Okay, here's a relatively short (5K might not be too short) chapter of the AJD story.
I ask for you all to be patient as I am working now on shorter chapters to keep my motivation high, because longer chapters are becoming a drag to me.
Hope you all like it, and leave a review please.
Enjoy.
Coruscant
Night
In Coruscant, the perceived ancestral home planet where the human species originated from. Where now over a trillion people from across the Galaxy now lived, and where even the air was different from where you lived.
The surface was populated by the ultra-wealthy, those who could afford to breathe fresh air. Just beneath that lay the infamous Coruscant Underground.
It was home to both the normal citizenry but also to those who were not natives, from criminal scum, to bounty hunters and mercenaries, none of whom had any fear of the authorities above. Even political dissidents from across the galaxy had found places down there to hide. It was also home for many of those who left their homes for reasons that weren't disclosed for personal reasons.
Sabine, who found herself leaning against a bar counter, could readily count herself as all three.
Sitting in a bar by herself that was now mainly empty due to the hour of the day. It was a hotspot for people like her, those that took on jobs that the more 'civilized' folks would frown upon. Sabine had, of course, enjoyed wild success, right up until her career ended abruptly.
With her helmet off, the Wren girl had it laid on the counter next to her drink, it was an non–alcoholic drink of course, but she barely even laid a finger on that glass as she was staring at the holographic screen that was showing one of the many sports games that were live.
"You sure you wanted the drink?" The bartender, an Ithorian asked as he was about to grab her untouched drink. "If you don't need it, I can clean it up."
"No, thanks, I'll just wait until the ice melts." Sabine said, holding her glass as she looked into it for a brief moment before turning back to the screen and asking. "Mind turning back to the
"HoloNet Network?"
"Sure, nothing's on anyway." The bartender said grabbing the remote and going through channels. "But honestly, why would you want to watch it, they only talk about the war."
"Yeah, I know. I've been following it."
The hologram screen turned from all the available sporting channels, to the live feed of the depressing sight that was the unending news cycle of pictures showing the War on Earth. With every HoloNet reporter seen talking; words passing by with the latest updates, and then the footage of destroyed homes and battlefields. With some headlines catching her attention reading:
'Texas Front stabilized. US Forces recapture San Antonio.'
'European, African and Asian bombardments continue, so is their defiance.'
'Zygerrian supply lines shiver: another convoy attacked above Mexico.'
'United in incompetence: Galactic Republic and CIS, unable to agree on aid.'
A chuckle escaped Sabine's lips after reading that last part, not caring if this was an tone death attempt or somebody working for the network making some statement. This was undoubtedly a small truth. While the slaughter continues, the galaxy watches.
All striving for a better galaxy…while one planet is set ablaze.
It was then that a pair of legs was seen entering the bar and they were walking over to the counter, and the person happened to lean against it right next to Sabine's side.
"Can I get a cold one? Same as her."
"Of course." The bartender turned around and grabbed a glass and filled it. "Credits or-"
"Just credits, and I'll pay for her drink too."
Sabine didn't even bother to turn away from the screen as she listened to the conversation, hearing even a few credits being dropped on the counter.
"Alright, that's enough. I'll be in the back." The bartender said as he left the two customers for a short while.
As he left the two customers to be by themselves, it didn't take long before the newly entered customer to try to start a conversation.
"You're a hard girl to find, Sabine Wren."
"Maybe you need to clean those vizers in your helmet, Bo-Katan Kryze."
The person Sabine was talking to was another woman, who like her was seen in her blue-and-white Mandalorian armor that was were the colors of the Nite Owls, a group of which Sabine was all too familiar with as it was the one her mother was affiliated with….and had brought into.
The orange-haired young adult leaned against the counter and tried to speak to the daughter of her mentor, with kinder words…
"Everyone has been looking for you, Sabine…"
Touching her own hair that was dyed dark blue with light blue tips, Sabine took a moment before she replied in her casual tone.
"Well you found me now, here on Coruscant." She said without looking up. "I've been wondering around lately, that's all."
