Before Chapter 153 I would like to announce that my good friend songoku2006 has published and finished a new fanfic called The Alteration, which is an enjoyable read and has similarities to this fanfic.
Chapter 153: A Hasty Plan
After who knows how long of driving in the dark, as we try and think about how to tackle this hostage situation, in which while we cannot exactly be sure what she intends to do, it's most likely that Neptune will turn the hostages into monsters who'll do her bidding, and will no doubt use this to legitimise her rule and to delegitimise the aristocracy, who are part of the heritage of this nation, provide tourism and help in the nation's efforts, in maintaining good relations and promoting trade and charity, we finally reach the military base.
The military base that's nearest to the village, that's nearest to the Evelyn Residence, in which while there are loads of troops and a significant number of helicopters, I do wonder how that will compare to the garrison, that will no doubt be in the mansion estate. Probably enough to ensure that when we do engage with them, it'll last for a significant period of time. Yeah, long enough which could affect our ability to fight.
I say this since with it being dark, the enemy garrison is likely to be less as they'll be asleep, and it'll be harder for them to see us as while we have night vision goggles they don't, though they do have torches. There's also less chance of being recognised if we choose to send some of our people in to the mansion, in which we hope they'll be sent to where the other prisoners are, and therefore be able to report their location. The thing is with the time of day it is right now, the longer the fight lasts for, the more tired we'll be, and the more tired we'll be, the more prone we'll be to make mistakes, along with a reduced ability to fight as fatigue can take a significant toll. On the other hand fighting in the morning after some rest could be impractical, since it'll be harder to sneak in without getting spotted, which would lead to the hostages being executed.
Furthermore, while it would help if the weather were to be foggy as that would reduce visibility, which is the only sense the enemy would have with our crossbows being quiet, there's no guarantee if we can get enough fog machines to emit enough fog, such that it would encircle the entire perimeter of the grounds before it encircles the buildings, and then there's the issue of obtaining thermal vision to see through the fog, along with the fog staying there long enough for us to infiltrate the grounds.
While we can eat some food for energy, and drink some appropriate drinks for concentration, I wonder if that will be enough, especially with how there'll be loads of enemies, loads of places the enemies can hide in, and the issue of time, even if we can rescue all of the hostages.
There is another concern, perhaps bigger than the troop numbers, and potential exhaustion. While we have blueprints of the entire layout of the complex, and know the rooms, and secret passage ways, there's no way of knowing of the troop location, apart from those who patrol the complex outside of the perimeter fence, nor can we know where exactly the hostages are kept, and while we can send some of our people in disguised as other members of the aristocracy and their staff, can we be certain that they'll be with the other hostages and be able to report back to us?
Once again, while we have a plan in mind for all of this, there are concerns about whether it'll be enough, for it can't accommodate for enemy troop numbers, time the battle will last for, or the hostage location. If the hostages in which they include the servants, dogs and horses since they're a fan of dogs and horses, can be found and are close to a secret passage that leads to an area on the grounds away from large masses of enemies, then that will help tremendously, but there's no guarantee, and even then there could be catches along the way. At least one thing is for sure, there's no better plan, and not doing anything will certainly lead to failure.
The first thing to do in this plan itself, will be to send Noire and Uni in disguised as members of the aristocracy, along with a large number of troops disguised as servants, as well as some dogs, dog handlers, horses and horse riders in vehicles. No doubt the people will be frisked so they'll have to be unarmed. Hopefully Noire and Uni's cosplay expertise can help ensure that the disguises will fool the guards, and that the guards will not wake up Neptune, as she'll be asleep at this time, and will not want to be disturbed even with the knowledge of more aristocrats arriving for her to potentially do great harm to. It would be nice if they are taken to where the rest of the respective group are, to be able to report to us, and for them to be at a place near a secret entrance, but if not we'll have to sneak in, by taking out the entire perimeter.
Knowing that the enemy patrols are such that they're always in sight of one another, we'll have to take them all out simultaneously, in which we have the troops to do this, and the weapons to do so this being crossbows, in which while they'll require aiming, and take ages to reload, they are the most quiet of all ranged weapons, as I worry that suppressors won't be quiet enough. We need to be able to reach the mansion itself without the enemy knowing, otherwise they'll kill the hostages and we'll have failed.
