Chapter 4 We Stand Together
Max
July 25th, 2017
9:09 AM
New Exodus, Meridian Prime
Chrysalis FOB
Our chopper found its landing pad and we were now landing in the same colonial ruin Alex and I first arrived at during our first visit to the island just three days ago. As the helicopter hit the ground softly and its propeller disengaged, my team and I all hopped out and were greeted by some troops stationed at the forward operating base. I can already tell whatever Chrysalis forces who were sent down here before the battle began had been busy since I and friends first left Meridian Prime. Just as well as ConDef had been busy preparing to keep us away from Mount Genesis. The place where we'd activate the Ark of Genesis and end the war once and for all.
Chrysalis Troop: (talking to David) Commander, we've set up a command center in the building over there.
David: Looks like we still got groups coming in.
Chrysalis Troop: Yes, sir, but not as many as we hoped. Captain Cage did report in, though. The other half of your team just landed. You can check on them wherever they are.
David: Max, come see me when you're ready.
Max: Will do.
David left with the trooper along with Cayce and Kristine. Alex and Chloe stayed with me for a few seconds longer before parting ways elsewhere inside the FOB.
Alex: I expected to see more of Chrysalis by now.
Max: A lot of them won't be making it. You two go on ahead. I'll catch up.
As soon as Chloe and Alex left me, Colonel Dhaled approached me and stood next to me to talk.
Dhaled: The fighting here's been some of the worst Chrysalis has ever confronted. It looks bad, but there's still hope. And you're here. It'll do the troops good to see you. Bolster their resolve.
Max: I'm no soldier, Colonel, but I'll behave like one when they see me.
Dhaled: You might see yourself like that, but they don't. Like it or not, Max, you're a hero to these men and women. Don't discount the effect that can have on them. I better go meet up with my battalion. I'll see you at the command center.
Once Dhaled had left me, I was left on my own to navigate my way through the FOB and make myself whatever last-minute conversations I wanted or needed with my team. I slide down a ladder and walk towards a gate Chrysalis had built that must be the main entrance. Chrysalis Soldiers were firing their rifles at incoming Fallen right before the gate slammed shut in front of them. Sealing the enemy outside.
I recognize some remaining structures of the colony. The statue of Ezra Prescott that's still standing to start with and the plaque with Meridian Prime's code of conduct is as well. Just as I remembered from when Alex and I first entered. This was the commercial district Chrysalis had settled in. The adjourning settlement of New Exodus, of course. Not that I'm offended by Chrysalis's setup here. After all, this was like the place where Ezra's forces had stood their ground as well during his fight against the Germans who allied with Ares a hundred years back. Why shouldn't more enemies of Ares make a base here as well? One hundred years later.
My first visit went to Frank Bowers. Still wearing the exo-armor and arm wrestling with another soldier in exo-armor, too. Frank was hanging around with Chrysalis commandos wearing the same armor only not spray painted with the words MY BEANS on it. And the commandos wore helmets, too. Frank one the arm-wrestling match against his opponent and the commandos walked off as soon as I approached Frank himself to talk to him.
Frank: Hey, Max.
Max: What? No "Girly?"
Frank: Yeah, sorry.
Max: You okay? Is the armor too tight on you?
Frank: Nah, still feel good. Feels even better to kill a bunch of zombie Fallen with it.
Max: Don't get too cocky. It's Chrysalis property.
Frank: I once stole armor that was Neo-Chrysalis property and killed a whole bunch of them guys with a mini-gun wearing it, too. Don't know if you remember.
Max: Yeah, I remember.
Frank: I don't know what I'd feel coming back to this island. You, Alex, and Chloe were here longer during our last visit. I was ready to fight. Ready to die if I had to. But seeing everything like this…
Max: I know it's hard to see, but this is only temporary. But first, we need to win this. Stay focused. Don't let them take your will to fight.
Frank: I know, I know. You're right. So, I guess this is it, no? One more push, one last fight.
Max: Not necessarily our last.
Frank: Why wouldn't it be?
Max: I don't know. Here's what I do know. That first time we met, in the junkyard, part of me always regretted nearly shooting you to death. Right now, I don't know what to think.
Frank: You shouldn't think like that anymore, Max. I was the asshole who threatened Chloe with a switchblade and I deserved no less than that gun on me. Never wanted to admit it then, but I admit it now.
Max: I always knew you had the courage to admit it. Even when you didn't.
Frank: It's been an honor serving with you, Max. Here's hoping I'll be seeing Pompidou again really soon.
Max: (shaking hands with Frank) You're a good man. A terrible drug dealer, but a terrific dog keeper.
Frank: Thanks.
Max: And you're no trailer trash. You're trailer treasure.
Frank: Ha. That's the spirit.
Max: Whatever happens out there today, I know you'll make me proud.
Frank: Coming from you, that means a lot to me. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Good luck out there, Girly.
Max: (smiles)
Walking through the base, I hear radio chatter next to make where a pack of marines is ganged up near a radio. Listening to it and communicating with it. I overhear the voice on the radio discussing casualties at a no man's land on Meridian. As well as a decrease in ConDef activity and an increase in Fallen activity. The less I hear about it, the better.
When I'm done eavesdropping, I spot Rachel with her sawed-off shotgun in hand. Standing at a corner near another building more trooped are holed up in. It looked to be the place Alex and I once visited which was the area with the guillotine with now giant blade above. Where I had drawn Alex herself leaning in my journal. I spoke to Rachel as soon as she saw me.
Rachel: Max, you made it.
Max: How are you holding up?
Rachel: Restless. Everything depends on this. Think we have a chance?
