Penguins of Anarchy IV: Endgame

Eighteen

The tension could be felt across the fleet. The American coast would be in sight within minutes. They all knew the Martial Alliance could be launching aircraft to cripple their ships at any moment, but they were prepared to defend their assets at all costs.

Dreemo and the other twelve Penguins of Anarchy stood at the bow of the flagship, the Dreamer (named for Dreemo's old nickname), staring at the horizon solemnly. This was it. They were too brave or in too much denial to say goodbye to each other, so they just stood quietly.

But Dreemo knew it was time to commission his teammates to their various duties. He turned and faced the others. "They're going to need as many of us as possible to lead the charge," he stated; "but one of us is going to have to stay behind and give orders without being at risk."

"Even if someone's back here, it doesn't mean they're safe," Camo reminded him.

"They'll at least have the best chance at staying alive and commanding the troops, even if the rest of us are gone."

"You should stay, Dreemo," Glyphton said. "They need you the most."

Dreemo, his father, and both of his uncles shook their heads in unison. They all knew Dreemo belonged on the battlefield. "Not a chance," Dreemo replied firmly.

"What about Riker?" Felly asked. "No offense, Riker, but you'll barely be able to reload with one arm."

A resolute look was on Riker's face. "I've already decided; I'm not staying back here." He displayed the multitude of pistol magazines strapped to his body armor. "Pistols are easy to reload," he explained; "when my rifle runs out, I'll still be able to handle myself."

The others nodded, admiring Riker's courage.

Dreemo turned to another Penguin of Anarchy. "You're staying," he said.

Everyone else was taken aback. He was talking to his father. "No way," Greeney protested. "I'm the last person willing to stay behind while my son and brothers are out there."

"Not up for discussion," Dreemo said steadfastly. "You're the smartest and most strategic of all of us; you're the best leader we have, whether you realize it or not. You're the only one suited to delegate our forces." He looked at his uncles. "Am I wrong?"

Though stunned, Drake and Camo had no argument.

Dreemo nodded. "Then you're staying, Dad."

No one protested.

"As for the rest of us," Dreemo continued: "Drake and Camo, you're with me in the lead helicopter."

"Yeah, that wasn't up for discussion either," Camo remarked.

"We're going to be leading the entire army," Dreemo explained. "At the same time, we're going to be risking the most. If anyone is going to get to Omniscion, it's going to be us."

Drake nodded, pleased with his nephew's assessment. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

"I should be with you guys," Felly argued.

Dreemo shook his head. "There's only room for three of us per helicopter."

"Then have Camo go with someone else!"

Dreemo walked up to his wife. "You promised me you'd try to stay alive," he reminded her. "You're taking another helicopter."

Felly hated that she would be separated from Dreemo, but she understood his reasoning and knew she had to stay alive for his sake. She reluctantly nodded.

"I'll go with her," Riker said.

"Me too," Sleeson put in.

"Ursynz and I will take a gunship," Fragnile spoke up. "We'll be faster than the helicopters, and we'll have more firepower."