Memory: Etro's Grace
[Blue]
The monsoon was dying down outside, as I peered out from my office window in the back of the Etro's Grace. The news broadcast flashed across the small screen in the corner of my small cramped office. I turned it up slightly as the newscasters began their report.
"Seems like Bodhum is still being ravaged by this monsoon, but lucky for them the end is in sight! Our reports show that the monsoon should be finished passing over Bodhum in a few hours. Over to you Chet for the next story." The Handsome newscaster nodded, "Thanks Drew our next story comes from Nautilus, seems like the Cocoon cultural unity program is finally being accepted by the rowdy Nautilian populous. The Sanctum has reported that the city is finally getting adjusted to the changes that go along with the CCUP, this is a sign of progress and prosperity to come for all of Cocoon."
The frown on my face deepened as I turned down the volume and buried my face in my hands, slowly rubbing the tense muscles of my face. My phone rang startling me, "Hello Lieutenant Vandens, Bodhum Security how can I be of service?" There was a relieved sigh on the other end, "Lieutenant, this is Captain Cabert over in Nautilus I'm glad I managed to get ahold of you." "What can I do for you Captain?" "I'm going to make this quick I don't have much time left. The Sanctum almost has complete control of Nautilus, people are disappearing and my troops are showing up dead. I saw the sanctum loading some civilians onto transports but I have no idea where they're being taken, but I plan to find out. I don't know how many civilians have fled the city but there is no question they're killing the people who resist, frankly I'm quite surprised they have left me alive. I expected to be one of the first to die."
Cabert paused for a moment after a loud crash and shouting started, "I have to go, don't trust the sanctum." Before I could say anything the line went dead.
[Blue]
A cool breeze wafted past me as I peered across the vast pale crystalline ocean before me into the seemingly endless horizon. Ramstis's sudden appearance was no accident, the Sanctum is moving in faster than expected. Footsteps thumped loudly as someone made their way down the wooden dock to stand near me. Turning I find myself face to face with my sister.
"What brings you to this quiet corner of Bodhum Ramstis?" Ramstis paced forward a little before sitting down on one of the shorter dock posts. "Kelionė…why don't you ask the real question that's burning in the mind of yours." She breezed out, shaking her head tiredly. A scowl creased my brow, "Why are you here? Out of the blue with no letter?" Ramstis scoffed loudly crossing her arms with a huff, "So I am required to send a letter to return home to my family?" Sighing loudly, "That isn't what I meant, you always sent a letter before, why is now so different?" Ramstis scowled, "Why so suspicious Kelionė?" I took a deep breath before turning to face her, "You show up after CCUP and expect me not to be suspicious that a Sanctum Coronel suddenly appears without notice given to Sanctum Security? For no apparent reason other than a whimsy? Forgive me sister but you've never have been one to give into a flight of whimsy." Ramstis's eyes narrowed as she laced her fingers on her lap, "Why are you so worried about CCUP Kelionė, who have you been talking to."
"I haven't spoken to anyone, the vids are enough of a warning themselves." The lie slid from my lips without hesitation. "A warning of what Kelionė? Are you insane? It's a program to help Cocoon come together as one." I laughed bitterly, "Cut the charade, the sanctum kills those who don't cooperate with CCUP. Those who want to keep millennia old tradition alive, those who don't want to change, people like our family! The Fal'cie want us to rely on them absolutely so they can manipulate us, our independence gives us strength." Ramstis flew up grabbing ahold of my arm roughly, "You selfish brat, there is more to Cocoon then just our family. You're just worried about the end of the fishing industry that our family wouldn't have a lively hood." I twisted free snarling, "Bodhum has always been a port town, a fishing town what purpose will it have if it's one purpose and reason for existing is taken away? We're considered backwater enough as is, who would miss us…"
Ramstis stood straight, "Bodhum will be given a new purpose, and everything will be fine." I hissed, "How can you expect me to swallow that poison? Bodhum will be destroyed along with everyone here and the Sanctum will raise a new Bodhum out of the ashes in the image it sees fit." "Then it's your job to change their mind if you want to protect Bodhum, any fool who doesn't follow the Primarch's decree will be dealt with accordingly", She hissed. Backing away, "You know what will happen Ramstis, your friends, your family…everyone you knew…will be dead. Everyone in Bodhum will protect their homes, Bodhum isn't broken sister it doesn't need to be fixed." Ramstis shook her head, "You'll never understand Kelionė, this is bigger than Bodhum, and this is for the good of all Cocoon."
