File 8.3 - Stress of Solitude

Flipping a switch at the control sticks of the cockpit within the Njord, Ensign Toule sat bored. Checking the time, it had only been five minutes since the last time he checked it. All he had to pass the time was the count of loops they made around the former African continent, even that lost any sort of interest quickly. The thought of time not moving quickly enough made him sigh.

He had his orders and he knew the time crunch that they were in. They had an entire continent to cover while circling around the highest probable area. Even with that, it would take time to reach the destination. They may not make it in time and even if they did the attack would be under way. ‘We don’t have much time… Arriving out of detection and closing in under cover…’

It surprised him a little that the plan was less flashy. He found relief though in that they didn’t try for anything bold. They had an operational zone within a city. Anything not carefully planned would end up causing damage to the city and even killing the people he swore to protect. ‘I only hope this plan goes as well as they’re forecasting. We don’t truly know the full combat capabilities of these machines.’

The Skadi still survived the first engagement, so he doubted that they had any serious risk. However, the city wouldn’t be so lucky. If the terrorists decided to hold them hostage, they wouldn’t be able to do anything.

It felt like there were too many unknown variables for them. The forecasts did well to ease concerns at the time. But when Ansgar had nothing but time to worry, new points just kept coming up. For once he wished to have a little bit of Air’s composed and dispassionate approach. It would have made his inaction more bearable.

Such thoughts did make him relieved that the Frey and Od weren’t ready yet. For as much as they showed signs of change, he still had his doubts. Would they even follow his orders? They were not used to military structure. The freedom that they enjoyed had to be given up in this setting. He didn’t know if they could accept that. Yet Ansgar knew the reality was he would have to face that question one day. Especially if the terrorists kept up these attacks.

They needed to be stopped soon. Something was coming.