The Return (IC/OPEN)

[Mincaldenteans]

"We might have to. I dislike violence, but there are times where it is necessary. If this is such times, I will help those who need it. I'm not gonna let you die from the HGV. If anyone dies, it'll be me. But how would we escape? The wall surrounds us, and the only exits are either through the gates or from a private airstrip." He thought about it,

The airstrip is usually heavily guarded, and so is the gate. But at least on the airstrip we have a way of quickly getting out.

"Through the rebels?" Thelin asked offhandedly. She did not know if they would even aid them but she knew a few Nevidians who chose to fight, maybe they'd help them get across the wall and out of London. But, she didn't know where they were, which wasn't exactly a hardship to find considering the current circumstances of the city. "We'd have to get into contact with the rebellion, and maybe from there they'd know a way out."

An HGV man stepped out of the cell, frustrated. "No matter how many times you beat that damned Ghost whore she never gives up a thing, good luck with her..." the man said, glancing at the two that had just arrived. "I'll be back tomorrow to see to it she either gives something up finally, or is killed." the man continued, shaking his head and patting Hunter on the shoulder.

Cymitia sat in her cell, knees pulled up to her chest in the corner. She was visibly shaken, the results of the tortures she'd endured over the last days. After the first time the guards had 'used' her, she'd ensured it never happened again--each guard that tried afterwards would find their new inability to have children very troubling. This, however, only meant that she received beatings instead. The interrogations never went any better, and she could argue the pain was even worse during these. In all she felt horrible--she hadn't been fed properly for the duration of her imprisonment either.

When she spotted two guards arriving at her cell, she got to her feet and approached the window slowly, before sending her fist flying against the glass as she so often did. Her pale hands were visibly blooded and bruised by this activity, and it pained her every time she did it, but at least she had to try, to not feel completely helpless. She didn't even bother to look at the faces on the outside before returning to her corner--it was obvious she'd been sobbing, though that was quickly replaced by a stern frown whenever guards were around, she wouldn't be seen as weak around these people.

"Hey, come in with us real quick," Hunter said to the guard who gave him a curious look, "Come on, you can take that frustration out on the bitch again if you'd like." He said with a fake sneer and the guard merely shrugged.

"She might die if we all gang up on her like that, Stevens would have a fit."

"What? Over one Nevidian? Who the hell cares?" Hunter responded, though his heart was racing. The man opened the door and they entered. The guard moving in first and Hunter let slip a knife with his hand on it at the read. The sight of Cymitia battered as she was was heartbreaking, but just a few more seconds, and the man would be dead and they'd be out of here.

The door closed behind them, the bloodied window was a good way to hide what was about to happened next and Hunter knew George covered the exit. He looked up and saw Cymitia, making eye contact before making his move.

Shoving the man against the wall, he plunged the knife straight up through his jaw. Stabbing the man with a fury that he unleashed upon the human with abandoned.

[The Keystone Federation]

"Damn..I'm sorry" he poured more for himself, "don't worry we all have to grow up sometime, some faster then others" he paused. Leo knew she told him her past he'd tell her his, "grew up in Scotland, nice place, with nice parents, nice school perfect for a kid. I grew up without a problem until the plague came and killed my parents. I ditched Scotland...sadly leaving my younger siblings and I came to London. I married the girl of my dream, a women I had known since we children in school. We had both got off the boat and needed a place to stay so we opened up a storefront together and moved in before getting married. We then had a kid, animals, and our own house the perfect family. After the Nevidians came the neighborhood went to shit, came home one day and they were both dead, my son and wife" he paused once more taking a deep breath. "After that I went my own way, saw the McCarthy boys needed leadership and took over bringing the rest of the street gangs with me. Yet we weren't much of a gang, we protected the human community like a community watch. This is my life sitting at a bar, getting shot, high, drunk, and then falling asleep" he finished his 9th shot. She was the first person he opened up to in forever and it felt good.

Kylia kept her head down as she finished, "Damn..I'm sorry", she looked up at him, "Me too," she replied, her voice both tired and strained. She listened to him as he went on about his wife, his son, and his parents as well. She hadn't listened to anybody but herself in such a long time that it almost confused her. "This is my life sitting at a bar, getting shot, high, drunk, and then falling asleep" When he finished she simply looked at her empty glass and put her hands in her pockets, "Sleep, that sounds good,"

[Dalria]

Leo led her to a room, his own room, and the best room in the pub. He decided he would sleep in the guest room, usually he would make a move and score with any and all women who entered but something told him not to. "Best room in the house, I'll be in the guest room downstairs, sheets are clean, and food is in the kitchen feel free to take what you like" he looked at her and smiled, "good night" he turned around and started to walk away.