"How is this for the good of all Cocoon?" I asked frustrated. She said coolly, "This will end the petulant civil unrest across Cocoon." "What civil unrest? There is no bad blood between Bodhum and Nautilus, even PalumPolum. Eden is too high up to be touched by the problems of us humble ground folk. This is all some Sanctum excuse to get involved and toss around its power, CCUP is nothing but a guise for a Sanctum power grab." Ramstis pinched the bridge of her nose, "Kelionė don't be stupid, do your duty to the people of Bodhum!" Laughter escaped from deep in my chest, "Do my duty? Seriously Ramstis? That is what I'm doing now. It's my DUTY to do what is in Bodhum's best interest and if the people of Bodhum stand against the Cocoon Cultural Unification Program I'll be here with the rest of the Bodhum regiment of Sanctum Security to defend it. And you know where you will be Ramstis? You'll be on the other side pointing your gun blade at us."
"Kelionė, There is no other way you will have to-" Turning my back on her I began marching into the city. "Kelionė don't turn your back on me….KELIONE!" Walking away I knew Bodhum wouldn't come out of this whole, hell I doubt any of us will get out of this alive. My hope poured from my heart like sand through my fingers. Siren's song wove its way through the air, a faint telling of a coming storm. "Siren I don't know what the future brings but I know I need to get help. I need to get ahold of Captain Cabert."
[Blue]
Shut away in the cellar of the Etro's Grace all of the SSR soldiers and Bodhum leaders were present. "Blue what is the meaning for such secrecy? Must we sneak around like common burglars in our own town?" I stood ready to address everyone, "Please hold your questions. I wouldn't have asked you to come here without a reason. This is of the utmost importance. Ramstis showed up during the monsoon, shortly after I received a call from Captain Cabert over in Nautilus. Cabert contacted me earlier today; the Sanctum silences anyone who poses opposition to CCUP. She told me her soldiers are showing up dead. The Sanctum is slowly gaining control of the Nautilus. Cabert also mentioned civilians were disappearing from the city in startling numbers, she doesn't know how many fled the city to avoid the Sanctum; but she saw the Sanctum load groups of civilians onto transports to Lindzei knows where. Cabert was certain the Sanctum would be knocking at our door within a few days. With Ramstis's appearance I have no doubt the Sanctum will follow shortly."
"Why do we need to worry about the Sanctum, we aren't a morally corrupt cesspool filled with all sorts of debauchery." I shook my head, "That doesn't matter, Nautilus had a security branch more than three times the size of ours, if they couldn't keep the city in their control…we don't stand a chance." "What is your point Blue?" Slamming my fist against a beer keg, "My point is that Nautilus was our biggest ally. A strong and independent state that never had to rely on the Fal'cie for protection or survival. Along with us, Nautilus has survived through adversity; we are as strong as we are due to our lack of relying on the fal'cie for everything. CCUP will have us suckling from the collective Fal'cie teat for our basic needs. They Fal'cie will have complete control over us, we will no longer have a say."
