Deep Black

79

Rubens began speaking even before the Bird commander acknowledged.

“The lasers are going to target our satellites. They have to be taken down. Ms. Telach will give you the coordinates.”

“We can’t just attack,” said Hadash. “We have no proof.”

“If the lasers take out the network, we’ll be blind for six months, if not eighteen,” said Rubens. “We can’t risk that.”

Hadash sputtered. “We need the president’s authorization.”

“You have it,” said Marcke over the Desk Three com system — Telach had cut Hadash’s line into the Desk Three circuit.

“Thank you, sir,” said Rubens. “Gentlemen, stand by for Ms. Tellach’s instructions.”