Splatoon Agent Zero

by drz1990

This is a story about a 16-year-old boy named Blake Carter who witnesses the end of his world. He, his family, and a few hundred humans disembark on a voyage aboard a giant spacecraft to escape the rising sea levels flooding all the landmasses. A turn of events and a devious plan are revealed causing Blake to escape the ship in a Cryopod and land back on earth frozen for 2000 years

74. Arc 3 Chapter 25

Arc 3 Chapter 25

NOTE: This is a long chapter so there's a lot of reading. Redoing all the final chapters, so the release time of them will be longer than chapters I've released in the past. The Battle between the squidbeak and Octavio has begun and will continue into the next two chapters. The chapter is so long as to not stretch it out into more chapters as people complained about before. The final chapters will more than likely be longer than previous chapters and I'm ready to wrap up Arc 3. I'm sorry that I could've made previous chapters longer and just conjested them into one chapter and the arc would be shorter. Live and learn as they say. If you have any questions I'll be glad to answer them if I can. Hope you enjoy the read and if not well you don't have to read this story.

After Melvin had left back to Pearl's mansion he was grilled to where Marina was? She grabbed Melvin and slung him in the couch angered by the octoling boy and worried to where Marina was. Melvin didn't have time to respond as Pearl apprehended him. He held his hands up in surrender, hesitant about explaining to Pearl what had happened prior to him and about Marina giving herself away to the rebels for them to spare his life in exchange for her "services" at the vault.

"Pearl, please let me explain!" panicked Melvin with his hands out.

"I'm listening octo boy! You better come up with a good reason for me to not knock the living ink out of your ass!" she sneered at the sweating octoling.

"It's...my fault. The rebels took Marina in exchange for my safety. If I hadn't ran off like I did this wouldn't have happened...I'm sorry Pearl," he admitted at the now infuriated inkling popstar.

"You WHAT!" she screeamed seeing red. "You're dead inkhead! You better go and get Marina back before I stomp your ass into an ink puddle! Do you understand! You got Marina captured! I knew I couldn't trust you! Get that girl and get out before I report you to the authorities!" ranted Pearl.

"Listen here you little obnoxious squid! Your city is about to be invaded by the octo rebels! I'm sorry about Marina you don't think I'm beating myself over it! To think Marina would hang out with someone so shallow and selfish. I'd say you're fortunate to have a friend like her. So, please give me a chance to redeem myself but for now theirs bigger fish to fry and I'm sure your not wanna get ruled over by Octavio and his army. So I would really consider about the bigger picture here. We'll get marina back once we try and stop the rebels from controlling the city. I'm not sure what they plan on doing but I know it won't be good for the inklings," said Melvin sternly as he confronted Pearl. She was hemmed up against the wall, thinking about what Melvin had said. She remained quiet for the moment as Melvin looked at her with dissatisfaction.

"Well...what do have to say for yourself?" asked Melvin, still unpleased with Pearl's demeanor. Pearl just turned her head and crossed her arms. "Figured much... you don't wanna admit to that big ego of yours. That ego's about as big as your forehead... I'm gonna go check on Serena...then I'm leaving to stop the rebels, if its not too late... you can stay here and sulk if you want to," said Melvin as he walked out and headed to the lab.

Melvin walked over Serena's bed and saw that she was still asleep. Hoping she would recover soon and he kneeled beside her and grabbed her hand. "Serena... I hope you wake up, so I could tell how much of an inkhead I've been. How I keep getting the people around me hurt. How I screw everything up," exclaimed Melvin as tears started to form. Melvin felt deep regret over his past follies. Remembering when he got them caught by the rebels back in the canyon. When he and Serena got captured and now with Serena in a coma, he felt it was his fault for not being there to protect her. Melvin laid his head on the edge of the bed to hide his anguish but his sobbing woke up the motionless figure on the bed. Serena blinked her eyes slowly and looked at the source of the crying and saw Melvin beside her.

"Mel...vin..." she replied weakly.

"Serena? You're...awake, Oh Serena! I'm so glad you're ok!" exclaimed Melvin excitedly as he tried to hug Serena.

"M...M...Melvin, you're squeezing me. I'm still sore...please...let go," said Serena feeling suffocated by her friend and battle buddy.

"Oh sorry Serena! I was just... so glad to see you were awake and ok," said Melvin apologetically as he rubbed his arm.

"It's... alright... How did I get here? Where's Marie? Where's the sarge?" asked Serena still feeling exhausted.

"You must be talking about that inkling in the agent uniform. I'm not sure? I owe her a lot a gratitude for bringing you back. You asked about the sergeant. You met back up with her?" asked Melvin.

"Yeah... she was captured. They transported her to Tentacle Towers and the rebels... brainwashed me... It was... horrible Melvin, I don't wanna go through that again," said Serena as she felt remorse for what had happened and remembering getting shot by Marie. She was sure as dead but thankfully the armor protected her but not without causing damaging effects from the force of the charger.

"Serena it's ok now... those bastards are going to pay for what they did to you. Octavio and the rebels must be stopped before they take over the city," said Melvin. Serena saw Melvin's saddened expression, knowing he was laying the blame of everything that happened to her on himself.

"Melvin... don't go blaming yourself... and you need to keep a calm head. I don't wanna lose... you're the only true friend I have. I wanna keep it that way," said Serena trying to console the octoling boy. He rose his head as a tear fell from his eye hearing what she had said. The octoling girl gave a smile to Melvin as she placed her hand on his face. He grabbed her hand and smiled as he wiped the tear from his cheek.

"Serena...I...don't know what to say but...you've been a friend to me too," said Melvin trying not to cry.

"You don't have to say anything else Melvin. You've proven how committed you are and how much you've tried to watch out for me," said Serena.

"T...Thanks Serena...I wanna let you know that..." started Melvin as the two got closer to one another but they were interrupted by an eavesdropping squid.

"Hey! Octo-twirp! I need don't mean to break up the soap opera but you better get out here and stop these guys like you said you would do!" demanded Pearl with her hands on her hips as she gave the octolings a displeased expression.

"What's going on? And how long have you been there!?" asked Melvin who was annoyed by her intrusion.

"Long enough to know where this was going. Yeah yeah... I've screwed up and put my friends lives in danger. So on and so forth... If I wanted to watch a sappy romance then I would've turned on the TV to my channels. Look that's all well and good but right now... those octo haters are over Inkopolis right now! Can you wrap this up or kiss later. Geez enough all ready, we already have the dire action movie plot about to happen. So I guess you're going to play hero now, let's just hope this ends with a happy ending," said Pearl as she scowled at the octolings.

"Who's she? and why is she acting like that?" asked Serena.

"It's a long story. I'll explain later but for now she's unfortunately right. If the octo rebels are here I gotta stop them! If they attack the city we can kiss peace relations goodbye," said Melvin as he stood up.

"I'm comin' too," said Serena as she sat up. She jeered as she moved and held her chest from the pain.

"No Serena! It's too dangerous. You still haven't recuperated and I won't allow you to get hurt again especially in the condition you're in," protested Melvin.

"But Melvin..." started Serena.

"No buts, that's an order. I'm sorry Serena but that's final. You gotta stay here and try to recover," demanded Melvin. Serena laid back down and held her chest.

"I hate to admit this but I wish the sarge was here. We could really use her leadership right now," said Melvin.

"Sergeant Maxie, All I could recall was the inkling saving me and the sergeant getting rescued. After that, everything else was a blur. I blacked out from that ink shot I took. I remembered you and that other octoling that was with you, who was she?" asked Serena.

"That was Marina, she's the one that made the call to bring you here. This is her lab but she...got captured by the rebels because of me. That's two friends I've put in danger now," said Melvin as Pearl's scowl got more intense. "Like I said before. I'm not putting someone else's life in danger. So stay here," ordered Melvin as he started to walk away.

"Melvin wait...I...wanted to say something before you go," said Serena as she grabbed his hand.

"What is it?" asked Melvin as he turned around.

"I just...wanted to say thank you...and that I..." said Serena hesitantly.

"Yeah, Serena? asked Melvin anxiously.

"I just wanna let you know...that I..." continued Serena but she was interrupted again by the agitated inkling.

"Oh c'mon! The suspense is really killing me! You have a city to save loverboy! Just get to the point already!" shouted Pearl in pure annoyance. Melvin shot her a glare then turned back to Serena.

"Forget her Serena, just say what you gotta say," said Melvin.

"It's nothing...just promise me you'll make it back...then I'll tell you," said Serena.

"Serena I..." started Melvin.

"Promise me Melvin!" exclaimed Serena wanting a clear answer from the octoling.

"I promise, Serena" specified Melvin seeing Serena was anxious for him to answer her. Melvin headed back to the door for Pearl to shun him as he came out. The two of them rushed down the stairs and made it into the living room as Pearl followed behind. Melvin headed for the front door but something caused him to suddenly stop. Something wasn't right as he could sense the prescience of something that was waiting for him to leave. Pearl caught up demanding why he stopped.

"Shsssh...quiet!" he told her.

"Don't tell me to be quiet octopus! You need to..." ranted Pearl angrily.

"I said pipe down! I thought i heard..." started Melvin. He listened in and heard movement from the other side of the front door. Then he heard a ticking which he knew right away what it was. His eyes widened and he grabbed Pearl as they dove to the floor. "Get down!" he shouted as Pearl yelped.

BOOM! An explosion blew the front door open and a group of octoling elites stormed in with their weapons drawn.

"What the shell!" shouted Pearl. The two slowly got up as the dust settled and they spotted the elites staring at them with their octoshots drawn on them. "Theirs that octopus turncoat! Ink him up and that inkling!" one of the elites shouted. It was the rebel commando unit from before that took Marina. Melvin grabbed Pearl and they dove behind the couch as the elites sprayed ink at them.

"Hold your fire!" the elite ordered. "Come out and we'll make this nice and quick. If your wondering how I found you then maybe you better check your butt," said the elite. Melvin reached behind and felt something attached to his pants. On his right cheek was an octopus shaped tracking device that was stuck to his uniform. "What the," exclaimed Melvin as he pulled it off.

"I threw it on you as you fled the scene. I decided to try and tail you. You didn't honestly didn't think I was going to just take miss popstar protégé without finding out where she had been hiding. I knew you would lead us to the whereabouts you and that other octoling were hiding," sneered the elite.

"Give me back Marina! you motherfu..." ranted Pearl as her mouth was covered by Melvin. "What do want!? And how do you know about Serena!?" demanded Melvin.

"Come out and surrender peacefully! Throw your weapon down and we might guarantee your safety but as for the inkling... I can't guarantee anything. She might make a nice servant for DJ Octavio. This would be a suitable palace for our ruler," sneered the elite.

"Screw you! That poser isn't taking my mansion you..." shouted Pearl as she rose up, intending on beating up the elite as she flailed her fists. Melvin restrained her before she exposed herself. "You wanna get yourself splatted! Let me handle this!" Melvin exclaimed quietly.

"You have 10 seconds or maybe I'll have my brethren search this place for that other octoling. By the looks of things, she didn't appear in the shape to fight. It's your move," said the elite.

"Oh crap, we gotta think of something and fast before they find Serena," exclaimed Melvin.

"You better think of something octopus. You're the one that led them here in the first place," said Pearl angrily.

"I didn't know about the tracking device! So get off my tentacle already! Don't think I'll use you as a shield when the ink starts flying," Melvin shot back as he was losing his tolerance for the inkling popstar. He heard the elite start counting and looked at the chandelier that was hanging over the commandos. "On my mark, get back to the lab and lock the door. Make sure the rebels don't kill Serena. I'll try to fight them off the best I can," said Melvin quietly.

"What are you talking about?" asked Pearl giving Melvin a questioning look.

"Just do it!" demanded Melvin as his patience was wearing thin.

"3...2...1... times up!" counted the elite as she waved for her unit to move in.

"We surrender! Don't shoot!" shouted Melvin as he rose from behind the couch. He had his arms raised up but placed his octoshot on his feet. The commandos stopped and were locked on to the octoling.

"Hands where we can see them!" demanded the elite.

"I'm not armed! Don't shoot me! cried Melvin waiting for his opportunity.

"Where's the inkstain!? Tell her to come out or we'll splatter you where you stand!" ordered the elite, still weary on the octoling's surrender. Melvin gave a smirk as he stared at the rebels.

"Oh I'm not the one that's going to get splattered," he sneered. He quickly kicked up the octoshot and caught it. The elites froze where they stood. "It's you!" he shouted before shooting the chandelier as it dropped on the commandos. With no time to react the commando leader said "Oh shrimp," as the chandelier landed on top of her and two other elites. The crash reduced them to ink puddles as the others yelped and octo formed out of the way.

"Go now!" shouted Melvin to Pearl as he fired at the remaining commandos. Pearl nodded but still stunned from seeing the octolings get slain. She squid formed and headed to Marina's room. Recovering from the crash the commandos fired back intent on killing him, Pearl, and Serena for the loss of their leader. "You're gonna pay for that traitor!" shouted an elite as she sprayed the couch Melvin was behind.

"Like I haven't heard that before," sneered Melvin as he rose up and shot at the commandos.

"Flank him" ordered one of the elites. Two more dispersed from the group and went around to try and get the drop on Melvin. They rushed through the kitchen and checked their corners before moving toward Melvin's location. They had their weapons up and scanned their surroundings until they reached the end of the kitchen. One elite nodded to the other to advance but as she did a tap on the soldier got her attention. She turned and her face was met by a frying pan. She was knocked out as the other elite that moved up turned around to have the same frying pan thrown at there head as well.

Melvin looked to see the elites had dropped from behind with Pearl picking up the frying pan. "You owe me one octoling," said Pearl.

