[dcs_p]Borg nodded. He’d suspected Strider would play out any and all connections with
the Assassin Mech. He had also been quite annoyed that the Inner Sphere and
Clan members on both sides had selected a Mech that was currently piloted by
one of Strider’s closest allies. Too late now anyways, he thought.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Borg,” Luther spat out in a low key. “We picked up something important just
minutes ago.” The man suddenly looked nervous, and it was obvious that
something the SSIC had uncovered was critical to the entire unit.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Well, out with it. I have no use for any further delay in something important.”
Luther was an ace analyst, but he worried too much about sharing
disappointment with Borg. Perhaps he secretly feared his superior, a possible
side effect from witnessing countless interrogation sessions.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Luther’s face grew pale, its color flushed with a sudden show of his emotions.
When he spoke, his voice was surprisingly crisp and clear.
“The Vampire’s Fangs have vanished.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Borg’s jaw clenched down instinctively. It was a habit he’d tried hard to break
since his childhood. Too revealing was such an outward display of feelings,
especially when one considered his unique position. He’d tried to learn how to
hide it to no avail.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]The Fangs. The Blakist mercenary unit known as the Vampire’s Fangs had
plagued the Strikers on three separate occasions. The unit was known to be
backed, possibly even created, by the Word of Blake. The leader of the group
was one Sevahn Von Drakhul. Borg had studied the commander since the earlier
years, just after the two mercenary groups had initially clashed on the planet of
Wasat.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Von Drakhul was one to be feared. He was an agent of destruction, and he
seldom showed any mercy in his actions. The most Borg had seen was that
displayed during the Strikers’ first encounter with the Fangs. Devon Carns and
Mike Strider had both been captured, but not killed. Borg was willing to bet that
Drakuhl had greatly regretted that decision.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]But Borg himself was also one to be feared, pitting him and his unit’s powerful
enemy at odds. Borg was thought to be wanted by both Word of Blake
intelligence and the Free Worlds League’s SAFE organization. Even more, he
had heard rumors more than once concerning his own refusal to join the Clan
Watch intelligence. He had passed up the opportunity immediately. In retrospect
he had realized that the decision stemmed from his strong connection with his
Clan and his Clan only.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Borg quieted his thoughts, consciously focusing again on his closest aide. Luther
had been waiting for his response, but not much had come in the seconds that
had no doubt flashed by.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”I want formal requests to both Devon and Mike concerning increased patrols in
the Southeast Stricken Desert. We must find the Fangs before they strike
something big.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Luther gave a quick nod, one of his most common responses. He began to turn,
but paused. As if he were in a movie being played backward, he pivoted back to
his original stance.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”And our Star Colonel?” he asked.[/dcs_p]