The Plan

Posted on Mon Aug 22nd, 2022 @ 12:06pm by Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: The Lost Brother

Soran went to his office to get his phaser rifle. Technically storing it outside the armory was against regulations, but being head of security had its advantages. He gone over the Stoffels and London service records and came up with a bold plan.

+#+ Bridge to Wagnor.

"Wagnor here," Soran answered the COMM. he'd been expecting this.

+#+ We have a ship on long range sensors that looks like a marine vessel with a civilian transponder. It's the description of what you told us to watch out for,Sir.

He nodded his hunch had been right, Hail the vessel on a secure channel and patch it to me.

"I'm fairly certain this is either Aleck or Richard, this is Soran. I understand why you have come, however your about to fuck up my plan to save your family. I will order the Resolution to chip tow your vessel into our cargo bay and throw its occupants into the Brig if necessary please don't test me."

Soran was hoping that his candor and lack of decorum would convince them to answer.

"Renny, dear. You should work on your charisma, boy." Came a female southern drawl over the channel. "I am willing to listen."

"Good to hear from you Aleck, beam on board and I'll explain," Soran said. "It's best to do this in person and Aleck, don't call me Renny in front of the crew."

"Give me five. Oh and commander in public it will be colonel Sorrel to you."

"Of course Ma'am,"Soran laughed. "Wagnor out"

Five minutes later she beamed on board the Resolution in uniform.

The door chimed, "come"

Tony was the spitting image of her mother both had short black hair and dark eyes. Only Tony was a little taller having inherited her height from her Dutch father.

"Commander Wagnor. Where do we stand. Any sign of my son yet?" She did not even mention the fact that in theory she was AWOL.

"Well Colonel according to Melor your son and the rest of the team are being held hostage on this M class moon. They want to exchange the team for your husband and Admiral London." Soran explained. "It's a trap."

"you don't say." Aleck raised an eyebrow. "Well that is out of the question. Wain is too ill and they are not getting Richard. You can use me as bait though if you want."

"I see you 'borrowed' a marine rapid response vessel," Soran grinned. "That's going to come in handy, Doesn't have the holo steath? If so we can use it, we'll beam the bait team and land the other in your shuttle.

"It does. Only the best hardware to get my boy back. And the crew are personally loyal to me. I will take all the blame for this." She met his eyes. "Nobody threathens my family."

"The perpetrators in this have a vendetta against your family that means they're probably familiar with the admiral and general and their service records. Remember that situation where they used a hollow projector to fool the enemy snipers blowing their cover? We're going to go down with hollow projections of Wain and Richard."

"Oh good thinking, commander."

"Mum!" Tony came into the briefing room. "You shouldn't be here!"

"Relax Tony, we need her." Soran said and quickly got her up to speed on the plan.

Tony gave her a look with daggers in it but then embraced her mother.

"Of course they'll see right through it! I'm not that stupid but I doubt they'll realize that and by the time they do I have the second time in place. It's risky, but I don't see another way."

"We will have to do it." Aleck said. "I will take point, commander. It's my family." She was utterly calm.

"I was afraid you were going to say that," Soran sighed. "I'm not thrilled about using either of you as bait, but I don't see another way.

"Good and it is not going to be my daughter, plus I am the senior officer here."

Tony was about to say something but one look from her mother shut her up.

"With all due respect Ma'am this is a fleet operation, Marine seniority is a relevant." He looked Aleck in the eye. "However I be a fool not to consider your experience."

"you had better not, boy."

Tony made a face behind her mother's back.

"I believe you are familiar with the holographic projecter, Colonel. They won't be fooled and will try to capture you." Soran nodded. "We'll spring our trap."

"I am, commander. And I am ready for them. It's been a while since I saw combat." She grinned.

He gave her a weary look; combat wasn't something he enjoyed. He hated the thought of the number of people he loved were in danger. "Let's get your vessel prepped, we can get suited up and be ready soon."

"Good. And you keep Tony safe."

Another role of her eyes.

"I'll keep everyone as safe as possible," Soran said simply.