Max: There's always hope. It's how we got this far.
Rachel: And you made it happen, Max. You're the reason we're here.
Max: People have been picking me up and dusting me off when I stumbled. Lost count of all the times you've saved me.
Rachel: Almost as many times as you've saved me, Super Max.
Max: Only Chloe calls me Super Max.
Rachel: I know. It always comes down to this. Feels like a thousand years since we first met in Chloe's backyard. So much has happened. It's hard to figure out how we got here.
Max: You're a survivor, Rach. Always were.
Rachel: I hope you're right.
Max: I'm right. You're a fine soldier as you are on your way to being a fine celebrity if that's not cut short. We're lucky to have you.
Rachel: Thanks, Max. Okay.
Max: Something else on your mind?
Rachel: You know, I've never properly apologized for not being as supportive in your mission since Vancouver as I should have been. But it was never your courage in taking it on that bothered me. It was the way you were barricading Chloe from the truth about it that did. As much as I disliked it, I still got it.
Max: Your apology was accepted the moment you saved me from Hephaestus chasing me on this island.
Rachel: I appreciate that then.
Max: I already talked it through with Chloe on this island and we've made our peace with it as well.
Rachel: I must say, I've been beginning to understand why my Dad lied to me for most of my life the way he did. I ended up being just like him when I hid my affair with Frank from Chloe. I just didn't want you to make the same mistakes I did.
Max: Then we must both know what it's like to hide the truth from someone and we both learned the hard way seeing what happens when we do.
Rachel: I couldn't agree more.
Max: One more hill to take, Rachel Amber. Are you ready?
Rachel: Aye, aye, Maxine Caulfield. I'm ready.
Walking inside the small ruined building, soldiers were hanging out in the old brig of the commercial district. Inside, a communications tech was sitting down by a radio. Helping other troops contact their families from back home or taking refuge at the fleets. One soldier was done speaking with his family on the radio, said his goodbyes, and then got off his chair. I speak to the comm tech as the soldier walks past me.
Comm Tech: Hey, miss. Is there someone I can help you reach?
There were so many people I wanted to talk to again in such little time. But I knew who to start with and who to save for last.
Max: Fernando Rojas. USCC Oregon.
Comm Tech: Certainly, I'll connect you now.
I took a seat and sat down in front of the radio and mic where I'd speak to Fernando and Kristen. The comm tech linked me to civilian channels on the Oregon that would connect me to people on the refugee deck. Then Fernando came on.
Fernando: (radio) Hola (hello), who's this?
Max: It's me, Fernan. You know who.
Fernando: (radio) Max? Well, I'll be.
Kristen: (radio) Max? You're alive!
Fernando: (radio) Alive and kicking it seems. You are a survivor if I ever saw one.
Max: I'm flattered to hear that. How are you?
Fernando: (radio) Apart from the leg, I feel fine. I love listening to the sounds of bullet fire and explosions behind these walls. The tremors, too. Just like the movies. Sarcastically speaking.
Kristen: (radio) Sarcasm aside, it's bad down here. They've got the deck on lockdown for who knows how long and there's plenty of refugees panicking already. But they didn't leave us defenseless either. They got some armed troops on guard as well.
Max: Kristen, Fernan, there's something I've been meaning to say that I never got to. Back in Rome, at Castle Camelot, when Fernando jumped, I'm – I'm sorry I made you two get through that. I am.
Fernando: (radio) Gringa, you don't gotta apologize to me. You didn't break my knee as I jumped. The bitch Joanna who lit the floor on fire and Psycho Ares who brain-probed me did. And you saved my ass with your superpower. I'm eternally grateful.
Kristen: (radio) He's right, Max. As much as I detest the fact of being dragged into that situation, it's not your fault. Fernando and I knew the risks of being part of this quest and this was our price to pay. Not yours.
Max: I'm happy you feel that way, Kristen. I expected you'd still be angry with me, but thanks.
Fernando: (radio) Last I checked, you still gotta war to win. And if you make it out of this, I know a nice warm and tropical environment down in Puerto Rico where my papa grew up and where we can drink some ice-cold tequila to celebrate. What do you say? Drinks on you? My treat?
Max: I appreciate the offer, Fernando. Right now, I stay concentrated on winning the war and then we decide what I'd like to do to celebrate. If and when I make it off this island alive.
Fernando: (radio) Anything for you, Gringa. We'll be rooting for ya inside a deck on lockdown.
Kristen: (radio) Good luck out there, Max. You're gonna need it.
Max: Thanks. Max out.
Comm Tech: Is there someone else I can connect you with?
Max: Kate Marsh. Refugee Deck on USCC Oregon.
Comm Tech: Certainly. I'll connect you now.
The comm tech switched the channel over to Kate's. Then her voice was heard on the mic.
Kate: (radio) Hello? Who is this?
Max: Kate, it's me, Max.
Kate: (radio) Max?! Is – is that really you?! You're alive!
Max: For now. I'm not dead yet.
Kate: (radio) Oh, Max…you don't know what it means to hear your voice. Thank God in heaven.
Max: I think I do, Kate. And that's why I called.
Kate: (radio) Max, I don't even know where to begin. It's horrible down here. We can hear explosions from outside.
Max: I know, Kate. But if you think it's bad in there, you've seen nothing yet on the outside.
Kate: (radio) Please, just stay alive out there. My family's counting on it. I'm counting it.
Max: Kate, before I let you out, I have something else to say. Can I be honest with you?
Kate: (radio) I'm all ears. Anything from you I'm glad to hear.
