"I'm disappointed in you, my Son."
ㅤ
The echoes resounded through the executive room, where the escorts were currently pinning the youngest heir of the Nishimura onto the floor.
ㅤ
"Despite your accomplishments in the navy, the Nishimura Family has no value in upholding our legacy. I never imagined that an ordinary accident would end my stubborn Son's service. You sullied our people's honor just like this."
ㅤ
Father turned his back away from his heir as if he considered him as a burglar burst into the Nishimura Manor.
ㅤ
"Fat...her... Ple...ase...I–"
The young man tried desperately to appeal as he could, expecting that his dad could pick up his words. They bound his head into the floor, which he can't see his father, and prevented him from speaking despite having broken vocal cords.
ㅤ
"Guards... Take this trespasser out of my modest home. I don't want his presence to tarnish the whole Nishimura Family."
ㅤ
As he pierced an icy gaze at his pinned Son
ㅤ
"Yes, Boss!"
ㅤ
They declared as if it was an arbitrary order, ignoring the reluctance to take out a direct Nishimura family member off their familial home. They carried him shoulder-to-shoulder and yanked him out away from his father's presence.
ㅤ
"No...Stop... Fat-"
ㅤ
He closes his mouth as he sees his dad once again, twisting his back away from him. A bright light flashed through his eyes as the guards removed him from the room, thus obscuring his view where he could simply see a white background. The movement of the guards echoed through his ears softly until it became extremely irritating.
ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
—USS Tripoli, Flagship of the 19th NATO Carrier Task Force—
ㅤ
The noises turned into sounds where someone was thumping on the metal door. It increases until he prematurely wakes up from his heavy sleep and smacks his head into the bunk bed frame. The sounds reverberated through his head as soon as he woke up from his constant dream.
ㅤ
'Ouch… That f*cking hurts… What a nightmare…'
ㅤ
His body was sweating all over his bed, not because of the room temperature but because of remembering his horrible experience after being disowned by his family. The thumping of the doors continued until he received a firm voice behind the door.
ㅤ
"Senior Chief Nishimura Youta, are you awake?"
ㅤ
The man thumps on the door, as Youta fixes himself after being struck upon the metal frame. He rose and reached for the door. He grasps for the door lever and gently turns it to open the door, revealing a young sailor fixed with a salute. The sailor saw his bad posture.
ㅤ
"Ah… It looks like I disturbed you during your slumber, and I apologized for waking you up at the wrong moment."
ㅤ
Youta realized that there was a red bump on his forehead and immediately covered it with bandages. The sailor didn't flinch and continued in a saluted pose until his senior chief officer relieved him. Youta grabs a small speech device to reply according to the sailor's salute, after all, his injured vocal cords couldn't let out a voice.
ㅤ
「Don't bother about it. It's just one of my nightmares.」
ㅤ
"Ah, I see… anyway, I'm here to escort you to the bridge. Admiral Rick would introduce you to your contact, Lt. Commander Kate Windsor of Division 612."
ㅤ
「Windsor!? You're mistaken for someone else. I'm here on aboard of this ship to see Kate, not a representative of the British Royal Family.」
ㅤ
The sailor's statement, notably the name Windsor that he was told of, baffled Youta. However, there was no trace of change in his intelligent behavior, as he went on with his remark.
ㅤ
"Hmm… Either way Senior Chief Nishimura, my orders were to guide you to the bridge and I assume you consider my aim"
ㅤ
「Alright... anyway, what's your name sailor」
ㅤ
"Robert… My name is Robert, Senior Chief Nishimura"
ㅤ
「Alright Robert. Stop with the formalities and call me Youta. I already resigned from the JMSDF so there's no need to address my previous rank」
ㅤ
"Err... Understood, Youta"
ㅤ
「Give me five minutes and I would be ready to leave.」
ㅤ
Youta closes the metal door, relieving a sigh from his face. He unloaded his baggage for his attire and thought to himself.
ㅤ
'Kate Windsor… Who the hell are you, Kate?'
ㅤ
After 10 minutes of course from the lower deck up to the bridge, Robert opened the door and paved a path for Youta to first get in the control bridge before him. They strolled past from other naval personnel operating in their respective station until they showed up to a man looking through his binoculars.
ㅤ
"Admiral Rick, I escorted Senior Chief Nishimura here," said Robert with a salute. Before Youta would be ready to do a brief welcome to the most senior officer on the bridge, Admiral Rick responded directly to Seaman Robert and met Youta.
ㅤ
"You're Senior Chief Officer Nishimura Youta, right?"
ㅤ
「Yes, Kaishō. Please excuse me for answering with this kind of voice.」
ㅤ
"Please, be at ease, Youta. I previously read your dossier before you entered this ship. It looks you experienced such a misfortune," answered the Admiral as he raised his cap as a gesture of respect. While his unexpected behavior disturbed the surrounding officers, Youta interrupted him.
ㅤ
「Kaishō Rick, I acknowledge you for showing your sympathy, although there's no need to be concerned about my experience. Sh*t happens all the time.」, said Youta with a good posture and a brief bow.
ㅤ
"Is that so… By all means, I would like to introduce myself. I'm Admiral Rick, Captain of the USS Tripoli. Please to be your acquaintance," as he extends his palms for a handshake.
