Return to Earth

Chapter 22

The briefing had just finished as Commander Lita looked to the three who had gone with her. "Was there anything I missed?"

Three negative responses came as none could recall and unmissed detail. The only thing she hadn't mentioned was what was on the paper. Kierst had been more than a little curious about it from the moment Mr. Wyman handed it to her, but Lita gave no inclination she was willing to share the details.

Petrovich's voice sounded a little harsher than usual, which was probably from the yelling he was doing to get them trained. "That paper gave us coordinates and an urgent request to send someone to get information we need. There's nothing else beyond that, including a timeframe. This tells us the location is watched around the clock.

"Most likely, they have monitors set up, since we do know they have some technology if he can be believed, but there's always the possibility it's under armed watch. Until we get a better idea of what they have, it's all guess work.

"This has all the makings of an ambush, but won't ignore the possibility Mr. Wyman's letter for us is sincere. We can't risk not going. We're not going to be foolish about this either.

"They made it clear one of our ships will be sent, but that's not going to happen. Commander Lita's going to be flying the Hetairoi with her crew. I'm taking the Medjay with mine. Victor, you're with me.

"We'll provide cover should anything go wrong. It's a longshot they have anything that can damage our ships, but won't take the chance they do. If the Hetairoi's fired upon by anything, including arrows, we will open fire to make it clear we don't take kindly to ambushes. They've never seen us fire our weapons and will make for a good demonstration.

"If they have instant communication, they'll know both ships are coming. Neither of us care. We aren't playing by rules of people we haven't met.

"Just because someone claims he's a spy for people from what they call the time before, doesn't make it so. This could very well be a bandit stronghold or nothing at all. They may want to split our forces to make us more vulnerable, not that it'll do any good.

"There may be nothing there at all. It may be a chance to lure us away so they can try to sack the Nostos. Let them try. Some may get in, but none are getting out. All the doors will be secured before we leave and nothing, including the drone, will be left outside the ship.

"When this briefing concludes, bring the drone back and make certain nothing remains outside the Nostos. Kierst and Dembe, help Victor get into gear. Make it clear how important the helmet is.

"You're all going to have sidearms, just in case something happens to one of the ships. If a landing is needed, I don't want anyone not having a fighting chance against man or animal.

"Are there any questions?"

The negative response was almost simultaneous as Petrovitch gave a brief nod. "You all have your orders. Dismissed."

They all left, except for Kierst, Dembe and a very excited Victor. He had worn most of the gear, but never all of it. Kierst didn't know if he was more excited about getting to wear a helmet or going onto the Medjay. His wife had been far from impressed, but he was nothing like his wife.