Chapter 1: Knighted
The void wasn't Darkness. It was absent. There was nothing. Air, gravity, any type of mass, or even feeling. It was a lack of senses as I willed a nonexistent body to move to find a weird feeling of nothingness. It was pure consciousness without a context of reality. Fear was the only thing I could relatively feel.
"Hail stranger!" A voice broke the void filling light everywhere. A familiar form of consciousness greeted me as I fell on my back gasping for air. My body felt sore and my head throbbed through the transition as I was reunited with my senses.
"Gather yourself quickly, we do not have much time." I sprung up looking around. I grabbed my head as a spike of dizziness assaulted me. Standing I was facing a man in grey armor waiting for something.
"Robert Bryant? You have been chosen."
"Chosen for what?" I said. What the fuck was going on? Who was this wackjob?
"You must lead an Order of Knights for a time. I'm sure you're familiar with the Forever Knights?" The man said. It clicked as my brain understood what he was talking about. A faction from a popular cartoon meant to face a dragon-like being but lost their way. I looked at the man and noticed the way his blond hair and beard is fashioned.
"I guess you're George? What kind of sick trick are you trying to pull?" I said getting ready to beat some cosplayer ass.
"I see you understand." He said ignoring my sarcasm.
"No! What the fuck are you talking about dude? Where the fuck am I? I did wrestling in high school. I'll dump you on your head!" I threatened.
"Everything you experienced and even the location you're in now tells you I speak the truth." He deadpanned. I looked around noticing I was still in the void.
"How-"
"Do you accept the responsibility, Robert?"
"What do you mean? I can't lead a fucking rogue cult of knights! I'm a fucking college student! What do you expect me to accomplish?"
"Your knowledge should guide you. For the universes have been damaged and my order of knights has had our origin placed into a universe of superheroes of the likes of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman."
"You mean your existence has leaked into the DC universe?" I asked for my knowledge of Comics and all things nerd complied with the shitty reasoning.
"Yes. You must lead the factions of the Forever Knights and prepare for Darkseid."
"You want ME to fight against Darkseid!?" I said. Apokolips war did not end well.
"If you don't when the timeline is reset our existence and souls would be lost." He said sobering my disbelief.
"Listen that whole wrestling comment was a joke. The most I can do in a fight is brawl and hope." I said hoping he sees reason.
"I will provide you with the resources necessary. And I cannot return you due to already dying in your reality. Your creativity is unique and needed Robert. I ask for your aid" He said bowing.
I stood shocked. A frown on my face. I was dead and there was a chance at adventure and life.
"Fine. I'll help." I gave in.
"Thank you, I am now in your debt. Know I will return before the second coming. Please have the Knights ready by then." Another blinding light filled my vision.
It seems I was teleported to a Forever Knight training camp and was filled in as a recruit.
"Line up maggots! Physical training begins now."
The training was hard and once we got to combat it was harder. Rough grappling, which I did well in, rough swordplay, laser lance shooting, and hoverbike riding. All the basics a forever knight needed to be of use. Due to my background, I was the best grappler adding some techniques to my sword play making me one of the top swordsmen but not the best. I was okay with laser lance shooting and mediocre at riding. Therefore I did well enough to graduate and be knighted.
I was proud and felt accomplished readily to take on the world. Turns out in the age of superheroes the world was more than ready to take me on.
I fired a quick burst at the rival gang. Turns out the Forever Knights were devolved into a mercenary group that fought for its interests. Intergang was a rival as the Forever Knights stuck to its roots of going after alien technology. Luckily we were out of the way of superhero territory in a third world country that allowed us to operate freely.
A rogue blast from a gangster struck my shoulder but my armor took the brunt of it. Shifting to one hand I fired a blast at the offending gangster and ducked behind cover. We got intelligence from Forever Knight agents that a shipment of alien technology was being traded to Intergang. The lord that looked commanded my company ordered us to ambush them.
It was a mess as both sides possessed impressive technology. But our maneuverability with our bikes. I was stuck on the ground with the infantry.
I massaged the armor where my shoulder was hit as my squad provided cover fire.
"Bryant, you good?" My team leader asked a sergeant.
"I'm fine sir!" I answered rising from cover and continued to shoot my lance with one hand.
"Knights to me! A loud new voice shouted. I turned to see Sir Morton, a bulkier man charging forward Mace in hand. The knights and I unsheathed our swords and followed suit. Hoverbikes flew overhead providing cover as they rained down fire on the Intergang position. We were upon them in moments Sir Morton swiping his mace. I was forced to hold my long sword with one hand and held my injured arm behind my back and out of the way.
I charged a man wearing a weird chest harness with barrels sticking out of it. He fired slow-moving lasers at me which I aptly dodged. Once I reached his space I delivered a thrust towards his face he took a step back avoiding the blade. Taking advantage of the large harness like gun limiting his vision I stomped on his foot. He yelped but was quickly quieted with my gloved fist striking his face breaking his douche sunglasses. Rearing back from the punch I angled my fist back to where the sword was angled at his throat and gave the final thrust.
I wasn't allowed to stop and reflect as I leaped back avoiding a laser leaving my sword in the mobster's throat. I drew my lancer and ducked for cover. Once situated I rose and fired at a mobster who was facing my direction. I Ran from cover moving to retrieve my sword firing at excess gangsters that were not caught in the melee.
I stood near the body hosting my sword and opted to fire more shots at the dwindling number of gangsters. I re-latched my lancer to my person and withdrew my sword flicking the blood off of it and resumed my charge into their forces. I came upon a bulky gangster overpowering a fellow private and gave him and over the shoulder slash to his back for his troubles. He screamed in agony as my squadmate kicked him off now standing over him and striking him to death.
I moved on ducking down as a charging idiot moved to engage me. I rolled him over my shoulder using his momentum and turned to thrust into his heart. I charged forward once more as the others were mopping up their opponents. Morton was doing well but he charged a bit too far ahead and was surrounded. He could defeat them on his own but I decided to help out. Sprinting I leaped into the air drop-kicking the furthest gangster from Morton. I rose faster than he could recover and stomped his head into the ground.
Moving on I stabbed into the back of another's throat. Withdrawing my blade once again I was blindsided by a stray laser to my face. Adrenaline kept my standing as my helmet was damaged. I tore it off and charged at the offender tanking a couple more shots to the chest. With a shout of defiance, I slashed at his throat and across his chest for good measure. My senses returned and my consciousness returned to the battle at hand and returned to formation
I fought alongside a corporal named Franklin for the last minutes of the battle swiping down on the Intergang. They were ranged fighters that dissolved into brawlers once we got close. We made quick work of them. Avoiding their weapons for us to scavenge later.
