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The vehicle came to a slow stop after a long drive, after a few exchanges of words with the guards, the vehicle continued it's path into the military facility. It seemed word of David's arrival had spread around the base as many eyes followed the armored vehicle, resembled an oversized jeep, hovercraft hybrid, as it drove/floated further ahead. David feasted his eyes, the buildings here were very different to the military buildings he was familiar with, these seemed to be flattened more and bulkier. They were more build to withstand an impact rather then count on stealth.

“As explained previously, you will be taken to your quarters and then you will be meeting the pilots you will train and command. You cannot talk about the details of the operation, keep that in mind. They go in with new bombers and tactics, that's it."

David nodded, he wasn't planning on sharing the details of his plan until they had found the leak in the military. Whom it was David had no clue, it could be anyone and he knew only a handful of people. Soon enough the vehicle came to a full stop at one of the many bunker like buildings, this one labeled 'BS'. As per usual he was escorted to his personal quarters, led down a straight corridor with many curious heads poking out of rooms to view the commotion. Half way down the hall they stopped David and opened the door to his right, inside was exactly what he had expected. A simple room with a bed, a small area to get washed up and the furniture needed to keep his belongings, on the bed was his new uniform. The new attire had a deep blue shade with a few blacks stripes on the side, to what avail this color scheme was he could only guess. To his surprise though the uniform had his name on it and markings on the upper arm which he assumed resembled his rank. He walked inside and the door closed behind him, right before he was told “Be ready in ten."

It felt weird to take off his familiar uniform, almost saddened by it as he changed colors. Hopefully not for too long. A quick wash up followed when he was dressed and a knock on the door signaled the time to meet up with those who he would have to command. The escort led him to the meeting room and opened the door for him, closing it behind him and remaining outside. He walked ahead, noticing he had entered from the front side of the room like he entered a stage of sorts. The next thing he noticed were the people staring at him, unlike all of the military personnel he had met so far, these were all females. Not just that but all but a few were prey species, bunnies, deer, horses, etc. All in similar attires as David but all lacking the markings on his upper arms. All were sitting on benches, a few leaning back, some more then others. A few looking with curiosity, others with less friendly eyes.

Now was a bad time to get stage freight, and that was exactly what happened. How does one address a crowd that one had never laid eyes on. Hell what would be even SAY to them?

“Good afternoon, in case you weren't told yet, I'm Captain David and I'm here to-"

“We know what you're here for Paraka, what we don't know is why you."

A female, white furred bunny spoke up, interrupting David and gathering the attention from her colleagues. Most of them wondering how David would react to this, he wondered what that word meant she used but he assumed it wasn't a friendly word. Especially given how a few went wide eyed at her using it but most people silently nodded along with her opinion.

“Your leaders and generals considered me the best pick to lead you, especially since the operation came mostly from me."

“Good, do share your amazing plan with us Paraka."

That hostile vibe didn't go away, it was clear this person had no respect what so ever for David. It seems this would be harder then he thought.

“I cannot reveal all details, there is an information leak somewhere and we want to make sure we keep the element of surprise to the enemy."

“You know could say that the plan is suicide, or just plain stupid."

David grunted and was grinding his teeth in his mouth, she was just a step away from plainly insulting him but was not using the words needed for him to call her to discipline.

“Name and rank soldier." David barked, if she wanted to make this difficult he would act accordingly. After all he was still her commanding officer.

“First soldier Manka, 'sir'. The 'sir' came with a sneer, David tightened up his facial featured but decided to remain calm and restrained, making a scene was not the right way to get started.

“Well then Manka, I assumed you all came here to kill some Reptors and make sure your people don't get wiped out or worse. Am I wrong First soldier Manka?"

It was clear he had hit a nerve, the normally white furred bunny now turning a shade red from anger.

“I've been fighting this war long before you showed up here, nobody asked you to be here and nobody wants you here either!"

“And I didn't ask to crash here and be stuck on this planet while my people are fighting their own war. But here I am and I know a way to give those Reptors some own wounds to lick!" Neither of them were yelling but they might as well have been, the tension in the air could be felt by everyone. Everybody watching with great eagerness to how this showdown would end. Hand gestured and body language grew in intensity as did the tone of the 'conversation'.

“And what qualified you to lead us? What reason do we have to follow your orders Paraka?"

“584"

To this all went quiet, Manka confused by the answer. What did this number mean? Before she could ask David continued, though his tone eased up and so did his stance.

“I have 584 reasons for you, one of them is First Private Ashley Miller, engineering bay. Corporal Johnson 'Johnny' Kopman, navigator, Private Damien Michel, fighter pilot, Sergeant Harley Rennor, Communications, ... "

The mood changed rapidly as it all dawned on them what he was talking about, Manka herself pressed her lips against each other as David continued to list names.

“584 people, all perished under my command as my ship broke up in orbit. I was their captain, their leader, their commander and they all died. Yet I lived. I would give up my life to have any of them survive instead of me, a captain makes sure his crew survives before he does and in my case none survived BUT me. I do not know how many friends you all have lost and Im sure you all have, but I will tell you this."

