Was.h.i.+ngton D.C., United States

10 P.M. Local Time

May 21, 2019

President Keener was reviewing the results of the diplomatic talks with the Sonaran Federation.

"100 square miles for us, how generous! That will provide us with an excellent foothold in this new world… This will mark the next chapter in our manifest destiny!"

Keener was pleased with the deals that Perry made on behalf of the United States. The export of various technological trinkets and cheap items, which could be sourced from the same providers that dollar stores rely on, could commence immediately.

The team sent to the Eanif Imperium was still a few days away from their destination, so Keener reviewed the report on the n.o.bian Empire.

The n.o.bian Empire was contacted through one of the prisoners secured at the Battle of Area 51. The prisoner relayed the U.S. request for diplomatic talks, which would include details on the transfer of POWs over to the n.o.bian Empire. In the transcript the prisoner read, the U.S. made sure to exemplify that the whole situation was just a misunderstanding. The n.o.bians soon granted the request, and a diplomatic team was sent to the n.o.bian Empire.

The team arrived at the n.o.bian capital, Nor, without any issue. The diplomatic talks were unsuccessful, however, as the n.o.bians did not desire anything that the Americans could offer. Additionally, American staff reported receiving cold stares from the n.o.bians. The unsettling demeanor of the n.o.bians was most likely a result of the coincidental similarities between the American flag and the Sonaran flag, which was blue, with white stars dotting the surface, each representing the territories controlled by the Sonarans. Essentially, it looked like the top left portion of the American flag, without the stripes that represented the original thirteen colonies and with fewer stars.

Another factor in the poor reception of the American team, unknown to Keener, were rumors that circulated of the Fourth Invasion Detachment's ruthless defeat. Someone from the n.o.bian emperor's inner circle, who was listening to the American communication, had exaggerated the defeat of the small n.o.bian army. This person was in fact a spy from the Sonaran Federation, implanted within the n.o.bian High Command in order to collect intelligence and sow chaos within the administrative network of the n.o.bians. With a deep understanding of the n.o.bian culture and it's extremely proud att.i.tude, this Sonaran agent decided to fan the flames, directing the anger of the n.o.bian peoples toward the Americans.

This was an ingenious strategy on part of the Sonarans, who had determined, based on reports from Kelmithus, that the Americans must become an ally. By inciting resentment amongst the n.o.bians, the Sonarans could effectively force the United States to fight on their side.

As Keener finished his review of the report on the n.o.bian diplomatic talks, he began filing the doc.u.ments away, placing them to the side of his desk. Suddenly, the phone next to him rang. The origin of the call was Area 51. Keener reasoned that General Harding had an emergency situation, and thus he answered the phone.

"Mr. President, we have an emergency! Amba.s.sador Perry has been abducted!"

What unfortunate timing; Keener was looking forward to a stress-free night of fun with his wife. His expression soured as he was told the details of the situation. According to Harding, Perry's convoy was ambushed by unknown a.s.sailants who were well versed with stealth operations.

The a.s.sailants left a note with an address.

"At 12 P.M. noon tomorrow, meet me at the Sorn's Best Bar, across from the Sorn Museum. Come alone."

There was a bit of good news, thankfully. Perry's tracking device was able to be located, somewhere in the Sonaran city of Sorn. He was being held in an underground complex about a mile away from the bar, so General Harding, with the approval of President Keener, launched a rescue operation.

This rescue operation by the Americans would require utmost care. General Harding determined that given the technological level of the natives, they would most likely have no knowledge of tracking technology, and the rescue team can therefore expect minimal resistance. The team however may expect b.o.o.by traps, similar to those found in ancient tombs in action movies. With this in mind, preparations began.

The operation would be split between three teams. Two would be partic.i.p.ating in the rescue operation, while the third would be providing support for the agent at the bar.

Of the two rescue teams, one would provide overwatch, equipped with M107 .50 BMG anti-material rifles and reconnaissance drones. The breaching team, composed of experienced members from Navy SEAL teams, would be performing the actual rescue tomorrow morning. They would be equipped with suppressed close quarters weapons, including the MK18 CQBR and the HK MP5N.

Satisfied with the plan, Keener went to bed, while Harding directed his intelligence teams to scan the target building in order to construct a map for the rescue team. In less than 12 hours, the United States will make history with the first extraterrestrial hostage rescue.