It was done.
Forever Agents took up the rear as we secured the area. Their masks gold hiding their eyes giving an air of mystery to them. It was none of my business as long as it was criminals and not innocent civilians my conscience felt clear. It was a bad attitude to have and I'll have to face what I've done later but for now, everything was fine.
"Infantryman Bryant?" a gruff voice called. I turned to see Morton looking around. I jogged over to him, my broken helmet under my arm.
"Sir?" I responded. He looked towards me and snorted.
"We had light casualties but we lost a squad leader. Seeing you fight made me think you are fit for the role. We're promoting you to Corporal once we are back at the base report to the command tent.
I was leading a squad in Gotham. We were branching into developed countries taking over the advanced weapon trade. My squad was back up for a team of Forever agents.
"Bryant, this is Agent Coffer, do you read me?" A voice called over our comms.
"I read you Coffer go ahead."
"Falcone's cronies aren't playing ball get your squad in here and deal with them no survivors"
"Affirmative moving now," I looked to the rest of my team. "No witnesses and keep it quiet. If we can do this with no bullshit we should be done and home within the day."
"Yes sir." My team echoed. We were 7 strong. They were all new like me but we were trained well.
"Let's move."
We exited the van and took positions around the warehouse.
"3,2,1 go!" We rushed in and immediately started blasting the ill-prepared Falcone gangsters. It was quick as the Agent pulled his lancer from his trench coat and joined the slaughter. It was quick and relatively painless.
"Alright clean up the area. I want out tracks covered, literally," I ordered. The men began cleaning up. This is why we were chosen for the job. Any knight should be able to complete this mission. It was the cleanup that relegated the job to the less experienced knights. It was a simple mission and the second time I've killed.
A few months passed, I completed dozens more missions and with the debut of Batman we moved out of Gotham. The order was secret and the higher-ups didn't want to be revealed until a great amount of power was amassed.
With the reorganization commencing with a great meeting of lords and veteran knights. Several teams were allowed to relax in neighboring towns. We were given a briefing on laws, identities and fake licenses to carry handguns. For places that didn't allow firearms other 'self-defense'' options were explored.
My company, the New Swords, were located in Texas. We decided to party and drink in Arlington. Me being a native to the DFW area showed the guys around and we ended up at a sports bar. A UFC event was going on and the men enjoyed the sport. We had a greater appreciation due to us being trained in martial arts ourselves. It was nice. I was the designated driver and the highest rank in the group so after the last fight we had one more drink and left.
We arrived back at base before curfew and I made sure every man was ok and situated giving a last check of belongings.
On the way back I went to the command center to inform the quartermaster. I stepped inside the building to see Lord Patrick and Sir Connor. Sir Connor had personalized infantry armor with a cape, gloves, and a special helmet. Lord Patrick was considerably older with his hair and goatee being completely white; he wore red with gold armor along his arms and head. To top it off he had his unique crown upon his head.
"Sir Bryant." Patrick greeted. I stood at attention and gave a warrior's bow.
"Lord Patrick," I replied. I then stood at attention awaiting dismissal.
"At ease, We have a few questions regarding your short but fruitful career." I relaxed. "Your men as expected have been very successful and have seen much blood correct?"
"Yes my Lord," I confirmed.
"How would you like to lead your men to assist Sir Connor on his mission?"
"I would be honored, my Lord," I answered.
"Good. The briefing is tomorrow evening, the mission is the day after."
"The men will be ready my Lord,"
"Good, dismissed." I bowed and left to speak to the night quartermaster.
The briefing was simple in terms of planning but the complication came from the enemy. It was Intergang but intelligence revealed our target was guarded by their shapeshifters. So a huge chunk of the briefing was a class on the types and abilities these shapeshifters possessed. I knew a lot of this information but this was the real world now and not paying attention could cost me and my teammate's lives.
But as I said the mission was simple it was a frontal assault on a remote ranch in east Texas. Led by Sir Conner five squads of seven will assault their reported twenty members. We will be supported by five bikes. Stealth wasn't an option due to the abilities of the Intergang members. Past behavior made us believe they would initiate the melee so all of our swords were sure to be re-sharpened.
Come morning we stood in five column squad leaders in front. And the riders stood near their bikes to the side. Sir Conner inspected everyone before giving the order to mount up in hummer-like vehicles. The ride was silent.
After some hours we arrived and stretched 1000 meters away from the objective. We stretched and hydrated before marching in formation towards the objective likely to set off some sensors. The bikes stayed back and waited for the signal. We were on a hill looking down on the ranch and as planned the gangsters knew we were there. Both sides stared each other down waiting for one side to strike.
"Aim!" came a shout from Sir Conner.
"Aim" I repeated with the other squad leaders. The knights leveled our lancers and rifles. The Intergang began transforming into their beastly forms.
"Fire!" We squad leaders echoed the order and began firing down onto the beasts. Our aim was true but they were tough only a couple of the smaller ones going down. Panther like beasts cloaked and escaped from view. The rest charged into the laser fire shrugging shots off.
"Charge!" Connor ordered. I shook my head knowing this was going to be bloody. I unsheathed my blade and wielded it in my right hand still holding my lancer in my left. I charged as ordered while firing shots into the oncoming beasts. The bikes flew overhead buzzing around the field delivering shots to the Intergang flank. A couple more went down but our charge was interrupted as the Panther like gangsters uncloaked and tore through our line. A group of knights was torn apart as claws cleaved through them. Connor unafraid charged through them making quick work of a few.
I followed his lead shooting one in the head before leaping on another one burying my blade into his shoulder sending us to the ground with me on top. I fired shots into the beast's face silencing it.
"Stay together and show no fear!" A fellow squad leader ordered as the charge continued with less momentum and met the opposing side. I speared through a Rat like being with my sword and shot at another panther beast. It shrugged the blast off tanking it clawing through another knight. I pulled my sword out of the Rat and threw my lancer down. I charged the beast and cleaved through its arms as it was holding another knight with an overhead strike. It roared before it was silenced by a barrage of lasers. The charge continued as the final 10 beasts remained.
Connor beheaded one and was already moving on to the next. The remnants of the Knights overwhelmed the final beasts. This was more exhausting than most firefights. What we thought was a break from the violence became dread as ominous chanting came from the ranch. We looked and my shoulders sagged as a company's worth of robbed men stepped out from the ranch. I looked at our forces and saw we were about twenty plus strong.
