Well, it's been a small reprieve since last chapter, but now I'm raring to go! Enjoy the next Chapter!
Chapter Eight: Orange Dawn
Jack and Ridley were being led down a wide steel corridor, which had a surprisingly simple wooden door at the end. Stopping at a computer console just about twenty feet away from the door, Gerald was typing what looked to be his name and a password. Carlos, by the way, had left them earlier saying he was heading back to the laboratory. Just then the wooden door shimmered for a moment and sounds of weapons were being put away. The door stayed the same though, but it seemed to pulse with a bit of energy every now and then.
"Wow...what an illusion!" Jack said, awed and starry-eyed. Ridley was impressed too, but wasn't on the zealot level as Jack was being. Though the two didn't notice it, Gerald was smirking at the comment. A beep later and Gerald turned away from the console and motioned them to hurry up. Jack got shaken out of his worship mode by Ridley and followed behind.
"Enter" a booming voice entered that shocked Jack and Ridley a bit. Gerald wasn't fazed at all and opened the wooden door, leaving Jack and Ridley to enter on their own.
Whatever they were expecting, it wasn't this. The room looked a lot like a disorganized bedroom than a leader's office, with papers and books on the floor. It was actually a bedroom, Ridley observed as a door inside was open revealing a soft bed inside. The two looked around the room and saw various bookshelves and gun-cabinet next to what looked like the bathroom. Gerald's eyes didn't stray from the center and started to salute at the most disarming person you could ever meet.
She was a slightly pale young woman in her mid-thirties with shimmering blonde hair. However, seeing the deputy commander's salute meant that she wasn't one to be trifled with. Of course, no one living in guild territory was to be trifled with...
"Well, this was a surprise. Imagine me waking up to reports of skirmishes between Radiata's army and one of Blue Vareth's generals on our desert plains." Here she grinned, though Ridley felt intimidated by it. "Then have me nearly shocked to see that one of Radiata's secret weapons on the field, only to be operated by minors! Even more, they were winning!" Jack and Ridley looked at each other, they were winning?
"Well, all amusement aside, I am Commander Elwen. Leader of the Orange Vancoor, and one hell of a tank driver!" Jack and Ridley were surprised, to find that Commander Elwen had a slight western accent while still managing to a type of noble lady at the same time.
"Now, what did you want to talk to me about? I don't usually make time for anything unless its important to our current strategies. So make it quick." She said and looked at Ridley while leaning back in a reclining chair.
"Um..ok...well we are on the run from Radiata's army because of my father. He-" Ridley was cut off by Elwen.
"Let me guess, your father's name is Jasne Colton right?" Ridley's eyes widened a bit. At this look, Elwen smiled.
"Y-yes, that's right. Ahem, my father wasn't too fond of Jack here." Jack waved a bit. "So he framed Jack for a crime that he didn't commit and made sure he went to the army. However General Dynas Stone took him under his command and spared him from the usual "treatment". I finally located Jack through police records and found that he was at the army compound near my home instead of station #3. I arrived just in time to see him off and watched him enter a plane that he believed was to head toward Nowem Forest." This time Elwen raised a hand to interrupt and spoke calmly.
"Hmm...but he wasn't heading there, was he?" Ridley shook her head. "I see...so what happened to the plane?" Jack started to speak here, seeing that he was actually on the blasted thing.
"Our plane was in fact heading toward the Tria prison facility southwest of Tria Village. I met someone on the plane, Leona Weissheit that was attempting to escape the plane when the cell doors were opening by themselves. We escaped with my army Captain, Ganz Rothschild-" Jack was silenced by Gerald's gasp. Even Elwen seemed surprised at this.
"Gawain's kid is here? Wow, I'll have two escorts bring him and the Weissheit girl inside." Gerald muttered something onto a telephone that was hanging on the wall and returned to face his boss again.