Because the enemy has radios and there's regular roll calls, we'll need to use a radio jammer to help us ensure they can't call for help, but then use a signal once inside, so that the jammer is switched off and we can communicate with each other, so we can find the hostages if the location isn't known, rescue them, and then fight our way to Neptune wherever she is, and with luck we can kill her, and with her death here we can finally leave the nightmare and get on with our liberation of Lowee.
With us all knowing what exactly to do in this plan, and exactly where our location will be when we begin our operation, and have studied hard the layout of the complex we intend to infiltrate, to help navigate our way through, because of the need for energy and the need for us to be alert, as we will fight into the night and no doubt early hours in the morning, we have breakfast in which the cooks of this garrison kindly volunteer to do so, and choose items that will be the quickest time to cook. While we wait some of the soldiers who are expert in horses and dogs, especially with the aristocracy, make arrangements for horses and dogs to arrive immediately, in which they will hopefully be the same as the aristocrats that my Lastation sisters intend to disguise themselves as.
At the same time, Noire and Uni look at the splendid extravagant costumes and jewellery that the hostages have worn, and have proposed what royal clothes they would like to wear to convince the enemy into letting them in. This results in soldiers making calls to whoever is able to do so, to provide clothes of this kind, be it store owners and mansions, being apologetic like with the horses and dogs, but explaining that this is an issue of national importance despite how bizarre it is to be ordering such items at a time like this.
Furthermore, the Lastation sisters look at photographs of various aristocrats that they wish to disguise themselves as, in hopes that they can find two who are of the same family and have a similar height and build, as well as hope that if they can't find one, that the guards won't think to check the height and build of them, along with the fact that Neptune does not know the exact height and build of the Lastation CPU and Candidate. It takes a short while but after finding the right one, a plastic surgeon and equipment are arranged to help alter Noire and Uni's appearance, and phone calls are made to the appropriate people that the aristocrats know about this, and to arrange for them to confirm the aristocrats are visiting the Evelyn Residence, should that place wish to call to confirm identity.
Along with all this, phone calls are also made to museums and the appropriate shops to acquire crossbows and bolts along with special scopes, so that we can aim better with them as opposed to relying on whatever sights the crossbows have. The soldiers are also going around the base gathering NVG or night vision goggles for the troops to use, along with pistols, sub machine guns and sniper rifles, along with flashbangs, trench coats so that we can spot the difference between ourselves and the enemy through our NVGs, and infrared torches in which they work such that they're invisible to the human eye, but visible to night vision goggle users, and that way we can navigate in tunnels or dark passageways, without needing normal torches which will result in us getting spotted by the enemy, since they'll no doubt have their own system of telling who's who.
Our army here is also acquiring small radios to fit onto jewellery so that they won't get spotted, and any equipment to help get past the fence that won't make noise, and finally they are acquiring anything that can be used as steps, so that they can be arranged such that there's a makeshift staircase that enables people to get over the fence, and if we can't get enough then we order some more from wherever we can get them. There's also phone calls made about acquiring the same vehicles that the aristocrats that Noire and Uni wishes to disguise as has, and there's even training sessions with troops concerning the use of the crossbow, which is great since it'll be a different weapon to a gun, only single shot and the need to hit in the correct area for it to be a kill, even with the enemy not being armoured against bolts, because of not expecting them for it needs to be a fatality, if we are to get in undetected.
As I do my part in the preparations and watch the operation unfold with everyone knowing what they're doing, while everyone is calm due to their experience and their knowledge as soldiers that it's the best way to go to ensure we have the highest chances, I can sense tension in the air. This is not from each other at all for we all get on well, as we have the same values and desires, to ensure this nation isn't held hostage by our enemies, but tension with regards to whether this will work.
The equipment so far appears to be great, and I know that everyone is doing their best but however well we try, and as I've thought about this before, in fact this goes through my mind a lot, is this all depends on a set of events going in our favour. These events concerned being, Noire's disguise working, and this involves the performance of not just her but the clothes, her jewellery, her bugs not being spotted, as well as the dogs, vehicles and horses being accepted, and then there's the location of where she'll be taken to, will it be with the other aristocrats, and will it be near a secret entrance that we can easily access? Then there's the issue of being able to get through the guards and rescue all of the hostages, since there's so many of them, and they're so close together and there's regular communication between them.
