Every day was the same for Randy. Miles away from Kukui university, he was completing his daily commute to work - boredom eating away at his head. North Dakota is one of the more sparsely populated states - with Ramsey county - near Devil’s Lake - being one of its more populated areas.
For Randy, it was a day like no other as he arrived at the Sheriff's office. He put his uniform on, loaded his firearm, checked the office itself - really just busy work.
It only took fifteen minutes for the unmarked federal vehicles to show up, and throw Randy’s day on its head. Randy’s curiosity got the better of him, forcing him to take the initiative and walk outside to investigate what it was that was going on. They were met by the station’s dispatchers, already sitting outside.
Randy swallowed hard, turning to the closest dispatcher, “What exactly’s going on?”
The woman shrugged, “These… G-men arrived talking about how they had to speak with the Sheriff right this instant.” She sighed, “Told us that all comms had to be taken down too.”
As if summoned, the ‘G-men’ in question came out of the building behind them. They ignored him entirely, but he was sure he had checked the entire office.
The Sheriff, who still stood in the door, coughed, catching their attention.
“That’s a wrap for today troops, we’re all off duty for the day - Y’all can go home.”
"Huh? What’s going on, Sheriff.” One of the dispatchers asked.
The Sheriff gave them all a stern look.
“Those gentlemen that I spoke to are all from Homeland Security. All you need to know is that ‘Oxe-Wing’ Is in the area, and that we’re not to take ANY call. So for your own, and my, safety, you’re all off duty.” The Sheriff paused for a moment, “Do I make myself clear?”
The Sheriff was met by quick, worried nods. No matter who you were, if you worked in any form of law enforcement, civil service, or governmental position - you knew who Oxe-Wing were. The Code name for the top most, special and confidential agency within the entirety of the Department of Homeland Security.
They knew that it would be smarter, in fact, to just forget today ever happened.
Because ‘Oxe-Wing’ Is the code phrase used by the United States of America, for OverWatch.
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
Ace was quite familiar with Kukui, he did pose as a student during the days of Kukui Academy, and remembers leaving a day before homecoming [https://img.wattpad.com/c33c2ae0ca2eed502853d2c06e0cfec49954ab27/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f3064566f63434c4f39326e734d413d3d2d313032353631393033352e313636333561623932346262363962393739373232333339313935302e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
Ace had always been intimately familiar with the Kukui Educational Institutions, having posed as a student at the former Academy. Homecoming was a memory that he held fondly in his very cold heart. Nobody knows for sure why Ace was there - not even the boy's father.
Returning therefore, was somewhat nostalgic. Something that Ace chuckled to himself about, finding it ironic in the face of his indifference.
Dawn rose on bitter spring air - a slimy film like mist ate away at the landscape around them. Ace could barely make out the shape of the University from afar.
Standing beside him were the rest of his party; Death, Jerimiah, and Aaron - joined by an older man, who’s greying white hair and cane forced a sense of authority. He had just joined them, having just left the small home behind them.
The old man gave Ace a stern, if not hostile, look. “So we meet again Ace.”
His voice was cold, distasteful. He had only just joined them, but it seemed that today would be interesting indeed.
Ace gave him a limp smile, disinterested. “Headmaster Kukui.” A tilt of his head, “How delightful to see you after all these very many years.”
With disbelief written across his features, Aaron turned towards Ace - giving him a scornful look, before softening. “You know this old man?”
“I’ll humour you some other time Aaron - it’s a rather lengthy tale that I don’t belieeeeeeve we have time for, you see. Far too convoluted for laymans terms.”
Xepheniah, the old man, grumbled. “If only you’d have been able to produce such concise denials when you still attended my High School - I would have given you five points for that alone. Literature was never your strongest subject.”
“Only… Only five points?” Death sighed - clearly quietly disappointed. Ace simply shrugged at him, characteristically indifferent.
Xepheniah turned to the Director - who cleared his throat before speaking.
“You’re the headmaster I assume?”
It was Death that answered, however, “Yes… this is him.”
Jeremiah glanced at the jeep parked just off to their right hand side - beside the house - curious, he asked, “Why is it that you asked us to meet you here? And why alone?”
“I’d usually only attend such meetings with my custodian. He’s unfortunately preoccupied with a very important errand.”
“The same errand that Cassian spoke to us about?” Aaron asked, forcing his way back into the conversation.
