Supreme Commander Jace Malcom - Commanding Officer of the Republic Military
Aboard the RNS Extricate - Valor-class Cruiser: En route to Kuat - Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 14:45/ 2:45 PM
"Sir, the garrison at the Drive Yards are being gradually pushed back by the Imps yet as of this time, our forces are holding on." A navy crewer informed the commanding officer of the entire Republic Military with an update on the situation.
"Let's pray to the Force that we're not too late."
"Exiting hyperspace in three… two… one."
Jace stared at the size of the armada before him, it was as if the Sith Empire sent their entire navy to engage the defenders and take out the crucial drive yards in order to hinder the Republic's war effort for generations to come.
"Get me a line to General Dayan!" The Supreme Commander ordered, receiving an affirmative from another crew member.
The distinct eyepatch reminded Malcom of the scars he suffered on Alderaan after attempting to kill off Malgus with a thermal detonator.
"It appears that our mutual adversaries are getting desperate." The Israeli noticed. "Can't seem to blame them."
"The Empire is coming down on its last legs, their capabilities for taking offensive actions are now limited." The founder of Havoc Squad declared confidently although the war was admittedly far from over. "I heard you requested a special package?"
"Already prepping the greeting gift as we speak just to pose a distraction. My men know what they're getting themselves into."
'These Israelis are bold, I'll give them that.' The founder of SpecForce thought. "Either way, this is a one-way trip with only a five percent chance of success."
"We capture the HVTs and blow up the flagship, just send it to hell and high water, or we can just distract the leaders of the attack. The result is still the same, we'll snatch victory from underneath them."
"Very well." Jace relented. "We got ourselves a war to win."
Grand Moff Ilyan Regus- Commander of Imperial Forces
Aboard the INS Subjugator- Harrower-class Dreadnaught: Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 15:00/ 3:00 PM
"It seems as the Pubs decided to send their Supreme Commander himself to supervise matters in person." Regus revealed to the war council aboard the flagship, currently consisting of himself, Admiral Ranken, and Lord Krovos.
Illyan arrived the day before to supervise the situation which was getting out of hand not through Republic might, but through delaying tactics by the allies while additional reinforcements were en route.
"Not to mention Havoc Squad is confirmed to be on the station working alongside Chaos." Krovos added as the Pureblood began pacing around the holotable. "Soon we're going to encounter a joint Earth M.E.F alongside an entire Field Army under the command of Moshe Dayan."
"What do we know about this Dayan? Other than losing an eye of course?"
"He's an impressive one. Led the defenses of his outnumbered nation surrounded by threats on all corners and dealt with his foes in only six days."
"Six Days!?" The Helmsman inquired, overhearing the conversation.
"The conflict is called the 'Six Day War' for a reason." The Sith purred. "It's clear by now that we're not dealing with amateurs."
"Korriban and Tython certainly points toward the fact, not to mention their recent history."
An Imperial Marine barged into the bridge, rushing towards the trio to deliver a warning.
"Israeli Commandos!" The Sergeant panted as he warned the three superiors. "Israeli Commandos have boarded our ship!"
"Blast! As if we didn't have enough to be concerned with already." Ilyan growled. "They're bold, that's one trait I have admired most of these Earthlings; willing to do whatever it takes to meet our forces and destroy them, even if we hold the numerical advantage." The Moff shook his head, wondering how he didn't think about the bold move. "Why am I not surprised?"
Five Minutes Earlier...
Seren (Lieutenant) Yusef Rosenberg-Shayetet 13, Israeli Defense Force Navy
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 14:55/ 2:55 PM
"Seren? You and your men are authorized to capture HVTs on the bridge but the crew are expendable."
"Aye, sir." The Naval Commando acknowledged. No one in Israel would dare refuse an order from Dayan himself, after all. "Republic troops will secure the device?"
"Alongside a detachment from Sayeret Matkal with one of their squads acting as a QRF, if required."
"Understood." Rosenberg nodded as he pulled back the slide of his Uzi. "We'll link up with our brethren in the hangar bay. Nachum!" he called one of his men, "You have the Stoner?"
