"Jack McKinney - Robotech 10 - Invid Invasion" - читать интересную книгу автора (McKinney Jack)

Sensor Nebulae had located some new and apparently enormous supply of the Flowers of Life. The
source of the transmissions turned out to be the Earth itself.
"The Regis moved quickly to secure the Flowers, with the same murderous intent she
demonstrated on Spheris and Haydon IV and a dozen other worlds I don't have to remind you about.
Nor should I have to remind you about what we're going to face on Earth. It seems probable that
the Invid decimated Wolff's forces, but we number more than four times the units under his
command."
Scott noticed that the bridge techs, eyes locked on Gardner and grim faces set, were
giving silent support to the commander's words. Marlene entered the bridge in the midst of the
briefing, whispering her apologies and seating herself at her duty station.
"Admiral Hunter has entrusted us to spearhead a vast military operation to invade and
reclaim our homeworld," said Gardner. "And I know that I can count on every one of you to stand


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firm behind the admiral's conviction that we can lay the foundations for his second wave." He
inclined his head. "May God have mercy on our souls."
A brief silence was broken by the navigator's update:
"Earth orbit in three minutes, Commander. Placing visual display on the monitor, sir."
Everyone turned to face the forward screen. Orbital schematics de-rezzed and were replaced
by a full view of the Earth. They had all seen photos and video images galore, but the sight
inspired awe nevertheless.
"It's beautiful," someone said. And compared to Fantoma or Tirol, it most certainly was:
snow-white pole, blue oceans, and variegated land masses, the whole of it patterned by swirling
clouds.
A computer-generated grid assembled itself over the image as the command ship continued to
close. At her station, Marlene said, "So that's what Earth looks like...I'd almost forgotten."
The commander called for scanning to be initiated, and in a moment the grid was
highlighting an area located in one of the northern continents. Data readouts scrolled across an
adjacent display screen.
"Full magnification and color enhancement," Gardner barked.
Marlene leaned in to study her screen. The forward monitor was displaying an angry red
image, not softened in the least by Earth's inviting cloud cover. She knew what this was but asked
the computer to compare the present readings with those logged in its memory banks. She sensed
that Scott was peering over the top of her high-backed chair.
"That's it, sir," she said all at once, her screen strobing encouragement. "The central
hive. Designation...Reflex Point," Marlene read from the data scroll. "Picking up energy flux
readings and multiple radar contacts...waiting for signature."
Gardner glanced over at her briefly, then turned his attention forward once again. "I want
visuals as soon as possible," he instructed one of the techs.
"Shock Trooper transport," Marlene said at the same time.
Gardner's nostrils flared. "Prepare to repel."
Techs were already bending over the consoles tapping in commands, the bridge a veritable
light show of flashing screens.
"Two minutes to contact," the navigator informed Gardner.
"All sections standing by..."
"Auto-astrogator is off...Ship's shields raised..."
Marlene flipped a series of switches. "Net is open..."