ㅤ
「Nishimura Youta, former Defense Engineer for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency, Tokyo. There's no need to address my previous rank anymore, Kaishō.」
ㅤ
"It's a shame that the military honorably discharged a young prominent naval officer, despite his biggest improvement to his country's maritime resources. Nishimura. If you're not offended, again I wanted to inquire about your reason for revoking your military career?"
ㅤ
「Well… It's more or less from my family's belief. If I couldn't remain their expectations, then I have no excuse for me to stay as a member of the Nishimura family.」
ㅤ
"Is that so…" sighed Rick. He would not think that Youta would altogether leave his potential military career since he only failed to uphold the expectation of his family. From seeing his dossier alone, he considered it foolish and laughable, but he recognizes that Youta deeply cares about his honor and dignity as part of the Nishimura family.
ㅤ
'He held his oath and accepted his consequence, solely. A man of his actions' thought Rick.
ㅤ
"Anyhow, there would be a transport helicopter arriving–. Ah, just in a nick of time."
ㅤ
Youta spotted a chopper over the boundary from the bridge, as it traveled towards the USS Tripoli. The helicopter arrives and hovers over the flight deck, and suddenly it goes down into the deck until touchdown.
ㅤ
"Nishimura, you would embark on this helicopter to reach Division 612's primary base at Sao Miguel Island. Kate Windsor, your contact would guide you."
ㅤ
「Isn't she the soon-to-be Queen of the United Kingdom? If I'm not misled, I would meet Kate. Not a representative of a Royal Family. 」
ㅤ
"Hmm... I see. Either way, it's best to listen to herself," added Rick.
ㅤ
He escorts Youta out of the control bridge and into the flight deck area where an AW101 chopper was standing by. A female pilot calls Rick with a salute.
ㅤ
"Sargento-Ajudante Catia, reporting. Almirante Rick, I'm here to accompany Nishimura Youta to Sao Miguel Island. Capitão-tenente Kate Windsor was waiting at the chopper."
ㅤ
"Understand, Sargeant Catia. Nishimura. It looks like you would be with the Portuguese Air Force and with Lieutenant Commander Kate Windsor. Please express my respects to her as well. "
ㅤ
The Admiral left soon as Catia waited for Youta to embark on the transport helicopter. As Youta entered the chopper, Youta picked up a recognizable voice.
ㅤ
"It's been a while, Youta. My name is Kate, Kate Windsor."
ㅤ
Too much of his bewilderment, the girl that was speaking turns out to be his contact that he already faced during his interview in Japan. It was Kate, but Kate Windsor herself, the future queen of the United Kingdom.
ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
—Inside of an AW101 Portuguese Helicopter—
ㅤ
"Is there anything in my face, Nishimura?" inquired Kate to the dumbfounded Youta.
ㅤ
「Ah! No, there's nothing wrong with you…Your Majesty. 」answered Youta, who accidentally blurted out her honorifics. He was flustered and alarmed, while the abrupt change of his behavior amused Kate and snickered in front of him.
ㅤ
"Hehe… To realize you would simply address me now as a representative of the British Royal Family," continued Kate, which struck Youta's heart as he reminded her that his manner and behavior from the early conversation was sufficient for her to disrespect for prestige.
ㅤ
「Ah... No… I mean… Um… 」replied Youta, as he struggles to transcribe the right phrases to clear up his intention. Suddenly, he slipped his device in such a distressed state to which Kate simply reached the device and returned it back to Youta.
ㅤ
"Geez, Youta. Calm down, I'm not here to discipline you or present something since you thought that you somehow offended a prestigious family. And besides, I don't have that name anymore."
ㅤ
「What do you mean? They reported you you would be the next Queen of the United Kingdom after the previous Queen has died, 」
ㅤ
"Well, you see…"
ㅤ
Kate was a Marine Technician and Naval Armament Technician working under the BAE Maritime System for the Royal Navy. The military offered her the rank of Lieutenant Commander for her contribution and as a representative of the Duke family of Windsor. Despite being the third successor in a line of the throne, she remained throughout her military duty while neglecting her practice as a part of the royalty. After the unforeseen death of the Queen and the following accidental death of the first and second successor, she was finally the next Queen of the United Kingdom. However…
ㅤ
"… In the end, my family sought another good successor in the interim while preserving the revelation of my inauguration. They privately stripped my ranks and name, which I turned into a simple individual," responded Kate.
ㅤ
「Wait. Wait. Wait… How determined do they reach that kind of agreement? 」
ㅤ
"Well, Flying Officer Eckhard came and meddled in my case," added Kate.
ㅤ
'Eckhard… Who is he?' Youta thought. Kate knew his look and justified her previous statement.
ㅤ
"If you're asking who he is, again he is a member of Division 612," continued Kate.
ㅤ
「Ah. Is that so? 」said Youta as he silently mumbled and Kate smiled.
ㅤ
"Either way, you would meet the rest of Division 612 after we arrived in Sao Miguel Island."
ㅤ
Suddenly, a loud alarm resounded through the interior of the chopper, and it suddenly made a very tight turn going in the right direction.
