-1The Archangel Project

United Republics Marine Captain Javier Perez sat alone in the long briefing room, various star maps adorning the walls, a massive holo-emitter taking up the center of the massive table. The chairs were luxurious, the kind that were only used for executive briefing rooms aboard flagships and capital vessels.

He had been left here by Major Lupos, his Regimental Commander, almost half of an hour ago. Javier didn’t like waiting.

His company had been pulled out of frontline combat on Planet Z-115, a major battlefield in the war against the Conglomerates. They were a part of the First Special Expeditionary Unit, the elite strike force of the Marine Corps, and a major part of the victories against the technologically superior Conglomerate. Brute force and cunning in enough measure, it seemed, were in fact a counter for superior firepower.

Finally the briefing room door slid open and Javier stood at attention.

He recognized Fleet Commander Arnold Walters and Marine High Commander Lisa Marrow immediately and saluted sharply and stood at attention when the salute was returned.

“You may have a seat, Captain,” High Commander Marrow informed him as she slid into one of the opulent chairs.

“Aye, Ma’am.”

“Captain Perez, these are Gregory Hamilton and Anne Tompkins, members of the Fleet and Marine Special Research Division,” Fleet Commander Walters announced, motioning to the civilians that Javier had barely noticed behind his superiors.

“Sir, Ma’am,” Javier nodded a greeting to the civilians as Hamilton sat down and Tompkins reached for the remote to the holo-emitter.

“The reason we’ve brought you here today, Captain, is to inform you that your company is being removed from the First Special Expeditionary.” Javier opened his mouth to protest but High Commander Marrow immediately waved him off. “Before you say anything, allow me to finish.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“The FMSRD has been working on a new weapons system to counter the Conglomerates control of atmospheric aerial combat,” Tompkins stepped into the conversation seamlessly. “As I’m sure you’re aware, the anti-aerial weapons employed by the Conglomerates are able to easily detect and fire on our aerial units. And even our quickest fighter craft are too large to avoid them.”

“We think we’ve managed to counter that advantage.” Hamilton continued the explanation as Tompkins flicked on the holo-emitter. “What we’ve done, is modify the anti-grav units currently mounted on your Mark Five battle armor suits to allow full flight capabilities. Because of the weight of the Mark Five, and the need for lowered power emissions to avoid Conglomerate sensors, we mounted six of the units into an integrated system that will be fitted onto your company’s battle suits. And, to allow for gliding and improved power conservation, we designed this unit into a pair of retractable wings.”

The holo-emitter flickered to life, displaying a Mark Five Marine battle suit with a pair of wings extending nearly six feet in each direction.

“Two additional battery packs housed within the central unit will provide power to the anti-grav units while your primary power core will run onboard computer and movement functions.” Hamilton highlighted the units in question as he spoke. “Additionally, we’ve managed to design a small caliber rail gun system that will be attached to the outsides of your arms, in addition to the standard medium caliber rail guns you currently employ. These smaller rail guns will have slightly less power than your current rifle, but will be sufficient to help in anti-aerial combat missions.”

“What will my Company’s role be in using this new system?” Javier asked as he examined the hologram.

“Close Aerial Support, Aerial Assault and Deep Cover Insertions. Because you will have glide capabilities, you can be released from a drop ship over Republic controlled territory and glide over the battle lines undetected.”

“I assume there will be a special drop unit to accommodate the additional size of the units?”

“Actually we’re in the process of fitting a pair of strike corvettes to carry you. They’re too large to risk low atmospheric maneuvers, but they have enough power to make minimal entry, deploy your units and return to lower orbit until you call for recovery.”

“Don’t you think the Conglomerate forces will be suspicious of a pair of corvettes skimming the atmosphere and retreating?”

“We’re also fitting the corvettes with underbelly mounted assault artillery. They will make entry, open fire on enemy positions and deploy your troops.” Fleet Commander Walton informed Javier.

“What’s the operational life of these units?”

“Extensive and exhaustive testing has indicated that at full power and combat mode, the operational expectancy is forty-eight hours. So needless to say, lower activity levels will render a longer operational service time.”

“So it’s likely that we may be deployed for days at a time on a flight pattern?” Javier asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“We know your unit has operated in deep insertion operations before, with little to no contact with other forces and in a hostile environment. This will be a walk in the park. These suits will be provided with top-of-the-line onboard computer systems, advanced tactical computers and a full communications suite. They’ll be in constant contact with you, each other, and your deployment vessel at all times while on flight patrol.”

“Well. When are we to begin training with the units?”

“Preparations have already been made for your company to make the next jump back to the Jango system for extensive atmospheric combat testing and training. You’ll have two weeks to familiarize yourselves with the system and it’s capacity before you will be redeployed to a combat location for field operations.” Javier nodded and Fleet Commander Walters pressed a key on his wrist-com. The door to the briefing room slid open and a young lieutenant stepped through. “Lieutenant Hucksley, show the Captain to his troops. You’re dismissed Captain Perez.”

Javier stood and saluted before turning toward the door.

“Oh and captain,” High Commander Marrow called after him. Javier turned to face his superior.

“Yes, Ma’am?”

“Welcome to Project Archangel.”