The Meteor Men - Tranquility Badlands [Location Four-Seven]

By E. Pluribus Unum

Vastly outnumbered, the Troopers need every iota of their wit, wile, and wisdom as their task begins to take on a face. From Switzerland to the farthest reach of the Outworld, the enemy proves to be as boundless as they are mysterious in this science fiction gone warped. Come meet the man who has a ‘rocket in his pocket and a roll in his soul’. Katamma Reach. Lagos High. Tranquility Badlands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. Pluribus Unum
• Release date: Oct 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301892112

E. Pluribus Unum

To my mind it is almost unimportant who I am in the same way that it doesn’t really matter who the guy is that delivers that telegram to you, or the deliveryman who leaves the package at your front door. What matters is that you get your package on time, intact, and unmolested. That is my job. I put it this way because in a very large sense, I have no choice in the words that I bring to you. What decides the written word is pretty much cut in stone - I merely look to see what is there and report to you what I have found from a certain perspective. The platform that I observe from is built from over a decade of passive research with no goal in mind other than to academically discover that which is the future. To word it a different way, I study only the truths of the past combined with the ‘what is’ of the present to see what can’t be escaped for the ‘gonna be’. This leaves no room for fantastical whimsy or personal bias. This is also what makes the Series events so exciting to write about. I don’t sit to the machine with a thought in mind to say a particular thing. I must observe. I must go into this world and carefully pay attention to what these characters are doing and what they do it with. Only then do I get to see what happens next. I am seldom disappointed. Aside from that know this. I am neither criminal nor fugitive. I adhere to the Laws of the Land [well... for the most part]. I have erroneously been declared as mentally competent and I am not too hard to look at in the mirror [except for first thing in the morning, maybe.] I have led a life that seems to me more exciting than most and I like very much who I am. The messenger.

Book preview

The Meteor Man?

Almost a century from now, our hero must do battle with a big chunk of Africa as well as the estranged wit of his own unit as he attempts to de-mystify an unusual construction project in this comedic science fiction-adventure.

Science fact creates the scenario in which Lieutenant James Keaton must solve then resolve the dilemmas of his time. In this ‘world’ satellites rule and the Lunar surface provides the economic basis for our first colonizations of inner space, otherwise known as the ‘Outworld’. This is the new frontier or ‘wild west’ of the era. Here the Troopers reign as the autonomous servants of the collective whole and the world voice of fair play. As the evolutionary culmination of the Warrior Class, Troopers are the highly trained and well-funded bulwark against the Corporations and Cartels who jockey for power in this post-collapse environment.

With the governments weakened by the ‘Great Collapse’, many Corporations feel the need to maneuver on a more literal sense. These business entities, largely stripped of their ability to wage secrets and to consolidate power, must resort to subversion and guerilla tactics to advance their will beyond reason. The only counter to this is creative thinking and a wry sense of humor, both of which those of the Trooper Program excel at. The story is told largely through the eyes of Lieutenant (later Captain) Keaton.

Katamma Reach. The first book begins with Keaton as he participates in the introductory course for the Trooper Program which indoctrinates him (and us all) into the setting of the situation. This takes place an approximate four years prior to the main body of the text and lasts only a chapter. The next several chapters take place in ‘present time’ and they focus on events leading up to the main conflict. These scenes take place on two of the ‘basestations’ orbiting the earth, the Aries and the Orion. The remainder of this volume centers around the plains of Nigeria where this strange construction is taking place. The day is won, and a reasonable resolve is achieved. But the resolution raises as many questions as it answers, namely the discovery of a nameless organization that will need to be disabled. Hence the need for volume two.

Lagos High. This book begins on the basestation ‘Orion’. This is where this Trooper unit is based, as well as the spaceborne command of the Trooper Program. Here the problems left over from the last volume are clarified and enhanced, giving rise to the need to return to Nigeria, specifically Lagos. The bulk of the action takes place here as the Troopers accomplish their task (a prisoner snatch) amidst much uproar but we all learn early on that there will be a need for volume three.