ㅤ
『Sh*t! Launch countermeasures and break right!』spoke out from the intercom.
ㅤ
『Wilco, Sargento-ajudante. Launching flares.』
ㅤ
Youta could hear ejecting sounds as the helicopter performed an evasive maneuver against an unnamed threat. Bright flares were blowing out left and right as they descended through the air. Something zipped out through the open, quite close from striking with the helicopter, and detonated when in contact with one flare. The blast wave momentarily shakes the helicopter until it achieves stabilization.
ㅤ
『Check our radar, Segundo-sargento Antonio.』
ㅤ
『Affirmative. Scanning our sector.』
ㅤ
As both of the pilots sought to reevaluate their situation, Youta and Kate suddenly joined the compartment.
ㅤ
"What's going on around here, Caita," said Kate.
ㅤ
"We picked up a spike, Capitão-tenente. We're investigating the origin of its launch."
ㅤ
「Should this airspace be secured? As far as I was brief before, the isle is under military occupation.」
ㅤ
"Sounds like Project R.A.I.N.E.D was prematurely activated again" sighed Kate.
ㅤ
「Project R.A.I.N.E.D? Kate–.」
ㅤ
"CONTACT! We got two bogies, bearing 225 at Angels 3," added Antonio.
ㅤ
They tracked two unidentifiable bogeys from the radar scope, approaching at great speed. Four dots emerged from the radar scope, followed by another loud beeping noise from the interface. Four dots were traveling in the direction from where they were at.
ㅤ
"Fox-2s are closing in!" screams Antonio.
ㅤ
"Launch every flare we had! Break! Break!" shouted Catia.
ㅤ
In such a staggering position, the pilot remained steady and performed their maneuvers. They launched two volleys of flares in a zigzag pattern which they successfully prematurely detonated one of the four missiles and misguided one into the ocean. Knowing that they only have one last salvo of flares, they wager their life by letting the remaining two missiles gain distance between them.
ㅤ
As they came quite close in approach, they expelled all the remaining flares and dropped altitude. They successfully fended off all the four missiles but at the cost of overheating their engine from completing their previous maneuver, therefore losing precious airspeed. This ultimately led two undefined bogeys to be encircled around the helicopter. They resemble a UH Tiger from Germany possessing a dark-purple appearance all over its structure. Youta and both of the aviators were astounded that they were unmanned, except for Kate. They trained their GIAT 30mm cannon towards the AW101 chopper.
ㅤ
"Hook left!" said Catia.
ㅤ
"We can't. They already boxed in–" Antonio replied.
ㅤ
One of the UH Tiger was hailed with a heavy caliber machine gun from below and was utterly demolished. A fixed-wing aircraft flew past from the engagement and sighted its next target. The UH Tiger shifted its attention aside from the transport helicopter and trained its guns towards the descending Eurofighter Typhoon. They exchanged fire and opened several AAMs, but finally, the aircraft managed to outgun and outmaneuvered the UH Tiger. Later, a voice shouted out of the AW101's intercom.
ㅤ
『Hallo! Du hast mich nicht zur Party eingeladen, Kate! (Hey! You didn't invite me to the party, Kate!)』
ㅤ
"Immer noch so wild wie immer, Eckhart. (Still as wild as ever, Eckhart)" replied Kate.
ㅤ
『Wow, I didn't know you spoke German that often, Kate』said Eckhart.
ㅤ
"Unterschätze mich nicht, Eckhart. (Don't underestimate me, Eckhart.)" enraged Kate.
ㅤ
Youta, Catia, and Antonio were dumbfounded between their discussion, knowing that they recently recovered from a past engagement. Seeing that the conversation is leading nowhere, Youta decides to break their flow.
ㅤ
「Ahem! Can you continue somewhere else?」
ㅤ
『Woah! Who's that? It sounds like my grandma back home.』
ㅤ
"Eckhart… Read the atmosphere, will you?" angered Kate.
ㅤ
『Ah Scheiße, hier gehe ich wieder (Ah sh*t, here I go again.)』said Eckhart.
ㅤ
While they were able to survive the previous hostile confrontation with the aid of Oberleutnant Eckhart, it implies he did not evade the wrath of Lieutenant Commander Kate. Always a wild and carefree person among his associates, he would be invariably a weak guy in front of Kate with few scolds.
ㅤ
'Scary' thought Youta, as they and Eckhart continued their trip toward São Miguel Island.
ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
—São Miguel Island—
ㅤ
"Wilco, Baseplate. Proceeding to Landing Zone Sierra-1-4." Antonio complies with the radio.
ㅤ
『Roger, Redeye 1-1… Baseplate, Out.』
ㅤ
"You better tell them, Antonio," said Catia.
ㅤ
"I know, Sargento-ajudante. We've been assigned to Panzerpionierbataillon 803 under the 6th NATO Expeditionary Force at Rabo de Peixe for MEDEVAC operation. It suggests that the destruction done from what Capitão-tenente Kate mentioned, occurred all over the isle," sighed Antonio.
ㅤ
"At least the FOB in the airfield wasn't overrun," added Catia.
ㅤ
Antonio silently nodded with Catia and entered the compartment, briefing them about the situation.
