Melissa looked to Clarke. "You raise a valid point. At the very least, we do not face a nuclear or radiological threat from the base. We have been able to determine that much via the scouting done by Spirit's troops," she said, looking to Spirit for confirmation, before continuing.
"Furthermore, the Navy was kind enough to double-verify that for us with the sensor packages aboard their stealth ships, and reverified it an hour ago with direct recon overflights of the base. But," she said solemnly, "that doesn't rule out other WMDs, or just a particularly vicious defense in depth, both of which are signature Taurian methods. So we shall be wary."
She looked to Sealth as he spoke, and contemplated the idea brought up by Tolkitae. Suddenly, she seemed to remember something, snapping her fingers, and began tapping at a keyboard on the holotank surface.
"Tolki may yet get his chance," she said, pulling up a dossier on the holotank. An image appeared alongside it, that of a tall, athletic, raven-haired woman, in at most her 30s, holding a bemused and happy expression - presumably at whomever had taken the photo - as she was lounging in her MechWarrior gear atop an Omega, likely the very same she piloted.
"Spirit's handiwork has netted us profiles on all major personnel involved in the defense," Melissa continued, "which includes the pilot of our Omega here. Senior Adept Ekaterina Ivanovna Belinskaya. Noted for excellent marks in school, captain of her secondary school ballet ensemble, noted preference for close combat, and, according to ROM, "noted distate for civilian casualties, collateral damage, and 'dirty tricks'. History of standing up for 'the little guy' and loyal to her soldiers. Under her command, her Level II regularly achieves top marks in yearly efficiency and morale measures."
Melissa chuckled as she read the note appended to the personality section of the dossier.
"This is dated as of two months ago: member of Belinskaya's Level II approached for recruitment by ROM agent C. Burke. Senior Adept Belinskaya responded by ranting negatively about ROM, the "perversion" of the Word into a "religion of bullies" and subsequently, punching the agent hard enough to knock him unconscious. Commanding officer issued Johann Burnson issued a formal reprimand... and an informal commendation. Recommend classifying Belinskaya and Burnson as "ideological threats" for later re-education."
Melissa looks back to Sealth. "I do not know about you, but she sounds like exactly the sort to honor a proper request for a duel by the rules of zellbrigen. If you and Tolki can pull her into such a duel, that should make things easier. Not to mention make for a good distraction - and one hell of show; I will be sure to have a combat cameraman along to capture it," she smiles.
"Do try and take her alive, if possible. There will be much propaganda value in footage of an honorable duel - especially one where the SLDF victor showed mercy upon their opponent - one who is known for being level headed and opposing ROM, to boot."
"IMINT and MASINT we have gathered suggests her Omega is modified - most likely for close combat. So be cautious when dueling her, quiaff?"