Chapter 6: The Briefing

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"And it will be here, Mr. Wise," a man gruffly spoke, directing a lighted pointer across the map projected on screen, "where you will join the perimeter sweep team, find the entrance to the rebel base, and eliminate the intended target. Any questions, soldier?"

Standing inside the war room aboard the Aegis, Caine gave his attention to The Enlisted Sergeant's instructions, a no-nonsense man who was in charge of this mission, as he barked orders at everyone in the room, regardless of rank. "Just because Titus paid the Devil's Ring to attack Her Majesty," Caine countered, "doesn't mean he's still with them. This sounds like a Bug Hunt, with a nasty sting at the end."

Sergeant Alastor Jedrek, a man of six-foot-four, short blonde hair, and an icy demeanor, smirked at this Lycantant. "I can see that the past six months living in comfort, hasn't dulled your senses," he mocked. "Next slide!" he snapped at the Aegis subordinate. The nervous young man changed the picture to one showing a blurry image of two recognizable figures, walking in concert with two others. Jedrek pointed to the screen. "The reconnaissance team discovered this. We believe this to be Titus Abrasax and his cohort Famulus."

"Yeah. That's them."

"Next Image! Two days later, we discovered this. It's Mr. Abrasax's luxury spacecraft in a burning heap on the planet's surface."

"Impressive."

"Sergeant, how was the Devil's Ring able to bring down a ship that large?" Captain Tsing questioned. "Is this something we should be concerned about?"

"That information is unknown at present," Jedrek answered. "However, it's clear, Mr. Abrasax has no way to leave the surface of Azazel."

"What if he's already dead?" Caine questioned.

"Then we'll know for certain when you find him. We crew up tomorrow morning at 0700, Main Hangar Bay. Is that clear soldier?"

"Copy that."

Jedrek turned to salute Captain Tsing. "Ma'am."

"Sergeant," she nodded.

Jedrek marched in the direction of the exit. He stopped and paid his respects to Jupiter, "Your Majesty," he said. Utterly distraught, Jupiter turned her head, refusing to speak to him or acknowledge his presence. Jedrek smiled. He bowed once more, then departed.

Once the Sergeant left the room, Caine conversed with Captain Tsing. "The Intel seems legit, but still, it smells like a setup."

"Mr. Wise," the captain motioned for him to turn around. He did so. Only then, did he remember Jupiter was in the room, along with Bob.

"Caine, are you in more danger than I already think you are?" she asked, her face stained with tears.

"No. No, of course not," he fibbed.

"I thought it was me, who's the terrible liar?"

"Mr. Wise," the captain spoke, "You are dismissed until 6:30 AM tomorrow."

"Thank you, ma'am," Caine said, then turned to face his lover. He offered her his hand. "My queen." Jupiter stared into his green eyes, then placed her fingertips within his. She rose to her feet, and Caine led her from the war room.

"Bob," Captain Tsing addressed the queen's sim companion.

"Yes Captain," Bob answered.

"Kindly stay, there are some things we need to discuss. Let's work out a secondary game plan, in case the first turns out to be a trap.

"Absolutely, captain."

"

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