ㅤ
"Anything new, Sergeant?" inquired Kate.
ㅤ
"Well, the Command redeployed Tenente Eckhart with 2nd Wing Bagotville from the Royal Canadian Air Force together with elements of 12th Wing from the Spanish Air Force. They would clear the sky for aerial threats."
ㅤ
"Is that so…"
ㅤ
"Command has instructed you to head towards the Porto Comercial de Ponta Delgada. The 2nd Anti-Submarine Ship Division of the Russian Northern Fleet; and HMS Vanguard & HMS Vengeance under the Royal Navy Silent Service just suffered heavy missile and artillery assault from the east. They are calling for all possible naval engineers to make rapid and emergency repair before they could navigate back to Toulon, France, for an adequate overhaul."
ㅤ
"Again, what about, Youta? Who would guide him to Division 612 base?"
ㅤ
"He would report first to Major-General Frandszk, who is the overall administrator of the 6th NATO Expeditionary Force before he could reach Capitão William. The general had enacted strict codes for people arriving and flying the island."
ㅤ
「Why is that the case?」asked Youta.
ㅤ
"I don't know the exact reason, they just advised me you would address him first, before being brought by Capitão William," shrugged Antonio.
ㅤ
「I see…」
ㅤ
『Attention, we'll be landing at the airfield within 5 minutes shortly. Antonio, I need you back at the cockpit,』relayed from the intercom.
ㅤ
"I will be leaving now, Capitão-tenente Kate and Sargento-chefe Youta."
ㅤ
Antonio gave a quick salute before entering back to the cabin again, as the helicopter entered the airfield.
ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
—Landing Zone S14 João Paulo II Airport—
ㅤ
They reached LZ S14, where Kate and Youta disembarked off the helicopter. Catia and Antonio made a post-flight analysis of all the systems after their previous engagement. Luckily, only the engine overheated after performing extreme evasive maneuvers. Antonio comes outside of the cockpit to open the rear door.
ㅤ
"It's a shame that we had to go separate paths from here," said Antonio.
ㅤ
"I see. It looks like they would require you someplace else," responded Kate.
ㅤ
"Hah… I suggest if time permits then we'll surely see you again."
ㅤ
「Good luck, Antonio. You will need it,」added Youta.
ㅤ
Youta bowed to Antonio as a gesture of recognition for performing his services as a pilot to which Antonio smiled and responded with a salute. Kate and Youta disembark from the helicopter and travel on foot. Military activity was at an all-time high with the scene developing around the island. They scrambled pilots for a direct departure from the runaway as the air superior on the island was wavering. Infantry supported with mechanized support were advancing out of the runway, and while a considerable size of battered platoons entered the installation, transporting injured soldiers back to makeshift triage and first-aid stations. They continued searching around for their companions until two officers greeted them.
ㅤ
"We have been awaiting your arrival, Captain 3rd Rank Kate."
ㅤ
"Well, we have been in a battle lately as we travel to our landing zone, Commadore Katina."
ㅤ
"Hmm… Oh, who's this fresh recruit."
ㅤ
"This is former Warrant Officer 2nd Class Youta. He would be the latest member of Division 612."
ㅤ
「 Hello, Kaishō-ho Katina. I'm Nishimura Youta,」Youta replied with a modest bow of reverence.
ㅤ
"Likewise, I'm Counter Admiral Katina. Liaison officer for the Russian Navy, and the appointed officer for the 2nd Anti-Submarine Ship Division of the Russian Northern Fleet."
ㅤ
Youta stared at another officer waiting for his introduction but appeared to be silent.
ㅤ
"Ah, I forgot. This is Major General David, overall commander for all air forces under 6th NATO Expeditionary Force and the adjutant of Lieutenant-general Frandszk."
ㅤ
"Please to see you, Youta. I would accompany you to Major general Frandszk," said David
ㅤ
"So there you have it. Kate will join me at the Porto Comercial de Ponta Delgada since my division just suffered a heavy assault from the east of the island," said Katina.
ㅤ
Kate and Katina went ahead to where the 2nd Anti-Submarine Ship Division docked at Ponta Delgada, while Youta and David left for the Forward Operating Base.
ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
—Zulu FOB—
ㅤ
David opened the canvas flap, revealing non-commissioned personnel working on transmissions, planning, and coordination with other deployed assets at the front line. They came in while reports flood the area from every communication channel regarding the same situation that Youta encounter during their transport to the island. Most of the reports outlined that the 2nd Tank Battalion of the United States Marine Corps secured the northwest portion of the island, but the 4th Infantry Brigade of the British Army encountered heavy resistance to the east section of the island. As Youta and David progressed through, they entered another section of the post. They meet Generał dywizji Frandszk and the other two officers sitting on an armchair.
ㅤ
"Major General Frandsk," acknowledged with a stiff salute.
ㅤ
"At ease, Generał brygady David. Have you brought the man?"
ㅤ
"Yes, General. This is former Senior Chief Petty Officer Youta, the latest member of Division 612."
ㅤ
"Hmm…" Frandszk took a glance at his physical appearance before continuing on.