Tranquility Badlands. Number three begins on the Orion but quickly gravitates to Switzerland and then to the Cayman Islands for a snatch on two more prisoners, both believed to have information crucial to exposing the intentions of the organization the Troopers have now dubbed the ‘Mechanism’. Upon the return of the Troopers to the Orion, they discover the main goal of the ‘Mechanism’ is to capture the Lunar resources. Undermanned because of their activities on the Earth, this unit must now thwart the Lunar assault. A surprise ending proves the need for volume four…

So sit back ladies and gentlemen, relax and hearken to the truths these tales represent for the stories you are about to witness are true; only the timeline has been changed to protect the innocent. Come to meet the man who has a ‘rocket in his pocket and a roll in his soul’.

THE

METEOR

MEN

TRANQUILITY BADLANDS

[Location Four-Seven]

2013 Smashwords Edition

E. PLURIBUS UNUM

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Tranquility Badlands - Table of Contents

Roster

Jargonary

Preramble

Introducing...

1] Lockdown

2] Forever On

3] Letters to Home

4] Snatch & Grab It

5] Tranquility Badlands

6] Introductions All Around

7] Deal Done Dealt

8] Phantom Company

ROSTER - TRANQUILITY BADLANDS

The General

Col. Taylor Rattler

Fran Hawthorne ‘Da Bitch’

Captain Sechrest Company A Commander

5th Platoon, Company A, 223rd Trooper Battalion

1st Lt. James Keaton Match

Paige Turner – page

2nd Lt. Kyle Sloan Easy

Jack Olin – page

Msgt. Linn Slate

1st stick

SSgt. Ramsey Mace

Pvt. Ellis Monk

Pvt. Wilson Turk

Pvt. Carson Wiley

Pvt. Turner Scammer

Pvt. Collins Viper

Pvt. Fischer Savage

Pvt. Foster Chowhound

Pvt. Bonahue Wishbone

Pvt. Dunbar Bean

Pvt. Kreig Kraut

2nd stick

SSgt. Cain Sinister

Pvt. Swenson Demon

Pvt. Sherman Chase

Pvt. Thompson Lip

Pvt. Kelly Smoke

Pvt. Winslow Tuner

Pvt. Taggert Tripper

Pvt. Hatfield Hick

Pvt. Garner Whip

Pvt. Stone Step

Pvt. Hersche Iceman

3rd stick

SSgt. Meyers Crusher

Pvt. Hernandez Michaelangelo - Mike

Pvt. Evans Patch

Pvt. Harris Wizard

Pvt. Phelps Unk

Pvt. Darkeagle Tonto

Pvt. Tate Bouncer

Pvt. Watkins

Pvt. King Two-stroke

Pvt. Bates Razor

Pvt. Kuhn Chucker

Capt. Torrence Cruzer LC-866 Dropmaster Elvira-Distress of the Dark

JARGONARY

A

AD-84 – a small anti-drone missile that comes in a case of twelve which will deploy automatically directly from the case with the case lid providing the target receptor.

aerial mine – a fragmentation/concussion weapon with a rudimentary video feed; disk shaped, and controlled usually by a command set unless put to automatic or pre-programmed to fly to a specific location to be detonated by contact or command.

AGM – Air to Ground Missile; the primary munition utilized by assault aircraft to engage ground targets.

Armed Force – the bureaucratic entity responsible for liaison between Space Command and the Trooper Program as well as any outside element wishing communication with either organization; being purely a communication ‘hub’, it has no authority of its own.

B

basestation – a manmade structure/spacecraft usually placed in a geosynchronis orbit about the Earth allowing for the docking and maintenance of transient spacecraft as well as production facilities for items best suited for manufacture in space.

batt; batts – battery; batteries.

bell; bells – time; actually referring to a series of short tones broadcast throughout a basestation counted to the time at the hour up to twelve thereby informing all of the local time used by that basestation and giving rise to slang phrases such as ‘bells to twelve’-noon, ‘bells on’-on time.

bolter – sl. common term for the plasma emission weapon.

boost – the act of ascending from any planet surface that requires the temporary suspension of the law of gravity (name one planet that doesn’t)

bulkhead – wall. (being a Fleet thing, there is no conceivable explanation as to why this is.)

