"William Forstchen - Wing Commander 3 - Fleet Action" - читать интересную книгу автора (Forstchen William R)

Confederation will surrender or more than one eight and a half hundred of
our fighters will deliver antimatter bombs, leaving the planet a burned out
cinder.

"The tides of this war have shifted back and forth for more than half my
reign," the Emperor interjected, his voice commanding total silence.
"Before I return to my ancestors, I wish to see my grandson destroy these
low born scum and the ball of offal that they call their world."

"I am moved to joy by this plan of Thrakhath," Jukaga interrupted,
"however, it is at least eighty days, more likely two of eighty days till five of
the new ships are ready, and three eighty and a half days until the other
seven he believes are required for victory are operational. Yet you can all
see that even if it is not a fatal blow, the humans will succeed in
penetrating our defenses and sowing a wave of destruction within the next
five of eight days. In this penetration, they will cripple our logistical
support, which will still be needed to keep Prince Thrakhath's new ships
supplied in their drive towards victory. If that is crippled the final
offensive to Earth Is crippled."

He paused for a moment to look at Thrakhath who was forced to nod in
agreement.

"We have heard Talmak suggest that the frontier be temporarily
abandoned and all defenses pulled into the center," Jukaga said reviewing
the earlier suggestions, but we cannot allow such a stain on our honor, nor
can the Caxki clan, which owns many of the frontier worlds, allow it. Our
Prince has explained how a counter offensive into Enigma or through
Munro towards Earth is difficult if not impossible due to the question of
supply, and that the humans might ignore the threat anyhow and still
ravage our worlds."

He took a deep breath and looked around the room.

Now it was to the true heart of the meeting. Thrakhath had revealed
what his clan had been planning, but no real suggestions as to how to
overcome the crisis of the moment.

"You have brought me out of exile saying that with my understanding
of humans I might suggest a third way and I have such a way which will
bring us victory."

"And that is?" Buktag'ka asked, glad that it was obvious that soon this
talk would be over and the mid-day feasting could begin.

"Sue for an armistice and promise peace."

A roar of disbelief thundered from all the clan leaders.
 Jukaga waited for several minutes for the anger to die down and
thought for a moment that more than one clan leader would call for a