Michael looks up inside of a makeshift holding cell.

All there was in his current cell was a small bed and a sink. A toilet would require him to ask the guard.

He sighs and looks upward. After what had transpired- what was he supposed to do next?

-

He finally had some time to reflect and thoughts came to mind; About Jess, about what had transpired, and about what led him here, and about what would happen to him after.

His verdict would arrive soon- maybe by tomorrow... he tilts his head to the side. until then - he would have to sleep or do something to relax.

---

“Quan, hm?…”

The ANI captain’s voice comes to mind as he closes his eyes.

Michael was approaching the enemy commander with hands up and after having already blown cover.

Not only did he have to negotiate with someone after exposing himself as a spy – but it had to be in such a high tension situation.

Michael was in no way the best candidate for this position- seeing as he'd already created bad blood infiltrating their base prior to this negotiation: however- it was his own reasoning that had brought him here.

He was the one insisting on negotiations in the first place- as a means to protect the townspeople that the ANI troops held hostage.

“I’m sorry that I had to be the one come here…” Michael spoke first, “My name’s Michael.”

“What do you intent to do by coming here?”

“Let’s be honest..." Michae said with both hands up, "You don’t like me after what I've done- I’m the only one who truly wants this negotiation to succeed- we have to work with each other to get through this- Otherwise we’ll both end up dead.”

The commander sensed the sincerity in Michael’s voice- which kept michael from being shot immediately.

“…Alright then, Michael” the commander spoke, “speak your piece.”

“We aren’t all the barbarians you think us to be- all we truly want is to be at peace.”

The commander almost laughed while raising his eyebrows

“…BUT the past twenty years have grown to this as our lands have been stripped constantly through force and without reserve… what person would step down without a fight as everything that is his is taken away?”

The last statement seemed to take root- as the commander simply remained silent.

You know as well as I that this land once belonged to one nation before it was divided. Wouldn’t that mean that we were once brothers? Why should we continue to fight against each other in blood over something like land- why not strive for peace?”

The commander seemed skeptical of a sort, but was willing to listen - “So what is it that you propose?”

“Lay down your arms – let the villagers go – in doing so you will show us a sign of good faith that we will return by letting you return to your own home in peace.”

These were in fact the terms that the captain allowed him to negotiate under- despite the disbelief that he could do it- Michael’s words seemed to take root.

“We only wish to protect our lands – not kill our neighbors who were once kin. In letting us protect these people here- we have no more reason to chase you down- isn’t this enough killing?”

It seemed that the commander was willing to consider Michael’s proposal.

As Michael watched the Captain mulling the proposal over in his head - a giant hole filled a large portion of where hed been thinking - followed by a loud ring. A secondary hole followed- ensuring a completion of the first’s purpose

Michael’s head jerks sideways looking up at the hillside – to which his own captain was looking down sternly onto the battlefield. It seemed that the negotiation was only a false pretense to do just this...

While this upset Michael greatly- he doesn’t have much time to regret or think –he had to protect himself from the crossfire.

He took cover behind a rock and was siezed by two ANI troops almost immediately afterwards.

Steel-like doors shut in on him- as he was closed off to the surroundings.

He was immediately arrested by the soldiers that had surrounded himself and the newly-made-commander as they shut the steel doors on him completely. It seemed that Michael had simply been a disposable asset to rid the Captain.

---

Michael was guided at gunpoint to the newly appointed Commander. the same second-in-command that he'd seen in the tent before.

The man seemed very itchy on the trigger. Michael got an eye at him and it seemed that he was a younger man- perhaps even stationed as a soldier at one point- but a far cry from experienced to this station- and his station was probably more during peacetime rather than hardened experience.

He also seemed as if he had some misplaced anger to vent- his hand was holding a gun waving back and forth.

"How do I handle this?" the man sincerely asked Michael- he paused for a minute

Do i make a display of you in front of the whole enemy force, torture you, or simply shoot you here.

It seemed the man was legitimately waiting for an answer while he pulled his gun.

“But if youre simply disposable to them- what purpose would making a big show serve?"

“I dont know,” Michael replied.

The man held the gun out to Michaels forehead.

"No?"

The man responded as Michael stood there silently.

"I'll put you with the others," and motioned for the guard to usher Michael out.

Michael was led to a group of a hundred or so villagers- surrounded by soldiers and guns - huddled together.

Michael was carried alongside the sergeant and motioned for one of his soldiers to bring a youth forward- a villager.

"This is on you then..." the man spoke and signaled a few soldiers to ready their guns into the crowd- the sergeant himself about to shoot the child - Michael couldn't help but shout.

"Wait!" Michael replied as the man brought up a gun to the youth.

"Hmm?" the sergeant replied upset and hand on the trigger .

"If you kill them now- you will be signing your own death warrant," Michael spoke.

