AUTHOR'S NOTES- Codenames of Sentinels in case anybody forgot. And another thing, the Ninjetti Sentinels' stealth uniforms are fashioned after the uniforms of Subzero from Mortal Combat.
Will- Araya
Ryan- Rowan
Scott- Logan
Gabriel- Mazda
Kayla- Genesis
Dayleen- Malie
Mark- Jon
Rebekkah- Rene
Jessie- Ariella
Joseph- Goldolphin
Toni- Imani
Chapter Ten- Tried to Give You Warning
Dead Reckoning dropped out of hyper space right above the blue-green surface of Bremen, immediately cloaking to hide its signature from any satellites or sensors so as not to alert Adrianna of their arrival. The ship drifted to the dark side of planet, settling into a geo-synchronous orbit above the rebel base. From their vantage point, they could easily see Romaine and the planet destroyer that was a deadly grey fleck in the blackness of space.
Will and the Sentinels were in their seats, gazing out the large window view of the Bridge. Each one was anxious and nervous about what was going to happen soon, including the confrontation with Adrianna Zero.
"Despite us living on another planet and the fact we are onboard an intergalactic ship, I can't believe that we are looking at another planet supporting life." Jessie said her large eyes opened in wonder. The others silently agree with her though no one spoke out loud.
"Mark, can you open a link with the rebel base?" Shaking off the wonder and awe, Will addressed the Panther Ninjetti.
"Yeah." Opening a secure and shielded signal, Mark sent an echo toward the rebel base, hoping they were still there. A few seconds later, the ship picked up on a reply. "Ship's getting something on the communication radar."
"Bring it up." A holographic screen came up on the window, which also served as a holographic projector and screen. The small holographic window fizzled; small ripples of grey and black crossing it. Then the image of a dark haired man came up, his face lined with stress and hard times.
"Are you the Ninjetti Sentinels?" The man's voice was rough but clear. They had no doubt this was the leader of the rebellion.
"Yes, we are. I am Araya, Commander of the Sentinels and this is my team." Will motioned at the others to stay at their consoles. "Are we welcomed to your base?"
The man didn't rely as he stared at all of them. "You are all so young." The doubt was clear in his voice as he spoke to them.
"Yes we are but we are the Sentinels nonetheless." Will leaned forward. "We are here to assist you in taking back your planet. If you do not wish our help say so and we will leave."
"Beam yourself and your team approximately two clicks from the Norte Quadrant of our base. I will meet you there." The screen blanked out.
"Well, that was rude." Mark said as the line was cut from the rebel base. "You know, I have the urge to leave them like that."
"You can't condemn the planet because the coldness of one man's attitude." Kayla said.
"We'll leave the ship here with KEYA activated. If there is any movements from the ship, she'll send a signal to the devices that I made that are attached to our belts. Let's go and meet this guy." Will looked at others. This was it; the beginning of their mission.
With flames erupting around them, they teleported to their destination.
(VvVvVvVvV)
Aragon was the fifth leader in his generation and the oldest in all of the rebel's time. He had lost his only son to the craved desires of the lady tyrant of their planet which launched their family to become part of the rebellion they had once scoffed at. His wife had later died of grief after their two daughters had been killed when the rebel base was raided three years after Felix's death. Since then, he had refused to look at another woman, refusing to get close to another ever again.
The men that had come with him were the best in their small army, the sharpest and toughest. Each had more than a decade's worth of hiding from the elite of Adrianna's army, surviving when others had been fatally injured. All of them were hidden in the shadows of the boulders and rocks, the trees towering over them, blending into the environment.
So he had no idea how the Sentinels had been able to penetrate their lines with ease.
"So, what are we waiting for?" A voice seemed to melt into his ear, the words floating toward him. Startled, the rebel leader whipped around, dagger flashing in a dangerous arc. Only for his wrist to be grabbed and held in a vice-like grip. "Don't worry, I'm a friend."
Aragon could see the fine features of the young blonde teen before him, the hazel-green eyes boring back into his. "Where is the rest of your team?"
A second later, the shadows seemed to melt back, the Sentinels now visible to the rebel team. "Do you believe us now?"
