Broken Knowledge

Chapter 24

     "Report Ms. Hamilton."
     "The battle was lost sir. But we successfully hit our intended target."
      "Excellent. How many survivors?"
      "Only about 200 out of the 750 civilians made it out of the fire."
     "This is very good. What of the human flight to Inkopolis?"
     "Our spies in the system report the leaders refused an offer to join the Patron's alliance. Only about 30 Inklings and Octolings chose to go with them."
     A smile,"Excellent. Prepare the strike and continue with the plan."
     "Yes sir."
     "Soon, those isolationists will learn the consequences of their actions." Laughter.

                             😨

     The Inklings and Octolings had shrunk despite the numbers that claimed they were going to join. Only 19 of the original volunteers returned. But about 10 more joined after they asked some questions and changed their minds.(21 Inklings ,still including Cap'n Cuttlefish, and 9 Octolings)
     Are you fucking kidding me?! Mara thought. This is it? I would think seeing the 4 most famous celebrities would convince more to join!
     Mara sighed. This was not what she was hoping for, but she was happy that at least some chose to join despite never being allowed to return.
     The small number of Inkopolins (it's sloppy, but it works) choosing to join stood by the plane with bags and suitcases nervously.
     "Thank you for joining us," Jonas said."I personally promise that you will not regret this decision."
     The Inkopolins fidgeted nervously.
     Jonas turned towards the small crowd of Inkopolins still lingering by the plane and said,"This is your last chance. If anyone wishes to join us and receive the safety that we can provide, please step up now."
     For a moment, no one moved. One Octoling, one of the original volunteers, stepped up hesitantly, his suitcase beside him, before joining the Inkopolins beside the plane.
     "Anyone else?"
      Nobody moved.
     "Okay. Know that of there is an attack, you can contact us and our aid will arrive. Or simply escape and come to us."
     Jonas handed a flash drive to an Inkling and said,"Make sure your leaders receive this. The information on this flashdrive could save your lives."
      The Inkling took the flashdrive nervously and rushed away towards the Square.
     "Board up!" Jonas said, climbing into the plane. Mara stood just outside the door and watched the small number of Inkopolins board the plane.
     There's such a small number! Mara thought anxiously. Why couldn't there be more?
     After the Inkopolins boarded the plane, Sandy closed the door behind the last Inkopolin.
     Mara was sad that they couldn't couldn't help more Inkopolins, but she was happy that they were able to help some. And because they were heading back to Beta 1. She hoped Alan was okay.
     She was completely unaware of the horrors that awaited her there.

                               😓

     "Casualties number to 721. Most were civilians in the Bunkers. The rest were soldiers."
    The Patron sighed."Dictator casualties?"
     "They lost about 2000 soldiers, but we are very vulnerable. The attack severely weakened our military force and if another attack were to commence at the same intensity, our military will fall and we will be defeated."
     "Radio Soviet Russia for assistance."
     "Yes sir."

                              😧

      Gape. That's all Alan could do as he looked at the carnage before him. Massive casualties, and several buildings were nothing but piles of rubble.
     But the Patron was very organized and restoration efforts had already begun. Bulldozers worked hard the clear rubble from the streets, and builders we're already beginning the reconstruction of several buildings.
     The 6 year old girl in Alan's arms continued to sob, having just lost her mother. Alan was doing his best to comfort her, but to no avail.
     Then Alan looked up and saw the plane.
     They're back!