"And… we're offline now."

Hearing Ford's confirmation Edd sighed behind the mask. While command over the Green Rebellion had been relatively easy to get the hang of, getting into the character of a powerful and mysterious man like the Green Leader had been nerve wracking. It took all of Edd's composure to keep himself from shaking or stumbling over his words.

Actually, half way through Edd started to get caught up in his own speech. He really believed his words when he said there was still hope of impeding the Red Army from taking over the rest of the planet and end the war once and for all.

A small round of applause rippled throughout the cabin.

The few remaining rebels who stayed behind had all witnessed Edd's first broadcast as the face of the rebellion, revealing their organization to the entire world.

The others had gone with Eduardo to ambush the various Red Army hotspots located throughout England and the rest of the UK, and hopefully, expel them from their lands for good.

Since the very start of the war, when the UK government refused to send troops to fight toe to toe with the Red Army, the nations dominated by the Reds have been using the shores and the seas around the UK to transport soldiers and weapons between their bases.

England had become a popular pit stop for the Red Army.

The soldiers would stroll in as if they owned the place already, even though the land was neutral grounds, and spread Red Army propaganda. They did not even try to hide their true colors as they marched into the center of London and picked on British civilians, goading them to join them. It had been a humiliating ordeal for the citizens of Britain.

"Any word from our patrols?" Edd asked.

Ford checked his complex system of operations on his dingy laptop. "Our patrols in Ireland and Scotland have successfully driven out most if not all Red Army personnel from the provinces." He announced. "They are regrouping with the main group in England as we speak. No news from Eduardo so far, however."

A flash of concern pulsed within Edd. He hoped everything was alright with his companion wherever he is now. Knowing him and his strong devotion to taking down the Red Army, Edd has no doubt the burly brunet was having the time of his life chasing the soldiers out of their country with their tails between their legs.

And yet a small part of him was still worried for his wellbeing.

"Well done with the broadcast." Mark clapped him heartily on the back. His blue eyes were shining. "I think we got our message through the Reds after all."

Edd dipped his head.

"He is going to return fine. You'll see." Mark said with a knowing glint in his eyes. "He's accompanied by the best men and women Hilarson could provide us. To top it off, Eduardo is the strongest out of all of them combined. He can handle himself."

Edd won't rest easy until he sees the patrols return to camp with his own eyes.

With a soft chirp and a meow, Ringo climbed out from within the inner pocket of his black coat to perch herself over his shoulders. Edd ran his hands through her soft fur absentmindedly, trying to keep himself composed.

"Have you eaten anything today?" Mark prompted.

How can I think about eating when it feels as though maggots are gnawing at my stomach at every turn? Edd pondered but dared not say so out loud and simply shook his head.

His mind has been infested with concern ever since Eduardo planned their uprising and the raid on all of the Red Army establishments in the area.

"Don't you hate being left behind?" Edd asked restlessly, peering out the window for any sign of the patrols' return.

It was useless, of course. The sentries posted on the watchtowers would be the first ones to spot their arrival and alert him straight away.

Mark lifted his chin. "I am anxious about their success, of course. But I know I wouldn't have been of much use in this fight."

"I've seen you fight." Edd commented. "You even managed to squeeze in a compliment from Hilarson."

"True. I can handle myself just fine in battle." Mark conceded steadily. "But I figured you would've liked some emotional support in your first grand performance as the Green Leader."

Edd bowed his head, his obscured gaze fixed on the floor.

"We will find Matt." Mark touched his shoulder gently. "He couldn't have gotten far."

Edd couldn't answer. He glanced out the window again, trying to think positive thoughts and failing miserably.

His best and only remaining friend from his childhood has gone missing a couple of days ago. Matt had been acting kind of odd as of late; disappearing and then reappearing later as though nothing happened – coming and going as he pleased. Although Edd had noticed his strange behavior he hadn't thought anything of it. Just Matt being his silly goofy self. Probably wandering around the perimeters of the camp imagining he was out looking for real Red Army soldiers.

