ToGL4

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==Tales from the Golden Lion AUKatya’s Quest - Chapter 4==
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12/01/3051 - Antares, Contested World
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The ruins of Antares City could be seen through binoculars from the Starport, Laborers constructed earthen berms using isorla dozers and installed sensor towers to ensure the security of the Star Adder Headquarters within. A kilometer wide exclusion zone was patrolled by a dedicated Binary of Mechs from the 37th Adder Strikers with kill orders clearly posted on signs beyond the berms.
 
Katya looked out over it from the observation deck of the Command Overlord Class Dropship, CSA Valiant. Her gray garrison uniform and fur lined jacket contrasting with the larger man’s greatcoat. She paused to frame her question. “Star Colonel Radick, I wish to look into the assassination of WO Kyros.”
“We have people for that, Star Captain Kerensky. I need you to ensure this world does not fall to COMSTAR’s meddling.” 
He walked over to look over the Star Port bustling as it was with Patrol and additional Occupation Troops to contain the 222nd Division that had evaded his wrath. 
“Already Gamma's Galaxy Commander Natron Kozyrev thinks this situation is out of my control and he is sending in Star Colonel Tuor Maybank’s Occupation Cluster. 
More freeborns, the worst kind beside these soft Lyrans. 
At least the Islanders proved worthy to serve in our Touman. They should be thankful we gave the opportunity to serve REVIVAL.
Star Captain, we do not have time to worry about a freeborn Watch Officer.”
She felt a wince of pain and rejection and the dismissal of a bright and dedicated freeborn by his Commander, “I selected you to replace my missing Binary because I believe you are competent. Find me the Two Twenty Second,” Marcos clenched his fist toward the former HPG HQ, “so that I might be rid of them once and for all.”
“Do I have the authority to requisition what I need in order to do so, Colonel?”
“Aff,” Marcos picked up a tablet computer and tapped in some characters, “I have informed the Coregn. Do you know what my number is now, Star Captain?”
“Five million C-bills bounty for you from the Two Twenty Second. I only have two hundred fifty thousand, according to the Watch reports.”
“You will have to try harder then. These people only respect strength, use whatever means necessary to ensure their compliance. They certainly will not hesitate to resort to dezgra tricks.”
“If you say so sir. May I take my leave?”
Marcos turned on a heel and saluted, “Aff, good hunting, Star Captain. I expect progress reports.”
A moment passed before she returned the salute, “Of course sir,” and disembarked from the dropship into the seemingly haphazard but carefully choreographed dance of INTER-LOGI and the Touman. A staff jeep was waiting for her at the bottom of the ramp, she ensured that her weapons and other equipment including Kyros’ notes, ones he had died for, were still where she had left them. “I am looking for the fastest way to Alba.”
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The Merchant pulled up manifests from throughout the Starport, truck convoys, air freight, dropships incoming and outgoing, as well as barges arriving down the Canal and trains going up it. “There is an Anhur departing shortly carrying munitions and an LEU of vital supplies. Heading to the Sheriff of Alba. They have an open jump seat.”
“Take me there.” 
They arrived with haste just as the Anhur was warming up the fusion engine that powered the turbofans. A howl erupted from the fans pushing away clouds of dust and debris from the tarmac as it reached operational temperatures. Katya could feel the sound through her bones even though her headphones muffled the roar. 
She was pulled up into the passenger bay by the female Loadmaster before she hopped down to conduct the final inspection of the lift clamps and tow cable built into the VTOL. Boxes of small arms ammunition were carefully netted within their metal cubicles as a ventral door linked the hoist cable to the top of the machine. 
The Loadmaster ensured her kit was stored securely before gesturing to the pilots that she was ready for lift off. Lift ramps rose and the ventral door opened as the cable descended till the streamlined LEU (10-ton container) was hooked in by the ground crews and drawn upward. Once it reached the right position the clamps locked on and the door was closed.
Katya and the Anhur climbed to their cruising height above the ruins of Antares City. From this height she could really feel the impact of Radick’s desolation. Her headphones crackled as the woman sitting across from her opened a channel, “First time flying over it?”
“Aff, what a mess.”
“Wait until you see Alba Star Captain.”
“Worse?”
“Differently worse. Everyone here was moved there, at gunpoint.”
“It is only a small city. It cannot fit that many people.”
“They are trying.”
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