Chapter 5: The Inauguration

Recapping my notes from several previous posts and organizing my thoughts after a two-week break, I've drafted a new chapter titled "The Inauguration". This is a major milestone in the novel narrative so I had to give it some thoughts.

There is a before and after kind of comparison, one during the construction of the Omega Base, and one when it is completed and fully furnished:

The big day finally arrived—the inauguration of Omega Base and Team STRATOS. The completed and fully furnished base is a far cry from its once disheveled state, when construction work was in progress, and thereafter when operations equipment and machinery were carefully and meticulously installed into their designated locations.

I tried to picture how the scene would look like at the grand inauguration of this covert project, with all the relevant parties present:

Now, the main hall adjoining the hangar where the Shadowhawk majestically stood, is filled with rows of seated crew and staff of STRATOS, grouped according to their roles and responsibilities. Seated right in front are Professor Bennett, Dr. Harper, David, and the seven-member task force. On the stage stood the Defense Secretary at the podium, while his distinguished panel from the defense and private industries sat in a row behind him, facing the audience below.

Of course, we can't have such an important occasion without a stirring speech by the Defense Secretary who is the initiator of this project. Here's his beginning address:

Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow comrades, and distinguished guests. Today we are gathered here to witness and celebrate the inauguration of STRATOS, a pivotal milestone in our nation’s fight against terrorism to ensure the security of our homeland and the safety of our citizens. All of you present in this hall is a testimony to an unswerving commitment to preserve the peace and freedom of this country from security breaches and threats, be it domestic or foreign.

And here's the ending part:

Now, the moment we’re all waiting for: By the authority vested in me, I now declare STRATOS fully operational!

Thunderous applause and whistles filled the main hall, as the Defense Secretary stepped off from the podium and shook hands with his distinguished panel.

I've included a guided tour of the Omega Base to give the Defense Secretary and his entourage (actually it's for the reader) a better picture of its overall setup and capabilities. You can expect much, much more details than what has been suggested in my previous posts.

The efforts expended on this chapter is significant, but it's definitely worth every bit of it.