Chapter 12 - The Unbadged Rescuers
The tactical operators swarmed the rooftop with terrifying efficiency, hauling Colonel Henderson to his feet while two others advanced directly toward Loasing and the General. Their gear was immaculate, their weapons pristine, but their uniforms lacked the standard-issue unit patches required by joint-forces protocol.
“Captain Loasing, General Vance. Step away from the ledge and hand over your sidearms,” the lead operator ordered, his voice clipped and robotic through his comms helmet.
Loasing lowered her pistol slightly, but kept her finger clear of the trigger guard while sizing up the operator. “Identify your unit and command authority. Where is the base provost marshal?”
“Classified directive under executive override,” the operator replied, stepping closer and extending a hand to demand her weapon. “Hand over the flash drive and the voice recorder immediately, Captain.”
Loasing felt a cold spike of adrenaline. Executive override authority for an unbadged unit on a secure military installation did not exist unless a national security DEFCON level four or higher had been declared—and the base communication towers were currently flashing green for routine operations.
“I answer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, not an unverified extraction unit,” Loasing stated firmly, taking a half-step backward toward the roof hatch. “Show me your authentication codes.”
The operator didn't answer. Instead, he unholstered his sidearm with lightning speed and leveled it directly at the General’s chest.
“This is your final warning, Captain. Surrender the evidence, or the General takes the penalty for your insubordination.”
May you like
Henderson laughed hysterically from where he was being held against the gravel parapet. “You really thought you were the only ones playing chess, Sarah? The cleanup crew works for both sides.”
---
