The Athena Operation Read Online Free Page A

“Don’t lie to me. I know how you are. But think about it. There was nothing we did wrong. There was no way the outcome could’ve been any better, based on what little we had to work with.”
    Sadhis sighed. Seraph tried to understand Sadhis’s perfectionistic tendencies, but they weren't realistic for military operations. Seraph knew that all that mattered was getting the job done, even if it was messy. There was no use trying to save everyone, because you will fail every single time.
    **
    “Lahen is calling.”
    Both Zane and Aven hurried to the holographic video display to greet Lahen, the third and final piece of their operation. A hooded robe covered the seythra's face, but the two knew Lahen was smiling. Without hearing from him, it hadn't felt like the operation had truly started.
    “Lahen, it's good to see you,” Zane said.
    “And you both, my friends. The transmission was received exactly when we anticipated. I come with urgent information. Two soldiers encountered the operation before we had anticipated. We need to expedite priority target A as soon as possible. We can't possibly continue at the prior pace and expect the Confederate Military to not notice.”
    Zane shifted uneasily. “We aren't possibly ready for that. Elaborate, Lahen. What's happened? What soldiers?”
    “I can't say more, not on an airwave that could be tapped into. I know it sounds impulsive and possibly paranoid, but these are high-ranking military officials. We need to place our faith in the operation and trust that it will play out just as we desire, even if we speed it up.” Lahen's image stuttered before disappearing completely.
    Aven shook his head, eyeing his human partner. “My confidence hasn't wavered, but this changes quite a bit. Your thoughts?”
    “I trust Lahen's judgment, and my faith lies with the operation. But we aren't ready, Aven. This is going to throw the whole operation off.” Zane exhaled.
    Aven walked to a window, staring out into the void of space. “We have our goals, and we have the operation. We can handle any possible situation.”
    “Very well. I'll have the order passed along immediately. It should only be a few days before Lahen can join us in person.” Zane closed his eyes and sighed.
    Aven tilted his head. “Let's not place too much faith in Lahen. I approve this as a precautionary measure against a threat he's deemed as real, but let's not forget you and I have equal say as well.”
    “Agreed,” Zane said. “But he's the one on the inside. He can properly gauge a threat. I just hope there aren't any problems. The operation has to work.”
    Aven smiled. “Don't worry, my friend. It will. One last thing, can you have them bring the Titan up? I want to inspect it myself.”
    Zane's eyes widened. “Aven, the Titan is nowhere near completion. What could you-”
    “An inspection, Zane. That's all. Like I said – we need to be ready for any situation.” Aven turned to face his partner.
    Zane hesitated, but nodded. “Yes, I'll pass it along as well.”

 
    CHAPTER 7: VIDRON
     
     
     
     
    The planet of Vidron never failed to impress Seraph.
    Vidron was a behemoth of a world. The contrast of brown and blue was visible from several planets away. A small halo of white gas surrounded it, layered atop the many blots of yellow that were Vidron’s biggest cities.
    Vidron was home to the Confederate Military’s numerous training bases. No matter what brought you to Vidron, it felt important as hell, a feeling underscored by every species having military bases and representatives on the planet.
    Vidron was also home to the Confederate Chamber, which had served as the governing body of the Triangulum galaxy for fifteen years, since 2084. The Chamber consisted of a panel made up of three of the highest ranking military and government officials. The galaxy, and universe, hadn't been particularly accepting of the change, and many still opposed them.
    As quickly as their ship docked Seraph and