The sergeant hesitated-

"If we're going to die anyway- then why not take you with us as promised?" the sergeant replied as he raised up the gun and began to pressure the trigger."

"I can save you," Michael raised up both hands towards him- indicating a desire to work together.

The captain put down the gun slightly subconsciously.

"Bull-shi-" the captain raised his hand again.

"I'm very familiar with the maps of this area. I know the tunnel system for this area and can guide you out of the area with enough time to escape."

The captain motioned to Michael's guard who then untied his arms.

"Show me," the captain spoke.

Based on the captain's face - Michael could tell he had little time to explain before the captain would show his impatience.

However- as Michael had been studying the maps over the past week or so - and felt confident in the layout of the tunnels. Of course for the intent of preparing against the ANI and not aiding them. From what he could gather in his memory there was an entrance to a deep tunnel system along a certain edge of the inner village. He could only hope that the map system was accurate.

"Okay..." Michael spoke, "but you have to let the villagers stay here."

"And what leverage do we have if we release them?"

Michael sighed- it was a good point.

"Let the women, children, and elderly stay then- they'll only slow you down anyway."

The captain thought about it, "okay." he spoke, "troops - follow him- you two stay." the captain spoke to Michael.

"If you lead us into an ambush," the captain responded, "not only will we kill everyone here- i'll request these two to kill everyone else.

Michael breathed heavily- this was the first time he'd have to be responsible for hte lives of others in such a direct manner.

He headed twoards what he hoped would be a tunnel- which a mound on the ground seemed to cover over. He pushed on the earth that covered over it- and it revealed itself to have an entrance below the dirt.

It was pitch black as they walked into a cramped tunnel so they turned on different lights to make it through. It seemed like most of the tunnel was made naturally with only carvings out in what would have been more cramped setting. Multiple places required one to duck- and with the load of extra equipment it was quite difficult to maneauver.

A fatter person wouldn't make it through very well. In fact- one of the hostages seemed to prove that as they walked through with difficulty and gained scrapes along the way.

Michael could feel the tension rise as they walked ahead.

After trudging onward for thirty or so minutes in the dark - the hit an intersection... At best...

"Which way?"

Michael waited a moment and then spoke, "neither... and then kicked a portion of dirt on the edge of the entrances revealing a third entrance, this one had a ladder leading upwards."

---

"That should lead you all out..." Michael spoke.

The captain responded by climbing upwards and taking a look.

"Looks clear..." the captain spoke - having climbed back down and speaking to his lieutenants. He turned his attention to Michael.

"You'll be coming with us..." The captain responded and looked at the people following behind.

Michael looked at him and felt that if he followed under these condition- then he'd most likely be killed by the end of it- and not just himself but the others as well.

"Can you guarantee our safety by the end of this? I feel some ill intent coming from you... I would prefer to end this amicably and peacably- if possible," Michael spoke.

The captain looked at him.

"Well- damn kid," He spoke in response, "Looks like you saw right through me huh?"

The captain looked at him for a moment-

"the others are free to go," He motioned to the guards holding onto the villagers, "You..."

He looked at Michael and studied the perimeter for a moment.

"I don't really see a way out of this for you however..." he responded and took out his gun.

"Follow me..." He said and Michael did as he was told- not sure of how else to respond.

"Consider yourself a martyr," the man spoke to Michael as they walked slowly into a separate path.

"This is for my men," he spoke. Michael still wasn't sure of what to say in this situation.

Michael closed his eyes- prayed and waited.

A gun fired- he heard a noise- but felt nothing. He opened his eyes again.

"Thank you for saving my men," the captain spoke.

Afterwards- the captain was gone.

---

Michael was responsible for singlehandedly leading the entire troop of ANI soldiers back to freedom. Even still he didn't regret it. The less unnecessary bloodshed - the better.

Michael sighed as he looked up... he wondered the consequences of doing this.

His thoughts drifted to his Jess. He wondered what she was up to in her home. From what he'd heard she'd been assigned to be on leave to grieve her father's death.

It hadn't even been that long since their kiss- and he wasn't really sure what to think about their relationship.

It had been a good amount of time since he'd last seen her. Already his heart started to fill with doubts. Did she feel anything for him at all? Did she know about his situation? If so... did she care?

What if she actually agreed that he should be inside of the prison.

He tried his best to shake off the thought.

---

“Did you hear?” One recruit spoke to another about the events that had transpired.

“What happened?” came the response.

“In the north- one recruit had great success in helping to capture an ANI unit and then was put under trial for letting the unit escape…”

“Oh?”

“Yeah I think his name was Michael something- a scout…”

Jess had been casually sitting in the western part of the central territory- where she would be safe for the time being.

That was until she heard Michael’s name- immediately she bolted upwards, “Michael Bossan?”

“Uh, yeah…” came the response.

