[center][b][u]Golden Mercenary Outpost[/b][/u][/center]

"A rebellion?" Kisheto's face lit up as he spoke the words, "Yo that sounds dope as hell!"

Hector shook his head and laughed. "Y'see, lad, it won't be much of anything if we can't keep our cool and focus. Feds'll gun us down the second we step into their crosshairs." Ishigo gently pushed off the wall he was leaning on and did a quick survey around the elevator to see if anyone was preparing to speak. It was a dimly lit miner's lift that was slowl descending into the makeshift Golden Mercenary outpost. He, Hector, Kisheto, Julian, and 3 other mercenaries waited as the lift slowly and steadily lowered itself into the depths below.

"We only know one thing for sure, and that's the fact that we'll get ONE shot at this." His face grew serious and his tone became more firm, "We'll have to initiate a strike that balances brute strength and utter agility into one nasty jab at their local patrols. After that, we'll reclaim the Golden Mercenary base, hell, we'll zone them out. If we succeed, they won't be as compelled to make a move on us, as it would be too risky. Especially if we attract enough positive attention towards our cause." Julian raised a brow and shook his as well, "Yah askin t'fight the strongest authority in all the lands, brothah. We are but newly met men, yet yah propose buttin' heads with the long acquainted military that has access to much more than we could fathom." Julian's face showed not a trace of fear, but rather, a very worrisome expression, which was extremely rare to see upon Julian's otherwise jubilant demeanor. One of the other mercenaries sighed and looked down, "A bullet to the head beats rotting in this tomb of a city." The statement received a few stern looks, including that of Hector's, "Damnit, Mikey. Calm your nerves. No one will have to die." 

The lift suddenly vibrated as the internal brakes began grinding on the railings. It stuttered to a stop, and shortly after, the doors to the large, cubical elevator opened, revealing a well-lit, white-walled hallway. The hallway was tall and wide, and it led into a visible clearing in the structure, which resembled a giant cafeteria, only it held hundreds of tents and families spread out across the shelter. Across the walls of this large underground, man-made courtyard were passages leading to other important rooms, such as priority dorms, meeting halls, community bathrooms, leisure facilities, barracks, and last but not least, the Golden Mercenary emergency arsenal. The little group stepped out of the lift and the two newcomers gasped in awe at the magnificent sight. 

"Ho-lee-shiiiiit.... Who made this?!" Kisheto said as his face lit up once more in excitement. Hector laughed, "Been here since before we were born, hermano, hell if I know. We call it Sector Zero 3, or Sector Z for short. It's one of many similar underground bunkers, but apparently, this is the only known bunker that wasn't destroyed by the wall that ravaged the grounds that surround such shelters." Julian simply smiled and took it all in.

[i]I'm surrounded by hope...[/i] was his first thought. Children ran along the large courtyard, laughing and playing, and families sat together, singing songs or enjoying meals. It was as if the lift had carried them to a new world altogether. Ishigo looked to Kisheto and spoke, "We've been bringing them here. All of them. One by one, family by family. Most of them were lost and starving, but others simply would not have made it much longer were they to stick it out alone. Every single person in this shelter knows, now, that we have the strongest weapon at our disposal. Something the military lacks due to the conflicting moralities of its subordinates."

Kisheto turned to Ishigo and raised a brow, "Huh?" Ishigo smiled and gestured towards the large mass of civillians, "Unity."

Hector chuckled as Kisheto smiled as well, nodding his head and soaking in the sight before him. He then tilted his head to the side and crossed his arms, facing the two newcomers. "You won't find any hosts among these people. They are guarded 24/7 and all hosts are kept separately for the most part, primarily for safety's sake." Julian looked at Hector and asked, "You don't trust the hosts?" Hector smiled, "No, hermano, it was actually one of our conduits that suggested the idea. But even then, it helps as we are trying to keep the hosts together. To train them and hone their skills and help them create teams." Hector looked back to the mass, knowing that his words would hint at what he was attempting to get at.

Kisheto simply raised a brow but Julian chuckled and nodded, "Ahhh, I see, now brothah. That's why you chose to find us." Kisheto looked back to Julian, "Whatd'ya mean, Locks?" Even though he had only known Julian for a few hours, he had already picked out a nickname for the fellow, deriving it from the unique dreadlocks that Julian stood out with. "They're raising an army of hosts, brothah." Kisheto's eyes widened, "Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa. A freakshow circus?! That's your plan?" Hector shrugged, "It'd help if you heard us out. I don't know if you guys know this, but..." Hector looked to Ishigo before turning back and continuing. 

"...the military just recently issued Order: Wildhunt. They're exterminating all hosts trapped in Sovereign."

The group fell silent at the words, as their vibe instantly dropped to a solemn aura, highly contrasting the hopeful emotions emitting from the civilians around them. Ishigo added onto Hector's statement, "Rumors have it that they're selecting a few others to brainwash as well. They're trying to use those hosts against us, as well." Kisheto shook his head, "Aw fuck... mutant showdown, huh?" Julian looked back to Hector, "So, you want me to join you then? To fight for you?" 

Hector nodded at his inquiry, confident as he spoke: "I want you to fight for freedom, yes. There are a few other hosts here who know that they've been given a power, regardless of whether they deem it a gift or a curse. This power gives them a great advantage on the battlefield, and if the rumors are true - about the brainwashed hosts, then it will simply even the odds. You could also just live here and seek sanction, if you wish. We're here for the people, my friend, and just because you have such power doesn't make you any less of a person than any of us."

Kisheto raised a brow at his words and looked to Julian, "Damn, Locks. You gonna join there mutant gang?" 

Julian scratched his chin and looked around again. "I've never fought before..."
Hector chuckled, "The hosts are all training right now. They're creating squads of 3 or 4 and learning one another's abilities. No combat experience required."
Julian smiled and continued, "Y'know what, brothah? I'm in. Damnit, I am surely in. These people can't be trapped here foreva', so if you're letting me help them get free, then of course. Of course I'll fight for freedom."

Hector laughed and reassuringly pat Julian on the back, "Nice choice, hermano." He then ushered to his mercenaries and they came rushing to his side, "Take my friends here to some dorms, if they are available. I believe Hall 4 has some free ones reserved for hosts." 

Ishigo smiled and turned to Hector, "Well damn, Hector. I guess we do have a rebellion at our hands..."