ㅤ
"Hah, another troublemaker I must say," sighed Frandszk. He then turned his attention to both of the individuals, sitting at his table.
ㅤ
"I suppose you two should present yourself to him. I must return to my position and by the way Youta. Your clearance profile is already with them, so no need to be concerned about it." He spoke as he and Brigadier General David left the room.
ㅤ
"Nice to meet you, Youta. I'm Captain William Moore, the leading director of Division 612 and the head of Project R.A.I.N.E.D," expressed as he shook Youta's hands.
ㅤ
「 Likewise, Ittō rikui.」 Youta responds with an aura of respect as he grasps for William's hands
ㅤ
"William… Just call me William. No need to differentiate with formalities."
ㅤ
Youta nodded with William's reply and turned his gaze towards the woman beside him.
ㅤ
"What ya looking at, new guy?" she inquired.
ㅤ
"Be soft on him, Vlora." William informed her and continued, "Why not present yourself to him."
ㅤ
"Can't be helped, huh? Anyway, listen to me, new guy. I'm Sous-lieutenant Vlora Emerson and don't get in my work new guy, or else I'll punch ya. Sounds good?" Vlora proudly introduced herself, while William struggled to hold his laughter.
ㅤ
「 Um… I will be at your… care?」
ㅤ
"Hmm… Not bad for a fresh guy."
ㅤ
"Seriously? Haha… anyway, we require your expertise regarding Project R.A.I.N.E.D."
ㅤ
「I learned from Kate already, but I don't know the entire details behind the project.」
ㅤ
"We'll talk along the way. We really need to move." William and Vlora escorted Youta out of the FOB and reached their transport vehicle. They rode the jeep and set for east to the ridges, which a Research Laboratory was their target.
ㅤ
ㅤ
ㅤ
—Highway EN1-1A—
『Attention to all friendlies. The 2nd Battalion under the Yorkshire Regiment of the 4th Infantry Brigade encountered serious resistance at the town of Vila Franca do Campo and carried out a tactical retreat towards Lagoa. Exercise extreme caution along Highway EN1-1A, east of Lagoa. The 1st Battalion under the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment will advance along Highway ER3-1, east of the Ribeira Seca, aiding the 23rd Gebirgsjägerbrigade advance to highway EN5-2A, and fortifying Division 612's Research Laboratory.』
ㅤ
"Damn… It sounds like we're getting a boot."
ㅤ
"Well, most of our military vehicles were stored in the east. The air forces will experience a troublesome time in providing air support because of the heavy presence of SAM systems and SPAAG units. It's tough to fight against our allied techs."
ㅤ
Both of them were conferring to the frontline in the east as they drove along the route. Youta, dazed and curious about the project, then asked William regarding the project.
ㅤ
「Senpai, I wanted to know?」
ㅤ
"What about it?" William responded.
ㅤ
「What are we fighting at? Why are we engaging with our allied tech? And what is all about Project R.A.I.N.E.D? 」Youta keeps bombarding several queries, where it irritates Vlora.
ㅤ
"Hey, new guy. Shut your mouth. Your too noisy," said Vlora
ㅤ
「The name's Youta, not the new guy. I'm not asking you. I'm asking William here. 」
ㅤ
"Hah!? What did you say?" enraged Vlora.
ㅤ
"Now. Now. Now. Let's not kick the bush here, " said William as he was trying to soothe the situation and continued "We're battling against one of the Project R.A.I.N.E.D' disasters. We don't have a name for them, but it is what it is."
ㅤ
「What is Project R.A.I.N.E.D?」Youta asked and again William described the whole Project.
ㅤ
Project R.A.I.N.E.D (Remote Artificial Intelligence Network for Executive Directory) aims to produce military artificial intelligence for the United States Navy that commands all essential operations within the vessels as a mechanism to achieve total automation. Converting all crewed vessels to unmanned vessels with a network to a major computer can be accomplished by AI, which the Navy proposes to cut the amount of unnecessary crew to operate. The US Army, Airforce, and the Marine Corps caught wind of their project and collaborated with the US Navy. They accomplished the entire project in time for the NATO Military Exercise. It kindled the interest of most nations but received a critical assessment from most experts regarding its vulnerability against cyber-attacks. Nevertheless, most nations opt to revolutionize all of their vehicles and vessels using this project. The US Military neglected the expert's analysis about the vulnerabilities of the system for half a decade, but it was cracked open by an unknown source in Russia. They allegedly claimed that a terrorist group has seized control of all vehicles and vessels around the globe for a day. The Russian FSB has barely managed to catch the group responsible for this supposed takeover and managed to regain control. Most nations demand a full disclosure regarding the event and the US Military receives sharp criticism regarding their ignorance in its security of the system from external sources. This drives the Pentagon to completely hand over the project to Division 612 for testing and reevaluation, together with the supervision by NATO forces.
ㅤ
"… After running a series of intentional breaches on the system using all available hacking programs, the system remained unchanged until we ran your software."
ㅤ
「My software?」
ㅤ
"Yes, it suggests that one of your programs had a serious effect on the whole system, which the AI itself became self-aware after its execution."
ㅤ
「It… can't… be…」
ㅤ
"That's true, We even managed to track the origins of your program. It was found within your agency."