….
"How did you find me?" Sabine asked right up. "I made sure to stay off the grid…"
"Ketsu Onyo."
That ringed bells to Sabine's ears, a name she hasn't heard in years.
"We crossed paths and she told me this was one of the few spots you would come…" Bo-Katan said swirling her drink with her finger for a bit. "... We didn't know if it was true, so we had someone to overlook this place. Or to be exact, two."
"Who?- Huh!"
Sabine was startled as she felt someone grab her from behind. Before she could react, she was picked up and hugged tightly yet somehow she was able to recognize the feelings of protection she got from the way she was hugged. With the way the back of her head squished against something soft, and the way her feet dangled off the ground, she was now certain that the person who hugged her was-
"Missed you way too much, Sabine!"
"Rahab?" Sabine turned her head upwards in surprise. "Is that you?"
Facing a woman with short but full brown hair that covered her eyes but didn't hide the white tooth smile, she was a abnormally 7 feet tall but beautiful woman who the young Wren got to know as Rahab.
"Well look at you, you've colored your hair again?" Rahab said curling her finger around Sabine's dyed hair and made a sly remark. "And I can see your body changed to…hmmmm."
Sabine couldn't help but blush as she begged. "Please stop, and please put me down!"
"Alright, Rahab, enough." A fourth voice said entering the bar. "Put her down."
"Alright, alright." Rahab chuckled as she released her grip. "But it's good to see you're doing good, sis."
"Yeah, it's good to see you too." Sabine smiled at the large tomboy before she then turned towards the other woman in the room who just entered. "Koska."
The lighter skinned woman with cross-braid hairstyle was Koska Reeves, another member of the Nite Owls and a loyal follower of Clan Kryze, who had been involved in Sabine's training.
"It's been a while, Sabine." Koska smiled at her apprentice.
Sabine smiled back. "… Yeah, it's been a while."
As the reunion continued on with much-needed words that were going to be exchanged, something was happening on the holographic screen. Where the following title was shown.
DC
Earth
United States of America
Washington DC
Washington D.C, the capital of the United States of America. A city where the most powerful country of the planet Earth had nearly a million citizens living in it. But now it was a mere number. With the US capital having been now the center of the most intense fighting it had never seen.
Surrounded by three sides, the Zygerrians had launched a major offensive that had cut off the bulk of the US Armed Forces from the capital city with an overwhelming amount of ground artillery and air support that bombardment them with enemy ground forces being sent in right afterwards.
It was a bloody battle that the US garrisons had experienced, with the evacuations having ramped up alongside the defensive lines that were breaking down - with the extra pressure of both Richmond and Baltimore having been overrun, leaving an open road that basically allowed the invading forces to encircle the US Capital, forcing an unwanted order but necessary order:
To retreat.
By this Zygerrians had tasted a long - wanted victory that pushed the Americans out of their own capital. Up to Pittsburgh and West Virginia, an morale boost they needed.
But that taste of victory soon turned into a horrible realization. They realized that despite the country's capital being captured, the country was no where close to being defeated, the military was far from beaten or throwing the towel in. The Zygerrians were beginning to realize if they wanted this country defeated they needed to think of something else…
DC, for all their efforts in taking it and hoping to have dealt a blow to US morale, had only resulted in another headache for the Zygerrian forces, as it had no undamaged buildings anymore that were touched by the war alongside its residents, many of those who stayed or were left behind, now were homeless with the basics of their town even being nonexistent. With power, food and even clean water having turned scarce.
Almost the entire city had been affected by the war to a different degree, except for few districts of the government, the embassies and the historical buildings that were mostly spared…for propaganda purposes that Zygerrian Slavers used to taunt their victory.
But there were also areas like the campus of George Washington University, and the Georgetown distract as a whole, that were now designated safe zone by both the CIS and Galactic Republic, housing over three hundred thousand.
It was primarily populated with local residents who couldn't be evacuated, with diaspora communities from outer-space and numerous of journalists. All of them were protected, both by shields, and diplomatically. As nobody from the warring parties was forbidden to enter on any intent.