Jess’s boyfriend was on trial for treason – what was she doing wasting her time here?

“Where is he?” she responded.

“Uh- I wouldn’t know, but I think the trial will be pretty soon.”

Jess was currently an hour or so west of the nearest base – but if she could she would give as much sway as she could to the trial itself.

---

Immediately upon arrival to the nearest base she rushed up to the command.

A guard stopped her at the door-

“Who goes there?” he spoke on alert.

“Let me talk with Susan,” Jess replied.

“It’s alright…” A woman's voice speaks from the inside of the door to Jess, “Let her in.”

Jess opened up the door to Susan’s office. It was a moderately sized one- with pleasantries – including things like a family pictures and slight décor- as opposed to a man’s office it was more welcoming for sure. Even still Susan was one of the head commanders with good reason. She was a badass in the previous campaign- and retained control of her area with a tight grip.

“Jess- What’s troubling you?” Susan replied.

Jess having grown up with Susan’s son a bit- was at least were on good terms with Susan– otherwise she wouldn’t have been able to enter so informally.

"Is there a trial coming up?"

"hmm," Susan spoke, "yes in fact- a Michael Bossan."

Jess replied, "what happened then?"

"It seems he was responsible for both the capture and escape of the ANI soldiers- i'm looking over the details now."

Jess replied, "You need to let him speak for himself- whatever he did - i'm sure he had a good reason."

“Oh?” Susan spoke with a raised eyebrow, “Is he an interest of yours?”

“Yes,” Jess spoke, “and he wouldn’t betray the Underground- I’m sure of it.”

“Well then… After I look into the details – if I agree- I’ll try to convince the board to be as lenient as possible…is there anything else?”

With such a disarming response- Jess suddenly shied away a bit –

“Uh- thankyou…” she replied, “And thank you for helping me so much with everything.”

“You’re welcome,” Sussan replied and seeing Jess's hinderance, "-But..."

“I want to request that I be sent back into the front,” Jess replied.

Jess had in fact given it some thought- Susan had done her best to keep her safe from the conflict- but Jess felt responsible to herself to do more to contribute.

“According to his last testament, I think your father would have wanted you safe,” Susan responded.

Jess replied, "i'd rather see his purpose fulfilled- and seeing that he’s already gone…” Jess paused for a moment, “I don’t think it’s up to him to decide for me.”

“Very well.” Susan replied noticing Jess’ conviction, “I’ll make a request for you to be back in Active Status on Sx3 - we could have some use for your abilities- After which we can figure out your next assignment.”

---

After a few hours- his thoughts couldn't help but drift to the verdict- about the persons in charge and how they'd present his case- about the judge - Reagis.

From what he'd heard about it- Reagis was very strict- and believed in soldiers being soldiers

How much influence would Reagis have on the council?

Michael sighed- perhaps he was misjudging - he hadn't really talked much with Reagis to begin with.. could it be that he was only judging him from other's points of view?

His thoughts drifted again... remembering about a line given him by 'that guy' before leaving.

He couldn't say he knew Vincent all that well- but in the short time he'd gotten to spend time with him- he felt a rivalry and sense of comradary.

He wondered what Vincent was really doing 'To protect the ones he loves?' Well he knew it was something interesting however, he had no idea what it would be, but if it took Vincent leaving the territory and starting anew - then it was impossible that it was a simple threat.

He started throwing the stone up at the ceiling from a laid position on the bed.

“Well this’ll burn five minutes,” he spoke to noone in particular.

---

Vincent waited on a bench on the side of the recruitment center while the trainer was absent. He maintained a distant persona as he looked around the room. A group of people, a vast range of sizes, stood around, some alone, and some in groups.

“Look who brought in another runt,” a six foot and some inches guy spoke to a couple of his buddies after looking at Vincent. They must have come in together.

“What’s a punk like you doing here? Your mom kick you out of the home and have nowhere to go?”

Vincent took a look at him, he looked like he must work out. a lot. Big, built, and stupid- “What do you mean?” Vincent responded challengingly, “I believe your parents thought you needed a bodyguard, so they hired me to keep a watch on you.”

“You’ll pay for that,” the big guy spoke and advanced.

Vincent held up his index finger. the big one waited while Vincent took off his jacket and folded it beside him.

“Alright, now I’m ready,” he said.

“The big one threw a punch at Vincent, but Vincent ducked and kneed him in the stomach. The two buddies after seeing their leader keeling over tried to grab him but Vincent ducked, tripped him, and the elbowed him in the neck. The last one got a punch in on Vincent, but Vincent shook it off and got hold of his arm in a bar and pinned him with his knee in his back.

The rest of the recruitees stood around looked at the situation with Vincent and the three on the ground. Vincent looked at their gleeful look at what he’d done. He must have been picking on all of them. It looked like the school bully wasn’t going to have his fun.

