Chapter 58

Slum area of Marsdome: Masheeka Dawson stepped out of the taxi, and looked around the area she was in and soon saw what she was looking for. She entered the somewhat seedy looking pub, and quietly made her way to the bar. The old man behind the bar just looked at her, sizing her up. "What'll you have?"

"I'll have a pint, make it dark and warm."

He looked at her again, and then walked over and grabbed a mug and filled it. He set it in front of her, and she put a card on the bar. He looked at it, and then at her. She smiled at him, "I need to see Kwan Lo."

He looked her in the eye, and sneered, "Who?"

"You heard me."

"Sorry lady, don't know em."

She looked at the barman, "Tell him it's Masheeka, and that I've got some work for him."

She picked up her mug, "I'll be in the booth on the end." She then walked over to the booth and sat down.

Fifteen minutes later she saw him, and he made his way over to her and slid into the other side of the booth. "It's been awhile Masheeka, what sort of trouble you in this time?"

She smiled, "I've been keeping out of trouble Kwan."

"Right, since when?"

"Since I got to Vega-3."

"So you made it all the way there?"

"Yup. Even got me a real job, papers and everything."

Now the man just looked at her rather nervously, "You join the corps?"

Her face turned hard and she looked at him. He could feel the coldness of her stare in his soul. "I'm going to forget you said that Kwan."

Her face then brightened, "I work for Confed Corporation now. I need you to dig up something for me."

"And what would that be?"

"I need to find out where the corps would keep special prisoners, the kind that they might use politically. I also need to find someone who works or has worked there."

He rubbed his chin, "I don't know Masheeka, that could be real tough info to get."

She slid another card across the table, and he looked at the seal on the card. "This should cover it."

He started to pick up the card, and she put her hand down on his. "This is the down payment, you get 5 times this amount when I get the info, if it checks out."

He looked at her, "Hell Masheeka, for that much, I'll even gift wrap it for you."

She smiled at him again, "I always knew you liked me Kwan."

Sleazy Hotel Marsdome: It had been a week since she had seen Kwan and now Masheeka Dawson looked at the man tied to the chair in front of her. He was blindfolded, naked, and looking a little under the weather. "I'm sorry for the way you've been treated, but it is necessary. Now I want you to tell me everything about the facility where the corps is holding Jack Maxwell. If you don't tell me, then I'm afraid that I'll have to give you something to make you a little more receptive to talking. But I should warn you, the effects on telepaths is not a very good one."

The man in the chair seemed a little worried now. "In fact, from what I've been told, you'll either end up dead, or a vegetable. But before that happens, you will talk. So the choice is yours."

The man smiled, "I'll never betray the corps, do what ever you want. My lips and Mind are sealed."

"I'm sorry you feel that way."

Masheeka took out a case, and started to place a device on his genitals.

Four hours later Masheeka was about to leave the room, she looked at the man sitting in the chair. He was covered in sweat, drool and semen. She had what she came for, now she had only one more thing to do. She took out another ampoule, and carefully opened it. She put her lips close to his ear, "I'm sorry for this."

Then she poured it on his head. For a second nothing seemed to happen, then the man started to breath faster, and his face was getting very red. Soon he slumped forward, and she felt his neck for a pulse, and found none. She placed the empty ampoule back in her case, and quietly left the room. The body of Moses Turner would be found in two hours, and then turned over to the EA authorities. The apparent victim of a massive coronary caused during sex. With no witnesses or leads, the local authorities would close the case file quickly.

Confederation Corporation Offices Mars: Six days later, after verifying her information, Masheeka entered the office and showed her ID to the guard. She asked for a secure comm. room, and she was escorted to it. She sat at the comm. unit and activated it. She then input the encryption key and waited while the scrambled signal was sent to Vega 3. Soon she was looking at the face of Director Mason. "Hello Masheeka, how is your little fishing trip going?"

"Quite well sir, I think I finally landed the big one."

She saw the Director smile, "I hope it wasn't to hard a struggle?"

He could see the look on her face, "It was uh, difficult sir. But I believe rewarding."

"Well then, I look forward to hearing all about it."

"Yes sir, I think you'll like this story."

Masheeka placed a data crystal in a slot on the unit and pressed a button. She watched as the data was sent, and then when it was done she looked at the director. "Sir, if you don't mind, I'd like to take a little more personal time before I return to Vega 3."

She saw the director just nod his head, "I understand Masheeka, take all the time you need. Just keep in touch with us."

"Yes sir."

