The Offworld Saga: The Rise of the Survivalist Federation Force

Ch.16: Counterattack

"Does this pitiful windbag have to be left alive?"

From inside the viceroy's quarters of the Hunter's Den, Mikhail glanced over at Bartleby as they stood facing Jorji. The Survivalist pawn was seated in his Floater seat, his arms tied to the back by glowing purple ElectroCuffs.  The Director of Operations for Fantine noticed that Bartleby the Kithar rebel had his  honey-colored eyes clenched in fury at the traitor while his finger was placed on his laser rifle as if it was glued to it. He couldn't blame the lad for desiring vengeance on one of his kin for selling his nation and people out to a brutal army.

"Now,my boy, I know he has committed an unforgivable crime, but he needs to go through the correct process in order to be brought to justice. Once he is found guilty, then we will decide what penalty would be appropriate for him."

Bartleby gave a sidelong stare at his ally. "Do you realize how long this process of yours would take? It will be exhausting to wait for a verdict I know he will receive. So let me just shoot him now so he gets what he deserves. This way,  it will save us the time and resources in addition to clearing our schedules for other matters we need to attend to. I am sure Fantine has other issues on their plate like the Kaos Riders in Saarada or the Vulcanites in Hephas."

Mikhail, knowing that it will not be easy convincing the stubborn resistance fighter to spare the Survivalist mouthpiece, raised his hands. "You do have some valid points there, sir, but we need to follow the Capital's Conduct of War lest we delve down to the same level as our adversaries."

The Kithar rebel clenched his teeth for a few moments before finally relenting albeit reluctantly. "Very well,do as you must. However, if him or any of his fellow collaborators so much as give a hint of treachery, they get a laser round. Am I clear?"

"As the skies of Paradas Island." Mikhail nodded, relieved that his ally saw sense. "Once our prisoners are behind bars where they belong,  we will set to rebuilding your nation's infrastructure as well as its defense capabilities. Your troops may need coaching."

"Fair enough." 

Bartleby nodded as he turned to his fellow rebel,Tabbe, who Mikhail had learned was also his brother in law, and they left for the sleek stony hallway of the Den. The Director of Operations then turned to update  Skandar, Scottie, Joey, Heinrich, and Vold  about the situation and what the next steps are while the infantry core and shocktroopers milled about, scouring the Den for any Survivalist soldier or one of their allies that might have escaped the Den's siege. In the hallway with the white wall and blue ground laden with red carpeting,  SFF troopers as well as Jorji's militia who were captured in the taking of Kittyopolis's powerhouse were being led to the holding cells down below by Fantine troopers and the rebels that aided them in their campaign. It seemed that the the most taxing part of this operation was finished. Now it was time to clean up the war-torn nation and make the transition to pre-occupation life smoother for the citizens of Kithan. 

"Sir, your presence is required down in Block 4."

Mikhail turned to see his head of security, Tarkhun, enter the room. "I'll be there shortly."

As he left the commanders of Fantine's ground forces and joined up with the Mayhan, they walked down the hall to meet Colonel Paus and Sgt. Claude, the head of the remainders of what was once the great Kithar army. The orange and yellow colonel with  white spot on his forehead stepped forward.

"So you are the Director of Fantine. I have heard plenty of great things about you. We must offer our thanks for"-

Boom! Boom!

The building shuddered as the explosions struck, causing cracks to line the walls and the already fragile windows. Mikhail had grabbed onto the railing that seperated the floor they were on from the bottom one to keep from falling over. As dust and parts of ground mortar drizzled down on top of everyone on the floor, Mikhail, Bartleby, and the others ran to the windows to see what had happened.  The sight that greeted him made his breath hitch.