"Unorthodox but effective... I'll keep that in mind if we survive this. I thought I told you to head back to the lab! What are you doing down here!?," asked Melvin to Pearl before turning around to fire at the elite commandos.

"And let you have all the fun! Besides your octo butt wouldn't last a minute without my mad skills yo!" gloated Pearl twirling the frying pan.

Melvin rolled his eyes. "Don't know how Marina puts up with you," he commented to himself.

"I heard that! Keep it up and you're gonna wish those octo punks would've splatted you!" she shouted angrily at Melvin.

"Just don't make yourself a target! If you're gonna help then help!" he shouted back.

Meanwhile Serena woke back up to the sound of fighting coming from downstairs. She was beginning to worry and attempted to get up out of the bed. She jeered in pain but fought the urge to lay back down. She shambled out of the lab and into Marina's bedroom. She could hear Melvin's voice and it sounded like he was in trouble. "What's going on?" exclaimed Serena. She attempted to make her way down the stairs and spotted ink covering the floor. "Melvin!" she shouted but got no response.

She braced herself on the stair railing as she went down. Still sore she kept descending until she reached the first floor. That's when she noticed the skirmish in the living room. Serena spotted Melvin gunned down behind the couch, taking fire from the rebels. "No, Melvin!" she cried but the octoling didn't hear her. Pearl out of no where grabbed her and pinned her to the floor. "I thought you were hurt! What are you doing down here!?" demanded Pearl.

"I heard the commotion and came down. What's happening!?" exclaimed a panicking Serena.

"Those busters stormed my crib yo! None of this would've happened if Rina didn't let you..." ranted Pearl before being cut off.

"Hey! Freeze you two!" shouted a voice. It was an elite with her octoshot held on the two. Both of them froze in fear from the sight of the commando. Pearl clutched the frying pan in her hand and chunked at the commando. She evaded the pan and laughed.

"Ha! Stupid inkstain! You think a frying pan is going to stop me!" sneered the elite. "Prepare to get inked! You..." said the elite but she was splatted by Melvin who was at the other entry of the kitchen with his octoshot on the elite he killed.

"Serena I told you to stay in bed!" shouted a frustrated Melvin. "And you! Some help you are! I won't you both to head upstairs until...ahhh!" directing his frustration toward Pearl before he was cut off by a shot to the back. He fell and dropped his octoshot. "Melvin!" shouted Serena as she tried to rush over to him but was grabbed by Pearl who pulled her back toward the kitchen. "No! He's hurt! Let me go!" shouted Serena,

"Are you crazy! You're going to get shot too yo!" shouted back Pearl.

"Move up! the turncoat is down! Deal with those other two once he's dealt with!" ordered one of the elites as the commandos pushed forward to restrain Melvin. The octoling boy was in pain as Serena closed her eyes as the two of them tried to hide. "Pity...looks like he's still breathing. That inkling and octoling can't hide for long. Find them while we deal with the inkhead," ordered the elite. Two other elites left to track Pearl and Serena as they ran upstairs. Melvin was on his stomach trying to find the strength to get up but the commando's second in command stepped on Melvin's back as he screamed and was pinned to the floor. "Oh did that hurt, my sympathies. I can make the pain go away," said the elite pressed the nozzle of her weapon behind Melvin's head.

"You...piece of shit," jeered Melvin.

"What did you call me," said the elite as she pressed harder. Melvin jeered louder and gritted his teeth. "How about we just put you out of your misery, squidlover," sneered the elite as she pressed her weapon against Melvin's head. "I'm...not going down...that easily," said Melvin as he pulled out his knife under him. He rolled quickly and stabbed the elite in the leg before kicking her off. She was knocked into another commando but another elite with an octobrush swiped Melvin and threw the octoling against the refridgerator. "Finish that twirp off!" commanded the second in command to the octobrush welding elite.

"With pleasure," replied the octobrush user. Melvin propped himself up and stumbled toward the sink. He quickly turned around and took a swipe at the elite with his knife. The elite dodged the attack and knocked the knife out of his hand with her octobrush as it flew across the kitchen out of reach. She then pinned him with the weapon against the counter with the brush pressed against his neck. Melvin struggled to keep the brush off him as he was suffocating. The elite smiled as she watched Melvin losing the fight to stay alive. She pulled the brush off him as he grasped for breath and held it over her should with intent to smash it down on the octoling boy.

It was just a couple of moments ago when Pearl and Serena escaped the commandos but were caught from behind. Serena was grabbed by two elites at the base of the stairs. "No! Let go!" she shouted.

"Serena!" yelled Pearl before she jumped up and landed a karate kick to one of the elites as Serena broke free from the other. She tried to subdue the octoshot from the elite as the struggled over possession. Pearl jumped on the elites's back and dug her fang into the rebel's neck. She scremed and tried to knock Pearl off as she let go of the octoshot. "You worthless misrable squid!" she shouted at Pearl. Once Pearl was knocked off and facing the enraged elite. Serena shot her, splatting the rebel. She turned toward the kitchen and saw that Melvin was in trouble.

"Melvin! catch!" she shouted at him. Melvin turned to catch the octoshot beofre the elite slammed her brussh on him, sharing the same fate as the other elite.

Serena ran into the kitchen and hugged Melvin, after seeing him almost get killed. "Melvin are you ok?" she asked him seeing he was still hurt from the elite's attack.

"Yeah (cough) I'm good. Thanks for the save Serena. Guess this makes us even," said Melvin as Serena gave a smile.

"Oh give it a rest with the mushy stuff already! Uh...if you remember...those octo creeps! stopping Octavio from taking over Inkopolis! Ring a bell?" said Pearl.

"I know I said before I would stop the rebels but how the heck do you suppose we stop them all!? We barely managed to stave them off from your mansion... and I'm not sorry for shooting that stupid chandelier down or any of the other damage," said Melvin with no regrets about the damage that had been done to Pearl's home.

"Why you little..." jeered Pearl before she was stopped by Serena.

"Enough you two! You guys can spare me the details latter but right now we gotta do something to stop the rebels. Is there anyway we can get in contact with HQ back in the valley?" asked Serena as she helped Melvin stand.

"Uh...no zapfish, no power, no squidnet or anything else for that matter! You guys stole it from us!" shouted Pearl.

"I told you already the rebels are the ones that stole the zapfish not my people! I don't know how Marina can put up with you! Midget squid with an annoying voice that would make me wanna splat myself!" exclaimed Melvin.

"What did you call me!? How about I splat you right here you stupid octopus that got Marina captured by those ink shits in the first place! That also reminds me...you better find her or I'll pull out my Killer Wail and blast your ass all the way back to Octo Valley!" screamed Pearl.

"(groaning) Nothings ever going to get done with you two squabbling. We should be fighting the octo rebels. There's no way of communicating with anyone?" asked Serena.

"No, there isn't. There's no power remember and even if we could... hold up, Marina was on her laptop during the power rationing. She had some kind of antennae thing installed on the studio roof. I think she used to send messages to some friend of hers she knew back when she was in the octarian army under that poser Octavio. I think she also had a backup power supply or something like that in the computer room too. If we get to the studio maybe we can get a hold of your base," said Pearl who surprised Melvin.

"Wait a minute. You actually thought of a sensible idea," said Melvin stunned by what she said.

"Shut up! I'm not stupid if that's what you were thinking. Marina might be the brains but I'm smart enough to come up with things too you know. Good idea or not, do you really believe we can even make it to the studio before those octo creeps take over Inkopolis. That's a long freakin' walk and there's no way we would make it in time to stop them anyway," said Pearl.

"Well we gotta try, what do we have to lose," suggested Serena.

"Easy for you to say. It was my crib that got wrecked by those octojerks," said Pearl, brooding and crossing her arms.

"OK, we're sorry that your place got wrecked by the rebels and we're grateful you took us in. So get over it already! we're running out of time and options. The studio is our best bet and if we leave now at least we can try and contact base if what Pearl says is true. All of Inkopolis is depending on us and the fate of peace between our races. I joined the army for reasons like this and now as soldier its my duty to stop Octavio and the octo rebels from taking over the surface and our home. We have to beat them no matter the costs so...whose with me?" asked Serena giving an encouraging pep talk to the two.

"Wow...I've never seen this side of you Serena. You've always been the reserved bashful type," said Melvin.

"Well I guess I found my inner courage when I stopped that elite from splatting you. The rebels have done so much damage and hurt so many people in the process that I guess I had to remind myself why I joined the Neo-Octarian army in the first place. The empress is counting on us to ensure that the octo rebels don't allow their ideology to jeopardize our peace efforts as well as poison the minds of other octarians. Are you with me Melvin?" she asked.

"You know I am," he strongly agreed.

"How about you Pearl? you're the only one that can get us to the studio," she asked again.

"(groaning) Fiiiinnne... why not," replied Pearl with no enthusiasm.

"Ok then let's head out and get to the studio...if its not too late," said Serena as they left the mansion.

The three of them would soon make their way toward the studio but not before noticing the rebels were already dropping the hypnowave emitters and watching the octoparatroopers chute out of the octozeppelins. "We gotta get to the studio now. How much longer!?" asked Melvin.

"Keep your pants on octopus! It's at the square! I can't help with no power we can't take the bus! Oh yeah...and there's a curfew in effect!" snapped Pearl.

"A curfew is the least of our problems! Why hasn't your government sent the army to repel the octo rebels!? Surely they can see they're being invaded!" exclaimed Melvin.

"How should I know!? I'm not a soldier like you, I don't know why they haven't sent the army yet!" Pearl replied.

The three of them made it to the main thoroughfare that would take them to the square but down the large street. A squad of octo paratroopers were scurrying toward there direction, patrolling and scanning for any threats. "What the shell are those ugly things!?" asked Pearl who was apalled by the troopers appearance.

"Octotroopers. We gotta stay out sight and see if we can hunt for a way to get past them. Let's hide behind that truck as they pass by," said Melvin.

The three octo and squid formed and slithered behind a large cargo truck as the squad of octarians scuttled by. They stopped and looked around. "Area secure, let's keep moving troopers," commanded an octotrooper before they pressed forward.

"Emitter? What are they up to? There's no time to waste, let's head to the studio and get in contact with HQ before the rebels try anything, C'mon!" directed Melvin.

As the three of them were rushing down the thoroughfare a figure scurried across the street from an alleyway and collided with the group, knocking Melvin over. They all yelped and got up from their crash. "Huh? What hit me? Who..." said Melvin rubbing his head. He spotted the figure sitting in front of them, not expecting to run into him again. It was Sheldon, moaning from the collusion. He picked up his glasses and placed them on his face to see an unexpected sight. "Hey! You're that Octoling from back in the canyon! Well this is a sight for sore eyes, what are you doing here?" asked Sheldon happy to the octoling boy. He turned and spotted Serena rubbing her arm. "I remember you too! You're finally awake and seem to be doing better the last time I saw you," he commented.

"Wait, you know these two?" asked Pearl who got done rubbing her head.

"Sure, Marie and I rescued her from that underground dome. She was in dire shape and on the verge of dying if we didn't do something. He and Marina were at Marie's shack waiting on us as we landed down. What are you three doing out here in the first place? The octarians are invading Inkopolis! It isn't safe out here!" exclaimed Sheldon.

"We're heading for the square. Pearl is leading us to the studio where we can try and get ahold of our base in Octo Valley. We almost ran into some rebels along the way and we gotta hurry," said Serena.

"i just came from the square. I broke away from Marie and four other inklings I gave weapons to fight the octarian invaders. My truck is down and I gotta try and reach it so I can fix it and give Marie and her little squad some air support. As long as I don't run into any of those ugly tentacles along the way," said Sheldon.

"I owe you one for saving Serena, how about I escort you to your truck. Serena and Pearl can get to the studio and get a hold of command and inform them of the situation. It's the least I can do if it means getting some kind of advantage over those octo rebels," said Melvin.

"I really appreciate it friend. Let's head off so we can help Marie and those inklings," said Sheldon as he jumped up and scurried toward the direction of his truck.

"Melvin I don't want you to leave. You're still a little battered from that attack," fretted Serena.

"I'll be fine just go with Pearl. Get a hold of HQ and warn them of the invasion just make sure you don't get spotted by any of those rebels. We'll rendezvous once I'm done with Sheldon and we can meet up at the square. Let's hope luck is on our side so we can beat Octavio and push these rebels back. That octotrooper mentioned something about a emitter so keep your eyes peeled. I don't know what they could be planning so stay alert," warned Melvin.

"Good luck Melvin, I'll hold you to that. We'll meet back at the square and thanks Sheldon for everything," waved Serena.

"All shucks, think nothing of it. I'm glad to see you're on your feet octoling," said Sheldon before continuing on.

"Enough with the sentiments! We got a city to save hommies! Let's just get to the studio before more of those ugly things show up," said Pearl as she grabbed Serena's hand and dragged her off toward the square.

Serena and Pearl continued to the square, while Melvin and Sheldon headed for the truck. It wouldn't be until 15 minutes later that Pearl and Serena would reach the square where the Inkopolis News Studio was but on the way there. Pearl prodded at Serena about her sentiments toward Melvin, curious of why she would have an affection on the half wit octoling boy. "So...Serena, you seem to like that guy, what do you see in him?" she asked Serena.

"What are talking about? He's just a friend. I mean he's gotten me out of tight spots before... we got separated. He's a nice guy when you get to know him even though he can be awkward at times but brave too," she replied.

"Brave huh, I think stupid would be a better word. I've seen how you two act around each other. I know a crush when I see one and you have a crush. admit it octoling, you like Melvin," said Pearl.

"No! I...let's just drop it! We need to focus on getting to the studio," exclaimed Serena as she blushed.

"Changing the subject, I understand its uneasy to admit that you have crush on that idiot," sneered Pearl.

