Darkness, the void of light and isolation was all that was haunting me as I slept. No vivid images nor memories just pitch black and no color. The moment where you feel nothing other than sorrow and grief. I can't begin to fathom the feeling of regret and sadness like the day of the purge by the N.W.O. and the day they took the people I care the most in this world, my family. I remembered that day like no other and will be forever be etched to the fiber of my being. All I can do is live on for them and be happy, how can I promise happiness in the world we live in currently.
Even in the realm of dreams, it is hard to have a decent night's rest without being plagued by nightmares of my past. Most notably, the night of my family's execution. It still haunts me towards this day. That was three years ago, and I still have these vivid nightmares of them. They always asked me why I sat there and did nothing to save them. Sometimes I see them come back to life and trying to bring me to the depths of hell to face punishment for my cowardliness. It won't stop anytime soon, and it will not stop until the day I die in this godforsaken world.
" Good morning Renegades!" I heard the loud speaker go off. " Today is Monday, July 10th 2017 and what better way to kick off the morning with a classic, enjoy!" he added
( Fortunate Son by CCR)
I woke up from my slumber due to our radio and communications guy, Theif. At first, when I met him, he was a bit of an oddball. Soon, I got used to him and his antics in general. One thing, good about him that he knows good music and we connected on there. We have debated a couple of times on music and only music alone. He once told me that music is the gateway to the soul and I couldn't agree more with that statement.
When the music started playing from the loudspeaker, I decided to do some early morning training with the music. I stood up and began to stretch and limber up for my morning training ritual. After the stretching, I got my combat boots and my pants and dressed up. When that was taken care of, I knelt down in the pushup position and started doing my reps. Then it will be ten pull-ups and a half mile jog around the home base. Before that, I needed my shirt and canteen for the run and not to look like a shirtless moron. After finding my shirt and my water bottle, I executed the ten pull-ups with a little hesitation at all and was ready for the jog.
As I stepped out of my tent, I was greeted by the warm July morning air and the rays of the sun beaming down on my face. I wasted no time with the jog and started to run at a calm, steady pace with the stop-watched tracking my time. The morning air was soothing when running early in the morning. Unfortunately, like almost every morning, I will be sweating as usual due to it being July. Hell, it was better than running in the snow or rain and catching a cold the next day. Anything is better than being sick right now except for death.
I completed my jog in three minutes even, which was surprising if I do say so myself. Usually, my runs were nothing challenging; it was to keep me in shape and promote proper breathing and cardiovascular health. I walked back towards my tent to retrieve my leather coat and my gear just like every day. I put on my coat and my handgun holster and adjusted them accordingly. I grabbed my M1 Garand and cycled the rifle a couple of times. I was satisfied with the action and slung the strap over my shoulder and grabbed my M1911 and nestled it my holster. Last but not least, my grandfather WWII survival knife.
After I had been squared away with my gear and weaponry, I decided to gather the piece of my uniform. It was an old Polaroid photograph of my family. It was taken five years ago when we went to a family reunion with my parents in the back and my brothers in the front. Those memories were frozen in time in this photograph with us smiling as a happy family should be. I tucked the photo in my jacket for good luck and put on my dog tags. The dog tags were mandatory to identify you and to find out what division you were a part of in the militia.
Name: Rick Patterson
Codename: Falcon
Division: Calvary and 3rd in command of Alpha Team
I made my way down to the mess to have breakfast with my fellow renegades. I decided to have my usual breakfast which consisted of bacon and eggs with a side of fruit and a glass of water. As I made my way to the table, I couldn't help notice the number of troops in the Renegades itself. We didn't care what ethnicity or religion you were because we all are united for the same reason and one reason alone. To bring the tyrant Stiher off his throne and execute him for his crimes against the world and its people. Till that day, we fight till the war ends. Eventually, I made it to the leader's table to meet two familiar faces and the ones who save me from my hell.