The old man nodded, “Yes.” He changed the subject almost immediately, “Takashi told me that your ‘Initiative’ needed a base of operations. Has he informed you of our catacombs?”
“He told us very little. He said it’ll be enough to house our entire army, with room for growth.” Jermiah said with crossed arms.
“Hmm… Well, from what I could tell - during inspections ‘n’ what not - is that over the last three years the caverns have somehow grown an exponential amount. There’s one large central chamber, at least I assume that it’s the centre. My inspection crew dubbed it the ‘Marble Camp’.”
Xepheniah produced what appeared to me mapping of the caverns done maybe three months ago, “It’s obviously incomplete, you’ll never be able to map the entire thing - but it should serve, no?”
Jeremiah peered at the maps with rabid astonishment. The sheer size of the networks… Even Ace seemed to be impressed, his eyes wide as he gazed over the director's shoulder.
“This will be more than suitable Mr. Kukui, I can’t thank you enough.”
Jeremiah made quick notes over the paper before handing it off to Aaron.
The Director stretched out his hand, but as Xepheniah was about to take it, Aaron cut in - his tone urgent.
"Sir! We have a problem."
Ace sighed to himself.
“We’ve been sent an urgent call over localised radio sir, Filianore and our scout teams have confirmed unmarked APC’s and Helicopters have begun to surround the university. Takashi and Aurora are on standby already - I have no Idea where Nox is, he doesn’t carry comms with him. Famine has already radio’d The Novice fleet - they’re standing by and ready to engage.”
Jeremiah turned to Death.
"Get a hold of War, and rendezvous with Pestilence and Famine!"
"As you wish." Death said, as he vanished into smoke, leaving nought but feathers behind.
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
Planet: 0001-C
Location: Capital City, Nexus Embla
Time: [REDACTED] - Approx. 150 hours PRE-Raid.
The Conference room had become an overly familiar space for The Earth Inquisition team. Booming with chat from many Naval, OWISCB, and Military officers alike - it had only been a day since Administrator X had officially announced that a second raid was to take place on his most beloved planet. Marude, yet again, had been given the opportunity to take this mission by the horns, and hopefully lead it onto victory. As an added insurance, The Administrator had mandated that the operation be carried out in part by the OWISCB. Thus the need for the specialised training the week before. There was no time to prepare, and even less time to carry out the operation - although the suppression of the insurrection had become the number one priority of the Sector C’s Joint Staff.
Kenya and Tobias entered the conference room for the third time in the former’s career. Three times too many, as far as Kenya was concerned.
“I hate this room so much,” Kenya groused, “surely they could have moved the meeting location to somewhere newer.”
Tobias grumbled in agreement before saying, “This is all far too hasty. It’s not even been a month since Resquis elimination, and they already want to attack a second target? It all feels so…”
“Desperate. I know.” Kenya finished. “Those lofty bureaucrats don’t give a fuck. It’s all about healing their reputation - that’s our life lesson for today.”
Kenya’s partner sighed, a resigned - defeated - look on his face.
Tobias, for the third time now, took a chance to look around the room - marking the faces of any officers that he hadn’t seen in the previous raid.
Maybe it’ll give me some idea of what we’re up against, he thought - amused somewhat at the prospect.
The entire room was a sea of black uniforms, the signature garb of the Naval command and Intelligence cores. Although they were only a black variant of the standard grey uniform, the black uniforms that officers like Naofa wore were often a sign of their more… covert status. A subtle sign of elitism, among the branches.
Tobias began to sweat.
Most of the officers in here gave off an air of intimidation that had the palms of his hands sweaty. He was only a marine - but these people would have to be some of the most elite fighting men and women in any branch of the military. Even working so closely to Kenya and Naofa didn’t numb him to the shock of seeing their faces.
Before reaching their table, they stopped by Mesa Squad’s table, where Tobias was surprised to see Rank Three Agent Zach sitting among them.
“Hey fellas!” Zach exclaimed cheerfully as they both locked their eyes on him.
Kenya smiled to himself, before asking, “Agent Zach? You’re gonna participate in this operation? After what you did to Marude’s car back in Resquis?”
