Vol II | Chapter IV
Author's Announcement
-Challenge: Victory-
Congratulations Guardsmen, The Emperor Be Pleased At The Effort Displayed.
AVE IMPERATOR!
+Extra Chapter, Unlocked.
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Unwelcoming to the tragic news, their newfound objective to return to headquarters has put the team into a sour state; except for the korpsmen who said none and simply remained quiet while the lieutenants conversed.
"How is the Director, Nick?" Sandra questioned as she gave a brief glance to the rearview mirror – catching Nick's blue eyes and the unconscious Director – before she turned her eyes back on the road.
"The wound looks treated enough, but reasons for her current state of drifting in and out of consciousness could be due to the severe loss of blood – which she needs immediate blood infusion – but otherwise, status is not critical… for now..."
Meanwhile, the korpsmen who have been successful in remaining in the background; nearly camouflaged like the wind was finally spotted, despite having put no effort into maintaining a low profile.
"Hey, so urghhh… just curious but do you ever take off your gas masks?"
In immediate effect, it felt like the atmosphere dropped as the korpsmen looked at him as though he was delirious to even ask such a question. "Just making conversation… so just forget what I said-"
"Never" the response was a shock, but also due to it coming from the Grenadier.
"T-then how do you eat and drink if you further don't mind"
Nick who became intrigued started to present more questions, however, the menacing and stoic look on the Watchmaster made it apparent to drop the subject. "Okay…" he retreated, but;
The subject has brought a memory flashback.
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During the earlier time as a recruit in Krieg, it had happened when she had still been learning the function and the systematics of the standard issued lasgun – a personal trait which could have earned her to become an engineer – the fruitful passion to understand the trinkets and gears. Until one fateful day she found a book that held unique sketches and words that piqued her interest – most personally the image of a flower – how she just wonders how it looks and feels besides just looking at it through the page.
Although she never found the owner, she has kept it all those times. Something such as a hopeless dream to return it, and thank the person to have revealed more than just their death world could offer as something as mundanely beautiful.
The hidden gem within all korpsmen;
As worded out by the Inquisitor she would in the future be attached to would state.
"The longer I observe a korpsmen, it almost seems apparent all could become an artist with such rigorous passion and dedication; that in search of beauty in life, they die for its sight."
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"Shit…" muttered the woman who clutched the steering wheels too tight as she tried to look at an alternative.
Alerted by Sandra's cursing, Nick looked up from addressing Alex's wound as he questions her. "Hey, what's the matter – why'd we stop?" until Sandra sighs in frustration as she bears the bad news.
"Road is too far wrecked; we can't continue even on these wheels. Hate to break it but it looks like at this point we have to go by foot." The former marine let out one final sigh as she looks to the road once more, and look defeated to have to leave the prized vehicle behind.
But before the passengers could exit, she asked the important question – "Has the Director woken up yet?" – before Nick gave a reply;
"Yeah! She's awake but relatively still weak to walk, much less stand but I believe she'll manage. Right, Director?" The former delta operative openly teased the woman until she spoke on her own behalf. "I am fine… let's just focus on the task of returning back to headquarters – alive – and reform with the others."
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Out in the open as the team traveled the destructed highway, Nick on the other hand though alert and cautious, contemplated the explosives it must have taken to damage the paved road; considering it seemed set on purpose – making it hardly difficult to escape the city, or entering it.
'As much as I have seen those brainless androids fight – I just hope there aren't any upgraded versions that could calculate and strategize – because these roads were bombed with precision.'
Nick continued to look at the large holes that dug the road as he followed the team in their stroll to the burning city. 'This day couldn't get much worse.'
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"We are having the worst-case scenario here! Send the damn SWAT – whoever it is – send them here now! We won't be able to hold them any much longer!"
The transmission requesting for aid had been heard loud and clear, but the forces had been stretched too thin and the National Guards has yet to arrive. "This is officer Charlie! These things are crawling nearly everywhere! We're pinned down at a museum with a group of civilians – so send the damn armored vehicles and fetch us damn it!"
'The whole city and its situation are becoming just an absolute mess.' The chief of the police force damned their lack of resources and manpower that he had to personally converse with the operators to ask where the National Guards were.
Meanwhile, the operator that was handling the request had to firmly state the terrible response.
"Sorry Charlie but there will be no vehicles on route to receive you. Just hold out until-"
In a burst of anger and confusion, the officer on the scene began to rant aloud letting the whole room of operators, including the chief listen in. "The fuck do you mean there'll be no vehicles out to fetch us – you mean to say there'll be no rescue?! Argh shit!"
But in a poor attempt to calm the officer, the backlash was tough. "We be out here fighting with only a fucking pistol – the fuck is a pistol suppose to do on a thick armor?! Supposedly we have one shotgun and that's it! Fuck you!"
Then the officer ended the communication at that, leaving the operators crushed and disappointed to be unable to assist their officers on the fields – turning the room's atmosphere gloomy.
"Chief!" until another operator who has been keeping an ear open for potential news on the National Guards' movements brings forth further awful news. "Just received words that the National Guards have just arrived in about a long stretch mile out. However, it seems they're reporting that all roads leading to the city have all been heavily damaged that it could hinder their arrival!"
'Damn these androids, and damn that Indigo!' The chief grew frustrated by the seconds as he boils in turmoil at the continuous news of unfortunate state and events. That was before Flash made an appearance. "Chief send me locations on those that need dire rescuing – I'll handle those that are too far stranded and heavily attacked. I'll take care of it."
"Alright, the intel will be provided to you by sending it to your earpiece. Go bring them back safe." The chief requested in a desperate yet firm tone. "I will" and in a split second, he was gone.
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