We took Aurora 2 weeks after I assumed command of C&C. Honestly, it was not too difficult, as the seeds were already all there. The C&C originally traded in combat slaves. So they could offer perfect obedient units to help control the attack. The populace was still hurting from the recent attack, and the government was corrupt enough to be visible to the naked eye.

You may wonder if the security guards who shot upon the populace were really security guards. They weren't. But we needed to set the populace off.

That being said, self obviously it won't be long until Irota sends a force to suppress us. Most likely it is already en-route in fact. I managed to delay it through C&C contacts in Irota for a few days, but even that has its limits.

For the time being I used my… “Blank” persona to set a temporary government in motion, it took a few days, but for now Aurora is stable. In fact most of the system has not changed, the Commission Hub still operates. As do the other “group” facilities, but they are no longer controlled by their original “Groups”. ...Most likely this would all crumble in a few weeks, but I aim to find a solution by then.

“Solution to Alicia’s issue, or to the Arcology crumbling?”

Whichever is easier to achieve in time.

That being said, the populace itself is surprisingly easy to manage. This is because the current education system is too job-oriented. Parents teach children basic calculus and how to read, and then depending on the job you seek you apply to be taught by one of the “Groups”.

End result? No history education beyond the basics. The tight grip that the groups hold on the news also makes for another weakness.

No understanding of advanced propaganda.

As such using the advertisement boards and other news-outlets, it is easy to make them feel that they are a part of something grand.

Just to be sure though, I have implemented a basic care system for the people who lost family to Neuro’s invasion and opened access to credits to non-Group members. Greatly easing the lives of the civilians.

As a result ‘the Faceless’ have garnered a very good public regard. One of the main changes to the old system was in fact that the Arcology security was abolished and is now replaced with my people. With many civilians seeking to apply to join. As such, I say we are off to a good start.

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“I wonder how they would feel if they knew that behind the masks were only slaves and slavers”

...I care not to find out.

With Aurora under my control, It is time to shift my focus to the inevitable response from Ìrota.

“Get me the map of the local areas” I told my assistant.

“...Yes.”

She came back soon carrying the correct document

“...Brought file… Here…” she said. Yes. She is Marionette. She has made great strides in the last few weeks as you can see.

“Thanks.” I told her, patting her head lightly. Despite her expressionless, stoic nature this seems to always bring a faint smile on her face.

"...Cute"

Shifting my focus from Marionette to the file, I continue planning.

The coming days will not be any easier.

For the time being, I have been confiscating as much of the corporate owned hardware as I can but I don't know how much of it can be made ready before the enemy arrives.

As such I am forced to turn my eyes to seeking tactical advantage.

With determination, I continue planning the path to my goal.

*Pov: Tolstoj*

So much has happened in the last month.

First that little kid Alicia was shot, then Boss disappeared.

Then the Arcology rebelled and masked people took charge.

At first we were afraid that Boss died during the rebellion, but then he contacted us.

...The person who took the Arcology was boss…

...Where the fuck did he get such an army?...

...There are so many  questions… but at least we now know why this rebellion is happening, it is too obvious.

...Boss is finally taking his rightful place as the leader of the Arcology, for the good of the people. What happened to Alicia must be what triggered it.

Understanding the revolution that was upon us. We too applied to join the ‘Faceless’ that Boss had formed.

From the way they carried themselves it was obvious they were well trained, they were quiet and at the same time, exuding an aura of authority.

I wonder, how harsh will the training be, for us to reach the same level.

*Pov: Tibbles*

…

*misses alicia*

….o.o

…*Nibbles on a peanut*

…..

*still misses Alicia*

*sad squirrel*

…*Snifle*