“Ah yeah, you won’t believe how much it sucks. Rei apparently made a compromise or whatever with Mr. Marude, where all my future paychecks will go to this debt I have instead of getting court martialed, or something like that.” Zach grumbled, seemingly not understanding the severity of his consequences, as obvious to General Rei - who sat in front of Zach with his lieutenant, Raikan - laid his hand on his forehead as if he had a headache. Kenya and Tobias continued on down to their table, the latter scanning the room for more familiar faces.
He did recognise a fair few of them from the training camp. Although two men stood out in particular. Both stood by a front row table, chatting idly. One, a middle aged man with slim eyes, black hair, a pair of thin rimmed glasses and a lithe build - the other, slightly younger. With a pair of hard eyes framed by bushy eyebrows, and short brown hair - his nose took centre stage, much to Tobias’ amusement. The bags under his eyes made him seem infinitely older.
[https://img.wattpad.com/2728bf7769496710b0eca29a13207811f3978d5a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7646456c4a5a6d5863654b6e4a773d3d2d313032353631393033352e313636333561636337633736613332663835333231333035303835322e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Tobias subtly nudged Kenya, nodding in their direction, “Assistant Special Class Agent Kaji Chino - the ISCB Instructor from the camp.” He glanced at the younger man, “His partner, First Class Agent Atan Tainaka - he’s the guy that kicked Naofa’s ass during the Special Combat’s displays.”
Kenya hummed to himself at the information. The noise full of absent interest.
Tobias continued, “They’re almost a more famous pair than you and Naofa to be honest. They’ve got the highest execution count for space pirates, did you know that?”
Kenya grimaced, "Pirate Hunters. They really are getting desperate if they’re pulling in the centre-core servicemen.”
Tobias thought of a reply, but a familiar earthy voice grabbed their attention before he could speak it aloud.
“Ohhh kennykennykenny if only you’d’ve been paying attention to our investigation! Evidence suggests that the refugees we’ve been chasing were moved aroundddddd by methods that we had said were linked to the pirate rings.”
Kenya could now see Naofa, who’s blonde hair cut through the sea of black like a beacon in the night - sat closely to her right was Jock.
Stolen novel; please report.
Kenya sighed, “Of Course - It was probably in the one report that I decided not to read.”
Naofa mumbled under her breath, “Actually I read most of them to you.”
“What?”
“Nothing!” Naofa beamed, smiling so hard her eyes closed.
Both men took their accustomed seats across from the pair, Tobias throwing troubled glances at Naofa’s… reattached arm. He nudged Kenya with an elbow, nodding his head towards the girl. Kenya raised an eyebrow, before speaking.
“So… are you gonna explain how it is that you can still use that arm after like… detaching it? Cutting it off?” His tone was blunt, almost purely curious.
It was Jocks turn to mutter this time, as he said - “I told her that it was way too early for her to be back in active duty, but no, she says ‘Sera’ll handle it I’ll be fine.’”
Naofa shot him an annoyed glare.
“My duty is far more important! My arm could be dangling off a thread’n’I still would have insisted that I be reinstated.” Fox rolled his eyes behind her, but Naofa pressed on, “My Alien physiology is far more compatible with Sera’s magic than the majority of the army's denizens, so it was easier for her to reestablish the connections between my arm and my body - it’s that simple. It’ll be tender for a few weeks but I’ve dealt with injuries farrrrr more harrowing.”
Naofa finished, and the room grew silent.
Admiral Marude, Kirsk, and Matthew had entered the room. All three sitting behind their usual panel, elevated towards the front of the room. Much to Naofa’s chagrin, considering the fact that she’d lost an argument about this last night, it always felt like some kind of pseudo press conference when they did things like this.
Marude coughed into a closed fist, before saying.
“Alright folks - let’s be real. Operation Resquis Elimination was a complete and utter failure; One that I’ve taken full responsibility for, thankfully for you. I’ve assured our most esteemed Administrator that this failure will not be repeated, no matter the circumstances.”
“Our response to this… ehm… failure.. Had many governors and commissars within both chambers of the senate calling our competency and power into question - something that we believe is most unacceptable. So it is our duty, not only as military personnel, but as people - to rectify this issue. We need to display our absolute strength, and crush these rebels where they lay!”
The room muttered their agreement, Naofa casting a shadowed eye roll towards Kenya - who shared in her sentiment. They hadn’t failed at all, but of course the blame had been placed on everyone.
