“–So, you’re telling me it is still insufficient?”
The S3, Major Leeroy Kingston, squinted his eyes and fixated his gaze upon the Lupus Squadron’s representative. He asked incredulously upon hearing that the great work would take longer than expected to reach completion. Within seconds, the other commanders in attendance started to whisper amongst themselves.
“Impossible.”
“Two years' worth of progress–this? Come on.”
“Silence, everyone. None are permitted to speak while Dr Boris Pavlov is presenting.” Major Kingston commanded. “The rules on the battlefield apply in meetings.”
“Major Kingston, that’s correct. As we speak, we are processing the test subjects in preparation for the final mission–”
Major Kingston waved his hand dismissively. “Enough. We have not witnessed any fruitful results from that project.”
“Major–”
“Have we expected too much from your squadron?”
“Major…”
“Headquarters wants answers. Taxpayers’ money is involved, and the public demands an explanation. We can sell the masses a dream, but for how long? Gentlemen, do you know whose head is on the chopping block whenever they demand an answer?”
None dared answer because the question answered itself. The Major then placed his hands on the desk and breathed in slowly as though he wanted his soldier to understand the severity of this debrief. As he did that, the other commanders in attendance folded their arms, annoyed at their subordinate’s overpromises leading them in wild goose chases.
“Everyone here needs to learn about accountability and responsibility. There’s only so much I can do as your superior until the baton gets passed onto your court.”
The Major seemed displeased with the childish antics of those who reported to him.
“Doctor, where is he?”
“Who, sir?”
“The blue-eyed berserker. The soldier I’ve not seen for such a long time. Who else can it be? Your commander, Lieutenant Kairos Black.”
“He’s away on medical leave, Major Kingston, I believe I have sent an email that our commander is unfit for duties starting from–”
Boris could feel the S3’s anger reaching a tipping point.
“Do you take me for a child?”
“No, sir…”
“Dr Pavlov, I am not questioning the medical status–to do so is paramount to my suspecting you of insubordination and questioning your profession–of Lieutenant Black. All I seek as the Operations Commander is a definitive explanation on what makes your commander different from every other squadron in attendance; I want to know why he believes the privilege of having a proxy standing in his stead belongs to him–and only him? I hold the most senior appointment in this room, yet I do not use this right to send my second-in-command to attend it, regardless of reason.”
Boris could not find an answer to that politically-charged question, especially when it was framed in that manner.
“...Do you know how many meetings Lieutenant Black has missed?”
Boris swallowed nervously, for no matter under what circumstances he could reveal the truth of Kairos’s physiological state.
“Eighty.“
Boris blinked once.
“Lieutenant Kairos Black has missed eighty out of the last ninety-eight meetings. This is a matter of respect. On behalf of the Armed Forces, I do not overlook or allow favors for soldiers just because they have shown exemplary conduct over others. In the military, one man’s actions are a team action–vice versa. Also, I have a strange observation recently. Whenever I was to look for him in his quarters, he would strangely be in your presence in the medical wing. It’s either seeking medical advice or in a rested state. If a soldier has a prolonged medical exemption, surely, as the higher-ranking officer, I should be aware of whoever is excused. Why am I not aware of this information hidden from me? Can you answer on his behalf, why?”
“Major Kingston, I do not believe that, as a Medical Officer, I have the right to reveal the medical records of soldiers.”
It was a diplomatic response he had to give.
“I respect your professional guidance on that matter then. I will not delve deeper, but…”
Major Kingston chuckled and shook his head.
“Back to the main point–are you telling me to believe in this clown show that has yielded zero results thus far? Do you take us commanders as children born yesterday?”
“No, sir. No, not in any way…”
“Then where is he? Where is Lieutenant Black?”
“Sir, I don’t know. Sir, we still need–”
And then, a forthright voice cut into the berating.
“You forgot who is in charge. Let me fill you in on the details.”
“Sir, ME6 Newton, I didn’t know you would grace us with your presence today.” Major Kingston spoke sarcastically.
“Now you do.”
“I thought you had other matters to attend to with the Joint Command. I received word that they have summoned you.”
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
“I’m done with them already.”
“Then…you should have publicly declared your presence when the meeting began so we are aware.”
Despite Major Kingston’s appointment as the S3, Ivan’s rank and seniority placed him above everyone else in attendance. His dual appointment and rank were equivalent to a Lieutenant Colonel, turning the meeting room once filled with whispers into a library.
“So, your rationale for cutting into our conversation?”
“With all due respect, I think we should be more concerned with the reconnaissance for the next mission. Also, you haven’t been asking the right questions; I thought with your promotion a year ago, the staff college should have taught you to infer more accurately.”
Major Kingston raised his eyebrows and began speaking in a venomously spiteful tone. “Sir, with all due respect,” Major Kingston locked eyes with his superior, whom he had known since their days in the Swan Contingent, “South Atlantea’s campaign is still under consideration. Who gave you the impression that the Joint Command would commence operations against the South? Weren’t you the one who sent the images taken by your drones showing that the former North-South border had become fortified by insurgents of the South’s revolutionary army? And to address that other point, thank you for your kind feedback. I’ll consider that.”