But when Matt failed to show up anymore, Edd went ballistic.

He searched the whole camp from top to bottom, and sent out search parties to keep on the lookout for Matt's whereabouts.

But they found no trace of him.

Ford suggested the theory that Matt had been captured by Red Army soldiers and was being kept hostage and that their whole operation had been exposed, though he had no proof of that.

That's why Eduardo and Edd had come up with this idea so soon.

They were going to reveal themselves, chase out the Red Army from their country, and search for Matt in the process.

A loud shrill of a whistle ripped through the air and Edd snapped his head up at once. Heart racing he hurried outside with Mark at his heels. A wave of relief swamped over Edd as he caught sight of Eduardo leading the patrol into camp; head raised high and a gleam of triumph in his glowing eyes. He appeared unharmed.

"Did you find him?" Edd called, unable to keep the desperation out of his voice.

"You should've seen the way the Red Soldiers ran from us!" Laurel crowed, brandishing a gun in each hand and a green sash around her head. "They never saw us coming. They didn't even stand a chance against all of us combined."

Taking a second closer look at the patrol, Edd was relieved to find there had been no major casualties.

"Where is he? Where is Matt?" Edd pressed, anxious for answers.

The thrill of battle and the light of triumph faded from Eduardo's eyes and he turned to Edd with a shake of his head. "We looked in every base but no luck. We couldn't find doofus anywhere."

Edd's blood ran cold and for once he was glad the mask hid his face from view, otherwise the rebels would've seen the look of pure dread that wasn't befitting a leader of his status. Granted he is actually the second in command and Eduardo is the real Green Leader here, but most people didn't know that.

"The Red Army must've taken him somewhere else." Eduardo growled. "I promise you I will do everything that I can to find him and bring him home. If those Red Army scum so much as lay a finger on him I will annihilate them all."

The thought of Matt in the custody of the Red Army made Edd feel sick to his stomach. What were they doing to him? Please please please let Matt be alive still. I can't- I can't go through with this again. His heart felt like a hollow box, ringing with sorrow at every beat.

Tord is still alive leading the Red Army. Tom is dead. And now Matt… Edd should've kept a better eye on him.

If anything bad happens to Matt under his watch he will never forgive himself.

A ruckus in the back of the patrol jolted Edd out of his grieving thoughts and he snapped to attention. Standing by Eduardo's side, trying not to dwell too much on their close proximity, Edd observed Hilarson shove his way to the front of the crowd waving his guns around victoriously.

"We did it, lads!" The Sergeant declared. "We raided the British government and they have agreed to step down. The Green Rebellion is now officially in charge of the whole UK!"

"Well done, Sergeant." Eduardo dipped his head, pleased.

"You didn't hurt anyone, did you?" Edd asked, his voice still heavily modified by the gas mask and making him sound a lot more threatening than he'd intended.

Hilarson didn't seem fazed, however. "Nah. They didn't dare argue with us when we showed up to the palace with guns blazing." He responded smugly. "My men and I can be very persuasive as you can tell. Can't say the same for the few Red dogs we spotted hanging around the area."

The Sergeant glanced back and nodded at the handful of Red Army soldiers they brought back as prisoners. They huddled together in the center of the crowd, eyeing the rebels with a mixture of fear and outrage.

A small surge of pity swept through Edd at their plight, though he quickly shook it away before Eduardo could notice it. Hopefully they will extract some useful information out of these prisoners. They might even know where Matt is!

"Escort the prisoners to the prison. I will pay them a visit later." Edd turned away. "Any word from the other nations?"

"Not yet, sir." Ford adjusted his glasses. "Responses are still pending. I'm sure once word gets out that the Red Army has been successfully expelled from the UK and surrounding areas the other nations will feel more at ease pledging their allegiance to us."

Eduardo sniffed contemptuously but did not say anything. Clearly he'd been expecting immediate support from the other nations after their broadcast.

"Green Rebellion, to me!" Edd commanded as he parted his way through the rest of the crowd to climb the steps of the main lodge. Eduardo followed him, taking his position a few steps below him as they faced their forces together.

