Chapter 16: The Path to War

Morning came as it always did. The sun shone brightly like it tended to do. But this was not a typical day. This was THE day. Chris was glad he had tried going to sleep early last night. After his and Rachel's night, he still felt like he had gotten enough sleep. Of course, Rachel had fallen asleep on him again. He tried to rouse her. "Hey, today's the day."

She shifted about. "I'm ready." She said groggily with her eyes remaining closed.

"Not without any clothes on" Chris chuckled.

Rachel gave him a playful slap then moved to get off him. "I'll go change." Then she headed for her room. Chris figured this would be a good time to check to see if everything was ready. He grabbed the radio from the table.

"Whitehorse, you there?"

"I'm here Rook."

"Is everything ready?"

"Yeah, we have all the vehicles here. Everyone's here too. Just waiting on you."

"We'll be there shortly sheriff. Thanks. Chris out."

"Are your friends waiting for us?" Rachel came back from her room wearing what she wore two nights ago. The short black top and blue jeans. As usual, Chris was struck by her presence which delayed his response.

"Y-yeah, they're all set up. You ready?"

Rachel gave him a smile, pulled out her pistol and cocked it. "Let's go kick The Father's ass!"

Chris knew he only needed one weapon, his trusty MG42. After making sure he grabbed plenty of ammo for it, he and Rachel headed to where everyone was waiting. In the center of Fall's End, three vehicles were lined up. A large semi-truck complete with forward guns known as the 'Widowmaker" was out front. Behind it was the 'Mastodon', a gray vehicle with a .50 cal turret. The last vehicle was a plain white moving van. As Whitehorse had said, everyone was there milling about. Everyone but Jess.

"Hey Chris." A voice came from the side. Chris turned and saw Jess leaning against a building.

"Hey Jess, you ready to kick some ass?"

She nodded but maintained her stoic composure. "Do you mind if I talk to Faith in private?" Chris was in such a state of disbelief at the request that he forgot to tell Jess that Faith had changed her name back to Rachel. But Rachel didn't protest at all.

"Sure, go ahead." Jess and Rachel headed for the garage while Chris went out to greet everyone and inform them of Rachel's name change.

Jess had stopped to turn around to face Rachel but didn't say anything. Rachel knew that this was hard on Jess so she decided to take the initiative.

"You been feeling better from yesterday?"

Jess maintained her expression. "Yeah, just needed some time to think. Look, I'm going to be completely honest with you. When I saw Chris had spared you at the Henbene, I was fucking furious. You should have been dead, and if he didn't have the balls to do it then I would. But he defended you and if it were anyone else but Chris, I would have ignored them. He was so adamant about you though. I thought maybe he was your puppet somehow, using him as a way to survive. But then I saw what you did to snap him out of his 'conditioning'. It confused me to no end. But after yesterday….."

Her expression became sadder. "He truly does love you. I love him too….in my own way. When I saw him sacrifice himself for me….." Rachel thought she saw a tear. But Jess didn't cry, right? "I had flashbacks to my parents, another one that I cared for being killed in front of me. But that didn't happen did it? You came even though you coulda ran, were told to run. You saved not only me but also him….."

Rachel gave her a comforting smile. "Its fine. There was no way I was leaving you guys out there."

Jess gave a slight grin. "Shit, I'm not used to this….what I meant to say was thanks. Not only for saving us, but opening up my eyes. You showed that you really are worth it for him…"

Rachel gave her a wide grin. "Let's end this asshole together Jess! Also, its Rachel."

Jess nodded, but now had a full smile.

They made their way back to where Chris was addressing everyone else. He noticed them join the group. "Alright, looks kike everyone's here. So here's the plan. Sharky, you got the turret. Hurk, you're on anti-vehicle duty and AA support. Grace, sniper cover. Jess, you're freelance. Sheriff, you and your group has the van and will be fire support. And Rachel.." He looked at her with a smile. "You're with me." He turned his attention back to the group. "Alright everyone, this is it! The end of the cult happens today! Let's put this Seed into the ground!" There was a resounding cheer then everyone made their way to their vehicles.

Chris approached Rachel "Look's like you're riding with me in the Widowmaker." They smiled at each other before a voice interrupted them.

"I'm coming with you too." It was Jess.

Chris tilted his head in confusion. "You sure? Its gonna be a tight squeeze."

"Yeah I'm sure. You're gonna have your hands full. I'll help protect your 'sweetheart'."

Chris was blushing brightly. "Alright, lets go." The three of them piled into the semi. It was a tight fit with the three of them and their weapons but they managed. Chris got on the radio before they moved out.

"Nick, Adelaide, status?"

"On my way bud"

"I'm coming too honey."

"Good. Nick you're going to keep the skies clear for us. Adelaide, you're going to be close air support but be careful. If things get hairy, don't hesitate to pull back."

"Awww, thanks for caring sugar."

"See you guys soon" Chris then started the truck and the convoy was off.

The ride to Joseph's compound was surprisingly smooth. There were very few cars on the road. That few that were see gave as much space as they could for the convoy to pass by. Halfway there, a cackle came from the radio.

"Chris, this is Nick. Come in?"

"What's up Nick?"

I've been doing some scouting around and I'm seeing a lot of movement from the Whitetail and Henbene regions."

Chris dismissed it. "Probably the groups just sending out their usual patrols for the day. No need to worry."

"Roger. Nick out."

Approaching the island brought more questions. There were no roadblocks like Chris expected. It was like Joseph was inviting them in. When they arrived at the compound, the place seemed deserted. There was not a soul around. Chris had everyone park on the north side. They all got out and took their positions while the sheriff approached Chris.

"Rook, take these." He tossed a pair of handcuffs. "If Joseph does surrender, cuff him. But I have my doubts that he will. We're gonna hang back here with everyone so fall back here if things get too dicey."

"Got it boss." Chris then turned to Rachel. She nodded with a look of determination but also a hint of nervousness. They made their way towards the church. Everything was eerily quiet. Chris had his MG42 ready while Rachel had a hand on the holster of her 1911. As they approached the doors, they wondered if anyone was even here at all. Their question was answered as the door flung open. Out came Joseph Seed, alone, and looking the same as when Chris first saw him.