David stood in front of them, head high as he spoke with a determination and passion that would make an overly tired student rush to their study books to learn.

“I am not going to let any more die under my watch. And if that means I have to throw myself in front of an enemy fighter then so be it. I lost enough men and women already, and so have you. And now I want to make them experience that feeling and I will not be happy unless I see as many ships landing as those that took off before a missiom, if you allow me to."

His eyes scanned the many people in the briefing room, one by one heads began to nod, muttering sounds beginning to build up. Until only Manka remained, she smiled softly and nodded before sitting down. “I think I can do that." It seemed now everyone had settled down and was giving him their full attention.

“Good, now as I mentioned before I cannot share every detail of the plan but I can share a few things. First of all, as you may know already, you'll be using a new type of shells and bombing technique to maximize the damage potential and counter their defenses. Along with that a new type of bomber will also be used to do the next mission. These will be faster and have thicker plating, though less bombs will fit in them."

David went over the dive bombing and the sharp tipped shells, explaining how much more damage they would be able to deal but also make them more vulnerable to anti aircraft.

“So basicly the plan is we change our tactics, catch them off guard while they think they're safe and deal as much damage as we can before they realize they have to change their tactics."

“Exactly, with their current defenses the new tactics will cause far more damage then they expect. Of course they will realize we changed tactics and so will they, this is why we must use the initial element of surprise to the maximum."

In the far back, a black mare spoke up with a surprisingly soft voice that her size would not suggest she would sound like. “And how will we do this then?"

“Unfortunately I cannot go into detail, not until the information leak is plugged. All crucial information will be shared when we are on our way to the planet. The less people know the better."

Manka now spoke up, the sharpness in her voice almost as good as gone. Almost. “So, how can can we put our trust in this mission and you if you don't trust us?"

David smiled softly, he had expected this question and he had an answer at the ready. “Simple, I will be flying with one of you. It will not just be your lives on the line but mine too. I have enemies of my own on this planet that would love for me to die up there so to make sure I don't get blown to pieces from friendly fire I will join one of you. Plus being on the front line makes it easier to make final adjustments to tactics. So, who here is the best fighter pilot?"

As a pack of trained animals, all heads turned to one individual at the same time, all fixated on the white rabbit looking around with a not very appreciative look. “Great..."

Soon after everyone was dismissed, all stood up and left the room in a somewhat orderly fashion as David left the same way he came, the others through the main entrance. A few gave him glances over their shoulders as they exited, this time no escorts waiting for him. He walked back to his quarters and once he got there laid down on his bed to rest from that mental headbutting with Manka. His rest however was short lived, a sharp bell rang through the building, lunch time. Many voices filled the hallway as everyone went to grab a meal, David following behind them as he had no idea where the mess hall was.

He watched the group in front of him walk through a set of double doors, he entered a few moments later and came upon a scene of many tables with people of all species and body types sitting while eating and chatting. The chatter died down a little as more eyes turned on him and whispering ensued. *Great, this is like high school all over again*

Trying his best to ignore the burning eyes on his back he walked over to grab a plate of meat and vegetables, he glanced at the other options of food and noticed for the food was divided in three categories, carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. David had taken the last one, now came the hardest choice to make. He turned back to look at the many rows of tables, looking for a place to sit. Though not many places were free and as he walked forward into the crowd many didn't seem to be very eager to give him a spot to sit. More and more conversations died down and more eyes set on him, David was beginning to feel more like some sort of circus attraction then anything else. Just as he was beginning to consider to just leave and eat in his bunk a sharp whistle pierced the whispering sounds, David looked at the source which was a deer that was part of the squadrons he debriefed earlier. In fact, the entire table she sat on was filled with familiar faces. She waved him over to an empty spot in nearly the middle of the group of females he now commanded, and he couldn't help but smile a little at the social lifeline he was being tossed.

He walked over and sat in between the deer and a very bulky cow who had a pile of hay on her plate that was enough to last David days, if he could digest hay. “Thanks for that." David said to the group who all nodded at him, Manka even acknowledging him as he sat down.

“Well you looked so lost, it was almost too painful to watch. And you are the Squadron Commander now," She answered, David just smiled. Meanwhile the other groups had resumed their chatter and paid no attention to David though he could feel a few final pairs of eyes boring into his back.

“I just realized..." He spoke in between eating down a few bits of meat. “You all know who I am but I barely know any of your names."

The deer next to him spoke up first, “Oh right! Well let's go around the table then. I'm Daly, second class bomber pilot." Next to her was a small mare though he saw that her small frame was bulging with muscles, “Martha, second class bomber pilot." “Sally, first class fighter pilot." David did his best to memorize the names and the faces that matched them, it would take some time but he always made sure to know every person by name who be commanded. No matter how many there were. Finally they got to the white, black spotted cow sitting next to him and dwarfed anyone on the table. “Carth, technical officer." “Technical officer? What does that mean?" David asked curiously as she seemed to be the only one here with that rank. “That means if you wreck a ship I'm the one who makes them as good as new." “Carth is a miracle worker, if she can't fix it nobody here can!" A few people laughed along softly, “You know that better then anyone don't you."