Anthony Mason's Office: Anthony looked at the data that Masheeka had sent him. To say he was pleased would have been an understatement. He quickly made copies of the data, and called for a security courier. When the courier arrived, he gave her a sealed cube. "I need this hand delivered to Col Ellison."

"Yes sir."

The courier left the office, and Anthony placed a call to Luke. "Sir, I need to see you as soon as possible."

"Of course Tony, I should be free in about 20 minutes."

Twenty minutes later, Anthony was waiting in the outer office, when the secretary looked at him. "Mr. Douglas can see you now Director." and Anthony went into the main office.

Luke was sitting at his desk, and looked up at him, "I thought I had a lot of paperwork in the service, but now."

Anthony smiled a little, "I know what you mean sir."

Anthony placed a data crystal on the desk and then sat down, "Masheeka's fishing trip went rather well sir."

Luke looked at him and saw the concern on his face. "And how is she doing?"

"She's well sir, but she's taking a little extra time off sir."

Luke just nodded his head, and then picked up the crystal and placed it in a reader. Soon they were looking at her report, and the schematics of an underground facility on Mars. "Did Stanley get a copy of this?"

"Yes sir, I sent it by courier right before I came here."

"Good, tell him that I want a briefing by you and him tomorrow morning."

"Yes sir."

Luke saw the worried look on Anthony's face, "What's wrong Tony?"

"Oh, uh nothing sir."

Luke smiled now, "You're a terrible liar Tony."

"Sorry Luke, it's just that I was thinking about what could go wrong, and…"

"And you're worried that some of your people could get hurt or worse?"

"Yes sir."

Luke smiled, "Welcome to the wonderful world of command Tony."

"Yes sir."

"Don't worry Tony, Stanley has been doing this sort of thing for almost 30 years. He's one of the best ground assault officers that I know. Hell, he even taught the course at the Confed Marine Academy for 5 years. I'm sure that any plan he comes up with will not only be brilliant, but it will probably have no casualties at all."

Anthony smiled a little, "That's what I'm hoping for Luke."

Anthony now stood up, "If you'll excuse me sir, I need to see a man about a plan."

Luke smiled and nodded, "Make it 10 o'clock tomorrow Tony, Terry and I have a Dr's appointment before that."

Anthony just smiled and nodded, and was then on his way to Col Ellison's office. They spent the rest of the day hashing out a workable plan.

Three weeks later: A Jump point formed and a sleek looking ship flew out into normal space. The ship was almost a full day away from the Sol system, and the captain ordered the ship into full stealth mode. On the bridge, Commander Frazier turned and looked at Major Cortez. "If all goes well major, we should be at Mars in just about 23 hours."

The Major nodded, "That'll give my people enough time to do their final preps and get some rest before we jump off."

"Carry on Major."

Major Cortez just nodded and left the bridge, and the XO came over to the Captain. "Eugenia, why did we jump back into normal space so far out? With our new stealth upgrades, we could have come out a lot closer."

She looked at her XO, "I know that Alex, but Col Ellison, and the Admiral thought that we should come out here, just in case the EA has boosted their early warning nets."

She got up from her chair, "Besides, this way we all get a chance to relax a bit before heading into the Lions den. Now, I'm going to my quarters. You have the watch XO."

"Aye aye ma'am I have the watch."

Landing bay TCS Black Knight: Major Cortez was watching the marines and their new associates spar. He was quite pleased at how well the new people had picked up the hand-to-hand skills they were probably going to need on this mission. He watched as one of the marines was getting his butt kicked by a young woman. He heard some of the other marines joke about it. It seemed that no matter what he did, the corporal just couldn't surprise her. As he got closer he heard the corporal just moan a little to her after she had thrown him to the floor again, "I thought you people couldn't read our minds?"

She smiled at him, "I don't have to, and you keep telegraphing your moves."

"Oh that's why."

He held up his hand and she took it to help him up, but he quickly changed his grip and tossed her to the floor. As she was lying there, she heard him snicker, "Finally got ya."

This got everyone laughing, including the Major.

The major whistled and everyone was looking at him, "Final briefing is in 21 hours. Two more hours of PT, then do an equipment check. After that I want you all to take it easy until final briefing tomorrow."

Everyone there snapped to attention and chorused "Aye aye sir." then went back to their sparring.

The major smiled to himself as he remembered his first meeting with the young woman. She had showed up at the Security division office to apply for a job, and when asked why she didn't want to work for division M, she said that reading minds wasn't what she wanted to do. At her first day of training, she was asked if she knew how to defend herself, and she told the instructor that she knew a little. The big man asked her for a demonstration, and soon he was on his back on the mat. Major Cortez had seen the move she did, and he walked over to the young woman, "Since the corporal is to easy for you, why don't we go a few rounds."