[Lancearc]

An HGV man stepped out of the cell, frustrated. "No matter how many times you beat that damned Ghost whore she never gives up a thing, good luck with her..." the man said, glancing at the two that had just arrived. "I'll be back tomorrow to see to it she either gives something up finally, or is killed." the man continued, shaking his head and patting Hunter on the shoulder.

Cymitia sat in her cell, knees pulled up to her chest in the corner. She was visibly shaken, the results of the tortures she'd endured over the last days. After the first time the guards had 'used' her, she'd ensured it never happened again--each guard that tried afterwards would find their new inability to have children very troubling. This, however, only meant that she received beatings instead. The interrogations never went any better, and she could argue the pain was even worse during these. In all she felt horrible--she hadn't been fed properly for the duration of her imprisonment either.

When she spotted two guards arriving at her cell, she got to her feet and approached the window slowly, before sending her fist flying against the glass as she so often did. Her pale hands were visibly blooded and bruised by this activity, and it pained her every time she did it, but at least she had to try, to not feel completely helpless. She didn't even bother to look at the faces on the outside before returning to her corner--it was obvious she'd been sobbing, though that was quickly replaced by a stern frown whenever guards were around, she wouldn't be seen as weak around these people.

"Hey, come in with us real quick," Hunter said to the guard who gave him a curious look, "Come on, you can take that frustration out on the bitch again if you'd like." He said with a fake sneer and the guard merely shrugged.

"She might die if we all gang up on her like that, Stevens would have a fit."

"What? Over one Nevidian? Who the hell cares?" Hunter responded, though his heart was racing. The man opened the door and they entered. The guard moving in first and Hunter let slip a knife with his hand on it at the read. The sight of Cymitia battered as she was was heartbreaking, but just a few more seconds, and the man would be dead and they'd be out of here.

The door closed behind them, the bloodied window was a good way to hide what was about to happened next and Hunter knew George covered the exit. He looked up and saw Cymitia, making eye contact before making his move.

Shoving the man against the wall, he plunged the knife straight up through his jaw. Stabbing the man with a fury that he unleashed upon the human with abandoned.

Cymitia glanced up at the men as they entered her cell. There were three this time, one who was familiar and the other two who had just arrived not long ago. Three at once wasn't the easiest set of odds for her, but she figured that she would at least give them one hell of a fight if they thought this would be easy--and by this time, she imagined that they knew just how full of fight she was. She was ready to lash out at the first one to approach when suddenly one of the others shoved him against the wall and stabbed him repeatedly, creating a bloody scene. She remained frightened and confused until she managed to glimpse the GEE man's face. "H-Hunter...?" she managed to speak, already on her feet and stumbling forward, recognizing the other man as George before pulling Hunter into a weak embrace, out of instinct and just to make sure that this was in fact reality, and not some kind of post-death dream. Even while sobbing and beaten she was able to keep herself composed. "How did you...How are we going to get out, now?" she asked, glancing up with teary eyes that still managed to maintain a certain amount of strength.

---

The hospital wasn't the safest place to be, at the moment. Connor's surgery had been finished, but the HGV men were still fighting their way up, even though their numbers had been severely depleted. Moving their patient so soon after major surgery was advised against by the doctors of the hospital, but the rebel men paid it no mind. Now, Anna and Connor were heading back down the elevator to the lobby, Connor in obvious pain as he was jerked around quickly by the fast moving people supporting his weight. When the elevator reached the lobby, to their surprise, they would find a truck outside waiting for them which displayed GEE markings. Obviously this was the rebels' plan, as they handed over Connor and Anna without hesitation. "Miss Collins, they'll take good care of you, good luck." their escort said with a quick nod as two GEE soldiers took over support Connor and another took Anna by the wrist and guided her towards the same truck, putting both of them in the back of the military transport and taking off down the street, towards the rebel controlled South Gate and out towards the GEE encampment outside the walls...

