Read Online The Phoenix Project by Kris Powers - Free Book Online Page B

 
         “I hear what you’re saying,”
Nelson said. He brought a glass of water to his brown lips. “I hear what you’re
all saying, but the military hasn’t drafted a general order in fifty years.”
         The other general leaned
forward in his seat and rested his elbows on the thick conference table. “We
need to ensure our survival, Ronnie.”
         “Signing this seems like an
early notice of surrender to me.”
         “It broadens our options.”
         “I will sign this only with
your full backing and I mean everyone’s.”
         “You’ve got it,” said the
first admiral, her hands outspread in a placating gesture.
         “What about you, Eli?” Nelson
looked down the table to the admiral facing him from the distant end of its oak
surface.
         “I have the same reservations
as you do Admiral,” Elliot replied.
         “And?”
         “I hate to admit it, but under
the circumstances, it’s the best decision for all concerned.”
         “Fine.” Nelson took an
electronic pen to the document and scratched his signature into the link.
         “Thank—you, Admiral.”
         “Don’t thank me, Clair. I may
have just ensured that a large part of our population becomes future bohemians.
Now, if that’s all then I suggest we adjourn.”
         The gathering of brass got up
from the table and slowly filtered out of the room. Fleet Admiral Ronnie Nelson
caught up with Elliot before he could return to the Endeavour .
         “Thanks for coming, Eli.” Nelson
extended his right hand.
         “No problem.” Elliot said, returning
the handshake. “Why did you need me here? All of the other admirals here have
been around a lot longer than I have.”
         “You’re head of Phoenix now, Eli. I
needed some firsthand input.”
         “Thanks for the call.”
         “Do you really agree with the
new general order?”
         “Honestly?” Elliot asked.
         “You can speak freely here.”
         “I don’t know. It seems like a
good idea on paper. I would just like to know if this sort of thing will be
good for everyone left behind,” Elliot said.
         “I know what you mean, but I
assure you, I will only give this order if there’s no other option.”
         “Is there anything else? I’ve
got to get back to finalizing the initial plans for the project.”
         “How is everything going? I
heard you found a few adjutants to help you out,” Nelson asked.
         “Things are going pretty well.
The only thing we’re having a problem with is building the warhead.”
         “I’ll make sure you have every
resource you need,” Nelson said while they walked down a fluorescent lit
corridor. Elliot stopped him by placing a hand on his arm.
         “It’s not that. We can build
the warhead and have it ready within a few months.”
         “So what’s the problem?”
Nelson inquired as the last of the other admirals passed between them.
         “Is it necessary to have the
warhead? We’ll have what we need with the new ships and the transports for the
civilians.”
         “Now Eli, this won’t work
without it,” Nelson said in frustration, “you know that. The only way the Coalition
will let our ships leave is with the threat of that warhead hanging over their
head and that’s that. Without it, they’ll corner us in less than an hour.”
         “I guess so, Sir.”
         “Good. Is everything else
alright?” Nelson asked.
         “Yes, the rest of the project
is proceeding apace.”
         “Then I won’t keep you,”
Nelson said.
         Elliot nodded and began the
walk towards the lift that would return him to the surface.
         “Eli,” Nelson said to his
retreating back. Elliot stopped and turned to face the Fleet Admiral.
         “You’re not the only one who
had reservations. I protested too. The Prime Ministers overrode me