Chapter Four: Jack's New Day (or Ridley's Vow II)

When we last left, Ridley made her way out of the home that she shared with her father. Jasne Colton was furious and summoned all of his corrupt police forces to bring back Ridley and if possible, terminate Jack Russell.

However, we focus now on Jack's new day...

It was mid-afternoon in Jack's new life as a training foot grunt in Radiata's Knight Army. It wasn't so much different from high school, Jack pondered as his body automatically proceeded with his push-ups for the day. He woke up around the same time as he did each morning, ate an adequate amount of food and hell, he even made a new friend in his army captain!

However one thing was missing, and that was Ridley...

The first day he came here was by a lucky break. General Dynas Stone was coincidentally visiting the jail room when he beckoned Jack to him. As Jack stood up, Dynas opened the jail cell's door and escorted him out with the pretense of coming in to dump him in with the rest of the suicide squads of the Army...

That wasn't so, as Jack heard Dynas say when they climbed aboard the army Jeep that Dynas took to be here. He said that it was an e-mail with the latest "Recruits" that he saw his profile and immediately got him out as soon as possible. It was also with a sad note that by doing so, Jack was to enlist immediately into the army and join the fight against the guilds.

Jack was torn, he owed his life to the General, but he didn't want to go against the guild that protected his small farm town. Jack voiced his concern to the General that he would gladly serve into any attack but except against his home town and the Orange Vancoor.

The General sighed and said,

"I can't make any promises but fortunate for that region, the Vancoor have always focused their attacks against the invading forces from the Blue Vareth. The other guilds are too focused on Radiata city and against each other to pay attention to the Vancoor."

While that didn't sway Jack anymore to either cause, he kept silent and nodded at the General's nod. The General soon drove up to a massive castle which meant they arrived at Radiata's main headquarters. Jack noted that it also doubled up as a research lab and as the army's training grounds.

"Now Jack, you know that you have to enlist. However, I'll put you into a newly formed squadron of the army. You will be placed with Captain Ganz Rothschild of the Vehicle and Ground branch of Radiata's army. It is in my office of power, so you won't be easily whisked away into a fight." Jack sighed in relief and trusted the General as he filled out the official forms and was escorted personally by the General into the another office with a large man named Ganz...

It was three weeks since the introduction to the captain and it was going really well. Instead of the stout, seemingly cold exterior of most commanding officers, Ganz was friendly and a bit naive to the outside world. The captain was also quite the conversationalist, as the first task was to tell about themselves some more. From what Jack learned, Ganz had a pampered life. He was the son of famous captain Gawain Rothschild and having a life of luxury had little affect in the man's judgement and character. In fact, instead of being a snob and acting like if he is the president. (I.E. Jasne Colton) Ganz was cheerful and kind to almost everyone! On the downside (Upside for Jack), Ganz did sport an obsession for liquor and various other drinks...by other drinks, I meant beer...

Anyway, back on track here! Jack was now finished with his thoughts and push-ups and proceeded to jog his three mile run across around the base's track field, all the while thinking that the castle had more room than what he originally thought.

Soon he stopped in front of his captain and saluted with his hand. Captain Ganz saluted with a stout face as he was struggling to keep a smile from breaking out. Jack smiled inwardly, he caught the captain practicing that face and had waited until now to use it.

"Attention!" Jack was brought from his thoughts and his body stood rigid. "Excellent! Now then Jack, I have received special permission from the General to begin training in our vehicle program! First we start with the basics." Ganz paused to see the eager look in his only soldier's eyes and knew that he was waiting for this.

"Can you tell me what kind of shell does our standard tank equip themselves with?" He continued, pointing to a large tank; The tank had seen battle for sure and was covered in knicks and dents as well the occasional blackened scorch marks that the base's mechanics weren't able to cover with new parts. It looked like it was to be heading for the scrap heap, but inside it was a strong machine.

"Yes Sir! It is the M1A1 Abrams model tank! It's standard shell is the 120mm depleted uranium round, sir!" Jack said with a bit of information than what the chuckling captain asked for.