The Rav-Samal Mitkadem (Chief Petty Officer) lifted the Stoner 63 configured into a surprisingly lightweight belt-fed and grinned. "Loaded with the experimental APIs. Should theoretically pierce the armor of those damn goose-steppers, maybe blow up some of their robots as well."
'Aren't all their soldiers mindless robots?' The Seren snorted in amusement. "Still, it's an unknown with this varmint round. Even our nine mils barely make dents in their armor and the terminal energy is wasted trying to pierce it."
"Which is why we have the HK-21s to back up our G3s." Rav-Samal Bakhir (Senior Chief Petty Officer) Jeb Gadi snickered.
"And G3SG/1s." One of the sharpshooters, Samal Rishon (Petty Officer Third Class) Adli Halevi, added. "Wasn't there a headline eight years ago when some Curtis LeMay labeled this AR-15 as a waste of garbage? I think after the barrel burst when he unofficially tested it out by shooting at watermelons at some picnic? Anyway, I'm surprised that NATO didn't standardize Heckler and Koch."
"Their loss." Rosenberg sighed before feeling that their transport landed, judging by the thud.
"I'll deal with the pests." Krovos snarled, leaving no room for argument as she stormed off to deal with the infiltrators.
"I have a bad feeling about this, Admiral."
"Oh? Do you now?" Ranken mused as she watched the security cams. "Those nerf herders are playing it smart, as if they know where the airlocks are located. Helmsman, have Second Platoon secure the docking bay. Inform the Vengeful and the Eternal Glory to have their spare marine complement lead a counterboarding op."
"Aye, ma'am."
Captain James Albert Graham - F /"Fox" Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, United States Marine Corps
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 15:05/3:05 PM
"Ready to kick some ass, ladies!?" Graham asked his men both here and on the other two transports through the intercom, the 'Mustang Officer' anxious as the transport dodged turbolaser fire from Imperial AA guns.
"Sir, yes sir!" The Marines of Fox Company shouted enthusiastically, clutching their M14s and M60s tightly as the gunship weaved up, bringing a whole new meaning to flight sickness.
"It's your lucky day. We're going to land in a hot zone and you are about to embark on a journey through Hell. Welcome to intergalactic warfare, Devil Dogs. Lock and load!"
Forty-two bolts were cocked in this shuttle alone, charging their rifles as the shuttle landed, and Fox Company had a total of one hundred and twenty-six Leathernecks on the roster with all of them ready to move out.
"Green light! Go, go, go!"
Three of Graham's men went down in a hail of laser fire the moment they hit the ramps. The Gyrenes however continued with their counter-assault, aggressively taking ground with a barrage of ballistic fire and grenades. They couldn't afford to be pinned down, or more Imperial reinforcements would arrive on the platform and overwhelm them.
The Captain was one of the first to reach the hastily set defenses of the enemy and picked off a goosestepper with his M1911A1 Service Pistol, the man-stopping round bringing his target down. "Keep moving forward!"
"You heard him! Let's knock some sense into these black-clad trash cans!" First Sergeant Xavier beckoned from behind his superior, encouraging his squad to continue onward before being gunned down by a laser followed by a Second Lieutenant.
James watched as a PFC with the surname of Sanderson pierced the fatigues of his opponents with the bayonet before he was cut down by a laser round himself, flopping over like a wet fish before feeling intense pain himself.
The O-3 realized that he was hit when his legs buckled, and Graham hit the deck hard. "Bastards. Goddamn fuckers!" James cursed at the pain in his legs, unable to move, and one of his remaining First Lieutenants attempted to take over and salvage the situation with many First and Second Lieutenants as well as Gunnery Sergeants already killed, nevermind the First Sergeant, only to be killed as well as the radioman, and it was reaching a point where now the Staff Sergeants were taking over. The commanding officer of Fox glanced up and noticed three Imperials and a Sith staring down from the barricade curiously.
"What should we do about this one, sir?"
"Don't dare question me again, Private." The Sith growled. "Kill him."
"He's an officer, the one likely in charge of this assaul-"
"Eat American lead, you Nazi sons of bitches." The Captain snarled as he dropped a grenade at his feet, planning to take them with him. "Enjoy Sieg Heiling in Hell!"