"I may have been mistaken about you, Commander. I am Aragon, leader of the rebellion here on Bremen. We should head back the rebel base. Adrianna may have noticed your arrival and sent out search parties to look for you." Aragon gave a low whistle, signaling the march back to the base. The Sentinels seemed to slide in line, blending in the spaces between the men. The group of fighters easily covered the terrain, moving quickly. Within the hour, the group was entering the rebel base.
The Sentinels gawked as they passed the entrance that was carved into the base of a large tree. The tunnel sloped down into the earth, the walls covered in what looked like concrete. People were hurrying along the halls, most carrying equipment and all with weapons in some form or another. As the Sentinels traveled down, some of the rebels stopped moving, gazing at the new arrivals.
Will caught snippets of what they were saying.
"These are the revered Ninjetti Sentinels?"
"The war is going to end. We have hope."
"They are just kids!"
"Do we really expect them to win?"
"I hope Aragon knows what he is doing."
"The one in orange and silver is a fine woman. Look at her form." At this, Will searched the crowd. His eye settled on the man with height equal to his own but was packed with more muscle. The man stared back. Will felt Rebekkah move closer to him, her fingers wrapping around his. The man's eyes moved to their clasped hands. Will didn't like the expression that came over the man's face. Will growled but didn't do anything as the group was still moving. They finally came to large wooden doors with guards on either side carrying heavy duty weapons.
"Clear the room." Aragon ordered as the group entered what resembled a briefing room. The soldiers that had come with him left, closing the doors behind them.
It had been many years since the rebellion on Bremen had any real hope. Years of tyranny, oppression, and dear had worn down many of the spirits of the natives. Forced to live in the dangerous forests' underground network of tunnels, many believed the time that Adrianna and her dreaded line would be toppled would never come.
Aragon glanced at the eleven young kids that stood before him, eyes drawn to the map of the Zero Palace. Why would the feared warriors of the Ninjetti send children to do the job of grown men?
The rebel leader shifted his eyes to the blonde haired boy garbed in blue and black clothing. Aragon could tell the young on had been through terrible experiences that marred his soul. He could see it in the shuttered eyes of the Sentinel Commander, in his restrained movements and clipped tones. "How much did the Master Warrior tell you about what has been going on the past ten thousand years?"
"She has only told us that Adrianna is the descendant of the evil witch Rita Repulsa and added that you have a plan on how to infiltrate her palace." Araya looked at Aragon.
"Yes, we do." The rebel pointed at an area on the southwest corner of the palace. "This area has limited view of the surrounding land and can not be seen properly unless you were looking down from a window in the turret above."
"Do you know where the control room for planet destroyer is?" Malie asked the two.
Aragon's second in command Felid moved, pointing out a blank area in the middle of the map. "We have not been able to determine where the control room for the ship is precisely but we are assuming it is in this area here."
Logan raised an eyebrow as he whistled. "That's a pretty big area for a guess. It almost covers the entire central wing."
"Our agents have not been able to successfully enter that area of the castle." Felid told them.
Araya interrupted. "Are you saying she knows that you've tried to find out the location of the control room?"
"She has killed a few o our agents." Felid confirmed.
Mazda groaned. "Then she might know of your plan. She would have tortured them for the information before killing them."
"Are there any more of these blank spots?" Rowan asked, seeing where Mazda and Araya were taking this. "Are there other areas your agents haven't been able to get into?"
Felid turned to Aragon. "Do it." The 2IC typed in a few buttons, showing a more detailed 3D image of the palace. The Sentinels could immediately see where there were dark spots. Araya quickly counted six different locations where the control room could be hidden.
"Do you think she moved the control room somewhere else?" Malie asked Araya. "Or can she be as stupid as her grandmother?"
"She's not like her grandmother." Araya silently reminded them of Adrianna's history. "She'll think things through which means we are going to need teams to search each dark spot."
"We don't have time during the rebellion." Aragon said. "We first must capture Adrianna. She must not be allowed to survive."
"Would you like to sacrifice the lives of the neighboring planet on that?" Araya asked harshly, eyes boring into Aragon's. ""We must first destroy the control room and the destroyer. After we accomplish our objective, we can focus on capturing Adrianna to stand for trial."
Aragon said nothing for once again his feelings about the Sentinels had interfered with his reasoning. "So how do you suggest we accomplish that?"