ㅤ
「No, that's absurd. It was still in the prototype stage and it's unstable. I explained to my agency that it's extremely dangerous because it would reprogram anything that infects a system. We confirmed it reprogrammed every system that it infected, thus losing almost all control of the now then infected system. But, I would say again that I didn't ever recall handing it to my agency. I even erase all data and critical loads without any authorization to prevent further damages on another system before I was removed from the agency.」
ㅤ
William realized the true gravity of the situation, they were being set up. Youta's incident wasn't a mere accident but rather a calculated one and his software were completely under the control of his agency by the time his accident happened. It could also be said for Sabina's execution that she was the victim under the FSB crackdown on possible leads they could search all over in Russia. Coincidentally the US Military handed over their project to Division 612, the day of his accident. They had the chance to run the program as soon as Youta was coming to join Division 612 but he was too late.
ㅤ
'They got us trapped.' William thought as he noticed that all military vehicles, procured from this project, were stationed by NATO Forces under the notion to test their resilience from the influence of the AI. Chaos will ensue if the AI continues to seize all control of vehicles stationed on the island.
ㅤ
"My God… F*ck, we need to–."
ㅤ
Vlora stepped on a full break as they came upon a blockade by the 2nd Battalion under the Yorkshire Regiment of the 4th Infantry Brigade.
ㅤ
"Capitaine, we had an issue."
ㅤ
"I know, Vlora. Let them come here."
ㅤ
"Right."
ㅤ
A sergeant walks towards the car and stands as soon as he arrives at the driver's window. Vlora slides the window down and chats with the trooper.
ㅤ
"Sorry, mate. You need to drive through an alternate course. Lieutenant-colonel Oliver told us to ward off anyone entering the municipality." said Sergeant
ㅤ
"I know that, Sergent. But we had clearance from Major-général Frandszk to let us pass."
ㅤ
"With all due respect Second Lieutenant Vlora, hostile groups were concentrating into the municipality as we speak. We can't let any essential personnel enter the war zone with no approval made by our commander."
ㅤ
"Sergent Jack, you have a radio transmission with the Platoon Commander. He's calling for you." A Corporal shouted.
ㅤ
The sergeant leaves a salute before coming back to his post.
ㅤ
"Sh*t, what do we do now, William?"
ㅤ
"Let's try to circumvent the blockade. We have little time," suggested William.
ㅤ
As Vlora prepares to perform a turn, they hear a whistling noise from the air and it slams at the blockade followed by many shells, inflicting wounds to the guys assigned over the blockade. An artillery strike marked the area.
ㅤ
"Vlora, step on the gas! Breakthrough their blockade."
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"You got it," said Vlora with a grin. She pressed on the gas pedal and smashed through the destroyed blockage during the onslaught. They entered the outskirts of Lagoa and couldn't understand what they were looking at. Enemy Hostile already established the municipality under siege, as the 2nd Battalion under the Yorkshire Regiment desperately repels wave after wave of unknown forces. Street to street warfare was harsh as hostile tanks were filling the district as many elements of the battalion were surrounded by sheer volumes of enemy vehicles. The airspace has fallen as dark-purple hostile Agusta A129 "Mangusta" unleashes mayhem on the ground. William, Vlora, and Youta had no choice but to advance through the municipality since it's the only workable passage to their laboratory.
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"Don't let them box us. Keep moving through every avenue," repeated William.
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"Right. Damn, these things are everywhere."
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"Just concentrate, Vlora. We're almost out of here."
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「Look out!」
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As they subsequently made a corner for an exit, a dark-purple German Leopard 2A7+ Main Battle Tank sighted its L/55 Smoothbore cannon at the speeding vehicle. Its shell landed just below the vehicle which flipped and plunged along the lane.
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"Coughs (3x). Vlora, are you alright?"
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"F*ck, that freaking hurts. I'm fine."
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"Ah, sh*t, Youta. Are you alright," asked William as he turned around. Too much of his horror. Youta had suffered a serious wound on the right side of his abdomen by a stray metal.
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"I'm… Fi… ne…" Youta mustered to raise his tone.
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"F*ck. We're gotta take you out of here, son. Stay with me," insisted William.
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William and Vlora suffered slight injuries during the blast and wiggled their way out of the overturned car. He helped Vlora out of the driver's seat before working to pry free the passenger door. The tank slowly came to a halt and discharged another round.
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"GET DOWN!" William shouted as the round flew past the wreck and landed at the café behind them. It slowly treads toward the wreck as William and Vlora struggle to get the door open.
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"Hurry, Vlora. It's moving here," cried William.
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"SHUT UP, WILLIAM. Just keep trying and stop whining."
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They struggled until it's too late. The tank stands a mere block between them, lowering its cannon, and directed to where William and Vlora at. Yet luck prevailed once again, as a Portuguese AW101 helicopter circled above the spot. A figure opened the side door, holding an RPG-29, and expelled a projectile towards the tank. A gush of flame violently burst out of the hatch, blazing its interiors, and therefore setting the tank out of action.
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"Ах, Уильям. Ты не умрешь от них, кроме меня (Ah, William. You will not die from them, except me)." She shouted out from a megaphone. William instantly realized her statement, forgetting him not figuring out what she's speaking.
