After the Captain's announcement and departure, Cherry got up to go look for Connor.
He wanted to ask about the last minute stunt he pulled.
Making his way out of the copper base, he saw others meeting up with, what he guessed, their squad's. Throughout the game, most were separated from eachother.
A hand caught his shoulder as he was nearing a corner of the wall. Looking over his shoulder, he saw who it belonged to.
His former Team Captain, Lt. Flynn.
Before he could say anything, Flynn spoke out first.
"Going to see your buddy? Me too."
Guess he wasn't the only one curious.
Without saying anything, they turned the corner and made their way towards the back. Nearing their destination, Markus poked his head past the corner, immediately, he saw a body sprawled out on the ground, a flag laying close by. Neither were too far away from the back wall.
Apparently Connor didn't make it far before he collapsed.
Shaking his head, Markus led the way. Coming closer, he noticed that Connor's eye's weren't even opened.
He turned towards the officer behind him.
"He's asleep, Sir."
"I'd be too if I did what he did."
Letting out a soft chuckle, the lieutenant turned and began walking away.
"Well that's that then. We can question him later. Right now, I suggest getting something to eat."
Food?
With Flynn's reminder, Markus noticed his empty stomach and it's grumbling.
Forgetting about Connor, Markus followed after Flynn. He had paid no attention to his hunger before but now that he had, it was making him pay for his negligence.
It had actually reached the point where it was almost debilitating.
Sometime later, having followed Flynn, Markus found himself in the area from earlier.
Looking around, past the armoury, he could see a few lines of people along with others sitting around them.
He figured those were the food lines and people sitting down to eat.
This also brought a realization onto him.
He would have to wait some more before eating.
That would be unacceptable.
Going into a crazed sprint, he went for the shortest line, almost ready to cry.
Better get there quickly before someone else adds to the line.
Nearing his target, he began hearing the sound of running coming from behind him. Taking a look, he saw Flynn coming from behind him. He was gaining on him.
Not too long after, he was surpassed. Slowing down, he watched as Flynn took the spot in line that was meant to be his.
The world was cruel.
_
Tired of looking at the pull-down, Bell turned and started making his way back.
*Hurm Hurm Hurm*
Stopping dead in his tracks, Bell listened closely, hoping it was his imagination and he was being delusional.
With some reluctance, he looked back at the pull-down.
*Hurm Hurm Hurm*
His heart dropped hearing this.
There it was again.
It was definitely the sound of marching.
A chill ran through him.
THEY WEREN'T READY!
Without a second to waste, he ran for the arena.
Weaving through the numerous pathways formed by boxes, he arrived to the arena area out of breath.
At this point in time, the arena was mostly vacant, with most gone to eat. Only a few stayed behind to chat.
Breathing heavily through his nostrils, Bell started waving his hands in the air, trying to attract attention.
It didn't take long for the others to notice their Captain.
He motioned them to come to him.
Soon, a green blob came together around him.
Taking a few deep breaths, he calmed himself down while also slightly recovering his stamina.
A moment later, he was able to speak.
"Everyone, quickly make your way to the other's and tell them to get ready for combat, I think we'll soon be under attack!."
Without saying a word, his soldiers turned and ran towards the open area, leaving behind their Captain.
Bell watched on as their backs became smaller. Assured that they'd at least be ready for combat, he began walking in a different direction.
There were a few things that he had to bring out.
_
Sitting down with his legs crisscrossed, Markus happily ate his meal.
If Connor were to witness this, he'd notice the food looked awfully similar to Play-Doh.
Next to him was Flynn and the previous members of the squad he led.
They'd been sharing their thoughts on the earlier game.
Stuffing the last of his food into his mouth, Markus was about to get up and grab Connor when a group of soldier's appeared, attempting to grab everyone's attention.
"THE CAPTAIN HAS INFORMED US OF AN IMMINENT ATTACK! QUICKLY ARM YOURSELVES AND MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE ARENA!."
Having brought their message, the group ran towards the weapon crates.
Everyone soon followed.
Almost a minute later, Everyone had a weapon along with sufficient ammo.
As a group, they made their way back to the arena.
Markus was about to run off and check on Connor when a voice spoke out to them all.
"I suspect that you all will be seeing true combat soon. While I would've preferred if you all went through more training, there's no time for that. If I'm not mistaken, there are Tan soldiers underneath us, getting ready to assault our position."
At the mention of Tan soldier's, everyone present clenched their hands subconsciously. A burning hatred now evident in their green, plastic eyes.
A Green's hatred for Tan's was something deeply rooted within. It was a part of them. Most, if not all Green soldiers would beat a Tan to death without even thinking, or blinking.
Even the Captain was not immune to his instinctual hatred. The most he could was suppress it.
With is fingers digging into his palm, Markus watched on as the Captain continued.
"We will be defending this attic from their assault, doing our utmost to keep them out of it."
Having said this, the Captain turned his body to the side and did a sweeping motion with his right arm. Showing off whatever was behind him.
Three cars, mounted with guns, along with a crate filled with batteries.
"This is not all, within a box, a large amount of stackable blocks are stored. Those will be used to erect defense's. The batteries are for later use. We don't have much time. Decker, get some people and head to the block storage. It's over there. Palmer, you and your boys will be using the car's. Alright, it's time to go!."
Within moments, a company of men went into action.