"Would that be so bad? It'd be a peaceful existence." Mr. Patier muttered from in back. "Patier the Sanctum will come here and pick Bodhum apart piece by piece. You know the fish you take to the other cities in trade? The Sanctum plans on dismantling the fishing industry in Bodhum; you won't have anything to trade. The Sanctum threatens the very lifeblood of our city; Ramstis assured me that they'll provide some sort of 'new' purpose for Bodhum but who knows that that may be. Bodhum has always been tied to the sea; it's our culture, the very spirit of our city. The Sanctum wishes to trample over that, to trample over us and warp Bodhum into a city that better serves their needs. They want us to be ignorant and passive pawns in whatever game they're playing"
"Ramstis wanted me to come and persuade all of you into giving up on fighting, giving up on the life you've built; and the city our ancestors founded. Bodhum will not come out the same on the other side if Nautilus is any testament our city will be transformed into a mere shadow of its former self. Or neighbors and relatives hauled off in transports to who knows where." Heated murmurs broke out in in the darkened cellar. I leaned back against the keg behind me, taking deep breaths. Whatever they decide I will support but resistance is inevitable once people start disappearing…or they turn up dead.
E.B and the other soldiers stood near me, "Lieutenant we just want you to know we're with you, none of us are going to chocobo out and run away. We're not going to let anyone get killed or taken. Bodhum is going to stay the way it is because we're here to protect it." Looking at each of their faces despite the dim light I could see the determination burning in their eyes. Some of them looked uncertain but nodded their agreement when my eyes met theirs. The Mayor coughed catching my attention, "Lieutenant, you've protected us admirably in the past and have yet to lead this town astray. We agree with your summary of the situation. Tell us what we need to do to prepare incase worse comes to worse in this whole fiasco."
I paused casting a quick glance over everyone, "Anyone willing and able who doesn't know how to use a gun or blade must be trained in at least the basics. The old defense systems need to be activated. And we need to gather a large supply of food and water to store somewhere because most likely the Sanctum will cut off any supply line we may have into town. Leaving the city won't change anything; it's the people they want to change not the buildings. Those who don't want to fight have the option to leave but they must do it under the cover of nightfall and travel lightly they can't afford to be caught." All of the attendees nodded looks of determination on their faces. Before another word could be said a thundering knock and a door slamming open silences every sound in the cellar. Everyone held their breath straining to listen, a muffled voice called out, Ty answered shortly after. I gestured to the Mayor and other civilians to hide behind the large keg barrels. The soldiers reached for their holsters and I slowly made my way up the cellar stairs.
I paused at the door listening before lazily making my way through and closing it behind me. Turning around I was face to face with my sister. "Oh so you were what the entire ruckus was about? Was that really necessary sister?" Ramstis was soaking wet, "What are you doing Lieutenant Vandens?" I raised an eyebrow, "What am I doing? Bodhum Security uses the Etro's Grace as its headquarters after the old one burnt down several seasons ago; we're still raising the funds to build a new one. But the question is sister just how exactly that is any business of yours…?" Ramstis glared, "You were seen across town talking to people, what were you telling them?" I laughed shaking my head, "Really sister? That's it? I was telling them to close their shutters and secure their homes a storm was coming. I'm sorry Bodhum Security actually provides a useful service to the people unlike the sanctum it seems." "Where are your comrades Lieutenant?" "They're about to go out on patrol, the storms always bring in stronger fiends. Why do you care where Bodhum security troops are? What is going on Ramstis where is Ty?"
"You're not as sneaky as you think you should have taken the easy way just cooperated I was your only way out of this." Ramstis said coldly as she left. Ty walked from the back room, looking like he had been beaten, "Blue you may want to get the others, there are more of them outside. I swung the door open and rushed down the stairs, "E.B gather everyone and get them out of here through the tunnels, and there are sanctum troops out front. Everyone else with me up stairs on the double." "Aye-Aye sir!" "Calmly folks, we don't want to alarm them unnecessarily." I whispered to them before heading up the stairs. "Now if you guys are done squabbling over who gets what route, it's time to go on patrol." I announced loudly as I opened the door. I held the door for them as each of them walked up the stairs then closed the door. "Everyone clear?" Dropping my voice to a whisper, "Usual routes." Raising it again, "Dismissed!"