She smiled at the Major, "Yes sir."

The two of them went into fighting stances and started to spar, soon everyone was watching them go at it. The Major was using a style that played to his greater strength, but her style played to her greater agility. The match had started off easily, but after a few minutes, they were both going full steam. After 20 minutes, they both were sweating and just a little bruised and bloodied here and there. The two of them were a little winded, and after she took him down again, he just slapped the mat with his hand. They both stood and bowed to each other, "You win this one Miss Cloud, but I want a rematch sometime."

"Anytime sir."

Then he looked at her earnestly, "Miss Cloud, how would you like a job as an instructor?"

Briefing room TCS Black Knight: The Major was at the front of the room in front of a holographic map, and everyone was listening as he went over the details of Operation Big Favor. "OK people, one more time. We HALO drop to these coordinates, and then move to the objective. At the sight we split into five teams. Alpha team, your target?"

A Lt stood up, "We are to breech the facility here. He touched a spot on the screen at his chair and a spot on the holomap started blinking. Then proceed to the Main power relay and set our charges. Then we are to head to the Main entrance and await the go command."

"And then?"

"Then we blow the charges and proceed to secure the main entrance for Evac."

"Good, Bravo team?"

Miss Cloud stood up, "We breech the facility here sir, another spot started blinking, and then proceed to the primary and secondary ventilation shafts. Once there we set the nebulizers to saturate the facility with FPG-1, 60 seconds before lights out. This should incapacitate the guards and prisoners in seconds sir."

"And then?"

"Then we are to proceed to the Main entrance and provide back up to Alpha team."

"Good, Charlie team?"

A Sergeant stood up, "Sir, we are to proceed to these coordinates and hack into the base's comm. and computer systems. From there we can monitor all signals to and from the facility, and bypass any security measures the corps has in place. We are also to open any security doors preventing Evac."

"And then?"

"Once the Evac is done, we proceed to our pick up spot here sir." and he pointed to a spot on the map.

The major nodded his head, and continued. "And I'll lead Delta and Echo teams, and we breech the facility here. Once the FPG-1 is introduced, we'll proceed to secure the release of the prisoners in these two sections here and here. Then we'll head to the main entrance for Evac. Any questions?"

The room was silent, "Good, we go in 2 hours, I want a final equipment check, and then everybody in the bay in 90 minutes. Just remember your training people, and we'll get through this without a scratch."

Bridge of TCS Black Knight: Commander Frazier was watching Mars get larger on the view screen, "Easy does it helm, this is a stealth approach. I want a smooth transition into upper atmosphere."

"Yes ma'am."

The ship shook a little as they moved into the upper atmosphere, and the commander looked over at her EWAC tech. "No active signals ma'am. I think we're OK."

"Good, keep me apprised of any changes."

"Yes ma'am."

The Commander looked at the comm. tech, "Tell the Major he's a go."

"Aye aye ma'am."

"Helm, once the drop is done, I want you to find us a quiet spot in the mountain range to await the pick up signal."

"Yes ma'am."

After 5 minutes, the XO spoke up, "All teams away Commander."

"Thank you XO. Helm take us to the mountains."

"Yes ma'am."

Commander Frazier sat back and said a silent prayer for the teams, as she watched the mountains come into view.

Rescue teams: Because of the high altitude, and the thinner atmosphere, the teams were using personal AG belts and extra large chutes for this jump. They made it to the ground quickly, and then headed for their objectives. It took them just under an hour to reach their objectives, and each team did as they were trained to do. Soon everything was set to go. Charlie team hacked into the system, and found out something interesting. The Sergeant contacted the major on a secure channel. "Charlie actual to Lead."

The major was a little upset, that the sergeant was breaking comm. silence, but he knew that he wouldn't do that unless it was extremely urgent. "Go Charlie actual."

"Sir, we have new Intel, it seems that almost all security personnel have been pulled within the last two hours. There is an order in the system from Corps higher ups for them to proceed to a location almost 1500 km east of the facility. They took the shuttles and left here about 90 minutes ago. There's no way of knowing when they'll return sir."

"Roger that Charlie actual, wait one."

The major switched to a second channel, "Bravo Kilo Actual, this is Bravo Foxtrot Lead."

The commander got on the line, "Go Lead."

"We have new onsite Intel, we are moving plan up 30 mikes. Also keep an eye out for any returning ships and give us a heads up if you can."

"Understood Lead, we've got your six."

"Roger that, will call back in 20 mikes."