[Mincaldenteans]

Cymitia glanced up at the men as they entered her cell. There were three this time, one who was familiar and the other two who had just arrived not long ago. Three at once wasn't the easiest set of odds for her, but she figured that she would at least give them one hell of a fight if they thought this would be easy--and by this time, she imagined that they knew just how full of fight she was. She was ready to lash out at the first one to approach when suddenly one of the others shoved him against the wall and stabbed him repeatedly, creating a bloody scene. She remained frightened and confused until she managed to glimpse the GEE man's face. "H-Hunter...?" she managed to speak, already on her feet and stumbling forward, recognizing the other man as George before pulling Hunter into a weak embrace, out of instinct and just to make sure that this was in fact reality, and not some kind of post-death dream. Even while sobbing and beaten she was able to keep herself composed. "How did you...How are we going to get out, now?" she asked, glancing up with teary eyes that still managed to maintain a certain amount of strength.

Catching her, Hunter hugged her tightly, his own breathing caught in his throat and his pulse was racing. His hands were bloody but it didn't matter, as long as he felt Cymitia, alive and here. "I'm so sorry," he said in her hair as he hugged her tighter. "We've gotta slip through... Hold on," he said, releasing her from his embrace and moved over to the corpse, immediately searching for anything useful.

A few security cards, a gun, a set of keys and a radio. Hunter tossed the radio to George, "Keep an ear out," Hunter said with a nod and gave the gun to Cymitia. "Just a bit further, Cym, we'll get out of here, I promise."

[Lancearc]

Cymitia glanced up at the men as they entered her cell. There were three this time, one who was familiar and the other two who had just arrived not long ago. Three at once wasn't the easiest set of odds for her, but she figured that she would at least give them one hell of a fight if they thought this would be easy--and by this time, she imagined that they knew just how full of fight she was. She was ready to lash out at the first one to approach when suddenly one of the others shoved him against the wall and stabbed him repeatedly, creating a bloody scene. She remained frightened and confused until she managed to glimpse the GEE man's face. "H-Hunter...?" she managed to speak, already on her feet and stumbling forward, recognizing the other man as George before pulling Hunter into a weak embrace, out of instinct and just to make sure that this was in fact reality, and not some kind of post-death dream. Even while sobbing and beaten she was able to keep herself composed. "How did you...How are we going to get out, now?" she asked, glancing up with teary eyes that still managed to maintain a certain amount of strength.

Catching her, Hunter hugged her tightly, his own breathing caught in his throat and his pulse was racing. His hands were bloody but it didn't matter, as long as he felt Cymitia, alive and here. "I'm so sorry," he said in her hair as he hugged her tighter. "We've gotta slip through... Hold on," he said, releasing her from his embrace and moved over to the corpse, immediately searching for anything useful.

A few security cards, a gun, a set of keys and a radio. Hunter tossed the radio to George, "Keep an ear out," Hunter said with a nod and gave the gun to Cymitia. "Just a bit further, Cym, we'll get out of here, I promise."

Cym took the firearm she was handed in her aching hands. She was barely able to keep the gun held straight, and without support she was falling over her own two feet constantly, so she found herself gripping Hunter to keep herself upright. She tucked the weapon away, gazing towards the door. "How will...what's your story for taking me out of the camp, then...Can we do this without a firefight?" Cymitia asked, hoping that the two had a plan to get her out of here without facing the impossible odds of fighting off the entire camp.

[Mincaldenteans]

Cym took the firearm she was handed in her aching hands. She was barely able to keep the gun held straight, and without support she was falling over her own two feet constantly, so she found herself gripping Hunter to keep herself upright. She tucked the weapon away, gazing towards the door. "How will...what's your story for taking me out of the camp, then...Can we do this without a firefight?" Cymitia asked, hoping that the two had a plan to get her out of here without facing the impossible odds of fighting off the entire camp.

"I'm hoping so," Hunter said, an arm around Cymitia's waist while she had one around his shoulders. Moving over to the door, George had opened it for them and the duo waited for George to lead the way. "You've got the radio, keep an ear open George, if anyone gets close to us we'll have to try and hide. Once we're out to the exit..." Hunter didn't finish the sentence. He hadn't thought that far, primarily because he never thought he would get this far. Now, though, his head was racing for a solution and Hunter stopped in his tracks, realizing there may be another exit.

"If we can get back to the entrance we came from during our first OP, maybe the entrance hasn't been discovered or sealed. It's worth a shot."