"These are merely rabble with knives and sticks!" Connor claimed. "Do not lose your minds when a glorious battle could be won. Now knights with me! We shall win this day!" Laser fire followed the speech tearing apart the cultist forces. I was without my lancer so I stood at the ready as the horde of cultists charged our position. The two remaining bikes did the best the could but were shot down from small arms and were swarmed by the cultists
Lasers tore through multiple cultists and dwindled their numbers but the large group was upon us and our swords were needed.
We charged behind Connor and smashed into the unarmored men. Cleaving through the rabble like butter as our armor held against their primitive weapons. A scream alerted me as I saw a group overwhelming a fellow squad leader twisting his joints and stabbing repeatedly in the gaps of his armor. Enraged I charged through swiping and grappling with cultists throwing them at each other and taking off heads.
It was bloody. We were covered by the end. Bodies piled as only 20 knights of the original 35 could stand on their own. I looked at Connor who kneeled on his blade breathing hard like the rest of us. I collapsed to my knees uncaring at the squish of a body beneath me.
We were all promoted. Veteran Knights all of us. Given ruby-like armor with grey tabards in memory of that day. (same Alien Force armor just upgraded) We were the hot topic within the knights. We were the fastest promoted Knights in the organization. Envy came among officers and awe from the grunts. We got a barracks upgrade and were reorganized. Frederick and I were officers and were officially seniors of the group.
The armor was better, the undersuit offered more protection. Our helmets resembled Sir Connor's. We were given access and training on the new rifles and energy melee weapons from swords to flails, maces, and spears. Each of us preferred different load-outs. I chose a spear and kept my old sword. Paired with our weapons were energy kite shields. The laser arbalest was easier to use than the lancer. It helped that it looked more like a gun compared to the lancer.
Finally, we were heavily trained in the use of hoverbikes. Attached to a calvary company we became proficient enough to be called elite. With my new spear and shield, piercing enemies should be easy. And with my laser arbalest, my bolts will be true.
We were washed in blood. Designated the Blood Knights.
We amassed a great host of recruits. Adventurers, disgruntled veterans, the homeless, and ex-convicts looking for work. We were 2,000 strong Two battalions worth, which was impressive for a secret organization. A heated discussion among the company leaders on whether we should go public. The argument was simple. Going public acquires fame and infamy to attract more resource opportunities and higher recruitment. Staying in the shadows allows a sense of freedom with fewer eyes on us inquisitive superheroes would be troublesome.
A convention of four senior companies was called. Patrick's Guard, Enoch's Masks, Urien's Lances, and Driscol's Chosen. The camp was huge and filled with knights of different ideologies, weapons, and armor. Driscol's Swords had the Ultimate Alien appearance, Enoch's Masks were all agents so they had the original appearance. Patrick's Guard and Urien's Lances, of course, had the Alien Force appearance. Like I said it was a mix.
The convention was filled with meetings, Frederick and I were talking in our temporary quarters.
"Things are different now. Aren't they?" Frederick asked.
"Yeah. I hear the assignments are getting tougher. Hell, there's a rumor going around that we're redeploying back into Gotham despite the presence of new major players." I replied laying on my bunk resting on my back staring at a couple of photos posted on the top bunk.
"Heard it got worse in that shithole if you can believe that. Still think the higher-ups are going to keep our operations on the low?"
"I honestly don't think we have much of a choice. Going loud is just going to put us on radars we don't want to be on," I answered getting up. "Help me with my armor I lost a bet with some of Drascol's men and I owe them company on a patrol." It was tedious but soon my ruby armor was equipped and my tabard draped over me.
"Watch over the boys for me will ya." I requested. I walked outside the barracks heading to the bike pad. A squad of Driscol's Swords was prepping next to their hoverbikes.
"Sergeant Lynch?" I asked. My hud wasn't their designations and their armor was identical.
"Right here, Sir!" One of the men answered. I walked seeing he was prepping another bike for me. I logged his name into my hud.
"Got a bike prepped for you already sir glad you decided to join us." He said a hint of mischief in his voice.
"I'll remember to never bet against you when it comes to dice." He laughed at my comment.
"Men come meet Sir Bryant, our special guest for this patrol." The other four cavalrymen stepped over and gave a casual salute. Sergeant Lynch then began introducing each of the men.
"Anyway, I got it cleared for you to roll with us. Turns out we might get a little action due to a couple of sensors going off to the south. We'll head there, dismount and scout it out and depending on what we see we got a small platoon on standby in troop carriers."
"Interesting let's hope it's light action eh?"
"We can hope." With that, we mounted up and set off towards the gate. With one last check from the guards, we were off. My laser arbalest was on my back and the shaft of my laser spear was attached to the bike. Dust was kicked up on our route riding silent with some light banter to fill time. We were near the first sensor that had the highest reading and dismounted. I attached my spear to my back and shouldered my laser arbalest.
"Leo and Criar stay with the bikes, everyone else on me," Sergeant Lynch ordered. The two knights held their position while the rest of us spaced out and followed the sergeant's lead. In minutes we were about a hundred meters away from the objective. Perched on the high ground I attached a scope to my laser arbalest and scanned the area with the others.
"Sensor reported a lot of bodies several times over but I don't see shit." a corporal named Lewis said. I switched to infrared.
"Shit its shapeshifters! And cloaked intergang fucks. We're going to need more than that platoon. I think this is an invasion force." I said.
"Shit. We'll call it in fall back to the bikes. Leo, what's your status?" Silence greeted everyone on the comms.
"Fuck it can't be interference lines are still good. Fuck, fuck, fuck." Lynch ranted. "Head on a fucking swivel you see some shit call it out," he ordered before getting back on the comms. "Castle, Castle do you read?".
"Go ahead," a voice responded.
"We got a large force of Intergang, a mixed group. It looks like they're onto us and are prepping for an invasion. We got two knights MIA. What's the status of that platoon? We may need help getting out of here." A new voice entered the comms channel
"This is Lord Driscol! We will not waste a platoon of ground forces to evacuate a few soldiers. A squadron of cavalry is on their way to harass the enemy. Use their attack as a means to fall back." The line was then cut.
"Shit," Lynch hissed. "We're going back to the bikes to see what happened. Move!" He set off in a light jog.
It was crunch time and we needed to get the hell out of there. The bikes were in sight but Leo and Criar were missing. Lynch motioned us to halt as we stalked forward.
"It's a fucking trap," I hissed in his direction.
"We need to spring it and get out of here!" Lynch argued.
"And what if it's an explosive?" I asked.
