Slaves of Hyperion (Star Crusades Uprising, Book 6) by Michael G. Thomas

be going down, but the bases, shipyards and ships will all be improved as part of these civic programmes.”
    He noticed Spartan appeared to be surprised at the news.
    “I know, it seems odd to be doing this when we are still talking about the planning stages. Don’t forget, the civilian government has mouths to feed and citizens to placate. The shipyards themselves need thousands of people to get them back into shape, and people with something to do is the highest priority. As for the ships, right now they’re at the preliminary stages. But to get back to my original point, one thing I do know is they are going to be naming new ships and classes after our losses in the war. Crusader is at the top of the list and will be back, and rumour has it, so will the Admiral.”
    “The Admiral? As in Jarvis?” he asked in surprise.
    “Indeed, the very same. She may have died in the last hours of the War, but her name will live on in the Navy. She won’t be forgotten, Spartan.”
    He smiled and started to move away but turned back to him with a thoughtful look on his face.
    “Listen, you’ve had plenty of experience on our ships. I’m meeting the planners for a short discussion on the new ships’ ideas tomorrow. Interested in coming along? You’ve defended them and boarded them. Your insight could be useful and might give them ideas their researchers haven’t come up with yet.”
    Spartan nodded but then remembered he already had plans for the next day and then even more meetings at the Chamber.
    “Sir, I have a prior engagement with the Jötnar and at least three more sessions here, perhaps another time?”
    “Jötnar? They’re here?” he asked with a mischievous smile. “I can’t imagine that would make them very popular. Well, the comments of the Jötnar would be equally important. I will be working with the planners and designers for the next two weeks. Pop down when you and your comrades have a moment. If you can persuade them to come along as well, I would appreciate it. Changes are simple at this stage, but give it another six months, and we’ll be stuck to the designs.”
    Spartan looked a little confused at all of what the Admiral was telling him.
    “Admiral, I don’t understand. How can we plan or design anything when we have no idea of what our future military will even look like?” he said before realising the door was open, and the female senator was stood just two metres away.
    “Admiral,” she said politely and looked to Spartan. There were only the three of them present as she continued.
    “Lieutenant Spartan, it amuses me that you think this discussion was anything more than a showpiece. The decision was made almost three months ago. This is a mere formality and a face-saving opportunity for those with personal disagreements, mainly in the infantry. The vote in three days will ratify the work that has already started.”
    Spartan looked to the Admiral who was unperplexed at her comments. The Senator continued to speak with a serious and direct tone towards Spartan.
    “But that isn’t what I wanted to speak to you about.”
    She turned to the Admiral who was busy nodding in agreement.
    “Yes, I expect little to change from now till the vote,” he said, confirming what the Senator had just said.
    “I am heading to the engineering department for the preliminary naval design briefing. If you and your comrades could be there tomorrow to provide additional input, I would appreciate it.”
    Spartan saluted to the Admiral who then turned and moved away along the corridor to leave him with the Senator. As he marched away, a pair of marine guards appeared from a nearby alcove and took up position behind him. Both wore their dress uniforms, but Spartan could tell they were wearing light armour beneath the slightly oversized uniforms.
    They’re armed for trouble, I wonder if we’re expecting any?
    His attention was brought back into focus by the Senator who was waiting patiently for him to turn back