Malie pointed at the target wall location. "The Sentinels can help pave the way in this section, setting up shields to keep the way open for as long as possible. Once the contingent is inside, we'll head for the separate locations."
"Five teams will be made of two Sentinels each and I will make the sixth." Will said taking over. "We'll use our skills and abilities to sneak into these areas and check them through. Once the control room has been identified and destroyed, we'll come from behind the palace guards to cage them in the middle."
Jon tapped on a finger on the table. "Aragon, do you think Adrianna will engage in battle or will she leave?"
Aragon was already shaking his head. "Most likely, she will head to the control room at the first sign of battle. Once she's done her business, she'll lead a force into the fray. She wields powerful magic though not as strong as her grandmother's."
"I like your plan Sentinels but I think the entry can be done better. Once the way is open for us to enter, we'll bring in a couple of explosive and begin creating holes and weak spots in the surrounding walls so the entry point can grow." Felid pointed out.
"But that could kill more of your men." Ariella countered.
"If we do it properly, there won't be any losses."
He does sound sure of himself. Malie sent to Will on their telepathic link. I wonder how many people have died because of him?
We can only make sure we get Adrianna before they resort to that. Will answered back. "When do you want to begin the attack?"
"We were planning for a midnight attack at the changing of the guards. Tonight." The Sentinels looked at them and then each other. "The sooner she is captured and her reign destroyed the better. Just last night, she raided another town and captured over twenty boys of young age. We wish to spare them the humility of their ordeal. We must capture her." Felid told them in a quiet voice.
Something about the tone hit Will. To him, it sounded like he was begging. Do you think his son was one of the captured ones? Rebekkah sent his way. He sounds like a grieving father.
I think you're right, Beck. There's only one thing we can do for him. "Tonight it is then, Aragon." Will could see the relief over Felid's face.
"Then prepare yourselves, Sentinels. Adrianna will not make this an easy fight for freedom."
"When the hell has it ever been?" Genesis muttered quietly.
(VvVvVvVvV)
Will lay on his stomach. The Sentinel to the right of him, morphed into their stealth uniforms,and the rebel leader on his left. They were sitting on a dark grassy knoll overlooking the Zero Palace; the guards were flickers of shadows against the lights coming from inside the palace. The castle itself looked like the dark reaching hand of a wrenched soul trying to grasp for help from the heavens above.
Your thoughts are highly cynical Toni sent his way. Shouldn't you be more positive?
Sorry. Will apologized to her.
"Is your team ready, Commander?" Aragon asked his face covered in shadows. "The attack will start soon."
Will could feel the pack filled with explosives resting heavily on his back. "Yeah, we're ready." Each single Sentinel was carrying a similar pack in case they found the control room. Once it was destroyed, any remaining explosives would be used to create chaos in the palace as well as other weak points in the walls surrounding it.
At the pre-arranged signal, the Sentinels followed a scout down the hill. They crouched low, moving in the dips and small crevices as they sped their way to the outer wall. Crouching against the cold stone, Will turned to the scout. "Where's the weak spot?"
"According to reports, it is this stone here." The scout placed a hand on a block marked with a small scratched circle.
"Move out of the way." Scott said, moving toward the stone. Placing his hands on the stone, he focused his Power on the earth, bending it to his will. Dust flew from the cracks that were beginning to form on the wall. Then, with a great roar, the stonework exploded inward, littering the courtyard on the other side with debris.
On the small hill behind them, the small contingent of rebels moved as one, all heading for the opening in the wall. The scout grinned at the Sentinels before climbing over the remains of the wall and engaging the first of the palace guards to arrive.
The Sentinels followed, moving swiftly. They dodged the guards, knocking them out of the way as they headed for the secondary wail. This time, Scott didn't wait. Using a blast of Green Power, he sent a ball of energy hurling at the stone. It gave way, creating a small for the team to go through. Behind them, they heard the first sound of battle as the front line of the rebels hit the wall.
Okay, guys, you know the drill. Move out Will sent as he took the hall in front of him, heading for the north corner were his assigned dark spot was. The others followed suit, paired up Sentinels heading for their destination.
DAMN! Mark yelled as he ran into a group of palace guards. He and Toni had pulled their Katanas, dodging weapons and fists.