"What the fuck are we supposed to do Sir Bryant?" he said with sass emotion from the stress slowly breaking him down. I scanned the area with no heat signatures in sight.
" We find a defensive position and wait there until the strafing run commences," I advised. I bet our vision is just as good as theirs. We'll be able to see if any of those fucks get close.
"Fuck fine, let's get to cover and set up," he conceded. We took a hard right avoiding the bikes. I took the rear to watch our backs. We found a tree line I scanned for any prying eyes and we set up overwatch. We had a good location to respond to any attackers whether to run from a horde or fight to the man.
"This is fucking bullshit can't they come to pick us up here? We aren't asking to stay in a firefight," Lewis commented bitterly.
"Any large troop movements would immediately get noticed and crushed by those barbaric animals we are small enough that they decided to play with us," I answered.
"Hear that Sarge we're fucking prey," a private named O'Brien joked.
"Can it. Sir Bryant mind taking command? You have more experience in this type of shit," Lynch asked.
"Fine, as we agreed we wai-" ten heat signatures appeared across from us in the clearing near our bikes. "Ten of those fucks just appeared near our bikes," I informed them. We returned to quiet Lynch and Lewis waiting for my orders. The ten I spotted uncloaked appearing as men in suits holding a range of alien weapons. I took a peep with my arbalest scope and saw two of them had the same jewelry the shapeshifters wore.
"Two shapeshifters. The rest is human," I said watching them fiddle with an unidentified object on the bike. "I was right there was something on our bikes I don't recognize though."
"Assuming they have comms do you think we can take them out after they check-in?" Lynch asked.
"I need to see what device they're using to do that. I don't see any radios so we can assume only a couple of them have the communication devices needed to send a message," there wasn't any cell signal so it had to be some form of tech. So we waited. One minute later one of the stocky guys held a blocky black device that glowed red and talked into it. I quickly scanned the others and saw only one of the shapeshifters had that same device.
"Fatty and Shapeshifter are the only ones with that tech get a combined shot on the shapeshifter and I'll take out fatty." The men put their scopes on their laser arbalests and lined up their shots. "On my mark. Three, Two, MARK!" four bolts of laser went out silencing their targets.
"Kill the rest of them and move towards the bikes!" I ordered. We leaped from cover firing down hard on the remaining eight men. I dropped to a knee and shot several bursts into the last shapeshifter mid-shift. With him down, I resumed the charge firing wildly at the remaining enemy. They tried to fire back but were quickly shot. We finally got to the bikes and I inspected each one looking for a similar device. Only three of them were untampered with.
"Those three are clean double up," I ordered. Lewis and I got a bike to ourselves while O'Brien and Sarge doubled up. I attached my spear to the bike, luckily it was mine, and we set off rushing away from the scene. I was in the front scanning ahead laser arbalest in my left hand. I thought we should be home free.
"Behind us!" Lewis shouted. I looked back to see several buggies on our tail.
"Fuck!" I shifted back and began firing behind me alongside O'Brien who was using one hand to hold on to sarge and the other to shoot. The laser arbalests are heavy and we only had the strength to fire a couple shots at the time. It was inaccurate as hell but every once in a while a shot would hit and it kept the trailing Intergang honest.
The chase went on with the Intergang vehicles glowing red and suddenly gaining speed getting close enough to fire back. I cursed out loud weaving out of the way of some shots. A scream of terror filled the air as I looked forward. Lewis's bike came hurtling in front of me and I swerved in the last second. I looked back to see that Lewis survived and shakenly stood back up. I look forward to seeing Lynch and O'Brien seeing the same thing.
"Go!" I ordered. "I'll get him back to base!" I didn't wait for their response as I braked and did a u-turn charging towards Lewis's position. Now facing the enemy my shots were more accurate and frequent. Nearing Lewis's position I saw him fighting off a shapeshifter with a laser ax but he was oblivious to another one at his back. I placed my arbalest onto my back and unlatched my spear activating it and getting it ready.
In a split second, I rushed past Lewis impaling the shapeshifter on my spear, a look of shock and pain stuck on its face as it died. I angled my spear making the corpse slide off and turned back around and neared Lewis again. Abruptly I was knocked forward tumbling in the dirt right as Lewis's feet as he was fighting another shapeshifter. I sprung up and helped dispatch the animal with a thrust and looked around.
"Lewis it can't be much longer until the cavalry arrives hold!" I said firing back at the circling buggies pelting our position.
"Yes Si- FUCK" he was hit but not down he rearmed himself and began firing back crouching at his bike for a little cover. Tanking some hits myself I spaced myself out but kept him in my sight taking shots at several drivers causing pile-ups around us. WIth that several gangsters, cultists and shapeshifters began charging us. I stabbed my spear in the ground and kept firing ready for when they got too close. Before the mass of bodies reached us a mass of corpses gathered on the ground. My tabard was burnt and reduced to rags, my ruby armor was marked with pieces missing, I moved closer to Lewis in preparation of the melee. His left arm was limp and his helmet gone. He looked young.
"Lewis I've been through in a situation similar to yours we can do this."
"Right," he said evenly, only a hint of irritation in his tone. The shapeshifters were here. I stood back to back with Lewis bracing.
"Good use the rage in your heart and show these foul fucks that we are Knights and they are rabble!"
"It was an honor sir" My spear was primed ready to thrust at the leaping Panther-like gangster.
"Honor me by living Lewis!" I shouted catching my foe at spear point. Quickly removing the spearhead so the body wouldn't completely impale itself. I heard grunts of Lewis fighting behind me. I activated my energy shield and switched my stance fully committing myself to the brawl.
I raised my shield and used it to parry a swipe from a set of claws. Stabbing forward catching another open. Now the rest of the gangsters were upon the two catching up to the shapeshifters. I disengaged my shield and began using it as a staff outclassing the gangsters in close combat.
I turned and saw Lewis hacking away about to be overrun. I rushed over and with one hand swung my spear in an arc cutting the heads off the group offending. Lewis and I shared a look and nodded at each other returning to the fight. I covered his offside taking some blows for him and his laser ax was slashing through any that dare stands in front of him. My head still on a swivel, I quickly blocked several shots headed for Lewis from the still circling vehicles with my shield leaving me open.
The truth was everything hurt and this shit was scary. I was angry about the lack of help and this fight was stupid. As if my anger manifested itself several of the vehicles changed their course as some blew up and lasers flew overhead. It was the calvary.
