Up North
Jon and Sarvos walked up north on the way to the Unit 0 Rebel Base. They hadn't talked about anything that went on with Markos, or the way Jon had acted. They didn't need to. Instead, they left that behind them, making their way back to base while maintaining a low profile.
Still, there had been a clear objective to that mission they had missed. They were supposed to get information from Markos to find out anything about the New Order and John Doe, but they were coming back empty-handed. They had nothing. In other words, Jon had failed. Sarvos was used to it, but it was hitting Jon harder. Every mission he'd gone on before, he was calm and composed. On this mission, he let his emotions get the better of him and keep them from achieving the objective.
At least they got some information. On the computers in Markos' safe room, they managed to get their hands on some info before it self-deleted itself. The Order was failing. South Acren was in a constant state of civil war between the Orderrites and anti-Order Acrenese, nations like Negena and South Raznakova were already retaliating, Dyllonia was once again a warzone for the major powers hoping to exploit it, and the Order was being forced to pull back many of their forces. So while the Oppermenian rebels didn't have much going for them, there was some hope for a victory.
They continued to walk down the path back to the base, but Jon soon heard a noise. It was low, like a hum. Soon, this noise faded into others that became a rumble.
Jon looked at Sarvos. "What's that?" Sarvos didn't see to know. They both walked further onto the horizon and saw a horde of trucks, tanks, planes, and mechs crossing right over their path. "Get down!" They both dropped to the groun.
"What do you think they're doing?" Sarvos asked.
"I don't know," Jon said.
"Well, they don't fly fly the New Order banner," Sarvos pointed out.
Jon realized Sarvos was right. They weren't flying any Orderrite banners. He decided to get up and get closer to get a better look. Sarvos followed. When he got close to it, he saw that it wasn't even flying a banner. Then, he heard a voice behind him say, "Jon Neddard!" His reflexes kicked in, and he turned around and grabbed the arm of the person, pulling him to the ground and subduing him.
"Argh!" the soldier groaned. He didn't look any bit intimidating. In fact, he looked kind of young. Jon questioned his sneak-attacker.
"Who are you? What's your business here?" Jon asked sternly. "Why aren't you flying any banners?"
"Captain Neddard, my name is Private Jorgenhauer of the Oppermenian rebels," he answered. "I was sent by Unit 0 command to get you. Sorry I snuck up on you, that was my mistake." Jon let go of him. Jorgenhauer sighed with relief. "Thank you, sir."
"And the banners?" Jon pressed.
"Well, we didn't want to draw attention to ourselves. We're making our way to Base 01-013 to meet with the King's forces." Jorgenhauer looked at Sarvos. "We already got your Harpy Family with us."
Jon's eyes went wide. "Wait, did you say the King's forces? As in King Kevin?"
"Yes, sir. King Kevin has his own rebel force closer to Oppermanson. They've retaken Base 01-013, and called all Oppermenian rebel groups to congregate there."
Jon couldn't believe it. He was about to see his brother again. Kevin...