SHIT! Will heard Jessie scream as he felt her pain as her body connected with a column. A group of guards had been able to ambush them as they turned a corner. Will was about to turn around and her in their direction when Joseph was telling him to go on.
We've arrived at our location. Gabriel informed Will. We've started checking rooms but found nothing yet.
Once you clear your location go and help out Mark. Will told him as he saw the staircase he needed to take. Grabbing the banister, he jumped over.
Roger that. Came Gabriel's reply.
His instincts told him when his level was coming up. Will reached out, grabbing the banister again, grunting at the pain of the sudden stop. Swinging his leg over, he stepped back onto the staircase. Remembering the map, he headed off down the right hallway.
There weren't any guards here as Will ran down the pristine white hallway. He slid to a stop before a heavy wooden door. He reached for the door handle, pulling it back with all of his strength. He peeked around the edge of the door. The room was dark, the light from the hallway barely penetrating the darkness within. Drawing his Katana, Will entered.
He took a couple of steps in, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness. With a grin, he opened a link to all of the Sentinels. I found the control room. I'm going to set the bombs and blow this place up. Head back to the opening and help out Aragon and the rebels.
Do you think you can take care of it by yourself, Will? Dayleen asked on the link, her mental voice sounding strained. At the moment, she was fighting a maid who believed it was up to her to defend the palace of her 'god'. The maid as huge and muscular but Dayleen was giving as good as she got. And the maid was simply getting pissed that the smaller woman was not going down easily.
Yeah, five minutes tops. Once Adrianna sees the control room destroyed, she'll head to the opening and engage or she might be on her way there. I don't want to take the chance. Will said as he pulled the pack of his back and onto the floor. He began withdrawing the detonators and explosives.
As he began preparing the detonators, he gazed around the room. There was a single screen, shut down at the moment, set in the floor before him with a single large monitor leaning down from the far wall. Steeps slopes followed the walls down to a lower floor with two rows of screens, blinking with neon-green light. No doubt the single screen was for Adrianna's use.
Quickly, he slapped a bar of explosives on the main control room. Jogging down to the lower floor, he calculated where he would need to place the explosives for maximum damage. He was just finishing on the main screen when his senses told him to duck. Will rolled to his side as a large bolt of purple energy slammed into the wall, sending slivers of stone outward.
"You dare to come into my palace, you little slave?" Adrianna was there, dressed in a leather outfit with metal bracelets on her wrists. Her purple hair flowed from her head in wavy lines. She would have been beautiful if not for the ugly sneer on her face.
"So I guess you would be Adrianna Zero." Will climbed to his feet. The pack with the control to the detonators had slid away into the shadows but was safe for the moment.
"And you are the Sentinel Commander." Adrianna looked down at him, lavender eyes flashing in hate.
"Wow, one day and I'm already famous." Will watched as she stepped down the slope on the lower floor. As she passed a control screen, she pressed a button. The main screen flickered on, an image of the neighboring planet coming into view, no doubt from the planet destroyer.
"That bitch of she-devil wasted no time in sending her little pets to do her bidding." Adrianna sighed. "Such a waste of my time and your life." She held her hand out, a glowing sword appearing. "Let's see if she trained you well."
She settled into an offensive stance, sword at the ready.
Hesitating a moment, Will followed suit, clutching his Katana with both hands.
Adrianna's eyes glittered dangerously. "Before this duel ends, Commander, one of us will have the pleasure in enjoying the death of the other. I promise you this." Then the glowing sword arced through the air, leaving a line of bright light.
Will moved his Katana, the Blade itself now glowing a bright blue.
Air crackled as they met. Adrianna bared her teeth at him in a ferocious grin. "Or maybe, one I defeat you, should I take you to my bed?" She raked her eyes up and down his form. "Your form does me please me."
Will kicked out. Adrianna laughed as she broke the hold. "Sorry but I won't lay with a bitch like you."
"Oh, but you shall, Commander." Adrianna moved again, sword arcing up. Will parried but then she moved again. The blade of her sword caught his hand, ripping through the material. For a brief second, his scar was visible before the material closed but it was enough.
Will met Adrianna's eyes. "So you my grandmother's Ranger whelp. How interesting."
Spyridon- Here's Chapter 10 of EV. Sorry for the late update. Please leave a review. Keeps me going you know.