Chapter 2: All In

Kristine

Age: 27

July 25th, 2017

6:06 AM

Mediterranean Sea

USCC Oregon

I open my eyes to see myself having slept inside the locker rooms over a soft sheet and pillow and under the blanket. Did I sleep on the floor of the women's locker room last? Why am I unclothed under a blanket with my breasts and vagina exposed? Then I see Cayce awake and getting his pants and shirt on.

Kristine: Cayce?

Cayce: We're running late. Get dressed now. Before someone catches us in here.

Kristine: (looks under her blanket) Shit!

I quickly get out of bed and put on my blouse, bra, pants, and tank top before someone discovers we've slept with each other in here. I remember now. I invited Cayce in here to blow off steam and make some time with one another and by making time, we fucked each other. By the lockers, in the shower, and then passed out here.

Kristine: Jesus Christ, Cayce. We – we actually fucked, didn't we?

Cayce: Yes, I know and we did it in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Kristine: Cayce, I'm sorry! Okay? I'm so, so sorry! But ya know, it felt good though right? Aren't you happy we –

Cayce: Kristine, please! I'm…I'm glad we got together last night, alright? I'm happy we're together now but our fight on Meridian Prime is in due time. The clock's ticking. Let's get a move on and discuss our relationship later.

Rachel

Age: 23

July 25th, 2017

6:07 AM

Mediterranean Sea

USCC Oregon

I step into the woman's restroom changing from my civilian wear to my combat gear. A no-sleeve jacket with a harness and two sheaths for my katanas already sheathed inside. I had been looking at myself in the mirror to put some face paint on. Covering my face with black and white make-up for combat camo. Alex had stepped instead to find me here. She too was dressed in her gear as well. She has a combat vest with her two gauntlets carrying hidden blades inside them like in the Assassin's Creed video game series.

Alex: There you are. Looks like you're ready to hit the battlefield too.

Alex approached closer to see me putting the face paint on.

Alex: Face paint, Rachel? Really? This isn't the Spirit Halloween store, you know.

Rachel: No, Alex. Its style is what it's called. You should try it on.

Alex: Already done. Just don't take too long though. Captain Cage and Commander Madsen are waiting.

Rachel: It's not my first time dressing up for a warzone. I'm almost done. Be patient and I'll be right there.

David

Age: 49

July 25th, 2017

6:29 AM

Mediterranean Sea

USCC Oregon

Everyone in Valor Team had spent the past half-hour arming up and gearing up for war on Meridian Prime. Newblood and Logos slid the barrels of their pistols, Heard slide the lock of her rifle to load up the magazine, Cage was loading himself up with grenades on a grenadier belt, and Kristine and Cayce still had to report into the armory we were stocking ourselves up in. As well as Max, Chloe, Rachel, Frank, and that sister-cousin of Max's named Alex. Max's uncle named Bryan too. The all-stars who would be assisting Valor Team in this fight and Max would be the tip of the spear in a sense.

While I and everyone else was still waiting, I had been staring at the old photo of Becker and me that I had been still holding onto. The picture we took back during our old tour in Afghan. Before I married Joyce and fathered Chloe. The picture Chloe, unfortunately, rejected seven years ago when making it a peace offering to start a healthy father and daughter relationship. After last night's talk with Chloe, I doubt she'd be needing it anymore.

I alone kept thinking about how long it's been since I lost Phil to those Taliban we were fighting against as I sat there in my personal space in the armory. Feels like only yesterday since I did. The way I see it, only one of three things can happen once I'm out there. One, I lose my own life and I get to see Phil again. Two, I lose the lives of most if not all of my team and I'm the lone survivor. Three, I lose Chloe and Max out there and the youngblood gets to be the martyr instead of me. The more I think about all of the above, the more I regret agreeing to the entire war plan debriefed by Admiral Penske and Max herself. Even though I shouldn't be regretting it, part of me feels like I should.

That is when Cayce and Kristine finally entered the room. I turn towards the entrance they make as Cage berates their tardiness.

Cage: Ah, Corporal Foley. Lieutenant Prescott, or is it Private Prescott now? How nice of you two to come here at the last minute.

Kristine: Good morning to you too, Captain. We were just getting dressed, you know.

Cage: Uh, huh. I know you two slept with each other last night in the lady's dressing room. It doesn't take a detective to find out what you've been doing behind locked doors.

Cayce: With respect, Captain. It won't happen again.