After grabbing my radio, I headed out like everyone else. I didn't see any Sanctum troops, but the streets had an eerie quiet I had never experienced before. I continued walking along my route, encountering nothing, not even a fiend. The atmosphere was unnerving; I was still a few blocks from the Etro's Grace when I saw an orange glow brighten the sky. Getting closer I started to see and smell smoke. I began running and called out to the others over the radio that there was a fire. Speeding around the corner I didn't notice the Sanctum troops hiding in the alley across the street. The Etro's Grace was full ablaze, Ty may still be inside. Despite the rain the blaze burned defiantly. Running around back where the flames hadn't reached yet, I kicked open the back door to my office.
"TY! Are you in here!" The blaze was sweltering; the smoke stung my eyes as I moved forwards. Bits of the roof were falling down like flaming snowflakes. Shattered glass littered the floor glinting in the light of the shimmering flames. Quickly I looked around the bar for Ty. I spotted a trail of blood leading into the basement. Throwing the door open I flew down the stairs flicking on my flash light. Ty and three sanctum security officers lay on the stone floor tied up, dead. All four of them were shot in the head. "I'm sorry Ty, you shouldn't have gotten involved. The sanctum was only after us. I should have left someone with you. But from the looks of this they got the jump on all of you." I started to cough and heave. Collecting myself I rushed over to the tunnel entrance and made my escape through the damp dank tunnels. They set the fire to hide the bodies and send a message. The sanctum is here. Once I made it back to the surface again I was covered in soot, and drowning in guilt. This is only the beginning I knew and it was sure to get worse.
"Everyone find somewhere to lay low for the night, the Sanctum burned down the Etro's Grace after shooting Ty and three of our comrades. Keep your radios on and keep each other updated if you see something call it out! If we're going to have a fighting chance we need to get everything into motion as soon as possible." The Bodhum security regiment sounded off for the night. Going home was too risky, I don't want the family getting hurt in the cross fire. But there is something I can still do tonight, I'll activate the old defense grid and at least keep the sanctum gunships at bay. Making my way up the long overgrown trail to the defense system hub, I began to formulate a plan.
[General]
Fang stood over by the window staring out listlessly, "ey Juokas how long has our friend there been out like that?" Juokas glanced over at the bed where Blue lay sleeping, "Since the storm started, I've tried wakin' her up but she doesn't budge. It's kinda like she's stuck in 'er dreams." Fang nodded crossing her arms as she turned, "Maybe she's rememberin' somethin' in the noggin of hers. She seems to be rememberin' more about 'er life than you have. Wonder why that is?" Juokas shrugged, "No idea, Fang." Fang walked towards the door and gestured for Juokas to follow, "Come on let sleepin' beauty rest while we get our grub on. No doubt it's done by now." Outside lightning danced across the sky followed by the baritone booms of nearby thunder. Everyone remained tucked safely indoors to avoid this brute of a storm the only souls roaming the streets belonged to that of the New Oerban guardian corps patrols.
[Blue]
"Lieutenant this will most likely be the last time I'll be speaking with you, I'd be more than willing to send help but there is nothing left of the Nautilus Sanctum Security Regiment. Nothing left aside from me, now I'm about to be shoved aboard one of those transports to Lindzei knows where. I have a favor to ask, if you ever come across my sister, let her know what really happened. Don't let the Sanctum stain the memories of the NSSR soldiers and Nautilus as a whole. Nautilus was a good city a bit rough around the edges but it had its own tune. But I'm afraid that's over." The hissing of a hydraulic door is heard, followed by someone shouting in the distance. "Time to go, its over for Nautilus Vandens there is no hope left for us but you still have a chance to save Bodhum. Even if you can't save it, make sure to go out with a roar and not a whimper. Use the video I game you against the Sanctum. Don't be like-." The line went dead, every remaining member Bodhum security all stood around the old defense console.
We stood in silence for a few minutes the light cast from the flickering old console causing our battle armor to glint and shine. The same battle armor soldiers from Bodhum wore in the great civil war of decades ago; a sapphire blue chest plate with an emblazoned chrome sigil of Bodhum in the middle; with matching greaves, bracers, and helmet.