Name: Eddward Sanders
Codename: Shadow
Division: Alpha Team Leader/Renegades Leader
When Shadow recruited me to the Renegades, it was hell on earth when I entered the camp. Everyone did not trust me and thought I would be a liability to the militia. Shadow said this usually happens with newcomers, but not as bad as he thought it would be. Then he told I would be tested in the following categories hand to hand combat, shooting, and stealth. This was a way to earn a position with one of the squads and their divisions. Tomorrow was testing day, and I was not looking forward to it, but it was to earn a spot with them. Soon enough morning approached, and the first test will begin which was hand to hand combat. The whole militia decided to attend to test and watch me fight. Shadow stepped forward facing the crowd and was about to make a speech.
" Fellow Renegades, as of today we have gained a new member," he said, " To become a warrior you have to prove yourself with three trials, today's your will be hand to hand, and his opponent will be Predator." he finished with the crowd cheering.
"Who?" I asked puzzled
"Me!" a man shouted. " I AM PREDATOR!" I turned around to face a 6,4 man with ginger hair. His body was muscular and thin and can probably crush me to death. He was wearing combat boots with military pants along with tank top.
"3."
"2."
"1 Fight!"
The fighting lasted for five minutes with both combatants were fatigue and could not continue any further, and they both collapsed. It wasn't until one hour later I woke from the ordeal. Apparently, by the looks of it, I was in the infirmary along with Predator. Soon enough Shadow came in with the result and said it was a tie. Then he added by saying that no in their militia could defeat Predator and I'm the first one to tie with him and lived. I passed the hand to hand combat test, and in two hours I'll be doing my shooting trial with Price.
Name: Eddy McGee
Codename: Price
Division: Bravo Team Leader
If I know, one thing about Price is never to piss him off or threaten anyone of his friends. He told me that first thing he said to me when he and Shadow recruited me in the forest after saving me from the UWPF. Don't get me wrong he is a good guy hang with as friends, but that is a different story when we are in a fight. He becomes a proper killing machine taking out any enemies in his sights. I never saw it first hand, but other told me to tread carefully around him. So far I'm not looking forward to it.
When I had to take the second test with Price, I thought it would be a cake walk. At the moment I've guessed wrong, he deliberately set up a target that was a thousand meters away, and I had to use my iron sight on my M1. I stood there dumbfounded at the request to hit a nearly impossible target. Still, If I want to be part of the Renegades I need to pass these test without failing. I looked down at Price and the most stuck up smirk on his face. For a guy who is only 5,10, he is pretty loud for my standards.
" Okay, listen up newbie!" I cringed when he said that." You have three shots to take out the target, If miss all three shots you fail, understood?"
" Yeah, whatever loud mouth. " I said with knowing I've pissed him off.
"Just get down and shoot!" he shouted
After he had been done yelling, I got down in the prone position on the mat of the range. At a thousand meters away, you could barely make out the target that was a glass bottle. Price was on his viewfinder looking at the target. I only had three shot at my disposal, and I could not afford to miss a shot. I took one deep breath and exhaled slowly, and I squeezed the trigger. Price was looking at the target in front of him and was appalled at the sight. He shot the target with one shot and was impressed.
"That was some impressive shooting. " he said while looking at me. " How did you learn to shoot like that? I have never seen a recruit take it out in their first shot."
"My father was a former Army Ranger, and he taught my brothers and me to use a rifle accurately. " I said in a nonchalant tone.
" Well he must have been a great man then?" he said
" Yeah he was a great father, and I will remember him. " I stated with a hint of sadness in his voice.
" I'm sorry man. I didn't know." Price said with sympathy
"Thank You, Price." warmed by his sympathy
"Well, you passed my test with flying colors!" Price said with excitement. " Now the last test is with Nails and be aware she is the hardest of them all, good luck."
"Thank you."
Flashback end.
"Good morning Falcon, how was your morning regiment?" Shadow said with a smile as part of his kind nature.
"It was fantastic. I have destroyed my previous record in my half mile run." Falcon said in a victorious tone.
"I bet I can beat your record with no sweat at all." Price said while downing his drink.
"Whatever you say Price. " Falcon said while digging into his breakfast.
"Well keep up on your training, we have an operation in a couple of days. " Shadow advised both Price and me.
"What is the operation?" Falcon asked with curiosity. He did not know there was anything about the operation.
