War for Freedom

(Loyalty Chapter: Mariana)/The Farming Crisis

Helena's POV:
March 27th, 2093, 06:00:
Vanguard Base:

Sitting in front of my desk, I was going through the many morning reports that usually come at around this time. Mother was still sleeping, the Alpha Team is likely awake and either training or resting, and it was peaceful for the most part. Still, I was trying to process about Zero's and Chloe's adventures after that portal took them.

To know that my sister was taken so suddenly had me worried, but she was back within hours of disappearing. At the same time though, there was a time difference between here and where they went. While it was only a few hours here, they spent days over in that Dystopian hellhole, from Zero's description. I know that Mother did not let go of her for hours on end after returning.

Anyway, Orion has actually proven to be quite the reliable hand, still suspicious to me, but reliable. While we only managed to get into three bases in the span of two days, it was thanks to that AI that the Alpha Team has managed to get into those bases. Surprisingly, and a little worryingly, Orion has requested online novels and audio books, because it wants to learn more about out, 'organic,' lifestyle.

While suspicious, I did allow it access to a lot of novels, and it has already read through every single one, which was about ten thousand, in the span of one day. The audio books are what's slowing it down, but I'll need to be prepared for more strange requests that it might make. Most of the Alpha Team has gotten used to the new AI being a part of the team, while the twins still think it is just a way to take them out when they aren't looking.

While I can share their caution, I cannot share their distrust they still have in Zero, even after everything he's done. However, knowing Zero, he probably doesn't care about what they still think of him, as the other four, no, five, still think highly of him. Taking a sip of my coffee, I went back and started clearing the reports and started looking at supply orders and requests.

It's almost like I'm back at Armistice Base, but in Canada instead of South America. Supplies are easier to come by, and we technically aren't fighting by ourselves anymore. While we really weren't back in the war with the Anthro Army, the Alliance has been far more reliable and dependable than the A.A. ever could be. After going through the orders and requests, allowing and denying any special requests based on the reasons, I noticed a few emails in my inbox.

Opening it up, I saw three emails, all of them from Command itself. Opening the oldest one, I read through it and became surprised, since General Rex was requesting my permission to make me a suit of officer armor the humans are known for making. I mean, I was surprised, mainly because I haven't been on the field for a few months now at least. Still, he's likely doing this out of kindness and protection, so I can't really refuse.

After writing my permission and sending it, I opened the next email, and it was Command asking how Bravo Team was working. So far, Bravo Team has been doing well, having assisted with Alpha Team with those bases we captured. From what I've been hearing, they're getting along well with the Alpha Team, and if I heard correctly, Spartan Splinter is teaching Zero the way of the Katana.

While this did seem confusing given Zero's skill with his knife, I eventually understood that a two-handed, longer bladed sword was different than a one-handed, short-bladed knife. According to Splinter, Zero's a quick study, having already gone through the basics in just two days of Bravo Team's arrival. It's kind of scary with how fast Zero can adapt, but thankfully, he's on our side, so that fear also brings a relief to me.

Anyway, after telling Command about Bravo Team's performance, I sent the message before opening the last email from them. To my surprise, it was my request for members of the Alpha Team to take their well-deserved break, and it has been requested. While only one can be gone at a time, and all of these are on different dates, they still have their leave.