Master Sergeant Antonio Garcia - B Company, 2nd Marine Rifle Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 15:15/3:15 PM
"May the Lord forgive the brave officer." Master Sergeant Garcia prayed, the devout Catholic crossing himself as he addressed his men. "Rally around the Americans and South Koreans! We're about to break through their line!"
"Aye, Master Sergeant!"
The four closest to Antonio, Sergeant Bautista and Private First Class Torres aimed their M1 Carbines at two of the unarmored Imps while Corporal Ocampo and Private Cruz pointed their M1 Rifles loaded with Armor Piercing, Caliber .30, M2 also known informally as 'Black Tips' at the chest plates of their slightly more protected comrades.
"Keep up the pressure! We're driving them back!"
The Filipinos charged forward and leaped over the barricade, engaging the enemy in ferocious hand-to-hand combat with bayonets, blades, and bolos with liberal usage of handguns and suntukan as well.
Antonio grasped his machete and began slashing away at the Imperials like a madman, using his experience in the jungle and brush to hack and chop away his adversaries.
Korporal Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger - Jagdkommando, Landstreitkräfte, Austrian Bundesheer
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 15:50/3:50 PM
Arnold clutched his StG 58 tightly, the thought of the former tanker, conscript, and bodybuilder chuckling dryly at his 'fortune.' Once, he'd dreamed of being Mr. Olympia. Now he was a Jagdkommando about to fight aliens. Though he admitted that would make for a good movie, and maybe even a good career when this was over. A war hero turned actor...
"Das situation ist critical!" The voice Sergeant Huber shouted, instinctively causing Arnold to regain focus as their transport evaded enemy fighters. "General Montgomery and Admiral Spruance ist having us secure this LZ from the enemy at all costs! Without it, our efforts are in vain!"
"Für Österreich!" Lieutenant Hofer shouted as the ramp dropped. "FÜR ÖSTERREICH!
"FÜR ÖSTERREICH!" The Austrians yelled enthusiastically, their warcry, wagering joining their fellow Earthlings in the engagement.
"Schwarzenegger! Pick up der American M60!"
The well-chiseled bodybuilder grabbed the machine gun and began laying down suppressive fire from his hip while holding the ammunition belt in his left hand. "Sagen Sie hallo zu meinem kleinen Freund!" Arnold grinned. "Blei essen, Ficker!"
The Imperials launched a counterattack of desperation against the defenders. Waves after waves of Imperial infantry charged the Austrians and the Marines, intending to drive them out towards the darkness of space, but Earth's stubbornness was proving to be a familiar trait whenever the Imperials encountered them.
"Hasta La Vista, Sith!" Schwarzenegger laughed maniacally as he turned the M60 on three charging warriors, turning the cocky fanatics into humanoid pincushions.
Seren (Lieutenant) Yusef Rosenberg-Shayetet 13, Israeli Defense Force Navy
Aboard the INS Subjugator- Harrower-class Dreadnaught: Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 15:50/3:50 PM
The commandos intended to disable the engines to prevent escape before continuing up towards the bridge and either capturing the HVTs or killing them if they resisted. Yuself pointed his palm towards the corridor, motioning two of his men to silence the two grunts standing guard outside the hatch to the hyperdrive room.
Rav-Samal (Petty Officer 2nd Class) Jonatan Kostiner aimed his suppressed HiPower at the one on the left while Samal (Seaman) Danil Gadi maneuvered on the right, drawing his combat knife.
"What the Kri-" The Imperial gasped as Gadi gagged him, bringing him down to drive a knife through his back. Before he could, however, an all too familiar ignition reported the commandos death as he dropped to the floor, a burning hole smoking in his chest.
Yusef and his detachment drew their weapons upon the revealed Sith. "Krovos, I presume?"
The feminine demon-like alien laughed as she gestured with her blade. "More like Lord Krovos, you insolent whelp. You need a lesson in manners, especially to your betters."
The Pureblood punctuated her point as she threw her lightsaber and unleashed lightning from her fingertips. Two more of his men fell, bisected by the blade as it rounded back to her hand like a boomerang as she charged, dodging incoming rifle fire. She reached her hand out, and Yusuf watched in horror as his men's grenades that were issued to them by a Republic armorer were armed.
