87 Below

Chapter 14: Charge!

A/N: Now we will start getting into the nitty-gritty of the story. Hold onto your seatbelts. We have a lot to talk about and a lot to discover!

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The dark metal door loomed over Atlas like a shadow. His worried hand reached for the cold handle and he jerked it open.

His nerves were finally settling when he saw Hopes shining- unharmed face smiling at him. The 'guys' Will had referred to turned out to be Colin and two smaller built gentlemen who stood close to him. Atlas had seen the other two around but had not bothered to learn their names.

"Good morning! Or should I say afternoon? " Hope teased. Atlas watched her carefully as if making sure that she was okay. He trusted Colin but was wary of his henchmen.

When Atlas didn't respond she continued, "Nice jacket," she said admiring his new outfit. Atlas was too on edge to appreciate the compliment.

Colin nodded to Atlas and extended his welcome, "Ah, Admiral Witton! Come join us. You were always our expert strategizer."

Letting his shoulders relax, Atlas stepped up to the large round table that everyone was examining. It was a layout of the area. The only objects resting on its surface were the trees, the warehouse, and the fortress they had escaped from.

The fortress that holds Hope's mother.

"We're going to rescue my mother," Hope said with determined green eyes.

"Hope-" Colin attempted to interject. Concern and apprehension clear on his face.

"We will." Atlas cut off the man and sent a glare his way, "We will find her if it kills me."

"Admiral, with all due respect," Colin held up his callused hands in submission, "this could take time. We need to properly plan and coordinate our attack. It will not be easy."

Atlas considered his words as he leaned against the table. This felt natural to him. To be bickering with others. To devise a foolproof plan. To attack rather than run.

"Point taken. Nevertheless, we will do it. The sooner the better. They won't expect a counterattack so soon. If they know anything about us they will expect us to take our time with planning."

As he spoke, Atlas picked up the miscellaneous pawns from the table and placed them onto the empty space. He felt Hope move to stand beside him as he worked. His mind hummed with thought as each pawn found its way onto the battlefield. It was clear to him that their resources were limited, but it would be enough. It would have to be.

"There," Atlas beamed proudly at his masterpiece. He had navigated his plan with people to spare.

Colin chucked as 'thing one' and 'thing two' let their jaws drop in surprise, "What did I tell you, boys? He's still got it." He clapped his hand onto Atlas' back and shook his head.

"You never cease to amaze me, kid. Only one question for you. Where will you and Hope be stationed?"

Atlas pointed to the second line of defense, "I will be here. Hope will be," he moved his finger to the pawns stationed outside of the warehouse, "Hope will be here."

"What!?" hope was outraged, "I will not stay in the back while my mother is held prisoner! I need to be on the front lines." Colin chuckled at their bickering.

Raising his head to look at the fiery girl he saw the determination in her eyes. She wouldn't let this go easily. Quite possibly, she would disobey the order, regardless. Defeated, Atlas sighed.

"Fine. But I don't agree. We need someone trustworthy to stay back and watch over the camp in case something happens. You're more than capable of heading that up."

Hope hung her head low, hearing his intentions. While this was a large portion of his reasoning, it was still a selfish plea. Atlas wanted to protect her from this world. He made a promise and it would be hard to keep if she died saving the one he had made the promise to.

A dull pain laced its way into Atlas' mind. He raised a hand to brace his temple from the assault. Images flashed. It was Adira. She had sent them away in the last attempt to preserve the resistance. All of the remaining men and children were dismissed as the camp was engulfed in smoke. Adira had been leading the defense. She had given herself so that her daughter could be free and he had failed her.

Sorrow consumed his soul. He only had two options: Leave Hope at the warehouse or keep her close for extra protection. Only one was feasible.

"You will stay with me in the second position. The front line will lead the attack and lure them to the right. Our battalion will sweep in to take them out. We will need their uniforms to sneak in."

Hope nodded. Her brow furrowed as she processed the information. She watched his hand move around the board vigorously.

"Before they notice our group has disappeared with their primary attack unit we will sneak around the leftmost side. Keep to the trees. Our third battalion will advance shortly after we depart to distract them. Hope," he would probably regret his next words, " You will need to act as alpha for the second battalion. Once we are inside only you will be allowed to speak for us."

"Why?" she questioned. Her genuine curiosity was apparent.

Colin looked shocked. Atlas blinked in response to the curious girl. Having seen the injustice and lack of females he had pieced together the issue at hand.

Colin took the opportunity to speak, "Because you're a woman of course. They have no use for male guards. Just make sure to keep your face covered at all times."

Understanding lit up Hope's eyes as she nodded slowly. She seemed to be processing this information. Atlas had registered this early on when the rebellious guard had helped to set them free. Though he knew little about the situation, he could still observe. He prayed his memory would return and grant him more vital information. After all, he had yet to identify what 'the resistance' fought for. The only objective he had in mind was saving Adira.

"And the others? What about the other battalions?" She pushed the strategy further.

"They will merely be a distraction. After we make it safely to the prison a retreat will sound. We will weaken their numbers as much as possible, but we will have to run to save our own. The children will stay here, of course."

Hope mouth quirked up. She was unable to contain her excitement as she leapt into Atlas' arms. She squeezed his neck tightly and whispered a soft 'thank you'.

"Like I said, kid," Colin smacked Atlas on the back again, "You still got it. We will prepare to attack tomorrow" With that, he exited the room, his lackeys following quietly after him.

"Atlas?" Hope pulled away from 'not exactly' fiance. Her eyes looked worried as she watched him cautiously. "What will happen once we are inside?"

"That's what you're going to help me figure out." Flashing a wide grin Atlas led her to the other side of the room to further construct their plan. The plan to find some answers. The plan to keep his promise. The plan to save Adira. The perfect plan to strike down their captors.