The rebels gathered around, most of them still jubilant by their victory and were staring up at their leader with shining eyes that dawned respect and admiration. Edd's gaze raked across the entire camp.

Mark and Ford stood side by side at the front of the crowd. They both blushed and turned away from one another as their gazes met. Hilarson pushed his way to the front of the crowd, determined to get the best spot and play a part in whatever was about to happen. Laurel, Kim, and Katya were grouped together in the back row and quieted down as they waited for Edd to speak.

"Today's operation has been a tremendous success." Edd began his speech as he addressed the whole of the rebellion. "I am proud of each and every one of you."

A round of applause and cheerful yowls greeted his words. Edd glanced at Eduardo through the corner of his mask and he could see his former rival basking in the glory of leading the revolution.

Edd signaled for silence and carried on. "But this war is far from over." He lifted his head and swept his gaze across the crowd that surrounded them. "Red Leader won't take kindly to having been made a fool of. He's the real threat to our cause." He announced. "We have already begun to prepare for a counter attack from the Red Army. We'll carry on with those preparations, and send out patrols to the capital more frequently. We now have access to the military." He nodded at Hilarson. "It's only a matter of time before the remaining nations side with us. For now, however, we stand alone against Red Leader."

A murmur of defiance rippled through the rebels, and Edd felt both exhilarated and anxious.

"Keep your eyes peeled and look alive, people!" Eduardo said. "There is no telling what the Reds will do next. For now, we got them off guard and running. There is much to be done if we are to vanquish those bastards once and for all."

"Well said." Edd nodded at Eduardo in acknowledgement of his words. "Get to work. I'd like to have a word with my second in command now. This meeting is over."

As the rebels dispersed, Eduardo beckoned Edd closer and strode inside the main lodge.

Edd followed him inside and gently shut the door behind them.

"You can take your mask off now." Eduardo told him. "It's just us here."

Complying with his request, Edd reached up and ripped away the mask from his face. Fresh air greeted him and cooled the skin of his face. Still lounging on his shoulders, Ringo jumped off to land on the table; approaching Eduardo across from him with her tail lifted in a friendly greeting.

"I know you're upset about doofus, I am too, but you have to stay focused. Now more than ever." Eduardo warned, idly petting the feline with one hand. His gaze never left Edd.

"But… Eduardo…" Edd shook his head helplessly. "If Matt is truly within Red Army custody then what are the chances they don't already know everything about us? What if they interrogated him and he spilled the beans?"

"Unlikely. We kept Matt in the dark for a reason, remember?"

"But what if-"

"Listen, Edd, if Matt had been tortured and interrogated don't you think the Reds would've swarmed us long before today's attack came into play?" Eduardo pointed out, grabbing Edd by the shoulders. Edd wouldn't meet his gaze. "I don't know any more than you do at this point. Ford has hacked into their prisoners of war files and couldn't find any trace of Matt."

Tears brimmed in Edd's eyes. "What if he's already dead then?"

"We don't know that for sure! Compartmentalize that sh#t." Eduardo forced Edd to look into his eyes. His hands lowered unconsciously to grab at Edd's hands and give them a firm, gentle squeeze. His expression softened. "Hey. Look at me. Until we have definitive proof, don't let your mind lead you to a bad place. Stay focused on right now. Stay focused on me."

Edd nodded numbly.

"We have a job to do now. The rebellion depends on us to pull this off. Are you still with me?"

Taking a deep breath, Edd forced himself to meet his gaze and calm down. Granted that wasn't hard to do in Eduardo's presence. They may have gotten into each other's throats plenty of times in the past, but ever since they collaborated to rule the rebellion together they grew ever so closer.

Mark often joked they were practically tied together by the waist; they were so inseparable these days. They did everything together, and spent every moment of the day side by side.