Clearing my throat with a cough, "Everyone I know this is a lot to ask of you. I know coming in that many of us never expected to have to don this armor. But the time has come to defend our city, our homes, friends and family. We aren't going to get any help in this, it's only us. We're the only thing standing between Bodhum and the Sanctum, while some of our neighbor, friends and family will lend a hand; they're not the skilled fighters we are. We're only going to have one chance at this. We need to hack the Cocoon Broadcast Balloon and tie this video from Nautilus into the feed. Sid I'll need your grappling hook skills to wrangle the balloon, Tick you'll need to use your hacking skills to upload the video into the news feed. I'll be there to cover you, E.B you'll be taking Aaron, Bru, Alyce, and Roger along the left side of the city. Alexa you'll be taking Pete, Leon, Tess, Adrienne along the right side of the city, the idea is to push them down main street folks. Where we'll have our volunteer fighters stationed in windows and hidden areas. We already have one soldier for every group of 10 civilians stationed along the street. We have a hundred civilian fighters with us the groups are being led by Brock, Al, Capci, Eli, Yvonne, Rain, Beau, Verdan, Yashire and Remi. We want to funnel them as far as we can down the street so our two machine gunners Edy and Zeri can mow them down. If we do this right everyone we'll catch them by surprise and this will be all over by sunrise."
"But if the worse comes to worst and we get over powered fall back to Calissa and Sissy's position at the temple, where the non-combatants are. They're our number one priority to protect. Also if one of your comrades falls do not leave them behind if they're still living! There is only twenty seven of us lets show the Sanctum what Bodhum is made of, Move out everyone!" They saluted, "Aye-aye sir!" before moving out of the old overgrown defense hub. I drifted out, locking the door behind me with a voice lock. Sid and Tick were waiting. "Are you ready sir?" Sid's gravely tones reached my ears. I straightened up, "Yes, let's set everything into motion." We were out of the trail in a matter of seconds sliding from one dark alley to another until we came to the building that the newsfeed balloon was currently hovering over. We scanned the street and windows before making a break for the next alley. One in cover we paused for a few minutes, then we began our ascent along the fire escape. Several stories later we were staring across the Bodhum skyline. The newscast balloon putted quietly across the roof top slowly.
Sid moved under the balloon swinging his grappling hook, he aimed carefully before letting it fly. The hook make a tink sound as it hooked around the bar that kept the boosters attached to the balloon. It took all three of us to pull the balloon down onto the roof top. Tick pulled out her hacking tools, "Tick try to get this done as quickly as you can, here is the video you need to upload." I handed her the video orb. Her hands worked deftly across the circuits; every so often she'd wipe her brow before digging back in. About ten minutes later she inserted the orb and stood back, "Moment of truth let's see if it'll work." The picture on the balloon went blank for a few minutes before the vid started to play. From here the video of Nautilus will be broadcast through the newsfeed to every news balloon on Cocoon. Everyone will know the truth of what is going on.
Sid looked around, "Lieutenant where do we go from here? Surely were not going to leave this thing to float aimlessly around the city. The Sanctum will no doubt trace the signal to this balloon then do everything in their power to shoot it down." I nodded, "You're right Sid we can't leave it here, our best bet will be to have it over near the main street, give the Sanctum troops extra motivation to fall into our kill furrow. Alright Sid get a hook up on the other side let's move this thing." I clicked on my radio inside of my helmet, "Lieutenant Vandens speaking, Hold your position until we give the signal. We're moving the balloon to Main Street. The Sanctum troops should start moving once they've traced the balloon's signal. Once that happens E.B and Alexa your teams move and cut off any retreat they may have. No full frontal confrontations, we don't have the man power or equipment for that sort of engagement. Let's do this like we're rooting out a bunch of smugglers, hit and run tactics folks. Over and out."
Tick and Sid held on to the two ropes that kept the balloon down, "Time to go Lieutenant." Tick said jerking her head in the direction of the temple. I nod taking ahold of both ropes.
