FWSS
Reckless,
Comdur nearspace
“Well, folks. This is it. It’s come a bit later than we expected, but I’ve just received the warning order.”
A ripple of nervous excitement ran through the spacers and marines sitting in front of Michael.
“Operation Opera is on. There are no major changes to the operation order, so the mission time line stands. A few minor alterations, of course-there always are-but nothing significant. Jayla?”
“Sir?” Ferreira’s face flushed with excitement.
“Battle Fleet wants us to increase our holdings of regen tanks. I agree with their thinking; if there are casualties, and there will be, we may end up carrying more than our fair share given that dreadnoughts’ chances of surviving are that much higher. The authorization is on its way, so make sure Comdur’s logistics people get on it right away.”
“Sir.”
Quickly Michael ran through the rest of a long list of things the admiral’s staff wanted finished before departure. That done, he paused, eyes scanning the faces of the people he was responsible for.
“I don’t think,” he said at last, his voice somber, “that there is much more I can or need to say, apart from this. I give you my word that I will do everything I can to make this mission a success. We all know how important it is that SuppFac27 be destroyed. The future of the Federation rests on taking away from the Hammers the one thing that can beat us: their antimatter warheads.”
An angry murmur ran through the room.
“I cannot lie to you,” he continued. “Doing that may cost some, even all, of us our lives, and if that is what it takes to get this job done, so be it. But let me make this clear to you. My job is to do two things at once if I can. One, to destroy SuppFac27. Two, to bring you all home safely. And that,” he said softly, “is exactly what I intend to do.”
Michael paused again.
“Are there any questions … no? Good.”
Not a word was said. The faces of some betrayed that curious mix of fear, apprehension, excitement, and anticipation common to all about to go into battle; others showed a stony indifference. Then they were all on their feet.
“Remember Comdur!” they roared, the battle cry of the Federated Worlds Space Fleet.