Chapter 9 - The Plan
The skies above City 17 start to darken as the Alliance shuttles start to descend for landing. From inside his shuttle, Ben looks out and sees the impact of the Uprising before his eyes. Once a clean, peaceful utopia, City 17 is now riddled with death and destruction, thanks to the actions of the One Free Man back in Nova Prospekt. A week has passed by since Gordon was last seen, and the Resistance seems to be doing well since then. Some buildings have been blown to pieces, others remain intact, while the streets are littered with bodies, both combine and rebels.
The shuttles then split up and make their way to various locations around the city, but Ben has a hunch to where his shuttle is going.
"Listen up." Commander Shepard speaks over the comm.
"What's the current situtation, Shepard?" the Master Chief asks.
"We're dropping you guys off to meet with Barney Calhoun." Shepard begins. "He's the main commander of the rebel forces in City 17. He's contacted us and says that he has a plan to break Eli Vance and Judith Mossman out of the Citadel, but he wants us to send a group to him so the Alliance understands this plan."
"Will we get to kill some Cerberus grunts?" Asks Sev, checking his rifle, clearly itching for some action.
"Yes, Sev." Shepard replies. "You will get to kill some Cerberus troopers. Maybe this will give Ben some vengeance after what they did to him. Right, Ben?"
"Indeed." Ben replies.
"What then?" asks Boss.
"Once you've talked with Barney, let us know and stand by for further instructions." Shepard continues.
"Understood."
"Shepard out." The shuttle goes silent as Shepard signs off the comm. Ben checks his weapons. The M-8 Avenger rifle and M-3 Predator pistol are unlike any weapon that he's seen before. But they are weapons. As long as he can use them, he has no problem with them.
"Was that your girlfriend back there on the Normandy?" asks Scorch, who was sitting right next to him.
"Who?"
"That lady that was with you. What was her name? Emma? Daisy? Janet?"
"Emily." Ben answers. "And yes, she is my girlfriend. Why do you ask?"
"I just think you two look cute together, that's all." Scorch replies.
Ben couldn't help but smile at the compliment, but the recent shock of Emily's pregnancy still startles him. He chooses to keep it a secret.
"She did look nice, but I don't trust that other man who came with you." says Sev.
"Who, David?" Ben asks.
"Yes. Something rubs the wrong way with him." says Sev, grimly. "I don't know why, but I just feel like he could stab us in the back or something."
"Look, Sev." Ben begins. "I've known David for years. I don't think he could be capable of betraying us like that."
"I hope you're right." says Sev.
"Just ignore him there." Scorch says to Ben. "He just wants to get off this shuttle and kill some enemies."
"No I-"
"That's enough, you two." Fixer interupts. "Let's concentrate on the task at hand."
"He's right." Chief agrees. "There will be plenty of time for conversations later." He then turns to Ben. "We've been told a lot about you. That you're a very capable man. The reason why we've actually asked you to assist us with Cerberus is that we want to see what you're really made off. You think you've got it in you?"
"I hope so, Chief." Ben replies. "I just can't wait to see Breen's face when we show up right at his doorstep." He then looks out to the window and up at the sky.
"Is everything OK?" the Chief asks.
"Yes. Everything's fine." Ben replies. "I just can't believe that Freeman could be back."
"What's the big deal about that guy, anyway?" Sev asks.
"Gordon Freeman was a scientist working at Black Mesa." Ben starts. "When an experiment went wrong, an alien race called the Xen tried to invade Earth. He stopped this invasion, all without uttering a single word. That's how badass he is."
"But it wasn't enough, right?" asks Fixer.
"No, it wasn't." Ben replies. "The Combine then attacked, and the Seven Hour War began."
"Did it last for seven hours?" asks Scorch. "If so, then that's one short war that you guys had."
"That's correct." Ben confirms. "Their technology was far more advanced than ours at the time."
"How did the war end?" Boss asks.
"Dr. Wallace Breen, who was Black Mesa's administrator, signed the official surrender in the city of New York." Ben continues. "As a reward, the Combine made him the official representative for Earth and resides in that tower up there, called the Citadel." He points to the Citadel, which towers over City 17 in all it's glory. "There's one in every Combine city, but City 17's importance in the world is because it's Breen's headquarters. But in the end' he still refers to them as 'Our Benefactors'."
"Meaning what, exactly?" asks Scorch, confused by Ben's words.
"He's the leader of Earth, but he's still under the Combine's control, like the rest of us." replies Ben.
"How long have they ruled your world?" the Chief enquires.
"About 20 years, now." Ben responds. "And we're only just fighting back now, which I say it's about damn time. I wonder what will happen to Breen exactly if we win..."
"We should try and bring him back alive." the Chief suggests. "See if he knows anything at all about the Combine and their operations."
"I would rather kill him then take him alive." Ben replies. "Because of him, thousands of lives were shattered, especially families. He claims it to make the world a safer place, but it's not."