Before the previous campaign, the S2B had utilised their remote drone system, Project Omnibus, to blanket the skies with newly designed drones that could cloak themselves with sunlight, turning them invisible to the human eye. These drones had the flight speed of fighter jets and could function without human input based on their algorithm. As long as the sun was still up, the solar panels attached to the body of the OD (Omnibus Drones) could absorb solar energy and convert it into a power source to ensure 24/7 constant uptime during reconnaissance missions. Also, the S2B had gathered intelligence that the North-South border had become cordoned off with the South’s revolutionary army occupying it as a command post during the last sortie.
“The drones had captured evidence that the North-South border, stretching up to a portion of the North, had become declared a ‘No man's land’. However, I believe it is within the interest of the Federation to clear up the landmines within this zone to ensure no casualties–”
A chorus of jeers began as Major Kingston snickered. None of the commanders in attendance was having it.
“This Newton fella is out of his mind!”
“Even the S1B has manpower issues!”
“Sir, you must understand that the UAFAF lacks manpower. We all remember the tragedy of two years ago, don’t we? Two years is a very short time.”
“I’m merely suggesting. I understand where you are coming from, but we do have the high-ground advantage when it comes to reclaiming the lands near our border’s side–”
“Sir, I have no idea what you are insinuating about. Surely, you haven’t forgotten your last name and its ties to the South’s interests, haven’t you?”
Ivan felt hostility aimed towards him at that implication. “...What are you trying to say? Ouch, are you trying to get back at me?”
Without words spoken by the other commanders, Ivan could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand at attention. Everyone had their eyes staring daggers into his back.
“Easy, sir. We are professionals here, so please refrain from acting out of line; it’s unprofessional, considering our juniors are watching. Sometimes, sir, I wonder why you suggest such a thing. Is it because you wish to see the Federation’s soldiers fall–” Major Kingston moved his body forward on the desk and stared into his superior’s soul. “–And allow the revolution led by your kin to impeach the President…and let the South have their way with us?”
“He said it.”
“Oh, this is not good.”
Ivan closed his eyes and knew the odds had stacked against him. “Major Kingston, sometimes you must understand how the S2B functions.”
Major Kingston squinted his eyes. So far, during this debrief, the Joint Command’s representatives have kept silent so as not to interrupt the flow. But with his latest retort, the blank monitors hanging above had awakened from their sleep mode, their faces finally visible since the meeting started hours ago.
“It is no secret of my affiliation to Newton Industries, where my family holds a majority stake.” Ivan placed his hands behind his back. “However, if it pleases you, I have not contacted my family since the New Atlantis Project.”
The commanders looked at one another when they heard the banned words decreed by the Military Police Command.
“Sir, the New Atlantis Project cannot be discussed here.”
“Then don’t make this meeting personal.”
Sixteen years had passed since that fateful day, and the whitewashing of history carried out by the Swan Contingent, now the UAFAF, maintained a stranglehold over the collective’s psyche.
“Fine.”
“I don’t know if the Internal Security Department will ever clear you to run a background check on me, but as far as I know, I’m cleared by them. And if you can’t take my word for it, why don't you ask…our Colonel?”
“I’m not questioning your validity…”
Ivan saw the S3’s face turn as red as a ripened tomato. “Look here, let’s get back on track. I’m aware the runtime on Project Faceless has gone on for far too long. For that, let me apologise in advance because…”
Whipping out the signature coat, Ivan threw it into the air in dramatic fashion, weaved into it with vigour and put on the glasses hidden in the many pouches of his white lab coat.
“...Project Faceless has been operational for a year.”
The commanders began talking loudly, with some standing up from their seats. It was complete chaos as the status quo had been redefined.
“Sir, why has this knowledge been kept from us?
“Sir, we need an explanation!”
One lone voice silenced the fury of questions directed toward the Newton genius. “And why has this been kept from us…?” Somehow, the answer to the why became painfully clear.
“First of all, it is due to its ‘Top Secret’ security classification given by the Military Security Department because of the originator…”
Ivan tried to forget his mentor’s face when he said the word originator, but could faintly hear his name from the loose lips surrounding him.
“Like I said, Major Kingston, you lack the clearance. And second of all–”
Suddenly, the meeting room door swung open. He should have known from the start that this person would cause a gigantic scene befitting his ego.
“At least you showed up.”
“My apologies for being late.”
A confident voice spoke, one befitting the progeny of an intellectual who had carried the United Atlantea Federation for years before his untimely unpersonning. With each step he took toward the centre of the meeting room, he only looked forward, ignoring those whose faces were mentally scribbled by black lines surrounding him.
To leave his majestic enclave within the obsidian halls to entertain these worthless fools seemed akin to a king descending from his castle toward the castle grounds.
“Brenda, wait outside.”
After handing over the tablet for her boyfriend’s presentation at the debrief, Brenda walked away from the darkness and back into the light.
Major Kingston cleared his throat, and the NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) closed the door shut. “I would have charged you for being late, but I’m certain you have a good reason. So before we decide on your punishment, kindly show us the extent of the great work.”
With all eyes firmly placed upon him and the weight of the United Atlantea Federation’s hope of deterring the Drazen Empire’s eventual invasion, Neptune knew all eyes were upon him to deliver this massive revelation.
With the impending South Atlantea campaign, he knew the objective was to secure strategic resources. However, for him and his comrades, it was slightly more personal.
In fact, very personal.
With a socially acceptable smile to showcase his magnificent pearly whites, he confidently asked.
“So, what do you want to know about Project Faceless?”