C

calc; calcs – calculation; calculations; the best guess after doing the math.

cell – in spaceship or basestation design, the individual unit or room which can either be one or many, occupying the space of a compartment. (see compartment)

‘chass; ‘chyass – Get your ass, as in (git ‘cher ass) e.g. ‘Chass on down the damn road there, boay’.

class A uniform – the uniform used for a formal event by officers and enlisted alike; the only difference being the rank insignia and ribbons worn.

class B uniform – the uniform used for everyday work situations in any environment where a bathrobe or swim trunks are not appropriate.

C.O. – commanding officer; the officer commanding a unit specific; i.e. the poor fool designated to look stupid when one of the Troops does something stupid.

comm; comm unit – small electronic device developed for communication to other devices via microwave; operating in conjunction with an imperceptible earpiece and mouthpiece, it is used primarily for the transfer of bullshit, and on occasion, pertinent information.

command set – a briefcase sized supercomputer designed to accommodate a wide array of battlefield implements as well as communication gear.

compartment; compartmentalized – the concept of building a spaceship or basestation as a series of compartments; the idea being that if a compartment begins to leak atmosphere, the neighboring compartments are automatically ‘locked out’ so that the entire ship does not bleed out all it’s atmosphere.

control arm – an operating unit’s liaison to the outside world during a mission providing amenities such as intelligence, procurement, bad advice and verbal abuse.

corp – a business entity designed to make a selected few individuals prosperous while at the same time allowing deniability to same said individuals.

D

dirtside – planetside; Terra Firma; Earth.

drone – a disc shaped, unmanned, propelled vehicle with a sophisticated optics and control package.

drop – 1) the process of attaining a planet surface from its outer extremes of gravity in a ship of any kind. 2) the process of attaining a planet surface from a ‘dropship’ (usually in a combat mission) by means of a jump harness or other apparatus – as opposed to a ‘splat’, which incorporates failed equipment or no equipment at all.

‘duly noted’ – the standard reprisal for information that has just been shit-canned.

E

E-23 – an explosive that retains the consistency of wet clay and while containing no shrapnel in itself, its effectiveness relies on the impact of force alone; shrapnel may be added, or the material can be shaped to provide direction to the blast. It is packaged in blocks about the size of a loaf of bread, and is basically inert until the effects of a detonator are applied. Used primarily for – well, blowing things up.

ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival; the best guess and baseline for determining how late one actually is.

ETD – Estimated Time of Departure; the best guess and baseline for determining how late one will be for their next ETA.

F

FOF – Field Of Fire; the area in which one is able to, or is restricted to fire a weapon of any kind.

frag – 1)an explosive fragmentation munition that can range from a common hand grenade or tube launched rocket to a full sized artillery round. 2) the act of dispensing such a device.

freek; freek signal – frequency. The specific portion of signal wavelength utilized on a comm set to allow miscommunication.

H

HALO – High Altitude Low Open; a drop (see…drop) made in which the egress is attained from the jumpship at high altitude utilizing a jump harness which doesn’t engage until a low altitude is reached.

head – restroom; bathroom; lavatory; john; powder room; men’s room; ladies room. It’s a fleet thing – nobody understands; a term originating from the days of sailing ships where one would utilize the bow, or ‘head’ of the craft to perform such functions that would normally occur while the rest of us are using the bathroom; as generally this area is located downwind.

HUD – Heads Up Display; a display method provided by two or more laser planes intersecting which allow complex imagery to be displayed in an empty space allowing an image to be changed or removed as desired.

I

Intel – the organization that pretends to know what is going on in the world around us usually via a subtle technique known as recta-cranial observation, often enhanced by the use of Braille.

ITTSP – International Troop Transfer Signal Protocol; the unspoken hand signal communication utilized by Troopers to silently confuse each other as well as anyone looking on.

J

jump harness – a computer controlled, rocket powered device worn outside a Trooper’s armor allowing him to jump from altitude or maintain flight for short periods of time.

K

klik – a unit of measurement loosely based on the kilometer; whereas a kilometer is a kilometer, the klik is about a kilometer.

