* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 11:00 AM

* Location: Secundus Military Headquarters

''Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft...''

''...Vice Admiral Picket Cob...''

''...And Vice Admiral Accelerate.''

The Fleet Admiral of the Second Fleet stated as she observed her subordinates like an eagle. Her admirals had heard her command and gathered in the War Room of Secundus. They were all here to formulate a plan to deal with the looming Kaynian threat. When word reached that, Strike Group Yorktown engaged with a Kaynian frigate several light years away from Eden. Everyone assumed the worst, and marshal law was issued by the governing authorities of Eden and the Fleet Admiral.

''I will be honest with you. I have no idea or clue how we could turn this thing around. Babylon has fallen because of the Kaynians, and it wouldn't be long until the same happened to Eden or Mesopotamia...''

''...I am overwhelmed with paperwork from the governors of Eden, and I can't realistically formulate a plan to save us from this. So, I ask you, my Vice Admirals, to create one.''

Sasha stated, and a pause occurred as everyone in the War Room stayed ominous. The Fleet Admiral had expected this; usually, she would provide a solid basis for what they should do, but right now, there wasn't. Looking at them. She felt their eyes pierce her soul, especially Gaft. The Vice Admiral was staring intently at her; she hazarded a guess that the man was probably thinking of something right now.

[Well, this is a first, but at least you gave us something to do now.]

''I agree with Accelerate. We accept the responsibilities and create one right now...''

''...Maybe Gaft would have something to offer from that brain of his.''

Vice Admiral Cob stated, gaining a stare from his fellow admiral. They have waited for something like this to happen for quite some time. Worrying that the Fleet Admiral was pushing herself with work and leaving none for herself. Finally, with a task handed to them, the Vice Admirals could prove their worth to the Second Fleet and not just hide behind the shadow of Sasha Zveroboy.

''Okay, what's your plan, Cob? You got one?''

''Well, I was about to suggest that we fortify the everloving fuck out of Eden.''

''You know that's what Fleet Admiral Lowe did, right?''

"Yes, I am aware, but this time. We'll be prepared, and we have the advantage this time.''

Cob responded, and his idea was nominal at best but reliable. Because of the enemy's unknown position, they couldn't confront them in open space without determining their location. This was troubling because the Kaynians knew where they were, but the same couldn't be said for them. They were blind until the Kaynians decided that it was time to invade.

[I.C.E. has not had any luck getting intel regarding the possible movement of the Kaynian armada. This places us in a predicament. We won't be able to react until they are at our front door...]

[...We can't realistically go to Babylon and fight the Kaynians there because we'll be outnumbered, three to one. So preparing our defenses should be our only choice.]

The A.I. admiral stated, and this was what the Fleet Admiral feared. All the options presented to her involved defensive strategies, none of which promised to hold the line effectively for extended periods. Only one admiral remained, and she hoped that Gaft would propose something radical. Staring at her final subordinate, she hoped that whatever he planned would dictate the course of Earth's history.

'Please, Gaft. Doing what Lowe did would only lead to Eden's destruction.'

She contemplated, steeling herself for whatever the Vice Admiral was about to utter, and unknowingly, Abraham Gaft wouldn't disappoint.

''Why not set up a trap?''

Bingo, her gamble paid off as she sighed in relief. She was confident he would devise a plan; all she needed to do was inquire about the workings of this 'trap' he had in mind. He had proposed plans even more absurd in the past, but with the current situation, he must have a well-thought-out approach to counter the Kaynian threat. Not letting anyone berate her rebel admiral, she took the first move.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

''And how would you create this 'trap' you have in mind?''

''Well, Fleet Admiral, for ten years, the A.F.E. has always reacted to extraterrestrial threats, not preventing them. I propose we take the initiative and bring the fight to the Kaynians.''

''But how, Vice Admiral Gaft?''

''Because they won't see it coming, they've always thought that every battle we have with them would always go the same. We defend a planet, they invade it, their pride surfaces and this vulnerability opens them up to unconventional tactics."

Abraham answered and got everyone's attention, but the question still stands. How would they create a 'trap' for the Kaynians? This lingered in the minds of the admirals because, for all the talk the rebel admiral gave, he hadn't given any specifics of his strategy. Standing up, Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft would grant them an answer. Tapping on his holo pad, he places an image on the holographic screen, letting everyone see.

''I know you're asking yourselves, how do we lure the Kaynians into a trap?''

He stated the obvious, but the Fleet Admiral didn't mind because she knew it was a lead-up to something she couldn't think of. Focusing her attention on Gaft, she waited for him to tell them. It didn't matter how outrageous it was as long as it was an attack. Looking at his superior, Gaft waited for a signal for him to continue, which the Fleet Admiral gave with a nod. Having the attention of his colleagues on him, Abraham would ensure that his explanation would be clear. All he has to do is tell them about the Kaynian frigate his strike group successfully targeted and persuade them about its potential use as bait for his trap.

''Remember that Kaynian frigate my strike group took down? I suggest that we use it as bait to lure the Kaynian armada. I.C.E. could already replicate Kaynian signals, so why not do it inside the frigate derelict? We already know that the Kaynians wouldn't suspect anything about it. They would believe it's a rescue mission because they're expecting the same battle that happened over Babylon. We defend, they attack. They wouldn't consider us doing this!''

