(4)
The Sergeant strode into the office and snapped to a salute as he handed a red data card to the man behind the desk, “Sitrep received from TVS with visual confirmation of another heavy assault group, Sir.”
“Yes. Continue to monitor the incoming reports. That explains the low speed of the four units we currently have on tactical, but I am expecting at least one more due to their fondness for the number six. That will be all, Sergeant.”
The officer seated in front of the desk rose and crossed the room to study the large tactical screen on the wall, “If they continue to converge, they’ll form up in an arc, and your number six will be right here,” she said tapping a spot in the northern range on the display.
“Yes Colonel, I agree, but other than this facility, there is no target at the focus of that arc. This facility was originally a bombing range and a nuclear test site, so it is quite secure. If they attempt to enter our restricted areas, we will respond quickly and decisively. They appear to be simply re-positioning assets harmlessly the same way they did last July after the Tonopah fireworks display.”
“Possibly, but it wasn’t heavy assault weapons platforms they were moving around last July,” the Colonel insisted. “Until we determine the capability of these new heavy assault class weapons, we can’t afford to make that assumption.”
“Colonel, with all due respect...,” began the man behind the desk.
“Mike, just listen to me for a minute, this is serious. Look, we go way back, and I know you’re big on rules and regulations, but our military is not what it once was."
“Colonel Temple..., Jennifer,” the man replied rubbing the bridge of his nose. “No offence, but you know there is an armored division in reserve here at Nellis. I believe we possess the capability to respond to whatever threat your, Strax, represent without additional TVS involvement.”
“Mike, do you have any idea how dangerous the Strax really are? They are threatening the human race itself,” Jennifer stated flatly as she turned to face the man.