“Herein lies our next mission. Our target is Kukui university - if you remember the location from First Class Agents Naofa’s initial investigations. Unlike Resquis, this school is not a front, and serves as a legislated educational institution - but do not be fooled! Among these students are Resistance sympathisers and criminal refugees! I hereby name this operation: KU-TAKEDOWN.” Marude spoke, spittle flying from his lip.
[https://img.wattpad.com/05baaf68f604a590a5dbe3bcfe812c10b1d86242/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6658476e7962765765625f666e773d3d2d313032353631393033352e3136363335616266363965636338303738333338313232393530302e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
For the next three hours, Marude laid out every detail and intricacy of his plan; the job was simple enough to follow. This raid was to be more ‘formal’, with less ground combat. They weren’t expecting any real resistance or defences. At least for the most part. There was a margin for error, in that regard. While they didn’t think the school itself would be particularly well defended, they were accounting for the possibility that the Resistance would show up - it was incredibly likely that they would, especially if they caught wind of the raid - or for whatever reason were already there. The only thing they couldn’t account for, was Equinox, so they didn’t bother trying to plan for him.
Although it was fairly obvious, the underlying issue wasn’t the fact that they particularly needed to raid one school. No, this was for the 5th army's dignity. It was a show of power, and nothing more. Naofa and Kenya, as well as Rei, were keenly aware of this fact - and to a degree, they agreed with the sentiment that allowing the Resistance to get away was in some way a failure on their part.
Rei though… he was disturbed, perhaps, by the prospect of being forced to ‘murder’ ‘innocent’ people. Resquis was soldiers and active combatants - people that had walked into that situation knowing that they were putting their lives on the line.
Rei had a job to do. That was his prime directive.
He would see that the job was done.
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
[https://img.wattpad.com/cd32a24b713adaed024fc1c8fc22ca27142cd647/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f74694d42327158345551504346413d3d2d313032353631393033352e313636333561643333383835613133383437323630383534383932362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
It didn’t take long for the students to be rounded up by the unmarked soldiers that stormed the campus. The entire school was a mess of fear and confusion, every question asked met with a violent, often deadly reply.
Famine, who viewed the occupation from afar, scoffed. He could see their equipment through the binoculars that he was using.
“M4 Carbine Rifles, Beretta pistols, god even Combat Knives.” He said, lowering his binoculars. “They’re cosplaying as the United States Infantry to disguise themselves. The students won’t know to fight back before it’s too late.”
Pestilence sighed.
“Wouldn’t be the first time either. We caught wind of an Earth-Bound OverWatch cell called seal team nine, or something else equally stupid.” He chortled, “They were eventually merged into a secret division in the Department of Homeland Security called ‘Oxe-Wing’ post 9/11. Just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their influence.”
"Spare me." Famine chided, as he then went back to looking through his binoculars.
“Nox save me from stupidly named extraterrestrial influences.” Pestilence said, earning a disapproving glare from his comrade.
Takashi, Aurora, and Filianore, had all taken up defensive positions the moment that Filianore had sighted them on approach. It was Filianore’s idea that her sister and Takashi band together for the moment while she takes up a position on top of one of the two large towers that flank the university's roof. Their father had already left, flying away at top speeds for point nemo - where Aurora’s ‘weapons’ were being held. It was almost immediately after they had left the roof that Overwatch had landed on it, abducting most of the administration. Takashi would abide by his Oath. He would protect this place no matter what, no matter who he had to slaughter.
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
On the roof, Fish stepped out of a helicopter, clad in the uniform adorned by the US military. It didn’t take them long to make their way into the dean's office, speaking over the intercom.
“Emergency,” he said, “Emergency. This is Colonel Fisk of the 68th Troops, Commander within the National Guard - we are here on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security. This university is on lockdown for the foreseeable future, as we search for members connected to a terrorist organisation. If you believe yourself to be innocent, follow our orders - comply with my troops. You can trust us, we are here to protect you.”
Marude, observing the raid from his flagship - “Ow-N Wuin” - sighed happily to himself. He was to watch the fighting comfortably from his bridge.
Matthew laid out the plans on the holographic table in front of them.
“Report just came in - our units have successfully infiltrated the building.” He said. “They’re now setting up our AC and Facial Recognition scanners as we speak.”
He swiped along to a live feed image of the second and third floors being packed with students and staff.
