Galactic Alliance 3: Honor Thy Enemy Read Online Free

scale.”
    “Kyrra technology in the hands of the Chroniech,” Ken exclaimed. “What the hell has been happening on the other side of the fold for the last fifteen years?”
    Doug ignored the outburst, took a sip of his water, and then said, “The amount of raw power contained within that single weapon was staggering. We don’t have a shield mounted on any ship of any size that could even briefly resist it. The Dragon’s Hess shield might be able to deflect that kind of energy for a few seconds but even that is debatable. It is believed the Chroniech developed it to ward off any attacks by the Kyrra. The Kyrra know what the Chroniech are doing and are unable to destroy the facility. They’re worried.”
    Despite the alcohol induced buzz Ken’s mind was racing. Doug’s statement lead to only one conclusion, “The Kyrra sent a message!”
    “During the short time the hyperdimensional breach occurred, a transmission was beamed through. It was extremely powerful. So strong in fact that it was picked up on Almaranus. The message was highly compressed and utilized an encryption algorithm employed by the Kyrra – the same algorithm we have been using since they gave us the use of their long range communications network.”
    Doug turned around and faced his old captain. “They’ve asked for our help Ken. That’s why I’ve told you this and that’s why I’m here. The Kyrra have asked for several people by name; people they have known in the past; people they feel comfortable with. Your name is at the top of that very short list.”
    “Me? I’m a retired captain who hasn’t seen a bridge in over fifteen years. What good could I be?”
    “I don’t know Ken,” Doug honestly replied. Inwardly, he was asking the same question. The loss of his wife had sent Ken into a depression from which he had yet to recover. Doug feared that his old friend’s current emotional state would be a serious detriment to any mission he might agree to. But, orders were orders and he was obligated to ask.
    “What I do know is that the Kyrra saved our ass once and now they are asking for our help to quite possibly save it again. We don’t have a lot of time to prepare so I will ask you this question only once. Are you in or not?”
    “Prepare? For what?”
    “The Kyrra are going to momentarily drop the hyperdimensional barrier which will give the Dragon just enough time to cross into Chroniech space. At the same time, they will be sending three ships over to our side.”
    “Can I see the message?” Ken asked.
    Doug answered as he walked back over to the desk, the ice clinking softly in his glass. “It’s text only and most of it consists of star chart data and logistical details. But, if you want to read it…Computer, display the Kyrra transmission.”
    Ken downed the last of his rum then stood up to better see the display. For several seconds he stared at the message. The preamble was short, explaining the situation and providing a list of people the Kyrra had requested to be part of the mission into Chroniech space. Only three names appeared; his followed by Tasha’s then Doug’s. The rest of the short list contained only job descriptions. There was a second list of names of people the Kyrra wanted to work with on the Alliance side of the barrier when they arrived.
    Doug stood facing Ken with the modernized desk between them. He reached forward and picked the data crystal off the desk causing the surface to return to it’s original, antique appearance. Into the silence that had descended Doug quietly said, “You can join the mission as a paid civilian or I am authorized to grant you a full reinstatement to the rank of Captain giving you some additional authority. The Dragon is at Almaranus being outfitted and upgraded for the mission. The Kyrra were kind enough to send us some interesting enhancements to the Dragon’s current Hess equipment. You won’t be in command, but you’ll get to see her in action