"We have received word that UWPF has a convoy coming through Nashville in two days and will strike them and take any resources that will be useful for us." Shadow explained
"Well shit." Price said in disgust
"Well this necessary for the militia, so I'm in. " Falcon said
"Be ready. We are heading out in two days." Shadow said
We went back to our meals and ate in comfortable silence. I was thinking of the upcoming mission for my squad and the others. A convoy from anyone else was fine enough, but one from the UWPF was a whole different ball game. I guess I need my crew for this and it won't be an easy one at all. Just thinking of a strategy is giving me a migraine. I will once I see them and come up with a plan later with them. Right now I just want to concentrate on my breakfast and relax for the next few hours before I discuss the plan with Devil, KOS, and Psyhco later tonight. Then the whine of the loudspeakers caught everyone's attention.
"The recon team has returned from their mission! All medical personnel report to the center of Homebase and tend to the wounded!" Theif said urgently over the radio. We all rushed outside to see a truck with the recon team along the spec op team. Their mission was to scout a UWPF base in the neighboring area without getting caught. Apparently, they were ambushed by the UWPF, and it turned into a bloodbath. Shadow was the first one on the scene to find out what happened to his troops.
"Nails! What happened to the squads!" Shadow asked concerned about his troops.
Nails jumped off the truck to greet Shadow and tell him what down. They walked away to a corner to discuss it in privacy.
"Everyone out of the way!" came a female voice from behind. She went to the truck and saw me standing there staring into oblivion. "Falcon! Help me with the wounded!" she said.
" Got it Corpsman!" I yelled out to her as I assisted with the wounded.
Name: Lee Kanker
Codename: Nails
Division: Charlie Team Leader/Spec Ops
Three years ago.
After I had done the second test with Price, I was off towards my third and final test. Price just said go to the mess hall at 2200hrs and wait for some called Nails. So, After that, I went to the mess hall to do the test. If you think about it, the third test should be easy and should hopefully won't take too long due to the events of today. Frankly, I was exhausted and was ready to go to bed right now. Instead, I'm waiting for this next guy to come and administer the test.
" Boo!" a famine voice came from behind scaring me in the process.
" SWEET MOTHER TERESA ON A HOOD OF A MERCEDES BENZ!" I screamed as a woman was laughing at me.
" Get up recruit it time for the test." she nonchalantly
"You must be Nails?" I said
"Yea, and here is the situation." Nails said " As you can clearly see stealth is an important trait to learn in the Renegades. Since I'm the master and you are the student, I will teach and test you. Is that clear?" she concluded.
"Yes, ma'am. " I said confidently.
"Good as you can see we surrounded by the wilderness." she gestured towards the woods surrounding the camp."And by the looks of it, you are pretty tired are you?"
" Well yeah, I need to sleep after today's test." I said as I yawned"Can we do this tomorrow, I'm exhausted."
"Nope. " she said
" Beg your pardon?" I said while being confused.
"I said no. Listen in war there no such thing as rest due to your enemy. Your opponent will play dirty; they will attack you when least expected and take any opportunity to weaken or kill you." Nails said seriously
"So, what do you want me to do then?" I asked her, and she gave me a smirk.
"Your objective is to get to your tent so you can rest of course, now before you go off to your tent and call it a night. You must start from the mess hall and sneak your way there using the forest to your advantage. Along the way, you will come across my spec ops squad. You have to take them out before you proceed. If you get caught during the test, we will restart from the beginning. Got it?" she concluded her briefing.
"Got it." I said ready to have this test end.
"Go!" she yelled for me to go.
I still can't believe this! I have to complete this test before dawn, or I'll have to take it again. To make even better I had to deal with her squad of operatives and have to take them out individually to pass or to continue down a particular path. So, this was going to be a fun night with the Spec Ops squad. Hopefully, everything will go well on this trail and will end soon. Because right now, I'm tired beyond comprehension and I need to rest.
I ran into the woods so I can hide from the squad as I maneuvered around Homebase. It was a clear night, and the moon was shining its heavenly beams towards the ground below. Now, I'm at a severe disadvantage from the light, but I kept pushing on through the brush.
At the same time, I had to limit the noise I was emitting from the footsteps and the constant thrashing of the brush itself. From this moment on I knew that I was in for a long night and was not looking forward to this. The sooner that I finish this, the quicker I can rest for tomorrow.