Recently though Edd started appreciating Eduardo's companionship more and more. Even before Matt went missing. He didn't understand it, but something about his confidence in everything he does is so reassuring to Edd. And it wasn't in an annoying, stuck up kind of way, either. Since the start of the war Eduardo has had his head firmly between his shoulders. He is confident and maybe arrogant when it comes to the rebellion, but he sure knows how to lead.

Edd steadily stared back at him and nodded solemnly. His heart felt as though it would burst out from his chest by how close they were. Didn't help that Eduardo was still holding on to his hands with his own big, calloused ones.

A heartbeat later Eduardo seems to have realized what he was doing and promptly pulled away, clearing his throat with an uncomfortable cough.

"How… how are your powers coming along?" He asked after an awkward moment of silence. "You have been drinking the nuclear concoction I made us, right?"

"Of course I have." Edd said a little too quickly. "Just… I have been so worried about the raid and the transmission I didn't think I could stomach it down this morning. But I will drink it." He paused, his eyes anxious. "You haven't used your powers yet, have you? In the raid, I mean."

Eduardo narrowed his eyes. "No, of course not. It would be foolish to give away our secret weapon this early on."

"You're not hurt, are you?" Edd stepped closer, eyeing him from head to toe; looking for any alarming injuries.

"They couldn't lay a finger on me." Eduardo bragged. "Powers or no powers, no Red Army scum is going to get the best of us."

He turned away and headed into a separate room, hidden just behind a worn out curtain. Edd did not bother following him. Eduardo promptly returned with two steaming mugs and handed one to Edd.

Staring down into the viscous, bubbling green concoction, Edd couldn't help but wrinkle his nose and shudder with disgust.

"Cheers." Eduardo raised his mug and clinked it with Edd's. "Long live the rebellion!"

"Long live the rebellion."

The two of them threw back their heads and downed the entire contents of their mugs in one go before slamming the cups on the table once they were finished. A pulse of green energy fizzed through their beings as they panted.

"I'll never get used to this." Edd mumbled, trying to get rid of the awful taste in his mouth. His veins ignited briefly with a green glow before fading away again.

Eduardo chuckled. "It gets more tolerable the more you do it."

"So now what, leader?" Edd prompted.

"I want you to get some rest. That's an order." Eduardo told him, placing a gentle and yet firm hand on his shoulder. "I will look after the rebellion for now. I need you in your best shape for what comes next."

(Meanwhile…)

Tom, Paul, Patrick, and Matt had witnessed the Red Army broadcast get hijacked from the comfort of the Commander's quarters, as every device in the world transmitted what was supposed to be Red Leader's daily report was suddenly turned into an open declaration of war.

Paul and Pat hurried away the instant it happened, shooting apologetic glances their way as they left, once they realized something was seriously wrong; leaving Tom alone with Matt to watch the rest of the broadcast by themselves.

When the transmission came to a close, Tom could hardly believe this actually happened.

Someone out there actually had the balls to stand up to Commie and his regime! This war won't be won by a landslide after all.

On the other hand, this means the war will be dragged out for much longer and more casualties will result from this. Lord knows Tord won't let this humiliating incident slide. He is vengeful and possessive. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, and if his goal is the world… God help the brave souls who actually dared to defy him so blatantly. But Tom has to give credit where credit is due. Even if the odds aren't great.

Tom heard Matt murmur, "Oh no!" under his breath next to him on the couch. He turned to look curiously at his friend.

Matt's mismatched eyes were wide as he stared blankly at the screen. "I remember now!" He murmured.

"What are you talking about?" Tom whispered.

"I joined the Red Army because of them. Edd and Edu are both looking for Todd, and I figured I could help them find him by infiltrating the Red Army." Matt confessed.

Tom's digital eyes rounded. "What are you saying?"

Matt tugged desperately at his sleeve, his voice low. "It's them, Tom!" He insisted. "They are the Green Rebellion. Edd, Edu, Mark, and all of our other friends and more!"

His words caused a shiver of dread to ripple down Tom's spine and settle uncomfortably in the pit of his stomach. "Go on."