"Melvin's not an idiot! Why do you have to be so judgmental!? He's the most affectionate guy I know and he's saved my life more than once! You don't seem to trust me and Melvin but yet your friends with Marina, an octoling like us. You know I wish you would give him some credit. He did protect you from those rebels that broke into your home. You're also ungrateful and so pampered that you don't appreciate anything you got or any help that gets offered to you. You stuck up squid!" defended Serena as her bashful tone turned to that of agitation with the inkling and didn't appreciate her insulting Melvin.

Pearl felt the words that came out Serena's mouth as they stopped before they got to the square. "Well... I think you owe Melvin an apology," said Serena with her arms crossed as she looked down on the inkling. Pearl looked at her and brooded before turning away and crossing her arms herself. Not wanting to admit to her misconception of the two octolings that had saved her and stopped the rebel commandos from doing anymore harm. Voices were coming from around the corner toward the square. It was a platoon of rebels that had secured the square and blocked off the entries. "It sounds like the rebels. This isn't good. How are we going to get to the studio now?" asked Serena.

Meanwhile Sheldon was leading Melvin to the truck. "We're almost there just a bit longer," said Sheldon.

"Well what's your strategy once your get that jalopy fixed?" asked Melvin.

"She's not a jalopy and when I do get it fixed. I'll see if I can get a hold of Marie on the CB and see what she wants me to do. I just hope she and those turfers can stall those rebels long enough for me to get this truck running," answered Sheldon.

"You really think that inkling agent and her team can fend off those rebels. We're dealing with a battalion size unit not counting Octavio himself. I'm wondering why the inkling army hasn't been deployed to fight these guys yet or for that matter any of the inklings coming out of their homes," said Melvin.

"I've been wondering that too. With a curfew in effect it may understandable but surely they would've come out and saw what was going on. Maybe fear but as for the military goes...I'm not sure what's going on," said Sheldon wondering himself. "There's my baby! Still in one piece or at least how I left it," shouted Sheldon with glee as the two of them made it to the parked truck. "OK, Melvin I need you to stand guard and make sure none of those octarians come around and hender our progress. We need my truck to try and provide somewhat an aerial advantage over the rebels on the ground. Don't worry I'm a fast worker. This won't take but a couple of minutes," said Sheldon as he opened his tool bag and crawled under the truck.

"uh, sure thing Sheldon. I'll keep an eye out," replied Melvin as Sheldon worked under the truck.

It had been nearly 10 minutes and Sheldon was still trying to fix the booster on his flying truck. "So much for a couple of minutes," commented Melvin to himself. Luckily he saw no rebels in the area. "Hey Sheldon how much longer!?" he asked the horseshoe crab.

"I'm almost done," Sheldon replied.

"When you say almost done do you mean another 10 minutes," scoffed Melvin quietly.

Melvin then heard some noise coming toward the other side of The Reef, a popular location of turf war games and where Sheldon had to land his damaged truck. The octoling then started noticing movement across the shop area and spotted octotroopers scuttling toward their direction with some octolings on the rooftops of the buildings, scanning the area. "Umm, Sheldon... You might wanna get done right now because we're about to have company and not the friendly kind," said Melvin.

"How much company? I'm nearly there, do what you have to do," said Melvin.

"I'm looking at possibly a platoon size group. I'm just one octoling and I'm not dying over this hunk of junk. You better get it fixed and now Sheldon," said Melvin.

"Well this hunk of junk may be the only thing getting us out here! If those rebels do spot us I don't think we'll get far on foot," commented Sheldon.

The octo rebels were halfway between one end of the reef to the other and Melvin had to bide time for Sheldon to fix the truck. "(groaning) I guess I got no choice but to engage. Their eventually going to see us. You better have this damn thing fixed when I get back Sheldon!" shouted Melvin. He changed forms and shot up.

"Huh, where are you going?" asked Sheldon watching Melvin octo jump away.

Melvin octo jumped to a tall nearby building that overlooked the reef. Melvin lined his octoshot on the nearest trooper and fired before he was spotted. The octotrooper was shot off his platform and the others were put on alert. "Up there!" shouted a trooper as it pointed its tentacle toward Melvin. The octoling took another shot splatting the second trooper. "Take cover troopers!" shouted another octotrooper. The octarians dispersed and shot at the octoling but were able to reach him. He octo formed and shot out to another building, closer to the octotroopers on the ground. He splatted two more down below and saw more approaching. "Like shooting fish in a barrel or should I say dumb tentacles. Hopefully Sheldon will be done by the time I'm done with these guys," said Melvin before taking more shots at the octotroopers. On the other side of the reef an elite octoling was watching Melvin pick off troopers. She gave a grin and waved an octosniper into position to shoot Melvin off his perch.

"Get rid of that little shit!" she ordered.

"Right away," said the octosniper as it aimed its gun at Melvin. The octosniper took the shot and Melvin fell back. "Gotcha squirt!" shouted the elite. "All octolings move up, let's see what he was protecting," commanded the elite. The remaining troopers pushed up with the octoling regulars falling behind but unknown to them Melvin saw the octosniper before hand and fell back as the stream of ink flew over him. Making the rebels believe he was down. He waited for the troopers to get closer and would surprise them once they got below the building he was on top of.

As he heard the platforms move below he quickly got up and sprayed at the troopers killing three of them. He dove down in the ink to refill and hide. The octotroopers stopped to search for Melvin but he jumped out and killed the closest two. Spraying them as he jumped out before they could shoot at him. The last octotrooper in front of him attempted to flee but Melvin shot it off its platform as it scurried away.

"Get that little squidlover!" shouted a regular on top of a platform. The regulars fired at Melvin and he rushed for cover in octo form. "I can't keep this up! Sheldon! You better have gotten that truck running! Or I'm going to fix you!" said an agitated Melvin. He was gunned down by the rebel octolings as they were advancing on his position. Melvin peered around the corner and attempted to fire at the rebels. One octoling octo formed before the ink could hit her and the rest of them laid down suppressive fire on Melvin as he had to hide behind cover again. "Son a shrimp!" jeered Melvin. "I'm a goner at this rate! Damn it Sheldon! Where's that..." he jeered again before he spotted the truck take off from behind and face the rebels down below.

"Take cover!" shouted Sheldon as the hatch on the bottom of the truck opened up revealing a pair of tenta missiles. He pressed the button and missiles flew toward the rebel's positions. "Inkcoming! Fall back!" shouted a regular before she was splatted by an ink missile as the rest of them except the elite and the octosniper. The truck lowered down beside Melvin. "Get on!" shouted Sheldon. Melvin still shocked, nodded and jumped on the door of the truck. The truck ascended with Melvin hanging on. "Oh no you don't! You're going to pay for killing my brethren! Sniper take down that octoling!" she commanded the octosniper.

"Oh no! I'm out of missiles! Watch out Melvin!" shouted Sheldon.

"I got this!" he answered. He lined his octoshot on the sniper and shot him right above the eyes. The sniper leaned back from the impact and turned its gun on the elite, firing it before falling and splatting off its platform. The shot struck the elite in the head dazing her, causing the octoling to fall off the ledge and splat on the ground below. The two remaining rebels were finally finished.

"Nice shot! You should compete in the turf war games," commented Sheldon as Melvin opened the door and got inside the cab.

"Well I don't mean to brag but I was a top shot in my ranks. Let's get to the square and meet up with Serena and the gremlin before the rebels turn on those emitters," said Melvin as the two of them flew off toward the square.

---

"HA! Is that the best you got hipster!" boomed Octavio. The big octopus riding his octobot king was dodgeing Marie's barrage of charger shots. Enraged with the hulking octarian ruler, Marie was shooting wildly at Octavio for killing Callie. "Had enough inkstain!?" shouted Octavio seeing that Marie was getting exhausted. She growled at him and raised her charger back. "I'm not finished with you Octavio! You will pay for killing my cousin! I won't rest until I see your ghost fly away!" roared Marie.

"Bring it on squid!" shouted Octavio as he spun up the octobot fist and launched them toward Marie. She squid jumped and hopped to another building. She attempted to shoot down Octavio again but he activated his forcefield. The ink shots had no effect as he laughed. "Good luck! Let's see you hit me now!" He gloated.

"Bastard! I can't fight him like this! I've lost focus since Callie... get it together Marie. The city needs you right now. Think about the inklings... not another person needs to die under Octavio. Remember you're a squidbeak agent!" she told herself. Marie gave a deep breath as she turned the corner of her cover and saw Octavio had disappeared. "What the! Where did he..." said Marie before she was cut off.

"...Go! Right behind you hipster!" shouted Octavio behind Marie's position. He spun up another fist and launched it at Marie. Narrowly evading the punch, she was thrown near the ledge of the building and lost her hero charger as it fell to the ground below. "Shit!" jeered Marie. She turned back to Octavio who reeled his fist back in and prepared to launch octo missiles at the inkling agent. "Aww, lost your weapon. How about I make a preposition hipster. You take your cousin's place by my side and I'll be sure you won't end up like that cousin of yours. All you have to do is put on these hypnoshades. Face it inkstain. The city will soon belong to me and the octarians. Make it easy on yourself and accept defeat. It's over!" sneered Octavio as he glared at Marie.

"Nothing's over Octavio! I would rather end up an ink puddle to join the octopus that murdered my cousin! You're nothing but a heartless tyrant and a coward. We should've just killed you back in the valley instead of imprisoning you and that damn snowglobe. Gramps wanted you alive. He was hoping you two would make amends and think about everything you've done. He gave you a chance to redeem yourself for all the crimes you've done but he was wrong. You'll never change. You'll be the same callous octopus you've always been. Well gramps isn't here to defend you and I won't be so forgiving like he is. You can take those hypnoshades and shove them!" shouted Marie refusing to give in to the octarian's proposition.

"So be it! Prepare to join your cousin!" shouted Octavio as he prepared to launch his octo missiles at Marie. "So long inkstain!" he shouted as the missile flew toward Marie. She closed her eyes and prepared for her death but all of a sudden. The missile was shot by ink causing it to explode before it reached Marie. The squid sister as well as Octavio were stunned by what had happened. "Huh?" said Marie still in shock. She turned and spotted Jazz with her charger up. She grinned and threw a peace sign as Marie gave a smile of relief at the inkling girl that saved her life.

"Looks like you got guardian angel squirt! No matter! You'll both end up with halos over your head soon enough!" boomed Octavio. He ascended up as Jazz squid jumped over to Marie. "Marie are you ok?" she asked.

"Yeah, that was one heck of a shot. I thought you didn't know how to use a charger," complemented Marie.

"Seems I'm getting better. Especially when my friends are in danger," replied Jazz.

"Thanks for saving me, Jazz. I just wish Callie could've been saved," said Marie as her face darkened.

"Huh, what are you talking about?" asked Jazz but another octo missile was headed toward them. "Look out!" shouted Marie. She rushed at Jazz who froze and knocked her out of the path of the missile. The two of them coming close to getting splatted knew they were no match for the towering octopus and his hovering robot. The odds were stacked against them as Marie lost her weapon and Jazz was not up for the task of fighting the octarian menace from the city she and her friends called home.

10 minutes earlier, Flash, Ben, and Suki were taking evasive action as the rebels deployed their octostrikers to deal with the flying inklings. "Locking on inkstain!" shouted an octostriker as it launched an ink missile at Flash. "Holy squid!" shouted Flash as he narrowly avoided the missile. Ben and Suki broke off so as to not make themselves easy targets. The octostrikers split up like the inklings did and chased their targets. "How do we deal with the flying fat freaks!?" shouted Suki.

"I don't know! Avoid its missiles!" Ben shouted back.

"What! You're the soldier. I would think you would know how to fight these guys!" she replied in a panic.

"Me and Flash have never been in combat! Only training!" he shouted again.

"Oh great! I was counting on you two to fight these dudes!" Suki shouted in annoyance.

"Just wing it! They can't be that...shit!" Ben yelled as the octostiker stepped in his path and launched an ink strike toward the hesitant inkling. It barely missed him and Ben turned back to the flying octarian. "Ok enough playing around. Its time to get serious Ben. Remember your training, except your on an inkjet and shooting at real octarians. How hard could it be?" said Ben nervously with little confidence.

Suki steered toward a billboard and hovered behind it as the octostriker passed by. It appeared she shook the octarian for now until it stopped and scanned around for the inkling. She flew between two buildings to hide from the octoseeker. She pulled out her dualies with the intention to get the drop on it. "Wing it huh? We'll see about that... I hope these things are as dumb as they look. Just think of this as a turf war Suki and you'll be fine," Suki told herself. The inkling girl looked around the corner of the building and saw the octostriker looking around. She hugged the wall before she was spotted. She waited a few seconds and aimed her dualies as she popped out of cover but the octostriker was gone. "Huh? Where'd it go?" said Suki.

"Looking for me?" asked the octostriker over her head as its shadow cast over the inkling.

"Oh carp!" shouted Suki, Startled she jerked back and shot at the octarians goggles. The octostriker yelled as it was blinded by her ink. "Why you little squid!" it shouted wiping the ink off its goggles. Suki flew off and was running low on ink in the jetpack. The octostriker pursued her as they maneuvered through buildings. "Forget it squirt! You can't outrun me!" It shouted at her.

In front of her, she spotted a tall building. "I might not outrun you but I bet I can out maneuver you,' sneered Suki as she stopped. "Gotcha inkstain!" the octostriker yelled as it flew toward Suki eager to smash her against the building wall. Suki shot up as the octostriker panicked and slammed itself into the building busting its face through a window. Inside an inkling girl screamed at its sight. Knocked out it peeled off the wall and fell on the street below, splatting instantly. "Guess I was right, they are stupid," she scoffed as she looked over the edge. "Well the inkjet is depleted. Not sure what to do now," said the inkling girl before taking off the inkjet.

