"Thank you General," she nodded.

Carson took the stand before the crew. She was already in her armor with her dreads pulled back into a neat tail. Expectant and sleepless eyes turned toward her as she hooked her hands behind her back, cleared her throat and began to speak.

"Blackbeard's forces are weakened and fractured, not defeated. Never underestimate the enemy especially when he is corned. Every single one of you will be on high alert through the entirety of the mission. Anyone found not at their post, woolgathering or otherwise slacking about will answer to me. Gunners, we will be providing cover and distraction for the ground team while they work to take the initial pressure off of us. We are not expecting ships, but there will be soldiers, ground units, barracks, walls and other obstacles along side the anti-air. Johannes, Grissom, keep our canons' line of sight open, but do not sacrifice our speed. We are more than likely to take a knock or two, let us just make it a challenge for them, shall we?'
'On that note; Gruffman, Quirke, Krusek. I need a preliminary inspection on our artillery, defenses and major systems. Keep maintenance on their toes and make sure you have everything you could possibly need to keep us in the air before we go in. You will keep us updated on the Dusicyon's status at all times and notify navigation and myself of any issues large or small. You are our last line of defense.'
'And Dr. Bishop, though we hope for the best, we cannot rule out the possibility of casualties when engaged in combat of any sort. I expect you at your post as well.'
'Should each one of us bring our full ferocity vigilance to this fight, we will succeed, we will be sitting on assets beyond imagination and we will show every person on this god-forsaken planet who really owns the skies."

With a slight bow and a glance toward the captain she stepped back. As the crowd dispersed and began to ready themselves she reported to the gun batteries to begin her own preparations.