Mosa

  Chapter 37

  Declaring a War

  Nina grabbed all the puzzles back to the toy box, and put them in the shelves. She ripped off the entire papers forming cocoon on the wall and threw it to an overflowing trash can.

  The gray clouds formed outside, the sun was covered by it. The shadows loomed above Cassandra.

  She put on the uniform and took her old cap, which she have received when she first became an admiral. Nina took the dust off it and pushed it unto her head. She looked at the mirror, nodding, took a deep breath and walked out of the room.

  She went to Stein’s room and burst inside; Stein, startled, stood up quickly.

  “Ad… admiral, is there something wrong?” said Stein, saluting at her.

  “Captain, gather all the units inside the bunker, twelve p.m., sharp,” said Nina.

  “Admiral?” said Stein, clueless.

  “Every one of them, get them fully armed. We will infiltrate the enemy base,” said Nina.

  Stein seemed like he was relieved, as he was waiting for too long. Satisfied, his face eased.

  “About time,” said Stein.

  “Prepare for an attack, Captain Stein, take charge of the infantry units and tanks. Distribute the Machina suits and cloaking devices to the infantry; send logistics to proper location according to the protocols. Inform Captain Nottingham at the Navy base, position the battleships and submarines, and call James to command the assault choppers for an air strike. I’ll lead the ghosts.” said Nina.

  “Yes admiral,” Stein smiled.

  “Tanks will wait for my orders. Hide them in the base #746 along with the nearby bunkers surrounding Veron’s headquarters. Attack all the commanding post of Veron’s army. Alternate routes and units related to the secondary protocols wait inside the designated positions and wait for my command. The assault choppers will be in a readiness position at the Mt. Ballor,” said Nina with a firm voice.

  Stein saluted in silence, grabbed his cap and went out to the hallway.

  All unit inside headquarter were gathered in the underground bunker. Although the space was large, the room was packed. They had various fighting equipments and wears, looked more like mercenaries than soldiers. James informed Nina that all undercover units were back in the base and Veron started moving his army and tanks. Stein and James stood on the front, where all other units watching them nervously. They silenced as Nina entered and walked up to the stage. They looked at her, looking bold and determined. They stood all in one unit. Nina stood before them. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth.

  “I know many of you heard, our countrymen, the young bloods have been spilled. They were executed right on the spot in the old abandoned building, without even checking of any involvement. Instead, they beheaded their heads and presented on the square.

  “Too long, we have suffered! And too long was our wait; spent every night praying that we should have never been born. But be of good cheer, my dear friends, because we are not of the dead but born to live. Because we all know there is the place where the shadows of death cannot prevail.

  “Let us show the world that righteousness prevails, that Veron’s army will break like a house of cards! Because there are men who will not kneel against tyranny and no man is saved by a multitude of an army. So be bold my friends! All our efforts to fight for the good in this world will not go to waste!”

  Nina roared. There were raging shouts and howls of cheer inside the bunker.

  “Yeah baby, let’s kick some asses!” Sarah howled, jumping with Paul and Michel. Echoes and shouts heated up the bunker. Jessica and Krieg were smiling, both wearing thick goofy glasses, looking at them jumping here and there.

  “Hold me tight,” said Jessica to Krieg.

  “Why?” Krieg frowned.

  “Because we are going into the storm. It will be one heck of a ride!” Jessica grabbed Krieg’s neck and kissed him.