I suppose the real issue here is that there's only so much we can control in this, as while it depends on how well we do, it also depends on how badly they do, whether they bother to check or know what to check, whether the hostages are well guarded or not? Thinking about this, the fact that there's hostages, really amps up the difficulty, for were it not for that, with us having the numbers and surrounding them, we could just fight our way through, and while we could still fight through even if we're discovered, the hostages will be killed in too short of a time, for us to be able to stop them.
There's also the issue of waiting, and I completely understand why, for this preparation takes time even if it's time we don't have, if we are to attack at night. Every second that passes, is a second less in battle before our fatigue takes a toll, and a second less before the enemy is perhaps more ready with who knows what horrors they wish to create.
The thing is though; it does make me play through my mind the moves I need to do, and to do it well to increase my chances, for I am to lead a large group through a fence to the cemetery, where one of the graves leads to a secret passage to the estate itself. I also find myself wondering if the night vision goggles will work, and what to do if not since using torches will give our position away, unless I can fool them into thinking we're enemy troops who are heading back after doing our shift, even if it would be suspicious to use that route.
That's the thing with this nightmare, much of what we've gone through has depended on the actions of our enemies, and while we've had tactics and equipment it was not enough for us to rely on it alone, and I don't like having to rely on enemy's effectively falling in to our plan when it's so easy for them not to. It's a frustrating thing to have to experience, and we can only hope that it isn't an issue, and next time when we face the enemy, we can be more confident in our belief that we'll succeed.
Noticing the appropriate practical uniform of the troops, the equipment coming in both from our stockpiles here, and from deliveries after phone calls, and the prepared food consisting of egg, bacon, sausages, hash brown and mushrooms in a cob, with the choice of tomato sauce or brown sauce, and with it being absolutely delicious and nourishing, and there being a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or various juices and soft drinks including familiar brands, and all this I associate with this nation right here, and reminds me of the nation of my origins, and it also reminds me of something very important.
It reminds me of how important this all is and what we're fighting for, as unlike Neptune who fights for herself and her ego, we fight for our people, this nation and its heritage which is everywhere, lasted for decades, centuries even, and is something to be definitely proud of. This nation that has ensured our prosperity and ensured our growth, and our potential to be utilised. We know full well how much we are a force for good in contrast to who we fight. We also know how much of a tragedy it would be if we fail, and the consequences we will have to suffer, to endure, not least, the consequences concerning the important part of our heritage in that they contribute so much to the tourism of our nation, the trade they help to bring, and the charities they help so much, to ensure so many different people with so many different problems are cared for and looked after, and helped to ensure that they can enjoy life like the rest of us.
While taking into consideration the troop numbers, the locations and us not knowing the hostage's location or even if we have the means to know without us all going in, there is at least one thing that is certain in all of this: we will do our best, and we'll give it a good go, for all our sakes not just here but in the world me, Noire and Uni currently inhibit.
It's easy to see the attempt we intend to do, as the various equipment is checked for its quality and reliability, and checked again just to be sure only to be happy that it's clear that great care has been put into making the equipment, to ensure that it'll perform its function and do its bit to hopefully ensure our victory. Along with this, other equipment not from here are arriving in great quantity along with quality, hopefully there'll be enough crossbows to go around since this is the most important item we need, if we are to do our stealth attack in which that's the only way to infiltrate the grounds.
While there is the issue of getting the correct number of dogs and horses of a specific type as it isn't easy, due to the specific breed required in the quantities needed, not to mention being of a specific age, hopefully it may not matter as long as there are some since the guards there may not know how many dogs, horses, the type or the age they are meant to be. Perhaps they don't care or perhaps know that it can be explained away by reasons such as either needing medical treatment, or busy being involved somewhere else or have even died.
It's a lot of preparation we're doing indeed, though it is necessary to do this considering the need to succeed in these specific circumstances. Along with being careful, and putting our effort into checking the equipment to ensure it works, as well as revising the tactics for everyone, there is another important ingredient in our plan: morale. Morale needs to be high, we need to believe that we can do it, for if we have high morale we'll be motivated enough to put the most effort we can in, and to keep going no matter what, for we know what the stakes are. In contrast, fretting about different things and how it can affect our chances could in itself affect their ability to fight.