"Yes, very good Jack! This was a bit more than expected but informative! This tank is the latest of our standard tanks, and has been in service for about a decade or so. However, our researchers at Research and Development have just started experimentation into our Hover Tank Program. It should be ready within the year or so. With any luck, we could be one of the first to drive them!" Ganz said with an excitement of his own.

"Until that happens, we will continue training–" Ganz was cut off by a young feminine voice gasping with surprise. Both men turned and found a young woman staring at Jack with a startled look while Jack's face turned into a smile. The lady then rushed over to Jack and hugged him while another large man was looking between a look of jealousy and...no, that's what it was.

"Oh my god! Jack Russell!" The young lady was firing questions one by one in rapid succession as Jack tried to answer them all. They were interrupted by both Ganz and the large man's "clearing of their throats".

"Excuse me, Captain Nannette but what are you doing with my soldier?" The Captain asked in a formal tone. One that was completely wasted on her to Jack's amusement.

"This was one of my friend's boyfriend, Jack Russell. He was dating her at the time and I was like a mentor to him in Senior High." Natalie said with an air of rebelliousness, it seemed that the sporty young girl that Jack knew as a freshman was still going strong.

"Ah!...C-captain!! Please treat your superiors with respect!" The large man known now as Leonard was failing to chastise Natalie. Jack noticed that the flabby, crush struck boy was replaced by a toned out, still crushing man...and that Natalie was still completely oblivious to Leonard's affections...

Natalie rolled her eyes, but was composed. "I am sorry, Captain Rothschild. It won't happen again...either way, captain I have some news for you." Ganz perked up at this, perhaps they were finally joining the front lines!?

"Commander Larks wants you and your...soldier to gear up in two days and join the campaign northeast. He said to "End the qualms" between the Orange Vancoor and the Radiata Knights in the region and relocate there until they stop." With that, Natalie saluted and marched off with Leonard still sputtering off reprimands toward his captain. Ganz looked serious and then started to cheer. Jack noted that it was probably the first thing they were to do since their official squadron was formed. The Rose Cochon...

'Oh boy, I wonder if the captain knows what it means...probably not.' Jack thought as the capatain started to dance.

"Yes! We're finally in on a mission, Jack! Alright then, let us go over the basics one more time and then we'll head off toward the Nowem Region and begin our mission in two days." Ganz then started drilling on the basics on a handgun and the standard M-16 Rifle that Jack will use for combat should the need arise.

Though, for that need happens often thought Jack grimly as he continued listening to the absolutely fascinating history of the M-16 Rifle...

Ridley was having a tough time, but finally managed to locate the whereabouts of Jack's location. Surprisingly infuriating for Ridley as it turns out that it was only a twenty minute walk from her home instead of the three hour bus-ride and walk to the north gate police station. Ridley discreetly disguised her eyes with a pair of shades and styled her hair into a ponytail with a hat on top and asked the clerk/guard about Jack.

The guard was suspicious but relented to the girls' pleas and pulled out the file on Jack Russell. Ridley knew that Jack was sometimes the victim as well as the starter of fights, but this was astounding! According to the file, there were a lot of fights on his record...and probably more that wasn't accounted.

"T-two hundred and sixty seven fights?! Oh Jack..." Ridley was nodding between disappointment and pride that Jack was attacked by all these people and that he beat nearly all of them. Ridley noticed that it circled between Cross and several boys who had their hearts crushed at their girlfriends leaving them for an attempt with Jack Russell. Ridley fended off all of the girls and was quite disturbed when some of these people were twenty one or older and seeking revenge or interest in Jack when he was only sixteen.

'Well, at least Jack knows hand to hand combat.' Ridley thought and laughed softly at Jack's talent. Ridley then left soon after and began walking toward Radiata City's army grounds. She was determined to have Jack back home, one way or the other...

