HidHop-4

==Chapter 4 – Coiled and Cornered==
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===Reaction to an Emergency===
08/15/3051 | Astrapolis, Free Rasalhague Republic
Lake Kroeger was covered with ash and smoke rose from the north as COMSTAR and Astrapolis volunteer firefighters struggled to put out the last of the night’s fires. Kappa and Clan medics tended to dozens of injured and white sheets shrouded the dead recovered from the fire or those that had succumbed. The Ghost Bears were on full alert as a Lion descended and disembarked an identical Binary of black Steel Viper mechs from Psi Galaxy slightly smaller and different than those of the Bears. Following them down the ramp was a Binary of Viper infantry and technicians wheeling VTOLs onto the tarmac.
The commanders of both units met halfway and opened their cockpit canopies to see one another. Even though his Goshawk was slightly smaller than Cote’s Conjurer their cockpits were at the same height. Despite the Vipers mirrored visor Star Commander Vasily Cote just knew that Star Captain Illusha Kearny wore a smug smile on her face. “You seem to have made a fine mess of the place Star Commander.” 
Due to their SCBA and accents all vipers lingered on multiple ses although he was certain it was purposeful.
“You think you could have done better, Illusha.”
“Obviously, Vasily.”
“Elissa was not marked as having an HPG. There were not enough Warriors to control the number of prisoners.”
“A problem that could easily have been solved, by reducing the number of prisoners. Now Elissa does not have an HPG, thanks to you, and I have more Warriors and fewer prisoners. So, there will be no more difficulties once we have cleaned up your mess.”
Vasily suppressed the urge to draw his pistol and fire it across the way at the Star Captain. “It can be repaired. I will appeal to the Council when I meet with them with the High Visionary.”
“My heart is eased by knowing that you will immediately suffer the consequences of your foolish actions by doing so. My only regret is that I will not be able to deliver it.
Where are these Kell Hounds? Time is of the essence in finding them.”
“One of their shuttles was seriously damaged and we think crash landed nearby. 
We lost track of the other one.”
“The Steel Vipers will capture or kill them. Now depart from here with your High Visionary; before your blunders grow into something even Steel Vipers cannot overcome.”
His hand reached for the pistol, but the Ghost Bear raised it in a signal that clearly ended their conversation. He ensured his radio was off as his Conjurer walked off to see Egan Telosa’s Monarch taxiing for launch before he boarded the Lazuk, “Savashri Steel Vipers, needling me on purpose. Once I reach Botany Bay with Telosa, everything will be fine.”
On the tarmac, the Airborne Binary prepared to launch, the Vipers slotted their pulse laser rifles and Avenger shotguns into the racks beside them, belted themselves into the Anhurs, facing a mirrored version of themselves across the aisle. These transports and their Donar gunship escorts kicked up dust as they lifted off and began their search.
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