Especially those who resided in the military fort Camp Miraj. The main Command Post where the current leadership of the Zygerrian Forces were stationed. Touching the Potomac River and nearby the National Mall, this was also a centralized position for the slavers to maintain control over the capital.
Having to build a base close to a river of course meant they had to bring in landing platforms and other materials against the environmental threat of flooding, this base was also with many barriers and high walls alongside anti-aircraft cannons and sensor sites, also a port that was being build at the moment for resupplying and transferring troops.
(No picture in FFN, but it is the Tidal Basin Stronghold of Division 2.)
Seen flying towards one of those ports was a Punworcca 116-class interstellar sloop, with its sails back into its compartment as it was being escorted by a pair of Zygerrian HH-87 Starhopper fighters that were accompanied by a group of Mark I Vulture Droid star fighters.
The same droids that were sold by the organization's representative who was inside the sloop ship. With that representative being no one other than Count Dooku himself, seen staring at the largely damaged city. This sight was not something that Dooku particularly enjoyed.
Not for the reasons that were humanitarian of some sorts. But because it was starting to grow the sentiments that could very well halt the very plan he and Master were fostering for in the future.
"Let's hope diplomacy work for this occasion." Dooku spoke to himself silently, just then when the comms started speaking.
'Count Dooku, we have been expecting your arrival. You are cleared to land.'
Dooku heard that and his piloting droid responded in confirmation as the ship started to course itself towards the landing platform.
From the Waterfront, the sloop ship itself was spotted miles away by onlookers, specifically a pair of binoculars observing the fortified base. They stood on the abandoned wharf as they had a good look at the fort.
The spotter began. "I got eyes on the target. Multiple ships, three vultures, two hoppers and one lone ship."
"Affirmative, can you ID it?"
"Negative, never seen it before, but it got an escort." The spotter took the binoculars off and asked. "Should we call it off?"
…
"Hell no." The officer next to the spotter shook his head as he also removed his binoculars and ordered. "Get those mortars in position."
"In position!" The spotter ordered behind him silently. "Get those mortars in position."
Then out of the darkness came men, Marines, carrying what appeared to be a long black tubes with a small tripod that came separately. Behind them, two marines carried ammo as they set it up on the ground.
"Set them up."
They adjusted the angle and charges needed for the mortars, placing them correctly in a fast pace, finishing in a mere minute.
"We're ready, sir."
"Target, West Potomac Park. several clicks. The base."
"Got the coordinates."
*Click!*
"Remembered them."
*Click!*
"Payback time…"
*Click!*
With the last of the M252 mortars having been readied up by the Marines, they now were being aimed at the fort in the park, with the ammo boxes having been already opened.
Grabbing out those 81 MM rounds, they were high explosives that only weight around 10lbs, they were good enough to cause enough damage on where they could land.
"On my signal…"
Camp Miraj
Once landed it didn't take long for a escort of guards to be seen surrounding the Count as he walked through the fortified base as he was being brought to the people he intended to meet.
While passing through the many barracks that were housing many of the Zygerrians, Dooku's eyes could also spot a few other different species, most likely volunteers or mercenaries who didn't come cheap.
Amongst the most common group he could see were the bug-like but strong Geonosians, many of whom were seen sleeping in their own reserved building while others were seen recalibration their unique blaster rifles.
To the Count's understanding, they were mainly used for air cover and assaults from the air, plus patrolling, as they were remarkable good fighters they however were forced to be living next to a group that only then a few meters away:
Weequay, the race that was mainly known for its large pirate groups that terrorized the travel lanes throughout the galaxy, they now were here seen drinking in their own barracks away their valuables they looted across wherever they went. As they were not of the same quality like their Geonosian counterparts, and were instead given the task of occupying and keeping 'order' of the surrounding area, often turning a blind eye to their despicable crimes.
And lastly was a group that Dooku himself was surprised to notice their presence: Mandalorians.
