A couple hours later Traveler's CO radioed him and told him to move his platoon back to friendly lines. No other Russians had attacked after their first engagement and everyone was glad to move out before any did. After they reached the main JSF base in Manhattan, Traveler order his platoon to get some rest while he went to the JSF's Operation Command Center, which was really just a couple of C1A5 "Archons". He went to Major Delmar's personal Archon to give his after-action report.

Traveler kept the report short and to the point as the Major liked things. As Traveler talked he couldn't help but look at the tactical map over the Major's shoulder. It was a large over-view picture of New York City and it was filled in with two colors: the blue JSF Forces and the red Russian Invasion Forces. The Russians held Brooklyn and Queens, but their initial advanced had stalled and Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx were still in American hands. All over the Russian side there were scattered blue dots where some buildings were still held by determined Americans. None of the dots were larger than a city block.

After he had finished his report the Major stood up and pushed some buttons by the tactical display. Another small portion on the edge of Queens turned blue in confirmation of Traveler's platoon's hold on the area. The Major then turned to look at Traveler.

"Well Lieutenant," He started, "I must say I'm impressed. Your single platoon was able to destroy an entire Russian armor convoy. If I'm right that's two T-100's, 5 BTR-112's, and at least a company of Spetsnaz Bears. That's a very remarkable kill record for one battle, let alone one platoon."

Traveler nodded and said, "We did have the element of surprise, Sir. The Russians weren't expecting resistance till they reached Manhattan."

"No, but still, very impressive." The Major then leaned back in his chair and studied the Lieutenant silently. Traveler shifted uncomfortably.

"Ah…Sir?" Traveler said, "Am I dismissed?"

"No, Lieutenant, I still need you and your platoon for something." The Major stood up and turned back to the tactical map. "You grew up here, in New York City, correct?"

"Yes sir, in Borough Park."

"That's large Jewish community in Brooklyn, isn't it? I didn't realize you were Jewish, Lieutenant.

"I am Sir, but what does that have to do with this…thing you need me and my platoon to do?"

"Nothing really. I'm more interested in whether or not you are familiar with the layout of Brooklyn?"

Traveler nodded and said, "I know the layout of the entire city pretty well, Sir."

"Good. Look at this Lieutenant." The Major said as he pointed to one of the small blue dots surrounded by a sea of red. "Can you tell me what this location is?"

Traveler studied the map for a bit then said, "Well Sir, I'd say that is just residential housing considering my childhood home is just three blocks from there. What's so important about holding this area, Sir?"

The Major smiled without looking at the Lieutenant. "Well Lieutenant, at that location is-"

"Sir!" yelled a young female officer working one of the command vehicle's computers, "Incoming artillery rounds!"

The Major cursed and quickly began rearranging things around the vehicle to prepare them for movement. All the while he yelled new instructions to Traveler.

"Lieutenant, Tomorrow at 0400 hours, you and your platoon are to report to the observation deck of the Empire State Building! There you will be met by a V-25 Goshawk that will carry you to that location!" The Major pointed to the blue dot he had show Traveler earlier. "You will receive more information on the flight over! Dismissed!"

Traveler threw a quick salute and

jumped out the back of the command vehicle. He hit the ground running. The Major's Command vehicle roared away with the rest of the JSF's mobile base. As Traveler ducked inside the bunker his platoon was occupying, the first wave of shells landed outside.