“As soon as the scanners are up, tell them to get started. Any hits are to be terminated. Immediately.” Marude ordered, Matthew relaying it over comms. “They’re not gonna slip by me this time. I’ll kill EACH AND EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM DAMNIT!”
Farther away from the school, within a camp set up by the Resistance some distance from the campus, Pestilence said - “You hear that?”
Famine, meddling with a laptop, grunted his confirmation, “Loud’n’clear. They're here to round up our sympathisers and refugees.”
Pestilence sighed, “We can’t sit here forever, we have to go do something!”
“Look. We’re outnumbered in terms of manpower, we’ll HAVE to wait until the Novice Fleet is in…” He paused. His eyes narrowed. “Wait… This is stratospheric feedback.”
"Huh?”
“Hand me those binoculars!” Famine said, scrambling to his feet. He stared up towards the sky.
He sighed once more - handing them to his friend.
“They came with a whole fleet… not just the ships from the nearby site… Novice’ll be getting into a battle they aren’t prepared for. What’s their ETA?” Pestilence asked.
“Ten minutes… I’ll see if I can get a ping out - tell Jeremiah and Death.” Famine ran off, Pestilence following suit.
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
Xepheniah’s Jeep drove at full speed towards the campus, tossing and turning over rocks and uneven ground. Ace rested soundly, somehow, much to Aarons eternal Annoyance. The boy was having trouble keeping himself upright. Jeremiah spoke, only one thing on his mind.
“During the raid on Resquis - I had Death reach out to various different other worldly beings. He managed to get ahold of Cassian, and through him we were able to get ahold of Nox and Takashi. We did also… try to contact someone else, who we think you might know.”
"Hm..? Who might that be?” The headmaster asked.
“He’s apparently the university's assistant custodian. Or at least Death claimed him to be so.” Jerimiah said, his body shaking from the vibrations beneath him. “Cassian thought he might have seen him during the Raid, but we couldn’t find him afterwards.”
Xepheniah’s face grew hard, uncomfortable. Jeremiah surmised that he probably knew who he was talking about, but didn’t want to reveal too much. “I don’t know much about his past - he usually doesn’t speak much of it. It was Cassian in fact, that initially introduced us, as a former associate of my previous caretaker.”
"What’s he doing now? The last I had heard Cass had gone to speak to him on our behalf.”
“They’re away on an outing, I think. It’ll supposedly be very beneficial for your cause.”
Xepheniah’s cryptic reply annoyed Jerimiah to no end, forcing a sigh from his lips.
Jeremiah ruminated over the fact that if this being decided to join them, it very well could be a good step in the right direction.
Xepheniah pressed his left foot against the clutch with seemingly all his physical might, shifting into sixth gear once they got onto U.S. Route 2… before speeding past a black unmarked SUV.
Which immediately picked up after them.
Aaron groaned, “WE’VE GOT COMPANY!”
Xepheniah looked backwards through the mirror, his eyes catching the rooftop hatch of the SUV opening.
An Overwatch soldier cocked his rifle, and opened fire.
“GET DOWN!” He roared, bullets wizzing and flying past his face, his hair. They penetrated their Jeep, miraculously missing a sleeping Ace, who simply rolled over at the commotion.
“These mother fuckers…” Aaron muttered.
Xepheniah, looking up to gauge the road in front of him, was met by the grim sight of a helicopter circling overhead.
It spun, revealing an open side door - and a man with an RPG.
Xepheniah swore, “They’ve got bigger guns! Hold on!”
The older man took his right hand off of the wheel. Jeremiah watched as the veins and skin shifted and undulated, blue pigment creeping from his fingertips down his arm like a running infection. The air grew cold, so cold that the jeep’s windows began to frost over.
SKOOSH
Aaron turned around to see that the SUV behind them had collapsed in on itself, a layer of thick permafrost coating the now inert ball of metal. He shook off his hand, placing it back on the wheel - before raising the other one.
Reality began to shimmer and warp around his now raised hand. Shapes of all sorts, Apeirogons, Monogons, Nonagons, began to drift in and out of existence - each one aethereal in nature.
The Helicopter began to spiral, the man with the rocket launcher falling out of the side before he was able to fire his shot.
Xepheniah threw his hand towards the ground. The Helicopter followed suit in a fiery explosion of shrapnel and debris.