Therefore, as a result while ensuring this doesn't slow them down or distract them, I make conversations with them, learn about why they joined up, how long they've been in the army, and other aspirations they have as well as what their likes are and dislikes. They're varied but there is a common theme, they love this nation, they believe in it, and wish to make a difference and they're truly inspiring people, and people I'd love to be in our forces as we engage the enemy tonight. They have a sense of humour as well, as we exchange jokes at Neptune's expense, and enjoy the delicious food that we all have.
Subsequently, we find that time is passing quicker due to us having some fun in our task without it distracting us, and before we know it, we have all eaten, we have the equipment we need, it's checked and it's ready, and Noire and Uni are ready with their horses, dogs, bugging equipment in their jewellery, and their cars ready to take them to Evelyn Residence, along with soldiers disguised as their staff.
They look absolutely stunning and really look the part. They really look like they were born to rule and to rule well. I can sense how much they enjoy wearing those costumes and they really feel as though they're in their element, both in that they enjoy cosplaying, and they get to dress as royalty whom they admire and see themselves as which are wealthy successful people with a desire to be a force for good. Were it not for this very vital mission which I feel is to be the final one and the hardest one in this nightmare, we could perhaps do a cosplay here with the great exquisite sophisticated clothing at our disposal.
No doubt it would be fun and entertaining for the troops to see something like that, since they may not have seen cosplay before. At least there are people in nice costumes here, and for now it can satisfy one of my wishes to see Noire and Uni cosplay again, after seeing them do such an amazing job all those chapters ago, and making me wonder what more they have. I've no doubt that they would love to do another cosplay show, and perhaps do more shows to entertain the people, and focus more on innovating Lastation to reach new heights, achieve new goals, as opposed to being on the defensive, though in the mean time they make do with the moments that come to them like this.
What they both wear, I can imagine an aristocrat in their appropriate finery would wear in this nation, perhaps our place of origin, or back at where we live, since Noire's magnificent outfit resembles the colours of this nation, while Uni wears colours of our nation back in Gameindustri. In fact it reminds me of someone, someone really important and well admired all over, but it's most unfortunate that I forget who.
They both wear dresses that reach to the ground and have shoulder straps, but they don't cover the arms. The dress fits around their chests before expanding outwards like a hoop skirt dress, and at the bottom is lots of embroidery consisting of different flowers around the borders, no doubt representing the various parts of this nation, borders around the bottom, as well as in different shapes overlapping each other indicating layers coming out from where the hips are meant to be, and diamond shapes at the rest. Attached to the dress are robes with ermine fur and tassels, and on the back is a symbol, the same symbol that was on the tops that we wore throughout this nightmare.
They also wear what I think is called a livery collar in which this is in diamonds, and is a large chain over the shoulders, and on them they have jewels that show the colours that match their dress. Along with this, they both wear gloves (in which Noire's is blue and Uni's is black) that go up to their shoulders and they wear large diamond bracelets on each wrist, along with diamond tiaras, large diamond chandelier ear rings, and large necklaces that cover their throats completely, along with their upper chests. They also wear a silk sash over each shoulder, with a large diamond broach on it consisting of the symbol of the nation the respective lady wishes to represent. They wear a lot of make up in the same colours as their dress, and their hair is untied and is elegantly done looking thick and large. They also wear perfume in which the smells are novel and exotic, no doubt to complement their lovely grand outfits.
Upon seeing them smiling and behaving as if they are the people that these garments are meant to represent, I am convinced that they'll bluff their way through, and with luck be sent to a room where the other aristocrats that live in their estate are, and it'll be easy to get to. I can see them being accepted especially with our rotten nemesis being asleep at this time, and the guards perhaps being sleepy considering the time of night and them needing rest, or at least maybe not up on their knowledge of the aristocracy here like us, due to not being of this area or even thinking of the need to know such matters, merely how to guard and fight.
I have no doubt that the nemesis of ours is having dreams of people loving her, adoring her after overthrowing the aristocracy in this nation, and having us begging for her mercy which she won't provide and instead humiliate us, torture us forever, as well as be experimented on in completely horrific ways for no benefit apart from their sadistic delight. Maybe she's dreaming of people giving her, her favourite food, and crediting positive achievements to her, that we've actually done.
It matters not what she dreams about. What matters is the reality and what we must do to make our own more noble, more benevolent dreams a reality.