She sat down against the roof access and gave sigh. "Guess I'm grounded. Hope those two inkheads are having about as much luck as I am. Never would've though I would be fighting the octarians and trying to save the city. I'm a turf war player not a soldier or agent like Marie was saying she was... Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on Flash. He's heroic when he wants to be. When that big ego of his isn't taking over. (sigh) If we make it out of this maybe I should apologize to him. Heck maybe we can all hang out in the square but right now. I gotta get down off this roof," said Suki as she got up and walked up to the door of the roof access and inside the apartment complex.

Flash and Ben had split up. They lost track of Suki who was chased by an octostriker while the two remaining ones pursued the two octoling boys. Ben was atempting to outrun the fat octarian before he was taking fire from some octolings on the ground. "Shoot that inkstain down!" shouted an elite. They were guarding an emitter resting on the ground. Ben noticed he was nearing the Arowana mall and ran into a billboard and crashed onto the food court below. The inkling was out for a moment before regaining his composure. He heard the octostriker approaching and attempted to start up the inkjet. "C'mon, c'mon!" he shouted nervously.

The octostriker then appeared over the courtyard of the mall with a squad of octolings jumping over into the far end of the entrance. "Carp! I gotta hide and fast!" he excalimed as he grabbed up his inkjet and threw it behind the counter of a nearby vendor booth. He squid formed and hopped over, hiding from the rebels. They approached the courtyard and hunted for Ben. "That inkstain couldn't have gotten far. That was some crash he took. Dumb squid!" sneered the octoling.

The octostriker hovered over the courtyard looking for any traces of Ben. The octolings were patrolling, keeping an eye out for the inkling to ambush them. "Area clear!" shouted one octoling before she spotted some clothes on display through a store window. "Nice threads. I think once we have control of the city. I wanna try some on and become fresh...as the inklings would say..." said the young octoling.

"Get it together corporal! We're not here to window shop so focus on the mission!" demanded another older octoling.

"I got it, geez..." she said with no consideration of authority.

The octolings kept patrolling the area. Ben watched carefully until they got further out and then he decided it was his chance to leave. He tried to sneak away from them until he accidentally kicked a soda can and the group of octolings turned toward his direction. "Oh, hey their, don't mind me. I was just... leaving," started Ben nervously as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Splat him!" shouted the older octoling rebel.

"Oh carp, carp, carp," jeered Ben as he ran trying avoid the ink fire. The rebels sprayed ink at the inkling as he took cover. The octostriker locked on the inkling and fired a missile. Ben spotted the missile headed toward him and squid formed to rush away from the impact. "Don't let him get away!" ordered the octoling. They watched Ben get behind a billboard after he changed forms with his inkjet. "Give up squid! There's only 1 of you and a bunch of us!" she shouted.

"Maybe so but this one squid has few tricks up his sleeve," Ben said to himself. He lobbed a splat bomb at the octolings, splatting two of them. Ben pulled out his 52 Gal and shot at the rest. The rebels exchanged fire but one young corporal just took cover and didn't engage. They traded ink with each other until they overwhelmed Ben. The octostriker kept a close eye on Ben's position and locked on to his location. "Splat this inkstain already!" she commanded the octostriker. The missile struck beside Ben, launching him out of cover and damaging the inkjet in the process.

Ben tried to get up but was met with a nozzle in his face. "You're pretty tough squid. It's a shame I got to kill ya," said the octoling.

"Why don't you take him prisoner," suggested the corporal. The sergeant turned and gave her displeased look. "I mean... he would make a good soldier once we control the inklings," she continued defending her comment.

"You may have a point but why so quick to defend this squid?" You huddled up behind that bench without firing back,,, going soft corporal?" asked the octoling suspicious of the corporal's actions. She stayed quiet and rubbed her arm. "It doesn't matter anyway. Unfortunately for you I'm not taking prisoners. Any last words inkstain!?" sneered the elite.

"Just two! Heads up!" shouted a voice from above. It was Flash with his inkjet. He whipped out his dualies and sprayed the group of rebels. The corporal dropped to the ground and covered her head. Ben reached for his 52 Gal and finished off the rest before the could retaliate. The octostriker had a splat bomb thrown at it by Flash reducing it into a burst of green ink. "Nice save dude!" commented Ben.

"Hey we missed one! You wanna deal with her or should I?" asked Flash spotting the octopling corporal.

"Hold up! She tried to keep me alive. I don't think she wants to fight," said Ben as he shielded the octoling. "Are you OK?" he asked her as he turned around.

"Please don't hurt me! I was brainwashed into thinking their cause was right for my people but by what I've seen. I don't support them anymore. I just wanna go home... my folks are probably worried sick," said the corporal.

"How old are you?" asked Ben.

"I'm...16. I thought the rebels were liberating us. They said the inklings stole our honor and the Neo-Octarians were traitors. I wasn't sure what to believe. I don't wanna fight, please spare me inkling," pleaded the octoling.

"It's OK, we won't harm you. What's your name?" asked Ben.

"S...S...Sam" the octoling answered.

"Well my name's Ben and that's Flash. It's um...nice to meet you. You seem a lot nicer than the other octolings. You don't have to fight for those guys anymore. They invaded our city and stole the great zapfish from us! Why don't you just tell us what those machines are for we saw them drop out of those airships," asked Ben.

"Those are the hypnowave emitters. They built them to control the inklings. We were going to brainwash all the inklings to fight for us whenever we attacked the valley. After I heard that, it made my stomach turn and I couldn't fight for them anymore but I really had no options. Once you join you can't leave or they'll deem you a coward or a traitor and splat you," explained Sam.

"Control us... so they were going to us as ink fodder whenever they tried to invade Octo Valley. As if Inkopolis wasn't enough they wanna take the valley too. They've placed the blame of everything that's happened on the new octarian government and the IDF placed a naval blockade around them even considering assaulting the valley if they didn't surrender the great zapfish that they didn't even take! We got to take down those emitters before their plan succeeds. Sam, why don't you help us! You saw what they were doing. If we stop them then our races can return to peace and the rebels won't attack your home," he told her.

"I...I...I'm not sure," stammered Sam.

"C'mon Sam! You can still pose as a rebel and try and disable those emitters at least without getting caught. Me and Flash will deal with the rebels," suggested Ben.

"She's not going to help us Ben. Just give it up," said Flash.

"Shut it Flash!" scolded Ben. "Please help us. You wanna go home and see your family again don't you? That can happen if you help me and Flash. Inkopolis is on the line and so will Octo Valley. At least think about your people, think about your folks. This is your chance to redeem yourself Sam," reasoned Ben.

Sam looked at the two and she finally gave in to Ben's request. "Ok, I'll help you fight those guys if it means saving the valley. Just guarantee me you'll get me out of trouble if they do suspect something," said Sam.

"We'll make sure nothing happens to you," said Ben as the octoling nodded.

Flash dropped down with his arms crossed. He confronted Ben about the situation. "Ben can we talk over here?" asked Flash as he pulled Ben further away from Sam. "Dude, she's an octoling. What's to say she's even telling the truth? What if she tries to pull us in a trap or something?" exclaimed Flash.

"I trust her Flash. You saw her, she didn't wanna fight for those guys. Sam could make our job a lot easier. She just has to trust us and gain enough courage to do it," protested Ben. He turned and looked Sam who had her hand on her arm, staring at them. "I know she can help us even if she is an octoling. We need to huddle up and plan what to do next," said Ben. Moments later the three of them talked of a strategy to deal with the rebels with Flash still untrusting with the octoling. The trio would soon leave the mall and make a move on they're next target. Ben managed to get the inkjet up and running and carried Sam with him out of the mall to locate the emitter.

Callie laid motionless on a building where Marie had first engaged with Octavio after her cousin had broke the influence between her and Octavio with the cost of her life or so Marie thought. Callie was indeed still alive but placed into a comatose from the shock of the hypnoshades damaging her mind. She would soon recover but not before the dream she had like before. Could it have been the side effects of her inner conscience fighting the influence of the hypnoshades or was it something else, maybe fate. Callie woke up in a what appeared to be a lifeless black void. The only thing she could remember from her last dream was the wedding. She and Blake were about to get married when all of a sudden the room darkened and Blake was pulled into a pool of black ink by some octopus tentacles. She, Cuttlefish, and her cousin attempted to save him but it was futile. Blake was sucked in as all she could do was watch in horror as she lost his grip and mourned over the lost of her human to be husband.

She slowly sat up and blinked her eyes. Her head was throbing as she held it before looking around to see nothing but vast emptiness. "Where...am I?" she asked weakly. "Where...is everyone? Gramps...Marie... Blake!" she shouted their names but nothing but the echo of her voice could be heard. She slowly got up and noticed something else, she wasn't waring any clothes. Her wedding dress was gone but what also stood out was her body was putting off a radiant aura. The only brightness in the cold empty void. "The only thing I could remember was the...wedding!... everyone was there...Marie, gramps and BLAKE! He got sucked in by those tentacles! Oh no! Oh no! Blake!" she shouted before she started whimpering. She fell to her knees and started to cry with her head down. When she picked it back up, in front of her about 30 feet was a darkened figure restrained by a couple of tentacles that held its arms out. The figure appeared to a person but was covered in a shiny inky substance. "W...Who is that?" Callie asked as she stood up and cautious walked over to investigate.

As she got closer the figure started to move and startled Callie at first. She slowly reached her hand out to touch the person and they slowly rose their head to reveal that it was Blake. Callie covered her mouth and her eyes widened. "Blake!" she shouted. Blake's face was pale as well as his eyes. It had looked like the life was drained from him as he stared at Callie. "Cal...lie," he said very weakly.

"Blake, don't worry I'll get you out of there!" she said as she tried to pry the human free from the tentacles. "Callie...it's no use," he told her. "Save yourself," he continued.

"No! I won't leave you! Blake!" protested Callie as pulled harder on Blake's body.

"Cal...please, just go," said Blake seeing that the inkling was making no head way.

"Blake I...can't let you go... I love you," said Callie as she started to pout.

Soon the ground beneath Callie turned to liquid as she slowly sank and got restrained by the black tentacles that were holding Blake. "Callie..." exclaimed Blake, seeing she was getting caught too. He attempted to break free to save her but it was no use. "No...let her go!" he tried to shout. Callie was getting pulled further down but she grabbed Blake and pulled herself up. "Blake!... I'll love you know matter what, even if this means the end," said Callie as a look of sadness appeared on Blake's face. "Callie...I..." he stated but was cut short when Callie grabbed his face and kissed him. All of a sudden the tentacles let go and Blake's body was emitting the radiant brightness that Callie was producing as she let go of him and the black ink tried to consume his whole body. "Blake...Blake!" Callie screamed.

All of a sudden. Light burst out of the ink covered figure that was Blake, filling the void with nothing but blinding white light. Callie shielded her eyes and was enveloped in light and warmth. The black void was now nothing but a light covered space, the opposite of what it was before. Callie slowly opened her eyes and saw Blake lying motionless on the floor. "Blake!" she shouted as she rushed over to hold him.

"Blake! Wake up! Don't die on me, please!" she cried. The human showed no sign of life. Callie started to cry as tears landed on Blake's face. After a moment Blake's head started to move followed by a light moan. "Callie," he said meekly.

"(Gasp) Blake...you're..." started Callie containing her joy to see Blake alive.

"Ok" he finished for her as he gave a smile.

"Oh Blake! I thought I had lost you!" she shouted with glee as she held him and pulled him into a deep kiss. She fell over on top of him with pure affection as the vision was blurred by the light that filled the space around. For a few seconds wedding bells could be heard in the background and the voice of an officiant say "I know pronounce you husband and wife," and the image of Blake and Callie could be seen returning exchanging a kiss at the wedding ceremony as the crowd cheered. Cuttlefish could be seen wiping a tear from his eye as Marie hugged her cousin once she and Blake pulled away from one another. "I'm so proud of you Cal. For the two of you. So I guess I can refer you to Miss Carter now," said Marie giving a smirk.

"Marie, your making me sound so old. Just keep calling me Cal...and I wonder when you'll find you a husband," commented Callie smirking back.

"In due time but I'm in no hurry. I'm just happy to be an aunt, when you two finally..." said Marie shooting another smirk.

"Marie, quit embarrassing me! This is my special day cuz..." said Callie who was starting to get annoyed.

"Relax Cal... I'm just squiddin' with ya but It'll be nice to hear the pitter patter of little tentacles. You'll make a great mom and Blake, I'm sure will make a great dad. So I guess you two are ready for the honeymoon now," said Marie narrowing her eyes and giving a grin as she leaned over.

"You don't stop do you Marie but yeah. Me and Blake are thinking about going to the Mahi Mahi Resort or maybe a cruise for the honeymoon," answered Callie..

"Sounds nice. I wish you two the best. it's a shame that you couldn't meet the in-laws," said Marie as the two of them watch Blake talking to Callie's parents on the aisle. It seemed her folks were happy about him marrying her daughter but Callie was letting it bother her that she couldn't meet Blake's parents, she had wondered what they were like. "Cal is something wrong? You looked a little troubled for a moment," asked Marie.

"It's nothing. I had wished Blake would've gotten over not being able to see his family again. He still let's it bother him from time to time. Maybe he'll move on and then we can think about starting our own family. Then maybe he'll feel better," said Callie still watching her folks talk to Blake.

"Maybe...you got to remember Callie. He's the only human left of his kind. He probably hasn't gotten over that and may never will but you'll be there by his side to remind him that we're here for him and that's all that matters. I'm curious about your children being he's a human and you're an inkling. I...wonder how that would work?" asked Marie.

"I'm sure it can't be different than two inklings having..." replied Callie as erotic thoughts were running through her head but then she saw Marie's red face and shocked expression.

