Neptune's Massif by Ben Winston Page B

the star system you know as Aurigae, forty light years from here. The planet fell to the Empire fifteen years ago. She was posted there as a diplomatic liaison to our agricultural mission. I would like you to go there and rescue our people if you can."
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    P hoenix Base
    Transient Officer’s Quarters
    Selene, Earth's Moon
    Sol System, Sol Sector
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    A lan winced as he stretched the sore deltoid muscle. He had forgotten how much working with Sensei could hurt. He was quickly remembering. In the years since leaving the Agency, Alan had let his hand to hand skills lapse; an oversight he was now paying for dearly. Getting a warm cup of tea, Alan sat down to go over the latest report from the Shark development team.
    He had only just started reading when Andreya let him know that Ty Anders was on the comm for him. He opened the comm for his old friend. "TY, please tell me I can come get the other members of my team?"
    "Nope, I can't tell you that," Ty replied. "However, you can come and choose from the trainees I have now. Most of them are ready for their next level of training and you said you had some special stuff in mind. I've heard you did some recruiting of your own."
    Alan nodded. "I contacted my old Sensei from the Agency. He agreed to join and train us in hand to hand combat. Since he learned what we would be fighting, he's changed his training," Alan replied grunting and once again stretching the strained muscle groups.
    Ty chuckled. "Don't feel too bad, our hand to hand guys are pretty hard on the troops too. If it helps, try remembering that having to face one of these critters without this knowledge would hurt much worse. I'll send you the files on the folks I have ready. Like I said, there isn't much to choose from, but they are good people."
    "Okay, I appreciate it. I'll go over the files and call you back with the folks I want to look at. Please include the psych reports too, we're going to be doing some pretty different stuff," Alan replied.
    "I can only imagine. Ian did tell me that these folks needed to be pretty well rounded in skills and education. Just try not to get too specialized or it will limit your effectiveness as a team," Ty suggested. "Speaking of which, I still need to get you certified as a Raptor Commander. When you show up, plan on spending the night."
    Alan sighed, but nodded. "Will do. Talk to you tomorrow, Ty."
    "Take it easy, my brother," Ty replied and broke the connection.
    "Andreya, would you please ask Sensei if he can spare me some time today? I would like the both of you to assist me in making my choices," Alan asked his friend over the comm.
    "Certainly Alan. What time would you want us there?" she asked.
    "As soon as is convenient. We need to get this going quickly," Alan replied.
    "Okay, I'll speak to him as soon as I finish this task," Andreya asked.
    "How are the upgrades going?"
    "Pretty good. We are having some difficulty adapting the discharge system to work underwater. We are certain it can be done, we are just having difficulty finding the right method to employ," Andreya replied.
    "Will the ship be ready to go by tomorrow?" Alan asked.
    "That soon?" Andreya asked. "Possibly, with your permission I will send you a holographic avatar so I can remain here."
    "I understand. Whatever it takes to get it ready is fine, we'll be going to Raptor Command." Alan said.
    "We'll be ready, Sir."
    "Okay, see ya when you get here," Alan replied and closed the connection. He then called the Shark team.
    "Lieutenant Commander Carlson! How are you doing? Did you get the latest report?" Doctor Juno asked.
    "I have received it, but haven't had a chance to read through it yet. I'm calling to let you know we will be leaving Phoenix Base tomorrow for Raptor Command. I have been informed that the rest of my team is ready to begin our next stage of training. If all goes well, we will be heading down to Earth in four or five days. Will you be