Three hours later...
After three exhausting hours of stealth and fighting, I have finally reached my tent where my bed is waiting for me and was ready to take me to the realm of dreams. Still, can't believe how the squad was so violent with their attacks as I tried to incapacitate them. The first one was a skinny guy measuring at 5,9 with red hair named Dash. I went up to him and choked him into submission. The second was a curvy girl standing at 5,6 with brown hair tied into a ponytail named Menace. Unfortunately, she was the hardest out of all them to incapacitate, but eventually, I coaxed her into submission. The last two was difficult due to the fact they were near each other. They were both named Jekyll and Hyde, and they were inseparable, and that made everything harder for me, but after thirty minutes of careful planning, I manage to knock them out by banging their heads together. Thank God the trials were over.
As I entered my tent, I noticed a dark figure looming by my bed. Upon closer examination, it was Nails looking at me with a smirk.
" Took you long enough." Nails said
" Well, I had to sneak my way through the forest and incapacitate your squad individually. I could have been faster and be sloppy in the process." I said trying to stay awake.
" That is what I want to here!" she exclaimed while waking me up partially. " You need to take your time and execute your plan with time and patience." she concluded
" Thank you, now can I go to sleep right at this moment please?" I said groggily
" Sure thing, just don't sleep too much your ceremony is tomorrow." she said as she left my tent.
" Thank God it is over. " I said and collapsed on the bed
The Present
I was helping unload the wounded off the truck and transporting them to the infirmary for treatment. There is one thing that will never change in war, people injured while in combat. Just the sight of a man being shot, stabbed, or mangled in any way will never change, but it will change a person. I have experienced this multiple time while I was in the Renegades and I will never forget those faces begging me to help them and tell them everything will be okay. It is like what my father told me when we started rebelling against the N.W.O, and the UWPF. That war, war never changes.
Out of twenty members, only seventeen made it out unscathed. Two were injured, and they sent them towards the infirmary for treatment immediately, but the only one that did not make it back home alive was in a black body bag. Corpsman decided to take a look and unzipped the bag to reveal a deceased friend of mine. Pain was his code name, and it represented him well. He will be missed and will never be forgotten as the warrior he was. I just looked at him and wished he would've made it back alive. Now he can rest in piece and will be free from this world.
" MAX NOOO!" a girl screamed from the group and ran up to him. She was Pain's girlfriend and partner.
" Why did it have to be him! Why!?" she cried onto him while his blood was smearing on her face. I went up to her and place my hand on her shoulder to comfort her. She looked at me with her teary gaze and hugged me. " Why did it have to be Max, Falcon?" she said to me
" I have no clue Nest; I have no clue at all." I said as I released her to grief with the corpse of her deceased lover. Shadow and Price went up to her and gave their condolences while Shadow removed the dog tag and placed it on the chain containing dog tags of the deceased.
" It is sad, isn't it?" Corpsman said to Daredevil.
" Yea, poor Nest she did not deserve this." Daredevil said while removing his hat as a sign of respect.
Name: Nazz Van Bartonschmeer
Codename: Corpsman
Division: Medic
Three years ago.
I still remember the time when I met Corpsman for the first time. It was on the first day of the trials with the Renegades. After the fight with ended, she was checking my vitals and making sure I was not suffering from any trauma after the fight. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw me wake up an hour later with a minor headache. She went to me and handed me a glass of water and some painkillers to help numb the pain. I graciously took the water and painkillers without a second thought. After finishing the refreshing beverage and let a sigh of comfort.
" The was one hell of beating you endured." She said and extended her hand to me. " I'm Corpsman, the Renegades medic."
" Rick Patterson" he started shaking her hand. " It is a pleasure to meet you."
" Such a gentleman. So, you are looking to join the Renegades, and so far you were passed out from exhaustion. How do you feel by the way.?" she said with concern.
" I'm all right, how long was I out for?" I asked quizzingly
" That is good, and you were out for an hour. I will be back will with Shadow in a moment," she said when she left the tent and as I was waiting for Shadow.