"Right...well our plane's pilot was dead by nearly four tranquilizers to the neck, arm and one straight where the heart should be. The plane was sabotaged and they were certain it would crash and leave no survivors." Elwen frowned at the state of the dead man, it was clear that it wasn't a rebellious attack.
"Continue." She said simply and Jack nodded. Gerald was looking grave, Ridley noticed as she looked around the room with her eyes.
"Well, we crashed and spent hours finding edible supplies until Ridley found us." Jack finished simply as Elwen looked at the two of them.
"It seems we are missing a bit of story here, so if you would explain how you got the tank, miss Silverlake." Elwen stated and Ridley started again.
"It was about three hours after Jack's plane left that General Stone received a call from Radiata's air control tower and informed me about Jack's supposed death. He left me to grieve but I suddenly snapped. Having several bad things happen in succession made me lose my sanity temporarily and I effortlessly entered an weapons' bunker and then entered a war factory that was in production of making Hover Tanks." Jack looked impressed and Gerald was gaping a bit as well.
"I found that the tank's were about to be redirected to Blue Vareth's main base but I inadvertently stopped their spy from doing so. I pressed a button on the control panel and found myself in one of the tanks that seemed to respond to me alone. The tank blew a hole in the side of the factory and the main cannon blast decimated a straight line of buildings as it escaped to my destination: Jack's plane." Elwen nodded and started to speak in a slow, but commanding tone.
"It seems that Radiata's military is without weapons and manpower because of Ridley's stunt. I think it would be a while before they are fully operational but they would have sufficient materials for at least a year before they run out. Blue Vareth, however will not take kind to having lost one of their spies and will attempt to locate who did it, namely Ridley." Elwen stood and found that she was at least 5'9, though she looked a lot shorter from her sitting position.
"Now that I have your recount, what brings you here specifically to Orange Vancoor HQ?" Elwen asked. Jack looked at Ridley and she nodded as he said,
"We want to join Orange Vancoor. We believe that we can take down Ridley's father from power and end a string of corrupt officials in power." Elwen looked at Jack and Ridley skeptically but before she could answer, Ridley added,
"If we can't, then we'll sell the plans for the Hover Tank research so that we can run away...and forget this all ever happened." Elwen seemed to changer her mind, the plans could be useful for their arsenal.
"Well, I was going to refuse but these plans would be rather expensive to purchase from you. So how about this? I'll let you in and assign each of your people to a formed squad under commander Gerald and we'll have these plans for our development. Is that fair?" Jack and Ridley nodded and was relieved that Elwen had a real smile on her face. She stuck out her hand and both of them shook it individually as Elwen saluted.
"Welcome to Orange Vancoor, I'll have Gerald show you to your quarters."
A couple of hours later, Jack was roomed with Ridley, Leona and Ganz in subterranean room with lighting and a some light air conditioning somewhere west of the base. They were taken there in the APC used earlier by Gerald and Carlos while hauling the tank by chain. After Ridley placed the tank in the research facility, Gerald escorted them west from the facility to the their quarters.
The group met some interesting members along the way. There was an old drunkard named Jarvis and his sub-ordinate named Daniel. While Daniel and Jarvis seemed like rookie fighters, they held their weapons with relative ease. Daniel with his sniper rifle and Jarvis amazingly held a Twelve-Gauge shotgun in one hand while a beer bottle rested with his other.
They also met Aldo and Gareth, two of the most conflicting attitudes you could ever meet in Radiata. While Aldo was content to read over a book with strategies, Gareth was a man of action like their commander; a brooding, yet philosophically intertwined man named Caesar. They were fighting about how to go on in an online strategy game and only paused to say hello before resuming their bickering.
Their most interesting meeting was with a young couple named Alicia and Dennis. Alicia was Commander of Dennis, and Dennis was the duo's commando. Alicia explained that commandos were like the perfect soldier when it came to guns and explosives. They could also hijack enemy vehicles and use them to run rampant around the enemy compounds...provided they weren't caught.