Max: Do you still remember that day when – that day at Blackwell when – you know what almost happened? It's a day we'll never forget. Every time we see each other, I replay it in my head asking myself, "Did I make the right call?" Saving you with my power? I'm sorry I had to rehash this, but –
Kate: (radio) Max, listen to me. You said it best that day at the hospital. "You've got nothing to be sorry about." You didn't hurt me. The people who picked on me did. David, Victoria, Nathan, Jefferson, and I wouldn't be surprised if other maniacs like Sean Prescott and Derrick Crosby were involved as well. Some of the people I named are sorry for what they did to me. The others got what they deserved. I learned the hard way that suicide isn't the answer. Nothing else matters besides that. That's all that matters to me.
Max: I know. But it's better hearing it from you which is saying something. You remember Matthew 11:29, right?
Kate: (radio) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls.
Max: For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Kate: (radio) God bless you, Max. Mom, Dad, my sisters, and I are still praying down here as I speak. May our prayers be with you.
Max: And mine with you. Dead or alive, I'll win this war for you no matter the cost. Not a promise I can keep, but a promise that'll always be in mind.
Kate: (radio) Godspeed, Max. Take care.
Max: You, too.
Comm Tech: Anyone else?
Max: Get me, Victoria Chase. Refugee Deck on USCC Oregon.
Comm Tech: Connecting you now.
Victoria Chase was now on the civilian channel.
Victoria: (radio) Hello? Who is this?
Max: Victoria, it's me, Max.
Victoria: (radio) Max?! Holy shit, you're alive!
I can hear distinct chatter on the radio. Must be Victoria's friends listening in.
Victoria: (radio) Holy fuck, Max. I don't know how you've survived this long but-
Max: You know me, Victoria. I'm a survivor.
Victoria: (radio) How's it been for you? It's a shitshow down here in lockdown. It's so good to hear your voice again.
Max: I'll say this much. It's way worse out here. I'm the one dodging the bullets and you're the one shielded from them. I say you're the lucky one. How are you?
Victoria: (radio) Not as lucky as you think, Caulfield. There are guards with guns in here, the doors are locked down, and we can feel tremors from the fighting outside. People panicking and screaming every time there is.
Max: Victoria, there's something I wanted to tell you that I never could before I left. May I?
Victoria: (radio) Shoot.
Max: I just want you to know, despite the differences we've endured, you and your ex-Vortex friends mean everything. You supported me when Chrysalis falsely accused me of the Arcadia Storm. I know you'll still support me now as this war will soon be over.
Victoria: (radio) I know, Max. You mean everything to us, too. We're well past those teenagers at Blackwell and my entitled ass couldn't be more grateful for how much we've grown since.
Max: You know, I almost could have made fun of you that day when Samuel's paint bucket spilled all over you. The thought did cross my mind, but I didn't. You were an ass to me, too, but I chose to be more forgiving than I could've or should've been. We didn't have to be friends, but we didn't have to be bitches either.
Victoria: (radio) For the record, you're no longer a selfie ho to me. You're an almighty time-bending ho with super time-bending powers. Amen to that.
Max: Thank you, Victoria. You just made my day today whether it's my last day on Earth or not.
Victoria: (radio) Just go out there and win this war for us. Take care.
Max: Au revoir (Goodbye).
Comm Tech: Is there someone else I can connect you to?
Max: Warren Graham. USCC Oregon's Refuge Deck.
Comm Tech: Certainly. Connecting you now.
The channel switched over to Warren for me to speak to him.
Warren: (radio) Who is this? I never gave you my number.
Max: I'm the only person who remembers you asking "Who wants to go ape?"
Warren: (radio) Max?! It's you?! Holy mother of-
Brooke: (radio) Max?! It's you?! You're still alive?!
Max: I get that question a lot and the answer is always yes.
Warren: (radio) And here we thought we'd never hear your voice again. Fucking hell, it's crazy down here.
Max: Yeah, well it's crazy out here, too. You haven't seen the half of it.
Brooke: (radio) Gotta say, Max, you must be a super-soldier or something to have made it this far.
Max: (radio) In a way, I am, Brooke. No doubt about it.
Warren: (radio) So, um…I guess this is you saying goodbye? Is that it?
Max: Something like that. More importantly, something I wanted to say to you that I never got to back on the ship. If you'll let me.
Warren: (radio) Go on.
Max: I somehow regret not going with you to the drive-in for that Planet of the Apes Marathon. Maybe I owe you that much?
Warren: (radio) You know what, Max, I don't think you owe me anything else but a sweet victory for this war. Made possible by Super-Max herself. God, I sound like Chloe, don't I?
Max: I appreciate the thought, Warren. I do.
Warren: (radio) Give 'em hell, Max. That's all I got left to say to you.
Brooke: (radio) Be careful out there, Max. We've supported you before. We're doing it again.
Max: Thank you. Both of you.
Steph: (radio) Hey, Max. This is Steph. Steph Gingrich? Chloe's old friend?
Max: I remember you, Steph. What's up?
Steph: (radio) Now that you're on the radio, I've gotta message for Chloe. Assuming she's still alive as well?
Max: She still is. What is it?
Steph: (radio) Tell Chloe if she lives to see another sunrise, she owes me a rematch with Calimastia.
Max: Calimastia?
Steph: (radio) The D&D character she played as back in our Blackwell days. She'll know when you tell her. That's if I ever get back into that game as well.
Max: D&D, Dungeons and Dragons, right?
Steph: (radio) Correct.
Max: You've got yourself a deal. Thanks for calling, Steph.
Steph: (radio) No, no. Thank you for calling, Max. You're the one who did and you're gonna be the hero of this war story. The elf who slayed Durgeron. D&D talk aside, go get 'em, tiger. And Godspeed, Maxine Caulfield. Win the war and may the force be with you.
