The Offworld Saga: The Rise of the Survivalist Federation Force

Ch.6: The Decision

Fantine Conference Room

Fantine HQ

1:07 Local Time

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, are we all seated?"

Mikhail was seated in the brown leather chair in the middle of the tan, but brightly light room as his eyes flitted from the attendees that consisted of the representatives  from the different branches of the Air Corps ranging from the Intelligence Division to the Air crew as well as the Shocktrooper Division and the Infantry Core.  Running a hand through his greying dark hair the same color as his salt and pepper mustache, Mikhail adjusted his reading glasses, glancing across the table at his guest, the Kithar Bartleby.  To the Director of Operations right sat his right-hand man Calhoun while to his left was the Head of Security Tarkhun, who belonged to a large and furry race known as the Mayhans.  Clearing his throat, the Director of Operation rose to address the attendees as if they hadn't just returned from a dangerous extraction within close proximity to enemy territory.

"Our friend Bartleby here as presented us with valuable intel regarding our Survivalist foes inside the Kithan homeland. Information including logistics like how many foot soldiers, armored vehicles, infantry, and aircraft they possess. We know where their bases are located and where their weapons are stored.  Thanks to Bartleby, we can launch a successful counterattack to drive our mortal enemies from his lands and we will make a second strike that will erase them from the Offworld!"

There was much applause and cheers for the 27 year veteran of Fantine. As Mikhail waited for the fanfare to die down, he then turned and motioned for Calhoun to start the projection. Upon the snap of the assistant director's fingers, the projector overhead shot out a hologram of the Kithan Map. Red dots included key locations while blue ones revealed SFF troops positions.

"Alright, let's get to work on an attack plan. By sunrise, we will have flushed out an evil force from Kithan territory. Now, is there any-"

The howling drones of the air raid sirens cut him off. As red lights flashed on the room, illuminating the baffled or terrified faces of the attendees. Thinking quickly, Mikhail turned to address Calhoun.

"Contact the radar technician and ask him if the air raid sirens are malfunctioning again. The same thing happened over a month again."

"I am one step ahead of you, but you may want to see this."

The assistant director handed a tablet to Mikhail.

---

Several Miles northwest of Fantine HQ

Above the LeFontaine Forest

"Vengeance Flight to Devastation flight, do you copy?"

As she attempted to touch bases with Targon's flight, Purhaena couldn't help , but notice the lovely scenery a few hundred feet beneath her flashing by at several hundred kilometers per hour. The darkness was lit by a few glowing plants. She recognized a few from her time at the Empire's Academy for Young Cadets during a class in botany. The brightly growing  neon blue Felicaceae mixed with the mint green Floraceae gave quite  colorful hue to the dark forest.  The SFF fighter pilot had no doubts that the wildlife nestled among the flora were just as intriguing as the radiant plants. 

"Vengeance Flight, this is Devastation Flight, copy."

Targon's voice cut her out of her reverie. 

"Oh, I just wanted to inform you of a slight change in plans."

Targon grunted."Let's hear it."

"I was thinking that rather than attacking from one place at once, we could split our forces and attack from two blind spots. That way we will minimize the risk of losing more aircraft than we must."