New Ottawan Independence

As the third hour came to a close, Senator Blackwell and a few members of Congress met the Ghost and his team on the surface. 

Well, the vote was narrow but, congratulations. New Ottawa is now a fully recognized sovereign nation. The list of demanded patents has been granted and everything on the list will be turned over to you effective immediately. However, Congress has given y'all a week to clear off of US Soil. 

The Ghost patted Senator Blackwell's shoulder.

See, now that was a far better choice than going to war. Everyone mount up! We aren't wasting time. 

As the New Ottawans left, Senator Blackwell went back inside, pissed that they got exactly what they wanted.

Commander Perry, once they are off US Soil, get a count of what we have. I want a detailed report.

Yes Senator.

As the convoy arrived at the gates of New Ottawa, the Ghost's face had changed from a look of victory, to a look plotting. 

Tell everyone to pack their shit. We have a week to get off of US Soil.

As the Overlord and his crew went house to house gathering furniture, and valuables, the Ghost marched himself over to his Grandma's grave. 

I saved them. I saved Grandpa. I saved the memory of this town. Now I must burn down everything they decide to wash over us. I hate them, they turned my friends against me, they pushed me to this. They made me like this Grandma. For a safe an secure Ottawa, they must die at my hands.

Tempest couldn't help but listen in. They knew the Ghost was hurting. Despite winning, he had friends who'd enlisted, friends who were now his enemy. They looked at him from behind large tree as he knelt down beside the headstone.

I shall make them pay for everything they have done to me, I shall avenge the boy you helped raise and the avenge the part of me that died trying to be the hero. Mom was right about me...I am the villain of my own grand design. 

The Ghost stood up then marched out of the graveyard. He reached the bottom of the hill where the 451st was waiting. 

See to it you handle the coffin with care. I was the last person to place my hands on it, letting it into the ground. Guard it, carry it as if your lives depended on its survival. 

Tempest eventually caught up with the Ghost.

I don't believe you are the villain your parents said you are.

Then you are as blind as they were. My mother was cruel, Tempest. At least she got one thing right. Nobody akin to her deserves to live in in this world. It is my job to put a barbaric end to them.

You're not alone! 

I AM ALONE! NOBODY EVEN COMES CLOSE TO CARRYING THIS BURDEN AS I DO. NOBODY SEES JUST HOW MUCH OF IT I SHOULDER. THOSE ASSHOLES IN CONGRESS SHOULD BE BLED DRY, EYES PECKED OUT, HUNG UPON CROSSES FOR ALLOWING THAT EVIL ASSHOLE TO LIVE!

Tempest removed the Ghost's helmet slowly. Revealing the teary eyes of a broken soul.

You aren't alone. You have all of us to help shoulder this burden. Tempest looking into his eyes. Without you, we'd all be slaves or dead. Get up and fight back. Show Congress how a real leader shows their strength.

The Ghost pulled Tempest into a hug. From this day forwards, you stand by my side as my second. Make no mistake, things will be rough, but it was you who reinvigorated my soul to fight.