"I was referring to your children Cal (chuckling) you got on a different topic (chuckling), said Marie trying to keep herself from breaking out into laughter.

"W...Wha..." panned Callie as she started to fluster after hearing what Marie was explaining. "Oh Marie... you knew I would...you, you, did that on purpose to embarrass me again! You know I can have a short attention span sometimes!" shouted an embarrassed Callie as she smacked her cousin on the head.

"How about all the time Cal...but seriously Callie. Your children... would they come out as inklings or half human? Would there be complications? I don't wanna see anything happening to you," said Marie with concern.

"Marie I'm sure things will be fine. Everyone is happy especially my parents. They can't wait to have grandsquids or what you were saying. Things will work out in the end," reassured Callie.

"I...hope so Cal... I shouldn't focus on the negatives, like you said, things will work out. It's your big day Cal, for you and Blake. Even gramps is proud of ya...so...who's going to be on top?" asked Marie leaning over with a conniving expression on her face.

"Well me of course and Blake's going to..." explained Callie as erotic thoughts returned to her head. She paused and relized that Marie tricked her again as her face turned red. "Marie! You did it to me again! Just stop it already!" she shouted in full embarrassment as Marie had a hard time keeping her composure as she laughed at Callie's expression. Blake walked over, curious to why the two of them were acting like ttat way, after finishing his talk with Callie's parents.

"Am I interrupting something? Or should I be afraid to ask?" commented Blake with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh it's nothing Blake. Callie was just going over her "game plan" when you two..." said Marie before getting cut off by her cousin.

"Shut up Marie! Ignore her Blake. She's just trying to get under my tentacles on our big day...sooooo, what did you have in mine for our honeymoon?" asked Callie as she placed her hands on his shoulders, staring into his eyes, anxious for his answer.

"Yeah Blake, she's dying to know," teased Marie as Callie shot a glare before sticking her tongue out.

"OoooK...well I was thinking... after the talk with the folks they were wanting us to have our honeymoon at the hot springs...no charge," replied Blake. The Hot Springs was run by Callie's folks back at the county along with the hotel resort beside it.

Callie froze as her eyes shrunk and her mouth open. Deeply disappointed to hear that Blake would suggest that they have their honeymoon at her parent's business. Knowing this would "complicate" things if not make her feel awkward and on edge. "Cal...you...ok?" Blake asked, worried over Callie's behavior.

"No...no...no! That'll ruin everything! I thought we were going to have our honeymoon somewhere else. I thought you already picked out a spot," protested Callie as she threw a fit and yanked her tentacles.

"What's the big deal? It's your parents. I thought you know...be happy to hear that. A chance for them to get to know me better. Ease any tensions between us. Welcoming me into their family," explained Blake defending his decision.

"We'll its going to be hard for her to "get to know" you with you guys staying at her folks," said Marie as she chuckled. Callie flashed an angered look over at Marie and bared her fangs.

"Huh?" replied Blake wondering what Marie was hinting at. Callie whined at the idea and covered her face from the grievance. "Callie if you're not onboard about this then we'll plan something after we leave the county ok. I don't know what the problem is? I would think you would be happy about this but we'll do something else afterward then," said Blake as he calmed her down.

"You...promise?" asked Callie with pleading eyes.

Yeah Cal, I promise," said Blake with a half smile. Callie was overjoyed and gave Blake a kiss with him not sure how to respond. Marie recollected herself and the married couple held hands and stared at each for a moment thinking about the wedding.

Now...let's go, everyone's waiting on us and you gotta bouquet to throw," said Blake as he led Callie out of the chapel. They opened the doors and were enveloped in bright sunlight.

"Don't forget Cal to throw the bouquet at me," commented Marie as the dream ended.

---

As the smoke cleared or should I say ink. Before hand Maxie had managed to send out a distress call to the Neo-Octarian base back in Octo Valley from the comms center in Celphalon HQ. She managed to sneak inside to try and beat the rebels from reaching the inner areas of their base. After successfully getting in touch with Lieutenant Octillia who was more than glad to hear that Maxie was still alive, she was interrupted by the rebels who stormed in and attempted to seize her. Maxie held them off for a couple of minutes until she splatted them after narrowly avoiding getting splatted herself. The communication equipment was damaged from the fighting and Maxie would be unable to get in contact with her base again.

"Great, all I can do is wait for them to pick me up but with the rebels occupying the base, that could pose a problem," said Maxie. Extraction would pose a challenge, she also thought about Blake. She knew he was here and that Octavio would soon depart for Inkopolis with the octozeppelin fleet if they hadn't already left. She decided to track down Blake putting aside her concerns of whether or not the rescue team would make it.

"I gotta find Blake and try and stop Octavio before its too late," said Maxie as she headed out of the comms center. She didn't see any more rebels nearby and advanced toward the elevators that would take her down deeper in the rebel stronghold. She made it to the elevator but as she did. Maxie spotted a wave of rebels rushing toward her direction, seeing her from the corridor. "Hey! Stop her! Don't let her reach the staging area!" shouted an elite. The rebels fired at her as the elevator descended.

"Damn!" jeered the elite as they hurried toward the elevator. They watched Maxie head down and were unable to stop her. Maxie gave a deep breath of relief as the elevator dropped to the staging area where Octavio would gather his forces. Once she reached her destination she spotted the last zeppelin lift off with Blake and Izzy jumping up to catch it before it was out of their reach. "Blake! Wait!" she shouted as she octo formed and rushed across the vast chamber but she changed back and watched them leave for the city.

"Damn it! I'm too late!" she shouted in irritation. "He's going to get himself killed, I got to find a way to catch up to them," she continued before looking around for any way of reaching the fleet and catching up with Blake. She spotted an octoseeker off to the side and headed towards it. Hoping it would provide a way to reach the fleet and Blake. As she got within 30 feet of it a missile out of nowhere struck the vessel causing it to explode and launch Maxie back.

She tried to recover from the blast and shook her head. She looked and spotted an octostriker on the far end of the staging area in front of the elevators. It gargled and flailed seeing Maxie still alive. Maxie got up to avoid another attack by the flying tentacle as it launched another ink missile at Maxie. The octoling sergeant octo formed and narrowly evaded the missile's blast as it landed where she was at. Maxie knew she had to shoot it down before it would eventually hit her.

"I can't keep this up. That fatso is eventually going to zero in on me and track my every movement. Think Maxie," she told herself. The Octostriker was locking on to her again and Maxie octo formed to evade the missile yet again. She decided to swim toward the octostriker which was at a still given distance so the missile would land behind her. She got halfway to the flying octarian as it launched another strike on Maxie. The missile landed as Maxie still felt the concussion from the blast but kept going. Only 100 meters from the octostriker it flailed its arms and locked onto Maxie again and fired another missile but this time it aimed fright in front of the little octopus.

The ink missile collided toward the sergeant as she attempted to octo jump over the missile but as she did it detonated on impact beneath Maxie and she was thrown into the air and landed hard on the floor. She changed back and was immobilized. Laying on her stomach the Octostriker bellowed, seeing that he neutralized the octoling...or so it thought. Maxie groaned and fought to sit up from the blast she narrowly avoided. The fat octarian flailed back with its eyes bugged out. "What! Impossible! You should be dead ink squirt!" shouted the shocked Octostriker.

"(chuckling) What's wrong you fat clown?...can't hit a little ole octopus. I'm sergeant Maxie of the Neo-Octarian army...and I won't rest until all you bastards are stopped...you, the rebels and especially that so called ruler of yours, Octavio!" jeered the sergeant as she was still in pain from getting struck by the blast of the ink missile. Blood was coming from her mouth as she gave a snide smile and held the side of her torso,

"Why you little insignificant ink squirt! I'll be sure that the last thing you see is my ink missile obliterating your ass! Eat my ink you..." shouted the octostriker before it was splattered by ink fire. Maxie jerked back as the octostriker hit the floor and burst into ink in front of her. She was frozen in shock but relived to what happened. she looked behind her and saw an auspicious sight. A small group of friendly octoseekers flew in from behind the holding bay and descended down to save the sergeant. It was an assault octoseeker armed with two splatlings on the sides of it that hosed down the octostriker until it dropped. It landed down and the back hatch opened with a squad of octolings and troopers dismounting.

"Sergeant Maxie!" shouted a familiar voice as the last octoling to hop out was the lieutenant who was more than happy to see her friend alive and well. "Lieutenant Octillia!" Maxie shouted as she ran over and the two embraced briefly. She pulled off and saluted the lieutenant returning to her soldier demeanor. "At ease sergeant, I'm glad to see you're in one piece. When I heard your voice on the radio, I could quit drinking if it meant seeing your face again. Right now, we gotta deal with Octavio and the fleet before they attack Inkopolis. The assault force is about to sweep this base once the rebel's defenses are dealt with. We begin our mission of dealing with Octavio and his followers once and for all," said Octillia.

"What about Blake and the squidbeak agent, I witnesses them jump on the last octozeppelin when I entered the holding bay," asked Maxie.

"I remember you informing on the human and squidbeak agent. Yeah, this complicates things. We got to be surgical about our attack on Octavio's fleet. We'll focus on Octavio and the fleet except the last octozeppelin if we can keep track of it. I'll see if I can dispatch a commando unit to be inserted and disable the last octozeppelin. Speaking of commandos I hope captain Kova's mission was a success and she remembers to make sure no harm comes to that defected researcher," said the lieutenant.

"Huh...Captain Kova, that stuck up octo-winch. What did you deploy her for? Talk the rebels ears off with that arrogant attitude of hers?" replied Maxie snidely.

"Watch your demeanor sergeant. I don't like dealing with that personality of hers neither but she is a soldier and I entrusted her to attack the vault and bring back Otto before the rebels could get inside the vault. Sources tell us the Red Queen is very eager of getting inside for who knows what... I can't verify what it could be," said Octillia.

"The vault...yeah, I remember the rebels talking about it as part of the final stage of their operation. It was a human facility of some kind, I wonder what could be in it that's so vital to the rebels?" said Maxie.

"Like I said, we don't know but we have to stop them. Hopefully Otto or the other turncoat can "inform" us of why they want in. Let's hope Kova isn't too trigger happy and she gets the two back in one piece," said Octillia.

"Other turncoat?" said Maxie with slight confusion.

"I'll explain later but for now I want you to get onboard the octoseeker for medical assessment. Once you RTB, you are to be on standby until I return for debriefing, you're dismissed," commanded the elite.

"What! I'm not going back to HQ. I want to go track down Blake and put an end to Octavio and your sister, Octsana's plans. I have a feeling in my tentacle she's on that last octozeppelin and if Blake get's compromised who knows what she'll do to him. If you remember, you did assign me to make sure I kept an eye on Blake. The rebels took my tracker when I was in captivity and right now as my duty and your word to keep Blake safe and right now he's in grave danger. Your orders if you can recall lieutenant," said Maxie bluntly.

"(deep breath) You've thrown me for a loop sergeant. I remember giving you that order. Very well but are you sure you're up to the task? I mean you were a tentacle shy of getting blasted by that ink missile," said the lieutenant.

"I'm sure lieutenant, I'm ready to kick some ass just say the word," said Maxie eagerly.

"(chuckling) My cod your stubborn. You have my permission to pursue the fleet with the unit I'll dispatch an octoseeker to tail them but don't board the last octozeppelin until I get some commandos in place. I would not want any harm to befall on that human but one thing that is picking at me is are you certain its because of obligation or is it the fact you've got a crush on that human," asked the lieutenant as a slight smirk grew across her face.

Maxie remained silent for a moment and flustered. The lieutenant could read Maxie and knew it was the latter that was the reason why she wanted to go after Blake. "What! No I..." started Maxie in false denial.

"Listen Maxie you can't hide your affection for that human but I heed you with a warning. I don't object to the idea but know this. I'm not so sure how octarian society especially the government would feel about your "infactuation" for the human. I would definitely keep this covert and reconsider your relation with that human. I wouldn't mix hearts with arrows if you know what I mean not mention your a soldier and an octoling. There's no compatibility between you..." said the lieutenant as she was interupted.

"No! Your wrong..." blirted out Maxie.

"Excuse me!" shouted Octillia, displeased with Maxie's outburst.

"My apologies lieutenant. I didn't mean..." started the sergeant.

"That little outburst of yours has now got me questioning whether to send you after the fleet or not. I think once you return to base we'll have a little talk about your actions... Get out of line again and there will be consequences. Are we clear?" iterated the lieutenant.

"Crystal, Lieutenant," she replied.

"Good, now get onboard the octoseeker and pursue the fleet. As I said you are to hold position before I send a unit to deal with the last ocotzeppelin. Be sure that nothing happens to the human or the squidbeak agent. You've been tasked with this mission sergeant. Be generous that I'm letting you do this in the first place," said Octillia sternly.

"I'm grateful Lieutenant. I won't let you down!" said Maxie as she gave a brief salute and rushed off to the octoseeker.

Maxie ran onbaord the octoseeker as it took of. She waved at the lieutenant as she watched her leave to catch up the Octavio's fleet while she stayed back to ensure the rebels were defeated at the celphalon HQ. "Lieutenant, our ground forces are converging on the rebel's base as we speak. They've already started to engage the rebel defenses. They are requesting air support to thin out their forces and push up to infiltrate the interior," said an octoling that approached her.

"Direct the octoseekers and our octostrikers to target the rebel foot mobiles defending the base," ordered the lieutenant.

"Roger ma'am, I'll radio in for the request," said the octoling.

"So it begins, the end of the octo rebels. Shall peace be established among our races but for now. It's time to settle some unfinished business," said Octillia. "Sergeant, gather up a platoon of troopers and octolings to breach the inner sanctum of the enemy base. We need clear this place of all rebels and make our way to the respawn station further in the base. We'll be continuously fighting and worn if we don't shut off the rebel's main spawn pad. Our efforts will be meaningless unless we can get to it and power it down," she continued the order.