"Eduardo is the Green Leader. He…" Matt hesitated. His eyes clouded with despair. "He wants revenge on Todd for killing Jon and destroying our homes. He wants to kill him. But Edd, he is the second in command by the way, he wants the opposite. He is looking for Todd behind Edu's back."

"Why?"

"I don't know. To make amends, I guess?" Matt shook his head helplessly. He pressed his hands together anxiously. "They wouldn't let me do anything important in the rebellion. They thought I was useless! So I figured infiltrating the Red Army as a spy without telling them would be a good way to show them how wrong they were to doubt me." He paused, hands suddenly flying to his face. "Oh my God, they must be worried sick wondering where I am! I haven't reported back in days. How will I explain my new face to them?"

Tom didn't hear the rest of his ramblings. A new surge of excitement buzzed throughout his entire being at the possibilities this entailed, and his mind started to race as the beginnings of a plan formed in his brain.

If I can convince Tord and Edd to meet and talk there is still hope for peace.

"Follow me."

"Uh?" Matt looked up at him, confused.

"We have to get going – c'mon!" Tom grabbed his hand and dragged him off the couch and onto his feet.

Rushing through the Red Army hallways, Tom led Matt all the way to the Hangar where his Harley was still stationed at and hopefully untouched by the greedy hands of the soldiers in the area. Speaking of which; the soldiers hardly paid any attention to them as they strolled past. Most of them were discussing the ominous threat the Green Rebellion posed them – running around desperately like chickens without their heads.

This unexpected turn of events evidently gave them quite the scare.

"Tom, where are we going?" Matt asked as they stepped foot into the hangar.

"We're getting out of here."

"Why?"

"To get you home where you'll be safe." Tom responded without looking back.

The thought of meeting Edd face to face for the first time in seven years discouraged him to go forth with his plan, but he couldn't afford to be cowardly now. Matt depends on him. The whole world depends on this plan to work! If Edd rejects him, so be it. But he won't let this needless war continue if he can help it.

"Are we not going to say good-bye to Paul and Pat?" Matt squeaked, and his eyes gleamed with awe as they approached the Harley.

"There's no time." Tom said brusquely. "Climb on."

"And where exactly do you think you're going?"

Tom tensed and turned around just as he was about to climb onto the Harley and put his helmet on.

The Red Leader stepped out of the shadows and stared at them impassively, his face giving nothing away.

"Shouldn't you be in an emergency meeting right now?" Tom questioned, remaining calm as he pushed Matt behind him and away from view. Tord shouldn't know what they were planning, and so there is no reason for him to be upset with them. "I heard today has been quite the catastrophe for the Reds. Might wanna get on that straight away."

Tord tipped his head. "You're not thinking of leaving us so soon, are you?" He drawled.

"So what if we are? I figured some fresh air might do Matt some good. What's it to you?"

Stepping closer to them, Tord looked from Tom to Matt, and then finally fixed his gaze on the Harley. "Given the circumstances I cannot allow you to step foot outside the main base's perimeter."

"But I have to go home!" Matt stepped forward, looking at Tord imploringly. "I have been gone for too long. My friends will wonder where I am."

"Ah yes…" Tord nodded absentmindedly. "You have joined our ranks as a part time soldier, as I recall."

Matt blinked in surprise, and shared an anxious glance with Tom.

"I took the liberty of reading your file." Tord leaned forward. "However, since we have lost all contact and influence over the UK we can no longer provide you a safe return home. And so I hereby promote all part time soldiers resident to the UK as full time soldiers of the Red Army, under custody of the Norwegian main base."

Tom glowered at Tord. But Matt looked back and forth between the two in confusion. "I don't… I don't understand."

"It's quite simple, my dear forgetful little friend." Tord explained. "As of today, you are no longer allowed to leave this base without my direct order."

Matt backed away wide eyed. "But… I can't stay here! I… I want to go home."

Tord smirked. "This is your home. Your new home. You shall remain here and continue your training once you've been let go from the infirmary." From the shadows he signaled for a pair of soldiers to approach their position. They greeted him with a salute. "Please escort our comrade Matt back to his room in the infirmary, and make sure he stays there until Yanov says otherwise."