The next day, Jack was heading toward the designated meeting spot that the captain had pointed out. As he headed toward the firing range, Jack began thinking about the others at the school and Ridley.

He wondered if Ridley was doing fine without him...was she holding out for his return or had moved on?

'No! No, you idiot! Ridley wouldn't leave you, she loves you too much and you love her!' His mind had violently destroyed the feelings of doubt so much that Jack felt a slight twinge of a headache. Jack groaned and finally got settled as he approached the firing range. Jack's captain, Ganz was waiting with a rifle in his hands.

"Ah, Jack! About time you've arrived! Ok, lets get started on some practical drills. Stand behind the yellow line, kneel and fire as much as you can into the still target over there." Ganz told him as Jack did so. He kneeled down and without looking into the tiny metal scope, opened fire at the target. Ganz frowned, perhaps he was expecting too much of him. After all, he did show talent at hand to hand combat with one of the instructors.

'He can even match Jeff! Ah well, at least I'll have something to do...'Ganz then ordered Jack to stop and gave him some tips on how to use the weapon's scope to better aim. Jack did so and was amazed at how accurate his bullets hit the wooden target. Ganz was impressed at how the aimed rounds were hitting close to the painted bulls-eye and not sporadically as before. Ganz waved his hand to stop and started to clear his throat.

"Ahem! Alright Jack, it seems that you've improved on that weapon, now let's see if you can handle...this one!" At this, Ganz loaded a magazine clip from one of the shelves into a larger rifle and handed it to Jack, who buckled a tiny bit due to it's weight.

"That is one of our advance rifles that R&D had developed. It is essentially another M-16 but with some upgrades. First, the rifle's rounds are sharper and deadlier, and the scope is upgraded to have a tiny laser point for added weapon aim." Ganz stopped for a moment before continuing.

"This is a limited weapon, as it was discontinued since my father's disappearance-" Ganz was cut off by Jack's sudden question.

"Who was your dad?" Ganz hesitated a bit, he wasn't sure if his father's identity was to be disclosed so quickly...

"My father's name was Gawain Rothschild of the Rouge Lion. He disappeared around the time the Project Enjela weapon was fired upon the research lab that my father was invading." Jack's eyes widened at this.

"Your dad was caught in it's blast? Wow, we have more in common...my dad was Cairn Russell of Blanc Chevalier." It was Ganz' turn to widen his eyes.

'R-really? You're his son? I see...well at least we're here to live up to our fathers, eh?" Jack nodded sadly as each remembered their fathers...unknown of their fates...

The next day came too quickly for Jack's taste. It was the day that both himself and the captain were to ship off onto the Nowem region for their campaign. It felt like a scene from a movie as it began to rain as he met up with the captain in his official gear for combat.

Ganz was readily equipped with a large, dense piece of body armor that offered protection from normal fire from most infantry guns. He carried a large bazooka that Jack hasn't seen since he met him in his office. Jack instantly recognized the bazooka from a plaque that was under it, it belonged to his father, Gawain... To finish off Ganz' commando attire, he wore large combat boots and pants that seemed to hold a piece of metal where the kneecaps were supposed to be.

Jack also had standard rifleman attire as well. You know, the bullet proof vest and shoulder guards for the more powerful weapons that might also offer protection against enemy fire. He held the advanced rifle that he was presented earlier yesterday on his back with a strap supporting it. He figured since he had no weapon that related to his father, this weapon was as close as he was going to get to his father's weapon of choice.

'Wish me luck, dad' Jack thought as he saluted his captain and looked around to see many of the soldiers' families seeing them off and tearing up at their farewells. Some soldiers were heartbroken to have to let go of their families and especially their children. Jack noticed that he was to leave if he hasn't anyone to see him off, so he dejectedly turned toward the waiting airplane until a hand stopped him.

Jack turned and saw Ganz' smiling face and turned him around to a familiar blonde haired girl and pushed him gently-okay, roughly-in front of Ridley. Jack was shocked, he was sure it was an illusion until Ridley socked him hard in the arm. The pain was proof enough, though the fierce hug and kiss on the cheek helped too.

