Chapter 10
In the morning, the group awoke early, trying to get a head start on the day. They ate a modest meal, and, as soon as the other members of the rebel faction arrived, set about making final preparations for the assault on the Academy. Jessea, Dylan, and Rommie reviewed the layout of the academy and points of detonation for the explosives they would be using. Harper went about setting the yield for the explosives. Kael was on guard/scout duty. Beka was checking the weapons for the group and doing some last minute combat training with the rebel faction members. Trance was busy using the local transmitter to communicate with Tyr, who was getting medical supplies ready for the inevitable injuries to come. A good four hours passed, and finally the time had come for the assault to begin. Gathered in the clearing, everyone massed together to hear Jessea speak.
"The time has come, my friends. Now is the hour of our strike. Today we will free our world of the tyrannical oppression that has kept us from living the lives we should. I would like to give special thanks to Captain Dylan Hunt and his crew for all the assistance they have provided.
In order to bring down the Academy, the captain and I have found it necessary to destroy the actual facility that houses the training facilities and government offices. The captain, his avatar and I will infiltrate the building and set charges at specific blast points that we have predetermined. Unfortunately, in order for us to do this, many of the security systems will need to be shut down. Mr. Seamus Harper and our own Kael Lidar have volunteered to penetrate the bowels of the Academy, and overload their computer core, virtually shutting the academy down. Unfortunately, this means that neither Kael, nor I, will be able to lead you into battle. Therefore, I am placing you under the command of the captain's first officer, Ms. Beka Valentine and their doctor, Ms. Trance Gemini."
Murmurs arose from the crowd and the crowd parted to see their new leaders. Beka and Trance shot each other looks of worry, then looked to Dylan. He was just grinning like a schoolboy. "Do not fret, my friends. I know these individuals very well and they are quite competent at leading you all. They have saved my life and I trust them wholly. You will respect them as you would respect me, and follow their every order." The crowd suddenly closed rank and saluted. Beka looked at Trance, and they both returned the gesture. The crowd's attention returned to Jessea.
"Now my friends, prepare yourselves. This will be the toughest battle we have fought, and the boldest move we have made to date. Many will fall, and many more will carry the scars of battle from here. However, if we succeed with our mission, we will have the opportunity to begin to erase the scars which tyranny has so wickedly bestowed upon our people. We are not fighting for the 'I', or the 'you', or the 'we'. We are fighting for the 'us'. Together, we will show the universe that we will not be silenced!"
The crowd erupted into a roar, with the Andromeda crew joining in. The thunderous cry seemed as powerful as the weapons everyone carried and felt as though it stretched into eternity. As the noise died down, Jessea issued her only battle orders.
"Everybody to your stations, let's go! Rebels, please report to Commander Valentine and Commander Gemini for further instructions. Fight with your heart and we will win!"
Another roar exploded as everyone scurried off to pick up weapons, secure gear, strap on uniforms, and wish each other luck.