Two Sides of The Same Coin Volume 2: The New Dawn

Chapter 19 - The Days After

May, Interim Leader of Squad B
5 Days Later
The following happened after the attack on Marseille. While pushing towards the reported HQ of the terrorists, we found Emile hanging on for dear life as he bled profusely, alongside him was his brother motionless having suffered two puncture wounds in fatal areas. Emile is still recovering and unconscious, the medics say he should recover thanks to the technology back home but only time will tell. The report written by French Intelligence Agencies placed the outcome of the attack and solely blamed themselves for allowing the signs to slip under their noses, the damage was further allowed to get out of control as someone had managed to cut off all communication between France and other allies. The casualties were numerous and they're still counting the bodies until this day, humanitarian relief arrived the following day as many volunteers from Alpha City arrived alongside a couple members of the Phantom Strikers who likewise looked shaken up not only from the scene but from their mission in Morocco. The government of the US and France were asked why the Phantom Strikers weren't immediately contacted; the only answer they gave was that it would've interfered with their mission near Dune Fortress. Following the report, various intelligence leaders resigned citing that this was the only way they could atone for their mistakes likewise, various Police Directors resigned citing their lack of communication with other precincts allowed the infiltrators to take control. The military is still sweeping for any remaining members in France as well as helping with the clean up which will take months if not years for Marseille to return to its former glory. Monaco and Montpellier were spared thanks to last minute communication and they were able to form a front made up of police officers and military personnel.

As for us, out of the 150 guests we took to the embassy opening, only 60 made it back home safely. 90 we're found amongst the rubble, were part of the casualty list, or are currently missing until today. It was safe to say that Squad B wasn't greeted in the kindest way and although many threatened to have us disbanded for our failure; Captain Ibrahim stepped in stating that their was no way this attack could've been predicted by the resources at our disposal. We somehow found an unlikely supporter in Yama Akel as he vouched saying that he would do more to fund the squads of the Anti-Crime Unit which garnered him more support from families of the victims and gave him allies in the security council. The next question on everyone else's mind was considering our mysterious friend Azrael who was captured by various security devices and instantly caught worldwide attention, some praised him for his efforts in taking the fight head on while others were appalled at him for killing the only source of information and slaughtering all that opposed him with no sense of restraint or mercy. The government of France officially denounced Azrael's actions stating that no one could be judge, jury, and executioner; pledging that they would participate in apprehending Azrael and having him pay for his illegal activities as a vigilante.

Azrael, starting from a nobody to catching world wide headlines. Alpha City mostly denounced him, they would criticize him stating that Shadowblade was what should be the example of a noble hero. They compared Azrael to the Syndicate, Ultra Domain, Hearthstone, Trailblazers, and to the forces led by Viper. His activities were closely monitored but apparently not enough, upon his return he executed a camping of retribution. Various organizations were targeted but the Five Families especially, out of the five, only three remain. The patriarch of the Petrov Syndicate was caught in an explosion orchestrated near his restaurant of choice leaving the organization in disarray as the other families absorbed their territory including an unexpected move by the Trailblazers. The Sanchez Cartel leaders were confronted at their homes and likewise executed with only a note left behind, DONT INTERFERE. This pushed the reaming families to enhance their security bolstered by a group of enhanced individuals who have been the closest to repealing Azrael's attacks.

The takedown of both families was the final straw for many officials and the Alpha City Council was convened and began to think of solutions to the Azrael problem. Many companies and individuals seeking their own interests put forward plans for the Council's consideration, eventually the solution was to place the Outskirts under a Security Directorate with the police and Anti-Crime Unit answering to them. Leading the Directorate was Academy graduate and military officer Jace Stafford, effective immediately the Outskirts was out under police occupation and the law was bent to better facilitate patrols and investigations much to the protest of Outskirts residents. Immediately upon taking the position, the Anti-Crime Unit was allowed to carry firearms once again and military grade technology to resolve high stakes situations or out of control gun battles. As of now, the police forces have yet to engage Azrael or his team and it seems we're stuck in a bit of a Cold War with no side having the advantage.