Chapter 55: New Allies

After the mission was completed, the three UNDF teams returned to the UNDF headquarters to report their mission results to Steele. On the way to the debriefing room, Tom and the others noticed the other UNDF soldiers stopped in their presence and, with a look of reverence, saluted them. When the three teams entered the debriefing room, they saw Steele speaking with several Intelligence agents.

Tom's, Garza's and Azikiwe's teams stood at attention until Steele finished his conversation with the agents. Steele handed them a folder and then said to the three squads, "At ease. We all saw on television what happened. You all did an incredible job."

"Wendigo got away, sir," Tom said.

"We had zero Intelligence on Wendigo's capabilities. Despite that, you all managed to take him on and and chased him off with zero casualties. You all should be proud of yourselves. Now that second creature that appeared... Was that Mordiggian?"

"It was," Tom replied.

"Really put things in perspective of what we're up."

"I'm afraid things are worse than what we originally thought. My team used our Identify skill on the two. We learned that they were not Demons. They are a part of a race called The Old Ones."

"Old Ones? What's that?"

"We don't know," Sylmae replied. "Their Status screen was filled with error messages. We couldn't even read what the Old Ones race was in the descriptor screen."

"And none of you have ever heard of Old Ones?" Steele asked the Xothicans.

"No, never," Tala replied. "I have read many books and there was never any mention of a race known as the Old Ones."

Steele turned to Tom and asked, "Everett have you asked..." He briefly looked at the agents to his side. "Have you asked the Sage?"

"I have not had the opportunity yet, but I will, sir."

"You all may leave," Steele said to the agents by his side.

The Intelligence agents left the room without a word. Steele pinched the bridge of his nose and quietly sighed.

"People are already asking questions. Wendigo loudly proclaimed you four Elementals," Steele said while gesturing to the Xothicans. "Many are wondering what he was talking about."

"We could just say he was a crazy monster talking nonsense," Vivian suggested. "The world doesn't need to know every truth."

"At least... not yet," Reia added.

Steele nodded. "Not yet for the public at least. We'll take care of things. Good job, everyone."

"Thank you, sir," Garza said.

"Not just a good job. In the past several months, all of you have served above and beyond your call of duty. The UNDF has finally finalized our merit and decoration system. You all will not only receive the first medals for any UNDF member, but you all will be receiving our highest distinction. The Star of Honour."

"Th-Thank you, sir," Garza said while nearly choking on her words.

"To be truthful, after saving the world from nuclear disaster, an Illuminati-style organization, and America from a Manchurian candidate, this medal doesn't even come close to recognizing your accomplishments."

"We really appreciate it, sir," Sylmae said.

"That will be all. I want each of you to take some leave. You all deserve some after what has happened this week. We'll call for you when we need you."

"Thank you, sir," Azikiwe said.

"Everett, do you think you can give each of us a lift back home?" Sam asked.

"No problem," Tom replied.

"Tom, I need your team to stay behind for a moment before you head out."

The other two teams walked out of the room and an Indian man walked into the room after.

"Tom, I want you to meet Aditya Patel," Steele said.

"It is an honour to meet you all," Patel said as he shook everyone's hands.

"Likewise," Tom replied as they shook hands.

"Patel, here will be your lawyer and representative," Steele explained.

"Lawyer?" Reia muttered.

"Did Tom do something wrong?" Tala asked out of worry.

"Oh, no, no," Patel replied. "The exact opposite, actually. Due to extreme negligence on the part of the different news outlets around the world, it nearly resulted in an attempted assassination of you and your companions being kidnapped and enslaved. The UNDF cannot have tabloid journalism affect its activities. My team is still putting together your case but we have compiled quite a large amount of articles and videos of their coverage of you. They can try to delete them, but in the age of the internet, nothing is ever forgotten."

"So you're suing them?" Sylmae asked to clarify.

"Yes, we are."

"Look..." Tom said. "I'm not looking to make a buck on this situation. I have money."

"This is about protecting your image and the image of the UNDF," Patel assured him.

"I know. Which is why I'd like to suggest this. Go through with the process. Chances are, these outlets will look to settle this before going to court. If it's reasonable, go for it and put the money towards a fund or an organization that is dedicated towards helping people affect by the merger and one to help Xothicans integrate into Human civilization."

"We can do that," Patel said. "Probably would help improve the UNDF's image and yours."

"That's very kind of you, Tom," Reia said.

"Others need that money more than I do," Tom said. His head jerked back as he thought of something. "Oh, and have, as part of the settlement, a redaction. Not some Editorial article that no one will see, but a front page 'We fucked up' article."

"Understood," Patel said. "We'll get to work on this."

"Anything else, Commander?" Vivian asked.

"That is all," Steele said. "Please enjoy your time off. Maybe check in in a couple of days just to get an update of current events."