Max: You too, Steph Gingrich.
Comm Tech: Anyone else I can connect you to?
Max: Joyce Madsen. USCC Oregon. Refugee Deck.
Comm Tech: Connecting you right now, ma'am.
It was Joyce's turn to talk now.
Joyce: (radio) Hello? Who is this?
Max: Joyce, it's Max.
Joyce: (radio) Max? Oh, my lord, you made it! Did – did Chloe make it, too? What about David?
Max: They're alive, Joyce. I made sure of that.
Joyce: (radio) Oh, thank goodness! I was just contemplating the loss of all y'all. Not that I enjoy thinking about that. It's just…
Max: Joyce, there's something I wanna tell you. Before I get off this radio. Can I?
Joyce: (radio) If you have something to say to me, Max, I strongly advise you to say so now.
Max: Whatever happens to us, whatever happens to me, I want to let you know that you've always made my world. You're the best mother to Chloe, the best wife to David, the best Belgian Waffles at the diner, we're really lucky to have you.
Joyce: (radio) No, Max. I'm really lucky to have you. You've always been like the second daughter I never had. After William died, I'm truly glad I got to have you back in my life to bring back the light during the dark times Chloe and I endured. These are even darker times now.
Max: You've always been like a second mom to me. When my actual mom was never around.
Joyce: (radio) Oh, Max…
Max: Joyce, listen to me. I'm gonna win this war for you. No matter what it takes. I promise.
Joyce: (radio) Max, you listen to me and you listen to me well. Am I clear?
Max: You're crystal. Go on.
Joyce: (radio) Bring Chloe back alive, please. [sniffs] She's all I have left of William. I hate to lose my only child. Much less my second husband. Don't even say "You promise." Say that "you will." Please, just say it.
Max: I will. And if I don't make it, I'll tell William all about us. I'll tell him how Chloe and I grew up to be the people we are today and how I took care of his surviving daughter well. That's a promise I can make. Joyce…?
Joyce: (radio) [sniffs and tears]
Max: Joyce, are you okay?
Joyce: (radio) [sniffs] I'm sorry. Thank you, Max. Thanks for calling. I love you.
Max: I love you, too. Goodbye.
Comm Tech: Anyone else to connect you to…ma'am?
I could tell by the tone of the technician's voice, he heard of all that and responded with some verbal sorrow. I wanted him to save his sympathy for others.
Max: One more. Vanessa and Ryan Caulfield. Same place. Same deck.
Comm Tech: Connecting you now.
Ryan: (radio) Hello, who am I talking to?
Max: Dad, it's me, Max.
Ryan: (radio) Holly, hell. Vanessa, it's her!
Vanessa: (radio) Max?! Is that really you?!
Max: I'm here, Mom. I'm alive.
Vanessa: (radio) Oh, my god! Max!
Ryan: (radio) Max, is Alex okay? Is Uncle Bryan still with you?
Max: They're both still alive, Dad. For now.
Vanessa: (radio) Oh, Max. We thought we lost you.
Max: I've been getting that a lot, Mom. Joyce told me the same thing on the radio.
Vanessa: (radio) Max, please! Be alive! Stay alive for both of us!
Ryan: (radio) Vanessa, please! Let me do the talking.
Max: Mom, Dad, listen! If I may?
Ryan: (radio) We're listening. Make it quick.
Max: I don't think I've ever properly apologized. I'm sorry I lied to you. To you and Mom. I'm sure you both understand now why I did so. Even if it doesn't make it better.
Ryan: (radio) Max, you're apology has already been excepted. And you know what? I'm sorry, too. We're all sorry. For lying to you as well.
Max: Lying about what?
Ryan: (radio) About the part Uncle Bryan and I once had in the Heard of Whales. And for lying to you and Alex about who you are. Sisters or cousins, we'd do it again if we had to just to protect you.
Max: I told Chloe the same thing when I apologized for lying to her. But you know what? It wasn't her I protecting. It was myself I was protecting the most. She and I had an agreement we were finished with this life of mine and I had to break it when my hand forced me to.
Ryan: (radio) I know, Max. Sigh, somehow your mother and I knew this day would arrive, but we chose to stay in denial over preparing ourselves for it.
Max: Do you remember that day in Seattle? The day I left for Blackwell? I once asked you if you had the power to rewind time, what would you do with it? I think that question has gotten greater with age over recent years. Between the Arcadia Storm and the war happening now, I couldn't have guessed in a million lifetimes I'd have that kind of power with me.
Ryan: (radio) Max, you're the bravest young girl that I know. The parent in me would forbid you to be out there, but the supporter in me would rather see you struggle fighting for something you believe in than live in cowardness and neglect doing nothing about it.
Max: Thanks, Dad. Yours truly.
Vanessa: (radio) Max, I know you can hear me. Can you?
Max: My ears are still open.
Vanessa: (radio) I don't care how you win this war. You fight like hell and you do it for your father and me. Be sure to tell Alex that, too. As a cousin and a sister likewise.
Max: I will, Mom. Goodbye.
Vanessa: (radio) No! Please don't say goodbye! Just – just say something else, please!
Max: Kiss Dad for me, can you?
Vanessa: (radio) Yes, Max. I can. We love you so much!
Max: I love you, too, Mom. Tell Dad I love him.
Ryan: (radio) You can tell your old man yourself. I love you, Max. We couldn't have asked for a better daughter than you.
Max: Thanks, Dad. I love you, too.
And those were the last words I'd say to my parents if I weren't to survive this war. Right before communications were cut.