"Drek! Grenade!"
The commando was blinded as he was thrown from the explosion. His ears ringing, vision blurry, and his mind a popping stew, he was vaguely conscious that he was alone. That was morbidly confirmed when he felt something sticky on him and he realized it wasn't coming from himself. He suddenly heard a piercing cry, and caught sight of the succubus killing one of his men before she winked at him flirtatiously.
"You… bitch!" he coughed, his chest feeling on fire. The Sith shrugged.
"Come now, Israeli, don't tell me you don't enjoy your work either?"
"Well, I hope you enjoy Hell, becomes you're coming with me."
"Ah, you must mean the explosives my men disarmed a few minutes ago?" she tutted him, "I honestly expected more from you based on your fearsome reputation."
"I wasn't just talking about that." He gestured to the window, her face creasing as he guessed what she saw.
"Thirty thousand Rangers, Marines, Air Assault, Commandos, Marinejegerkommandoen and my country's own 35th Brigade," Yusuf gave her a bloody grin, "I think I'll go ahead and save you that seat in Hell."
"Oh how generous of you. Shame I have to cut this short." She smiled as Yusuf's vision was consumed by a piercing crimson light before his world was consumed by darkness… and eventually light.
Krovos watched the head fall from the Israeli's neck with mild fascination before she touched her ear. "Admiral? Moff Reyeus? We have a major problem on our hands."
Moshe Dayan- Commander of the Earth Coalition's Seventeenth Field Army
Aboard the RNS Aspiration - Valor-class Cruiser: Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 18:00/6:00 PM
"Our first wave just secured the hangars. We can begin unloading our troops and outflank the Space Fascists."
"Good." Moshe grinned. "Have the APCs be unloaded in Phase Two."
"APCs, sir?"
"We might as well use the firepower and improvised bulldozing or battering ram capabilities to push them back. The Imps are using droids to support their forces, why not beat them at their own game with a one-up?"
"Actually, sir, it's not a bad thought. Let's give these pseudo-Nazi bastards a taste of Israeli might."
"And all of Planet Earth as well." Moshe added as the holocom chimed.
"I heard that your forces have secured our western flank and are now proceeding to conduct a drive toward the command center?"
"That we are, sir." The Israeli confirmed to Malcom. "We'll have our forces link up with your 206th Battalion upon securing the area, assuming that the time schedule is kept."
"By now I wouldn't be surprised if you're early."
"So, you think it's about time to spring our Coup de grâce, Yank?" Bernard asked.
"Coup de-?"
"He means to bring in the fighters." Spruance smiled. "And blow their parade ground armada to hell and high water."
Commander Conrad Gall - Commanding Officer of Dagger Wing, Republic Navy and Operations Officer for Operation: Midway
Kidir - Kidir System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 19:00/7:00 PM
"Alright, boys, we're at the spearhead once more." The leader of the Republic Navy's equivalent of the Army's Havoc Squad began. "I'm not sure if that Earthling's insane but we've put a lot of effort into this surprise of ours and if all goes well, we'll have the enemy overwhelmed."
"What in the blazes!? This can't be right!"
"Speak to me, crewer." Ranken demanded of the panicky radar technician.
"Admiral, if the readings are right…we're about to face an armada of fighters and bombers."
'BY THE FORCE! He convinced the Pubs to pull another Midway and I should've expected it. This was one well-orchestrated trap.' Zasha thought but then again she wasn't expecting Spruance's presence upon arrival. "Have all batteries prepare to engage! And recall the fighters!"
"Ma'am, if we concentrate all of our guns at the incoming threat, the enemy ships will blow us to pieces." Her Executive Officer warned. "I don't like this either but that kriffing Earthling is one of their brightest admirals and I dare say that for one with only aquatic battle experience he pulled his cards right."
"Blast it all to Chaos." Ilyan cursed. "I was cut off guard as well but it goes to show our newfound thorn are acting like outsiders looking in. We're going to have to retreat."
"Retreat!? Respectfully, I think we can still pull through as we have already gone so far!"