Genuis was the word the Fleet Admiral could say. Not only did Abraham formulate a plan to lure the Kaynians into a trap, but it was also a way to give them a taste of their own medicine. Gaft presented them with a way to attack without worrying about the Kaynian's FTL advantage. This opportunity was a blessing she couldn't squander; employing the frigate derelict as bait to lure the Kaynian armada proved invaluable.

''Alright, Gaft, I'm sold, and for once, I agree with you, but how would we position our fleet?''

''Good point, Cob...''

''...Seventy thousand kilometers from the Kaynian frigate derelict is an asteroid field. It's sizable, large enough to conceal a fleet. Now, what I plan for this is that my battlegroup would be two hundred thousand kilometers from the Kaynian frigate derelict. When the Kaynian armada arrives, we take their attention, and when they're about to encircle us. The entire fleet emerges from concealment and opens fire upon the unsuspecting Kaynians. This way, we would only lose several ships, leaving us ready for another fight.''

Upon hearing his plan for positioning the fleet, the admirals were impressed by the intricacy of his trap. They will only lose several ships, which could provide an advantage in future clashes throughout U.G.E. space. This was a brilliant plan Gaft had crafted for them, and it was an opportunity they couldn't miss.

[Bravo, Vice Admiral Gaft. You proved me wrong because it seems we do have another choice...]

[...Fleet Admiral, I'll coordinate with I.C.E. to prepare for the distress signal we'll be using on that frigate derelict, along with the Ghost Team responsible for delivering it onto the ship.]

''Very well, Vice Admiral Accelerate. Have your talk with I.C.E. and ensure we got that signal ready.''

[Understood, Fleet Admiral.]

The A.I. admiral responded before rising from his seat and leaving the premises of the War Room. This left the three admirals alone to deliberate on the timing, potential obstacles, and any additional elements they could consider. But as much as they wanted to praise Gaft for his genius plan, they didn't ask how he intended to hold the Kaynian armada long enough for them to attack. Only Vice Admiral Cob would realize this and present it to his fellow admiral.

''Gaft, I don't wanna impede your thinking, but how precisely do you plan to hinder the Kaynian armada?"

Cob asked, gaining the attention of Gaft immediately. At the same time, the rebel admiral contemplated the situation, even if they succeeded in luring the Kaynians. How would his battle group of thirty ships hold back a hundred Kaynian ships? It would be suicidal for him to do it, but luckily, he realized something.

''I appreciate the sentiment, Cob, and I have an idea for that...''

''...Fleet Admiral, could I borrow I.C.E.'s entire stock of invisible nuclear mines?''

Abraham requested, and the Fleet Admiral thought of it. She knew that Cob presented quite a question. Gaft's battle group wouldn't hold the Kaynian armada back for long periods. Hence, he asked for a way to even the odds and deploy invisible nuclear mines between his battle group and the frigate derelict. He hoped to breach the energy shields of several Kaynian ships, making it easier for his battle group to destroy them.

"You aim to breach the shielding of multiple Kaynian ships to level the playing field, correct?"

''Affirmative, admiral. In normal circumstances, my battle group would be massacred, but with I.C.E.'s invisible nuclear mines between the frigate derelict and my ships. We might be able to pull it off.''

''I'll ensure to meet with several I.C.E. agents and inquire about it. Don't worry, Vice Admiral Gaft, you will have your mines.''

''Thanks, admiral, you're a life savior.''

''Don't thank me, Gaft. You're the one who proposed a plan of attack on the Kaynians. This would surely change the poor morale of our soldiers and sailors on the A.F.E. if this proves to be successful, remember this is just a plan, executing it is a completely different manner...''

''...I hope you are ready for what you are about to do.''

The Fleet Admiral explained, and the Vice Admiral couldn't help but realize what she was telling him. Every plan carries flaws, and it falls upon a level-headed leader to navigate their way out of them, along with their subordinates. Hearing that come out of the daughter of the Famed Defender of Pluto made Abraham comprehend his responsibilities upon enacting this plan.

"I will do my best, Fleet Admiral, to bring as many of my sailors home as possible."

The Vice Admiral responded, knowing that good men, women, and A.I. would die fighting for Earth and her people. It was a tough pill to swallow for those who would lead the Second Fleet into battle, but it must be done. Without no sacrifice, there could be no victory. This plan could shift the tide of the war against the Kaynians, either for the better or the worse. A calculated gamble the Second Fleet would commit their lives for.

''Vice Admiral Picket Cob and Abraham Gaft. You two are to assemble the Second Fleet for the upcoming battle and inform the planetary defense group that they will be ensuring the protection of Eden while we are gone...''

''...Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Accelerate and I will prepare the essentials for this trap of ours to go smoothly.''

Sasha Zveroboy commanded, and the Vice Admirals nodded in return. If the Kaynians want war, then they'll give them war. Unlike ten years ago, the A.F.E. would hold its ground and defend Earth's people across its colonies. This would be the first time that the A.F.E. would conduct an attack on the Kaynians, and they would do it without mercy.

''This shall be called Operation Trojan.''

To Be Continued.