No side was safe following Jagger's sacking of the entire Allied Commands and the cities where millions of people used to live. The propaganda institutes entirely controlled by Jagger were quick to highlight the cyberknights who were meant to take the blame for the massacre but the rumors of traitors within the Allied ranks were also spread parallel to the main accusations. In this air of fear, doubts and confusion, the leaderless Allied Forces was temporarily put under the puppet government set up by Dunkel under Jagger's orders prior to the Appalachian disaster.
On every available device within the Allied Forces' reach, an urgent message was sent through from the propaganda ministry with the head of the Allied new government, Admiral Hendrick, speaking.
"On behalf of the new Allied provisional government following the dastardly attack by the Empire, I would like to call upon all of you, men and women all fighting for freedom and country, to be wary of your surroundings. This genocide was not a simple ambush by the Empire but a coordinated strike with the help of traitors amongst our ranks.
All military operations unless critical to the survival of our regime will be put on hold as we shall not rest before all the perpetrators are caught. We, as a beacon of freedom and democracy, will not tolerate such humiliation at the hands of our wicked enemy and those who sided with them. Survey, listen and report all suspicious individuals, activities, and ideas to the newly formed Blue Guards and the Dome agency.
We pray for a return to normalcy and for the lives of those who perished. Let us avenge this wound left upon our regime by the Empire and crush those heartless dogs who sold us to the enemy. It is much of your duty as it is ours to weed out every single person with association to the Empire or traitorous thoughts. "
People watched with worried looks on their faces as the broadcast came to an end. Suddenly, brothers from nations under imperial rule were viewed with suspicion. At the diner table, friends no longer dared to talk carelessly for fear of saying the wrong word. At the barrack, soldiers felt doubtful of every single fellow fighter around them to the point where many didn't dare sleep in fear of their neighbours.
The atmosphere of fear and doubt was immediately intensified as, within a day following the announcement, some men were woken up by the arrest of their fellow brethren they fought side-by-side with. Anyone could become a target of arrest and execution unless they had proven themselves to be explicitly innocent. Like a chain reaction, many who wanted to save their own skin were compelled to snitch in secret about those who showed disgruntlement with the Allied Forces.
Meanwhile, Audrey was surprised by Kadyn and her team who prepared a party to welcome her return to service. Although they didn't have much in terms of assets to arrange this party, the group still managed to obtain a cake, a television with a gaming console and a few party hats.
[Kadyn] - "Welcome back, Audrey! "
Said Kadyn as she hugged her friend.
[Audrey] - "Oh, wow! It isn't even my birthday and you guys... "
Said Audrey while still in amazement.
[CK] - "We were glad you make full recovery, comrade CT. "
Said CK as he handed a plate to Audrey.
[Senju] - "Yeah, you deserved it after what you have done that day. Even Kadyn-sama said she could've never won without your help. "
[McCree] - "Yeah, partner, we were just glad you didn't live up to your codename. "
[Senju] - "What's that supposed to mean? "
[McCree] - "Well, ya know, her name is Cut-Throat and she almost... Ya know... "
Said McCree as he began to realize how dark his joke was.
The whole room fell silent as everyone had their eyes wide open on McCree.
[Kadyn] - "What the actual fuck, McCree! You can't say that kind of bloody thing! "
Yelled Kadyn in shock.
[Audrey] - "Hahaha... No, don't worry. I think it's a clever joke. In fact, I even named myself CT because I used to cut myself during my younger years. "
Said Audrey with an amused expression while showing everyone her scars.
While the others gathered around to cut the cake, Kadyn threw a death stare in McCree's direction. Just as the group was about to settle down for a gaming night, a squad of Dome agents abruptly kicked the room door open before armed men stormed in. Following them, a group of two Blue Guards (Allied equivalent to the cyberknights) supported the soldiers with their abilities at the ready.
[agent] - "Get down on the ground! You are all arrested for suspected harbouring of sympathetic ideas to the Imperial cause! Any resistance will be met with execution! "
Yelled one of the armed men as he pointed his rifle at Kadyn.
Suddenly, sizzling began to appear on the man's skin. Soon, he screamed in pain as he and his squad began to melt from the inside out. In a gesture of kindness, Kadyn immediately covered Audrey's eyes before the men exploded into a puddle of steaming red goo.
[Jagger] - "Sorry, I seem to be late at the party. "
Said Jagger as he appeared behind the two Blue Guards.
Before the two men could react, Jagger abruptly smashed his fists through both their chests. With both hands tainted in red, Jagger simply watched without emotion as the men collapsed to their deaths.
[Kadyn] - "Oh, what a mess. That was quite necessarily violent, don't you think? "
[Jagger] - "I just saved you all, so don't be ungrateful now. "
Said Jagger with an annoyed expression.