"We really need to find a way for me to keep in touch without revealing my safehouse," Tom muttered.

VVVVVV

After dropping the other soldiers off at their homes, Tom's group returned to their island. They teleported next to Amber the tree. The sun was setting over the horizon which turned the sky into a fiery orange colour.

"Goddess, this place is great," Vivian said as she gazed towards the horizon.

"We're on vacation now," Reia declared. "We should party!"

"Hell yes, we should!"

"How about we kick things off with a barbeque out here?" Tom suggested. "Hamburgers and hot dogs."

"Great idea," Sylmae said. "Come on everyone, we should get a shower in and change our clothes. You coming, Tom?"

"I will, but I just want to quickly talk to Kara first."

"Don't take too long," Tala said. "I'm really hungry..."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

The four quickly walked over to their home while Tom stayed near Amber.

"Are you there, Kara?" Tom asked.

Always, Thomas.

"During our fight with Wendigo, I used Identify on him and Mordiggian, who showed up and then left with Wendigo. They weren't Demons. They were something called Old Ones. Do you know what that is?"

I've never heard of something called Old Ones.

"That's disturbing. Also, their Status screen was all messed up. There were error messages all over the place, even in the Old Ones description. I've seen the Status of non-SYSTEM people. They still have stats, they just don't have a level. I also know that if someone is overlevelled, their Stats show up as question marks."

That.. Shouldn't happen. Everyone and everything should be readable by the SYSTEM. I don't know how that's possible.

"Every time I feel like I'm getting a handle on current events, something like this happens."

I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

"It's alright. There is one silver lining to this revelation."

And that is?

"It makes the Demons out to be victims in this conflict. We can use this information to gain sympathy for them."

Heh. Always looking on the bright side. Sorry I couldn't help you in this case.

"It's fine, it's fine."

You should get ready for dinner. I'm sure those girls won't want to wait too long for their food.

"Talk to you later."

Bye, bye.

Tom turned to Amber and placed a hand on her trunk.

"Thank you for the fruit, Amber. Though I'm afraid it might have gone to waste as Wendigo escaped from our fight."

You all came back safe and sound. Amber wouldn't call that a waste. You're all precious to Amber.

"I'm glad you feel that way, Amber."

Amber will always be there to help you in every way she can.

"Thank you, Amber."

You can thank Amber by cooking your food near Amber! Amber wants to smell it.

"Can trees smell?"

Do it! Do it! Do it!

"Alright, alright! Geez!" Tom exclaimed while waving his arms in the air. He walked towards the house. "Just what I need. More women in my life demanding my cooking."

Once Tom left the clearing, the Mother Tree shuddered. The bundle of leaves inside the three spiraled trunks moved and tightened against one. This continued until the separation between them vanished to create a solid shiny, green surface. The object inside the trunks was about a meter across and two meters tall. A faint light glowed inside the leafy sac and then faded away. The sac bulged and stretched several times before it settled.

VVVVVV

The Next Day...

The barbeque party went off without a hitch as the five ate and drank to their hearts' content. Without the worry of a shadowy organization, they were able to get the first comfortable night of sleep they had in a week. While they wanted to continue their vacation, they knew they still had some unfinished business.

As per their agreement, Tom didn't mention the existence of the Icelandic Elves to anyone. With Umbra gone, his team could go back and report it to the Elves and see if they wish to reveal themselves.

The group returned to the entrance way to the Elven city. Even without the moon light, they remembered the place where Sylmae could place her hand to open the door. With it open, they went inside. They continued down the steps until they entered the city.

"And ambush in three... two..." Reia whispered before an arrow landed by her feet. "And there we go."

Like their first visit, the Elves removed their cloaks of invisibility. Dozens of guards filled the area; all armed with bows, staves and swords.

"Do they just wait around for someone to just walk in?" Vivian mused.

"Actually they do," Kassa said as she dropped her cloak. She signaled the guards to lower their weapons by jerking her hand in the air several times. Even after putting their weapons away, the guards still remained tense. "This is one of the main entrances to our colony network so we keep it heavily guarded just in case."

"Elder Kassa!" Tala gasped.

"I came down here as soon as we detected that someone opened the doorway. I was hoping that it was you all. You all actually came back. Does that mean...?"

"Artorius is dead," Sylmae answered. "And Umbra is gone. We also kept our promise. No one knows about your people. Your future is your own."

"What wonderful news!" Kassa said while clasping her hands together. "Please come with me. The other Elders are here and will need to know of your accomplishment. Please follow me."

Kassa was very giddy in her walk as Tom's group followed. They were slightly embarrassed by her chipper demeanour. This time around, since they arrived during the day, more civilians were out and about. They kept a respectable distance from them, but still remained close to sate their curiosity.

The ceiling was bright blue sky with fake clouds that drifted across it. An artificial sun gave light to the entire colony and, for all intents and purposes, almost perfectly imitated the sky.