"Sir, yes, sir!"

The soldiers neared Matt and gently pulled him away from Tom, guiding him back to the corridors and deep into the main base. Matt glanced back at Tom helplessly before he disappeared from view.

"So he's your prisoner now?" Tom demanded.

Tord turned to him with a frown. "How could you even suggest leaving at a time like this? Be reasonable now, Thomas. If I were to let him leave, what are the chances I see him again? I have him exactly where I want him and you want to take him from me? I haven't made amendments with Matt yet – you know how important this is for me!"

"And what a wonderful effort you are putting into earning his forgiveness! I'm sure the two of you will be friends in no time. After forbidding him from going home nonetheless? I'm surprised the two of you aren't frolicking out in the fields as we speak!" Tom argued, voice dripping with sarcasm and anger. He sighed through his nose. "Fine. Keep him, if you wish. But I am leaving."

He turned to climb onto the Harley only for Tord to grab him and pull him away.

"You can't go either."

Tom bristled with indignation. "Why not? Why the h#ll not? In case you've forgotten, I am no longer part of your Boy Scout group. As far as I know I can come and go as I please!"

Tord's glare hardened. "I cannot guarantee your safety out there. Please cooperate with me now and help me by staying here, where I can keep a close eye on you at all times."

"F#ck no!" Tom spat.

"Thomas, I can't concentrate on both the war and your wellbeing. It would help me greatly if you stayed put to keep my mind at ease."

"No one is asking you to worry about me!"

Tord lashed out with his robotic arm and grabbed Tom by the front of his uniform, bringing him closer until their faces nearly touched.

"You belong to me!" Tord snarled, giving into the desires of the Red Leader he'd suppressed for Tom's sake over half a decade at this point. "You are staying here with me and you will never ever leave my side again, do you understand?"

Seeing his dark expression and the possessive glint in his eye, Tom remembered just who exactly he was dealing with. His boyfriend was no loveable fool. He's the Red Leader, for crying out loud! How could he have forgotten that fact?

For the first time in years Tom actually grew to fear Tord, but stayed strong to glare back at him.

He gave out a strangled laugh, devoid of any humor whatsoever. "Really? We're doing this again, Commie? I thought we've already been over this but evidently not. You're really going to stand there and strip me of my freedom again?" His expression hardened. "Fine! Have it your way, jack#$$. But don't expect me to be obedient or lovey dovey to you anymore. If I am going to be your prisoner I intend to play the part."

His words made Tord flinch as though he'd been struck and he snapped out of his anger induced stupor, releasing Tom.

"Y-you can't mean that!" Tord stammered, still dazed.

"Oh yeah, I can!" Tom insisted, digital eyes blazing as he spun around and stormed away. "And forget about us sharing the same bed again – I am going back to my quarters in the laboratory."

Panic rushed through Tord so strongly it nearly knocked the breath out of him and he hurried forward to block Tom's path.

Unbeknown to Tom the Beta laboratory is now home to Larry and Bing and their sick experiments on their secret weapon. But Reagan is gone now, and they are restless; looking for something to experiment on. If they were to get their hands on Tom and find out what he is capable of…

Tom is mine!

Tord ducked in front of Tom. "Keep my bed." He said curtly. "It's not like I'm getting any rest around here anyway."

"Fine!"

He watched as the man he loves most in the world veered around him without a second glance and stormed off into the main base. Tord wanted to rip the hair off his scalp in frustration. How could he let this happen? First a rebellion openly opposes him, Matt doesn't remember a thing about him, and now Tom and him are on hold yet again.

Tord sighed. "I need a drink."

Everything would've been fine if Tom and Matt hadn't reunited before Tord got through either one of them. Now everything is ruined, including the current status of the war.

Focus. There is a war I need to win right now. Tord reminded himself, taking deep breaths to calm his temper. Tom will just have to wait. Once he realizes I only want the best for him he will come around. As for Matt… he will remember me, one way or another soon enough… and I know just the right trick to make that happen.

