The first feeling the Elite felt was more so it's lack. A distinct numbness was something they could feel throughout their body. It reminded them of the times spent in deep storage, for when they weren't truly needed. When they were far less disposable.
Their main optic flashed on, sputtering, Zero noticing small cracks around the edges of vision. Inconvenient, but passable.
They motioned for themselves to move, but found themselves stopped by a hand, swivelling upwards, it seemed to belong to Nitori.
"Geez, awake already? Should've guessed as much." Nitori spoke. "You gotta stay still for now, i'm still fixing you up. You needed quite a bit more than any Combine medical kit can provide, with all that shrapnel in your person."
The Elite looked down to themselves, finding them stripped of their armor, as numerous small mechanical appendages tended to wounds, correcting faults, repairing them to full strength.
"S-status report." Zero's voice came out softer than they anticipated it to. Numbness was still there, but an aching pain was beginning to creep in as well as they woke up more fully.
"The Advisor is dead, and this base is under our control." came a voice from the far side of the room, easily distinguishable as Yukari's. "Your idea worked, and you can thank Nitori here for your life not being extinguished by either the Advisor or your own wounds."
"We've already sent word to White Forest about the attack inbound to them." Nitori added. "Plus, they're sending a small group of Rebels over here to manage things. Synths can do a lot of it, but it's always nice to have an actual set of eyes here."
"How long until the attack?" Zero's voice seemed to stabilize fully.
"Three hours at the most. Using some of the scanners procured from here, we know they're sending a lot of troops. Numerous Striders, Hunters, Gunships. And in addition, a pair of Advisors." Yukari informed. "White Forest apparently has a missile they believe can disrupt the 's why they're sending everything they have at it."
"Has synth support been sent?" Zero asked. Nitori nodded. "Yep. Managed to change some of the standard colouration of the synths to differentiate them as well. We're actually doing something similar with your armor, since that might be quite confusing when we get over there."
"ETA on repairs?"
"One hour for you. Armor's mostly done already. Just doing the final touches with a new paint-job. Had to go for an entirely new set, though. Your original armor was in way too bad of a shape to be fixed in the time we have. Luckily, all those failsafes don't mean anything when we have full control over them." Nitori clarified.
"Understood." Zero stated. "Is there anything else of note to speak of?"
"Uh, yeah, one thing." Nitori rubbed the back of their head. "Do you, uh, know how to drive an APC? There's a large one here that should be able to fit all of us."
"Yes." Zero replied. "Instructions on how to drive any Union-Standard vehicle is standard training for us."
"Alright then, we have our entrance. Do you wanna' be conked out for this, or…?"
"I am fine either way." Zero confirmed.
"Alright then, we'll just keep getting things ready, you stay here n' get those holes plugged. Now, i've got some Gunships to reprogram!" Nitori spoke with no small amount of glee as they moved from the room, leaving Yukari and Zero alone.
"Your plan back there was incredibly risky." Yukari's voice was somewhat lower than normal.
"I know." Zero retorted. "However, I am disposable, and Mokou cannot expire. It was a planned risk that worked out. The alternative was likely the death or capture of all involved."
"You are not as disposable as you think." Yukari replied. "You've done a lot in a comparatively short time. This base's capture alone could mean a shift in how this war plays out, and you are a wealth of information about how Overwatch functions."
"A large part of that was Nitori. I simply served as a distraction, which likely could've been done just as well by Mokou." Zero pointed out.
"Yes, but may I remind you that you were the one who pointed out that such a takeover could be done in the first place?"
"It is likely they could've figured it out as well." Zero countered. "She is remarkably intelligent and resourceful, from what I have seen. This would've gone the same either way. All I am doing now is delaying you all."
Yukari narrowed their eyes. "You don't even understand your real importance, do you?"
"Elaborate." Zero spoke, their left arm involuntarily twitching as mechanical arms worked on it.
"Has an Overwatch Elite ever successfully defected before you, to your knowledge?" Yukari asked.
"No." Zero spoke almost immediately. "Few have attempted it. None have survived."