"I'm pretty sure Breen wants a free Earth just as much as you do, Ben." says Fixer. "But the Combine are manipulating him in several ways that make him look like an enemy. It's the Combine that you need to blame, not Breen."
"I'll take those words to my mind, Fixer. Really." Ben responds.
"If Breen somehow screws up in this battle and escapes, I would bet 100 credits that the Combine will literally put him on a leash like a dog." jokes Scorch.
The others just look at him in silence. Ben does give a little chuckle at the joke, though.
"We're here!" the shuttle pilot shouts from the cockpit. The shuttle lands and the doors open.
"Let me lead." Ben insists to the Chief. "I know these guys well."
Ben leaves the shuttle first, followed by the rest of the group. The landing zone had a few crates around, while rebels are conversing, checking ammo and carrying supplies towards the main outpost. Some of the rebels give questioned looks at the Chief and Delta Squad, but one rebel came out to greet them.
"Look who it is!" the rebel exclaims with delight. "Remember me, Benjamin?" He takes off his beanie and reveals a combination of two hair styles. He had something resembling a buzz cut and a small mohawk sticking out.
"Mike Jenkins!" Ben exclaims. He walks towards Mike and proceeds to give him a bro-hug. "How's it going, mate?" he asks.
"I'm good, thanks." Mike replies. "How about you?"
"It's a long story." Ben replies. Mike then looks behind Ben and sees the Chief and the commandos. "I take it these folks are from the Alliance?"
"Yeah, I guess you could say that." Ben replies. He then proceeds to introduce Mike.
"Guys, this is Mike Jenkins." Ben begins. He then points to the others one at a time "Mike, this is the Chief, and Delta Squad; Boss, Fixer, Scorch and Sev." He then looks back to the Chief and the commandos. "I've known Mike for a long time, like David. He is a bit hyper, though, but he's a damn good driver. Oh, and he's loves blowing stuff up."
"Oh, really?" asks Scorch. "Well, Mike, I believe you and I have something in common!"
"I guess we do." Mike replies with a smile, putting his beanie back on. "Barney's been expecting you. Follow me, and I'll take you guys to him!" The group follows Mike from the landing zone to go and see Barney.
Meanwhile, Samus and Shepard, along with Garrus Vakarian, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy and James Vega are approaching another rendezvous point. Samus, in her power armor, looks out of the shuttle window and sees the war-torn city.
"This must have been a beautiful city, once..." she says. Shepard walks over to join her. "I bet it was." he says. "Wouldn't want to live here, though."
"Why?" Samus asks.
"Because of the Combine." Shepard replies. "Ben told me what happens in cities like this. He kinda described it like martial law. People got executed all the time, and there were Civil Protection officers everywhere, so there was a lot of forbidden areas."
"That's terrible!" Samus exclaims. "How did Ben knew all of that?"
"He lived in City 17, once." Shepard replies. "He didn't tell me why he left, though. Or should I say, escaped."
"I almost feel sorry for him." says Samus. "But he's lucky to have escaped."
"Yeah." Shepard simply replies. "He is." He then looks out the shuttle and thinks about what Ben told him about Gordon Freeman.
"What are you thinking about?" Samus asks.
"About Gordon Freeman."
"You think he's the one?"
"I don't know for certain. But I guess we'll find out, sooner or later."
"So, where exactly are we going?" asks James.
"Grayson Hunt, Trishka Novak and Sam Gideon uncovered intel about a Cerberus factory that was recently set up to provide Atlas mech support to the Combine in the city."
"So, we're off to secure this factory, then?" Tali asks.
"Indeed we are." Shepard confirms. "Capturing it would cut Atlas support to the city. Unfortunately there are a few mechs already in the city, but securing this factory would turn the odds in our favour."
"So it's true, then?" Garrus asks. "Cerberus is working with the Combine?"
"Both are part of the Collective." Samus replies. "So, yes, they are."
At that moment, the shuttle lands. The door opens, and Shepard leads the squad out of the shuttle. Once the shuttle has unloaded, it takes off and heads back into the sky. Suddenly, the shuttle then explodes.
"Move!" shouts Shepard. The squad manages to scramble before the debris of the shuttle crashes down onto the ground. When they've all recovered, nobody knew what happened, but Tali seemed to have the answer.
"Anti-Air turrets!" she exclaims. "Those bosh'tets are trying to keep us from landing more troops!"
Shepard curses under his breath and puts his hand to his ear. "SSV Unity, this is Commander Shepard. Do not send anymore shuttles! We've got AA guns in the city!"
"Sounds like Cerberus is doing more than giving Atlas support." Garrus comments. "We better get a move onto those turrets."
"No." says Shepard. "We hold until we get the plan from Barney."
Mike leads Ben, Chief and Delta Squad into an area that speaks itself as a Resistance outpost. Rebels were everywhere, from giving briefings and checking weaponry, to just standing around and having a chat.
"I can't believe this day has finally come!
"You and me both!"
"Sometimes, I dream about cheese."