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"Hahaha! It's great to see you here again, Sabina." William yells as he waved his hand to let them perceive their location.
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"Ugh. I can't believe we have been saved by her."
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"You got trouble with me? You b*tch," shrieked Sabina.
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"Not really… Only your preoccupation with the Captain." replied Vlora.
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"Плоская грудь (Flat chest)." Sabina snickered at Vlora.
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"HUH!? You're dead meat, I say!" exclaimed Vlora.
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"Second lieutenant Vlora, and Chief Sabina." William responded with an annoyed expression and proceeded, "I don't care about your brief argument, but I suppose you're highly naïve about the situation."
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Quickly, they knew their mistakes and immediately let go of their quick fight.
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"Sabina, inform the pilot to head over the mountains as soon as we enter on the helicopter. Likewise, lower us a rope to hoist us out of here."
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"Roger, that." Sabina listens to William's direction.
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"Vlora, help me drag Youta out of the car. We have little time."
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"Alright."
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'Sigh, they never fail to my astonishment.' William thought.
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—37° 46' 10.8192'' N, 25° 28' 57.6192'' W—
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『Baseplate, this Yankee-2. The Rätsel has everything from the east of Lagoa. My sector's gonna fall within the hour! We're down to 80 men, and 15 tanks. Requesting immediate air support! Send everything you got.』
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『Yankee-2, this Baseplate. All air assets are currently engaging, we don't have any available support at this moment. Do what you can in delaying their advances, Out.』
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『Baseplate, this Yankee-2. They're rolling six columns of FV 510 Warrior and Leopard 7A+. We can't hold this sector much longer.』
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『I say again, do what you can in delaying their advances. Friendlies at 5 klicks from northwest of your positions are in danger of being cut off from the advancing Rätsel to the south. Tiger Bravo-2 will be arriving to support that sector. Baseplate, Out.』
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『…』
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『All Delta Lima-1 Elements, this Baseplate. What is your status? Over.』
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『…』
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『I say again. To all Delta Lima-1 Elements. What is your status? Over』
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『…』
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『Rätsel… We're cut off… God save the Queen.』
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『…』
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『Baseplate, this is Tiger Bravo-2 Actual. Standby for Report. Over.』
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『Tiger Bravo-2, this is Baseplate. Send your traffic. Out.』
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『Roger, Rätsel have passed Line Alpha and currently engaging our rear forces. Requesting permission to split our forces over Line Foxtrot and Line Charlie.』
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『Negative, Tiger Bravo-2. Divert your forces over Covoada and Faja de Cima and defend that sector. Delta Lima-1 has been overrun and Yankee-2 is at risk of being encircled by Rätsel forces.』
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『Wilco, Diverting forces over Covoada and Faja de Cima. Out.』
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"Jesus Christ. Rätsel forces are all over the place," said Antonio.
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Antonio continues to tune at every frequency on his radio for any reports concerning the comprehensive status of every unit on the island. Williams entered the cockpit as shortly he picked up 'Rätsel' during the communication.
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"Rätsel forces? What do you mean, Staff Sergeant Antonio," asked William.
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"It's the unofficial callsign for belligerent forces that we experienced over at Lagoa. Engineers from Panzerpionierbataillon 803 made that call sign during its confrontation. Sargento-ajudante Catia died during the battle," replied Antonio while gripping hard on the stick.
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"My apologies for losing your partner," added William as he drew off his military visor cap. Vlora entered the cockpit to note Youta's condition.
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"This is bad, William," said Vlora.
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"What is his health condition?"
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"He's already losing too much blood, and he must be taken back to Ponta Delgada for an emergency operation."
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"Shit!" William beat the door and continued, "We must conclude this on ourselves. He should be the key for this matter, but we have no option."
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After a few minutes of thought, he suddenly asks Sabina.
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"Sabina."
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"Yes, William?"
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"Do you have any remaining C-4s left? Enough to blow through about one meter of stainless steel."
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"Why? What's your proposal?"
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William revealed his idea, and it was crazy to implement.
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"You've gone mad, William." Vlora, realizing his proposal, can't help but grasp his attire and knock him at the door.
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"Argh."
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"Put him down, Vlora. Let him finish what's saying," said Sabina.
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"WHY NOT!? Overloading the small nuclear reactor of Project R.A.I.N.E.D would lead to a nuclear meltdown. We won't make it alive out of here," said Vlora.
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"Vlora… Let him down first."
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"Ugh… Alright."
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Vlora calms down and tenderly puts William down, allowing him to recover himself before proceeding with his suggestion.
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"Goddamn it. We can't stop Project R.A.I.N.E.D. within the control panel since Youta is still unconscious, therefore losing our only way to disable the AI. Our only choice is to seal down the system altogether for our good, however, we don't have complete access authority. Seeing the current status of the AI, Detonating the coolant system would definitely destroy the facility."
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As they continue to argue against one another, a radio transmission interrupts their conversation.