As they were easily identifiable by their armor, the warriors from Mandalore being in their own barracks while not paying attention to anyone else was nothing new. Neither was it for some of them of being mercenaries as he himself had hired one in particular for his plans…
Yet, he saw a few dozen of them, all in the same pattern with an very noticeable emblem painted on their armor that he recognized.
They were Death Watch.
"Count Dooku."
The Serenno former Jedi turned his attention to the voice, and he was there approached an escort of the Zygerrian Royal Guard that were protecting the Prime Minister, Atai Molec. Who came on behalf of the Queen to inspect the state of the war.
"Prime Minister Molec." Dooku bowed his head to him in a proper manner. "I honestly wish to have met you in better circumstances."
"Ah, of course, Count." Minister Molec stated as he smiled at him. "I've been warned by her Majesty about your reason for visiting here. And that they are solely diplomatic in a sense, correct?"
The Count did not hesitate and spoke. "Indeed, this war is troubling to see from across the Galaxy. The Confederacy especially is bothered by the duration of this conflict."
"I see…." Molec agreed, with then a question of himself. "I assume this is about the weaponry that some of your planets provided to us…and not much for the same reasons of what your Parliament have been voicing?"
…
"I won't ignore the fact that the weapons purchases also contribute to my reason for being here." Dooku went straight to the point. "This war needs to end."
"Then allow me to show you what we have accomplished." Molec said extending his hand. "I am eager to see what we've managed to do - my men already prepared our transportation."
Dooku looked back to the entrance and to his astonishment, he indeed saw already several ground ships prepared, including a few types of speeders that were bought from the Separatists, including even a pair of Flitknot speeders, Geonosian ones to be exact.
"Very well then."
…
Once having entered one of those speeders, the Prime Minister Molec joined him as they were given the escort of a few dozen Zygerrians soldiers on speeders.
"Open the gates!"
Slowly the main gates were sliding open as it allowed then the convoy of speeders to pass through and waste no time to drive forwards in formation, with the Count and Prime Minister up front with several Geonosian warriors up front, leading them.
"Are you certain it will be safe to travel outside this base?"
Molec only smiled and pointed his finger upwards - seeing already a squad of Death Watch flying over them with their jetpacks.
"There is no need to worry, Count. They will provide excellent security for us - I should know because I pay for their services. " Molec stated with a laugh before he ordered. "Let's go!"
The speeders drove out with the soldiers outside in the trenches and checkpoint seen stepping aside to allow the column to speed past.
Met with what was a whole row of complex-looking trenches seen outside the fort, Dooku saw also many abandoned and destroyed military equipment that ranged from parts of downed ships to burned down tanks and wheeled-trucks that were barely left in their previous forms.
"To Capitol Hill!"
The column made its pace and started flying speed eastwards, leaving the camp as its gates started to close with the low-ranked guards outside looking less worried now that their superiors had left.
Not knowing however they were being observed from a distance….
Meanwhile
Georgetown
"Everybody stay calm and get in line!" A uniformed police officer ordered with a megaphone into his hand, standing over an burned down car.
Overwatching an large line of nearly a thousand people seen waiting for food, with some more impatient than others and full bowls of prepared meals were seen floating above one another as they were being distributed by volunteers.
The food together with a bottle of water was the norm three times a day. For morning, noon and evening, enough for the over three hundred thousand refugees who have fled to this designated area where no bombs or gunfire could penetrate.
The blue ray shields that were provided by Naboo alone made the situation inside the zone safer as past missile and cannon fire had been stopped by it, with the additional security measures that were taken by the staff of the diplomats from both the CIS and the Galactic Republic who joined in the security alongside the remnants of the local police.
But often, there could be a troublemaker-
"Gimme the fucking food!"
"No!"
A fight broke out between a young man and an middle-aged mother who was seen struggling to keep the tray of food from being stolen by this young man, as the crowd was standing by and watching in fear, the woman was clearly seen losing her grip on the bread-
"Stop this!"
The young man suddenly started floating above, shocked by it so much he released the food and started freaking out.