As if on cue, as agreed, everyone concerned in this operation has assembled with myself, Noire and Uni. All the equipment we need is here with us, checked and ready to use, and we all have our loadouts in which for me it's a crossbow with an infrared torch attached, plenty of bolts, a Remington 870 pump action shotgun which can hold 6 rounds before needing to be reloaded, along with plenty of bullets since the fighting will be close quarters most likely, along with as a sidearm, a semi-automatic pistol: the Browning High Power which can hold 13 bullets in a magazine, and have plenty of magazines as well to go with it. I also have a few smoke grenades and flashbangs. It's a similar loadout for all the troops here, considering what our plan is, and hopefully with all the enemies nearby, running out of ammunition won't be a problem as we can use their bullets and their guns. Along with this, the dogs, the horses and the vehicles to carry the animals, the servants and the aristocracy which includes Rolls Royce Wraiths and other models of that era, are also gathered together, and are ready to move out.
I then do a speech in front of them, hoping to rally and inspire the troops, and show how much we appreciate them for carrying out our plan.
"Everyone. I wish to thank you all for your efforts tonight and for you agreeing to our plans. I can honestly say that it has been an immense privilege and a huge honour to be here with you lot tonight and to see such hard working, brave courageous group of soldiers who are well trained and are confident and ready with a great sense of humour.
It's good to know that we all share similar values, not least in ensuring all our equipment works, and is of a great quality which is the case. It'll be needed along with us giving it our all, if we are to succeed in defeating this insane mad woman Neptune.
As we all know this is no ordinary rescue mission. For we are not just rescuing members of the aristocracy who are good decent honourable people, who make useful products and are great caring philanthropists, but they are also members of our heritage. Our heritage that has lasted for a very long time.
We are fighting for all our lives here. We are fighting for the fate and soul of our glorious nation. We are fighting for who we wish to be governed by: Our own accountable government who we can re-elect or fire at regular periods, or Neptune's authoritarian dictatorial unelected tyranny.
This vile pathetic excuse of a female has tried to take this nation via a horrific coup, and even managed to secure the surrounding areas of our parliament, but thanks to our efforts she has been stopped and has lost a significant number of her allies, who would have formed part of her government performing who knows what horrors in their roles. Since then however, she's trying again right now, through other nefarious means by capturing our beloved members of the aristocracy, in one of our magnificent stately mansions that many people visit as tourists. Like last time though and again thanks to our efforts, she'll be stopped again and with luck stopped for good.
She'll be stopped here because she doesn't care in the slightest. She doesn't care about things like details like we do, she doesn't care about people like we do, nor cares about competency, training or team work which we value very much.
She may have armed guards in which they're significant in number, she may even have monsters of significant strength, deadliness and perhaps unique abilities, but we have highly trained soldiers with the right equipment and tactics to go in there, perform our rescues and to stop this vile woman and her evil experiments.
She may believe in her hype, her propaganda and in her legitimacy as a potential ruler. She may believe she has plenty to offer which she may believe any good country would need, but she's so sadly, so sadly mistaken. All she will have to offer in the end that will be good for us is absolutely nothing. Nothing to offer but her blood spilled from her inevitable defeat. Nothing to offer but her sweat formed from her fear of losing again. Nothing to offer but her tears formed from her frustration, that she'll lose again and this time lose for good.
Just as we all know this nation, this proud great nation has won against dictators historically, we shall win tonight against this one. It will never be forgotten that as a result of our actions here, so much will be owed by so many to so few, as we will win tonight and we will ensure that this great nation remains great, through our own superior systems and our own superior ideals. Let's do this everyone. Good luck out there." I say to them with much enthusiasm and passion, looking at their body language in which they smile in appreciation and think about what I say.
As I say my speech, I find myself being reminded of a brave war time leader who led a nation no doubt this one, to victory, helping to restore democracy in other nations, and ensuring more nations become democratic over time. Not only this, but the war that was fought would be such that no other war since then will be deadly.
I really sense that everyone here will do their absolute best to succeed, and there's much confidence in the air that we can do this. We wave to each other good luck as we intend to split into various groups, to perform our part in the rescuing of the hostages there. I give a loving caring long hug to Noire and Uni, wishing them well and making sure that we're alright, that we're happy with the plan and that the morale is high, and we are certain that Neptune can be stopped, this nation can be saved from her, and that we can wake up in Gameindustri at last.
