Chapter 3

Zero: “It's all falling into place, thanks to the materials you've been adding into the exchange, Kai”

There's crackling from one corner of the room, a radio is positioned on a shelf next to a pistol on its display rack, the transmission forcing through. The light bellowing of laughter could be heard from Kai as Zero steps around the table to overlook the map that's sprawled out across the wood. The Commander hovered over the desk as he pushed forward a chess piece with his fingers, positioning them along the map to the Trainline.

Zero: “Checkmate” he mutters to himself, a smirk developing as he hits the train piece, knocking it over.

Kai: “I’ve been working on a new communication device.

When I pick up the Cadets, I’ll add it onto the next trip back. It should pick up Liberty’s satellites”

Zero: “You should have gotten it to me sooner.

Could have done with it, rather than deciphering this aged piece of shit”

Walking over, he knocks his fist against the radio once it starts to static before pulling back the signal.

Kai: “I’ve got other plans for your devices. I’m sure with Liberty’s tech batches for your food produce, you’ll be able to start creating something more useful and put them in motion.

Are the Cadets up for the task?”

A stern look is held on Zeros face, his jaw clenching as he edged his fingers around the bottom end of the desk,fingernails biting the wood.

Zero: “You think I lack the ability to inspire my Cadets? Do you really doubt me so much?”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

There’s a pause, a moment of silence between them as Zero crosses the desk to the other side, a few framed photographs standing by the edge of the map, all covering articles from the city's split.

Kai: “I’m not saying that Zero, you’re one of my oldest friends.

My life is on the line here, as much as everyone else's.

Zero: “I don’t want you to sacrifice yourself, but I might need you to. We BOTH might need to”

Kai: “I’d give my life for this mission to succeed, even if that ends in bloodshed, our successors will rebuild”

Zero sighs, his composure relaxing.

Zero: “Not all Great Wars should be filled with bloodshed, but the type of war we are going into has already marked its path.

Crimson coats the earth before our boots took imprint on it”

Leaning against the desk, he lets out a heavy breath - the weight of his words still holding on his shoulders.

Kai: “For this rebellion to be fruitful, we must aid alliances in Liberty. Get them to fight for our cause. There’s small hints of a rebellion forming, I’m forging them together. The cargotec the Emperor has been sending will be his undoing.”

Zero: “There was no need to improve on Tyranny, but it’s proven useful in other areas of R&D. If you avoid conflict to keep the peace, the war will never end”

Walking over to the window, Zero overlooks the fields, the Cadets that are in training moving about an obstacle course that has been set out by their Section Commanders - a few in the back are practising with batons. Hearing footsteps from the doorway he turns his attention towards the Captain.

Captain Kita: “Commander, the next cargo batch has arrived”

Zero: “Send a group to collect it, Kita. We must keep planning ahead”

The Captain salutes before leaving.

Kai: “I’ll be in contact in Five days. See you then Commander”

There’s radio silence, leaving Zero with his thoughts.

Zero: “There was once a paradise that had everyone on level ground.”

Zero reflects whilst looking over the map, his fingers finding the King Chess piece.

Zero: “History will see that paradise return.

They won't clip our wings. We will soar to the top and bring peace”

Resting the King Chess on the map, he leaves.