"Hey, what the fuck-"
*SLAM!*
And then the youngster was facing the ground with his whole body, unable to move as he laid there while being approached by a person in a cloak.
"There's a war going and you are trying to steal food?" The feminine voice was heard coming from under the cloak. "I will hold you down until the authorities arrive."
"Fuck you, bitch!" The young troublemaker spat at her profanities. "She cut in line!" He got pulled up by a couple of cops who then took him away. "Fuck you all!"
Watching as the police were taking the culprit away, the order returned as the girl in the cloak approached the downed one and extended her hand, and helped the poor citizen upwards with her rationed food.
"T-Thank you."
"No need to thank me." The girl underneath the cloak nodded to her before she excused herself and walked past the woman who proceeded to return to walk.
As she continued, she happened to them down her hood and reveal herself to be Hinata, walking through the busy crowds as she was making her way towards the kitchen hall, where she was expecting to meet someone.
…
In the campus grounds of Washington University it was filled with aid, boxes and volunteers who were emptying anything from medicine, food, water and any other essentials that were being prepared for the refugees.
"Looks like the new supplies have arrived."
Also in those campus grounds stood Obi-Wan Kenobi with his padawan Anakin, who spoke his piece of mind.
"Yes, thanks to efforts of the Senators."
As he said that, three women were seen coming out of the main campus building, with two of them being humans and one being a young Pantoran girl. With the oldest of the three seen leading the group towards the Jedi.
"Master Jedi." The oldest spoke with a bow.
"Senator Bonteri, nice to see you in good health." Obi-Wan replied to her and turned to the others. "As the same for you too, Senator Amidala, Senator Chuchi."
"It is good to see you again, Obi-Wan." Padme replied before turning with a wider smile to the other Jedi. "Anakin."
"Senator Amidala." the young Skywalker bowed his head forwards in a manner of respect and responded. "It is good to see you again, hopefully we aren't wasting any more of your precious time."
"Oh that is no problem." Senator Bonteri said, the CIS senator from the Human world of Onderon said to make things clear. "Organa is currently working on getting new supplies brought in with the help of the University staff."
"Your work as an organizer has been with great success, senator." Obi-Wan told her with much respect intended. "Your actions alongside that of the other representatives have undoubtedly helped many."
"Oh, there is no need for that kind of praise, Master Jedi. Leave that for the volunteers and locals." Bonteri said as she turned to Republic colleagues. "But it is good to have worked with you again, Padme. You have shown to have matured very well in this line of work."
"I learned from the best." The Naboo senator only smiled back and bowed. "It's a real honor to work with you again, even in these circumstances."
"Well, in normal circumstances this would be unacceptable." Chuchi commented. "Senators from both the Republic and the Confederacy working together…"
It was true that from afar across the Galaxy, the news of Senators from both sides of the divided galactic communities had set aside their differences to open up the safe zone that now was housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people who were able to survive the war because of their efforts.
Of course these senators were expecting a backlash as they could've just left the war-ridden planet by escort, but instead they stayed and continued to contribute to help bring some order to this mess.
"And you are not doing this for any kind of reward or recognition." Anakin stated, voicing his own opinion on this. "You actually care…"
Padme smiled at this and replied. "I am glad to hear that."
The small moment between the Jedi Padawan and the young senator was watched by the small group of witnesses, who at this point believe them to be good friends given they had history ever since Naboo.
Obi-Wan however grew over the years to have a suspicion that he clearly could see by now…
Then something happened - as men with cameras were seen running towards a direction that got the Jedi to be curious.
"Let's see what is happening."
…
And simply outside the shields in the full sight of the many civilians inside the zone, they were forced to watch the scene of speeder bikes.
They then took their speed off forwards as they left the view of the civilians behind the shield. Just then when Obi-Wan and Anakin made their way up front. Missing the convoy of bikes and tanks moving eastwards.
Anakin turned to one of the spectators. "Excuse me ma'am, but what just happened?"
"Those Zygerrians just passed by, with those bug-looking creatures and those flying knights." The lady, one elderly one said. "They were going straight for the Capitol."
