The Departed

[guitarguy]

"Reactor?" "Check"
"Engines?" "Check"
"Weapons?" "Check"
"Shields?" "Check"
"Countermeasures?" "Check"
"Alright, Lambda 5, you're go to launch, take your wing along the pre-routed patrol path, but be advised there is still a search for Lt. Tom Ryan, relevant data has already been uploaded to your ship's computer. Stay frosty out there!"
"Understood, Missouri, all fighters, set route to Zone-21"
The standard exchange between the Missouri's flight control and a squadron commander was always boring, despite the new controllers attempt to liven it with official military talk, which most veterans reserved for combat situations. Commander William "Mack" Mackenzie locked his fighter in on the coordinates and put the throttle to cruise. He set his head back against the annoyingly thin head cushion and thought about last week. He had to tell some kid his uncle was MIA in Alaska, the worst part of his job, he thought as he flew through the jump gate. Another long range patrol, the Navy was trying to map out the position of the Nomad forces, as they assumed they had a jump hole to enter Alaska other than through Minor. The few hours he spent flying around where spent joking with his wing mates about the latest developments of the Manhattan plasmaball team. That is, until, Lt. Harrison picked up a faint Liberty fighter black box transmitter and tractored it in. "I'm running it through the fighter registry...wait...we gotta match! It's Ryan's" "Play it back," Mack said "and fast forward to the end."

>>FF>>=+1.57.35

>PLAY>

The gun cam was in it's usually grainy, slightly colored hue. Likely due to damage from whatever was out in the middle of Alaska. The system's low visibility didn't help either.

Tom's comm flipped on.

"Good to see ya LSF, I taken heavy damage from Nomad fighters and need assistance."

The LSF officer responded quickly

"This is LSF agent Michael Watson, we have a growing Nomad presence in the area, form up and let's get outta here!"

"Rodger LSF, get on my wing and let's go."

The gun camera then recorded Tom's Avenger turn it's tail to the agent, the Liberty energy weapons began smashing it's hull. The Avenger began wild maneuvers as Tom screamed over the headset.

"LSF WE HAVE FRIEND FIRE, HOLD FIRE, REPEAT HOLD FIRE, REPEAT"

*Static*

TRANSMISSION TERMINATED: BLACK BOX EJEECTED AFTER SHIP DESTRUCTION

<Stop>

"Am I the only one that saw that, Mack?"
"No" Mack responded solemly.
Another wingman chimed in "We should report this at one."
"No way" another wingman objected "we seen somethin' we shouldn't uv' the Navy's gonna put us away for life if they find out.
"Agreed" said Mack "Boys, this was just a routine patrol, you didn't see or hear nothing, understood. Now let's return to base."

The squadron return to The Missouri, reporting another boring patrol. Mack took the black box and took the next transport to Ft. Bush. He knew exactly who was going to see it.

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