The commander entered and stood in front of the group and saw the three on the ground.

“You’re in,” he said to Vincent, “Take a break. Report at the barracks in fourteen hundred hours.” He motioned Vincent to the door.

“The rest of you…” he said as he addressed the group, “Line up.”

Vincent got up to leave while the rest of the group got a last glimpse of him before the commander spoke again to them:

“First thing’s first. My name is Sir, and you will address me as such. Only friends and those who outrank me will call me by another name. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir,” the group said.

“Is that Understood!”

“Yes sir!”

Vincent walked out of the room and to the barracks. That went easily enough

—

Reagis breathed out a sigh after a full day of updates and status reports and adjustments. In fact – it was certainly more than a full day- the night raids that plagued the ANI forces had led up until now – which was in fact almost late evening.

Even still- it had been a worthwhile use of his time. He could only do his best to take small naps in between reports- as well as commanding the central HQ regarding how to assist troops across the many battlefields.

He wished he were the one on the field instead. He belonged in the battle. For now all he could do was imagine the battles while he himself directed them from his seat in HQ. Even still- his experience certainly helped him visualize and command properly.

From here- he would receive status reports and revise battle strategies based on intelligence.

It seemed that the north had been quite successful- even against the new technology that seemed to help the ANI forces.

He directed northern forces to assist central in holding the center and keeping them from taking the mountain range now as that was the next pertinent objective.

Central had had difficulty and had been pushed backwards more than desired. Once ANI troops were

One recruit had been especially pertinent to said raid- a Michael so-and-so- however he was under supervision- as he’d helped ANI forces in their retreat. Reagan would have to deal with said trial- in fact he thought he remembered the name, but couldn’t picture a face.

In the southeast - there was limited success –as the new technology had been a difficult stumbling block – they had been moved back slightly- unable to make a base- but still able to hold ground.

Reinforcements would be arriving soon from the southern territory- very experienced troops under one of the five commanders. He had good hopes for her leadership there- so wasn’t going to add extra force.

He sighed as a new case came to his table.

"Sir," a boy nods before Reagis, "we are having a trial..." his second came to him. A capable young man- while he was only given secretarial duties - Reagis saw a lot of opportunity in the lad.

"It seems to have some interest from multiple parties."

"Oh?" Reagis spoke as he looked over the case. Beside the folder was another. A case of that of two Underground personnel’s capture immediately following a declaration of war by the ANI. Unfortunately they were two persons of importance – Sx3 agents that were part of central’s scouting team. It seemed that a surgical strike team was already in place to capture said agents before the declaration had been announced.

He wondered how they'd been found firstly- but it didn't matter at this point as much as the recapture or assassination of the recruits.

If the ANI found out that the agents were more than just simple recruits- this could be a big issue for the Underground…

He put some thought into the folder in front of him- maybe he could make some use of these separate cases.

---

“The council will see you now,” a voice spoke to Michael.

Michael looked to the side as he noticed a guard and what seemed to be a guard and a man in a suit - his attorney or something like.

Michael stretched, looked up for a moment and then pulled his feet to the side from off the bed.

The guard looked at him through the cell and then threw him something.

"You won't be a threat will you?" the guard spoke.

"No..." Michael said looking down at the cuffs.

"I'd prefer if you did it -" the guard sighed as he looked at Michael sympathetically.

“Thanks,” Michael locked his cuffs in place as the guard then entered a number opening up the door and let Michael out.

Michael responded with

(How do courts work in the future? If they aren't motivated by money- but agendas, then what's the truth? quick - mostly lawyers do the work- input of data-computerization-evidence- secondly)

He followed behind the guard as he walked slowly across the halls into the council chambers.

The guard led him to the door and then Michael stepped into it.

Michael looked around the room, a small chair stood in the middle of a semi-circular table. Twelve council leaders were in place around the table and Reagan in the center of the semi-circle. He was centered in the middle of the circle with a low chair facing the front and all eyes on him.

“We are here to discuss Michael and his actions in the northeast,” Reagan said.

Michael wasn’t sure how long the proceedings would take place. How would he have to defend himself?

"The council has voted you free of all charge," Reegan spoke,"You are free to go.”

The council members looked surprised at Reagis' but none were more surprised than Michael himself.

“Is that all?” Michael asked.

"Yes - for your ability in tact and bravery we have a new position for you in Sx3. you will meet at HQ asap-

"uh, wait..."

"you have something to say?"

Micahael thought about it - but in fact he couldn't think about the implications of what had happened.

"Why are you being so lenient?" Michael spoke. Even though he didn't mind the verdict- he at least wanted to understand.

"Hm, While I myself would have had you executed - another party convinced me against it, bringing to light your abilities." Reagis responded- and as his image began to vanish from the hologram room- his final words spoke-

"that is all."

--