[Lancearc]

Cym took the firearm she was handed in her aching hands. She was barely able to keep the gun held straight, and without support she was falling over her own two feet constantly, so she found herself gripping Hunter to keep herself upright. She tucked the weapon away, gazing towards the door. "How will...what's your story for taking me out of the camp, then...Can we do this without a firefight?" Cymitia asked, hoping that the two had a plan to get her out of here without facing the impossible odds of fighting off the entire camp.

"I'm hoping so," Hunter said, an arm around Cymitia's waist while she had one around his shoulders. Moving over to the door, George had opened it for them and the duo waited for George to lead the way. "You've got the radio, keep an ear open George, if anyone gets close to us we'll have to try and hide. Once we're out to the exit..." Hunter didn't finish the sentence. He hadn't thought that far, primarily because he never thought he would get this far. Now, though, his head was racing for a solution and Hunter stopped in his tracks, realizing there may be another exit.

"If we can get back to the entrance we came from during our first OP, maybe the entrance hasn't been discovered or sealed. It's worth a shot."

Cymtia's eyes lit up, at least as much as they could in her sapped state. "You're right, I heard them...I heard some of them talking about trying to f-find out where we'd come from...I don't even think they know that sewer entrance exists." Cymitia said, gazing up at Hunter. "It's probably our best shot. It might be rough g-going with me but I'll live..." she figured. She chuckled afterwards, shaking her head. "This is like some stupid adventure movie...." she observed with a weak grin.

[Mincaldenteans]

Cymtia's eyes lit up, at least as much as they could in her sapped state. "You're right, I heard them...I heard some of them talking about trying to f-find out where we'd come from...I don't even think they know that sewer entrance exists." Cymitia said, gazing up at Hunter. "It's probably our best shot. It might be rough g-going with me but I'll live..." she figured. She chuckled afterwards, shaking her head. "This is like some stupid adventure movie...." she observed with a weak grin.

"Well, I'll be dead first before I leave you here. The last time," Hunter shook his head, "I got clobbered in the back of my head because I wanted us to come back. They thought differently. This way," he said softly and turned her body with his so as not to pull her but merely guide her without further injury. He noticed George was still on the radio, likely scanning the channel to make sure they weren't going to be discovered yet. From the looks of it they weren't, and it was a blessing so far.

---

Alexandra Arslanian, Parliament member

The thirty seven year old, brown haired woman sat along with the rest of the parliament members. Having inherited the genetics of both her parents, Armenian and Scandinavian, this leading to controversial appearance features like light brown hair, green eyes, large nose and a Southern European Caucasus region facial features.

She took the information in, her mind and thoughts both supporting and rejecting the so called 'Grand English Empire'. While they would definitely make London a better place and their economy was great as well as military control, civil rights and quality of living, the citizens wouldn't have any political freedoms or the right to speak out against the government.
Being irritated by the silence and the coward ness of the other parliament members, she decided to speak up.

"May I have your attention? Mr Sydomas, if I say correctly?" Alexandra stated, before beginning

"As much as I can applaud to the GEE's military power and powerful economy. Not to mention the improved quality of living, the restoration of law and order and the redistribution of civil rights." She paused "I am very concerned of the type of 'government' that will be in control. I am referring to you. Will we end up like the totalitarian Soviet Union? Or will we restore political freedoms and have presidential elections at your own will like in post-dictatorship Chile?" Alexandra finished, awaiting a response.

"And so what if it is?" Lord Edeson interjected. There were several gasp to his comment as everyone knew he of his own political standing. "There won't be a London left if we're standing here debating about what happens after when we haven't even dealt with what is happening now. Plainly put ladies and gentlemen: London as we know it has no standing army, no law enforcement and rebels that are all but civilians. We as a city are gutted economically, therefore arms and munitions are being supplied either by black market or pilfered by military stores before this debacle. The HGV is poised to take over any day - and what do you think will happen to each and every one of you if that's happened because we're sitting around debating about the repercussions of accepting GEE assistance? I hereby call for a vote, here, now, while we still have time."

[Lancearc]

Cymitia only allowed herself to be guided down the halls by Hunter, heading back through corridors that looked oh so familiar to her. They were in fact on the right track, as was indicated by her piecing together a mental map of the halls she'd ran through with him not so long ago. It didn't seem that HGV patrols went this far into the factory, as they considered it nothing but a dead end. While they had searched around, it didn't seem as though they had discovered the sewer entrance yet--they were far too busy repairing damages to more important areas. "I-it's right around...it's up here I think." Cymitia said, motioning forward with her free hand.