Cage: With respect, Corporal, I'd get armed up with your girlfriend now. We leave in ten.

Once Cayce and Kristine marched to grab themselves a rifle and pistol, that's when they found me sitting down in my corner.

Cayce: Commander?

Kristine: David, how is it? Whatcha doing?

David: Hey, Kristine. Morning, Cayce.

Kristine: What's that in your hand? (takes a look at the photo) Hey, isn't that?

David: It's Phillip. Lieutenant Phillip Becker. My late best friend was from Afghan. Thought I might say one last goodbye to him. Before any of us could say goodbye to each other. Whether plan on dying or not.

Kristine: You really miss him, don't you?

David: And that's not even the worst part. The worst part is sending my step-child into battle. And for what? Because some cuckoo time lord told me to – or because Max told me to? Either way, it doesn't feel right. Joyce should be talking me out of this by now.

Cayce: I think it's too little, too late for that now, Captain. We're already arming up as we are.

Kristine sat down for a brief second and laid her hand on my shoulder.

Kristine: Hey, David.

David: (turning to Kristine)

Kristine: I don't think it's any secret we've all been there before. For me, it was Nathan. For Cayce, it was his dad and his old CO. And for you, it was Becker. If anything happens to Chloe out there, I'll take great care of her. I promise. (kisses David on the cheek)

Max

July 25th, 2017

6:32 AM

Mediterranean Sea

USCC Oregon

I enter the armory with Chloe, Rachel, Frank, Alex, and Bryan who all chose to volunteer on this suicide crusade of mine and our final push against Ares. Captain Cage, David, and the rest of Valor Team took notice of our entry. We had all dressed ourselves up and all we had to do now was arm ourselves with firearms and all the other special equipment Lieutenant Major Heard stored for us.

Cage: Well, well, well, the quest of honor is up and atom.

Max: (salutes) At ease, Captain. Glad we can make our arrival on time.

Newblood: Well, if it isn't Former Operative Amber on deck.

Logos: Yo, Rachel. Think that face paint might be a little on the nose?

Rachel: I think it suits me, Logos. Though it might've worked better back in Bolivia. Since guerilla tactics were in use then. Or should I say 'guerrilla' tactics?

Logos and Newblood laughed it off.

Logos: That's what they'd say in Mexico, gringa!

Alex: Gringa? Isn't that Fernando's line?

Cage: Alright, listen up! Those of you in Max's group, listen carefully. We're gonna split the difference here. Heard and I are gonna be in charge of the six of you. David, I'm putting you in command of Foley, Prescott, Logos, and Newblood. Assuming we can agree to these terms?

David: Don't let anything happen to them is all I can say.

Cage: Okay, then. Dismissed. Grab your special gear in the rear armory. Down that way.

The captain paused Chloe and me before we could grab our things.

Cage: You two, just a moment.

Max: (stopped by Cage)

Chloe: (stopped by Cage)

Cage: About last night, I'd like to apologize. I – shouldn't have reacted the way I did.

Max: Captain, you don't have to –

Chloe: Did David tell you to apologize? Is that it?

Cage: No, he didn't. I was drinking more than I should've and I inadvertently embarrassed both of ya. Look, it doesn't matter to me if you've got a thing for each other. What matters to me is that you do it someplace that isn't public next time. And that I take the bullet for either of you out there when I need to. Understood?

Max: Yes, sir. Apology accepted.

Chloe: Crystal. What you say goes.

Heard: Don't sweat Cagey boy, here. He's got more of a soft spot for the LGBTQ than he'll admit. He just prefers it in the right place at the right time.

Max: I appreciate that.

Cage: Now you're dismissed.

Uncle Bryan walked over to David still staring at the photo. Cayce and Kristine had left his place already and Bryan came to take over for them.

Bryan: Hey, there.

David: Oh, hi Bryan. You came.

Bryan: It's probably not a question you're still worried about Max and friends, aren't you?

David: I think the less spoken about it, the better. I'm surprised you've decided to come along. What made you?

Bryan: Someone's gotta keep Max and Alex safe. If not the other two Caulfield parents on board, it might as well be me. That goes for Chloe too. We square?

David: You scratch my back, I scratch yours. That's my answer.

I grab my Power Gauntlet out in the back and place the Time Shard in one of the slots on the knuckles of the gauntlet. Then the gauntlet glows a green circle around my fingers. I test it on a crushed beer can lying on the floor to use my rewind ability on it. Rewinding on the can makes it dintless again. Fast forwarding on it crushes the can again.

