cover it up so nobody could figure out how to counter it when it happened again." Marcus nodded.

"That's our conclusion as well."

"I must echo Alexander here," Maximilian said.

"Surely people will step up to fill the gaps? The world is not short of those who desire positions of power. Or good people who wish to help."

"At ground level, they are," Marcus said.

"But after your announcement, which was thoroughly damning, I must add, combined with the Lost Prophet's attack, nobody is rushing to take charge."

"You are yet to explain why this involves us," Talia said from where she sat near Raelene.

"We're obviously not being invited to become politicians." Alexander kept the smile from reaching his face.

"What she said." Marcus did smile.

"Of course not. That wouldn't quite fit your skill set. No, what I want is to confirm some details about the structure of the Compact, then…" He paused.

"I wish to discuss how you might assist with the tragedy on Earth in the most expedient manner."

"Why not have the military step in to solve the problem?" Sindre asked.

"The Councilor and I have already had words about that," Jody said, glancing at Marcus.

"He came here expecting us to deploy military assets, including superhumans, to put down the Lost Prophet's attack."

"So why didn't you?" Alexander asked.

"Because the Space Force Charter expressly prohibits the deployment of military assets within the Sol Exclusion Zone. That includes personnel, ships, weapons platforms, and intelligence operations. The zone extends two light-minutes from Earth in every direction. The only exceptions are designated repair facilities, approved fueling stations, and active defense against extrasolar aggression." Marcus sighed.

"That's why I suggested—" Jody leveled her gaze at Marcus.

"Even shore leave is governed by strict liberty protocols specifically to prevent anything like what the Councilor might suggest. In fact, it would be highly illegal for the Councilor to even suggest it, and as such, it is a good thing he hasn't. Not here, or in the privacy of my meeting chambers." She stared at him a moment longer, steel in her eyes. Then she continued.

"These restrictions exist for a reason. They were written into the charter when the UEG consolidated Earth's militaries under the Space Force umbrella, precisely to ensure that no one could turn humanity's fleet against its own people. Not even the Councilor, as Earth's galactic representative, has the authority to override them." Even Alexander felt the weight of the silence after the admiral's tirade. He'd never met anyone capable of sounding so perfectly polite while so absolutely putting someone in their place.

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"Why aren't you reaching out to the guilds and local superheroes instead?" Alexander asked. Marcus turned to Alexander, almost looking relieved as he broke eye contact with the admiral.

"I am. Coordinating them is another matter." He shook his head.

"I lack the resources and personnel. I was thinking that the Compact might be better positioned, given the plans outlined in the information you uploaded before the press conference. I haven't had time to read it all, but my aide assures me it's very well thought out."

"Absolutely not," Raelene said. Alexander glanced over his shoulder. He'd never heard her speak so sharply before. She continued before he could ask.

"He wants to place AEGIS under our authority. Or what's left of it." Alexander turned back to Marcus slowly.

"That wouldn't happen to be true, would it, Marcus?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Because that sounds like a very dumb thing to suggest, Marcus. To us, specifically." Beside him, Maximilian nodded. Sindre crossed his arms. He appreciated that even though they hadn't said a word, they'd conveyed their position on the matter just as clearly.

"I…" Marcus trailed off. Then he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

"Yes. I was going to suggest it." He raised a hand, cutting Alexander off.

"I am neither oblivious nor stupid. I knew it was a long shot. But it would have been an… expedient solution to a much bigger problem."

"Which is?" Maximilian asked. Robert cleared his throat.

"Given where the discussion is going, it might be prudent to clear the room of anyone unnecessary and formally extend Level 3 Clearance to the Compact's leadership before this conversation continues." Jody nodded.

"Yes. Anyone below Level 3, out." More than half of the uniformed personnel filed out of the room. Bardot and Kitty remained where they were. Robert dipped his head toward the Compact's side of the table.

"You'll need to dismiss the others, too." Alexander shook his head.

"Talia is Grimnir's intelligence officer. She stays."

"As is Raelene," Maximilian said.