Comm Tech: No one else, ma'am?
Max: No, that'll be all. Thanks.
I had left the comm room and stepped back outside to see the world still burning. I could now see fireballs in the further distance raining down from the dark and cloudy sky. Must be all the Fallen Ares is summoning to his will. Hopefully, we won't have to face any of them inside this FOB.
I march my way up a large hill made of rubble to walk my way towards another ruined building in the former colonial district. I step inside a room where I see Uncle Bryan talking to some troops. Lieutenant Major Heard, Sergeant Logos, and Sergeant Newblood are inside as well. Bryan speaks to a random soldier about me and Alex.
Bryan: I want you to coordinate with my daughter and niece. Make sure we can iron out these logistical problems.
Chrysalis Troop: Sir, it's not our job to take orders from two random specialists. Traveler or not, they're not our superiors.
Bryan: They are under Penske's authority. You can ask him yourself when he's not too busy helping the fleet shoot up ConDef on the waterfront. Which he is.
Newblood: Oi, Max! Is that you? Come here. Wanna talk?
It was Newblood, Logos, and Heard standing in the corner wanting to talk. So, I did.
Newblood: We never got the chance for congratulating you in person.
Max: Congratulate me. For what?
Heard: For being a big girl out there and bringing this team together to fight the good fight. Couldn't have done it without you.
Max: Well, you and David did most of the fighting until now. Me, my friends, and family were the one's globe-trotting our way to victory to know how to end this war and stop Ares.
Logo: Exacto. That's what we mean.
Newblood: Where I'm from, we had a saying: "Who dares wins." You're the one who dared and you're gonna be the one to win. For the lot of us.
Max: The honor is mine, Sergeant Newblood, is it not? But don't congratulate me yet. The war isn't over yet.
Logo: Better if we say "congrats" now before it's too late. Before neither of us make it off this island alive.
Max: Then I'm glad we got this chance to speak.
Heard: This war will be won or lost today. Here on Meridian Prime. Everything has come down to this moment. And history will record that Maxine Caulfield kicked some ConDef asshole and stood amongst the brave.
Logo: Hoo-rah!
Newblood: Hoo-rah!
Max: Hoo-rah!
Heard: Semper Fi, Max. And good luck.
I then walked towards Bryan. Still talking with the soldier. So, I could speak to my uncle.
Chrysalis Troop: It's a shame to see the Chrysalis army get hit like this.
Bryan: It'll be the last time they do if I have anything to say about it. This nightmare finally ends today.
Chrysalis Troop: You think ConDef and the Fallen can be defeated?
Bryan: I know they can. That Triple 4 business in Portland a few years ago? Think of that, times eleven. If Chrysalis was to survive that, they can survive this, too.
The troop left my uncle once he saw me about to speak to him.
Bryan: Max, so, I guess this is…
Max: Just like the good old days?
Bryan: This might be the last chance we get to say that. There's a reason I came down here for you and Alex. If there's one Caulfield on Earth who has to protect my girl and Ryan's, it'll be me.
Max: Think we're gonna lose?
Bryan: Not that I want to think we will, but I'll do my damndest to see that we don't.
Max: It sounds crazy, but I don't think I ever apologized for agreeing to go with Alex and sneak into that museum for the codex. I was so stupid then. And we failed you.
Bryan: No, Max. I'm sorry that it ever happened. I'm the one who failed you. I'm the one who sold that codex to the museum and I'm the one who put you and Alex through it. Worst of all, our falling out between us and your mother and father back in Seattle is on me as well. And now, I'm owning up to the worst fault I've made in my whole life by being here for you and your cousin, AKA your sister.
Max: I appreciate the thought, Uncle. But some part of me still believes I had a fault in that museum incident, too. I really could have talked Alex out of it, but I didn't. Knowing how stubborn of a girl she is. Even more so than Chloe. But you know what? There's no time for blame. Only time to stop Ares from taking over the world.
Bryan: David told me there's an old saying he learned back in the Marines: "May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows your dead." Something I learned from Professor Roland back in my college days. He served in World War II before taking a job as a professor. So, the parallels are uncanny. If that saying should mean anything to us, it's that our ancestral herd members are looking down on us and praying we'll succeed where they had failed.
Max: If that's what Ezra Prescott and Jeremiah Blackwell want from us, that's what they'll receive.
Bryan: And Max, take this one order from your Uncle and your Uncle only: Go out there and give them hell. You were born to do this.
Max: Thank you, Bryan. Should we join our herd ancestors in death, we'll tell them we died to win the war. Not to lose it.
Uncle Bryan patted my shoulder and that's when I left him. That's when I saw myself out of the ruined building and towards a bridge across the other commercial buildings Chrysalis was set up in. Had to be the command center David told me to go to. And that's where I went to.
As soon as I was on the bridge, a small explosion was seen from a distance. More Fallen coming our way.
Chrysalis Trooper: We've got hostiles on the perimeter!
A Humvee was driving toward my location. Right before getting shot down by a Fallen projectile.
Chrysalis Trooper: Get on that gun!
I ran toward the mini-turret set up on the bridged and manned it myself. While commandeering the gun, Fallen Revenants came closing in and I fired away. I could feel the gun jerking itself in my hands holding down the triggers as every round was being fired. I shoot down every charging Revenant in my sights and blast away as the heavy caliber bullets cut down their bodies. Chrysalis Troopers between me fired their rifles at the Revenants as well to give me covering fire.
The gun was overheating and running out of ammo. Until two large Chrysalis Harrier Fighters came flying past me and dropped bombs on the pack of Fallen to snuff all of them out in an instant. Saved me the trouble and ammunition to do it all myself. They nearly blew up the base trying to save our skins but I was more than grateful for the assistance.