"Then consider the precedent you set. You have made it, you have survived and assisted in striking a blow against the Combine in this region. If one can make it, then perhaps others can as well. That's another reason why they went after you so much. Because they understand that if other Elites hear about you, there's a distinct possibility for them to get out as well." Yukari explained. "Consider it. You've shown me Elites can have thoughts of such. If that portal is shut, they'll understand there's no more reinforcements coming." Yukari explained.
"And that the rebels possess a chance at victory." Zero finished. "You intend to use my presence as propaganda?"
"For two purposes. The one I just told you, and also for the Rebellion to think harder about attempting to convert others to their way of thinking. Every man is a valuable resource, especially if said man has heavy experience with both the enemy and combat in general." Yukari elaborated. "I wouldn't consider you propaganda. I would consider you another beacon one can look up to, similar to Freeman."
Zero breathed in, and then emitted a sigh, eliciting a raised eyebrow from Yukari.
"Your logic is sound enough. As much as I don't wish to be seen in such a way, morale is an important thing to consider." Zero admitted. "I will 'go with it'. Not that I seem to have much choice in the matter."
"You'd become one with or without me, most likely. In these times, people will grasp onto anything for a modicum of hope. Until now, we've never been able to strike the Combine this hard. Spirits are up for the first time in ages, even with that portal leading to death hanging above us." Yukari continued.
"Humanity is strange." Zero replied simply.
Yukari just chuckled. "Very true, but their eccentricities are what make them so adaptable and hardy. All youkai owe them very much regardless, considering we were created by them."
Zero paused for a moment, taking the information in. "So not only is this magic based on belief, but you're saying you are as well?"
"Correct. It is the reason Gensokyo was created in the first place. Humanity rationalizing things they couldn't explain resulted in us, but as they found the true answers, youkai began to lose strength, began to fade away, much like magic." Yukari sounded more melancholy as they spoke. "But then we created Gensokyo, we created rules and laws, and much life of the world that was considered extinct returned to it. But now that the barrier's gone, much has faded away. It's likely that if humanity continues not to believe in us, it's likely we will fade away completely in the next few decades."
"That is… unfortunate." Zero replied, and Yukari could do nothing but nod. "Is it correctable?"
"It is. If we can convince more humanity of these things, then we will stay around. Perhaps even regain our strength." Yukari spoke, voice slightly more hopeful. "But many of these scientists simply believe that magic doesn't exist, and they spread these things, and the Union spreads these things, and generally the entire populace can barely remember what they are. It would take a lot of work, a lot of planning, but I think it could be done. But that would be after the fact. After the fighting, most likely."
"...If I manage to survive that long, I will consider assisting in that." The Elite replied in a less reserved tone.
"Thank you." Yukari started "I would like to stay, but there are a lot of things to prepare. While the Hunters are a helpful creature for lugging, another set of hands would help."
"Understood. I won't hold you." Zero replied, speaking more coldly again. "I will be there when my repairs are done."
Yukari nodded, turning and moving away as Zero was left alone to think.
Would there be an end to this fighting, even with this new valuable supply of synths at their disposal? A calculation for if everything went to plan, that would still be a long time out. Decades. Perhaps more than a century. Not enough time. They'd have to assist more quickly than that.
They wouldn't let their allies die again.
An hour had passed and work had been done. The production and takeover of more inactive synths had left them with a near platoon at their disposal. A pair of Striders, a trio of Gunships, alongside numerous packs of Hunters, Synth Scanners and a handful of the more rarely seen Mortar and Crab variants of Synth. It was honestly more hassle just to repaint them to distinguish them from their Union-owned brethren, Hunter lights affixed to a bright orange, harder hulls repainted by the machine to a mixture of black and orange, a colour-scheme which Zero's armor now took.
The three were ready at the central loading elevator, synths being split accordingly between the attack force and those on the defense in addition to the automated defenses. An APC was ready for the three, Mokou leaning on it as the rest fiddled with armor and gear. Behind the APC was a makeshift wagon, carrying numerous pieces of static defenses.
Nitori and Yukari wore a somewhat loose fitting set of armor, taken from standard Overwatch soldiers, offering much more protection than a simple CP kevlar vest.
"You sure you don't want the extra armor, Mokou?" Nitori sounded a little incredulous, but the immortal just waved them off.