[30 minutes later]
"Secure the ropes tightly between the two buildings in that alley dead end alley there. Not too high or they'll be able to shoot it down with an air ship, but not so low that it will block the signal broadcast from it! There perfect!" We're right next to the temple with the balloon, to get it they'll have to come straight down the main street.
The radio crackles to life, "Lieutenant, this is Alexa, there is a large warship approaching from Eden. Also the Sanctum troops from the docks are moving into town, what are your orders?" "Our defense torrents and missiles will be able to handle that warship. We also released the mines that rested in silos under the bay. Our defenses will stop the vehicles we need to worry about the troops. Don't close in yet Alexa we need them to be completely cut off we can't afford any holes in our lines. Also I can't afford for your team to get pinned between two separate groups of sanctum troops."
"E.B status?" "Lieutenant we just starting seeing movement, they've broken up into two groups the main force is moving to join the group from the docks. They smaller group is going around the far side of the city towards us." "E.B pluck the smaller group off as quietly and quickly as you can, they're probably moving to flank us."
"Alexa, keep your eyes peeled, there is a good chance your group did the same thing, don't get ambushed." "Aye sir." Picking up a nearby sniper rifle I peered through the scope looking for the incoming warship. Spotting it as a looming lighted dot on the horizon it was bigger than I had thought, for the love of Lindzei I hope our arsenal can take that down. The smaller whirrs of gunships carried on the wind, from which direction it was hard to tell.
"Keep an eye on the sky folks, incoming gunships, stay hidden." Peering through the scope again straight down the narrow confines of main street I can see the sanctum troopers sticking to the shadows moving slowly from the cover of shadows to alleys slowly moving up the street. "Hold your fire; wait until the front of the group gets closer to the machine guns. We can't let any of them escape, we have one chance at this." Suddenly the whoosh and whump of the turrets firing shook the ground we stood on. A flaming gun ship sputtered and choked as it lost altitude and crashed into the forest it had just soared over. More turrets began firing, until three more gunships laid in burning ruin on the streets of Bodhum. The Sanctum troops used the light from the turrets and the burning gunships and started firing at the fighters they could see.
They had gotten close enough, "Fire at will everyone the enemy is in position, don't get yourselves killed!" I gave the signal to Edy and Zeri to activate the machine gun turrets and they began the systematic slaughter of any sanctum trooper unfortunate enough to be caught in the open. "Alright Volunteer groups fire from the windows at the troopers hiding in cover from the machine guns. Don't let them get out of the alleys." The warship on the horizon was closing in its shining down on to the streets. I head the clanking of armor and a hand clasp onto my shoulder.
"Blue it is about time I found you, I'm here to help." It was Mateo, "Brother what are you doing in father's armor? You shouldn't be out here, go back to the temple." "I can help keep you safe at the temple, I'd never forgive myself if my little sis got murdered while I stood around and did nothing." I sighed shaking my head, "Mateo if we have to fall back we'll all move towards the temple we need people there to cover our retreat." He stood there puffing up his chests obstinately, "No can do, I'm not leaving…" There was a silence for a few moments before he asked, "Where do you think Ramstis is over there?" "Somewhere, I'm trying to not think of the fact that both of either her or I will end up killing each other or the fact none of us may make it out of this alive." He took the sniper rifle from my hands, laying the barrel down on the sandbags and he aimed down the street.
"The warship stopped something is coming, it's like a giant black cloud." I leaned over to peer through the scope and saw the thing myself, "What…is that?" The turrets began to fire in vain the shots just pasted straight through the invading monstrosity. And soon before any of us knew what happened the city of Bodhum was engulfed in a dark noxious cloud. A blood curdling shriek followed by dark laughter. Whatever was hidden in the cloud landed causing the buildings to shake. Fighters from both sides started firing at the clouded figure. But to no avail, it remained unharmed. The creature whipped its arm wide, exposing its form. It was a horned and fully armored skeleton caped in a ragged cloak cradling an undead shamaness to its chest. Catching movement out of my peripheral vision I look down catching sight of my sister, then she faded into the dark cloud again.