I got off the damn bridge and stepped inside the command building. That's when I saw Kristine and Cayce together standing near some beds with injured soldiers. Some of which Kristine had been tending and treating. Cayce was there as her helping hand. I walked towards them for an open discussion.
Max: How are the casualties?
Kristine: They haven't brought in many more wounded.
Max: That's something.
Cayce: Caulfield, I don't think we've ever been properly introduced. The name's Cayce. Cayce Foley.
Max: I know who you are, Cayce. You're David's closest corporal. I've seen you and Kristine in that group picture from last year. I think the two of you were standing between David in that picture.
Cayce: Yeah, that's us alright. I'm sure Rachel told you about me, too. About our adventures in Bolivia?
Max: She sure has. I also heard a rumor you two are together now if I'm not mistaken.
Cayce: Formally speaking, I cannot confirm nor deny anything between us. Is that right, Kristine?
Kristine: There's no point in denying it, Cayce. Now that Cage has confirmed it.
Cayce: If you say so.
Max: So, how are you and Cayce holding up, Kristine?
Kristine: This is it, isn't it? I don't know what to say. I just know I'll have a clever line five minutes from now.
Max: Kristine, I don't know how else to say this either. I won't sugarcoat the fact that I hated your father and hate your aunt with a passion after what they've done to me. But I will say that you and Nathan deserved better peers than Sean and Johanna. You're nothing like the other Prescotts I've met and I couldn't be more grateful.
Kristine: Max, I appreciate the thought. I do. But Cayce already gave me the lecture and I won't be needing it from you as well. Nevertheless, despite our bad luck with our families, I'm glad we could be at peace with it.
Cayce: That Alex girl; your cousin, sister, or whatever, was telling us about your troubles with Joanna Prescott. A bar fight in Vancouver, drugging you in Rome…
Kristine: And I won't stand for it! I swear, if I ever see Joanna in front of my face again, I'll kill her myself.
Max: Can't say I blame you for admitting that. Sean and Joanna made their choices and I know you're making better ones. If Sean was brought to justice for his hubris, so can Joanna.
Kristine: I know. If only Nathan was spared the consequences of their hubris, he'd still be alive. I've never been as easily enabled as my brother was and I never will be.
Max: I'm glad we had this opportunity to talk, Kristine. Consider it a truce for both our sakes.
Kristine: The thought is mutual, Max. Stay safe out there. And if you ever get the opportunity to bring Joanna to justice out there, don't hesitate.
Max: I won't.
Once I left Kristine and Cayce and exited the medic room, I marched into the ruined halls and overheard another radio chattering. A male Chrysalis Medic was standing in front of the radio communicating with a cadet medic on the field. The voice on the radio sounded like a young female's. The man talking to the cadet was guiding her through a task. The girl sounded distressed and was helping out a severely injured corporal bleeding from a heavy gunshot wound through his abdomen. The man tried calming the cadet down and told her what she needed to do to succeed. Speaking to her as a medic himself. I couldn't bare to overhear more ugliness out in the battle and would rather experience it to believe it.
I come inside another room where I see Captain Cage standing on top of a rubble pile giving a platoon of Chrysalis troops an inspirational speech they needed to win the battle.
Cage: When Neo-Chrysalis laid waste to Portland three years ago, when all seemed lost and the end was near, one word delivered the killer blow! One word beat the terrorists back to whence they came and one word brought death to an enemy none dared to fight! That word was "Chrysalis!" And today, Chrysalis will rise again! Today we forge a new path and join the world as allies in victory! Today, we win our future!
I turn to my right and see Chronos standing in front of a ledge where he had been overseeing the battle from a hole in the wall. Surprised Chrysalis let a former enemy inside but by now everyone must have been informed if the news traveled that quickly. Especially after his surprise intrusion on the Oregon two days ago. Guess I had a few words to say to him as well.
Chronos: Max.
Max: Was it this bad for King Arthur and Ezra Prescott?
Chronos: Worse. I have been listening to Captain Cage speak to his men. During Arthur's and Ezra's time, the world never came together for either of them. Their armies were left to fend for themselves. I envy you.
Max: Really? There's not much left out there.
Chronos: The future is still out there. It is something the many generations of Saint Loomis and the Herd of Whales could never say; there will be a tomorrow.
Max: Only if we win today.
Chronos: No one else has ever made it this far.
Max: You came a long way, Chronos. Away from the corrupt culprit attacking Portland to who you've changed into now.
Chronos: And I look forward to fulfilling my mission. But you are now the avatar of this generation. The exemplar of victory. Not just for humanity, Chrysalis, or the herd, but for all life. Every soul that has ever existed is watching this moment.
Max: Well, no pressure when you put it that way.
Chronos: Do not waver. Victory is never won without difficult choices.
Max: I know. I've had to make a lot of those.
Chronos: There may be more. There will be more. But I know you'll see this through for all of us, no matter the cost.
Chronos held his hand in front of me to shake it. And so, I shook it as a gesture of good faith.
Max: If we pull this off, what will you do afterward?
Chronos: Provided our winning this war, I will return to the Sisters of Fate and watch over time with them. In search of a new traveler worthy of your power. However long that time will come.
Max: It'll be a long, long time before you'll find anew.
Chronos: Time may feel like great longevity to the mortal mind, but to the gods, it moves in more benign ways.
Max: How so?
Chronos: If you were a god like me, you'd have a better understanding. But no matter. Thank you, Maxine Caulfield, for letting the great God of Time proceed on his path to redemption. I will honor our deal for as long as you breathe.