Once everyone was dressed and geared up for war, my friends, family, and Valor Team all marched out of the armory. Chloe had a beanie, tank top, and tactical vest on. Alex wore a combat jacket over a tactical vest. Rachel has a sleeveless jacket. Bryan a vest and bandolier. Frank in his power exo-suit. I wearing a military shirt, harness, bandolier, and scarf. Like Nathan Drake in Uncharted 3. Little did we all know a surprise awaited us down in the Refuge Deck where we were crossing.

As I walked along with my group, a band of all my friends and family approached me. Mom, Dad, Joyce, Rachel's parents, and my Blackwell friends all stood in front of me. All there for a hero's goodbye. Just for me.

Ryan: Knowing this may be the last time we see you again, we couldn't help but say one last goodbye.

Max: Dad? What are you all doing here?

Fernando: What? Did you think we'd let you leave without a farewell gift or something?

Max: I…I – don't what to say.

Joyce: Let's just say some of us don't agree with what you're about to get yourself into, Max. But we still care about you. We still love you. We never thought we'd see you make it this far in life. You've made a difference before and I know you'll do so again no matter what happens to you out there. You're our hero and always will be.

I give Joyce a soft hug for the words she said to me. Chloe hugs her mom as well. I hug it out with everyone else I know and love too. Rachel hugs her parents. Then Alex comes over to Mom nervously for an apology.

Alex: Hey, listen, Aunt V? I, uh, don't know else to say this but – I'm sorry what I said to you yesterday. I –

Venessa: Alex, please, don't be sorry.

Alex: What?

Venessa: Listen to me and listen well. I'm sorry. I'm the one who should be sorry for how I shunned you all those years with Max. You were right about me yesterday even when I refused to admit it. I shouldn't have let you go the way I did. But every day I looked at you, I was reminded of the mistake I made with your father. But you're not a mistake. You're just undisciplined. Whatever happens to you and your cous – you and your sister out there, no matter how many times you've disappointed me, I'm proud you're here for Max when you need to be. I really am.

Alex: I'm not a mistake. And I'm not undisciplined. I'm proud to be both Max's cousin and Max's sister likewise. And I couldn't have asked for anyone else to give birth to me but you.

And that's when Alex hugged her motherly aunt as a token of reconciliation. That's also when Admiral Penske arrived on deck to oversee my preparedness.

Penske: Maxine Caulfield.

The whole crowd turns their heads to the admiral on deck. Approaching me as Captain Cage remembers his formalities.

Cage: Ten hut!

Everyone in Valor Team salutes. Once the Admiral walks closer to me, I salute as well.

Penske: No need to be formal, Specialist Caulfield. Not in your case.

Max: The honor is mine, Admiral.

Penske: I see you haven't taken your crusade lightly. I have thousands of my people ready to give up their lives for you. Assuming your prepared to do the same for them?

Max: I've been prepared from the moment I began my crusade. Which all started when Alex returned to my life. And this is how it ends.

Penske: Let's all hope your war plan can all go accordingly as you and Chronos need it to be. Speaking of…

Some guards came in strolling a gurney with Chronos cuffed down to it. Everyone behind me is slightly alarmed by his presence. But not to the point rifles are trained at him. The guards stop strolling Chronos when he's at least two feet from us.

Penske: Release him.

The guards do as their ordered and uncuff Chronos. Which is when he and I start talking eye to eye.

Max: Chronos.

Chronos: Master Caulfield. I see you've found yourself a new place for the Time Shard. A gauntlet just as my grandson holds the others. And you have your team together. Just as we planned.

Max: I assume our deal about the shard still stands? If and when it comes down to it?

Chronos: As long as our plan stands, so does our deal. I will now make way for Meridian Prime alone ahead of the fleet to give Chrysalis a fighting chance against ConDef. If you have any final words to say to your companions and family before the battle commences, speak your mind immediately. May you return to our rendezvous alive and victorious.

Chronos made himself a portal to exit off the Oregon and leave for Meridian Prime. He then turned his head behind him to glance at me with a happy frown. I smile back and the time god himself walks through the portal as the portal closes behind him.

This was it for me to say my last goodbye to my Blackwell friends, Valor Team, and my family. I walk through the crowd, step over a bench to stand tall on, clear my throat, and say my farewell speech to everyone before me.