[Dalria]

"And so what if it is?" Lord Edeson interjected. There were several gasp to his comment as everyone knew he of his own political standing. "There won't be a London left if we're standing here debating about what happens after when we haven't even dealt with what is happening now. Plainly put ladies and gentlemen: London as we know it has no standing army, no law enforcement and rebels that are all but civilians. We as a city are gutted economically, therefore arms and munitions are being supplied either by black market or pilfered by military stores before this debacle. The HGV is poised to take over any day - and what do you think will happen to each and every one of you if that's happened because we're sitting around debating about the repercussions of accepting GEE assistance? I hereby call for a vote, here, now, while we still have time."

Tipper grew angry at this, "I vote assistance, but once again to stay INDEPENDENT" Tipper yelled out, "They can give us help but we shall manage the city on our own. I am not going to be pushed around by anyone. If you attack our city with might, the nations will see how treacherous you are. You'll lose many, many troops invading which would cost you thousands. The repercussions would be the French military far rising above you. You will have to kill every HGV, gang member, and loyal citizen of London and I'm sure as hell lad that they will take a whole lot of men with them" Tipper smiled politely.

[Lancearc]

"And so what if it is?" Lord Edeson interjected. There were several gasp to his comment as everyone knew he of his own political standing. "There won't be a London left if we're standing here debating about what happens after when we haven't even dealt with what is happening now. Plainly put ladies and gentlemen: London as we know it has no standing army, no law enforcement and rebels that are all but civilians. We as a city are gutted economically, therefore arms and munitions are being supplied either by black market or pilfered by military stores before this debacle. The HGV is poised to take over any day - and what do you think will happen to each and every one of you if that's happened because we're sitting around debating about the repercussions of accepting GEE assistance? I hereby call for a vote, here, now, while we still have time."

Tipper grew angry at this, "I vote assistance, but once again to stay INDEPENDENT" Tipper yelled out, "They can give us help but we shall manage the city on our own. I am not going to be pushed around by anyone. If you attack our city with might, the nations will see how treacherous you are. You'll lose many, many troops invading which would cost you thousands. The repercussions would be the French military far rising above you. You will have to kill every HGV, gang member, and loyal citizen of London and I'm sure as hell lad that they will take a whole lot of men with them" Tipper smiled politely.

"If you are unaware, Malone, you are in no position to be making threats or demands when you don't even have a standing military in the field, and we have so much support among the common people. Need I remind you how many of these rebellion cells are fighting for our intervention?" Sydomas said, turning back to Edeson. "You have a gift in realizing that stubbornness will lead to a people's downfall, I can only hope that your fellows have similar gifts."

[Mincaldenteans]

Cymitia only allowed herself to be guided down the halls by Hunter, heading back through corridors that looked oh so familiar to her. They were in fact on the right track, as was indicated by her piecing together a mental map of the halls she'd ran through with him not so long ago. It didn't seem that HGV patrols went this far into the factory, as they considered it nothing but a dead end. While they had searched around, it didn't seem as though they had discovered the sewer entrance yet--they were far too busy repairing damages to more important areas. "I-it's right around...it's up here I think." Cymitia said, motioning forward with her free hand.

"Alright, once we're in, we'll move as far out of HGV controlled areas as possible. I'm thinking we head back to Sanctuary. As it is, I'm not in good standing with the rebels and they pretty much said they'd rather see you dead than rescued." He shook his head, "Besides, I'm thinking Sanctuary would have better medical supplies. You up for going that far? I'll carry you there if I have to."

Tipper grew angry at this, "I vote assistance, but once again to stay INDEPENDENT" Tipper yelled out, "They can give us help but we shall manage the city on our own. I am not going to be pushed around by anyone. If you attack our city with might, the nations will see how treacherous you are. You'll lose many, many troops invading which would cost you thousands. The repercussions would be the French military far rising above you. You will have to kill every HGV, gang member, and loyal citizen of London and I'm sure as hell lad that they will take a whole lot of men with them" Tipper smiled politely.

"Imbecile," Edeson spat under his breath, "Take a seat you pillock! Your vote is duly noted. The rest of you? I want to see hands, now!"

