The excitement and chaos of the reunion finally ceased at Nora's reminder.
"Reno, time is running out," Nora said.
"Understood," Reno replied.
Then he shouted loudly, "Alright, everyone calm down now, the situation is not over yet. A battalion is heading this way, Stark and Nora are intercepting them."
"What are we waiting for?" Tychus roared. "I'll go take them out."
"No!" Reno said loudly. "Tychus, calm down, I have something to say to everyone. But before that, we need to organize. All officers above the rank of lieutenant, step forward..."
Reno called out the names of more than thirty officers in one breath, and began to issue orders in an orderly manner.
The good discipline of the soldiers was fully demonstrated at this moment, and the group of over three thousand soldiers did not descend into chaos but quickly formed into lines under the leadership of their respective officers.
One hundred soldiers per line, forming a large square formation composed of over three thousand people.
Reno stood at the front of the formation, looking at these soldiers, his eyes slightly moistened.
After calming his mind a little, Reno spoke out, "I know how everyone feels right now, you must have many questions. Francily, I do too. What exactly happened? How did it happen? What will happen next? What will our future be like? I don't know the answers to these questions, all I can tell you is... we have been abandoned by the government."
All the soldiers looked at him, silent.
"Yes, the government has abandoned us! For some unknown reason, we have gained some special abilities, and because of this, they treat us like lab rats, letting those scientists conduct various experiments on us."
"We are soldiers, we are soldiers who risk our lives for the country! But what have we received? Abandonment, betrayal, shameless betrayal!" Reno shouted loudly.
The whole scene remained silent.
But there was a spark of anger in everyone's eyes.
In these days, everything they had experienced had already made them understand what they had encountered.
As Reno said, this was betrayal, it was betrayal!
They didn't cry out because they had already understood before that, they had felt grief, they had felt pain, they had felt despair, they had also hoped.
Because they knew Reno was still here!
As long as the commander was here, there was hope.
Their hopes were not in vain, Reno came.
Bringing freedom and hope.
So there was no need to say anything, they stood there, quietly listening.
Reno continued, "Of course, in the eyes of those bureaucrats, it's not them who betrayed, it's us, it's me! I broke into forbidden territory, killed many soldiers, rescued prisoners, although I don't know what crimes you've committed. In their eyes, it's me, and you, who betrayed the government. So you can imagine what will happen next... We will be hunted, we will become fugitives of the Federation."
"This is what I want to tell you... You think I brought you freedom? No, it's not like that. On the contrary, if you follow me out of this basement today, then tomorrow you will become criminals of the Federation, we will have no future. Conversely, if you choose to stay here, one day in the future, perhaps when they have completed all the experiments, and if you are still alive, they may let you go. You may encounter some pain, some danger, but you may also have a settled life."
"Yes, this is reality. My efforts may not bring you a peaceful and happy life, the only thing I can bring you is... freedom."
"Freedom of the body, freedom of rights, and freedom to be hunted."
"Whether to live a peaceful life like a caged bird, or to live a free and difficult and dangerous life like a wolf, the decision is yours."
"So, which path do you choose? Follow me out? Or stay?" Reno looked at everyone and asked.
The soldiers looked at each other.
To be honest, before this, they hadn't thought too much about it. They only knew they were trapped here, hoping someone would come to rescue them. It wasn't until Reno spoke that they realized what being freed meant.
A soldier raised his hand tremblingly.
After Reno gave permission, the soldier asked, "Commander, can't we expose them? I mean, even if we escape, we can still fight for our rights. Public opinion will be on our side, maybe that will make them yield."
"Maybe... as you said, maybe." Reno replied. "I don't deny the possibility, and if I leave here, I will definitely do that. But I have to say, we'd better not hold too much hope. Personally, I don't think it will make any difference. The mastermind behind this is the Federation Academy, they are directly under the federal government. In other words, this is a core decision. This means that if things are exposed, some big shots might fall. Believe me, no one wants to see that. They won't let such a thing happen. And they can do it, don't trust the conscience of the media, those media calling for justice and conscience are clearer than anyone else about where the government's permission line is. If they cross the line, they will die miserably, and this matter is definitely crossing the line. So we have no chance to spread the news, even if we put all the evidence online, it will only be like throwing a stone into the sea, causing a bubble to disappear quickly. Except for us, no one will know what happened here."
After saying these words, Reno looked at everyone again. "So, the time to choose has come. Stay here, and at least you will still be alive. The future may be difficult, but not necessarily risky. But if you follow me, you may gain temporary freedom, but the road ahead is destined to be muddy and full of thorns. It's a path of uncertainty, darkness, and hardship. Once we step on it, there will be no turning back. Now, I hope you can carefully consider your choices and make your decisions wisely. Whatever decision you make, I will respect it."
He looked at everyone.
One soldier's face turned pale, and he said, "Sorry, Commander, I respect you a lot, but I can't follow you. I still have family..."
Reno nodded. "It's okay."
A soldier stepped back.
Soon, more soldiers stood up.
There are always some people who cannot accept such reality, cannot accept becoming rebels.
Here, they may become experimental subjects, but darkness always has light, leaving here may mean darkness will forever loom over their heads.
Reno did not blame, he understood everyone's choice, just silently waited.
In the end, about three hundred soldiers were unwilling to leave.
Reno had them re-enter the cryogenic chamber.
Looking at the remaining people, Reno smiled. "I didn't expect so many people would choose to stay. So you all understand the meaning behind this choice, right?"
Tychus grinned, "It's just fighting, Commander. Fighting gods, fighting bugs, fighting humans, it's all the same to me. I've had enough of those bastards. If they don't come to bother us, it's fine, but if they do, don't blame us for being impolite."
"Exactly! Let's take them on!" everyone shouted together.
"Freedom!"
"Freedom!"
"Freedom!"
Everyone shouted loudly together.
Watching their excited faces, Reno's eyes also showed a hint of moisture.
Risking everything to save everyone, isn't this response what he wanted?
You can't expect everyone to understand your efforts, to follow you at all costs, but getting the support of the majority is enough.
Reno understood this very well, so he didn't feel sorry for those who left, but moved by those who stayed.
Everything, just for this move!
"So, from this moment on, my comrades who stand with me, we are destined to live and die together!"
"We no longer fight for them, but for freedom!"
"We no longer belong to the federal government, but only to ourselves!"
"We will have a new identity, I call it..."
"The Heart of Freedom!"