"And Julia is co-leader of the Throne of Scales." Sindre swiveled in his chair to look at Hjordis. She crossed her arms. He turned back.

"Hjordis is the Northern Shield's… intelligence… person."

"Fine," Robert said, turning to Khalida with a raised eyebrow. Khalida smiled.

"I'm getting forgetful in my old age, and I need her to take notes. Besides, I already have Level 3 Clearance."

"Alright, I know when I'm beat." Robert turned to Marcus.

"You're up, Councilor." Marcus stood.

"By my authority as Galactic Councilor of Earth, I am formally extending Level 3 Security Clearance to all members of the Compact's delegation present in this room, effective immediately. Everything discussed within this room is classified. Unauthorized disclosure will be treated as an act of treason against the United Earth Government." Alexander shared a look with the others. He wasn't sure if they were supposed to do anything. It felt like they were supposed to do something.

Maybe offer a solemn vow, or thank the Councilor with grave seriousness. Definitely not clap, though. Marcus sat down.

"The Lost Prophet's attack tore through AEGIS. Actually, the worst-hit cities around the world were those that had AEGIS headquarters, and he also wiped out every member of the Global Oversight Liaison Directorate." He closed his eyes.

"The situation is catastrophic. We're heading into whatever calamity the System has planned without the trust of the people, without government direction, and with a military apparatus that will not act on Earth because of some stupid—""Enough!" Jody's voice cracked like a whip.

"You know full well that the vast majority of our superhuman assets are assigned to defending our borders against hostile extrasolar threats. Back here on Earth, you may have forgotten that we are at war, but let me remind you that we damn well are!" She slapped a hand on the table.

"Your purpose, and the entire damn point behind AEGIS and the superhero guild system was to prepare for the cataclysm. So don't you dare try to place the blame on us!" Alexander tried not to breathe too loudly. He was pretty sure both Maximilian and Khalida were doing the same thing. Maybe that was why the remaining uniforms all looked so stiff and expressionless. Neat skill to have. Robert raised both palms, placating.

"Let's refocus. Marcus may hold one of the highest offices left, but he came from the minority party. They wanted more effort placed on preparation, and less on… survival of the richest. His frustration, though misdirected, is understandable." Jody tugged on her uniform, straightening it.

"Easy for you to say, Robert. You haven't had meetings with him every three hours to argue the same points with new rhetoric each time." She scowled.

"I hate politicians. They keep hardworking people from getting the job done, and even though you might be one of the good ones, you're no different in that regard, Marcus." Alexander raised a hand.

"Look, while this is quite entertaining, and you're a very scary lady, Admiral, I wasn't kidding when I said I was busy." He dropped his hand.

"Get to the point." Jody turned to him.

"The bottom line is that we are stretched thin. However…" She turned her glare on the Councilor again.

"We have agreed to share limited intelligence with the Compact, at the Councilor's request. And First Fleet will provide what logistical support it can between Mars and Astra Omnia, along with any other orbital assets outside of the exclusion zone, in the lead-up to and during the cataclysm, should it not conflict with our duties." Robert nodded.

"We will also reduce interdiction operations against any known ships working under the Compact or operating out of Astra Omnia. Including the Sleipnir." He raised an eyebrow at Alexander.

"Which somehow occupied the same berth as Santiago Systems' Gabriel's Glory over two years. Quite interesting, wouldn't you say?" Alexander kept his expression neutral. That was an oversight. He hadn't removed the docking records of Santiago's ship when he falsified the Sleipnir's. He shrugged.

"No idea what you're talking about. That ship is legally registered with the Galactic Starship Registry. It's not my fault if Prime Orbital has shoddy records." Robert smiled.

"Indeed. I would have recommended that they look into it, but unfortunately the records were corrupted during the last Naval Intelligence audit of local traffic logs." His smile sharpened.

"Gabriel Santiago was quite furious. He filed so many complaints, first to me, then to my superior. I was very firmly reprimanded." Alexander glanced between the suspiciously smiling Naval Intelligence officer and the Admiral of the Fleet, whose face revealed nothing.

"Why?"