"Hold on Lewis they're here!" I shouted my attention back to the fight we were in. He screamed. I turned to check and saw him kneeling blood dripping from his face. I roared charging the offending shapeshifter. He was smart and snatched the shaft of the spear into his claws. I disengaged the laser and let go before he can use the weapon to pull me around. Resuming a charge I jumped, grabbed its hand and smashed its face into my knee. It recoiled back holding its face. I continue to rush it drawing my sword. It tanked my thrust in favor of digging its claws into my shoulder armor. I punched the animal hitting the soft broken nose over and over forcing it to retract its claws. With a swipe of my sword, I severed both its paws.
I rushed to Lewis kneeling with him as the Forever Knight Calvary broke through. Some men from my unit themselves rode through parking in a defensive circle around us.
"Bryant!" It was Frederick.
"Frederick, he needs medical attention!" We laid him on his back and I used my knees to prop his head up.
"He has four deep gashes on his face. We need to take him back so he can get stitches." He helped me carry him to a bike carefully setting him up to be transported. I gathered both of our things and rode with Fred. We took a wide arch around the skirmish battle as friendly cavalry outmaneuvered the enemy vehicles. We rushed inside the convention camp as soldiers ran around prepping defenses.
We found the medics and set Lewis down so they can work. I had a couple of medics tend to my midsection as my skin had two puncture points. Sergeant Lynch and Private O'Brien ran in wildly looking around. I gestured them over and they finally saw Lewis.
"Is he?" O'Brien asked the question hanging in the air.
"Only gashes on his face and a fucked up arm. I'm not a doctor but he should be fine," I answered.
Lynch took off his helmet and bowed deep "Thank you, sir!" O'Brien quickly parroted the action.
"Rise," I said. The medic was finished and my wounds wrapped up. "I had the experience to do what I did so I did. I'm glad you guys are ok." I paused looking at Lewis with a smile. "Hell, he might catch a lot of admirers with a scar like that."
O'Brien snorted. "Don't go giving him ideas, sir" We shared a laugh.
"Bryant Command wants our unit to meet them," Fred informed me.
"Let's go meet them then. We don't want them to get up from their armchairs now do we?" I said. He led the way I had a little limp to my step as I replaced my armor, latched my laser arbalest to my back and used the shaft of my spear as a crutch. We reached the command center, entered, and bowed.
"My lords," Fred greeted.
"Rise," commanded Driscol. "Are you well enough to fight Sir Bryant?"
"Just sore, Sir," I answered, rising. "I'm ready to butcher those animals."
"Indeed," Driscol said, uninterested. "Due to our arrangements in the coming defense, we are stretched thin." He knocked on the tabled before him pulling up a map. "Patrick is covering this flank. My men are covering this flank, while Enoch's forces run security inside the camp. Leaving Urien to spread his forces around two sides. Patrick said that Connor's Blood is worth a hundred men each. I order you to prove it and provide aid to Urien." We bowed again before stepping out and calling our unit to form up.
"We spread out across Uriens front and do what we can. Don't be a hero but inspire when able," I quickly explained. Frederick's section would take Urien's right flank and my section would take the left and work directly with Urien. "Good luck," I said as our sections split.
My section did a light jog eventually finding Urien after he pointed out areas that needed filling my squad spread across the battle line filling in the weak points. Unfortunately, this was a convention where makeshift buildings and tents were set up and walls were not erected. We would have to engage in a pitched battle where we used buildings and makeshift barricades as cover.
I personally stood with Urien on top of a building watching as the Intergang vehicles were seen over the horizon.
"Did you hear that cannibals exist among their ranks?" he asked looking through binoculars.
"I'm not surprised, my lord," I knew before I even faced them. A cult that worships crime was vile and the Forever Knights have learned that fact.
"Then you understand the importance of killing them all." He said matter of factly.
"Yes, my lord." He grunted at my response before shouting at the men around us.
"Fight to the last man. No retreat!" He yelled. "We're surrounded anyway," he said under his breath only I could hear.
The Urien's Lancers were to prove their name with their laser lances; it would be key in killing off a significant portion of the Intergang. I placed a scope on my laser arbalest and looked out into the distance.
"I spot an underboss. He's too far away for me to get a shot," I said.
"Relay to your men to focus on the sub-leaders then. We will have to force the underboss into our range." I nodded and informed my men. The leaders will be dealt with.
The intergang was seconds from being in range. Their guns attempted to do harm as they shot uselessly due to them being out of range as well. Turrets, rifles, and lancers were quiet waiting for the order to fire. Then the inevitable happened with a shout a nearby Knight fell dead.
"LANCERS FIRE!" Urien shouted.
And fire they did. A sea of red ran from our position towards the Intergang charge, and like a wave, it washed a portion of our enemies away. The intergang took offense and fired back, kicking off the firefight. Urien went off the roof to find cover while I stayed on a knee firing sending shots at drivers and riflemen with optics on their weapons. Soon they were close enough where vehicles didn't matter. They formed a line of vehicles letting our lancers blow them up and then use the wrecks as cover. The shapeshifters began shifting behind cover. They were prepping for a charge.
"They're about to charge us soon!" I yelled. "Hold the Alien loving fucks don't let them take a fucking step in this camp." A round of cheers and affirmatives went off from. I went back to firing at the line of gangsters. I found leadership when I could and took them out of the equation.
Strange round devices were lobed at us from the line. A poor knight inspected one and found out the hard way it was a bomb. I knew they were softening us up for a charge. I guess Urien figured that as well since he called me down to him.
"They are going to charge us." He stated.
"It would make sense my lord," I replied.
"Stick close to me, we're going to charge them first." He calmly walked through the chaos before reaching our line unbothered by the chaos around him. "Men! They think we'll be soft for a charge! Let's show them differently. To me!" He drew his sword and charged.
I followed behind quickly as did everyone else. I sprayed several shots into the intergang line before drawing my spear and putting my arbalest away. Activating my shield I sprinted in front of Urien and drew enemy fire from him. The world slowed as I approached one of the gangsters desperately firing at my shield. I leaped in the air coming down spear first through his chest. My feet went next sending his corpse to the ground. I ripped my spear at and braced it up as a shapeshifter impaled itself. I swept my spear with my foot forcing the corpse to fall. I spotted Urien fighting off and killing two under-prepared crime cultists.
"Within 5 minutes reform the line using their vehicles!" He ordered over comms.
I rushed back to his side and we began mopping up our portion of the line. Sweeping through cultists with my crimson energy spear, and turtling with precision strikes to shapeshifters. Soon the line was reformed. We took many losses but we gained better positioning with the use of Intergang's vehicles. Within the line, I returned to firing at the Intergang.
