Clear Skies

Posted on Wed Oct 31st, 2018 @ 3:37pm by Captain Horatio Refelian & Major Sam Braddock

819 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Air Operations, Marine Hub
Timeline: MD02 - 1100 Hours

Sam sat at the lead console overlooking the main section of MTAC perusing the real-time data that the reconnaissance flights were gathering. Checking over the maps, he could see three moving oscillating circles covering alternating sectors on the borders of Faltan City and the adjoining military base. Most of the information was just electronic noise- civilian radio traffic mixed in with wireless network noise that was being decrypted faster than the speed of light by the secondary computer core. There were some military transmissions being sent in the clear, all of which were being analyzed, categorized, and archived. Tapping the pen against his lip, he watched the circles move near the cities borders, soaking up every bit of information in the visual and electromagnetic spectrum like a sponge.

“Major Braddock, hows things looking?” Refelian said as he approached the Major’s position. “The Faltan’s behaving themselves?”

Sam stood from his chair and gave him a wry smile. “For the most part, sir. You’ve got a Ground Forces captain whose been arguing with his wife for the past 30 minutes about wallpaper arrangements and her cooking, which I gather to be pretty atrocious. It’s good for a few laughs.” Tapping another part of the console, he expanded the map to show the recon flights in full view and tapped the pen against his lip. “Recon flights are scheduled continuously for the next 72 hours. I’d hate for the Faltans to get jumpy if they notice our VIPs coming in.”

“I’ve been in two minds about contacting them to inform their Government of what’s happening here but at the same time do they really need to know. They seem to make their feelings towards us quite clear.” Refelian stated. “Have you arranged for escorts for the VIP shuttles which will be arriving tomorrow?”

Sam nodded and handed him a PADD. “Two fighters apiece along with additional support on the runway. The shuttles will also fly a randomized approach vector until they hit atmosphere to prevent anyone targeting them on the way in. I’ll also have Warhammers clearing their approach beforehand just in case. To be honest, I feel bad for anyone who might try to interrupt our little party, sir. They’ll be in for a rude awakening if they do.” He said.

“Excellent, sounds like you have all the bases covered. Any more problems with Faltan craft?” Refelian asked.

Sam tapped the screen and brought up a zoomed in image of the airfield. “Computer, display time lapse of Faltan airspace, starting four days ago to present and display in chronological order.” The computer beeped an affirmative and displayed a row of images of the field with the surrounding sky. Several images of the area showed the aircraft in various stages of maneuvers. “They’ve been flying training missions in their airspace. Aerobatics, which is normal for an Air Force of any size. It’s almost like they’ve learned their lesson since the last time. But they’ve been very careful to stay within their airspace, not even coming close to their red line. With this political climate, I’m actually surprised they haven’t tried something. Especially since...” Sam’s voice trailed off.

Harry nodded as he looked at the information on the screen in front of him. “Yes, they are keeping to themselves more. If I’m honest, I don’t like it. Are they keeping their distance or is it a ploy into leading us into a false sense of security. Thoughts, Major?”

“Well, that’s where I’d put my money, sir. They’re close enough that they could launch an attack at any time they see fit and we’d be the only thing stopping them.” Sam said, putting his pen down on the desk. “If it were up to me, I’d work with Security to set up an evacuation point somewhere deep underground that’ll protect them from anything from the ground or air as a contingency in case of an attack. We’ve even got a secured conference room that’s almost completed that might work to keep them comfortable. I’ll talk to Cat and see if we can get some Engineers to work double time tonight to get everything ready to go.”

Refelian nodded, “Sounds like a sound plan, even if it isn’t used now it’ll always be good for the future incase tensions with the Faltan’s grows. I’m sure Lieutenant Masters will agree with the evac point and Lieutenant Tendai will be able to work something out.”

Sam nodded. “I’ll keep you apprised, sir.” He said quickly, moving back towards his chair. “With any luck, everything will go off without a hitch.”

“Here’s hoping. Carry on the good work, Major. If you need anything let me know.” Harry said before turning to leave the Major to his work.

 

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