"Nah, rather not want to look like one of the fellows i'm killin'. I'll be fine, you know that." Mokou spoke as they hefted their Immolator over their shoulder. "We ready to move anyways? Hatin' just standing there."
"We should be… oh, right, geez, I nearly forgot." Nitori moved for a side bag, pulling out something before handing it over to Zero. The Elite looked more closely before realizing it was an optic.
"I thought you'd might want something to go with that armor. I know those cracks were fixed, but I did a little bit of tweaking." Nitori explained.
"Alright." Zero spoke, unscrewing their own optic, leaving that gaping hole for all to view for a moment.
"Where in the hell is your brain anyways, cyclops? That should be like a hole right through it." Mokou commented.
"Brain matter is unnecessary. Synthetic replacements are utilized that perform a similar task." the Elite spoke as they screwed in the new optic, glowing to life with an orange glow to match the armor. " Optic alignment is good… you re-added team management?"
"Mhmhm." Nitori replied. "Our armor and Mokou's headset are attached to it. Should be able to see where we all are at any time, as well as life-signs. Most notably is that the scanners in the air are also listed, so you'll be able to monitor troop movements."
"I'm familiar with the design. I'm more curious on how one managed to get focal alignment to match the precision spec without sacrificing other utilities."
"As much as I hate to interrupt such a discussion, but may I remind you that White Forest is going to be under attack soon?" Yukari spoke firmly.
"Right! Sorry, distracted. Everybody in the APC, we're moving out!" Nitori spoke, moving into the the front alongside Zero, Yukari and Mokou getting in the back.
"Tight fit in here. N' they use this thing to transport CP groups?" Mokou rose an eyebrow.
"APCs are more for the firepower than transportation capabilities. Your choice of weaponry does not help." Zero added as Nitori hit he controls to raise the large elevator upwards.
"I believe this would be a time to refresh ourselves on the plan." Yukari noted.
"Right, right." Nitori started. "While originally, the convoy was moving as one, both sides have split off for a sort of pincer attack. One is focusing on the main side of the facility, while the other is focusing on the far side, aiming to destroy the rocket. The former is mostly infantry, Gunships, and Hunter squads, while the latter consists of mostly Striders and Hunters. The back-side will being covered by Gordon Freeman and company, so they should be fine, especially with a "Strider-Buster" that Dr. Magnusson has been working on. Though Freeman hasn't showed up yet, apparently, but they have time to show."
"Which leaves us to assist with the front-side. Rebels have the gunships covered, so we'll be trying to rip apart those lines of infantry and Hunters. We'll have help, so this shouldn't be too bad, even for an assault of this scale." Nitori continued.
"We also need to pin down and find the Advisors. If we can deal with them, it is likely the assault will lose cohesion." Zero added.
"Last time, we barely managed to take down one of those slug-fucks, let alone two." Mokou noted. "We need to deal with those things quickly."
"Agreed." Yukari spoke. The Advisors should be top priority, if they appear, they need to be focused down. We'll be over at White Forest far before they're fully ready. It'll give us time to prepare further in terms of formations."
As they finished speaking, the elevator reached the apex, the roof opening as the elevator and it's APC and synth-laden began to move.
Considering the variable speed of the synths, the gunships arrived at their destination first, setting down momentarily out of sight so they wouldn't be immediately targeted when the fighting began. The APC and Hunters came next, the Striders and Crabs following soon after as two of the three departed the vehicle, Nitori staying within to operate it's weaponry and move it to a more advantageous position. All of this only took around 30 minutes, leaving ample time to set up defenses still.
Several Rebels met them, looking fairly incredulously at the scene forming around them as this large group approached the front gate.
"Hell, when I heard you people were bringing synths with you, I wasn't expecting a half a platoon!" one rebel spoke.
" I preferred not to arrive under-dressed." Yukari spoke, taking off their helmet for the moment. "I believe we should begin drafting adjustments to the defensive plan inside?"
"Yeah, yeah. Lemme punch you all in." the rebel spoke, typing a quick set of numbers on a keypad before the outer gate opened, letting the group, APC, and synths access to the main yard outside the underground complex. Zero seemed to scan the area. Fairly open, but lots of trees posed as cover before the two main entrances to the complex before them. The left entrance had no cover whatsoever, but the right had a fence to disrupt shots, a raised balcony with a roof, and various pieces of debris that could easily work as makeshift cover.