(Meanwhile…)

From the comfort of their hotel room, Dante and Reagan witnessed Red Leader's broadcast get hijacked by the mysterious new opponent calling themselves the Green Rebellion. Dante was appalled by their ruthlessness as word got out that all soldiers previously stationed in the UK were brutally chased off by the new enemy and nearly wiped out. Thankfully his comrades managed to make a desperate last-minute escape, and Red Army ships made the perilous journey to board the British shores and evacuate the soldiers.

"All those poor soldiers," Dante said, feeling as though his organs had been harvested. "Just doing their jobs, going about their day and guarding the area." He closed his eyes. Could I have saved them? If I'd been faster and smarter and found answers sooner?

He'd sent word back to the main base immediately after stumbling upon their startling discovery last night. It wasn't much to go off of, but it was at least something. Given the sudden turn of events Dante figured his superiors might appreciate his findings now more than ever before.

Dante didn't know much about the current state of the war, but he knew for a fact that soldiers stationed in neutral territory – nations that have not joined the war but haven't exactly sided with the Red Army either – were harmless and were just there to help transport cargo shipments between territories, recruit more members to their cause, or in some cases even provide aid to the residents directly affected by the war.

This is precisely why Dante joined the Red Army as an agent for the U.B.P.D. instead as a mere soldier. He wasn't cut out for war. He wanted to help people more than anything, and seeing this blatant injustice made his blood boil. Not like I could have done anything to help if I'd been there. He thought helplessly.

Across from him Reagan sat in silence, staring intently at the television screen reporting the sudden turn of events against the Red Army with a big sickening grin on his face.

Dante wanted to wipe that smug look right off his face. Wanted to yell and cry at him, because how can any sane person possibly take enjoyment out of watching war unfold?

"What's wrong with you?" Dante asked, losing his appetite. He and Reagan had descended to the hotel lobby for breakfast with the current warfare still displayed all over the news. "How can you enjoy the war?"

Reagan slowly turned away to gaze steadily back at him. "No hard feelings, rookie. I don't enjoy the war." He shrugged, stabbing at his plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. "But I have a thing against siding with people who imprison, torture, use and abuse me for their own personal gain, you see. Anyone who freely opposes the reds have my immediate support! Think of it like sports. I am merely cheering for the best team here. Surely you can understand where I am coming from?"

That task was practically impossible.

Usually, Dante liked to imagine himself in the shoes of different people; wondering how their lives lead, and how vastly different they must be from his own. What do they dream about? What occupies their minds on a daily basis? Do they have a reason to be the way they are or are they just having a bad day?

But with Reagan? Dante couldn't imagine himself in his shoes. It was like trying to imagine his life as a dirty puddle of water. Though Dante couldn't help but try to anyway. Had he been truthful when he spoke about his past as a loyal Red Army soldier? It was hard to materialize the man sitting before him as the dutiful soldier he claimed himself to be before Red Leader broke his trust.

And why? What reason would Red Leader have to demote Reagan if he did everything right in his mission?

Something just wasn't adding up here.

Red Leader was another figure Dante couldn't quite figure out either. He tried to imagine himself as the leader of the Red Army, waking up early in the morning to eat breakfast, like anybody else, and sitting with the higher ups to discuss the war.

Dante had seen the Red Leader in person only once, when he visited the U.B.P.D division. Red Leader had come through to inspect the progress of their operations with a handful of soldiers to accompany him at all times, marching in impressive exact unison behind him. His red robotic arm glinted menacingly in the light and he bore his facial scars with undisguised pride with his eyepatch accentuating his looks, and his distinctive horned caramel-brown hair made him all the more regal.

At one point during his visit, the Red Leader had spotted Dante amidst the trainees and stared him down for approximately an eternity, though in reality Dante was sure it couldn't have been more than five seconds. He'd gotten nervous and incredibly uncomfortable being under such heavy scrutiny. Dante had the distinct feeling Red Leader had been trying to judge his character by staring right through his soul.