The Major switched to the main channel, "All teams this is Bravo Foxtrot actual, Status check."

"Alpha is go."

"Bravo is go."

"Charlie is go."

"Delta and Echo are go. Jump off is moved up 30 mikes. We are a go in 5 Mikes from my mark, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, mark. Good hunting people."

The major looked at his two teams, and held up his hand and flashed a five signal. They all nodded and awaited his go signal. Angela Cloud looked at her people, and was glad they had enough time to reset the nebulizers. Four minutes later, Charlie team saw people all over the facility begin to drop. Then the whole facility went dark, and he was glad the security system was on a separate power source. Now they saw as Alpha team reached the main entrance and secured the passed out corps people. The team leader flashed a thumbs up to the security cam. They watched as Bravo team moved into support positions, and they watched as Delta and Echo teams moved quickly into the prisoner areas.

Soon all corps personnel were secured, and the prisoners were released and they began to move them to the main entrance area. In less than 15 minutes, the prisoners were all accounted for, and the medics on Bravo and Alpha teams were sedating them for transport. The plan was to keep them out while in transit to home, and to awaken them once they were safely on Vega-3. Major Cortez looked around the Main entrance area, and allowed himself a small smile. He then contacted Bravo Kilo for Evac. As the ship was moving to the facility, Charlie team began to copy the computer core, delete the security footage, and when they were done they placed several rather nasty worms and viruses in they system. The Sergeant smiled, "This should give the corps a little bit of fun."

When the ship set down, all off duty personnel helped with the Evac of the prisoners, and the ship lifted off and scooped up Charlie team a minute later. Then the ship headed for orbit.

Once in orbit the commander had the helm plot a course out of the Sol system at best possible speed. Once clear of the EA detection net, they would jump to hyperspace and proceed to the Vega system. Major Cortez entered the bridge, and the Commander looked at him. "Any problems Major?"

"No ma'am, Operation Big Favor went off with only the one minor hitch."

"That's good to hear Major, and our guest's?"

"All are resting quietly ma'am."

"That's good to hear, we'll contact home once we're in hyperspace and let the Admiral know. You did good Major, remember to congratulate your teams."

"I already have ma'am."

She looked at him, "Then you and your people should take a little down time Major, we'll get everybody home safe."

Major Cortez smiled again and saluted her, "Yes ma'am, right after debriefs." Then he left the bridge to begin team debriefs.

Psi Corps detention facility: After about 4 hours, the people began to awaken, with the worst headaches they had ever had. The senior Psi cop at the sight contacted Corps command after he had freed himself, and informed them of the attack. He also unknowingly transmitted a set of rather nasty worms and viruses to the corps high command comm. system. They would begin to start working 6 to 8 hours after transmission. When the news of the attack reached the Corps main council, they were more than a little upset. They knew that the Confed people were behind it, but they had no real evidence, and most doubted they would find any. They turned the matter over to the Psi cops to investigate it. Now they decided on what sort of damage control they would need, because they knew that word of the attack would leak out, it always seemed to. There was also the matter of payback, but the leader stopped that idea, for now.

Luke Douglas's office: It was three weeks since the raid, and Luke was expecting a visit from the Earth Force Command staff. They were here to see the trials of the James Carter, and then have a tour of the various facilities. He had met with them in his office, and before they left for the star port to head out to the Space dock, Luke had asked General Hague if they could speak in private. Once they were alone Luke looked at him, "General, I just wanted to let you meet one of our newest students at Daniels university."

A second door opened, and a young man entered the room. General Hague walked over to him and they were quickly hugging each other. Both of them had tears coming down their cheeks, and General Hague smiled at Luke. "God Jack, it's been so long."

Jack sniffled a little, "Uncle Bill, I didn't think I would ever see you again."

When they separated a little, he looked at Jack, "How long have you been here?"

"A few weeks, Mr. Douglas's people rescued me and everybody else. They've been helping us out, and trying to quietly let our families know we were OK."

Luke smiled, "We're using security couriers to let the families know, and we've also been helping them to figure out what they might want to do now. I'm sorry I couldn't let you know before now Bill, but we were sure Psi Corps would be watching you."

General Hague nodded his head, "I understand Luke. And I completely agree with what you did."

He looked at Jack, "I'll let your mom and dad know you're OK as soon as I get back to Beta Durani Station."

"Thanks uncle Bill. Would you also let them know that I'm starting engineering classes here. That should make dad smile at least."

"I will Jack, I will." then they were hugging again. The general looked at Luke and silently mouthed 'Thanks, I owe you one.'