Dark orbs of black began forming in the hand of the beast; it let off a dark chuckle before throwing the orbs. The orbs honed in on any living person nearby sanctum or otherwise. Those hit by the orbs dropped to the ground motionless. That's when the screaming started; the chaos infected every person on the field. "Lieutenant the orbs kill whoever gets hit by them! We're retreating to the temple!" Alexa bellowed into the radio clearly panicked.
"Everyone fall back towards the temple and don't get hit by those orbs!" I ducked as another volley of orbs flew over us. One of the machine guns stopped, glancing up Edy was slumped over the controls lifeless. "EVERYONE FALL BACK ON THE DOUBLE" Zeri slid out of his seat running towards us; he barely made it over the sand bags before the next volley was thrown. Mateo looked petrified, I shook his shoulder, he glanced at me eyes glazed slightly. I slapped his helmet hard, "Snap out of it Mateo! We're retreating!"
Mateo jerked to life as the three of us dipped and dodged the orbs, sprinting through the streets having to jump over the dead bodies of our comrades. Siren started to shriek louder and louder the closer the beast got to the temple. The sound was deafening we were right at the door way of the temple up when I heard Siren's wail. The doors opened to welcome us we were blinded by light. The wail launched out from the temple creating a sonic boom of sound and light. I was blinded as I felt the sonic wave pick me up off the temple steppe. It felt like I had been electrified as I heard every window in Bodhum shatter at the force of it.
[Several hours later]
The lungs in my chest burned from the acrid smell of smoke. I coughed cracking open my burning eyes. I'm face down in soot, I push myself up slowly catching sight of the temple stairs…How did I get to the base? A fall like that should have killed me. I glanced around quickly looking for Mateo and Zeri. I catch sight of Mateo's armor near the temple steps. Rushing over, "Mateo!" He lays twisted at the base of a tree surrounded by broken branches. His helmet is off. I gently turn him over, his eyes are closed I whisper his name again. Reaching down to check for a pulse I notice his neck is dark purple and slightly out of place…broken. His flesh is cold to the touch, already rigid. He's been dead for hours. Tears seep from my eyes leaving soot cleared trails down my face. I deftly reach down and remove his armband and survival knife before leaving a kiss on his cold brow. "To remember you, farewell my dearest brother may you find peace in the realm of Etro."
Sitting back I lean up against the tree, from my vantage point I can see that more than half of Bodhum has been burned the rest toppled by Lindzei knows what. The Sanctum warship hovers over the defeated city surveying the area from up on high. Turning to the left I see Zeri a few feet away in similar condition to my brother. I take ahold of my radio with what strength I have left in me, "To any of you who are still alive and hear this, it was an honor serving with each and every one of you. I'm sorry to have failed all of you. This is Lieutenant Vandens signing off for the final time."
I slowly forced my achy body to stand. I wove through the foliage slowly, stumbling here and there. The sky was starting to brighten with the promise of sunrise, as I hobbled my way down the street. The movement caught the warship's attention because soon I was enveloped in the brutal spot light cast down from the ship. A female voice screamed out my name, I could barely hear it. I kept hobbling. The voice was getting closer, but I still couldn't lay eyes on the owner. I tripped over a soot covered dead body causing me to sprawl face first on the other side of it. Grunting I pull myself so I'm back on my knees. A hand keeps me from standing.
Tracing the limb to its owner I find my sister. She looks sad, "Stop, don't get up." I try again to stand but her firm grip never falters. "Stay down Kelionė, there is no point Bodhum is gone. There is no one left fighting, you've lost." My head drooped down; I remember Captain Cabert's words. 'Go out with a roar not a whimper.' Fists clenched I launched to my feet swinging, only to take a hard blow to my helmeted skull by a golden blur. I twirled as I fell finally landing hard on my back. I lulled from unconsciousness to consciousness until a boot to my head ended the tug of war between the two.