"They know that their sacrifice is in the name of the Empire." Zasha sighs. "Have Battlegroups Cresh and Dorn jump now. Aureck will provide covering fire to prevent the starfighters from strafing their withdrawal. Besh, on the other hand, will wait for any possible evacuees from the Drive Yards until I give the command. It's a sad day for the Empire and I will answer directly to the Council for this."
Moff Regus posture was calm despite the sweat. "I will as well."
Commander Conrad Gall - Commanding Officer of Dagger Wing, Republic Navy and Operations Officer for Operation: Midway
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 19:30/7:30 PM
"Ha!" Gall laughed as he shot down a fleeing Imperial Supremacy-class Starfighter. "I can't believe that Old Coot's bold idea is working!"
"Tell me about it." One of the subordinates chuckled. "This is probably the largest number of Starfighters we have used in an engagement." Adan snickered. "Is it, like, two hundred fighters and bombers for every ship we brought?"
"Sounds about right." Conrad determined as he strafed the command deck of a Harrower. "Wouldn't be surprised if that estimate is bumped up to three hundred."
"Nah, that's an exaggeration."
"We'll see about that. Whoever's estimate is way off is buying the drinks."
"That is if the true numbers are revealed."
Major Coria Baize - Commanding Officer of SpecForce Squad 326 "Havoc Squad", Republic Special Forces Division, Republic Army
Kuat Drive Yards - Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - Day Six of the Siege - 19:30/7:30 PM
"So, Major, how many explosives do you want on this thing?" Vik questioned as they stacked up against the blast door between them and the last of the 'Imperial interlopers,' as Spruance called them. "Enough to pancake 'em or deep-fry 'em?"
"What!?" The officer was not only baffled but aghast. "I thought you were the best demolition expert in the galaxy?"
"Relax, sir. I was kidding." Tanno chuckled as he placed the prepared charge onto the weak point. "There, this should put some shock into them."
"Alongside the flashbangs we were given." Yuun added. "They should assist us in completing our journey here."
"Yeah, Yeah, Yuun…" The Weequey snarked. "Okay, the timer is set and I advise everyone to step back!"
The trio rushed backwards into the corridor and knelt down, Vik holding the detonator. "Fire in the hole!"
Coria knew that was her and Yuun's cue to toss in the 'flash bangs'; the pair leaped up and threw the two cylinders through the Wookie-sized gap, the devices clanking downwards around the room.
"Kierfek!" An Imperial accented voice shrieked. "GREN-"
The Major and Yuun immediately charged into the gap and pointed their assault cannons inside the room, scanning the room for any threats but seeing only pitifully terrified Imperials that hunkered down and shook.
"Havoc Squad?" Another questioned, "I thought you were Imposters trying to execute us."
"You mean the Australians as they are not really in a forgiving mood." Vik grunted. "Where's Colonel Sovagh?"
"He left an hour ago and was mauled by six...some Earth beasts."
"Probably were Dingoes." Baize determined. "Fitting for a war criminal without honor. And you are complicit in the crimes."
"It wasn't direct orders!" One of the surrendered soldiers cracked. "The Dark Council didn't want this to occur as they're planning on starting up negotiations!"
"Don't continue." A Sergeant beside him advised. "They won't believe us as the Empire always gets the blame."
"Go on, Private." Yuun encouraged, wondering if there was some truth to it.
"Colonel Sovagh and Lord Vurto conspired to ignore the prohibition order by the Dark Council itself on summary executions! " The low ranker confessed. "They're the most zealous advocates for killing any Earthlings and everything relevant is on the datapads!"
Admiral Zasha Ranken- Imperial Forward Command
Aboard the INS Subjugator- Harrower-class Dreadnaught
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969 - 21:45/9:45 PM
"Instead of making solutions, my fellow Council members continue to squabble over minuscule nonsense!" Darth Rictus sighed as he paced around the holotable.
"I'm well aware, my Lord." Zasha frowned but instinctively hushed up as the Darth raised his palm.
