The Game - Chapter 11: Compound Fractures
In reply to The Watcher (msg # 1):
Are we finally agreed, then?
The voice belongs to Sophia, Xander's constant AI companion.
"Billy, Muse, and Hadrian will return to the Compound by a direct way, claiming to have broken free of Abe's resistance forces in order to gain or retain Apex's trust for long enough to steal the data we need to convince the Roshak none of this is humanity's fault?"
The screen splits into quarters, with the names listed appearing in the upper left.
"Meanwhile, Rebecca will attempt to simulate a Roshak invasion by charging Percy straight toward the gates. This will pull personnel away from the hangar, providing a distraction for the third team..."
Rebecca's name appears in the upper right.
"...which is nearly everybody else. Bradford, Whitney, Barachiel, Kayla, Fiernas, Xander, and myself. We'll be infiltrating the hangar using the tunnels and the distraction for cover. The goal is to retrieve the transport and, with it, both the plasma drive and Abraxis."
The names appear in the bottom left, and then the bottom right quadrant lights up.
"Abe, Huck, Candy, and their remaining forces will orchestrate a disruptive attack of their own at the same time. This will draw further defenses away, and hopefully facilitate their re-taking of the Compound, or at least parts of it, from Apex and the forces loyal to her. They will also be responsible for activating the Zord Protocol should the mechs need to be turned off en masse."
The names appear as bidden, and the screen pulses.
"We will remain in contact via encrypted comms. It's not perfect, but that's the best we can do. We also have four portable jammers Abe and his people use for infiltration and two 'scrubsuits' that render the wearer invisible to the Compound's cameras. They will need to be deployed among the groups wisely."
"Once the data has been collected and the shuttle has been retrieved, a command decision will need to be made about whether or not Abe's team or Rebecca will need to be evacuated. If we're able to secure the entire Compound, it may not be necessary. But as of now, we are planning to air-lift everyone out as soon as possible. Abe's team will use their vehicles to attempt a mid-air rendezvous. Rebecca's EVA suit is equipped with thrusters. Billy and Hadrian will have to find a way to get themselves airborne if we have to take off before they can reach the ship."
"Once we're all back on the ship, with the data in hand, we'll set course for the Goethe, reconnect with the alien diplomats, and resolve this whole mess bloodlessly."
There's a pause.
"Does that cover everything we discussed?"