"All Forever Knight's forces we're doing a sweep around the base and it's your turn to receive cavalry. Keep your heads down we'll make 'em scream!" Came a cocky voice over comms. Soon enough the Hover cavalry flew overhead who were greeted by cheers and as promised they did devastating attack runs on several positions before cycling to the next area.
We were granted breathing room. It was used wisely as medics ran around and more advantageous firing positions were taken. Urien was firing his lance in a dangerous arc at the enemy line suppressing a large area forcing the Intergang to keep their heads down.
This attack doesn't feel right. I thought to myself as I continued to fire my own gun into the enemy line. We've always outgunned them and they have the means for a surprise attack. Why would they waste resources on a frontal attack? This had to be a distraction.
"My lord, I question whether their real intent was to win," I said.
"We're knights and they are common criminals, of course, their performance would be shit," he replied.
"No sir I meant that the Intergang always played to their strengths they aren't an army. Like you said they are criminals, not warriors, and as we know criminals are crafty."
"You think this is a distraction?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if they've already snuck in my lord."
"I'll talk to Enoch, for now focus on the fight at hand."
I did. The Intergang tried again for another charge shapeshifters making a mad dash for our lines. Some made it and did a little damage but were quickly cut down including the underboss. Now I was really annoyed. The fight was too simple, something else had to be happening. But as ordered I stayed fighting with Urien. Minutes later their forces dwindled considerably before many began to flee.
"Send fast movers to sweep through any remnants remaining. Medics get to work. Sir Bryant stay here. I'm returning to the center to meet with the other lords."
"I will, my lord," I switched to my unit's comms and addressed them. "Sound off," I ordered. Luckily only two were wounded. One had a flesh wound and the other suffered from a lucky shot to the leg. With that taken care of, I still didn't like how simple this was.
"Search the wreckage! This was too fucking easy! Do it in pairs, one taking watch the other inspecting!" I yelled out the order. Thankfully the knights around me started working diligently looking for anything suspicious. While we searched an alarm went off and a rushed voice came over comms.
"Knight's Blood return! The Lords are under attack!
Assasin POV
The Job was simple. Kill the leaders of these wacko knight cosplayers and dip. The grunts were good soldiers but we were professional assassins and they fell quickly. Their leaders were better, their armor tougher and their lieutenants meaner. The stocky bitch wearing an open helmet kept the bulk of us at bay. After an unlucky guy got hit by his mace and was pulverized we became more cautious.
Finally was the caped one. His weapon mastery and his skill was immaculate; we let Deathstroke handle him. Some of us slipped past the stocky one and engaged their leaders. They weren't as good as the caped one but they held their own each with their own style and tech to help them in battle. Despite all this, we were inevitable they'd die in due time.
"Knight's Blood! To arms!" A voice was heard to the left of the battle. The sounds of a charge were enough to distract us and divide our attention. Fighting our current targets and looking for the source of the disturbance bought the enemy more time.
There was a wave of ruby about a dozen of them. Knights in ruby coated armor and grey cloaks wielding red energy weapons and the arbalests that shoot lasers. The wave of ruby divided a large portion of them rushing to defend their leaders while a handful went to help their lieutenants. We expected a level of competency above the grunts and they delivered holding back and providing relief for their leaders. Their charge devastated our group. Laser and energy tore through our flank.
I turned to face one swiping for his head. He activated a shield on his wrist retaliating with a thrust from his energy spear. I attempted to parry the blade out of reflex. But due to its composition, it literally speared through rewarding my lax of judgment with a blade in my throat.
Returning to the POV of Robert
We charged through the assassins splitting up to keep the two groups at bay. I got 3 of my fighters heading towards Morton to support. I ran by shooting a couple of shots from my arbalest stopping a backstab attempt. And quickly dispatched another with my spear. Shouting a quick welcome to Morton's thank you leaving Morton with the three Blood Knights as backup.
I saw Connor's opponent and was filled with dread. It was fucking Deathstroke. To my surprise, Connor was on level with Deathstroke and with my knowledge of comic books I deducted that Deathstroke would eventually win due to his enhanced factors. But the skill levels were about even. Putting away my arbalest I reactivated my spear, and shield moving in.
To create a distraction I roared announcing my charge and predictably Deathstroke dodged my spearhead and desperately paired a swipe from Connor's sword. I picked my spots using my spear's reach to swipe at any pierced openings he left open while engaging Connor.
"You knights are getting annoying," Deathstroke commented.
"Anything to annoy you, assassin," Connor said with venom. The fight continued both of us getting tired while Deathstroke still fought as if he was fresh. I peeked over to see both sides taking heavy casualties. Four Blood knights lay dead while the assassins lost a handful of their own.
"Argh!" Connor screamed. I looked back to see him clutching his face and Deathstroke's blade had fresh blood on it.
"Fall back Sir Connor," I'll hold him.
"I will not retreat Bryant," He grunted, clutching his left side of his face.
"Think of it as regrouping our forces. We need to push the assassins back. This nuisance has accomplished nothing but being a distraction." Connor paused as I used my spear's length to keep the terminator at a distance.
"Fine, fight well," he said before falling back.
"You think you can defeat me boy," Deathstroke said his one eye staring me down through his mask.
"I have a job to do and thinking wasn't in the description," I joked, deactivating my shield to move into a staff stance with my spear.
"Thinking makes a great soldier, only a drone willingly ignores that," He said.
"It got me this far. The thinking you describe would've led me outside of where I need to be to accomplish my goals. Trust me I know my path," I said hoping this philosophy conversation would bide time.
"You seem to have more personality than most of your peers," he observed out loud. Switching stances ready to continue fighting.
"They have plenty of personality. I'm just bored," I said, He grunted and I held my stance. The other assassins were no names. I have faith in our forces.
"Interesting," He said, starting the exchange with a false swing then angling his wrist to thrust with his greatsword. I stopped mid-block to parry the thrust to the side and gave a thrust of my own with the butt of my spear. He leaned back to dodge and I swung the blade over my head, the arc coming crashing down on top of him. He easily dodged again avoiding the laser spearhead. He went for my arm with an undercut, I stepped back switching my stance to bring my spearhead closer, forcing him to dodge again. I sensed frustration at my attempts to keep him at a distance as he closed the gap swinging his sword diagonally aiming for my left shoulder. I shifted letting my left hand fall and pivoted forward using my right hand to thrust the spear forward. He parried using his sword to sweep the spear shaft away from his person. He took several steps forward using the guard of his sword to control my spear.