"You got lieutenant," replied the sergeant. "Alright you octopi let's move out and squash these ingrates! For the empress!" shouted Octillia as she lead her troops further into the base.

Topside, on the exterior of base grounds were the neo-octarian assault teams were attacking the rebel reinforcements that were deployed as Octavio ordered the fleet to move in on Inkopolis. The dome projected a partly cloudy night sky as ink fire and missiles were launched on the converging Neo-Octarian landing forces on their octoseekers. A trio of Neo-Octarian octozeppelins was also deployed and acted as the carriers for the assault forces as well as aerial command posts. Onboard were elite commanders and their counterparts the twintacles commanding their troops to attack the base and defeat the opposing octo rebels. Intense firefights erupted as the Neo-Octarians jumped out of their octoseekers and to the ground below. The octotroopers scuttled out of the octoseekers that weren't shot down and began opening fire on the rebels, pushing up closer and closer to the base. This made the siege on the Saltspray Rig look like a schoolyard fight.

"Push forward troopers! Leave no rebel unsplattered! We must take there base at all cost!" shouted a commanding twintacle in the rear.

Rebels were taking casualties and could not hold back the tide of Neo-Octarians that were running a blitzkrieg strategy on their dwindling defenses. "We have to fall back!" shouted a rebel octotrooper before getting splatted.

"Negative! I refuse to flee from these squid-loving traitors! Fight to the last drop of ink!" shouted a rebel octoling. She stood from behind cover and shot two neo-octarian troopers. reducing them to ink. "Keep it up! We got them on the ropes!" shouted a neo-octarian octoling as she rushed to cover ahead of her and engaged at the enemy positions. The rebels' numbers were getting reduced by the minute as they were overwhelmed by the numbers of the octarian army and outmatched. Onboard the lead army octozeppelin. A trio of elites oversaw the battle, seeing their troops gaining more ground and overpowering the rebel reinforcements as they saw that they were retreating inside the base. "Seems their running scared," said one elite.

"Well that won't matter once they respawn from inside the cephalon HQ. Once that sergeant was rescued, the lieutenant and her team will push to the enemy respawn station deep within their base. We just have to give them time to do so and push back the opposition just enough to keep them congested in one area. We cannot allow them to disperse and leave the dome under any circumstances to reorganize," said a second elite.

"All this over one measly sergeant?" replied a third elite.

"This is sergeant Maxie we're referring to, not to mention the lieutenant's best friend. Besides she may have vital intel on the rebels since she and her team were captured, by the reports I've read," said the first elite.

"So she and her team got compromised? How did that happen? I thought they were running recon? Surely they didn't get spotted by some dumb octotrooper by accident," commented the third elite.

"Does specialist Melvin come to mind," she replied back.

"That could probably explain things. Pity that dumb perv would get them caught... Whoa! Evasive action!" said the second elite before she shouted. The airship pilot veered the large hovering craft away from an ink missile launched by a bold enemy octostriker. The three sat up from the quick movement of the ship after almost tumbling over. The second elite shook her head and turned her attention to the nose gunner in front of the gondola. "Hey!" she shouted at the octocommander who turned and looked at her.

"Quit gawking and deal with those air threats! We cannot lose an octozeppelin! The enemy is falling back and we can't give them a reason to counterattack us!" she commanded angrily.

"Roger! I'll start shooting down those flying ink fodders!" the octocommander answered as it jumped and wound its mouth fed splatling. It splattered the octostriker as another ink missile collided with another octarian army octozeppelin. "Ma'am zeppelin 3 was hit but still afloat," advised one of the octoling crewmen.

"Have our forces eliminate any enemy air threats ASAP but keep a distance from the fighting until all opposition has been cleared and we'll be safe to hover over and secure the cephlalon HQ," said the first elite.

On the ground, the remaining rebels fled from the area with some of them flying off into their octoseekers. The octostamp DX tanks were providing covering fire and acted as barriers for the retreating rebels. "Retreat! Retreat!" shouted a rebel octoling before getting shot in the arm and dropping her octoshot. What stragglers were left that provided rear defense were quickly subdued and the base grounds was finally cleared of enemy opposition except for what rebels surrendered and held their hands up.

"Keep you hands where we can see them!" ordered an octoling soldier as she approached a rebel with her weapon drawn on them. Another rebel a few meters away held her hands up and was on her knees. "I surrender, don't splat me!" she shouted to a soldier. As the octarian army was rounding up the surrendering rebels one octoling to herself was hiding a splat bomb under her as she laid on the ground. She waited for the Neo-Octarians to turn their view away from her and pulled it behind her back, intent on detonating it once they apprehended her. "You! Hands in front!" shouted an octoling that spotted her and seeing she was acting suspicious. "Hands where I can see them or I'll splat you where you stand!" the soldier ordered her again. The cautious soldier approached her intent on restraining her.

"If you insist, long live Octavio!" she shouted as the bomb swelled and splatted the her and the two octoling soldiers. The ink might have been hers but it was overcharged and the blast in itself was enough to do her in, instead of the ink effects. The Neo-Octarians were extra cautious and threw the remaining rebels to the ground and placing their boot on their backs to ensure another suicide bombing wouldn't occur. "Sorry Bastards!" shouted an octoling soldier.

"Enough! Load up the prisoners and make your way inside. Check your corners and clear all rooms! It's time to sweep the base and end this war!" shouted an elite on the ground.

On Octillia's end. She and a platoon of octarians pushed through the small squads of rebels that were guarding the inner sanctum of the base and up ahead would be the respawn station. They finished off the last rebel trooper and formed up in front of a large metal door. "This is it, their respawn station. Now let's breach the chamber and shut down the machine. Line up against the door and prepare to face more rebels. Get ready!" ordered the lieutenant. "On my mark 3...2...1...go!" she shouted as she and the others stormed the large chamber but to their great surprise. It was empty.

The large unoccupied chamber was lined with metal panel walls and a large machine took up the far side that would supply the respawn pad with power. The respawn pad was in the middle of the room on the floor. It was huge but there were no rebel's popping out of it. "What's going on? The room's empty," asked the lieutenant.

"Lieutenant, the spawn pad is powered but I'm as confused as you are. There should octarian ghost dropping down to reform but nothing is happening. Those rebels we killed should have done came back by now," said an octoling.

"Continue to search the room. Something's not right," ordered the lieutenant.

"Hey I think I found something," said an octoling studying the machine.

"What is it specialist?" asked the lieutenant.

"Well like you were saying the slain rebels should be respawning but this machine has been tampered with," said the specialist.

"Tampered with? What do you mean?" she asked again.

"I could be wrong but by what've come up with and discovered. The machine is sending the rebels somewhere else. See the antennae, I think I know what's going. Years ago the engineers were looking for way to respawn octarians to different locations instead of back to an assigned spawn pad. It was supposed to be a means of transportation than those tea kettles we designed. A prototype was built but it was never finalized. The rebels must've stolen the blueprints and built one but as far as where its transporting them, I can't predict. They could have installed a spawn pad anywhere else maybe even outside Octo Canyon for that matter," said the specialist.

"We gotta find out where they're respawning if not here. Keep investigating, there's gotta be a hint or something," said Octillia.

"So what now Ma'am?" asked another octoling.

"We're at a stand still right now until we discover where that other spawn pad is. Maxie will lead a counterattack on the fleet and stop them from reaching the city. As for Kova and the argonauts, they've ceased all rebel activity at the vault and will hopefully bring back Otto and Opal for questioning. This has put a monkey wrench in that operation of there's and maybe we can discover the Red Queen's identity while we're at it," said the lieutenant.

"Lieutenant, you might wanna look at this," exclaimed the specialist near the machine.

"Did you locate that other spawn pad?" asked Octillia as she turned around.

"No...it's this," said the specialist holding up a broken glass container.

"What on earth," replied the lieutenant.

"Looks like some kind of... vial, it's broken but their some residue from the contents. Some kind of green fluid," said the specialist still holding the glass container.

"Vial, green fluid...hold on, Ruby was telling me about a vial with green fluid inside the case Opal had taken. Could that be the same stuff? What's it doing down here if Opal took the case to the vault. I'm not liking this, be careful with that vial. If we can't locate that other spawn pad then we need to catch up with Maxie and make sure the rebels are apprehended. A team can stay back and secure the station while me and the rest of the unit will head back to the holding bay and takeoff for the rebel fleet, move out!" commanded the lieutenant.

"Yes ma'am!" the octolings shouted in unison as they saluted.

Before the lieutenant could follow the platoon back to the octoseekers to catch up with the fleet. She had received a transmission from captain Kova of the commando unit. "This is lieutenant Octillia, I hope you got some good news captain," said Octillia pulling at the radio.

"Well yes and no. Opal has been apprehended as well as the metal case she took but we failed to stop the rebels. They made it inside the vault... we were...unable to stop them in time. They had apprehended an octoling by the name of Marina Ida, if that rings a bell. She hacked into the vault's security measures and bypassed them thanks to Otto which brings me to the next topic. Otto...has been killed," explained the captain.

"Son of a shrimp! I gave you specific orders to guarantee the safety of Otto. You're telling me he's KIA? This day keeps getting better and better. Ruby isn't going to like this at all but Opal will have a lot to answer for. This is most unbecoming and I'm very disappointed at the report you given me, captain. I thought I could trust you with this mission but you blew it and now your telling me the rebels have made it inside the vault. At least tell me you've learned something about there motives of getting inside that place," said a disgruntled Octillia.

"Watch your tone lieutenant! You may be the commanding lead of mission operations but I'm out here in the field getting shot at! Not to mention a superior officer!" shouted the captain. Angered by the lieutenant's atitiude.

"Can it captain! You don't think I've had it rough myself. I'm up here at the Cephalon HQ and at least their base was taken and rebels were defeated. Unlike your mission. We've secured there spawn pad station but the slain rebels haven't spawned back here. Our engineer specialist on site has discovered that the rebels had constructed a transmitter on the spawn pad to send them somewhere else besides here. Not to mention we found a broken vial with a green fluid inside it. Is there a spawn pad near the vault?" asked Octillia.

"No there isn't," she answered. "Why in the shell would they send their fallen troops somewhere else? Unless..." she continued before getting stuck in thought.

"Unless what?" replied the lieutenant.

"Maybe the little turncoat can tell us. You said you found a vial with green liquid in it. Like the one in the metal case she had. By the way, I did hear something from the rebels that sent chills down my back, you may not wanna hear this but he fleet invading that inkling city is the least of our problems. I overheard the rebels talking about controlling humans inside the vault with those goggles they've been wearing. Yes you heard me correctly...humans...inside the vault," said the captain.

Hearing this caused the lieutenant to become unnerved. The octolings around her were uncertain what caused the lieutenant to have a troubled expression. "Humans?" she replied as her unit looked at each other. Octillia recomposed herself. "Captain Kova you are to take Opal and Marina back to base for questioning. Keep your team there to secure the vault entrance. I'm heading back to base myself while I deploy some commandos to catch up with the fleet before Maxie does anything drastic," said Octillia.

"The sarge? Speaking of which, how is she anyway? I hope they didn't rough her up too much... Maybe you should've sent me and my team to spy on the rebels in the first place..." the captain said snidely.

"Stuff it Kova! I sent her after Octavio's fleet before they reach the city. Maxie is a disciplined and coordinated soldier...unlike you. Maybe you could learn a thing or two from her captain," sneered the lieutenant.

"Ha! Like getting captured... no thanks. If you'll excuse me lieutenant but I've got to run. Send Maxie my regards once she's done if she makes it back that is. I'll bring little miss turncoat and the popstar back to base for interrogation. Be seein' ya," said Kova snidely as she hung up.

"Oh that little (deep breath). Never mind. Let's head back to base. I want the specialist and a squad to stay here and keep the respawn station secure. Notify me on anything you might find. If my hand could reach inside the radio. I would yank the captain through the line and knock the shell out of her. I hope Maxie can reach the fleet in time to stop Octavio and now the rebels have breached the vault. So much for containing the rebel situation. War will be upon if we don't act and soon," said the lieutenanat, slightly distressed by the situation.

"Lieutenant you mentioned...humans...what's this about? Should we be worried?" asked the sergeant.

"I hope not and yes, the captain has informed me deep in the vault, there are apparently more in some kind of dorment state. The rebels intent to use them for their gains using goggles to control them. If that happens they'll be no stopping them and victory will be lost. Make no mistake soldiers. today we defeat Octavio and his army once in for all. Not only for the valley, not only for the inklings, not only for peace among our kind but survival. The rebels won't stop until our races are conquered and there so called promised land is achieved. This goes beyond a doubt that their diabolic plans will bring nothing but doom to our lands and to our people. It's time to end this! Move out and prepare for battle!" shouted Octillia as she and some of the octolings and troopers headed out to fight Octavio and the rebels.

---

Time was running out for Otto and Marina as the rebels patience was wearing thin. Otto was deliberately stalling for Marina hoping some kind of miracle would happen to get the two out of their situation and keep the rebels from getting inside once hearing that human weaponry and humans themselves were inside the underground facility ready to be controlled and disposed by the rebels with their hypnowave goggles that they were supplied with. "So how's our progress Otto?" asked Opal who walked up with two octoling guards.

"Don't rush me, you know I'm not that fluent on human language. By what I could read this is just records on what appeared to be the staff of some kind of research team and test subjects inside the vault. There's also mention in these documents about some kind of serum. It's hard to track but I assume the humans were running test on... other humans. I wonder if that green liquid is the..." said Otto before getting cut off.

"You never mind about the vial. What kind of test were the humans running? What were the results?" demanded Opal.