"I'm not even going to tell you to shut up!"
"I'm glad there's no kids around to see this."
"You're talking to yourself again..."
Some rebels gave questioned looks to the group. Ben understood that these looks weren't directed at him, but at the commandos and the Chief. Ben looked across and saw a man with black cropped hair in a Civil Protection outfit stationed near a radio. The man looks across and suddenly, a huge smile appears on his face.
"Well, look who's returned from the stars!" he exclaims, walking towards the group.
"Barney Calhoun." Ben replies back. "How's the week been going?" he then says as he bro-hugs Barney.
"You wouldn't believe it, buddy!" says Barney with enthusiasm. "First Freeman shows up, the Uprising begins, and now you've returned. It's been one hell of a week!" Barney then looks towards the commandos and the soldier in green armor. "These folks from the Alliance?" he asks.
"Yep." Ben responds. "That's the Master Chief." he says as he points to the Chief. He then points to the commandos. "And these guys are Delta Squad." He then extends his hand out towards Barney while facing the group. "This is Barney Calhoun. He was a security guard back at Black Mesa before the Combine took over."
"Your outfit looks unique, compared to the others." Boss notices. "Why's that?"
"I've been working undercover with Civil Protection recently." says Barney. "But now I'm no longer part of the force, due to the Uprising." He then gestures to the area with the radio. "Follow me, I'll explain our plan."
The group follows Barney and once they've reached their stop, they surround the table that the radio was sitting on. Ben was the first to speak.
"So, what's the situation? With Eli, I mean."
"Official reports state that Eli is being held in the Citadel." Barney explains. "We're going to make a push to get him out. And hopefully give Breen what he deserves as well."
"What would you like the Alliance to do?" asks the Chief.
"I want you guys to try and take out the AA control outpost that the Combine's ally have stationed."
"You mean Cerberus?" corrects Fixer.
"Yeah, those guys." Barney replies. "You might not have noticed, but my guys have confirmed that these Cerberus folks has deployed AA turrets all over the city, using them to shoot down any of your shuttles in the sky. Securing that AA outpost will allow you to bring in more troops, and helping us liberate the city."
"Have you heard anything about Freeman and Alyx?" Ben asks. "Last time I heard about them, they were headed for Nova Prospekt to rescue Eli there."
"We haven't heard anything about them since the prison was overrun." Mike replies. "Whether they made it out or were killed, we just don't know."
"I'm gonna tell Kleiner about our plan." Barney decides. He then proceeds to turn the tuner on the radio and on the TV screen above, Dr. Isaac Kleiner appears on screen.
"Doc, come in, Are you there?" Barney asks. No answer. Barney tries again. "Hey, Doc? Are you there?"
Kleiner walks towards the screen on his end. "Yes, Barney, and I'm no longer alone. Alyx and Gordon have just arrived." He steps to the side, and Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance appear on screen, with Alyx giving a wave with a smile.
Barney lets out a sign of relief. "Man, that's good news. I almost gave you guys up for lost! We're planning to set up a staging area for attacking the Citadel."
Alyx then walks towards the middle of the screen. "Gordon and Dog can head your way." she suggests. "I want to get Dr. Kleiner somewhere safer, then I'll meet up with you."
"I'll take all the help I can get!" says Barney, accepting Alyx's suggestion.
Barney then hears a bang. He looks up and sees a headcrab shell descending to the ground. "Oh crap. INCOMING!" he yells. Everyone ducks as the shell crashes to the ground. Barney gets up and looks at the screen again. "Go on, get going!" he urges, as he turns off the radio. He then looks towards the group.
"You guys should go, too." he says in a much calmer tone. "Head for the AA controls and shut them down. That will allow your troops to move in."
"You got it." says the Chief. "Everybody follow me." The group turns to leave, but Mike stops Ben.
"I'm coming with you guys." he says with conviction.
"No, Mike." Ben replies. "You should assist Barney with the Combine. I mean, you don't even know what Cerberus is capable of."
"Bullshit." Mike snaps. "I will always have your back. This is my decision, and I'm not changing my mind."
"Let him come, Ben." says the Chief. "He might be useful." He then proceeds to radio Shepard. "Shepard, come in. Can you hear me?"
"Shepard here." says Shepard on the other end. "Go ahead."
"Barney's plan is to make a push on the Citadel and free Eli. He's also given us word that Cerberus has set up a AA outpost to shoot down all incoming Alliance shuttles."
"Funny you should mention that." Shepard replies. "Our shuttle got blown to bits after dropping us off just a few minutes ago."
"What would you like us to do?" the Chief asks.
"Do what Barney said and proceed towards the AA outpost." orders Shepard. "Shut it down anyway you can."
"Understood. Chief out." The group follows the Chief out of the outpost and onto the streets.
"Anything I should know as we head out?" Mike asks.
"One thing, and it's easy." Scorch replies. "Shoot the soldiers with the red eyes on their helmets."
"Sounds simple enough..."