After my conversation with Chronos, I then walk towards Cage who had just finished his heroic pep talk to the troops below him. He had time to spare for me.
Cage: Max, you did it. No matter what happens today, you did what no one else could. You united Chrysalis. That's a victory right there.
Max: The pleasure is mine, Captain.
Cage: And don't worry, I know we're going to win. Because you brought Chrysalis here. If you told me three years ago when you were first branded a war criminal that you'd be a war hero, I'd laugh out loud. Not anymore.
Max: I was branded a criminal under false pretenses, no less. Happy to be friends now.
Cage: I meant to tell ya, Meridian Prime reminds me of Portland a lot. Back when Triple 4 struck. If Triple 4 was juiced up with steroids, too.
Max: I was just talking to Chronos. I think he's more than sorry he let Triple 4 happen. That he let his grandson Ares corrupt him. I think I'm the one who redeemed him. I can't say how, but I did.
Cage: It doesn't matter how. What matters is that we take names and kick ass today. And as Heard put it yesterday, we shoot up some ConDef until we run out of bullets. The same goes for Fallen, too.
Max: Hoo-rah! As Heard put it. Are we ready?
Cage: We're ready, Caulfield. Just say the word.
I finally enter the command center where most of the troops are gathered. I see David and Colonel Dhaled standing at a debriefing table discussing what move we should all make.
David: What about this zone? We could circle and flood it with reinforcements.
Dhaled: Not likely. I've heard some men spent three hours in that sector. Trapped inside a ruined building in New Exodus. Sniping anything that moved. It's a death trap guaranteed.
David: Name one place on this island that isn't.
While the two were debating with each other, I saw Alex sitting down on a chair with an empty chair next to her. The area looked familiar. I also saw Chloe overlooking another holed ledge where the whole island can be seen with infighting afoot. I chose to speak to Chloe first.
Max: Whatcha doing over here?
Chloe: Overhearing Step-Dad debate his plans of attack with the colonel like Rambo with enemy intelligence. While taking one more good look around at the war itself. That's what I'm doing over here.
Max: Don't enjoy your front-row seat for too long. We're gonna need you back out there soon.
Chloe: It's almost time for the final push, isn't it? Are you okay?
Max: I thought I'd be asking you that question.
Chloe: Max, I backed you when your art teacher had an ego for chiaroscuro and somnophilia. I backed you when some corporate overlord thought he could merge a dimension of the dead into the land of the living. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't back you now? And you haven't answered my question. Are you okay?
Max: It must go without asking but do you still remember the day your dad passed? And how I thought I could save him with my power only to realize I had to let him die? In doing so, I burned the last picture he ever took of us so it could never be tried again. The point is, more losses are coming to us whether we like it or not. Us alone could be one of those losses. We may not have been ready to lose anyone back then when we lost William, but we should be now. If that doesn't answer your question, I don't know what else will.
Chloe: Dad used to say, if you can't dodge the charging bull, don't wave the red cape at it. Should we be waving any red capes right now?
Max: Yes, we really should. We need to put it right.
Chloe: We will. Whatever happens, I'm proud to have grown up with you for as long as we could.
Max: You too, Chloe. And before I go anywhere, just tell me one more thing. Tell me that you're ready. Tell me that you're ready to lose me if or when you do and that you'll handle the grief maturely this time. Just say the words. Are you ready?
Chloe: I'm ready.
Max: And by the way, I was on the radio with Steph earlier. She wishes you good luck and hopes you'll get to play as Calimastia with her again. If you know what she means.
Chloe: Yeah, I do.
Max: I also talked to Joyce. She bids you farewell as well.
Chloe: I know.
It was now time for me to talk to Alex. My last companion and family member of mine to talk to before talking to David and Dhaled. Just sitting there on the same chair, she sat down on when we first arrived in this district. Before it was modeled into an FOB for the Chrysalis occupation. I took my seat to chat. My same seat as well. It was now the two of us getting a front-row seat as overlookers of this final battle on Meridian Prime. No mugs this time, though.
Alex: Hey.
Max: Hey.
Alex: So.
Max: So.
Alex: So, this is out it ends for both of us. What we started nine years ago in that estate, we're finishing today on this war-torn island. Like it's the last day on Earth for us, too. If we should even call it that.
Max: Yeah, no argument there.
Alex: It feels like only just a few days ago when we were both up here in this same spot talking about something different, doesn't it?
Max: Mm-hm.
Alex: You know, just for the record, I never properly apologized for using you the way I did. For never telling you that I knew we were both descendants of the herd all along. I had every chance to tell you, but Joanna forbade me. Even Dad did, too. And you know what else? I'm sorry I let you into that museum heist back in Seattle also. You could have talked me out of it, but somehow I may have encouraged you not to. I don't how else I can tell you or show you how sorry I-
Max: Alex, stop, please. No more apologizing. There's so much shit I've done over the years I'm not proud of either. What happened in that heist included. If you wanna show me how sorry you are, don't tell me. Make it up to me by helping each other fight like hell, getting to the ark, stopping Ares, and winning the war. Not just for our childhood dreams, but for the whole world as well.
Alex: Amen to that, cousin. Or should I call you sister? Ha, just thinking of all the times I've called you sister and didn't even know you literally were.
Max: It matters none. Even when we knew each other as cousins, you've always been a sister to me. And still are. In a surrogate and a biological sense now that we know the truth.
Alex: The thought is mutual, Max. No sacrifice, no victory.
Max: No sacrifice, no victory.
We fist-bumped one another as cousins and sisters alike. Then, I got off my seat to chat with David and Dhaled. My presence was already past due.