[McCree] - "What's going on here, man? Why are... Dome agents and crystal users attacking us. "
[Jagger] - "Ya saw what happened a few days ago. I tried to stop the cyberknights responsible for what happened but I was too late. Now, everyone who had spoken out against the Allied Forces is automatically a suspect. "
[Kadyn] - "Then what should we do, Mike? "
Said Kadyn while Audrey peeked over her hand.
[Jagger] - "The situation right now is quite volatile. I will try my best to find a way to stop all this chaos. It's not safe for you or your friends to be still roaming around while this purge is going on, so I suggest you all go into hiding while I find a way to deal with this. "
Said Jagger as he approached Kadyn with a fake look of concern.
[CK] - "Comrade, can we be of any help in this situation? "
[Jagger] - "Please, all I ask of you four is to protect my wife. I will take you all to a safer place away from the chaos as we are still unsure who are the traitors and if the Empire will strike at us again. "
Said Jagger as he began to urge the group out of the room.
[McCree] - "Do you have any news on Doctor Dane, is that man alright? "
[Jagger] - "Oh, he is fine. Actually, he helped me quite a lot during the past few days. "
Said Jagger with a sinister smile behind everyone's back.
Later that night, Jagger led the group into the depths of a communication facility located at the Northern coast of the Hudson Bay. Barely a few personnel were stationed at the facility, thus all the vacant empty spaces were renovated to accommodate VIP visitors in case of emergency.
As Kadyn fell asleep during the trip, Jagger had laid her to rest inside her room. However, as soon as he exited her room, he was confronted by the rest of Kadyn's team. At first, Jagger prepared himself to fight thinking his cover had been blown but Senju suddenly bent down and showed his respect toward him.
[Senju] - "Mike-san, please teach us to be better fighters. So far, we have been quite lacking in combat capability and power since we had to figure everything out ourselves. Me and my friends, we sincerely ask if you could instruct us in the proper ways of a true cyberknight. "
Said Senju on behalf of his team.
Jagger thought for a second as he looked at Senju with pity in his eyes.
"What a bunch of pathetic worms! Who do you think you are to waste my precious time like this? However, considering how idiotic and easy to manipulate those fools are, I think it wouldn't hurt to teach them a thing or two. These buffoons could serve me loyally in the future if they do become strong enough. "
Thought Jagger as a smile appeared on his face.
[Jagger] - "Heh! Why not? Since you'll be protecting my wife, I suppose it's only a fair trade that I teach you people a thing or two. "
[Senju] - "Thank you, Mike-Sensei! We will learn and improve under your guidance! "
The rest of the team looked at each other before also saluting Jagger out of gratitude and respect.
[Jagger] - "For now, I have some important business to take care of concerning the people who attacked you. So, since it's quite late, have a good sleep. We'll do some training tomorrow. "
[Senju] - "Ay! Good night to you too, Sensei! "
As both groups went their separate ways, McCree, CK and Audrey began to whisper to each other while walking behind Senju.
[McCree] - "Seriously, this guy. The amount of excessive formality he puts is starting to get on my nerves. "
Whispered McCree with a hand covering his mouth.
[CK] - "I heard they are very formal in Japanese culture. "
[McCree] - "He ain't even fully Japanese. His father is a Chinese guy who married a Japanese woman. "
[Audrey] - "So? You aren't even fully American. Remember when you said your mom is Italian? "
[McCree] - "Ey! I identified as a full-blooded Texan. I ain't one of them pasta-munching, wine-drinking sleek-haired cheese-makers whose national identity is based on changing sides during wars. I'm Texan at heart and I will keep on fightin' for mah state gun-blazing and chugging that whisky in glorious freedom units. "
Said McCree while intentionally making his words ridiculous.
[Senju] - "If I spoke like that about my mom's nationality, I wouldn't be able to look myself in the mirror. "
[McCree] - "I mean no disrespect toward my momma, of course, her cooking is the damn best in the whole of Texas. "
Said McCree as he moved forward to lean his arm against Senju's shoulder.
Upon seeing the two men talking about their family,
[Audrey] - "What would I do to see my mom one more time. "
[CK] - "You miss home, comrade? "
[Audrey] - "I don't miss home, I miss a reason to call a place home. "
Audrey thought for a second and took one look at her friends and the memories she had made.
[Audrey] - "Heh... Nevermind. I'm already home. "
During this time, footsteps echoed around an office in complete silence. With a loud thud, Jagger sat on a luxurious desk while pushing away the decorations and awards. While Jagger lit himself a cigarette, a high-ranking military officer pinned on the wall with a pen through each of his limbs stared on in terror and agony.