L

‘lock and load’ – there is no such thing, other than a term similar given to new recruits at the practice range; ‘load and lock’ is a command given to mean ‘chamber a round and engage the safety mechanism’.

longarm – a plasmabolt weapon sized equivalent to a rifle.

LZ – Landing Zone; a flat space dedicated to the landing and takeoff of aerial vehicles.

M

merc – mercenary; a trained soldier hired by a corporation or government usually on a temporary basis when the given entity does not want to waste their own soldiers.

micrad – Microwave Ranging And Detection.

mule – a service vehicle issued to the Trooper units beginning at the platoon level, consisting of a flat slab framework with four large, independently driven tires attached to a massive ‘puter controlled hydraulic assisted suspension and featuring such amenities as a steering wheel and two seats up front; it is utilized mainly for the transfer of cargo in a defensive position or for picking up chics (mostly in a third world scenario).

N

Navcom – Navigational Communications; interputer communication page devoted to navigation details.

O

OP – observation post. 1) a position forward of the main line or body of troops usually for observation of the enemy. 2) a position forward of the main line or body of troops often used for the rally point of a retreat when a C.O. is really, really pissed.

outland – space– the final frontier– anything that isn’t Rock or air; a term generally meant for a basestation or the moon, it can actually mean anywhere in the inner space between the Earth’s atmosphere and the Lunar orbit, even points beyond.

outworld – the same as the above only spelled a little differently.

P

paperwork – sl. The phrase used for decades to describe the fine art of shoveling bullshit in the form of electrons.

Plasbolt –Trade name taken to common usage for the plasma-bolt emission weapon developed for individual operation. sl. bolter

plasmabolt – plasma-bolt emission weapon designed to emit a plasma/electron projectile at a high rate of speed toward a target; the size can range from the smaller sidearm, carbine, longarm, crew served portable, to large cannon. sl. bolter2) the projectile emission from such a weapon.

‘puter – contemporary version of what has evolved from the old-timey computer.

R

rally point – the predetermined location designated for soldiers to gather after an operation in order to regroup for the next phase of the operation.

regular – regular soldier employed by a Corp or Government; usually without the benefit of armor, plasma weapons, contemporary training or IQ.

RO – Ranking Officer; the officer with rank and responsibility for any given situation.

Rock – planet; Terra Firma; Earth.

S

SatCom – Satellite Communications; the agency responsible for converging all satellite information into an unintelligible mass of useless data usually on a belated basis.

SAM – Surface to Air Missile; the ground-based rocket propelled munition that is used on aerial targets.

satchel charge – an explosive device sized and styled like a backpack; complete with straps for easy carry and attachment.

sitrep – situation report; the series of fabrications offered to explain a situation until one can actually figure out what is going on.

skinny – 1)the fine art of presenting as small a target as possible to enemy fire or the physical element being utilized for such an endeavor. 2) the briefest possible synopsis of information or gossip exchange.

SOP – Standard Operating Procedure; the procedure utilized when all attempts at improvisation fail.

Space Command – sl. Fleet – the armed entity responsible for security of vast expanses of space; outer space, inner space, air space, and ocean space.

spark – the ‘puter enhanced color differential (usually red/yellow) given to a living body as displayed on a HUD or viewscreen.

spiderhole – a camouflaged hole in the earth just large enough to accommodate a human and is used either as cover and concealment for an individual or access to a larger tunnel complex.

stick – a squad of Troopers, usually around ten men depending on how many have been shot off, in addition to the Sergeant.

T

Trooper – the soldier consist of the Trooper Program; officer and enlisted personnel alike.

Trooper Program – the armed entity responsible for the security of all habitable or uninhabitable locations where a human intervention is required.

V

VTOL – Vertical Take Off and Landing: straight up – straight down; or very nearly so.

W

W.B. – World Body; the organization inaugurated to contain the conglomeration of confusion that entails when every nation on Earth gathers together to have an opinion about something that they all know absolutely nothing about.

X

XO – sl. Exxo. Executive Officer; second in command; the HE under the RO; the one to make sure everything gets done to satisfaction and the guy who should top any list.

