Southern Cross by Windstar

"As you all know, the last of the Orbital Forts came online approximately twenty four hours ago.
A test start up of the planetary shield was to take place this afternoon at fourteen hundred hours.
That test was delayed because we have a sticky situation to deal with, and for once, I actually
have to pay attention to political matters."
Muted chuckles followed that comment, and the First Guardian smiled easily. For security
reasons a gathering of every Guardian was not possible. It would have made far too tempting a
target, even more so than the newly formed Imperial Senate. Thus the virtual meeting, it wasn't
as secure as a face to face meeting, but anyone who could hack into a room with over a hundred
gathered Guardians was very good indeed. Suicidal, but very good.
The virtual meeting was complete with a large amphitheater and, Emily thought dryly, awful
seats.
"Political ramifications aside, we have a problem, people. As you all know, the Planetary Shield
is our last line of defense in protecting the Earth from Bak'ra attacks. Unfortunately, once the
shield is activated, everything in low Earth orbit is going to be incinerated."
Mary leaned forward in her seat with interest as the virtual holographic display behind the image
of the First Guardian activated. The hundreds of active communication and spy satellites in what
the Tiri considered low Earth orbit whipped around the slowly rotating Earth. It was a cool
image and Mary wondered if there was anyway to get that large a holotank installed on Trinity.
God that would look so great in my ready room, just think of the games I could play on it.
"Hey, Julie, do they make any of them that big?"
The redhead glared in response and Mary just shrugged, slumping down a bit in her seat.
"Wow, someone got up on the wrong side of the deck."
"Shhh… Emie's talking."
"Yeah? So what? She's not listening to you is she?"
Despite what Mary totally considered a valid point, she sighed and returned her attention to the
First Guardian. Like every other Guardian, she'd heard what happened in New York, and frankly,
the young hacker was worried about her friend. Glancing at Julie out of the corner of her eye, she
couldn't help but notice how closely she was listening to Emily. The First Guardian had Julie's
complete attention.
Yeah, except Emily's looking anywhere but at Julie. Damn, no wonder Julie's in a funk.
The First Guardian was still talking and Mary focused back on the events at hand.