“Sierra Golf Delta, this is Sierra Golf Theta,” Major Patrick Braden's voice crackled over the radio. “We copy. Standby.” He and his team, which consisted of himself, First Lieutenant Robert Lamb as his XO, Gunnery Sergeant Brandon “Gunny” Smith (the team’s weapons specialist) and Corporal Vincent “Sharps” Guinan (the team’s sharpshooter) took a position next to Colonel Larkin, who was engaged with the enemy in a back-and-forth volley of weapons fire.

  “Colonel, Major Troy and Sister Helena are in trouble. They're trapped in Elevator Charlie on Level 12. Ten to twelve hostiles are blocking their way, and they need backup. I'm volunteering my team to go in.”

  “How the hell are you gonna do that?” Colonel Larkin asked. “Elevators Alpha and Beta are blocked.”

  “Beg pardon, sir,” said Sharps, “but I was stationed on Zulu Station with SG-3 about a year ago. There's a service elevator twenty meters to the right of Major Troy and Sister Helena's position. Once on Level 12 there's a passage that runs parallel to the blocked one.”

  “Which would bring you behind the enemy lines and give you tactical advantage,” said Colonel Larkin.

  “Good thinking, Sharps,” said Major Braden. Sharps nodded.

  “Sounds like a plan,” said Colonel Larkin. “You have a go.” Major Braden got back on the radio. “Sierra Golf Delta this is Sierra Golf Theta. We're on our way,” he said. “Quallah Battoo.”

  “Copy, Sierra Golf Theta,” Will replied. “Good luck.”

  “Alright, team, let's move out! Sharps, lead the way,” said Major Braden.

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  “Right,” said Sharps. “This way.” Crouching, the team began to make their way to the service elevator.

  As they rounded a bend, they encountered four Lucian Alliance members standing in their way. They had not spotted SG-8. Taking cover, with Major Braden and Gunny on one side of the corridor and Lieutenant Lamb and Sharps took the other. On Major Braden’s signal, they opened fire. The four Lucians fell and SG-8 gave a fist pump and an quiet oohrah.

  They arrived at the elevator and got in. After what seemed like an eternity, they reached Level 12. With Sharps taking point, Lieutenant Lamb and Major Braden in the center, with Gunny taking up the rear they sneakily moved into position behind enemy lines. Hiding behind crates Major Braden dictated his team quietly with rehearsed precision.

  “Lamb takes the right flank! Gunny, suppressive fire! Sharps find a vantage point!” The team moved into their positions as if they were actors on stage. Once everyone was in position, Major Braden shouted:

  “Engage and destroy! Gunny fired at the opening shot. The volley of shots took the Lucians off guard. One of them, a young man. The Lucians retaliated with a barrage of gunfire and energy weapons. Despite being a formidable force to be reckoned with, SG-8 held their ground.

  “Quallah Battoo!” Major Braden bellowed. That was the signal for Will and Sister Helena to come out of the elevator. Will went first, firing his rifle, then Sister Helena came out firing her Zat. Together they advanced through the passageway.

  The battle was fierce. Major Braden and Gunny lobbed bullets, while Lamb fired a Zat. Sharps, from his vantage point silently took out the hostiles.

  Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the passageway fell silent save for the labored breathing of the victors.

  Major Braden signaled the all-clear: “Area secured!” Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they got up from their positions.

  Will slapped Major Braden on the shoulder. “Well done, SG-8,” he said.

  “Any time!” said Major Braden.

  “Can you guard this corridor?” Will asked.

  “Will do, sir,” replied Major Braden. To his team he said, “Take defensive positions!” As SG-8 took up new positions (with Sharps finding a new vantage point), Will found the found the secret door and opened it.

  “In we go,” he said as he motioned Sister Helena to go inside.