PRERAMBLE

I’ll begin with an apology for the foul language used here. It is impossible to accurately recount the activity of any military unit without the use of cuss words. Not only that, but some things just cannot be said properly without cussing. For example: ‘Shut up’ does not say the same thing as ‘Shut the fuck up’. The former implies a bland and mundane use of impoliteness, whereas the latter imparts the impolite along with the notion that a statement is actually meant and therefore should be taken note of. By contrast, the overuse of the art of imprecation negates the intended. Like yelling constantly, the mind has the inclination to shun the desired impact. I have invented quite a few swear words myself and am quite proud of some of them.

Next, I’d do well to apologize for my merciless abuse of English grammar and the words contained therein. I have always touted the expressive benefits of this language. To abuse it properly is to add even more tools to the toolbox. Hell, half of our slang originated in the military. The other half has evolved from the street. Both are scenarios where one would do well to pay attention lest they miss something important. (Or hit by something important, depending–)

I also must warn one about my apparent disregard for the rules of punctuation. (the rules just won’t let me say it to how it need be said.) Possibly my most flagrant violations would be in melding the quote into the sentence. The present laws have the quotation interrupting the sentence – or the other way ‘round. I have tried to alleviate this as much as possible. As well, I will use the quotation marks to change the direction of the speaker without going to a new paragraph. While I like short paragraphs anyway, the flow is more important, so you will find me using this punctuation even to cause pause to the statement.

Italics is another important distinction to mention. These stories are set in the future. Here, everyone ‘comms’ each other with the ease of talking to the person next to them. We see the beginning of this today. The best way to bring this concept to print is with the use of italics. This could throw you though, as two Troopers can be seated next to each other and still need to use their comm unit. A Trooper cannot possibly carry a conversation through a pressurized armor-plated suit without yelling. Too, you will find the underscored Italics used for the Trooper’s given nickname. This again is an attempt to simplify, as the Trooper tends to frown on the general public using their Trooper name; even in the narrative. They use it only to refer to each other.

I also like to use the dash in place of a period– I like to do this to suggest a sentence interrupted or a thought left incomplete. Adding a period only completes the sentence. Three periods ends the sentence three times… that’s a pause to me. To my mind, the dash should be added in there instead of the period, the exclamation point and the question mark.

Run-on sentences are also a favorite. Sometimes, things happen real fast. What better way to imply this without even taking time out for a period?

I’m also fond of short sentences. No point in adding too many letters that you don’t wanna read just to hear myself type. Look at the way we talk. (Then again, listening might be more practical.) We often use contracted sentences. Don’t we?

Seemingly contraire, I also like to add superfluous words not only to aid in the element of sarcasm, but also to stretch the timing a little to the thought proposed.

So with this in mind, put your tongue in your cheek, install your ‘sardony’ shades, and hold on to something–

Preferably, this ‘literatorial extravaganza’.

INTRODUCING…

In our evolution as human beings we endeavor to attain a higher state of being. To do this we must master many basic elements. Love is one, for example. Comfort: another. Among several others is the element of greed. All of these elements have different forms of expression ranging from the common to the extreme. Love, for example, can be expressed by a simple benevolent concern to the extremes of the art of lovemaking, the devotion of lifelong companionship, or the investment of self-sacrifice. Comfort; same way. It can be expressed by a simple recline or relaxing in the lull provided just because no one is shooting at you to the climate controlled, entertainment-endowed, properly decorated, ‘favorite chair’ surroundings that we all try to arrange for ourselves.

Greed is the same way.

Greed is an element that can range from a simple lie or an imposition of will all the way to one of the most extremes there is – combat. In fact greed will often use the latter to support the former without hesitation; without the merest concern for the multitudes brought to anguish and suffering caused by combat. To say that combat is always a bad thing is plainly not so. To say so is to disarm those who are trying to defend themselves against greed, or those attempting to defend the defenseless. This is where the Warrior Class enters as a largely misunderstood class of human beings.