While they had time to prepare further defenses, it would be likely that the right entrance would need to be the main focus for defensive measures. It would be a lot of work and it was likely they'd need to fall back if they got there even if they could hold for a few minutes. The better plan was to start far ahead.
The road before White Forest was their main idea for a proper defense. It was essentially a canyon, with a long and winding road up to the base. Overwatch would be forced to deploy troopers down there rather than at the gate itself as well, due to the heavy amount of trees after the gate. The tall walls would be perfect for explosive and sniper support, though they suspected the latter would be in short supply.
As they pondered this, the three approached the leftmost entrance, Nitori meanwhile getting out of the APC as they prepared for some other rebels to assist in moving the numerous pieces of cover into place.
"Have to say, you came at a good time. Some of our scouts were beginning to spot a couple of the Combine's own. The attack is probably coming within the hour, maybe even 30 minutes." the rebel spoke as they punched in the code to open the door. Zero ordered the Hunters to begin patrolling the area, the creatures responding with small affirmative chirps before they scattered into smaller groups, moving off above the base.
"And seeing those things, i'd be scared shitless if they weren't ours. Still kinda makes me nervous, honestly."
"They don't bite, at least." Mokou spoke with a smirk. "They just gore, maim and explode their foes instead."
"...Noted, alright, you're clear for heading in. I know the bigwigs down there were interested in you all, might want to see them pronto." the rebel spoke, moving out of the way as the three passed into the base proper.
The interior of the left side seemed far more defensible in comparison to the outside. Numerous doors, gates and fence separations within rooms would make pushing in for Overwatch difficult, especially if a turret could be set up, reinforced by yet another large gate shuttering behind them as they left the tunnel-like interconnecting areas, smaller hallways leading into a small computer-lab like setting.
They noted the distinctive form of Eli Vance working on a terminal beside a Vortigaunt, the old man turning with a small smile as they saw the group, tempered by a slight narrowing of the eyes as they saw Zero.
"Good to see you here, Yukari." Eli spoke, shaking the youkai's hand. "By god, can barely recognize you without that long hair of yours."
"It's unfortunate, but it'll grow back in time." Yukari replied. "And i'm glad to see you made it out of City 17 alright. I heard they were moving you to the Citadel and thought the worst."
"Nearly was, but i'm alright. I've heard you've brought some… unlikely allies." Eli spoke, glancing over to Zero.
"You can say that again." Mokou commented. "Weird as hell seeing the 'Devils of the Outland' on our side, let alone Striders and Gunships."
"You can thank our own new ally here for that being possible." Yukari stood aside to allow a more full view of Zero.
"You continue overplaying my importance in regards to that operation, but yes, I did assist in the recovery of the Union facility." Zero started. "Former Overwatch Squad Leader Four Zero-Zero, reporting for duty."
"Never thought i'd see the day when I'm seeing a defector from the Deathwatch before me." Eli spoke in a lower tone, one that indicated no small amount of incredulousness at the situation. "Isaac was looking to see you, Yukari. They're still down working on the rocket, just head on the elevator behind." Eli continued. "I'll stay here. I'd rather want to greet Gordon and Alyx when they arrive."
Yukari nodded at that. "Do they know about our synths?"
"No, but we've got a scouting team out there waiting to inform them. Now, i've got some more calculations I have to run on my end, so I'll see you." Eli replied, giving a smile to the youkai.
"Likewise." Yukari started, moving towards the elevator as they waited for their allies to get on, the elevator's slow movement giving them a little bit of time before they arrived.
"Four Zero-Zero? Wasn't it Forty-Zero or somethin'?" Mokou asked.
"Forty-Zero is shorthand, usually for field operations. Overwatch prefers more direct numbering when speaking formally to a superior. Considering that was a leader of the resistance, it felt more proper." the Elite explained as the elevator continued to descend, the large door ahead opening to reveal a pair of scientists working on the rocket.
"You'll find the Resistance is a mostly informal group aside from a few exceptions. Notably the two before us." Yukari mentioned as the elevator reached it's destination.
