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advantage. Anything we can do now to disrupt the
logistical and administrative buildup on Hadley will help us as we try to level
the playing field with our own planning computer, which unfortunately will not
be ready as soon as theirs. We know that the FEDs have taken the possibility of
a space attack on Hadley seriously. They’ve put their most vital installations
deep underground, so even though we know where those installations are, our
missiles can’t reach them. However, there will still be plenty of less vital
military assets on the surface, the loss of which will throw a monkey wrench
into their carefully crafted timetables.
     
    “So
we’re proceeding on the assumption that all of the FED’s mobile defenses will
be deployed near Makassar. That’s what we would do if we were in their shoes.
Any damage we might cause on Hadley would be a mere nuisance compared to damage
inflicted on Makassar. Therefore, all four heavy cruisers, under the overall
command of Commodore Montoya, will conduct a low level attack on Makassar. Your
neutron armor should enable you to destroy all the ground installations at your
leisure. Those targets are your only priority. If, after destroying all ground
targets, you still have missiles to spare, only then are you authorised to
engage FED ships if the opportunity presents itself, but don’t go hunting for
them. I’ll be quite happy if you accomplish the main mission and return without
engaging in battle with their ships. Do you have any questions, Commodore,
before I continue with the other half of the mission?”
     
    “No
questions at this time, Admiral,” said Montoya.
     
    “Fine.
I’ll now describe the part of the mission involving Hadley. The patrol
cruisers, Waterloo, Jutland, Dogger Bank and Midway, under the command of
Commodore Lee, will conduct a high speed attack on specific targets on Hadley.
As I indicated earlier, we don’t expect Hadley to have any mobile defenses in
orbit. However, it would be prudent to assume that they’ll have ground-based
anti-ship missile batteries. We have some idea of how many they had planned to
have available, but those plans could have been upgraded, so be prepared for
that possibility, Commodore. Your cruisers won’t have the benefit of neutron
armor, but they do have considerable AMM capability. That, combined with a high
speed pass, should allow your task force to get through this with minimal
damage. Data on precise targets will be forthcoming. In terms of timing, our
planning people have agreed that both attacks should commence at the same time.
Because of the location of the targets on Hadley, Commodore Lee’s task force
will have to time its attack run very carefully. Therefore you’ll have to
adjust your timing to match Lee’s, Sandy.”
     
    “Not
a problem, Admiral,” said Montoya as he looked over to Lee and nodded.
     
    “Very
good. I’m giving all of you 24 hours to familiarize yourselves with the details
and to co-ordinate your actions when you arrive at Franklin. All ships will
lift tomorrow at 0800. Does anyone have any questions?” No one did. “In that
case, this briefing is concluded.”
     
     When
the holographic display faded and the lights came back on, Drake stood up and
left the room, unaware that Commodore Lee was taking note of his departure. Lee
then followed Janicot as he exited the room. When Janicot became aware that Lee
was following him, he stopped.
     
    “Is
there something you wish to discuss with me, Commodore?”
     
    “Actually
there is, Sir. I’m concerned about Commander Drake. Given what happened with
his first cruiser command, I wonder if I’ll be able to rely on him when the
shooting starts.”
     
    Janicot
paused before answering. “I wouldn’t have assigned him to command Jutland if I
didn’t have confidence in his command judgement. His first cruiser mission may
have ended badly, but he did acquit himself well commanding a missile boat in
other combat situations. He’ll