"Alfonse checked the deck, securing the area for the mission team. 'All clear!' He tugged the cargo strap, indicating its tightness. The deck captain walked over, checking the periphery. 'We've got a major move of chips coming through here. Let's be ready, lieutenant Grove.' Alfonse saluted, eager to get along with his protocols. Standing six-foot-two, Alfonse Grove was a handsome man. Recruited into the military at age thirteen, he had ascended to the rank of lieutenant over