"Anakin, look up!"
And the Padawan did as he and Obi-Wan watched as a couple of Mandalorian warriors were seen flying through the air as they trailed behind the convoy.
"Mandalorian warriors. What are they doing here?"
"They are paid mercenaries."
Obi-Wan turned to his right and was surprised to see it was Hinata who appeared next to him, and with the stern look on her face.
"Hinata?"
Saying nothing further, Hinata closes her eyes for the moment before then the veins around her eyes began to pop up.
"Byakugan."
Activating her ability, the Hyuuga was focusing on the speeding convoy and she watched them go directly eastwards, confirming what was said.
"She's right, Master Kenobi." Hinata agreed. "I see the bikes going there in high speed, but I sensed something from that convoy…something powerful with the Force…"
Anakin happened to then turn towards his master and they both looked at one another with suspicious looks, as they also felt it.
Something, or rather someone was nearby that was strong with the Force.
And it was close by.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Not far away, in the now abandoned zoo of DC, the aviary section where the birds were kept was filled with the green trees that allowed the animals to lay rest in.
But coming out of those green bushes were black rifles with sights, with their camouflaged gear, these men were wearing night goggles as they were in a team of four that were undoubtedly heavily armed and prepared.
The first on up front stepped out forwards and scanned the area-
"Star…"
The word got then the group of four to then kneel into covering positions, as the leader then responded.
"Texas…"
The voice was that of Naruto, who came out of the bushes and revealed himself to the camouflage men, looking unfazed as the red dots were pointed to his chest. Wearing what looks like a different attire to that he came to this city with. Wearing now himself some light body armor, Naruto wore also some army pants with black boots alongside a leg bag that held some kunai knives, but that all was underneath the brown coat he still wore from Keelia, together with the red shawl from the villagers.
With his rifle slung around his shoulder, the headband wearing Naruto stared at the arrivals and proceeded to ask.
"Are you guys Delta Force?"
"... We are." The leading man held his hand out, making the men lower their rifles as the leader responded. "Name's Sandman, Team Metal, the men behind me are Truck, Grinch and Frost."
"Okay then, then let's go." Naruto acknowledged them as he turned around and began leading. "Tell the rest in the bushes to catch up. It will be a while before we get there."
As Naruto was leading the way indeed, the sound of more bushes being moved aside only then showed that indeed more men were coming out. All armed and having their eyes set on Naruto.
'I count twenty of these guys in total looking at you with suspicion, Naruto. All armed and dangerous'
'Also very secretive, they give me ANBU vibes, but that doesn't bother me much.'
'Even when you know some of them had pointed their weapons at you for a brief moment? I sense these people are no jokers.'
'Neither am I, but we have no times for jokes, we got a war to fight.'
"Hey kid."
"Hmm?" Naruto turned his head around slightly. "Yes?"
"Don't mind me asking but how old are you?" The dark skinned man holding an MP5, named Truck, asked. "You look very young, like you are a teen."
"I might wanna add my own question to that list. Like how did you know there were more of us?" The man with the cap armed with an MK14 rifle, Grinch followed up with that question. "Care to answer that?"
"Keep the questions for later, we got a mission to focus on." The leader Sandman told them while giving further orders. "Frost, go with the grunt up front."
Frost nodded as the silent masked Delta paced up to Naruto and tapped him on the shoulder, both starting to run upwards towards the entrance.
Once they exited the aviary, Naruto turned right around once he noticed the area was clear, with nothing in close sight, he then pulls out something from his jacket as he threw it to Sandman.
"Here."
Sandman caught it and saw it was an holographic comm. "This the linkup to your commander?"
"Yes, but only to the other commanders." Naruto told him as he slung his rifle off his shoulder and readied it. "Told to give it to you for now. You are in contact now to the other commanding officers."
"Alright, can we talk to them now?" Sandman asked as he puts it away. "Or are they still in radio silence?"
"Still in radio silence."
The sound of a dozen clicks could be heard as the Delta Force team had their sights on a nearby bush, seeing that it was a couple of men coming out, this time it were Naruto's men coming out, including Jango.
