Chapter 8 - The Secret Mission Briefing Over The Pacific Ocean
Midway through the flight, the loadmaster unlatched the cockpit door and tossed me a secure tactical tablet.
I caught it cleanly, unlocking the biometric screen with my thumb to review the encrypted inflight data package.
The dossier detailed an underground smuggling ring utilizing civilian shipping containers to move contraband through naval checkpoints.
Intercepted communications proved the operation was backed by corrupt corporate executives and rogue military contractors.
“Looks like we’re hunting white-collar criminals hiding behind cargo manifests,” I muttered quietly to myself.
The tablet chimed with a satellite message from Marcus, my longtime intelligence handler stationed in Washington.
“Primary targets are moving faster than anticipated. Expect hostile resistance upon arrival at the forward base,” the message read.
I typed a brief, encrypted acknowledgement back, securing the tablet inside my tactical vest pocket.
The flight continued in steady silence as the C-17 cut through the starry night sky above international waters.
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We were hours away from touchdown, and the game of cat and mouse was about to enter its most critical phase.
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