It was late at night that Jack noticed as he kept looking at the dimmed lighted ceiling while thinking about what he would do as a member Orange Vancoor. He certainly wasn't going to be a common soldier like Conrad, who seemed to slack off at any given moment. He could also apply for a commander position, but from what Thanos the weapons inventory man said, then he would need at least a year in combat to even be considered to be one.
A soft knock came from the door and opened to find Ganz at the door. He entered and sat himself on the chair beside Jack's bed and started to look at the apparently fascinating ceiling before speaking.
"Jack, I wonder how our old comrades are holding up. You know, General Dynas and Captain Natalie? I wonder if they think about us as well." Ganz sighed and continued.
"If we're dead to Radiata, then it's probably safe to assume that they've mailed death letters to our relatives. I know that my mother died eight years ago so I'm probably the last of my line. I think your sister Adele had probably received the letter not too long ago." Jack felt bad, his sister probably thinks that he's six feet under and is feeling all alone.
"It looks like I'll have a talk with my sister soon, maybe I'll see if I can convince the Commander if she'll let me leave." With that subtle 'Excuse me', Jack left and passed by Gerald's room, who told him that the guns only work if the alarm or the security code is on. Jack nodded and continued to Elwen's room, who was looking through what seemed to be a family album.
"Excuse me, Commander?" Jack said with a polite knock on her door. Elwen was looked up with fading signs of being startled, but simply gave a small grin to show him in.
"Yes, Jack?" Jack felt like she was somebody easy to talk to, but knew the line and kept away from it.
"Um, my sister Adele probably thinks that I'm dead. Seeing that she probably got word of my demise...so-" Jack was politely interrupted by Elwen, who had an understanding look now.
"Ah, so you want to assure her that your not. Unfortunately that cannot happen, because we have reports that Adele was abducted along with all of supporters from Solieu and Tria from an attack from Blue Vareth."
"What?! When did this happen? Adele..." Jack looked hopelessly lost but Elwen stopped him from sinking any lower.
"However, we will retrieve them all. While our Intel team is gathering their location, we'll have up and running as a commando to lead the charge. Your team will need some missions under your belt as all civilians would probably freeze at first sight of combat." Elwen paused and continued softly.
"Jack, I know what its like to lose family. I've lost my husband, Alfred on a mission raid before Vancoor was formed. Alicia was his niece, so we both know how it's to lose a loved one...or miss one, it's really all the same." Elwen added hastily seeing Jack's crestfallen face. Jack nodded his head and quietly excused himself but not before Elwen said.
"Just get the feel of battle, and when the time comes, you will rescue your sister." Jack nodded, feeling a bit more confident.
While this was all happening, Ridley and her roommate, Leona were having a discussion on Jack and their feelings.
"Leona, how do you feel about Jack?" Ridley asked bluntly. Leona was surprised at the direct question but decided not to spare the girl's feelings.
"I love Jack." She said simply and waited for an action. Leona was suspicious that Ridley didn't do anything but was shocked to she kept up this to the point attitude with another statement.
"He certainly is lovable. However, we know that he can love only one. I will be certain that he stays with me." Ridley simply looked like if this were everyday talk and Leona wasn't backing down on this.
"Then I'll have to convince him otherwise then!" Ridley looked mildly surprised but suppressed her astonishment.
"I see. Well try your best then and move on when you lose." Leona simply retorted.
"Just remember, first loves don't usually last long. Enjoy it while you can." Ridley conceded the battle but the war was raging on.
The next day
Jack was recently gathering updates on special equipment exclusive to Orange Vancoor and was surprised to see that his arm was fixed instantly along with Ganz' foot with some experimental medicines that Bruce, the company's doctor, had administered earlier in the morning.
It meant that Ganz would only need to rest his foot for a day and he'll feel like if he never broke it at all. Jack was able to heal immediately and received only a few instructions on vehicle hijacking. It seemed that commando training was equivalent to a rifleman's training except for more study time on vehicles.
