[Spaceships] [High-Tech] [Action] Cydonia Or Bust, TL8

[johndallman]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

Notably, I'm not specifying why the team has to enter the complex. A capture is a good one, but sufficient hardening against an external explosion might be another reason.

You also seem to be assuming that Earth has quite detailed information about the target, enough to plan a special-ops mission. Explaining how that information was obtained and what the opposition is expected to be would help, given that the stakes are so high.

[RyanW]

Originally Posted by johndallman

You also seem to be assuming that Earth has quite detailed information about the target, enough to plan a special-ops mission. Explaining how that information was obtained and what the opposition is expected to be would help, given that the stakes are so high.

You could explain much of it together. A traitor from the Martian base could:

A) give them the intel they need to plan the mission
B) give them the craft they need to get there
C) explain why they need to enter the facility (to get the alien tech in so he can shut down the Earth Blower-Upper Machine)

If you absolutely need a big mission, it could be cover for the launch of the alien ship. He crashed to Earth after the aliens thought they had destroyed his craft. If they just relaunch, they'll be spotted and will have no hope of surprise. Launch at the same time as the public mission to Mars, and you can get there several months before the aliens expect an unarmed group of scientists and test pilots.