Red Leader was as breathtaking and superior as all the rumors suggested. After that, General Erica, the head of the U.B.P.D division, had never seemed quite so terrifying to him again.

And maybe that was the point of Red Leader's spontaneous visits: to remind everyone whose hands held the real power around the base.

But his encounter with the Red Leader had been more than just a little terrifying. It inspired Dante to work harder and prove himself worthy to his comrades who took him in when he needed most.

He wondered if Red Leader liked his position or whether he regretted being in charge of some many countless lives. Was he relieved to have Commander Paul to share his responsibilities with – or was he worried that someone might be conspiring to covet him for the title of leader? Was he anxious at all about the war? Dante sure would be if he were in the Red Leader's position right now. Or was he biding his time, not worried at all and calmly calculating his next move with the help of his Generals?

"Oi! Earth to Falls!"

Reagan snapped his fingers repeatedly in front of Dante's face until he snapped out of his thoughts.

"W-what?" Dante blinked rapidly.

"Geez, rookie. Were you somewhere else or something? You were staring into space for like ten minutes." Reagan snorted. "I asked you what our plans for today are?"

Dante hesitated, glancing at Reagan as though he wanted to say something only to stop himself. He twisted his hands together on his lap anxiously. "I… I don't know." He confessed. "Honestly I don't even know if it's worth investigating anymore. The Green Rebellion revealed themselves just as we begin to look into the attacks. Case solved. Our job here should be done!"

Reagan grinned. He really needed to quit doing that. It was very distracting. "Does that mean I am free to go?"

"That's just the thing." Dante sighed. "This should be the end of our investigation but… it doesn't feel right."

"What do you mean?"

"Doesn't this feel too easy? Like all of the answers we've been seeking just suddenly fell onto our laps?" Dante explained. "I mean… if the Green Rebellion really did attack us, how did they do it? They didn't have access to the UK military until this morning and these attacks have been going on for a few months now with no real consistency. What was that thing we saw in the camera? Why wasn't the anomaly we found filed away and immediately reported to the main HQ?"

"Was there even enough time to report the anomaly though? Didn't the whole base blow up like five seconds after the anomaly was detected? There probably wasn't enough time to do anything about it."

Dante shook his head. "The radars have a sweep-through file and cabinet system. Any anomalies found are automatically detected by the closest main base, so there's no need for someone to manually report it in case of a dire emergency."

Reagan observed him closely. "Wasn't the prevalent theory that there were traitors in the Red Army?" He pointed out. "Maybe there was a cover-up," Reagan said, a little too innocently. Dante peered at him with growing suspicion. Did he know something?

"But to blow up the same base they were stationed at? That's practically a suicide mission." Dante shook his head. "Why though? Why destroy these bases in particular? If the Green Rebellion was seeking to destroy our secret weapon, wouldn't they have targeted the main base already? It's where you are stationed at most of the time. With that amount of power they possess… they could've effortlessly ended the war by now…"

Reagan shrugged, not particularly concerned in finding out all the answers. He wanted to be free, not help the bastards who tortured him to a bloody pulp.

"Well… while you crack your ol' noggin figuring things out, I'mma head out and take a whiz."

"Come straight back to me when you're done."

Reagan rolled his eyes but did not respond. He walked away into the direction of the lobby's bathrooms.

He went about his business without a care in the world, completely none the wiser to the shadowy figures slowly converging on his position. Reagan exited the stall to wash his hands… and that was when something bashed him on the back of his head, knocking him out cold.

The last thing he dared think as he lost consciousness was to wonder how the h#ll did anyone possibly sneak up behind him undetected by his sharpened senses?

Hey what's up guys? This is Flower1815 here, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Sadly this will be the last update for a while, as I need to go on a small hiatus to produce more content for the series. But have no fear! The story is far from over and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon. But anyways, thank you all so much for your support, I really appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderfu day and I'll see ya'll later! ;)