"Good to see our reinforcements have arrived." Jango said as he approached Naruto and the Delta Force commander. "Name's Jango, to keep it short, we got to move quick. Our window of opportunity has opened."
"You mean-"
"Everyone's in position. Except for us." Another one of Naruto's group said, this time it being Nathan the Canadian, who proceeded to speak. "Foley and Griggs have already moved into position along with Commander Karim."
Sandman nodded to those names. "Alright, where we going to attack?"
"Camp Miraj, we're attacking DC tonight." Jango said as he handed over an ammo bundle to Naruto. "Here, kid. You're going to need it."
Taking that, Naruto already grabbed out of it a drum magazine that he stuck into his rifle, a slugthrower, that had a wooden stock and readied it, but for Grinch to recognize it.
"A Suomi KP/-31? How you got that Finnish beauty?"
"Collector gave it, but that's a story for another time." Jango said as he signaled to everyone. "Let's go."
Now that Delta Force operators now had linked up with the Ölüm volunteers, they now started to move in a large group towards West Potomac park, in the cover of the night of course, through the dark alleyways and avoiding any patrol units of the enemy.
"Is the offensive planned to come tonight?" One American volunteer of Ölüm asked an masked operator. "We could really use some more help."
"If you are asking questions, ask me." Sandman responded to the volunteer. "And no worry, when we attack, they attack. We just got to cause as much confusion behind enemy lines as possible."
"Works for me."
Washington University
Off the edges of the university, a lone guard was seen on duty, as he could only watch the city of where he was from was a depressing sight. Unable to do anything to break the time-
*Click!*
Hearing that got the guard to look to his right and see it was the sound of a camera going off, and it was that of an old one too, real antique.
The photographer and independent journalist Mugabo, who had been in Washington DC ever since the war started. He had documented the state of the city from the zone, truly doing the best as he could.
But before the guard could comment, he then happened to see something in front of him that was a surprise to him.
It started to rain, and not even a small amount as some clouds were hovering above the city, thunderous ones as then the droplets started to come down and pour into the streets.
"Metal Team, on me."
The guard and Mugabo heard that and saw that coming up the dark street, some men were seen walking into groups, passing by them without even noticing that they were being seen. And these men were armed, focused and looked like they were wearing heavy military gear, and they were human.
These were Americans.
Mugabo took quickly a picture by what he saw, by being as silent as possible, he managed to make only a few pictures as they disappeared into the darkness and towards Potomac Park.
And then by coincidence passing by his lens was Naruto, who followed the group of Americans from behind alongside the other Ölüm Fighters who also disappeared into the darkness.
…
Up the Waterfront, the Marine Mortar Teams were waiting for the signal, and it didn't take long for them anymore.
Their commanding officer heard then through the comms and gave them the okay.
"Fire."
The first 81 MM rounds were then dropped into the mortars and the first shots could be heard-
SWOOP!
Capitol Hill
Walking through the hallways of the US Capitol building, Dooku was met with a lot of the infrastructure inside the legislative body of the country was left untouched with even the rich and valuable arts being left on the walls.
As he made his way outside, Dooku saw the view of the National Mall, as the sight of itself was indeed a remarkable one, he however was then to be surprised what he would see next.
*BOOM!*
And there he witnessed the first explosions, and it was near Camp Miraj that the Count could see, and the sound of gunfire and blaster fire could be heard erupting - with a large fireball was seen coming out of the camp, reaching to the sky within the walls.
Molec then came up with a couple of his guards and saw what was happening, as he turned to his men and ordered them.
"Get out there and see what is going on."
The guards nodded and went along with Molec then standing aside the Count who watched the fire growing bigger.
*BOOM!*
Then to the right, a large explosion occurred that was followed then by many others, and right there the smile on the Prime Minister had faltered. Dooku commented then with a hint, of both of irritation but then also of admiration.
"I'll say these Americans don't know how to quit."
Next time, Naruto's going to surprise everyone.
Have a nice day, peace!