Sterling’s confident grin evaporated instantly. His jaw went slack, and his eyes widened in paralyzed horror as the helicopter doors slid open.
Chapter IV: The Arrival of Special Operations
Twelve heavily armed Federal Marshals and State Special Investigations tactical operators in full tactical combat gear leapt from the vehicles and aircraft, their assault rifles raised in high-ready positions as they swarmed the gate.
Marching directly through the dust storm was Major General Vance, wearing desert dress uniform and flanked by the Federal Regional Prosecutor.
"Hands in the air! Drop your weapons and get on the ground right now!" General Vance bellowed through the tactical megaphone.
Briggs froze, trembling violently as his hands flew above his head. Officer Gallimi immediately dropped his duty belt onto the gravel.
Sterling stammered in hysterical panic, clutching his briefcase against his chest: "Wait! General, there's a misunderstanding! I'm Bradley Sterling of Sterling Global Development—we have municipal clearance!"
"Bradley Sterling," the Federal Prosecutor spoke with crushing finality, stepping past the line of operators. "You are under immediate federal indictment for racketeering, bribery of municipal officials, and the armed extortion of sovereign military reserve property."