"Jack! I finally found you, and it took so long!" Ridley was murmuring loudly into Jack's shoulder as if she was talking to herself. Jack didn't mind, as long as she was there then he was happy. At least it didn't leave him wondering if she was alright, though she was soaking wet. Still, she was beautiful in that way to Jack.

"Ridley...Ridley darling." Jack shook her slightly as she opened her eyes. She also believed that it was real and not a mirage as Ridley sighed and stepped away and started to plead her case, even if it was futile.

"Jack, come home please! I-I don't know what to do. My father was setting you up and he wants me to marry Cross! I-I..." Ridley was sobbing as the events were catching up to her. Jack looked on sadly and concern on his face as he looked to the captain for help. The captain, overhearing their distress called over a soldier and gave him orders to find someone.

Twenty minutes later, a large car rode up and out came General Dynas Stone. He was donned in standard military clothes meant for a General with a large black coat and a matching umbrella. He strode over to where Jack and Ridley stood, eyes closed and just holding each other. It almost seemed wrong to separate them...

"Captain Rothschild, Mr. Russell, Miss Silverlake." he greeted each one with a nod. Ganz returned that nod and Jack and Ridley were surprised at the voice. Dynas sighed and told them that they have to get to their destinations as soon as possible.

Ridley, distraught over their separation had hugged Jack fiercely and gave him a long, sweet kiss before departing to the general's side. Jack smiled and wordlessly promised that he would be back and he would find a way to sort this mess before joining the captain in one final salute.

As the General saluted back, Ridley posed a question,

"General?"

"Yes, miss Silverlake?" Dynas asked with a touch of sadness. Ridley must be going through a lot of things right now.

"Jack told me that you were sending him to Nowem, on a campaign..." Dynas looked up in shock, that wasn't right...

"I'm sorry? I thought that they were to remain in the base. The Nowem helicopter left three days ago..." Ridley looked alarmed...Jack was going...

"But...that's not possible. He was ordered to go into that plane over there by your orders through someone else." General Stone shook his head, telling her that there was no such thing done.

Ridley, astounded rushed toward the plane. She started off too late as the plane's rotors started and rolled over the runway. Ridley was chasing after them shouting "Jack!! Come back!!" though her shouts were drawn over by the loud whirrs of the plane's rotors.

Meanwhile, Dynas was furiously questioning Natalie about the order to the verge of her tearing up. Leonard, torn between the love of his life (in his dreams) and his commander didn't know who to support. Though he came to a decision and started to shield Natalie from Dynas' fury. Dyans could hear parts of conversation from the sputtering girl.

"I-I don't know! One of the officers gave me a piece of paper that told me to tell them that the plane was to head for the Nowem Campaign! It had your signature and even the Commander had signed it! It was given to him by a politician, I think his name was Jasper or something..." Natalie said this before breaking down in sobs as Leonard was living his dream: Comforting Natalie in his arms.

"Jasper? No...Jasne!" Dynas was rushing over, without his umbrella to Ridley, who was still saying "Jack...come back." over and over again.

"Miss Silverlake, I know where Jack is going." Ridley looked up, knowing that nothing could bring him back.

"It seems that your father had manipulated one of my officers and told her that the plane they are on was to head to the Nowem region. I know for a fact that the plane was holding some prisoners and that they were heading for the Tria desert." Ridley was appalled at her father's latest crime. How could he? Thought Ridley and voiced it as well.

"Though he did do it, we can't pin it until we find the original form. It looks like it will take all of Jack and Ganz' training to survive in the Tria Campaign..." The General looked toward the sky and saw the plane shrink until it was nowhere as visible.

'Good luck, Ganz and Jack, you will need every bit of it...' The General than stood up and offered Ridley a ride to his office. Ridley was no longer sobbing, but had a hint of sadness as well as determination in her eyes. It was the look of a woman scorned by her father in his way to her happiness...and Dynas was to help her in any way he can.