CHAPTER 1 : The Fall of the Confederacy
The Cerberus finally arrived at Tarsonis. The Hellhounds were escorted out by a group of security officers through a mob of cheering but also protesting. The Sons of Korhal had acquired some sympathy from the general public. The security officers brought the team all the way to the Tarsonis Military Strategy & Operations Bureau. Once there the officers saluted and said: "You know the way from here, sir."
Chris walked into the building and walked through the lobby. It was a plain looking lobby, all white, benches lining each wall, Confederate logo on both side walls, above the benches, and a small desk behind some bullet proof glass at the far end. There was also a large metal door next to the desk. The place was a fortress. Chris walked up to the desk, the receptionist, an unnatractive woman in her mid forties, said: "Identification, please." In a bored tone. Chris gave her his rank, name and ID number. "Thank you." Came the equally bored response.
The metal doors then began to slide open. Behind them was a large elevator, Chris got in with some of his squad. "36th floor." He said to the ones who had to wait for the next one.
The doors closed, it was about twenty seconds when they opened again and Chris found himself in front of General Edmund Duke. "Son, we need to talk to you and your boys." Duke said, "Meet me in the Conference room ASAP."
"There are more waiting downstairs." Chris said.
"I'll have my assistant direct them to the right place." Duke replied.
Chris followed the General into a large room with a screen and many chairs. There were 3 other men there. One of them was the Confederate Fleet Admiral, another was the Chief of Military Strategy, and the third was a Marine that Chris had never met before.
"Take a seat." Duke instructed. "We'll wait for the rest of your boys to get in here and we can begin the debrief."