The true Warrior has been with us throughout time. He always will be for there is no other defense against greed save one – wisdom. Usually it takes both the warrior and the wisdom to defeat greed on the field of battle. Greed is one of the strongest elements of mankind. Contrary to popular belief, wisdom is one of the weakest. Both elements are much the same as each can permeate all other elements to whatever degree they can be supported. The two are exact opposites in the sense that greed does not involve wisdom in any way; wisdom cannot possibly incorporate greed.

It is left to the Warrior to bridge the gap these opposing elements create.

The Warrior also has other hazards unique to his calling. Fighting to live while many around him die. Endless hours of tedious boredom randomly splattered with moments of sheer terror. The continual suffering of victims with no direct means to comfort them.

To aid in bringing these various chasms into livable proportions the Warrior has several tools at his grasp. He has insanity for one. Wisdom itself, for another. He has the brotherhood of his comrades who will know his story like no other. A casual indifference is also popular. He has the knowledge of the essential nature of his task. Humor is one of the most important tools though, being used most often to deflect the serious and trifle the disaster. Proven through time, some of the funniest people have seen the most despair. Who can figure the math of that dichotomy?

Who is the greatest storyteller of all time? Couldn’t tell ya. What I can tell you is this. I am in contention for being one of the greatest story listeners of all time. How have I made this achievement? I can tell you that too. By utilizing the dying art form of keeping my mouth shut and my eyes and ears open. With a little practice one can easily learn how to separate the bull from the shit. By listening to those that were there, or in just plain ol’ seeing it for myself, one of the most recurring lessons learned is that the truth really is stranger than fiction. So much so in fact that often the only way to make the truth sound believable is to water it down enough to wash the extremes away, or to fictionalize the events so they are easier to choke down.

So sit back ladies and gentlemen, relax and hearken to the truths these tales represent for the stories you are about to witness are true; only the timeline has been changed to protect the innocent. Come to meet the man who has a ‘rocket in his pocket and a roll in his soul’.

THE METEOR MEN - TRANQUILITY BADLANDS

[LOCATION FOUR-SEVEN]

LOCKDOWN

Keaton enters the conference room to the dull murmur of those folk already present. A Trooper Major is there directly to seat Keaton and his entourage, Fran and Paige. The Major seats the Lieutenant to the left of Colonel Taylor; Fran then to Keaton’s left with the General on her other side. Paige accepts her seat against the wall behind Keaton with the dignity of a Countess.

Keaton offers a short greeting to the General and the Colonel, then allows himself a glance around the oval conference table. Some of these people he already recognizes. Three more Generals represent the Trooper’s interests to this situation. Two Admirals from Fleet. Four in civilian garb Keaton assumes to be SatCom and Intel. Another four empty seats represent the World Body, Keaton notes with an unsaid sarcasm. Two reps from the Armed Force, and another two of unknown origin complete the scan. Around the perimeter of the well-appointed room is an array of support personnel including Jennifer, the General’s Aide. Keaton nods to each known face if he catches their eye. One wall is void of any seating or decoration other than the vidscreen that is using the wall in its entirety. The view showing is footage and stills taken from Keaton’s last mission.

The oval table is a good six to eight meters in length, and is open in the middle, allowing the General to walk into the area and literally take center stage. The General is the junior star in the room but he still has the attention of all as if he owns the place. He sprawls his southern tainted accent from behind his half-burned cigar as he begins.

We are still waiting on the W.B., but I see no reason not to begin. As ya’ll know, we’re here today because of the amazing intel uncovered by my man here, Lieutenant Keaton. Everyone at the table offers a nod and a greeting of some sort. Some even comment to the Lieutenant. The General adds, Don’t get too friendly with ‘im. We’re still tryin’ to decide whether we should give ‘im his plasmabolt back or hand him a mop instead. This brings a good, short chuckle from around the room.

A two-star politely interrupts. Don’t let ‘im ride you too hard Lieutenant. That was a good job and we’re all glad to know what we know, even if we’re not sure what that is.

That’s why we’re here this morning. the General adds, Maybe we can figure some of that out. the General grits out a near imperceptible grin to add to his glance towards Keaton. Let’s begin with this mess that Keaton brought back with him from the Rock. Harry, you find out anything new?