David: Max, we've been waiting.
Max: Commander Madsen.
David: Just going over the sitrep.
Max: How's it look?
David: Barely fifty percent of Chrysalis has reported in.
Max: Can we count on more making it?
David: There are some stragglers still en route, but the bulk of Chrysalis that's still intact has arrived. We're as ready as we're likely to get.
Max: Every minute wasted here, ConDef and the Fallen gather strength.
David: Exactly my thoughts. (on comm) Battalion leaders, report to HQ.
All the commanding officers in the FOB, as well as their squad members, gathered in the command center for the final debrief. My team and I included. My part of the team as well as David's. David himself, Captain Cage, Colonel Dhaled, and Chronos took charge of the debrief and everyone else was all eyes and ears. Myself included. A holo-table was being displayed to lay out the battle plan.
David: We fought hard to get here. But now the toughest part of our mission begins. We've got to drive through the heart of Fallen-controlled territory, break past their defenses, and get to that portal.
Max: What kind of defenses? What portal?
David: A portal that Chronos says transports everyone from the surface of Meridian to High Providence where the Ark of Genesis is held.
Cage: The entire area is crawling with ConDef and Fallen allied forces. We've also been getting sightings of different variants of Fallen. (opens up and projects the Fallen files) First, there's our typical Revenant. Zombie-like beings resurrected into undead paratroopers. Both Chrysalis and ConDef alike. Then there's the hound. Canine units for the Fallen but a lot more savage compared to the kind of canine domesticated for the human soldier. Then there's the brute. A gorilla-like creature that'll maul you into a rotten mignon. Then we've got the banshee. A female-like creature that screams like the opera until your eardrums burst to death. Then finally, our most formidable of all, the Hydra. These big dragon-like creatures are like the one Ares rides but smaller. Air units have sighted these and appear to be deadlier than the enemy harriers. They breathe fire warmer than a household oven, too. But our biggest concern is taking out the destroyers protecting the portal to High Providence. Destroyers that Chronos calls Titans.
Newblood: How can ConDef and Fallen monsters ally with each other? And what are these titans?
Chronos: My grandson Ares has the power to resurrect both allies and enemies alike into Fallen manifestations and command them into understanding the difference between ally and enemy. The soul shard in his possession has enhanced that power. As for the Titans, there are sentinel beings the size of fifty-story towers which Ares can command when awaked as well. All of these are hidden in specific areas near Mount Genesis created to protect High Providence and the ark within during times of war. It will take the might of tens of thousands of Chrysalis to eliminate a single titan.
Dhaled: Can we bring in air support to deal with them?
Chronos: Perhaps, but I'd advise against it. The Titans haven't been awakened yet but they do, they are created to eliminate even the most tactical of adversaries.
Cage: I sent word to Penske. He recommends they could be taken out with our ships armed with our tactical missiles. If we were able to give them the targeting coordinates for the Titans from the ground, they'll be out of our hair easy as pie.
David: Now they've also cut a swath. A no man's land through the island. They'll be some limited shelter on the other side but expect heavy ground resistance. We need to divide our teams again if want this plan to succeed. If we get close enough, we've got a shot at taking those Titans out.
Dhaled: How much of a shot?
Cage: Here's how we split the difference. We'll have one team on the ground, one up in the air, another on the waterfront. Madsen, Foley, Heard, Dhaled, and I will be up in the air. Taking two choppers for air support. Amber, A. Caulfield, Prescott, Logos, and Newblood can take an assault boat across the river stream that leads to Mount Genesis. M. Caulfield, B. Caulfield, Price, and Bowers can be with the boots on the ground as the two teams give them air and water support. It's a plan Chronos himself strongly advised not to object with. Otherwise, shit will happen if we do.
David: They know we're coming. This will be a one-way trip for many of us. But there can be no retreat. No stepping back. We move forward at all costs. Understood?
Everyone in the room chanted loudly. Including myself.
Max: Hoo-rah! Yes, sir!
Chronos: I'll be back in the field supporting everyone else. May we all return victorious.
As soon as everyone in the command center dispersed, it was me and David speaking to each other for another minute.
David: Max, I'm sending you right up the gut where the resistance is heaviest. Support everyone the best you can, but stay alive. I need you for the final push to the portal.
Max: It feels like forever ago since you first took me for a pot dealer. Now I'm leading the resistance.
David: I can give you a minute with the squad. If you've got any speeches for the team, I'd give it to them now. You can speak with my authority (pats Max's shoulder).
As soon as everyone in the room dispersed for battle, my team and I stayed inside longer for my speech. Alex, Chloe, Rachel, Frank, Bryan, Chronos, David, Kristine, Cayce, Cage, Newblood, Logos, and Heard all stood in front of me as I was now speaking my mind. Right near the debriefing table.
Max: This war's brought us pain and suffering and loss. But it's also brought us together as soldiers, allies, friends, and family. Some of you once knew me as the prodigy of Blackwell. Others as the hero of Portland. And all of you as your everyday hero. This bond that ties us together is something Ares will never understand. It's more powerful than any weapon. Stronger than any army. It can't be taken or destroyed.
Everyone looks at me with pride and hope. Already inspired by the words of the traveler. I start walking between the group as I continue speaking.
Max: The next few hours will decide the fate of everyone in the world. Every mother, every son, every unborn child. They're trusting you. Depending on you to win them their future. A future free from the threat of Ares.
Once I walk past the group, I turn my head and body around for just a few last words of inspiration.
Max: But take heart. Look around you. You're not in this fight alone. We stand together. We face our enemy together and together we will defeat him.