Max: You know, David has a saying "Soldiers put family and others above self and now. When my crazy time power journey began, I was sleeping in class. Dreaming about a storm that was about to wipe Arcadia Bay off the face of planet Earth. Since then, that storm has not yet passed for me. By then, I was no soldier. I was just an ordinary girl who was asked some stupid question about the Daguerreian Process. And on the same day, that's when my power spoke to me. Called upon me. Chose me. For one sole purpose. And that purpose was to prepare me for this fight. Without my power, I wouldn't be able to stop Mark Jefferson and solve the scandal he helped make with Rachel's fabricated death. Without my power, I wouldn't be able to stop Derrick Crosby who wanted to destroy the world just to create anew. And now it all comes. Stopping Ares and ConDef who all want to watch the world burn before their eyes only for their selfish ambitions.

So far, my speech sounded inspiring to everyone who had their eyes glued on me. A good sign from my audience.

Max: Every one of you has all fought for me, mourned with me, suffered with me, endured with me, and loved me in the way you do. When I'm out there fighting on that island, I won't just be fighting to stop the world from ending. I'll be fighting for the goodwill of all of you. Knowing we're all in this fight together. And before I go out there, just remember. You've all meant the world to me as all of you have made my world alive. I could not have asked for a better world than the one I've been given. David, do you have a speech to give as well?

David: I've got a one-word speech to say to everybody: - Win.

Heroes – Gang of Youth

It was time. Chloe, Alex, Rachel, Frank, Bryan, David, Kristine, Cayce, the rest of Valor Team, and I alone came marching onto the flight deck. The bulkhead door opened for us as we came walking outdoors where every trooper and combat pilot had been reporting to their battle stations and preparing to play their roles in ending this war once and for all. Meanwhile, my team and I came powerwalking in as an entourage like in the scene with the team of astronauts from Armageddon.

Back on the bridge, Admiral Penske came on deck with Captain Harvest at the helm and ensigns at their stations. Penske turned on the intercom to transmit a speech to the soldiers and citizens aboard. Both ship-wide and fleet-wide.

Penske: Attention, good citizens and soldiers of the First Fleet. I speak to you all not only as your admiral, but as the voice of the coming storm prepared to strike us all.

The speech had been heard by everyone onboard from all decks. From the halls where troops and ensigns came running to their stations to the Refugee Deck where refugees themselves were sitting listening to Penske's inspirational speech.

Penske: Never before have so many come together. From all corners of Chrysalis. But never before have we faced an enemy such as this. ConDef and Ares will show us no mercy. We must give them no quarter.

As my team and I came walking down from an entourage and into an aisle, troops, and pilots out on the Flight Deck was saluting, applauding, and chanting between us next to harriers and choppers. All I could do with my fellow brothers and sisters in arms was smile with rejoice.

Penske: They will terrorize our populations. We must stand fast in the face of that terror. They will advance until our last remnant of civilization falls, but we will not fall. We will prevail.

Pilots and troops from the Oregon and other ships in the fleet were now jumping aboard their jet fighters, choppers, and boats they were using to travel down to Meridian Prime and take the fight to ConDef upon arrival. The team and I were about to hop onto a boat ourselves to get back on the island as well. Like D-Day in World War II.

Penske: Each of us will be defined by our actions in the coming battle. Stand fast. Stand strong. Stand together. There and back again. Penske out.

Harvest: Did you write all that down on paper, Admiral? Or did you rehearse that overnight?

Penske: Make sure the fleet is armed and ready, Captain. Put the Refugee Decks on lockdown too until the fight has blown over. That's an order.

Harvest: Yes, sir.

*song ends*

My team and I were getting on two separate carrier boats. Captain Cage and Lieutenant Heard were taking charge of my friends and family I'd brought with me to battle on one boat. David took the rest of Valor on the other.

Cage: Alright, boys and girls! This is our last and final stand in this war so let's start acting like it! Caulfield, your friends, and fam are coming with Heard and me on this boat. David, you take the rest of the team on that boat. Now let's move out!

David: Max!

I stop before I get on board. David touches my shoulder with a soft grip and looks me in the eye for more good luck words.

David: Be careful out there.

Instead of using words as my reply, I shake my head and immediately get on my boat as the final battle was commencing. My final confrontation with Ares was now beckoning and this was the moment I started behaving like it. On take my seat on my boat and say to myself in the words of King Theoden from The Lord of the Rings…

Max: So it begins.