The Intel guy removes the stylus from his mouth so he can speak. Instead, the opening door takes the floor. In walks a familiar face to Keaton. Sir Isaac Wellington is greeted immediately by the Major to be seated. In the short journey the Diplomat offers a nod to the crowd, but is looking for one pair of eyes in particular. He gets a fix on Keaton and the Lieutenant gets a half-smile and his own nod. Isaac sits without a word. Curiously enough, the three who enter with him are seated to the wall seats.

The General refocuses the crowd with a reminder. Harry?

Intel continues. Not since we last talked, General. Harry looks around the table. The General refers to a rather unusual device brought back by the Lieutenant here. It is a device built solely for the purpose of disrupting drone communication. We’ve had everyone from Cal-Tech to the Munich Tech Institute pick this thing apart. Even knowing what this thing is for we can’t figure out how it works or who built it.

What about the stuff it’s made from? the General has a sudden inspiration.

Everything can be had from here on the Rock, though certain compounds are highly modified in ways we’d never thought of. Then adds, No reason to.

The General nods in thought then turns, Keaton. How’d you find it?

Pvt. Ellis found it trying to figure out why the drones wouldn’t work, sir. He deduced that the only place the interference could come from was ‘up’. The only ‘up’ we had was on the roof. Ellis and his team found it without too much trouble. Ellis disconnected the power source and we were back in the air.

The General nods again. You have any hunch from the street about where this thing came from Keaton?

Not really sir. Something strikes me as odd though.

All ears, Keaton.

I had these drones out on standard recon duty. Somebody went to some serious trouble to build this thing. It doesn’t seem worth it all just to keep me off of Amadi. Maybe there is something else in Lagos they didn’t want me to see.

The General shifts his attention. Oscar. You put every eyeball you got on this stinkin’ patch of dirt. If there is somethin’ down there that we aren’t supposed to see, you find it.

Yes sir. Oscar is immediately on his comm unit.

Harry. You stick every nose you got up every ass you can find down there. I wanna know where this thing came from and who built it. Then you forget the candle, I want you to light a flamethrower under Amadi’s ass and make damn sure he doesn’t know anything!

Keaton uses the subsequent pause to cater a hunch. General, if I might suggest a long-shot.

Fire it up Keaton.

Sir, we brought this extra package in from the boost. My guy had a feeling about this one so we made the room for him. He might be worth puttin’ on the burner. Let me bring up too, my interpreter Fran here has a way of enticement sometimes that folk find hard to resist. Plug her into this guy. It’s worth a shot. Amadi too.

The General looks her way. Miss Hawthorne. Do you mind?

Fran replies with a stern General, do I– a sharp nudge under the table and Keaton stalls her before she can start. – mind? No sir. Of course not.

The General turns. Harry. Harry! You nappin’ over there, Harry?

No sir I–

Harry, make it comfortable for Miss Hawthorne here to visit these guys that Keaton pulled in. she’ll get up with ya with whatever she needs.

Yes sir.

The General changes the subject without missing a beat. Sir Wellington. Where’s the rest of your delegation? I figured you boys at the W.B. would be fightin’ each other to get in on this conference.

They were sir. They might still be for all I know. Isaac declares his stance. General, I understand the gravity of this matter. I am here to insure that the World Body is an aid to your situation rather than a hindrance. I left, shall we say, every ego that might be an obstacle back on Earth.

I appreciate that Sir Wellington.

Isaac gives a confident nod in reply.

Questions; comments so far gentlemen? The General offers the floor and reclaims his seat at the table.

Admiral Schroeder looks to Intel. Harry, I’m curious about those SAMs that came out of nowhere.

Harry responds, Well, sir. We know they weren’t ours.

Really. Schroeder responds. Harry, we told you that last week.

Yes sir. I am aware. What I mean to say is that they were built similar to ours in that they rely on stages to range out so far, just like the Fleet SAMs your people use for satellite control. When the first stage burns out, second stage takes over, et cetera. Fleet pulled a count and you still have all of yours, so we can assume these came from somewhere else. We are assembling a civilian team to rummage around the ocean floor to find the stages that were jettisoned. We hope to learn something from that.

The General senses a prior conversation