"It doesn't give details and besides that I don't know what some of these words mean," said Otto with frustration.

"Well just guess, the clock is ticking for the both of you. Is their anything in there about a password or a way to get past those damn security measures?" Opal demanded again.

"No," replied Otto with disapproval.

"Then keep reading, theirs gotta be something in there," said Opal before turning her attention to Marina. "How's your end? make any headway Miss Ida?" asked Opal.

"I'm working on it. These security measures have perhaps been the hardest system I've ever hacked into. Once I think I've gotten past one firewall another pops up. If you expect to get in then I would suggest giving us more time if I can even get in," exclaimed Marina.

"Keep trying. I got Otto going through the paperwork to hopefully find some kind of clue to get inside. Remember that once your time runs out and if the vault doors aren't opened, you can rest assure that they'll be two less octolings we'll have to deal with. It'll be a shame to execute such a gifted girl like you but getting inside the vault is priority. Maybe that'll persuade you to think harder on getting in and once we do. You better hope we need your skills again. You and that idiot," sneered Opal. Marina turned back to the screen and typed away trying to override the security measures. "Please god, I hope we can get out of this... I'm not sure how much we can keep stalling. Surely someone's been sent to find us," Marina muttered quietly as Opal walked off with the two other octolings.

On the other side of the camp. Kova and her team had moved into position and waited for the octosniper and the other team to get to a vantage point. "Captain, we're in position. A waiting for you to make the call," said the elite with the octosniper.

"Do you have enemy octosniper in your sight?" asked Kova.

"That's a roger. Shall we drop the octarian?" asked the elite.

"You have my permission. Remember to take out the octobomber as well so we're not spotted from the air once the ink kills the octosniper. Once you shot down the octobomber I'm sure the rebels will be on alert and me and team will quickly take out their octostamp tanks and then you start picking off ground targets. Just make sure not to hit the researcher or that ununiformed octoling with them," replied Kova.

The elite signaled the octosniper to shoot the other one. It lined its laser on the unsuspecting tentacle and fired, killing it as it drooped over. "Next target!" shouted the elite as the octosniper set its laser on the octobomber. They waited for the fat tentacle to get a little closer so it was in range and once it did the octosniper shot at it, as it careened back and burst into ink. Kova and her team quickly dispatched the inkzookas and fired at the octostamp tanks. "FIRE!" she shouted.

The elites destroyed one octostamp tank while only damaging the other as it was still operational. "We're under attack! Battle stations everyone!" shouted the rebel elite as the troops scrambled to get into fighting positions. The octosniper was picking off targets as well as the elites assigned with it. Three more rebels were splatted and the damaged octostamp tank converged on the camp to provide cover for the rebels. It had now turned into a shooting gallery as Otto and Marina fled to the nearest cover and hunkered down.

"Call in air support!" shouted the elite as a regular got on her radio to base but after a few attempts she couldn't get in contact with their HQ. "Captain! I can't get a hold command!" the regular shouted.

"Dammit it!...Hold them back! We need to get inside the vault as quickly as we can! How's the progress coming!?" shouted the elite captain. She saw that Marina had vanished and so did Otto. She frantically looked around as ink flew everywhere and finally spotted the two hunkered behind a pile of barrels. She rushed over and grabbed Marina by the arm and dragged her back to the terminal with two other regulars providing cover fire.

Many of the octotroopers on sight and their twintacle commanders were killed as well as half of the octoling unit that was occupying the vault entrance. Opal had took cover inside the command tent as a regular stumbled inside that was hit with ink. She attempted to talk but fell over in front of Opal as she covered her mouth. horrified about watching the rebel die in front of her. Kova's team of commandos pushed up as the rebel personnel were staggering. Kova watched the elite grab Marina and force her to the terminal. "Team 1 push forward, we can't let them get inside the vault! Team 2 direct the octosniper's line of sight on the entrance of the terminal. Target the two octolings in front of the terminal!" ordered Kova.

"Captain, that ununiformed octoling is unarmed, are you sure..." started the elite over the radio.

"That's an order! She might not pose a threat but we cannot allow her to open the doors to the vault for those rebels. Am I understood!?" demanded Kova.

"Crystal, captain. We'll have the octosniper target the two on your word," replied the elite on the other end.

Kova turned her attention back to shooting and struck one of the regulars providing cover fire for the rebel captain. "Captain! We can't take much more! How's that terminal coming!?" shouted the regular beside the one that was dropped.

"Hurry up! We don't have all day! Get these doors opened NOW!" yelled the rebel captain at Marina as she was frantically typing away.

"I'm trying! I'm slowly getting past their security measures! This isn't easy especially with all the ink fire!" exclaimed Marina as she was steadily typing. She managed to get past another fire wall leaving only one to bypass.

"Where's that idiot researcher!" jeered the elite. She soon spotted Otto peering around the pile of barrels staring at her. "You! Get over here! Open that case and find any way of getting past all this crap!" ordered the elite as she directed Otto to head over to the metal case that was now covered in ink. He rushed across and opened the case. He looked and saw like the outside the inside and its contents were also covered in ink. "Oh no! I'm not going to be able to find anything with all this ink saturating the documents!" exclaimed Otto as he frantically searched for any clean paper.

"You better find something in that mess or so help me, it'll be your ink all over that case too," sneered the elite. She had her octoshot aimed at Marina, pressuring her to work faster but as the three were trying to get inside. Kova and her team were pushing up to stop them. The octostamp tank was still providing good cover for a team of rebels that were keeping the commandos back and hindering their movement. Kova and her team soon took fire from the rebels behind the tank and rushed for the nearest cover. They managed to break their perimeter and were now immobilized and gunned down by the rebel forces. Team 2 and their octosniper wouldn't be able to hit the rebels so Kova turned to her inkzooka user.

"Lieutenant! You still got that Inkzooka!?" asked Kova.

"Yes, captain, one shot left!" replied her teammate.

"Make it count and hit that tank!" she shouted.

"Roger that!" shouted the elite. She got into position to fire at the tank as Kova and the rest provided suppressing fire on the rebels. As she lined her shot a rebel that jumped out of cover sprayed down at the Kova and her group as the inkzooka user got struck. She flailed back but gained her composure, down but not out. She was wounded but fired the inkzooka as Kova and her team splatted the uncovered rebel before the ink missile hit the tank, blowing it up and taking out the rebels behind it.

"The tank's down push up and stop those two!" shouted Kova. She and her team pushed up only 50 meters away from the entrance but soon more rebels showed up. The patrol unit that was joined with occupation unit, after hearing a distress call from the rebels guarding the vault. "Captain! We got company! More rebels converging on the entrance from the north!" shouted an elite from team 2.

"Start picking targets! We have to end this! We're running low on ink and the lieutenant is wounded!" ordered Kova. "Push up!" she shouted as she and her team moved closer toward the entrance. They soon spotted more rebels coming up the road and getting into fighting positions.

"Captain! Should we radio to HQ for air support!?" asked an elite from team 2.

"Negative! and let the lieutenant think we couldn't handle this mission! We're the argonauts! There's no mission we can't handle!" shouted Kova who was displeased with her teammate for suggesting aid. The rebels toward the road started firing on Kova and her team's position as they quickly got into prone and kneeling positions to return fire as Kova steadily pushed her way toward the entrance, bent on stopping the vault doors from opening. The rebels were firing on Kova and the commandos as they returned fire. Marina was still typing at gunpoint as Otto was desperately scouring through pages to find any password or clue to opening the vault door security system.

It would be only a matter of time until the argonauts stopped the rebels as their chances of getting inside the vault was slipping. The elite was getting more and more anxious about getting inside as the fighting was intensifying. A group of regulars formed between her and the argonauts, ready to protect their commander. They managed to hold back Kova as she took cover on the other side of the octostamp tank hull. The rebels fired at Kova as they kept her pinned down. "Do something!" screamed the elite to Marina who jerked from the outburst.

"I'm trying! What else do you expect me to do!?" lashed out Marina. All of a sudden as Otto searched through the documents of the case, a card appeared under the paperwork he was going through. "What is this?" Otto asked himself. The card had the Kamabo logo on it with a black code bar behind it.

"Hey I think I found something! It might be some kind of access card!" shouted Otto.

"What! Bring it here!" demanded the elite.

Otto rushed over and handed Marina the card. She examined and spotted a card scanner on the left side of the terminal. She slid the card and instantly the terminal was lighting up. A window appeared with words: Identification verified, access granted, welcome Dr. Carter. Soon the noise of the internal bulkhead locks were releasing. Another warning on the terminal screen read: Bulkhead releasing, back away! The group watched the giant metal doors slowly open but it would be minutes until they would completely open and the sound of buzzing and flashing lights activated as the doors opened signaling to stand back. "The doors! Their...opening," said Marina who was stunned and curious of what could've been inside that the octarians were so eager to get to. "Finally we're getting somewhere. We can prepare the starting procedures of phase 4 of the operation," sneered the elite. She then turned to Otto and Marina and gave a smug look. She aimed her octoshot at Otto.

"I owe my gratitude for you finding that card. Too bad I can't spare you. You're now just a liability Otto and I can have you jeopardize our plans once we get inside...your services...are no longer necessary," said the elite coldly. She then turned to Marina. "As for you... I'll keep you while longer just in case we have to do anymore hacking, afterward I'm not sure how much longer I'll have you around," said the elite.

"Wait! Please don't kill him!" protested Marina as she blocked herself in front of Otto with her arms out. "I or should I say we might need him. If you forget he can read human language...well some, Otto is valuable to us. I still need him to translate for me or for the rebels. We don't know what's in there. Their maybe more security measures or even traps. We got to have Otto around so he can translate any warnings or directions for us once we're inside," explained Marina.

The elite thought that Marina had a point and lowered her weapon and growled in irritation. "You make a valid point," agreed the elite. "As for you, you better thank her octopus because both of your times are coming when you will prove no longer useful to us," said the elite snidely. "Alright! The doors are opening! Hurry inside before those commando dipshits stop us! Troops move out!" shouted the elite before grabbing Marina and dragged her toward the front of the bulkhead.

Kova watched the large doors open as her team was consistently firing back at the rebels. "(growling) I can't let them get inside! I'm pushing up! Cover my ass!" ordered the captain to her team.

"You got it!" shouted one of team mates. Kova octo formed and hurried across the ink covered opening as she dove in her team's ink puddles and hopped from one puddle to the next. The regulars that were guarding the vault entrance spotted her and started covering the ground with their ink to impede her path. She jumped in the air and changed forms before lobbing a suction bomb behind the regulars, splatting them and landing behind their position. She scanned around and spotted the rebel elite with Marina and Otto.

The elite soon spotted Kova as she was guiding Marina toward the front of the doors. They were half way open and the rebels were falling back as they threw inksmoke grenades to conceal themselves as they headed toward vault. Kova rushed over toward the elite and two other octolings as she pulled out her octoshot and sprayed toward the trio. "Marina! Look out!" shouted Otto as he pushed Marina to the ground. He was struck by Kova's ink and fell down as Marina watched in horror as she witnessed Otto get shot. The elite fired back and Kova rolled to avoid the ink before kneeling down to hit the rebel commander. The elite ran behind the bulkhead and fired back.

Marina ran over to check on Otto. "Otto! Speak to me!" she cried.

"M...Marina...(cough)" Otto said weakly as Marina held his head up. His ink could be seen coming out of his mouth.

"Otto why did put yourself in that line of fire!?" exclaimed Marina.

"So...you wouldn't get hit. Marina (cough) you have to find a way of getting in touch with the Neo-Octarian HQ and... (groaning) inform that the rebels have made it inside the Vault (coughing) (groaning)," said Otto trying to keep his strength up as he was coughing up ink.

"Otto you got to hang in there! Please stay with me! We'll both make it out of here," said Marina as tears were forming.

"Marina...we both know, I'm not gonna make it. I learned that inside the vault lies the greatest threat my people and the inklings could ever face. The rebels...have to be stopped (Heaving)..." said Otto as he could no longer hold on. He gave his last breath and closed his eyes. Lying motionless as Marina held him.

"Otto...Otto! No! OTTO!" cried Marina as she started to whimper.

"What a pity. Guess he was going to die sooner or later. Ironic it was be his valley turncoat friends that killed him. Now... you're coming with me! Get inside and don't try anything or you'll be joining him!" barked the indifferent elite showing no remorse for Otto's death. As the elite tried to lead Marina inside the vault. Kova attempted to catch up to the two as the rebels converged on the entrance and rushed inside as they covered their six to hold the commandos back. Two platoon size elements had made it inside the underground facility but Kova stopped to take a deep breath and aim her octoshot at the elite as to not strike Marina. She pulled the trigger and an ink projectile flew out of the nozzle and hit the elite in the arm. She screamed and jeered, letting go of Marina as she fell and scurried out of the elite's reach. Kova took this opportunity to attack the elite as Marina was no longer in her line of sight.

"Damn..." the elite said as she shot back. She held her arm and rushed into the vault still wounded from Kova's ink.

"Octo wretch, should've aimed for the head... HQ isn't going to like this. We can't pursue them...we would be at a disadvantage and not to mention I don't know how the lay out is inside. (sigh) Just great," said a frustrated Kova. She ran over to Marina with her weapon drawn on her. "Don't move! Stand up and keep your hands in sight!" ordered the captain.

"Wait...I'm not one of them!" exclaimed Marina as she waved her hands out.

"Explain yourself! Who are you and why were you helping them!?" demanded Kova. Her team caught up with her on guard and scanning the area for more threats.