It took a few moments but soon, slowly, more hands were raised and only a fraction had voted against or abstained. Edeson had all but ignored those that refuse to place their lot in. As for Malone, he'd deal with the boy later when the fires of GEE's wrath simmered and the re-establishment of London's power was back on the charts to dictate to terms.

Once the votes were tallied, Edeson turned his back to face the emperor, "Emperor Sydomas, Parliament stands with you. Please send in your men let us end the HGV once and for all."

[Dalria]

"Bloody hell" Tipper mumbled under his breath, he took his phone out and texted Clancy. "Clancy, things didn't go so well. You told me we made production heights a few days again and we are making money. I want you to find every able body man who has military or police history and contact them. We will be rebuilding a fighting force in case things go south, we have a few abandoned facilities we can use to house men. Thank you old friend and keep my family safe" Tipper sent it and held his tongue. He was pissed that Lord Edison did not agree or stand up for what was right and he let this Nevidian push him around like a puppet, he clenched his fist in fury.

[Lancearc]

"That sounds better than returning to those filthy sewers...I think that it is time for us to look for some kind of salvation anyway." Cymitia muttered, referencing the fact that they'd killed so many people by this point. She knew it was entirely necessary, but she also felt bad about it, being Nevidian. She pulled herself further up to his shoulders, her weak legs barely able to keep her up even with his support. "Let's just get going, please..."

---

"Very well. Within the week my forces will be prepared to enter the city en masse." Emperor Sydomas said with an appreciative nod. "If there is nothing more to be discussed I give my thanks to each of you for allowing me this honor. I am certain, after this war, we can cooperate to return this city to heights unseen and, if I may be so bold, the cultural center of the world."

[Mincaldenteans]

"That sounds better than returning to those filthy sewers...I think that it is time for us to look for some kind of salvation anyway." Cymitia muttered, referencing the fact that they'd killed so many people by this point. She knew it was entirely necessary, but she also felt bad about it, being Nevidian. She pulled herself further up to his shoulders, her weak legs barely able to keep her up even with his support. "Let's just get going, please..."

He noticed Cymitia barely holding on. Stopping for a few short moments, Hunter swooped her in his arms, "Just hang on... We'll get there soon. George, make a left here, the entrance to the tunnels should be in a few hundred feet."

---

"Very well. Within the week my forces will be prepared to enter the city en masse." Emperor Sydomas said with an appreciative nod. "If there is nothing more to be discussed I give my thanks to each of you for allowing me this honor. I am certain, after this war, we can cooperate to return this city to heights unseen and, if I may be so bold, the cultural center of the world."

"Malone, with me. Now." Edeson growled after he nodded his own appreciation to the emperor. The two of them walked with the Emperor back to the steps of Parliament, with two of Edeson personal bodyguards joining them once they exited Parliament building. "In a week's time then. We will provide what we can to the rebels to hold the line for that long. Please, whatever you can do to speed your military in its arrival. As you are no doubt aware, our hold onto what's left of London is tenuous at best. Until we meet next time, Emperor."

[Lancearc]

Cymitia wasn't quite expecting to find herself actually being carried. The sudden nature of it all hurt her extremely sore legs when Hunter picked her up, but she was thankful for the fact that she no longer had to stand. "Thank you." she muttered, resting her head against his chest and closing her eyes as they continued, trusting the two knew where they were going.

---

"Again, I thank you for allowing me here." the emperor said, nodding to both if them. Without another word the Nevidian turned towards the helicopter he'd arrived in and stepped into the aircraft while its rotors slowly gained momentum enough for it to take off, lifting into the air and making its way out of the city.

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

It pained George to look at Cymitia. It hurt him to see her suffer so much. Her blond hair was cluttered together with blood, and it had gone extremely dirty. Her face was covered in cuts and bruises, and her arm was bent in an unnatural position. That may have been because of the lighting, but to George, it looked horrible anyway. George nagged his teeth. He had created all this. He had made the HGV. Hell, he had almost given the order to wipe out the entire Nevidian population. Looking at Cym’s torn body, he couldn’t help but wipe a tear from his eye. He took his Glock from his holster, and told Hunter to halt. “Hunter, you take Cym out. There is something I have to do first. I’ll meet you two at the sanctuary.” George looked at Hunter, almost begging for confirmation. He tried to hide his watered eyes behind his cap, but his voice was trembling and sad.