Jack was immediately summoned by Gerald via Comlink given to Jack around the same time they took the medicine. Thinking that he may be able to do a mission, he eagerly went and wasn't disappointed.
"Jack, we'll need to send several of our snipers to help reconnaissance the area for our tanks. You will be under Alicia's command as she observes your progress inside her APC. You will scout and eliminate a suspicious campground that we believe holds one of our captive soldiers." Gerald handed him a picture. "This is our Bazooka specialist Gregory. He was captured along with this man." Gerald handed Jack another photo. "Walter, a rifle specialist and commander of Conrad. We need you to wipe out any enemy bazooka soldiers with any weapon at your disposal." Gerald finished and Elwen took over as she entered with Alicia and Dennis.
"Your team will need to move swiftly as we have Blue Vareth variations of Radiata's tanks closing in on the campsite. If they get hold of either one, then our headquarters will be compromised."
"On another note, we have placed Ridley and her tank up into the fray as head of the assault team. Leona is starting decoding of the plans for the research along with Carlos and Rolec. I believe that she will have production up and running in no time." Elwen opened her cabinet and took out a medium-sized rifle along with a waist fitted packet of ammo clips.
"This will be your main weapon, so don't lose it. Use it when you need silent take-outs without alerting the enemy."
Alicia started to speak, but she held a firmness inside that belied her carefree nature. "I'll have Dennis pick off some of the early enemy riflemen so that's you'll have a better time to reposition yourself. Shoot down the Bazooka soldiers and don't worry about enemy riflemen, our Hummers are equipped with a belt-fed machine gun."
Elwen stood. "If that's all, move out!" All members present saluted automatically and left to begin their preparations.
Jack was following Dennis as the older sniper explained on how to sneak upon the enemy and if left intact, steal the vehicle. Twenty minutes about their discussion, Jack and Dennis arrived at Vancoor's auto-pool. Alicia was already setting up weapons and supplies into the back of the vehicle.
"Right then, let's move out to our target area. It's pretty much clearing with a few trees, but we'll be able to see fine. It's around the edge of Tria, just past the city." Alicia started up the engine and Jack and Dennis climbed aboard and set off toward Jack's first mission.
While Alicia was driving, Dennis was answering any questions that Jack was asking. He seemed very patient and was glad to help those in need. Jack was taking a liking to this guy and probably vice versa.
"All right, we're here! Now, I'll put our communications on these head sets, so shut off your comlink. Next, I'll call for you if I see any differences on our limited radar so you'll have to pick off any bazookas that rear their heads as I scout around. I know Dennis knows this, but you don't Jack; keep your voice to a whisper when I call you. I've turned up the volume reception to have your voice sound as if we're talking normally. So no need to shout your response to one of my orders, okay?"
"All right then, move out!" Alicia said and opened the back door of the APC to let them out. Into the city of Tria. Dennis silently motioned for Jack to stay close as they searched the path for any ambushes. Thankfully they found none and radioed Alicia to move ahead to the town limits.
Now the team was reaching the forest and once again Jack and Dennis were scouting the forest edges and found some soldiers setting up a guard post further inside. Jack was instructed to sneak to the other side and take out the guards while Dennis looked more ahead to silence any stragglers.
"Jack, I've pinpointed a hill that would be perfect to take them out. Just go a few steps forward and you'll see it." Jack nodded and made his way toward his destination and found the view on the hill had perfect view of the guard post. Jack set up his rifle and took aim at the soldiers.
BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!
Four soldiers out of five lay dead as another was running off, guard post forgotten. Jack was about to aim when he heard a distant PLIP! He looked through his scope and saw the fifth man lay squirming with his hands on his throat until he stopped. He received a radio transmission from Alicia.
"Four out of five, not bad. Seems that the Army aren't slackers! Still, next time put a silencer on the barrel." Jack said a quiet affirmative and looked at his pouch to reload and equip the silencer.