I fucked up is what went through my head as he sent a left hook into my face. His enhanced strength dented my helmet and in addition to the blow, it sat uncomfortably on my head. I swept my spear around disengaging whatever control he had over my spear and again with one had swung the spear in a circle, the spearhead aiming down to hit any human-sized target near me.
Deathstroke wisely moved, ducked a swing and backflipped away from another. With him far I let my spear rest against the ground with one hand and quickly wrenched my helmet off my head. Getting back into stance I decided to go on the offensive. Several thrusts and arcing swings kept him honest.
"You're young," He commented. I didn't answer.
This was easier than I expected. What's his game? He Dodged another thrust and ran within my range swinging high with an overhead strike. I held My spear high to block hoping to pivot and catch him with a counter. To my surprise, the sword cut through the shaft of my spear. I was far enough away that the blade only damaged and cut into the front of my armor. I took another step back discarding the butt end of my spear and drawing my steel sword.
"You deal well," Deathstroke said.
"I try," I replied. Was this fucker trying to recruit me? "How about you let us know who hired you? You can stick with us, have a constant stream of money and become a part of something greater."
"No thanks kid, not my style," He said.
"Then you are a fool," Patrick's voice rang from behind me. I looked to see Lord Patrick, Connor, Lord Enoch, and a handful of ruby knights making their way over. Deathstroke looked around to see the dead bodies of the assassins that came with him.
"Amateurs," he stated before throwing some sort of smoke bomb to the ground. Thinking quickly the Ruby Knights behind me began firing into the smoke until it cleared seeing no sign of him.
"All units search the base and the surrounding area for any remnants of the assassins!" Patrick ordered into his comms.
My arms went limp as the fight was finally over my arms and legs sore from the prolonged fight and tension. Apparently I was more exhausted then I thought as I almost fell over and caught myself on a wall. A pair of hands wrapped around me supporting my weight.
"I got you bud let's go get you looked at," came the voice of Frederick.
I was ok with rest and bandages, no aggravating my wounds for at least a week, etc. My armor was trashed and needed the smiths to forge a new set. We suffered heavy losses. I don't think they wanted to win just to make us suffer as many losses as possible while the assassination attempt went down. With our recruitment being limited and theirs being relatively more open they had no problem cutting off our arm while breaking theirs.
Leadership was fucked. A handful of officers and other important figures were assassinated. More importantly, Driscol was dead his head cut clean off. Not that I liked the guy very much despite the real-life version of him being less cliche he was still a dick. Might be a good thing considering my goal. With our command structure being crippled I can see my real goal being accomplished much easier.
Sad news was the loss of three Blood Knights. Two of them were from the squad I originally ran. Seeing as we are a one-time unit, us dying out in more battles like these became very possible. A sobering thought.
While injured I was expected at a big meeting. The itinerary discussed lower-level leadership, then high-level leadership, and finally what we were going to do moving forward. I'm guessing now this meant war towards Intergang and whoever supplied the assassins for the hit. However, it was an easy guess on where the assassins came from.
In the midst of my thoughts, Frederick walked in.
"How ya feelin brother?" He asked his helmet off tucked into his arm, leaving his immaculate afro and sideburns combo on display.
"I'm alive so I can't complain," I said as he pulled up a chair to my bed.
"Hear the news?" he asked.
"Assassins fucked over our command structure and cut Driscol's head off," I said answering his questions.
"Yep, a lot of promotions and consolidations to be had soon," he paused, rubbing the back of his head. "Heard ruby some of the guys from ruby are being moved around to replace dead officers."
"Any news about us specifically?" I asked.
"I don't know. Heard a big operation is going down in retaliation, and the remaining three came to a decision on what to do immediately after an attack," he cleared his throat. "It seems like we'll be getting more involved in American cities not exactly public but breaking away a little from the pseudo cold war with black ops undertones."
"That level of visibility is dangerous," I critiqued.
"We can take it."
"Well, any info on where those assassins came from?"
"League of assassins probably, historically we haven't been at odds with those cosplaying ninja fucks in a while," he snarked. Something about that wording set off an irony alarm in my head.
"So we got Intergang cultists biting at our heels and the League of Assassins threatening to stick a poisonous needle in our ass."
"Soldiers and knights beat cultists and gangsters in battle. Soldiers and knights beat assassins in battle, simple history," he said matter of factly. I thought about it. Logistically he's right. I guess we just need to go on the offensive.
"I think that requires us to be more open in terms of warfare and I don't know how the National guard would feel about paramilitary attacking American citizens who happen to be criminals,"
"Bad guys do it all the time. Just need to take time to lay low in between engagements," he said. Damn, Frederick had a point.
"I guess. When's the meeting?" I asked.
"It's in about 40 minutes. We can get there early if you like?"
"Sure carry me my knight in shining armor!" I exclaimed lifting my arms up playfully. He laughed.
"How about I let you lean at me," he said, helping me get up. I wasn't injured enough for crutches just had a little limp though. With that I leaned on my friend as we walked to the battle-scarred command center. Thankfully we had plenty of chairs inside for me to sit on. Four ruby knights came in next. These were the ones not assigned to replace dead officers. It was great seeing them, and we chatted while we waited for the rest of the attendees.
Other officers slowly trickled in Sir Morton among them. Unlike the show he was very pleasant so far, a great guy to fight alongside. Then Sir Connor, now wearing an eye patch, and the remaining lords walked in. Urien's arm was in a sling but the rest of the lords looked ok.
"While time is needed to grieve those we lost we must first ensure our survival and factor in our future," Patrick picked up where he left off
"To get the simple logistics out of the way Urien's forces and mine will be working together to make up for our losses from the battle. Driscol's company will keep its name to honor him but will be under Lord Patrick's command while we interview and select a leader. While he may not be granted the title of lord he will receive the same respect we do." There were murmurs among the men in the room Enoch's hand silenced them.
"Moving on, our command structure is broken. We'll be sending Ruby Knights in to patch holes where they can. The knights attending the meeting now will be a part of the larger operation we'll discuss later on. The Ruby Knights we are using were already briefed and are studying over several documents so they are prepared for their new jobs." Urien jumped in raising a packet of papers to read from.
"We need a constant flow of cash. Our dummy tech companies do well but we rely on our security contracts for most of our income. With that being said we are going to create our own tech company and put our best to engineers' work. We keep the best tech generated and sell the more harmless and trivial tech. That company will be hopefully getting the most spotlight while we sprout a handful of smaller companies for less than innocent means in the eyes of American law. Enoch and his forces will mainly be in charge of that. However, we'll split his company for the previously mentioned operation. Any general questions so far?"
None raised their hands.