"Listen...my name's Marina Ida. The rebels kidnapped me and forced me to help them. The same went for Otto...we were held against our will, they were going to kill his family! And know he's...gone," said Marina as she started to sob. Kova looked at Otto's body which she could tell the octoling had done passed with no hope of resuscitating. "I'm sorry about your friend. Our mission was to stop the rebels at all costs from reaching the inside of the vault. It's unfortunate that they managed to make it inside and that the researcher was killed in the process. I was specifically given orders to ensure his survival. I'm not going to hear the end of this. The Neo-Octarian army will inform his family of his passing," said Kova.

"He...didn't want any of this... he died saving me because you thought I was a rebel. You took drastic action and now an innocent octoling got killed because of it. I know you had a duty to fulfill and things happen that weren't intended to. It's war and it's that way of thinking that was the reason I left the army and searched for a new life on the surface," said Marina sternly trying to recuperate from grieving over Otto.

"Listen here. Orders are orders and my orders were to ensure the rebels didn't breach the vault. What happened is deeply unfortunate and I'm sure I'll answer to it later but right now a dead researcher is the least of our problems. The rebels are inside the vault and I'm not sending my commandos in after them. If what I've heard is correct then all of the inklings as well as the valley are all doomed. I have no knowledge of this place other than the fact it was constructed by humans long ago, humans that are still around deep inside that place somewhere ready to be controlled by the rebels and used against us," said Kova as she was displeased of the current situation.

"Then what are we to do?" asked Marina.

"We?...Me and my team are going to report back to base and give the sitrep as if I'm eager to hear the lieutenant's bickering. As if I don't have enough problems as it is... but you on the other hand will be taken in for questioning. You did help out the rebels and opened the vault doors, no matter what kind of dilemma they placed you in. Rules of engagement state that you are to be apprehended for interrogation and inform us on any intel you may have known about their plans, rebel or not," said the captain.

"Captain! Look at what we got here!" shouted one of the commandos as she had a hold of an octoling in a lab coat. "She tried to hide in the tent but she decided to surrender. She came out of cover as soon as we stormed the tent for any stragglers," explained the commando.

"Identify yourself!" demanded Kova.

"My name's Opal. I'm the one that initiated the attack on the research lab and I'm the one that stole valuable intel and released the rebel prisoner. I'm not armed and I'll comply without resistance," replied Opal as the commando still had a hold of her.

"So you're the defected researcher. You have a lot to answer for. You're lucky I just don't just splat right here! Once we get back to base you better give us answers. It may save your ass traitor," said Kova harshly.

"I say we splat her. The rebels have already made it into the vault anyway," said the octosniper as it pointed it's mouth charger at Opal.

"At ease octosniper! I don't wanna report two dead researchers not to mention we need to gather up as much intel on the rebels and their operations as much as we can. The army will cordon off the vault and monitor the area for any movements or irregularities. We don't know what to expect and this Red Queen has been slipping under our radar. Her identity and location so far is still unknown and she has proven to be unpredictable. Make haste as we don't know what to expect but the valley put on high alert. Let's move out!" She commanded her team.

"Let's go traitor!" shouted the commando as she shoved Opal away. Kova turned her attention back to Marina with slight curiosity. "You mentioned before about leaving the army. That's considered desertion but I don't recognize you, care to explain?" asked Kova with her arms crossed.

"It was over 2 years ago...back when Octavio was in command. Before he was apprehended by the squidbeak agent. I was one of the lead engineers. I constructed and designed octoweapons for the octarian army during the time and was even placed on the research team for a period of time. We studied human technology and even fossils if we came across any. You might not recognize me because I always wore goggles and my tentacles were a lot shorter back then," explained Marina.

"Lead Engineer? Hmm... you said your name was Marina...Marina Ida?" pondered Kova.

"Yes, I was a major before I left the valley. Top of my class...not to brag or nothing like that. I was an expert hacker back then as well but I could barely manage to get past those security measures on the vault terminal. I would've loved to explore the vault and its contents...not to mention the humans if things weren't the way they were right now," said Marina.

"Enough... well Marina... the only advice I can give you right now is be very generous that you weren't killed. I was a tentacle tip close of shooting you if it meant keeping those bastards out of the vault. I had no idea who you were except a collaborator, threat or not. It would also be to your best interests to keep your mouth shut about deserting the army even if you were under Octavio's command. Desertion is desertion no matter the reason. It would do you good to cooperate and give us any and all vital information that you may have collected from the rebels and maybe we'll see about your release," said Kova.

"I'll cooperate and do as you ask. I just wanna go home and see my friends again back in Inkopolis. Wait...Inkopolis! The rebels said that Octavio and the fleet were going to attack Inkopolis! I remember the rebel commandos mentioning it before, I was captured in the city by them! You have to warn your command about this! If they attack Inkopolis, the blame will be placed on the shoulders of the Neo-Octarians!" exclaimed Marina.

"I'll report this in right away! For now, sit tight until the octoseeker gets here for retrieval. I'm thankful for the information," said Kova.

Marina gave a fake smile and nod. She then set her sights on Opal who had remained quiet the whole time until Marina approached her. Marina gave her a disgusted look as Opal just stared at her with indifference. "You do expect me to say...sorry? It's these valley turncoats that should be sorry. For pushing a peace treaty and choosing the inkstains over their ruler Octavio, And you... a child prodigy and a well respected engineer in her ranks... all thrown away by her dreams of going to the surface and making friends with the inkstains. It sickens me," said Opal.

"You're the one that's sickening. You got Otto killed by bringing him here and threatening his family if he didn't comply. You bring shame to the octarian name. I hope you have some conscience in there for the deeds you've done. Just know you'll probably spend the rest of your life in a cell. That'll give you plenty of time to think about what you've done... and I hope you do and I forgive you," said Marina.

"I don't need your sympathy octoling. I don't regret anything I've done and I'm glad I'm not working under Ruby and those valley traitors. Only to get enough research that would provide us with the essentials we need as well as the information on the vault. Why settle for fossils when you can dig up the real thing," said Opal with no consideration for her actions.

"You said something about humans inside the vault. This is extraordinary and what would the rebels want with them?" asked Marina, curious about the humans.

"Soldiers...for our army, of course once they've been controlled though. The Red Queen sees them as vital assets as well as the technology in that place. If only I had ran inside with them. To think of the possibilities we could learn. Once they were controlled and the final phase of the operation is complete and the valley taken over. We would breed with the humans... I was skeptical at first and even apuald if not curious... but the Red Queen assured me that our race as well as the inklings would not thrive without the genes of the humans. I would pick out a mate like everyone else and we would start a new superior race that would rule the surface and bring about unity. I can't see why you would be against that if we would want peace ourselves... just in a different fashion," explained Opal.

"B...B...Breed! I...can't believe what I'm hearing. We should be making friends with them. Learning from them. Not forcing them to...you know..." said Marna flabbergasted.

"You honestly believe we can be friends with a what we believed to be an extinct race. Octolings and Inklings can't even get along and now you expect us to welcome an advance if not dangerous race of beings. How do you think they became extinct in the first place? Think about it? Only one thing...war...which makes them very suitable for our "needs"," said Opal.

"This is beyond despicable. I thought the rebels were vile before but this takes it to a new level. Not only do you wanna enslave the inklings but you also wanna enslave the humans as well. This new world you wanna bring about won't be a paradise it be premonition," said Marina still agape from Opal's words.

"I don't wanna hear anymore from you turncoat. Just leave me be. the rebels have fled inside the vault and our operation will continue! Long live the promised land!" she shouted.

"You're... delusional if not insane," said Marina as she shook her head, distraught with Opal and the rebels' initiatives. Opal showed no signs of remorse on her face.

Captain Kova had just off the radio with lieutenant Octillia. Disgruntled by their conversation she put the radio up and gave a groan. "That Octillia can be a real pain my ass. I can't help that Otto got killed and as far as what she was talking about, the respawn station and that broken vial... I guess I have to get some answers out of that researcher," said Kova before spotting Marina and Opal.

She turned toward Marina with a serious look. "So what were you two discussing. You better not be plotting something," said Kova.

"No, as a matter of fact Opal was informing me about information on the vault. There's humans inside! And the rebels plan on brainwashing them to fight for them... but also... she informed about... other things I wish to not discuss. You have to do something before the rebels get to the humans. If the humans do end up fighting for the rebels they'll be unstoppable. They're unaffected by ink and we don't know what kind of weaponry they could posess!" exclaimed a deeply distressed Marina.

"I know about the humans. I eavesdropped on their conversation and I was pretty horrified to hear about their plans for them and yes I know of their...other use for them. My tentacles are tied right now and I'm not risking me and my team chasing after them. I'm awaiting further orders and the lieutenant informed to me also about a transmitter on the respawner sending the slain octo rebels somewhere else besides their base as well a vial with an unknown green substance. A vial just like the one in that metal case Opal took," explained Kova.

"What now?" asked Opal in an arrogant tone as Kova locked on to her.

"Talk! Do you know anything about the respawn transmitter and why a vial of that green liquid showed up at the rebel base? Answer the questions or so help me I'll beat it out of you. I don't want to put up the lieutenat anymore than I have to if I have to report back to her of another dead researcher," demanded Kova.

"You're bluffing captain, you wouldn't harm a tentacle on head. You think I'm going to talk. All I have left is my commitment to the rebels. I'll never talk! So you're wasting your breath," scoffed Opal.

The captain bared her fangs and clinched her fists. "Get her out of my sight before I show her I'm not bluffing!" she ordered angrily.

Two of her commandos grabbed her and led Opal away where she could be secured. Kova was deeply frustrated and turned her attention away. "Captain? I know your agitated right now but I heard you discuss to Opal about a respawn pad and transmitter," commented Marina.

"Yeah, what about it?" replied Kova bitterly.

"Being an engineer in the octarian army before I left. I remembered the project about using transmitters to send octarians to different spawn pads throughout the valley. The device never came into full production and I can only assume the rebels must have found a way to build one. The idea was that once an octarian was splatted or killed they would return to the closest spawn pad or assigned spawn pad before regenerating. A transmitter would send a signal a ghost could ride to another spawn pad at their discretion. Though tests proved that this wasn't always the case or the octarians ghost would never respawn. It was considered too unpredictable if not risky unless they modified the device. I'm sure the other spawn pad can't be too far but as far as that broken vial they found. That maybe a clue to where the other spawn pad is," explaind Marina.

"The case was originally in Otto's possession and he's dead. I can't question a dead octoling can I? And little miss traitor is buttoning her lips so I don't see us making any headway. The vial contained that green fluid, the only thing to do is run test on it back at the labs. Until then. we're dead in the water until we think of a way to catch the rebels," Kova told Marina.

"The vial was in a metal case with the Kamabo logo on it. The same logo that's on the vault doors. The only reasonable explanation is the case belonged to humans since the paperwork was unreadable and what else belonged to the humans. The vault itself. This might sound crazy but what if they found another way inside the vault, perhaps another... spawn pad or something like that," she explained again.

"Reasonable explanation? Hardly, How the shell could you come up with a conclusion like that. There's no way they could've established a spawn pad inside the vault, if they were trying to get in it in the first place. Did you think about that!?" said Kova brashly.

"It sounds unexplainable but I'm not sure where else the rebels would wanna respawn, if they needed the transmitter to send them somewhere to respawn knowing they could avoid detection. As you said, we don't know what's down there besides more humans and weaponry left behind for who knows why," said Marina.

"Yes the vial is probably of human origin but what it could be for, I'm not so sure. Only the eggheads can tell us," replied Kova.

"So I assume you'll be taking me back to the valley now. I was hoping I would never go back there. Being I deserted the army right after Octavio was defeated a couple of years ago," said Marina.

"Protocol is protocol. That's how it is, we'll be heading back to base and I'll leave my unit here to secure the vault entrance. Here comes the octoseeker right now, let's get ready to leave," said Kova as the octoseeker was landing down. The back hatch opened but before the two boarded. Kova asked," I had one more question, why in the freakin' world would you wear something that skimpy... for an ex-soldier in the octarian army. I would think you would show some dignity. Not flaught yourself with that...get up. I swaer I could see Otto drooling, looking at you," commented Kova.

"Huh?...this is just my stage outfit. After I left for the surface my friend Pearl and I formed a pop music duo called Off the Hook. We perform for Inkopolis and even give the news. There's nothing wrong my clothes, its better than that uniform your wearing not to metion the cutoffs and those shorts seem pretty revealing to me," said Marina with her hands on her hips.

Captain Kova's uniform was a one piece with no exposed stomach like rest of the commandos and she wore tight pants instead of shorts but your typical infantry units did don the typical octoling uniform of cut off tops and shorts. "That uniform was designed for the warm conditions of the underground domes. Every octoling is issued to wear one on duty not to advertise themselves. You should know being an engineer what kind of heat we have to deal with down there," reiterated the captain.

Marina didn't comment and turned to the octoseeker. "Let's just head back to the valley but you're going to cover yourself up before those males trip on their own tongues seeing you. Once we get back you will cooperate with us if you expect an early release. I'm sure we can take you back to Inkopolis once we're done," said Kova as she followed Marina onboard the octoseeker.

"I'm truly thankful captain," replied Marina.

"Yeah whatever, I'm just focused on the matter at hand. Pilot! Get us out of here!" ordered Kova.

"Y...Y...Yes, captain, returning to to base," the twintacle pilot replied.

"We have to move quick for all of our sakes. If the rebels get a hold of the humans and control them like Opal said they would. Their may be no way of stopping them," she said to herself.

Marina remained reserved and feared for the fate of Inkopolis. She wondered if she'd even see Pearl again and if Octavio would be stopped before they took over the city. The trip back to the Neo-Octarian base would remain quiet as the only sound that could be heard was the humming of the octoseeker's rotors. Captain Kova stayed vigilant and kept her eye on Marina seeing she was staying to herself wondering about her past service under Octavio and if she was really being truthful over her situation with the rebels.