[dcs_p]The host of this meeting, Acer’s Huey Commander Ace Leghorn Esquire, stood
before them. It was obvious the years of running and hiding had been hard on
the Commander, but the man still stood at his full height despite his age of 78.
Ace sported a well trimmed full head of short hair without the additions of a
mustache or beard. His smile was easily recognizable as genuine, stretching his
lips and cheeks to their limits in an untamed show of glee. Apparently he was
going to listen to Mike’s proposals and seriously consider the Strikers as powerful
new allies.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Welcome to my humble abode,” Ace nodded, pointed his arms out slowly to the
enveloping darkness within the warehouse walls. “And yes, I do mean humble.”
He smiled.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”You have our thanks, Ace Leghorn Esquire.” Mike grinned. “It’s nice to finally
get the chance to freely talk with you and your team.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Yes, I suppose it is Mike Strider. From what Hubart has told me, you have been
looking for us for quite some time.” Ace took on a more serious look. “I am glad
you have finally found us, but I’m also sad to hear you found us this easily. There
is no telling what some of those in the Combine’s higher military might have sent if
they had discovered our memory core.” He frowned.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”That is a good point.” Mike declared. ” It would have been possible for the
DCMS to crack your memory core’s code, just as our analyst did.” Mike’s head
shook uncontrollably back and forth ever so slightly, hinting that his own military
years had not been kind to him. “Rest assured, the Combine would not have sent
an assassin after you.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Oh but one can never know for sure,” Ace spoke. “I remember a time when I
thought I would never stoop that low.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Mike shrugged, rethinking his own use of an assassin against Word of Blake
aggressors without Striker Co-Commander Devon Carns ever knowing. If the
truth ever did leak out amongst the Clan members of the Strider’s Strikers, Mike’s
situation would turn to hell fast. Not only did Clan doctrine extremely prohibit such
dishonorable actions, but he might face Clan challenges to regain his current
honor and reputation. It might even be possible that the Nova Cats would
withdraw from the team, leaving the Strikers stranded with very few assets. As it
turned out, that same assassin had been the one the Acer’s Hueys had hired
years before. It seemed fate had brought the two team’s together via Alexus
Capone whether they liked it or not.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Well, you have a good point. I suppose some of the Draconis Combine’s
politicians may not be feeling up to par when it comes to abiding by their own
rules.” Mike shrugged once more. “Then again, maybe they will never send a
force after you. It has been 25 years and all.”[/dcs_p]