"Good. Some of Enoch's Masks will be working as staff within the company either as engineers or working as background agents making sure information flowing through the company is secure. Driscol's chosen will act as a security company weapons will be scaled back a bit but they'll still be effective. Our new company will hire the security company creating plausible deniability. We'll go over the fake contracts later, and paperwork with those who need to see it on another day. Since I will be the face of the company a good percentage of my forces will be utilized for the big operation." Urien dropped the prepared papers and looked to Enoch.
"Next will be the more combat centered operation named Operation Retaliation. A mixed group from Urien's lancers and my masks will be deployed to Gotham. Intergang is making a move and we want to be ahead of them. My masks will be in charge of anything requiring finesse while Urien's lancers will be there as muscle. Since Lord Patrick is staying behind to maintain our contractor company outside the US the leadership of Operation Retaliation will go to the Ruby Knights, further details will be discussed with those mentioned for the operation. Any questions not regarding the operation?" Some questions came up and they were answered. The Ruby Knights including me, Enoch's Masks officers and Urien's Lancer officers stayed. Enoch waited a couple of seconds before continuing.
"Operation retaliation as I stated before is meant to set up our forces to counter and go after Intergang movement within the city of Gotham. Several sub-operations will be happening at the same time. My forces while keeping tabs on Gotham traffic will also be conducting recruitment operations; this becomes a big deal because we are officially beginning to recruit women into our ranks." He looked up from his own stack of documents.
"I'm sure they'll be treated with respect, correct?" A chorus of yes sirs followed his question.
"Good, they'll be divided into three groups. The women will receive basic training. A portion of the males will receive basic training as well and replace the Lancer's numbers. The other portion will be made into a puppet gang, we'll dub them Brigands. The questionable and the unhonorable will be assigned there. They should give us a greater and natural eye in the criminal underworld. Blood knights will divide their time aiding my masks in their information gathering and look over training. Details will be gone over closer to the date of the operation. Any general questions," Enoch asked looking up from his notes. Nobody said anything.
"Good, dismissed. Make sure to brief your NCOs and give the grunts basic information. Keep our plans for recruitment and the divisions going sealed. Understood?" We bowed and left the command center.
Today was the day. We said our goodbyes visited Lynch and his squad, Lewis was doing great and bragging about his new badass scar. It was bittersweet they were going to be a part of the security company watching over Urien's puppet company. But it didn' bother me too much. The Ruby Knights received new specialized armor. It was a variant of Enoch's masks armor except the masks were red. We got to keep our specialized weapons. I opted for a laser sword so I can hide it in my trench coat.
We had a bunch of secure warehouses at the docks. Those will work as training grounds and Barracks for the Urien's Lancers, and some of Enoch's Masks. The rest of the masks and Ruby Knights will pose as dock workers, and apartment managers living in several Apartment complexes we now own and rent out for extra cash. We made sure to be spread around the apartments to avoid suspicion. Alibi's schedules and work uniforms were worked out and handled. ID's were handed out and we were off into the city to get situated.
A couple of the boys and I were watching sports on TV while going through offline spreadsheets organizing our infrastructure. The toughest challenge we have is simply starting recruitment. Going through the homeless and unemployed was our first seed of options, but we needed members who knew the Gotham underground to lead the brigands. Going around and knocking out muggers to only offer them a job after will only go so far but it'll have to do. The masks knew what they were doing, we were going to have a meeting tomorrow to go over the nitty-gritty tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure things were set up for them to work smoothly.
Frederick came in with a couple cases of beer the rest of the Rubies behind him. It was a good time.
The meeting was packed. Officers sat around a big table and NCOs stood behind them. The first item on the itinerary was going over responsibilities and special rules for their stay in Gotham. Next was scheduling and tasks for maintenance, training, and dock appearances in worker costumes. Next was discussing recruitment methods with the Masks, and division of recruits into their respective training camps. Next was the very delicate situation about Gotham gangs and forming a puppet gang. Because the nature of its behavior and ethics became a huge question when it comes to the new group especially with the recruitment of women.
"Here's the thing and I'll say it as many times as I need to. Harassment of our brothers and soon sisters will not be tolerated. If it's heinous enough I'll request to execute you myself. I don't care if it's a man taking advantage of a woman or vice versa if I hear about it everyone involved will repent for their sins in blood. Understand?"
Agreements came from everyone in the room.
"Good, our brigands will act by their own code but will stay honorable in their business, and they will treat their brothers with respect as we will them."
I took a sip of coffee. "We'll offer the homeless, and those who frequent the unemployment office opportunities first. We'll have a couple of agents running around luring in muggers and recruiting them as well hopefully they'll have ears to the underground. A good place to look would be underground fighting rings and hitmen. Hopefully, with the offer of steady pay, they'll join our organization."
"What's the cap on each recruitment vein?" A Mask Lieutenant asked, taking notes.
I answered. "We have space for a fuck ton of people but we don't want to empty the streets and gain suspicion. A squad of seven a week from the homeless. A squad of five women a week. A squad of 5 from the unemployed a week. Go crazy dealing with criminals but check their background. No one too unsavory. The worst crime should be gang violence or armed robbery,"
Taking another sip I remembered another note. "Another thing only one veteran every other week. If one is in a group and they want to come together contact me. We need to be careful of spies. The recruitment schedule for the knights will slow down after we reach a full platoon of 35. But Brigand recruitment will continue until the leadership we set up can do it on their own. Mask Agents if you see somebody you want for your unit log it and let me know."
"Thank you sir."
I continued. "The higher-ups want an elite defensive guard force from the women. So on top of their separation from men in terms of living quarters, they'll be trained by any Ruby Knights on hand, most of the time it'll be me." A knight from Urien's Lancers raised his hand. I nodded at him signaling him to talk.
"What is our purpose sir?"
"Good question, you're our heavy hitters on top of dock security. At times we'll dress you as gang members to assist the brigands during turf wars, or you'll be hitting Intergang locations. Any other questions?" No one raised their hands.
"Finally supplies will be shipped by these very docks. Some of you guys will be rotating as ship guards as it travels between locations. Guard will rotate every time you return to Gotham. This guard detail will consist of a couple masks and a couple squads of lancers. Depending on if any issues pop up we'll assign a Ruby Knight to insure success of the trips," I looked up from my notes. "We have our orders and our mission clear. If we stick to the guidelines and adapt to the response from Gotham's underground this should be simple, dismissed."
Chapter 1: Knighted
Chapter 2: Gotham (next)
Chapter 3: ?
Chapter 4: ?
Chapter 5: ?
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