ships coming in on the next wave will get them
off your tubes.
6 Gentlemen, there will be no withdrawal this time. This time we fight
them to the finish. We pound them, wave after wave after wave, until we
either destroy their ships or force them to surrender. Remember, I do
want captives! A damaged ship, even for parts, is worth something, if
they shut down their weapons and drop their shields, pick up their
survivors. If the enemy tries to break out, to head for deep space and
make a fight of it, you ….we, must drive them in-system.
7 We now have superior numbers. Though we are out-classed, they have
ten more battleships than we do, and six more cruisers. If you fight
the way I've taught you, we can defeat them. When the missiles are
gone, we still continue to attack. As I have said before, this time we
finish them. Now, gentlemen, back to your vessels. And may The Lords be
with you all, and may Lord Change smile on you!"
8 The Peepians, to North's surprise, remained seated. Lord Spearos rose
in the back of the briefing room. "Lord North," he requested, "may I
have permission to speak?"
9 "You may," agreed North.
10 "There have been certain of us who have resisted your leadership,
who have not liked your ways of doing things. Because of that we now
realize we delayed the coming of this day. We delayed the victory that
should have been some time ago. We now, sir, extend our apologies."
11 "No apologies are necessary," North assured, "all that I ask is that
you do your best. And your Commanders that have the old Peepian engines
….they're good, but remember, they can't be pushed as hard as the new
ones. Better to cut back and let someone else take an enemy, then to
have a blow out, and have him take you."
12 Spearos nodded. "We will heed your words," he