Name: Kevin Lawrence
Codename: Daredevil
Division: Calvary
After talking with Shadow in the infirmary, I walked out of the tent and headed toward the range for the next trial. Unfortunately, I was greeted by a man wearing a leather jacket and a red hat. He went up to me and just looked at me. At first tried to move out of his way, but he didn't want me to go anywhere. Eventually, he took off his sunglasses, and he stared at me with his green eyes. I could see every ounce of malice in his eyes and can clearly tell he does not like me at all.
" Um, excuse me? Can I get through please?" I said to him.
" Stay away from her," He warned me
" Who?" I asked
" Corpsman, she is my wife and I seen the way you were looking at her. So, I'm only going to say this once, stay away from her. Got it?" he spat towards me.
" Listen, I have no intentions with your wife, and personally, I think you are wasting your time trying to threaten me at all." I said while looking down on him.
" Listen here!" he yelled
" No, you listen here! I have been through enough in the past three days, and I do not want to deal with your bullshit today! Frankly, I didn't even know you and started threatening me! Now leave me alone!" I yelled at him with me being furious at this point.
" Sorry." he apologized
" You're forgiven, and I hope we can talk later about this later," I said to him while extending my hand towards him. " The name is Rick."
" Call me Daredevil." he said as he accepted my hand.
" By the way Daredevil, be thankful what you have now cause it can be gone tomorrow," I said as I walked away to leave him to think. After the last meeting with Daredevil, we became good friends after the argument. We talked about our hobbies and past lives before the purge. Apparently, he and I shared a common interest in motorcycles and offered me a position in his Calvary team, and I accepted the generous offer from him.
Till this day, I'm still a part of his Calvary unit and could not be happier. We still fight on after each battle as a group.
The Present.
" Falcon, can you please come with me? I have a job for you. " Shadow asked me. I walked towards him to see what he needed me to do.
" What do you need me to do for you?" I asked politely. He handed me a folder of some sort. I decided to look to see what was inside and to my surprise, it was Pain's record with status marked as deceased.
" Take this to Tiny Tim in record's for me please," Shadow asked of me.
" Sure Thing," I replied to him, as I headed down to the record's building.
" Hey Falcon!" a female voice came up from behind me to greet me. I turned around to see Rose running towards me with Tiny Tim in tow.
" Hey guys, I guess you heard the news right?" I asked them.
" Yea, Pain will be missed by all of us," Tim said while holding Rose for comfort.
" His death will not be in vain God rest his soul. " Rose stated in a depressed tone.
" Just remember you two we need to fight on for not only Pain, but for everyone, we lost so far. " I said trying to motivate them to keep moving forward.
" Still, it will never be the same without him, but you are right we need to push on with or without him. " Tim said with some hope in his voice.
" Let's keep it like that way then, and by the way, this is from Shadow. " I said as I handed him the folder. He took the folder and examined the contents inside and gave a slight nod.
" Thank you; I will file this right away." He said walking away with Rose in tow. The two were inseparable and will remain like that until this war is over. Still, remember the time I met them. Tiny Tim thought I was threatening and Rose figured I was a psychotic and tried to protect Tiny Tim. I still laugh at the memory and never forget it at all. Right now I other business to attend to right now.
Name: Jimmy Powell
Codename: Tiny Tim
Division: Records/ Cook
Name: Sarah Shaw
Codename: Rose
Division: Delta Squad
If there is one thing that I hate more than the N.W.O or the UWPF, it would have to be paperwork. Shadow had requested me to fill out the necessary paperwork for information. He pointed me towards the record's building to fill it out once I got there. The building was rather small compare to most of the tents around here. I enter the building without a second thought. As I entered the building, I was greeted by two teens chatting it up and decided to end their little chat.
" Um, excuse me. " I asked, and they just stared at me.
" H-h-how can help you?" the little boy asked nervously and shaking at the same time. The boy was standing no taller than 5,7 and was wearing a blue jacket with black jeans. His hair was well maintained and had a military style cut. The girl right beside him was standing at 5,5 and was wearing a green jacket with black military pants and boots. She had her hair in a braid, with the rest under her military cap.
" I'm here to fill out my paperwork as requested by Shadow.
" I told him, and he lit up after me finishing my sentence.
" Oh, thank goodness, I thought you were going to hurt me." he breathed a sigh of relieve.
