Lieutenant Graham walks into the ready room, looking over the mass of pilots awaiting their briefing. His gaze hesitates slightly as he spots Sanford, who, judging by his panting, had arrived moments before Graham had.
Well men, I suppose you're all wondering why you're looking at my pretty face right now. I'm sure you all heard the captain. Operation Hammer Down has officially started.
He hits a button on the wall, dimming the lights. Walking over to the front of the room, Graham motions for one of the pilots to turn on a projector. A map of the Alaska system appears on the front wall.
This is the target area for this op. The plan is simple, lure in Liberty's fleet, burn it, and get out.The bait will be a captured Navy fighter. I will command half of Hammer wing, while Lieutenant Briar commands the other half. The Trident is only to be called in if absolutely needed, we can't afford too many losses on this one.
He goes into an explanation of all the waypoints and tactics that would be used, until he was satisfied that the pilots were ready.
Briar remained quiet but pointed at his eyes and then at John indicating that he had seen the man enter late. Then he returned his attention to standing next to Graham and trying to look important.
1 week later, after successfully completing Operation Hammer Down...
Officer Briefing room, deck 3C
Lieutenant Briar, I have a job for you. A week ago, I contacted a information broker by the name of
Blain Spike, concerning the whereabouts of Alex Drake, a pirate from the so called Society. Drake has
been on our priority list for some time, and now with information given to us by Mr. Spike, this is the perfect
time for exfiltrating him. According to Blain, the Society is gearing up for a mission to hijack Atlantis Station,
a barge custom built to be used as a station. The plan is to move into Magellan, and board the station after
these Society people have taken control of it. Resistance should be light, and I don't want anyone killed unless
it is absolutely necessary. You will be commanding the marine boarding squad, while Lieutenant Graham flies CAP patrol for the Trident. Also, one last thing.
Marshal pulls out a small box, and sets it down on the table
Lieutenant Briar, by the power vested in me, you are hereby promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.
Briar smiled only briefly before accepting his new rank.
"Thank you sir, and not to sound cliche but I won't let you down." He looked over the mission data. "This Drake fellow, should I be prepared to expect resistance from him?"
I know you wont fail me, that is why I picked you for the promotion.
As for Drake, He is pretty affluent in hand to hand combat. As per Mr. Spikes suggestion,
don't let him near a computer. Shoot him with a stun gun if necessary, but try to refrain from
it. It wont help his attitude if he comes to in the Tridents Brig.
Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.
Briar entered Marshal's office. He looked like hell. He had a black eye, broken nose, and he walked with a heavy limp.
"We got him." Briar declared holding his side. "He sure as hell didn't go down easy... I wish I could say he looks worse than I do but..." Briar trailed off and cleared his throat forcing away the memories of the hand to hand fight between him and Drake that he had only won because Drake got taken down by a firing squad of stun lasers.
"Anyway, he'll be up in a couple minutes so you can say what you want to..." Briar took off his hat, scratched his head, and then put it back on. "Now if that's all... I'm going to go get some ice..."
Marshal eyes the limping Lieutenant Commander, chuckles a bit and puts down his datapad
You look like hammered S*** Briar. You may be one tough SOB but your no good to anyone dead.
Get down to the infirmary, and don't make me order you to do so. I'm guessing he is in the brig?
Get the guard to shackle him so he cant escape, and put him in conference room B, deck 4.
Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.
Briar rolled his eyes and departed. He stood outside for a moment before deciding that he could probably use a trip to the infirmary.
----
Alex was shackled in the confrence room as Briar had ordered. There was a guard standing nearby as Alex idly tapped his fingers on the table and waited for something to happen.
Marshal walks into the Conference room, carrying a large file with him.
After closing the door, he motioned for the guard to wait outside, and dropped the file on the table
I'm guessing you know what this is, correct? Its your file. Damned interesting person you are.
Computer hacker, pirate, ruthless. You have been on our watch list for quite some time.
Marshal looks at Alex, noticing Alex staring at him with a furious face
By the look on your face, I'm going to guess you know who I am.
Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.
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