"I told you, Eli to…" the scientist near the upper portion of the nosecone stopped themselves as they noticed it wasn't who they were expecting.
"Oh, Yakumo. I see the Combine finally ridded you of that ridiculously impractical hair. And gave you that horrendously bulky armor." he spoke. "And it's about time you got here, we could've used your experience days ago."
"Good to see you too, Magnusson." Yukari replied, voice filled to the brim with sarcasm, shifting to something more sincere as they locked eyes with the other scientist. "You as well, Kleiner."
"Indeed. You've come at an opportune time. We could use that expertise of yours to finish up our work on the rocket." Kleiner seemed primarily focused on
"More likely to sabotage it, considering previous employment." Magnusson muttered as they finished re-affixing a plate onto the nose cone.
"I should remind you that my tenure with Aperture Science was a wholly unofficial one, regardless of what actual employment data may say." Yukari retorted. "But yes, I can help. Status on the rocket so far?"
"Mostly done. It's simply a matter of fine tuning and waiting for Gordon and Alyx to deliver the data required to finish it." Kleiner explained.
"Which they should've done hours ago." Magnusson added. "But it seems since the fall of civilization, so too did the idea of a schedule."
"To our knowledge, Alyx Vance was near fatally wounded. The delay is understandable, if inconvenient." Zero replied, the two scientist finally seeming to notice them.
"My, my, what a fascinating set of armor. I take it you're Zero, then? The communications teams mentioned you alongside our new allies."
"Maybe he can be the one to get these supposed 'soldiers' to actually aim a weapon properly." Magnusson commented in passing, moving down from their mobile ladder.
"That is correct." Zero nodded. "Former designation Four Zero-Zero."
"Just roll with Forty-Zero, that's just fuckin' cumbersome to say." Mokou spoke with a tinge of irritation.
"If you insist." Zero replied.
"I am quite curious as to the augmentations that have been done-" the timid scientist began, before a quite irritated Magnusson moved over.
"Kleiner! Enough ogling the tin man and help me calibrate these signals, for god's sake." Magnusson interrupted, Kleiner noticeably clenching their teeth at the yelling.
"Right, right. My apologies." Kleiner spoke with no small amount of trepidation.
"That goes for you too, Yakumo. And unless your friends here have degrees in rocket science, get them out of here!" Magnusson yelled.
Yukari simply glared at the man, purple orbs bearing down on the balding scientist, flickering with the sort of rage that only ages of experience can truly bring out. Magnusson didn't say another word, merely sighing and shaking their head before getting back to work.
"Apologies. They can be like this when stressed." Yukari spoke more softly as they turned to the two. "I will help with this rocket, see if we can't manage to get everything ready before the attack."
Yukari then turned back for a moment. "Where are the rebels planning the defense?"
"Oh, head back up the elevator, then take a right from there. They were planning in the room at the end of the hallway there." Kleiner answered.
"You assistance is appreciated." Zero replied, turning back to the elevator with Mokou at their side, the elevator beginning to ascend as the three below got to work, the large blast door closing as Mokou sighed.
"Is this Magnusson always like that?" Zero asked.
"Usually, yeah. Not this much, though. The stress probably doesn't help much." Mokou replied. "Only one i've seen them talk to without sounding constantly irritated is that Vortigaunt of theirs. Uriah, I think he named 'em."
"He named them?"
"Vorts don't have names usually, from what I figure. They just sort of instinctively understand each other. Probably magic, or, excuse me, 'vortessence'." Mokou corrected themselves, waggling their fingers at the term.
"You do not seem to have that high of opinion on them." Zero noted.
"No, I don't." Mokou replied. "It's nothin' personal or anything, but they just rub me the wrong way. How they almost always speak cryptically as shit, how they can still use magic, how they use the term 'vortessence' like magic itself belongs solely to them, it's just… irritating. They're good allies, but I wouldn't call 'em friends."
"Understandable reasoning." Zero responded at they reached the top of the elevator's track, the two moving towards the door Kleiner mentioned.
"Ey, Eli, you know the code to this door? Apparently the meeting for defenses are through here?"