" Shall we get this done now or what? " I asked
" Well sit down and let's fill this out. " he said
One hour later.
" Last thing is what do you want your codename to be? " he asked
" Falcon. " I said ready to leave this place.
" Well that is it, welcome to the Renegades, I'm Tiny Tim, and this is Rose." he gestured while extending his hand to me.
" A pleasure to meet you both. " I said while shaking both of their hands with smiles on their faces.
" I will catch you around. " I said as I left the building.
The present.
I went towards the communications tent to talk to Shepard and Plank to see if they heard of the whereabouts of my crew. The Communications tent was not the hardest thing you could miss in Homebase. There was a sixty-foot radio tower right next to it. I headed inside and was greeted by the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of communication equipment. I spotted Plank and Shepard out of the clutter and headed toward them. Plank notice me and gave me a smile and tapped Shepard on the shoulder to notify him of my presence. Shepard turned around and saw me and gave me a hug for some reason.
" Birdboy! The son of a Shepard has not seen you all day' where have you been? He asked
" All around Homebase. " I said nonchalantly
" So, what can Shepard assist you with?" he asked
" Can you tell Devil, KOS, and Psyhco to meet at my tent after Pain's funeral. We have to discuss our game plan with the upcoming mission." I requested
" The Shepard shall complete your request." he told me.
" I will see you guys at the funeral. " I said as I left the Communications tent.
Name: Rolf Fredrikson
Codename: Shepard
Division: Communications
Name: Jonny Tompson
Code: Plank
Division: Ammunitions
" All Renegades report to the meeting area for the funeral. " Theif said over the loudspeaker. I made my way down toward the meeting area and went towards the platform. All leaders were there to pay their respects toward the fallen soldier in front of them. I still remember the Pain came and joined the Renegades. It was a simple search and rescue operation that turned into a massacre with the UWPF suffering the most casualties with only two of the eleven we rescued did not make it. Now we lost Max, and he will be forever missed.
" Renegades, we are gathered here to mourn the death of a friend and a soldier. Pain was a friend and a faithful lover in his short life as a man. He first joined the Renegades to help fight for freedom and to bring ambassador Stiher from his throne so he could live a peaceful life like before the fall. Now his was cut short, and we could do is to carry on for him and the others who have fallen in the past. So, please stand for a song played by Falcon as requested by Max if he passed." Shadow said as he gestured towards me to play Max's farewell song.
I picked up the acoustic guitar and made my way to the stand. I examine the sheet music and tune the guitar for the song. I positioned the fingers and started to play.
( Have you ever seen the Rain by CCR)
"Someone told me long ago There's a calm before the storm,
I know; It's been comin' for some time.
When it's over, so they say, It'll rain a sunny day,
I know; Shinin' down like water.
[CHORUS:]
I want to know, Have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, Have you ever seen the rain Comin' down on a sunny day?
Yesterday, and days before, Sun is cold and rain is hard,
I know; Been that way for all my time.
'Til forever, on it goes Through the circle, fast and slow,
I know; It can't stop, I wonder.
I want to know, Have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, Have you ever seen the rain Comin' down on a sunny day?
Yeah!
I want to know, Have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, Have you ever seen the rain Comin' down on a sunny day?"
" Thank you, Falcon. " Shadow said while everyone was applauding after my performance. " Now it is time to cast his body into the earth, where he would rest. Please join me in prayer. Lord, we now rest one of your children and our friend into the earth, may you show mercy and forgiveness for his sins, amen." Shadow concluded as he and several others lower his body into his final resting place. We will miss you Max, and I promise that we will keep fighting on for everyone.
I went back towards my tent after the funeral was over so I can discuss the plan with my crew. Hopefully, they are there so we can discuss our strategy and relay it to Shadow and Price. Still, this convoy will be an unusual mission for the Renegades, and it will be a first time we have to perform this. As I approached my tent, I noticed some strange sounds coming from inside of the tent. Apparently, the crew already arrived before I did which means that KOS was invading my personal privacy. With not wasting a single minute, I entered the tent.
AN: Hi I'm Back and with an another chapter so please review and fav. The songs are owned by CCR and John Fogerty.