Operation Pacifica: Comrade Missing
by Trooper Aphrodite, Doberman Empire


        Trooper Aphrodite reread the request for assistance from
  Fleet Commander Samhain, head of the Doberman Empire.  She tried,
  unsuccessfully, to ignore the demanding voice in her head; it wanted to go.
  In an effort to dampen its insistence, Aph tried logic - listing things that
  required their attention here, in Northern Minnesota.  After all, it was
  only a few months ago that the base was destroyed, during the X'hirjq
  invasion.  However, her attempt was rudely thwarted by a loud, keening wail,
  as Zaphyre howled *But it's another DRAGON!*

        *All right!* Aph replied, instantly quieting her companion.
  *I give up! It makes no sense for us to go. But we will. To satisfy your
  warped sense of duty, we'll go!*  Finishing her mental tirade, she fired off
  a quick reply to her Commander and went to gather her gear.

...

[TRES Headquarters, 0700]

        Trooper Aphrodite wandered into the Conference Room,
  suddenly feeling very out of place.  Gathered around the table was a group
  of fierce warriors, all obviously good friends and comrades-in-arms.  She
  recognized few of their faces, all "Legends" of the Jihad, seasoned warriors
  who had made names for themselves in battle.  Very nervous, she offered a
  slight smile and retreated to the far end of the table.  She had no sooner
  found her seat than the infamous vulpine, JFox, entered.  Following close
  behind was Cyberpyro, and from the rank on his uniform, it looked like he
  was the current Grand Admiral of TRES Corp.  By then, Aph knew she was in
  way over her head.

        Cyberpyro began speaking, detailing the operation.
  Suddenly, her mind became fully occupied with keeping Zaphyre quiet.  Every
  time he mentioned "Hamster" or "dragon", Aph's hands suddenly shifted,
  becoming the huge talons that served so well during battle.  After the first
  time, the Trooper unobtrusively slid her hands/talons out of sight.
  However, she could do nothing to hide her fiery, red eyes that reflected the
  dragon's rage.

        Needless to say, she was relieved when the briefing was
  over.  She followed the others quietly out of the room and went to grab her
  gear.  Moments later, she climbed into the passenger seat of one of the
  TARAV's and was on her way to San Francisco.

to be continued....



Copyright 1996, AlexBell