“So the four of us against an unknown number of enemies dug in on their home ground,” Junebug said in a neutral tone. Gregorious nodded.

“If we could afford a larger footprint we would use a naval bombardment,” the Chancellor explained. He taped the hologram of Pradec, his finger distorting the hologram for a moment.

“We don’t need to kill everyone on the island, we just need Pradec dead and his files wiped,” Gregorious said. Junebug nodded, though she hadn’t been objecting per se. If she had been planning this mission she would have suggested a small team infiltration.

“I think we can handle it,” Junebug said dryly. The Highlander and her crew had certainly done tougher jobs for less reward. Gregorious nodded and made a flicking gesture, the screen blanked and a small PDA at the center of the table beeped in receipt of the transmission. Junebug scooped it up and tucked it into a pocket in the jacket she was wearing. Indra sat up looking considerably brighter now that the business discussion seemed concluded.


“Now we have wedding plans to make,” she said with a radiant smile. Neil smiled back though the expression seemed a little forced. Junebug coughed in polite disagreement.

“I’m sorry Indra, but I’m going to need my team to go over the tactical options,” she said, feeling a little guilty  at the way the other woman’s face fell. The situation was complicated enough without her making it worse. Gregorious however nodded.

“A proper attitude for a soldier,” the chancellor nodded in approval. Graciella nodded also, though she gave her daughter a brief sympathetic glance. Both parents were clearly concerned that Neil would be killed and Indra’s heart would be broken. Well that was a reasonable concern.

“Also the armorers should be done with the plasma weapon by now, you should swing by and see them.”