He placed his hand back on the wheel, casting a sidelong glance at Jeremiah’s agape face.
“Nobody told me you had powers.”
“Some things are better kept hidden. They’re ancient, once highly sought after.”
Aaron brushed the glass from his shoulders - calmly retaking his seat after that display of power.
A pair of scout troopers, silently watching the battle unfold, picked up his radio and spoke.
“Commander Fish - I think we’re soon to have more problems.”
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
The lobby was filled with technicians and soldiers working with the scanner that spanned from one end of the main hall to the other [https://img.wattpad.com/091af693d9bdb3c1eae07d2a9272510839edebbc/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f753375364d416571726343544d413d3d2d313032353631393033352e313636333561646361323137613262363438383133393236373037382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
[https://i.imgur.com/mA3AY5I.png]
The lobby was packed with technicians and soldiers working at a breakneck pace on the scanners that spanned from one end of the hall to the other. Students and teachers alike huddled together, the room had begun to reek of the panic that they permeated into the air. Kenya had overseen their construction - Fish speaking to Tobias over comms.
“This tech was developed by the OverWatch Galactic Research Organization’s Biotech department. It does a forensic scan of the body’s DNA - and quickly matches it to any of our known records. Both here on Earth and galactically. It’s virtually impossible to hide from. If anyone gets hit with an ID, they’ll be marked for further processing.” Tobias explained to Kenya - who nodded before waving his hand forward.
“Let’s begin.” He said. Troops from the second floor began to push the crowd into lines, walking them through the scanners. Their guns were raised as insurance.
Tobias spoke into a loudspeaker, his visor above his head, having stepped away from the monitors where Kenya stood. “Walk in a CALM and ORDERLY fashion. Any break of formation will be met with a physical correction! For your own safety, and the safety of those around you, comply!”
Kenya, observing from behind the monitors, frowned deeply. He was quick to analyse the camera feeds facial recognition and forensic scanning; Many of these people were just that… people.
Then, a hit.
A woman labelled in the OverWatch banks as a ‘Criminal Fugitive.’
“That’s our first hit,” he said, his tone cold, “You’re up Fox.”
“Copy that.”
Fox gestured to his men, walking towards the lobby. They grabbed the woman, who squirmed against them to no avail.
Lieutenant Grant lifted his visor.
“You’re coming with us for further processing.”
The woman spat on him, her face contorted with rage. “You are a puppet. You will never know freedom.”
Grant grabbed her by the back of the head, dragging her away. Fish had ordered that any suspects be placed into ‘Group B’, and anyone innocent were to be sent to ‘Group A’ down in the mess hall.
The mess hall was quickly packed.
The rage of the student body, and their teachers, was growing and growing.
“What the fuck are you even here for! Nobody here is a member of any conspiracy! We deserve to know more than that!” One yelled.
“This is unconstitutional!” Another yelled, a full blown argument developing.
“KEEP CAAAAAAALM!” A sergeant yelled, through a loud speaker.
It did nothing.
Fox sprayed an entire magazine into the ceiling, drawing silence from the room.
“I want everyone to shut the fuck up and Remain CALM.” He roared. “If I hear anyone asking any more FUCKING questions, you’ll be brought up for further processing!”
The 5th army had severed all outside communication, including internet access and telecommunication devices. Everyone trying to dial 911, was met by the dial tone.
It became clear that these people masquerading as ‘Homeland Security’ were much, much more.
Group B filled up with about forty people, thirtysix of which posing as students, two were janitors, and two were groundskeepers. The remaining students couldn’t even fit into the mess hall anymore, most being sent instead to the student lounge.
As Fish relayed the situation to Marude, he gave them the greenlight to commence the final phase of their operation.
Fox marched his men and Group B outside of the building.
A stiff, chilling, breeze ate away at their senses, their minds, their bodies.
They were sat down on their knees, in front of a small pond.
Kenya and Rei, watching from their respective positions, one at the front of the building the other on the roof, unknowingly shared a troubled expression.
Grant looked to Fox, his captain shot him a grizzly smile.
These people knew they were going to die. They knew that this would be the end for them. So they prayed.
They prayed that someone, something, ANYTHING, would come and save them. They were met by vicious silence.
Fox's smile deepened as he shouted, “FIRE!”
A wall of rippling earthen adamantine, interlaced with bone.
Terrible ancient magic, and a killer's intent.