Codename: Helldiver

Posted on Tue Jul 30th, 2019 @ 8:47am by Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Brigadier General David Hurd Sr & Captain Jack Solomon & Brigadier General Kaden Ross & Colonel Danny Lennox & Gunnery Sergeant Agtx & First Ramata`tar

1,571 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 98 - A Raid on Peace
Location: Marine Ops
Timeline: MD4 1430hrs

ON:

As General Hurd entered Marine Operations, he tapped his combadge and said, on a secure channel, "To those of you receiving this, please report to Marine Ops as soon as possible, General Hurd out". Making his way behind the desk, he began calling up information and waited on the others to arrive.

Freya was catching up on her Counselling files from her bed where she was resting as she'd promised Carokyn, when Hurd’s voice came over the comms. Putting away the PADD She was holding she headed straight to Marine Ops. She had to wonder what it was the General was planning. Arriving a few minutes later she entered Ops, stood to attention and saluted. “Petty Officer Ross reporting as requested Sir.” With that she took a seat.

Kaden was in the middle of doing reports in his office when he got the call and entered the room taking a moment to salute Hurd before taking a seat. “Here as requested, Sir.”

Lennox and Agtx had been finishing letters to the families of the Marines that had been killed during the fight on Tarod IX. Thankfully, there weren't many letters to write. They both headed for Marine Ops, arriving just behind First Ramata'tar.

Bremer followed soon behind. He'd just left a quick meeting with Draven and K'Temoc after talking with Commander Croesus. "Do you know what this is about?" He asked Lennox.

"No sir, I guess I just got the word to be here the same time you did." Lennox replied.

Lennox, Agtx, and Ramata'tar all walked toward Hurd's desk. "Major Lennox, First Ramata'tar, and Gunnery Sergeant Agtx reporting as ordered General."

Mike stayed off to the side for a moment to make sure everyone reported in. He gave a respectful nod to Hurd to let him know he was there as well.

With the Ark Royal docked and her regular crew making sure that she was re-supplied after her recent visit, Jack was surprised to receive the comm from General Hurd. He made his way to see quite a few people had arrived already and found a seat. He was curious to find out what was happening.

Freya looked around those gathered, she recognised some but not others. She was wondering just why the meeting had been called, no doubt they'd soon find out.

Nodding to those assembled, Hurd said said, " Please have a seat." As they sat, the next words out of his mouth caused a few raised eyebrows as he said, "Computer, seal doors to Marine Ops and erect a level 1 dampning field around the room, authorization Hurd 22-Beta 1." As the computer beeped its confirmation, Hurd spoke out one more saying, "Thank you all for coming on such short notice, i am here to breif you on Project Helldiver, Classified Top Secret, which has been in development for the last several years".

Kaden crossed his large arms his biceps bulging under the sleeves of his uniform he never heard of this ‘Project Helldiver’ which meant two things it was above his Security Clearance and pay grade. He knew a few classified projects in development things that he couldn’t disclose even to his wife Freya whom he never liked keeping secrets from. Kaden just sat in silence certainly interested in what the General had to disclose to everyone in the room.

Freya understood the importance of keeping secrets, she had to wonder what a to secret project would have to do with her.

Looking around, Hurd asked, "Any questions so far?"

Freya raised her hand before putting it down again. "Sir, not to sound silly but what does a top-secret project have to do with those of us gathered here? Especially me?"

Kaden had to admit his wife had brought up a good question. “Actually, Sir, I also second that question that, Petty Officer Ross, has asked.” He said offering Freya an assuring smile.

"Its quite simple", Hurd said in a flat tone, "I was directed by the Commandant of the Starfleet Marine Corps, in conjunction with the heads of Starfleet R&D, Starfleet Security, The Federation President, and the Head of Starfleet Command Himself to assemble and brief a team on this project that I could trust, and I know I can trust those assembled in this room." Looking around the room into the eyes of those assembled, he continued, "So let's get down to business, ill be pausing for questions periodically and if any of having any questions, feel free to interrupt." "But let me remind you all, that without express permission, no part of any of this information may be in any way recorded".