After this, we all set off in various vehicles in which we'll be taken as close to the estate as possible, without enemy patrols noticing that something's up, while only Miss Lastation's convoy will head for the estate itself, and hopefully they'll believe that the only people intending to be there will be extra aristocrats for our nemesis to torment, believing her lies to be the truth.
With luck, the Lastation goddesses will be taken to the same room as the aristocrats, are hopefully a room easily accessible by a secret passage, and she can tell us where exactly they are, and even if there are guards in the same room, she can hopefully whistle a made up tune in which the first time she does it, the final note is the key as to whether she's with them or not, with a happy sounding note being yes, or a sad sounding note being no. Then she'll do another tune with again the final note being the key note to listen to, again with a happy note being yes they're near or at a room next to a secret entrance, and a sad note for no, and finally she'll hum a tune consisting of a batch of notes with 4 being the entrance via the cemetery, 3 with the entrance being near the stables, 2 being near the garage, and 1 being the servants headquarters.
I like to think that she'll be able to say it or even hum it if there are guards present without them suspecting, hopefully as far as they're concerned they're just making the most of the situation by humming a tune, or maybe even being defiant. I can't see why they would suspect this is part of our code; I can see it's likely they'll know Morse code in which dots and dashes make up letters of the alphabet, but this? I can't see it. There is the risk of not being able to hum completely, but any information that she can give us when inside can help us to rescue the hostages.
It's not long at all before we reach our destination, in which it's some woods which we'll have to walk through for a fair while, before we'll see the perimeter to the estate, guarded by a fence and patrols who are equipped with torches. I inform my allies that we are on foot heading to the perimeter and in turn they tell me the same. We have agreed to wait before everyone is at the perimeter, and is within striking distance of taking out the guards at the perimeter, from there the radio jammer will have to be in operation, and for the phone lines to be jammed so that any enemies that do survive, will have to retreat back hopefully buying us some time needed to take the enemy out.
Note: Readers please listen to Command and Conquer Tiberian Sun: Valves OST while reading this bit.
I am with a group of soldiers of about 10, and some distance away on each side there is another group of soldiers, and so on, such that when we all reach the perimeter we will all be able to encircle it completely, and if we can strike simultaneously, then hopefully we can sneak into the estate grounds without being spotted. This is absolutely crucial since I have no doubt the moment they suspect trouble, they will kill the hostages and with that, we will have failed spectacularly.
We walk through the forest with our NVGs on as quickly and as quietly as possible, in which I have to say is an interesting experience to do so due to getting used to everything being in green, and relying on infrared torches to navigate the dark woods, as I find the sound of our footsteps uncomfortable to hear, due to the need for quiet as there's no noise coming from the enemy whatsoever apart from footsteps, and maybe the odd few words.
At least there is the sound of owls and other such wildlife that can help disguise the noise we make. Unfortunately though, it's only some of the estate that's surrounded by lots and lots of trees, while the rest is surrounded by grass. While our guys on that side could use sniper rifles, there is deep concern that the enemy will hear them even with suppressors and them firing from a distance; in fact they did tests to prove to me that it's the case. Instead they will have to rely on the enemy's flash lights not being able to spot the camouflage that our troops are wearing, as our troops will have to move close enough so that accuracy with the crossbow can be insured, in which annoyingly isn't that big of a range compared to guns. As a result, it'll be a short while for them to get into position.
Hopefully it won't be too long, and in any case it will most likely be a while for them to process Noire and Uni. I like to think and I'm sure that while it must be nerve wracking for them to be in the estate, completely surrounded by enemies who are armed, and the knowledge our allies have of what they would like to do to the very people they are disguised as, even if it's hard to know on the details, they are no doubt calm and cool, and know that we will be rescuing them shortly.
Before me and my group knows it we are in position, and we hide amongst the trees while keeping a look out on their perimeter, confident that we won't be spotted even if they were to shine their torches at us. Now we wait for everyone else to be in position, which should happen without incident and should hopefully not take too long, even if our allies on the other side will have to crawl on the grass until they can get within range of the perimeter.
We notice by the fence opposite our position are a group of guards, armed with AK47s with flash lights attached. I get the sense that they appear tired, bored, frustrated even. I get the feeling that they're not comfortable with this role they have been given, since they no doubt predict that they'll be attacked, and will be the first line of defence if at all they get the chance to fight back, which I like to think not since we'll coordinate our targets, we'll be hidden and the noises made in both firing our bolts and them dying, will be too quiet for anyone nearby to hear it.
