The Offworld Saga: The Rise of the Survivalist Federation Force

Ch. 18: The fall of the Silent Killer

3:31

Base 64

Southeast of the Kithan border

"Alright, listen up!" Sgt. Devolle, the  operation manager for this mission, announced to the High-ranking Survivalist officers partaking in the reclamation operation. "In about a matter of minutes, Beraxis flight will arrive overhead, assuming that they didn't run into trouble. Once they penetrate the nation's airspace under the cover of darkness and wreak havoc by taking out the Kithar and Fantine's defenses and infrastructure, our forces will roll in and do the clean up. Here's how it will go." He turned to the projector that lit a ghostly blue map of Kithan, pointing his small laser at the dark blue outlines of the state as well as the bright red dots that marked cities and important targets. "Beraxis flight will take care of the places marked with red, as you've been told. As for you, your forces will enter Kithan once the enemy is preoccupied with the air divisions from here and there in what's called a Pincer envelopment, closing the lid on the coffin for both the Fantine occupiers and the rebellious Kithars."

Ulric rolled his purplish silver eyes. "Yeah, we know what it means."

"We outrank you after all," Sythe reminded him.

"You  lack a quarter of the experience we possess ," Merv added.

"What was S.I.N. thinking putting you in charge?" Captain Rena rolled her icy blue eyes.

Oh Baphomir, these lot are relentless. It's as if I was thrown into a pit of merciless shadow wolves.

The Dathorian Sergeant raised his hand to ward of the concerns of the higher-ranking officers. The elitists can shove their complaints and demurs down their throats for the time being as they needed to be reminded who's in charge here. 

"Officers, I know what you are thinking.  Yes, I'm quite aware of the doubts and jealousies you have of me as you all outrank me." His amber eyes surveyed the quiet bureaucrats before him. "You don't try to hide your contempt for me, but think of it this way. You need to put your trust in me for the greater good. The fact that a lowly sergeant issuing orders to  captains and generals can be quite humiliating, but you will have to suck it up and make do for the time being.  You know I was appointed as the task manager for this operation by the Top Brass. I put all my trust in Mithros, S.I.N., and Skritsk for this operation as I know what is best for the Survivalist Federation Force. You may argue that your rank makes you significant, but to me, experience is key. How do you think Major Mithros recruited me? If you must know, I have served an integral role in the Ratakhi-Asahi Conflict."

Devolle's monologue drew exasperated groans and sighs from the SFF bigshots. 

Colonel Guraff shook his head, his navy blue officer cap nearly sliding off his head."By Johar, don't you love to hear yourself talk. Your long-winded lecture was unnecessary and undesired."

Before the horned humanoid sergeant could respond to that affront,  the mousy Skymarian who served as his personal assistant appeared and unveiled a Touch Pad and whispered into his ear. His eyes widening in either shock or awe, Devolle thanked her and turned to the officials. 

"It seems that our flying comrades are right on time. In about 10 to 20 seconds, they'll be shooting by overhead. Perhaps we can indicate a proper greeting for them as we see our comrades in the air off. After all, they play a vital role. Let's begin a countdown, shall we?"

Hall'ya shook her head among the moans and groans of their colleagues. "You got to be joking."

"10....9....8...."

"I guess not then."

Before anyone else could join in on the banter, distant rumblings were heard.The upper echelons of the operation hurried to the red-tinted windows while their guards stood by inside the room, still as statues. As the rumblings turned into roars and booms, the officers noticed red, black, and blue dots on the magenta horizon overtaking the dark blue sky, morphed into larger shapes and the SFF warplanes materialized overhead. The windows rattled as the fighters shot by before linking up with the larger bombers above. Devolle waved at the aircraft as Hellhounds, Vipers, Cobras, and Marauders tipped their wings to them before heading off to complete their objective.