Steel raced into the room followed by the other soldiers. He saluted and stood at attention. In front of them was Major Mendez who was talking with Station Governor Romav. They were standing in the new ready room that would operate as the staging area for all operations while they were at this base.
Steel and the rest of the Desert Dogs were called to the room early in the morning. They were sent a message that they would be deployed on an emergency deployment. Nothing else was disclosed, just that message.
"Welcome Desert Dogs, I apologize for pulling you in here in the midst of our reorganization. But a rebellion has occurred on the planet." Mendez clicked a button and the map of a region appeared. He then nodded to Romav.
Romav nodded and stepped forward, "although this is a rebellion, the claim comes from a member of the nobility. So while we have to treat it like one and go over every claim, keep in mind there might be something else going on. The nobility of this planet can be divided into three categories. The one that called for assistance is a tyrantist, more specifically rather one that likes to abuse power."
"This means you have to ask questions first then figure out who you are going to shoot. Tani and Steel, keep any devices you need for hacking handy. But everyone should be wary in case the noble's claims are not false. You will be using stun rifles instead of the more lethal assault rifles." Mendez clicked another button and another rifle was displayed, different from their typical assault rifle.
"Sir, are we treating this with kid gloves?" Cornwall spoke up. For the time being he was still their commanding officer but Steel had a feeling that would change soon.
"Yes you are. We all know you are all capable enough to do so. Especially against civilians. It is not like you are entering a warzone." Mendez nodded.
"I have provided the relevant information on the noble in question as well as all information we have gleaned." Romav pulled out several data pads. "Study up on your trip down to the planet."
"You are dismissed. Get to your assigned ship." Mendez stated.
Cornwall stepped forward grabbing the data pads. Then he led them to the armory. As they walked in he handed them the data pads. Less than ten minutes later all of them were boarding a newly painted Osprey.
Tani grinned at the pilot as they boarded. "What is with the paint job Salazar?" They clasped arms in greeting.
"Major allowed us to personalize our spacecraft. We were also allowed to name them." He waved his hands after unclasping with Tani, "so welcome aboard the Hela-01. I was actually hoping Cadet Steel would modify it when he got a chance but rumor is that his plate is stock full of duties."
"Cadet Steel, you think you could modify the Ospreys when you get a chance?" Tani asked as they boarded. He was speed reading the data pad he was given.
"Certainly, just have the pilots make a list or the ideas for modification and bring them to me. I will get together with the engineers and we will make them when we can. Despite their complaining, Engineers do love working on new things so it will not be a problem to make their list longer. Just keep in mind we will have to clear modifications with the Major." He answered, while he only looked up for a second before he got back to reading.
"Thanks cadet, you know the crew is bemoaning the day that you leave." The pilot walked into the cabin where her co-pilot was going over the pre-flight checklist. "They like the creative storm you seem to drag with you."
"Thanks for the compliment." Steel was almost done reading.
"Stop socializing and grab a seat. We have work to do." Cornwall called out as he boarded the ship. Slamming a button to close the rear ramp. He then looked over to Steel, "Steel fill us in on what we need to know, Tani you will be running the squad."
Steel frowned while Tani laughed, "Yes sir." She glanced at Steel, "oh come on. We all know you do your homework. Come on, start talking."
"Haa… actually there was not much. The Azena Family are a family of counts who have run their plantations by hiring locals as workers. They existed before the Vexical Empire and enjoyed a vast slavery business on the side. But when the current emperor came into power he abolished slavery and the Azenas were one of the noble families affected most by this." Steel started as he tossed aside the data pad, having read and reread the entire thing.
"Is that all?" Tani asked with a frown, she had heard of them. Their wine was shit but they had expanded their business far and wide.
"No, the rumors from both traders and migrants who leave the area say similar things. The Azenas run the locals like they are slaves. They own all government officials in the area to hide it. They are also very vocal about their desire for the empire to return to the old ways of the Grand Hexarian Empire." Steel felt his stomach flip as the ship began flying.
"Is there anything about their tyrannical behavior?" Tani asked.
"Plenty, there are reports about whippings and beatings taking place. But everytime there is an inspection there is no sign of abuse. It seems that the Azena's have someone inside the planetary and station government." Steel explained.
"Wow with stuff like that I wonder why they have not rebelled before." Corporal Hand pointed out.
"It is because they have their own private army. It along with their plantation is the only business they were able to keep. They probably use it to keep the locals in line, which is all the stranger why we are being called down." Steel suggested.
"Stick to facts Cadet Steel, but you are probably right. Is there anything else important?" Tani asked, looking at Steel.
"Negative sir." Steel answered.
Tani leaned back and seemed to think. Then the pilot spoke up. "We will be landing near the plantation in five minutes."
"Okay, Lieutenant Cornwall, take Cadet Steel to the main mansion. Talk to the current Count Azena to see what you can get out of them. The rest of the squad will see about the disruption that is going on outside the main gates. We will need to talk to both sides to see what is going on? Cadet Steel hack the mansion systems when you get a chance, nobles in the Talus System tend to have everything running on a single system. Everyone remember to have your helmet cams running from the moment we touch down." Tani planned out.
"So the LT is playing distraction at the mansion while Steel hacks in. While we are just talking to the locals?" Wise asked. "Man, this one is not going to be as fun as Waterswan." There was a wave of laughter from the rest of the squad.
"Well not every mission will be shooting baddies and capturing objectives. We have to investigate cases where there is not enough information. But I am sure you will get to shoot someone before the day is done." Tani responded.
"Hey we are landing." The pilot called out.
"Thanks, once we depart, take the ship and do a survey of the area. See if the local towns have any damage or if anything is off." Tani ordered.
"Understood. Good luck sir!" The pilot called out as the back ramp lowered.
"On me Desert Dogs!" Sergeant Tani called out. Then led them in a quick march to the front gate while Cornwall led Steel to the mansion.
Steel could see the crowd by the gate. They had thick plates of metal that were protecting them from the laser weaponry of the private army. While they were throwing homemade molotovs and rocks to attack the private army. He could see several injured among the civilians. How unsporting.