Came the reply from Martha and the laughter grew louder with a debating followed behind. David looked around the group of people chatting and laughing with each other, he had a good feeling with this group. They were all close and already a team, a very good thing indeed. Once everyone finished up eating they all stood up with their empty plates and walked to the dispenser to put them away, as the group walked, David was up front, his head turned to talk to the group until suddenly he ran into something hard yet soft at the same time which send him to the floor with his plate clattering loudly on the ground. David look up and saw that he ran into not a what but a who, a large wolf stood before David whom's back was turned to him. And when he meant large he meant massive, the wolf with grey fur towering over even Carth the bovine. He was easily twice David's size as he turned around to look at David, a group of other wolfs laughing and chuckling whom were a few feet from the wolf David ran into.

“Look at that boys, Tellar knocked the paraka down with his ass." The large wolf simply looked down at David and said in a very deep voice. “Watch your step." Before he turned back and resumed his path to wherever it was, the group of wolfs joining him as they all move out of the cafeteria. David blinked a few times before he was helped up by Martha and Daly.

“Who was that?" David asked, clearly impressed at the event that just took place, more precisely the person he ran into.

“That was Tellar, part of the Wolf fighter squadron. Well he would be if he wasn't too big for any fighter but he's their muscles, mostly helping mechanics with repairs as he can easily lift heavy equipment and parts. He could be in any group but he's a wolf so he was placed with the other wolfs. Best you stay clear of him."

David nodded, dusting himself off and picking up his plate. “Noted, anyway. Before we commence the training for the new fighting tactics I want to see you each perform and assess your skills before doing so. This isn't a test of sorts, I just want to see how you work together and individually. So we're hitting the simulators in thirty minutes, until then you're free to do as you please."

Heads nodded as they put their plates into the dispenser which would transport them to the kitchen for cleaning. The group split up from there, Martha and a few others going to their personal quarters while Daly and Carth seemed to return to the cafeteria for some chatting.

Eventually it was just David and he decided to make use of this moment to check up on Kayla and Merin. After some asking around he managed to find a phone and make the call to the hospital Merin was laying in. Much like the technology on earth, they had a live feed from the room as well so both parties could look at each other whilst talking. After a minute of two an image appeared on the screen, Merin was laying in the hospital bed with a device on his lap which David assumed was a laptop of sorts, Kayla was standing next to Merin while she was hanging a new iv bag on the stand.

“I see you're both busy with work huh." They both turned their heads to the monitor and greeted David heartly. “Hey there David!" “Glad to see you in piece!"

“Thanks, how are you two holding up?"

“Well they've allowed me to take care of Merin while he's recovering and do some other runs in this wing to help the nurses. Though he's proving to be a hard ass." Kayle smirked at Merin whom was ready to reply. “Not my fault they can't properly prepare a meal. Have TASTED the food here? Horrid I tell you! And I thought the food was bad at the facility!"

David couldn't help but crack a smile, seemed hospital food was universally bad grub. “Sounds like you're getting better already Merin! Also what are you doing with that thing on your lap?"

Merin looked at the laptop on his bed. “Ah, well since I'm stuck here until the doctors say I am fully recovered, I figured I might start digging around and find something that can lead to the one who sold us out."

An eyebrow on David's side of the monitor was raised. “You can do that? How?"

“Well, I have access to some of the security footage of that day and I was given permission to look at the investigation's report and findings. I have to report anything suspicious I find immediately. Though so far I got little to nothing."

“But you got something right?"

“Well, the only thing worth mentioning, which I reported already, was that the attack seems to have centered around our hangar. That's were the most of the Reptors landed." “Hm, so it's possible they knew not just the location and purpose of the facility but what we were doing as well?" “Possibly though that's impossible to tell."

"Hmmmm, got any suspects yet?"

“A few, though I'm not mentioning names, some are high profile and I don't want to accuse someone that big without anything solid. But whomever it is, they had access to information, sensitive information."

“I know, it worries me too."

“Heh, well no worries! It's my job to find the culprit now! No matter how deep the corruption runs!"

“_Alright you two, that's enough conspiracy theories for today. Merin needs to rest and recover, that is MY job." _

“That reminds me, I have to get ready to train the squadron. Take care you two."

“You too David, be safe." “Yeah, kill some Reptors for me while you're at it!"

“Will do, both of that. Bye."

With that, David ended the call and walked towards the simulators with a few minutes to spare. He wondered if Merrin could shed some light on whom the spy among them was, whomever it was, it would not be pleasant to find out, or easy. Though as Merrin and Kayla went back to their businesses, none of them knew they were being watched and observed from afar. Already things began to move in the shadows to make sure the three of them wouldn't discover the truth about everything...