Punching a few commands into a terminal on the desk, Information began to scroll across the screens situated to the left and right of the Stage. "Project Helldiver", Hurd began, "Was initiated to find a more covert way to slip operatives behind enemy lines, or Marine raiding teams behind behind already active battle lines to sow havoc and mayhem and disrupt enemy communications and supply lines, or in a wartime situation, to covertly land troops as a prelude to a full scale invasion. As shown in the two slides, it consists of two parts".

Tapping a button, A photo of a jet black suit of armour appeared on screen, along with technical information scrolling alongside it. "This is the MK. 2 Variant 1 Helldiver Armour." "The suit itself consists of interwoven mesh energy dissipation material, which will significantly lessen the damage taken from energy weapon impacts, it boasts far improved radiation, fire, and atmospheric protection, and it has built-in water storage bladders, enough for a minimum of 72 hours worth of emergency drinking water." "This suit has been tested in all known planetary atmospheres and functions approximately 45 percent better than any other we have in inventory."
The helmet is the real beauty, it features a HUD that can monitor the vital signs of wearer, Track targets, distance to objectives, features a built in comms and sensor unit, and multiple other features." And all this comes at a weight increase of just 4 and a half pounds for the entire suit". Looking around, Hurd asked, simply, "Questions?"

Freya briefly raised her hand. “Does this suit need testing in the field or is it ready to be used on all suitable marine operations from now on?”

"I'm glad you asked that Freya", Hurd said smiling. Pointing to the screen on his left, Hurd said, "When they sent me the prototype they said it was ready for use but I would never ask any of you assembled here to use something I would not, so I tested it on myself". Queuing up a video, and hitting the playback, Hurd said, "I can testify to every statement made above and one other, that being this thing is heat resistant up to 12,500 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the specs they sent me said 8500 degrees". Drawing in a breath, he continued, "I jumped from a shuttle at the edge of Kaled IV's atmosphere and hit the ground in perfect, fighting shape.

“Where can I get me one of those...” Kaden accidentally blurted out.

Freya gave her husband a poke in the ribs for his outburst but couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. She looked curiously at Hurd, he was one of very few aboard the station that her Betazoid senses couldn't read, she had to wonder why not that it really mattered.

"Any other questions before I move on to the second part?"

"Arre thessse alssso made in my sssizzze?" Agtx asked.

Jack decided to speak up as he had a niggling question, having been included in the Briefing.

"General, as this is a top-secret project, once the suit has been in combat and should it require repairs and replenishment, can the parts be replicated as normal or does this require high-level security parts to be ordered in? It would be good to know as with most things when tested to the max, Field Operations often introduce new unknown variables."

Lennox looked up, he was wondering that himself.

Mike wanted to see all the technical data as well. If he was to green light something like this, he wanted to make sure it was going to work, and work right, not endangering his crew.

"The Parts can be replicated, however, given the nature of this equipment, I would highly, highly suggest the replicators used for this purpose be stand alone, self contained units programed for just that purpose and that they be be located in a highly secure area of the station". Glancing at the Admiral, Hurd said, "Sir, All technical data you need will be made available to you and anyone you deem worthy of it" Glancing quickly at Agtx and cracking a smile, Hurd added, "Yes Agtx, the suits come in all sizes"

"So do you plan on having us test the suit as well? Freya looked at Hurd curiously.

Looking at those assembled, Hurd said, "Yes, that would be ideal, however i will not force any of you who do not wish to participate to do so".

Kaden looked at the screen he liked his old armor it's almost like his game jersey he wore upon winning a championship. Plus like his collections of comics, action figures, and firearms it was sentimental to him. Perhaps he could ask if the General or even the Admiral would allow him to keep his old suit for his collection.

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