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『This is Brigadier general David. Major general Frandzsk and Rear admiral Katina is K.I.A. I say again, both the General and Admiral are K.I.A. and will execute Protocol Broken Arrow. Rätsel has completely seized the 19th NATO Carrier Task Force about 30 klicks East from the airport and is now en route towards Ponta Delgada. All combat effective units within the island must rendezvous at the airport and will establish a defensive position until we could evacuate all essential personnel of the island. All available air assets will engage the approaching Rätsel fleet, while ground assets have to suppress Rätsel forces in time for all personnel to be safely evacuated off the island. David, Out.』
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As the helicopter reaches the laboratory, William and Sabine readied themselves to set charges on the nuclear reactor's coolant system. Vlora cleared the side door and secured the rappel cables to the fastening for them to go down into the ground. She later calls for William.
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"William. We could just delay for you as soon as you completed setting the charges"
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"No can do, Vlora. Either way, Youta is in dire need of medical attention and that can't be postponed. You had to fly back to the airport. We'll end this ourselves."
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"But!" Sabina quickly intervenes with Vlora and continued: "Quod autem praecepit ut revertatur. The Division 612's motto. If they can't turn it into a miracle, then it's our command as the group to turn into one."
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『20 SECONDS TO DROP!』said Antonio.
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"Good luck… And stay alive," added Vlora.
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"Don't fret. We'll come back."
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『Drop Zone, CLEAR! Began your descend.』
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William and Sabina grasp for the cables and make their rappel down into the ground. They hit the ground and signaled Antonio for their immediate dust-off. The helicopter took off elsewhere, and the sound fades as it heads towards Ponta Delgada. William and Sabina make their way through the dense forest until they reach upon the havoc of the 23rd Gebirgsjägerbrigade at the main entrance of the facility. They entered the building and set up their objectives.
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—Division 612's Research Laboratory—
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As they walked their way through the hallway, William then asked Sabina.
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"Sabina, I wanted to apologize for forcing you to join this trip."
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"Ah, don't worry about it. I already made my choice."
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"No. I sincerely apologized to you. It was foolish of me to accept this Project under our care, and now after all this. I forced you to help fix my mistakes, and–." Before William continued his apology, Sabina walked in front of him and placed both of her hands at his cheeks.
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"What are you doing?"
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"Without you on that day, I would surely die alone. But you hear my help, and no words will express what you have done. I vowed I will help you, no matter what happens as long as we fight and die together."
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She then lowered her hands down and left a sense of relief to William concerning his action.
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"Thank you…"
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"No worries, my little Котенок."
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They continue to head towards the main laboratory where Project R.A.I.N.E.D. was until they heard a voice announcer through the PA system.
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『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 68%』
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"Let's hurry."
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"да."
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They stormed the room and there laid the Project R.A.I.N.E.D. A Pink Dodecahedron Core, attached to multiple heavy-duty cables, was enclosed in a transparent tube-like container. These massive wires are directly linked to one of the server rooms and one wide mainframe panel in the middle. The core shines brightly and continues to rotate from its pivot point.
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『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 72%』
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"Head over to the reactor room and plant those charges. Tell me when you're done. I will try to access the mainframe."
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"Alright."
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Sabina headed over to the reactor room and set the C-4 over the coolant system, after which she returned to the primary room.
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『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 79%』
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"William, I'm done. What about your side?"
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"Looks like I was right before. The mainframe is completely busted."
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"Here's the detonator," said Sabina as she threw at William.
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"Alright. Get ready to run…"
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William flicked the cap off and hit the button. The shock waves reverberate through the building with dust thrown up in the air, blinding William and Sabina. Objects were falling left and right until Sabina let off a loud shriek.
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『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 86%』
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"Sabina, are you alright?"
ㅤ
As the dust completely settles, he sees Sabina pinned to the floor by heavy debris.
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"Ah… F*ck… I can't move, William."
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『ALERT: The cooling system has been destroyed. Meltdown is imminent. Time Left: 50 sec.』
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『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 92%』
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"Hold on, Sabina. I'm going to get you out of here."
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『ALERT: The cooling system has been destroyed. Meltdown is imminent. Time Left: 40 sec.』
ㅤ
『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 94%』
ㅤ
William desperately hoisted off the wreckage from Sabina.
ㅤ
"NO! GET OUT OF HERE, WHILE YOU STILL CAN."
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"I'M NOT LOSING ANOTHER ONE OF YOU. I WILL GET OUT OF HERE"
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『ALERT: The cooling system has been destroyed. Meltdown is imminent. Time Left: 20 sec.』
ㅤ
『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 96%』
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William raised her off the floor and stretched out her shoulder into his, as he brought her out of the room
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『ALERT: The cooling system has been destroyed. Meltdown is imminent. Time Left: 10 sec.』
ㅤ
『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 98%』
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He made their way for the exit, as the core behind him illuminated the room to near blindness.
ㅤ
『ALERT: The cooling system has been destroyed. Meltdown is imminent. Time Left: 0 sec.』
ㅤ
『Warning: Í„5π∂˝¬˙∂˝¬¨¸¥ı´å„1¬∫˜˜π∫24©◊óô˙∂µ◊ß. Progress at 100%』
ㅤ
『Progress complete. System modifications applied. Coordinates Set. Starting shifting.』
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『END OF COMMAND… Press any key to continue…』
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