"Right, let me punch you in." Eli spoke, hobbling over to the door. "There's one thing I did want to ask, though."
Eli punched in the code, the door opening as they turned to look at Zero. "All the ones i've seen like you had nothing left. Like machines. How much did the Combine take from you? Can you even remember who you were before?"
Zero paused for a moment, before they reached for their helmet, taking it off, Eli slightly recoiling.
"The Union took my memories. They took the majority of my body. Even if I managed to retrieve my memories, I could not look at them as myself, for the man who possessed them is dead." Zero elaborated. "And yet, I am still somebody. Every Elite is, most fight for the Union purely because it is the logical thing to do. They are the ones who can win, and more importantly, the ones who can end us on a whim."
"Yet you fight for us now, even when we're on the backfoot." Eli's voice had a definite weariness. "Why?"
"If the super-portal is closed, the chances for the Rebellion to begin to become a real threat increase to nearly 40%. With the the capture of the Overwatch facility, that increases further to 45-47%%." Zero started. "In addition, I feel a connection to those I have fought alongside, despite our short time together."
"That's… kinda sweet?" Mokou rose an eyebrow at that last statement.
"Certainly more than I ever expected." Eli added. "I'm sorry for bothering you about this."
Zero shook their head before putting their helmet back on. "It is no issue, curiosity is merely human nature. Now, I believe we have a meeting to attend."
"Right. Good luck to you both. I have a feeling we'll need it." Eli spoke, turning back to their work as the two proceeded to move down the hallway.
"He's cautious." Zero noted. "There is valid reasoning for it."
"But maybe you just opened them up a bit. Sometimes a bit of understanding can go a long way, i've found." Mokou responded as they approached the final door. Beyond was a large room, numerous individuals of countless races looking over a map that could decide whether humanity continues or dies.
"Hey, there's our resident pyromaniac!" one looked over, others looking over to see the two.
"And the one who's brought in the cavalry." another noted.
"We're here to help assist with the planning." Zero stated.
A few rebels moved out of the way as they allowed the two a closer look at the map, the Elite slightly leaning on the table as they looked it over.
"We know we're expecting a lot of the heat to come from the backside. Magnusson's already planning to use those strider-busters of his to help there." a rebel started. "Front's probably going to have less, but it's still risky, considering distance to the rocket."
"Agreed. Are there any other possible routes they could use to get in?"
"Nothin' a Strider can get through at. It's two sides, mostly."
"What about here?" Zero asked, pointing to the area besides the main rocket silo.
"That's the secondary silo. Sealed up, there's nothin' in there." a rebel commented.
"But the hatch to get in is still accessible from the surface?" Zero asked.
"Yeah, but that thing would take a Strider to bust open. We'd know it if they did."
"They wouldn't need to blow it open. It's more likely they would employ electronic warfare to get inside, trick it to open." Zero corrected.
"Shit, really? We can send a squad or two to keep it secure, if they could do that." spoke a more decorated rebel.
"I will keep scanners to watch the topside as well." Zero noted to themselves out loud.
To Mokou, they mostly leaned against the back-wall as the group began to go back and forth, only barely paying enough attention to get the general idea of things. They were more interested in how Zero was acting. They seemed to fit in naturally, adapting more military-style tactics to the normal guerrilla warfare the Rebels were used to fighting. It gave them hope that this would work out well. Perhaps Yukari had a real point when recruiting them.
The discussions bled together, and soon enough, word and paper were being put into actual action as Rebels set up the defenses.
And the time those tactics would be tested approached rapidly by the second. But hope was in no short supply with the new arrivals. They would beat them here and now.
There was no other choice in the matter.
Author's Notes
Well, that was a chapter. Mostly dialogue and character-focused stuff. I WAS going to combine this and the battle itself into one chapter, but this was running on quite a bit. This'll probably be the longest chapter in the whole story. The next one's the big one. the big final battle, and some of the aftermath that'll follow. It'll probably be the last true chapter, as I actually do have a shorter epilogue already written.
Do remember to leave reviews, if you're still reading. I'm curious on opinions on how I wrote some of the more canon characters. I'm unsure on it myself, mostly with Eli. Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed, i'll be working on the next one as soon as I can. We're so close to the end you can taste it.