In contrast, I sense that we have the morale advantage due to us having along with the element of surprise, cover from our position making it harder for them to spot us especially in the dark, and tactics to help us get to the building or at least the grounds between the building and the fence. We just have to hope that enemies patrolling from within the grounds themselves and who guard specific areas there, do not notice their colleagues at the other side of the fence being taken out, at least not until it's no longer an issue, be it us moving their bodies away or by taking them out, or even being able to rescue the hostages, and it's only a case of stopping any potential experiments, stopping our nemesis and staying alive.
It's not too long before other groups inform us of being in position, and this includes the groups on the opposite side, which is a relief though I do hope they don't get spotted between now and when I give the order to wipe out the perimeter guards, especially since there's only their camouflage to protect them. Yet again we're having to rely on the enemy for us to win, this time their fatigue and frustration preventing them from being able to notice any differences between the last time they check, and the next time they check again.
While we know that Noire and Uni are outside the estate itself, and were about to get out at the time of their announcement to us, they haven't said anything more since then, and it's been a few minutes. No doubt they're still being processed and are unable to speak to us as a result. It's only fair they're given some time before they're taken to a room and can tell us of their location, assuming they aren't blindfolded, even though they know of the floor plans and could take an educated guess from how far they've walked and the directions they had to turn.
The thing is what to do if we hear nothing more from them? Do we wait and if so how long, or do we go in? I think of this issue because what if the Lastation CPU can't even hum a tune as part of our agreed code, due to a guard warning them about making any sound or moving whatsoever. While Miss Lastation could ask for the bathroom would they even buy it and even if so would it be possible for her to hum then? At least there is the positive fact that everyone else is in position and is ready to attack the enemy at the perimeter, with their crossbows on my command.
Furthermore, there's also the fact that how much of a difference would it make if we don't hear from our CPU here, since we can just infiltrate via the secret entrance, and maybe if possible think of getting a disguise (considering our need then in finding an enemy without a bloodied uniform and being able to tell our allies), find the hostages, and find a way to rescue them. Hopefully this can be done so by thinking on our feet and perhaps having some good luck.
With all this in mind, I still think it's best to give it some more time, even if it's already been a few minutes at least since Noire's entered the estate with Uni and the troops in disguise, and we've heard nothing since then. In any case at least I can be confident that the troops surrounding the estate will know what to do, and I can trust their judgement in taking out the enemy in the perimeter, since they will have trained in ensuring their arrow will be accurate even at a significant distance, and will have trained to fire simultaneously, or at least to be of a similar enough time that the enemy won't know what hit them, and hence be unable to alert others to our presence, as they will have died before being able to.
The thing is more time has passed, yet still nothing. While my HUD doesn't say that we've failed in our mission, it can only be that either the Lastation goddesses are relatively safe but are unable to report to us, due to the presence of guards and their warnings to them, or that the guards wish to be sure of them being genuine members of the aristocracy, asking them questions to check their legitimacy.
Another thing to bear in mind is that it's only a matter of time before it's day where there'll be more guards, and it'll be easier for us to be spotted sneaking into the estate. Along with this, every minute that passes, is a minute less in being able to fight at a reasonable strength, and an increased likelihood of feeling significantly fatigued, of making mistakes due to not having slept yet.
Considering that I feel too much time has passed now, and anymore would be too risky for us considering the amount of enemies likely to be there, and our chances of success, I give the order for us all outside to find a target, and ensure that each of us has a different target to shoot, increasing our chances of success. As soon as I get unanimous confirmation from every group outside that has eyes on the perimeter, I give the order to open fire and for the radio jammer to jam the radio and phones for a set period of time, to hinder their ability to report back, as well as for the enemy inside to no longer be able to do roll calls, and therefore be able to detect something's wrong as a large number of soldiers cannot respond to them.
As we fire our bolts after aiming as accurately as possible, keeping our weapons pointed at the enemy wherever they go, I feel as if we've reach the point of no return. Despite doing our best to prepare and in our actions now, I still find a part of me wondering if we will kill the entire enemy army that patrols the perimeter fence, or will our mission have ended in tragic failure before it's even started, effectively at the last hurdle after all that we've been through, even being able to stop our nemesis once, and have managed to kill some of her allies here, including Plutia, Nepgear and Histoire.