[Cadia]

"We might have to. I dislike violence, but there are times where it is necessary. If this is such times, I will help those who need it. I'm not gonna let you die from the HGV. If anyone dies, it'll be me. But how would we escape? The wall surrounds us, and the only exits are either through the gates or from a private airstrip." He thought about it,

The airstrip is usually heavily guarded, and so is the gate. But at least on the airstrip we have a way of quickly getting out.

"Through the rebels?" Thelin asked offhandedly. She did not know if they would even aid them but she knew a few Nevidians who chose to fight, maybe they'd help them get across the wall and out of London. But, she didn't know where they were, which wasn't exactly a hardship to find considering the current circumstances of the city. "We'd have to get into contact with the rebellion, and maybe from there they'd know a way out."

"That sounds like an interesting proposition. Last I heard of the rebellion was when the HGV executed multiple of them about a month ago. Meeting up with them would be difficult, but not impossible. I guess i'll have to sleep on it." Mike slowly began to slowly daze off, the previous day having finally caught up to him.

[Lancearc]

Cymitia frowned, opening her eyes again to look at George. "N-no! The last time someone got left behind, just l-look at me...I won't allow you to go back!" she objected quickly, looking up at Hunter. "And neither will you." Cym said sternly.

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

“Cym” George said, while screwing a silencer to the barrel of his gun. “That’s the point. How many heroes are kept here because of me?” George looked around a corner, and checked his radio. “You were one, but how many are being tortured here? I need to take care of this, for my own sake.” He walked back into the cell, and grabbed the set of keys the now dead guard kept around his waist.

[Lancearc]

"George, please, you're really not making this easy for me and Hunter." Cymitia pleaded, now having a firm grip on the weapon Hunter had given her. "When the GEE comes we can all join up with them and finish this camp, but we have to be alive to do it!" she said, hoping this would stop him from turning back.

[Dalria]

Tipper stood next to Lord Edeson with a cross looked on his face as he watch the Emperor leave, "Lrd Edeson, how could you let someone like him befoul you in that matter. You will become his puppet, a toy he uses tell he gets board of you. With troops in he'll lose less casualties making the full take over of London easier, don't you see" Tippers aggravated voice called out.

[Mincaldenteans]

“Cym” George said, while screwing a silencer to the barrel of his gun. “That’s the point. How many heroes are kept here because of me?” George looked around a corner, and checked his radio. “You were one, but how many are being tortured here? I need to take care of this, for my own sake.” He walked back into the cell, and grabbed the set of keys the now dead guard kept around his waist.

"George, please, you're really not making this easy for me and Hunter." Cymitia pleaded, now having a firm grip on the weapon Hunter had given her. "When the GEE comes we can all join up with them and finish this camp, but we have to be alive to do it!" she said, hoping this would stop him from turning back.

"She's right, you need to think clearly. I need you with me, I can't possibly carry her and watch my back on my way to Sanctuary, George. We'll come back to finish this, but right now stay with us. Please." Hunter implored. They'd never make it back if George went on this blaze of glory.

---

Watching the emperor leave, Edeson had his two guards stand at a distance, though he knew they were at the ready in a moment's notice. Turning his ire upon the young man he spat, "Do not ever play your hand as though it was some sort of parlor game. Remedial politics, boy, you never let the opposition know what you're thinking, doing or otherwise conspiring. One thing to talk about options for the future, its completely a finer and different nature when survival is at the top first. You dust up when everything has settled, not before. Do you understand? Because by God himself, if you fail me again, I will make sure that seat I got you is permanently null and void."

Edeson didn't wait for a response, instead he gestured lightly to his two guards and moved away from Malone. The kid and his irrational behavior needed to be tempered, though Edeson was less than inclined to teach him such ways. "Another one to eliminate," he muttered to himself with a sigh. "Get me my car, Howard, I have to think on things for a few. Call Margaret, inform her of my arrival."

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

George looked at his gun, contemplating. Were they right? Would it be better to just run away with them? A feeling of grief and sorrow took over his heart. He stood before a choice, and it wasn’t an easy one. In both ways, he could redeem himself… Every second those people remained in agony. Every second he didn’t save them, they suffered and died because he built the HGV. He sighed. It was reasonable, it was pure logic that he should help these people. It was the only rational thing to do. Rational…

“Okay” George said. “Here, Cym, give me your arm, and that gun, too. We need to move.” He looked back for one last time, towards the other cells. “let’s move”