"There is no time for this. If you want to be brave then hold on to your commission and fight them again."
"I don't want to leave—-"
The voice of the communications officer broke him off. "General Itjes, sir. I've also contacted the colonies: all data being relayed."
"Good," said Dubcek. "Put him on and get below." He held out his hand to Brunner.
"Goodbye, Olaf. Go. Now!" His lieutenant turned and left the room.
Four officers remained in the chamber. "Anyone else who wishes to go, it must be now." None stirred. "Very well." He nodded, turned to Masaryk, then remembered General Itjes.
The chief scientist had moved to the communications board. He put him on the screen. The lined and wizened face of the German General stood before him.
"Yes, Ivan. I understand you're in trouble. Can you hold him off long enough for us to get around his flank?"
"Don't bother trying, General. He's got the ships and firepower to cut us both to pieces. The best thing you can do is guard the civilian retreat from Premislyde and Goethe. I'm afraid Athena must surrender."
Itjes sighed painfully. "All right, then. Agree to capitulate your forces along with it, and stall on the rest for as long as you can."