"Lords Nox, Ravage, and Aruk are fools, their lust for power has made their thinking illogical as of late, Moff Ranken. You, on the other hand, have personally witnessed the threat first hand. These primitives are emboldened with the drive to have their independence, zealed with fury thanks to that leak we had, not to mention the passion of hope for a better galaxy. This race is but a tool, a means to an end."
"My Lord?"
"Regard it as a promotion." Rictus informed. "With the current threat, we require more than ever to counteract not just the Republic but Earth. Only their cautiousness when it comes to conserving their manpower are holding them back. It, however, doesn't mean they won't take risks like you've endured."
"Permission to speak freely?"
"Granted."
"The Empire still outnumbers these newcomers thousands to one and I could easily launch an forlay into this Sol System, taking advantage of a less defended-"
"We lost the initiative today, Moff. Our task now is to hold onto our remaining territory."
"Understood, my Lord."
Fleet Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance- United States Navy (Assigned as an attaché)
Kuat Drive Yards, Kuat, Kuat System, Kuat Sector, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
07:24:16 ATC/ Thursday, July 24th, 1969- 16:00/4:00 PM
"We lost brave men." Spruance mourned as he inspected the casualties alongside the Spartan General. Seeing the corpses being placed into body bags after the tags were collected and the wounded being patched up brought the reality of a full-scale, interplanetary conflict in the heads of the two legends.
They were simply getting beyond their years yet Earth required the most experienced leaders it could muster for the duration although the concept of the war against the Sith and their Empire lasting an entire generation or two hadn't exited their minds, the haunting thought of having their grandchildren partake in an engagement on Earth itself after they passed on lingered but the duo resolved to end the conflict quickly by any means.
"Heard your lads lost an entire company to one of those magicians." Montgomery lamented as he took off his trademark beret in respect. "You Yanks were always brave in combat, reminds me of the Australians and Canadians in some ways despite the over-reliance on supplies."
The naval officer who fought entirely in the Pacific Theater stared at his European Theater counterpart, the admission taking him by surprise. "From what I heard, you're really hard to work with yet here we did well together."
"I'll admit that I didn't necessarily agree with either Ike nor Bradley. Hell, even your Blood and Guts was an insufferable bastard who did not deserve that vehicular collision instead of a warrior's death but you also had MacArthur to deal with, especially with his preoccupation with proclaiming his return."
"Fair point." The American conceded. "But whatever the circumstances, this war is quickly becoming something else entirely. The Empire just lost an excellent opportunity to force the Republic to negotiate, an issue we have been pressing our allies to conduct for months yet it is as if Coruscant is the new Saigon and they desire the ARVN to capture Hanoi."
"In other words, do you think that the Republic leadership desires to raise the flag over Kaas City just like the South Vietnamese? Is that what you're suggesting, Old Chap?"
"The more things change, the more they stay the same." The victor of Midway and the Philippine Sea quoted as he gazed at the stars from the transparent plexiglass. "I fear in a way we're being used."
"Do you have any evidence?" The Briton inquired, realizing that it made sense.
"None. But I have an inkling that Saresh is taking us for fools and I'll see if ONI - the Office of Naval Intelligence - can dig something up."
"Agreed." Bernard concurred. "I'll follow your lead and see if I can pull favours with MI6, if we are being used and we can somehow slip past SIS, we should know about it sometime a little past the next Republic's -but our first joint- offensive…In fact, I think I know the exact man for the job and a rather unconventional option at that."
Spruance lifted an eyebrow only to realize that Monty was referring to a certain Scotsman who was only recently recruited by the British SIS, if he was right it was the very man who before only portrayed espionage on the silver screen for innocent entertainment and talked about being surprised during a debrief as Raymond thought some practical joke was being played by the Limeys until his mentor, another former actor that unlike the individual Spruence was thinking of did had actual espionage experience, Christopher Lee, clarified. "You don't mean…"
"Oh, yes, I actually do mean him, Ray, as 'You Only Live Twice'." Bernard egotistically grinned after mentioning the pun but Spruance was at a loss for words and all the American Admiral could do was shake his head and feel pity for anyone in the aftermath who watched the security holotapes and mistakenly assumed that they had been tampered with, either that or be involuntarily committed to an insane asylum.