"This place is incredible," Tala said. "What is that fake sun made from?"

"It's a simple magical device that gives off light when Mana runs through it," Kassa replied. "Like all magical devices, you take a material that is sensitive to Mana. You carve glyphs into the material to allow Mana to flow through it and activate specific functions. In this case, we alter the glyphs twice a day. These glyphs change how much Mana flows through the device. The more Mana that goes through the device, the more intense the light it gives off. During the day, we put a lot of Mana through it to make it a sun. At night, we decrease the Mana to make it a moon."

"Where does the Mana come from? A person? The environment?"

"Oh, definitely the environment. Even if there is less magic on this world than Xoth, it's still here. Probably from our worlds being connected."

They approached the Colony Centre.

"Ever since your arrival, we have been debating non-stop," Kassa explained. "They haven't even had time to go back to their respective colonies. Please." Kassa gestured towards the doorway.

Kassa entered the building with Tom and crew behind her. They heard the Elders loudly argue. When they entered the meeting room, the Elders stopped their argument.

"They actually came back!" Elder Gerag muttered. "Unbelievable."

"Is Artorius dead?" Elder Likass quickly asked.

"Artorius is dead, Umbra has had all its members arrested, and both Excalibur and Clarent were destroyed in the fight with Artorius," Tom answered.

"Then our people have finally repaid our debt to Tep," Elder Yven sighed. "It's finally over. Do you know where he is now?"

"I'm afraid not," Tom replied. "But I'd imagine he'll be back. Someone like that is not likely to stay out of current events."

"I believe that."

"We kept our promise," Tom assured the Elders. "We told the UNDF that we received Clarent from Tep. No one but us know about your civilization. If you wish to remain underground, that is your choice. But you don't have to. Humanity is different than what we were centuries ago. We can coexist and create a future together."

The Elders pondered on Tom's words for a moment before one of them spoke up.

"While you were all gone, we sent out scouts to gather information," Elder Mikal said. "They brought back these."

Mikal tossed several newspapers and magazines onto the table. All of them had different headlines. All of them praising the actions and heroism of Tom's group.

"It seems like it is a different world up there. I never thought I would see the day of Humans praising Xothicans. Maybe that's our fault. The fears of our ancestors passed onto every generation. From that fear, we remained ignorant of everything above us."

"We can put an end to it now," Kassa said. She turned to address her fellow Elders. "Our ancestors went underground because it was the only place where the Humans wouldn't come looking for us. Now our reason for separating ourselves from Humanity will become moot. The people of Xoth will be all over. We will no longer be the outsiders. We can leave our caves. We can see the sky again."

"And know that we will stand by your people," Sylmae added. "We will do everything in our power to ensure your people are treated fairly."

Tom, Reia, Vivian and Tala all nodded in agreement with Sylmae.

"I, Elder Kassa, stand before the Elders of the colonies," Kassa declared, "to call for a vote to reveal ourselves to the surface and to allow our people to freely go outside."

"We recognize your call for a vote and will allow it to proceed," Elder Serral said. "All those in favour of Kassa's proposal raise your hand."

Kassa was the first Elder to raise their hand. The other Elders hesitated for a moment but, one by one, they raised their hands. Elder Tyrole was the last Elder to raise his hand. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at the unanimous vote.

"We're tired of our current lives," Tyole said. "It is my hope that we can free ourselves from the fate that our ancestors chose and work towards a greater future for our people. For the colonies!"

"For the colonies!" the Elders repeated in unison.

VVVVVV

Commander Steele sat at his desk while he reviewed the mission report of the mission to eliminate Wendigo. Currently the UNDF labelled the mission as Operation Cuckoo's Nest. The aftermath of both the mass arrests and the assassination mission has become a massive headache for the Commander. The arrest of the Umbra members has resulted in consequences to the world politically, economically, and socially.

Many Umbra members were owners and CEOs of major international companies which resulted in a plummet in the world stock market. It's likely to result in a global recession due to the possibility that many of these major international corporations will go bankrupt. If it weren't for the merger preparation projects that the world leaders put into place, a global depression would have taken place. These projects hired many people around the world.

Steele was, at the very least, thankful for the data package that Tep provided. The package was extremely thorough in its evidence and information about Umbra and its members. Every member listed in the package had extensive documents detailing their involvement with the organization along with videos, e-mails, and other files. This information would bypass an extensive investigation and make for a speedy trial.

A light knock came to his door. "Commander?" Tom muttered through the door. "It's Everett. I need to speak with you."

"Come in, Specialist," Steele said.

Tom opened the door and walked in. He gave the Commander a salute.

"At ease."

Tom took a casual stance.

"You're early, Tom. I wasn't expecting you to return for another ten hours."

"Well, I had to speak to you about something important."

"Oh? What is it?"

"I may have kept some more secrets."