"Right, now we can move on. Continue and report your surroundings." Alicia said and started to drive ahead of Jack, but parked a few feet away, inside a grove of trees. Jack went ahead and looked to where Dennis was at, but he wasn't there.
'He must have gone ahead...I should go too.' Jack thought as he made his way and hid behind a tree.
"Now, there are some walking patrols in the area but Dennis will eliminate them. See that blockade?" Jack looked to see several soldiers and what looked like a miniature guard tower in the vicinity. The guard tower looked vicious with that machine gun atop, infantry and commandos will be mowed down...
"Now, it looks like there's a way to destroy the thing, so look for a drum of gasoline somewhere and watch the fireworks." Alicia stopped and watched her new commando do his work.
Jack easily spotted the can and saw that they were bunched together behind the tower's legs. Jack readied his sniper scope when Alicia stopped him.
"Wait! Take off the silencer, it needs heat to properly activate the explosion, so a silencer wouldn't have the heat needed as an open round would." Jack was silent as he took off silencer and took aim once again.
BAM! KA-BOOM!
Alicia was right! There was fireworks as the guard tower exploded in flames while the soldiers were vainly trying put out the fire that was on them only to fall dead from the fire while their bodies were charred. Jack just shook his head and continued on.
He arrived at a large clearing that was being occupied as a small encampment. He saw what looked to a mobile armored power generator along with a radar installation and some soldier's guarding a gated area bunker. Alicia drove up aside from Jack and spoke into the link, while Dennis was scaling a cliff over looking the encampment.
"Jack, the bunker is believed to hold our members but we can't do anything until those soldiers are taken care of! See if you can snipe as many you can while Dennis creates a distraction. Then when the time is right, sneak into the base and plant some C-4 into the mobile power generator and radar so they 'll be left blind." At this, the APC hatch opened to find three charges of C-4 explosives.
"Set the third one a few feet away from the bunker to leave a hole to make our prisoner's escape."
The signal was given as a sole guard tower exploded in a sea of flames as soldiers scrambled toward the disturbance as Jack was picking off the soldiers carrying bazookas and those with some rifles.
"Ok, Dennis should be fine taking out those that you missed, so get in there and set those explosives to detonate in four minutes for the power generator, and two minutes for the radar. Set the C-4 for the bunker to thirty seconds and lob it between the gate and the wall to make a path for our prisoners."
Exactly seven minutes later, all three objectives were completed as bunker and gate had a hole in each and the Radar and Generator were destroyed.
"Hah! We're free! Let's get out of here!" Gregory was still donned in his armor, but had no weapon. Same went for Walter as Alicia's APC came up next to them.
"Alicia! Thank goodness...we thought that they were going to get us all the way!" Walter said with a grateful tone as he and Gregory boarded the APC. Jack saw that Dennis was running away frantically from what looked like...a tank?!
"Alicia, let's get out of here! They came early!" Dennis was shouting as he dove for the open passenger side as Jack also got in and closed the hatch by hand. The sounds of the APC driving off and a BOOM! in the distance was heard as their mission was a success.
"Huh...looks like we'll have to change our plans. Let's head back to HQ and report our findings." Alicia said and started to explain Jack's presence in the vehicle.
"This is Jack, our new commando and the one that sprung you out of jail!" Alicia said as she drove on.
Walter smiled warmly while Gregory grinned largely at Jack.
"Well! Nice to meet you, Jack! I'm Walter, rifleman commander! And this is Gregory. When you need a tank problem fixed, call on him and his team!" Walter said while Gregory was trying, and failing to look nonchalant at his introduction.
"No need for applause, seeing that explosions will drown them out, heh!" Gregory said as Walter, Alicia and Dennis rolled their eyes...
Yep, Jack could get used to this lifestyle...
Well, how's this for a mission chapter! I think it went pretty well, so I'll see if I can find some who would agree!
Best wishes,
Terra Ace