[Jagger] - "Didn't I warn you about certain people of interest I forbid you from touching? I'm seriously shocked by your level of incompetence. "
[Chief of Dome] - "I swear, lord Jagger, it was just a small misstep. The size of the operation just overwhelmed me during the first few days and... And these people just so happened to have slipped! My lord, I have done everything else according to your wishes! "
Said the chief in a panic.
[Jagger] - "I'll allow you a second chance since I don't want loyal pawns to go to waste. I hope you understand the extent of my power... "
Said Jagger as he lifted his finger.
[Jagger] - "No human on this planet can stand in my way. No God or weapon can win against me. You live to serve me without question and that's all there is. Although we blame the Appalachian disaster on the cyberknights, I'm sure you understand who truly was responsible for it. "
The pen which held the officer on the wall suddenly flew out of his flesh except for one which held his left arm. While the man struggled to free himself, Jagger slightly moved his finger. In an instant, a massive slash appeared on the wall and severed the man's arm.
[Jagger] - "This is just a demonstration of my power. I hope you base your future decisions on this encounter between us. Safety is a fantasy unless you serve without fail. "
Instead of being worried about his wound, the officer quickly kneeled down and begged for forgiveness before Jagger.
[Jagger] - "Listen to me well. Doctor Dane and many others will be given secret access to Dome data. All reports submitted by agents and Blue Guards will pass through them. Let them access whatever they want without making it suspicious. "
[Chief of Dome] - "Why, my lord? These people are clearly not on our side. "
Said the chief while blood loss caused his breath to turn heavy.
[Jagger] - "Because I'm not shallow like you or your men. These people will scream but they have no mouths. Eventually, you'll understand my reasoning. "
Suddenly, the man looked at his arm and realized that blood stopped leaking out of his severed arm.
[Jagger] - "Get your arm patched up! My mercy is not infinite. "
[Chief of Dome] - "Thank you, my lord! I will continue to live to serve you! "
Said the chief with fear and gratitude in his eyes.
As the man pushed his body against the floor in submission, Jagger smiled as he stepped on the chief's back to lower his body below his foot.
Later, Jagger snuck back into Kadyn's room for a well-deserved rest. However, as he closed the door behind him, Kadyn suddenly jumped out of bed in excitement.
[Kadyn] - "There you are finally. I couldn't sleep properly without you. "
Said Kadyn with a warm smile while her arms were extended welcomingly.
[Jagger] - "I can't sleep either but I'm quite tired. "
Said Jagger as he threw his coat on the ground.
Without giving Kadyn her hug or a kiss, Jagger sat back on the sofa and unbuckled his belt.
[Jagger] - "Service me, bitch! Please your emperor. "
At first, Kadyn was shocked by Jagger's tone but quickly convinced herself that it was simply a part of his roleplay.
[Kadyn] - "Of course, my emperor. All this maid's body is yours to enjoy. "
Said Kadyn as she played along innocently.
With a playful smile, Kadyn sat on Jagger's crotch and began to dance for him.
[Kadyn] - "Is this to your liking, my emperor? Do you think this poor maid deserves a reward for her performance? "
[Jagger] - "Can you shut your fucking mouth, you stupid chatterbox! "
Said Jagger aggressively.
Despite Jagger's tone, Kadyn interpreted the words as part of their roleplay. With a smile, Kadyn gestured a zipping motion across her mouth before silently removing her bra. After an intense session of love-making, the two lay exhausted on the sofa with Kadyn playing with Jagger's hair.
[Kadyn] - "Will there be a day where you don't have to work so hard anymore? You know, a day where you can just be here with me and not go anywhere else for the entire day. "
[Jagger] - "Heh! How boring would that be? I can't imagine just spending my time with this dumb blonde here. "
Said Jagger with a disgusted tone.
[Kadyn] - "Mph! You meanie! I'm not that dumb. "
Said Kadyn in anger as she pulled on Jagger's hair.
A fit of rage flushed inside Jagger but he refrained himself to hitting Kadyn. Instead, using his ability, Jagger moved the container of pineapple he stole from the fridge into his hand. With an amused smirk, Jagger moved a piece of the fruit in front of Kadyn's lips.
[Jagger] - "Just some I bought from the store on my way back. You have to stay hydrated after all this. "
Said Jagger in a fake caring tone.
Without hesitation, Kadyn ate the piece with a joyful expression. One after another, Jagger made Kadyn eat every single slice inside the container all the while smiling out pleasure from his twisted act. Kadyn nor anyone who's still alive will know that this pot of pineapple used to belong to the couple Jagger mercilessly slaughtered during his rampage at the Appalachian underground complex.
To be continued...