Silent Cobra Part 2

After hearing that Houston Armor Support team had been ambushed, Wesley asked the Ranger where the rest of the unit had gone. The Ranger informed Wesley that they had headed towards the location where the League Professional team was stationed. Wesley quickly alerted the others about what had happened, causing Muller and Graham to become concerned upon hearing that Houston's unit had been ambushed by Commander Anderson.

As confusion spread among the group about Commander Anderson, Muller and Graham decided to gather everyone at the League FOB (Forward Operating Base) so they could explain who Commander Anderson was.

While every high school team made their way to the American Tankery League FOB, the journey showcased North High School and Pravda High School. Muller was in his Tiger I tank, leading his Panzer Division. With the wind blowing against his face, Muller, dressed in his Wehrmacht Commander uniform, studied his small war map pamphlet. His driver, Kertz, continued to follow the path that Muller had instructed.

As Kertz focused on driving, he reached for his communication radio and activated his comm link. Speaking through the earpiece to Muller, he said in German, "Hallo, Kommandant, wann wird dieses Spiel wohl zu Ende sein?"

Muller sighed and replied in German, "Ich wünschte, ich könnte es dir sagen, aber das wäre eine Lüge, mein Freund, und ich erzähle keine Lügen. Du weißt das."

"Das ist sehr nobel von Ihnen, Sir," Kertz responded.

"Muller speaks in Japanese! I don't understand what you boys are saying in German," Katyusha exclaimed over the radio.

"Значит, вы не можете понять немецкий, а как насчет русского," Ivan replied as he sat in Vice Commander Gunther's Stug III Ausf G, communicating in Russian. This made Gunther chuckle.

"Please speak in Japanese!" Katyusha repeated herself.

"Gunther, can you switch to Channel two? I need to tell you something," Nonna requested over the radio. Hearing Nonna's request, Gunther switched to a different channel.

"What's wrong, Nonna?" Gunther asked over the radio.

"I was wondering how you feel about the growing relationship between our high schools?" Nonna inquired.

"Well... That's a tricky question for me, but I can tell you this: the growing relationship between our high schools is going pretty well. Some of the boys from Washington are becoming very close to the girls from St. Gloriana. But if you're talking about romantic relationships, well, there are a lot of boys and girls we know who are starting to fall in love. Like, for example, Scott and Naomi, Colton and Rukuriri, and even my commander, Muller, seems to have some interest in Ms. Erika," Gunther replied. Nonna listened, not expecting the answer that Gunther had given her.

"What I mean is what do you think of the romances that has been happening do you think their fine or they are not going to workout." Nonna asked

"Oh that... Well I know that could be fragile but to be honset once this whole thing is over we'll be shipped back to our home countries and for those relationship I don't know they will hold or not. Like to be honset if I was in romantic relationship with someone it will be hard for me as I be missing the girl I love." Gunther said

"What I mean is, what do you think of the romances that have been happening? Do you think they're fine, or do you think they're not going to work out?" Nonna clarified.

"Oh, that... Well, I know that it could be fragile, but to be honest, once this whole thing is over, we'll be shipped back to our home countries, and as for those relationships, I don't know if they will hold or not. To be honest, if I were in a romantic relationship with someone, it would be hard for me because I'd be missing the girl I love," Gunther admitted.

Hearing Gunther's honest response, Nonna, who was in her IS-2 tank, opened her commander's hatch and stared at Gunther's Stug III, which was moving alongside her IS-2. Gunther's voice then broke through the radio.

"Why are you asking me about this? Do you have someone you fancy, Nonna?" Gunther inquired, surprising her and making her hold her breath. How did he know about that? She hadn't given any indication of having feelings for someone until now.

"Um... That... I, um, can't say," Nonna stuttered and continued, "What about you? Have you developed feelings for someone?"

Gunther hesitated before replying, "Um... Damn... Yes, I do, but um... I don't think she will like me, not with what I dress as in my Tankery uniform. Because, you see, I have girls back in the states calling me a Nazi, which we are not... But anyway, I really hope that she would be willing to give me a chance."

"I see," Nonna said, her curiosity piqued by Gunther's revelation.

As they approached and reached the FOB of the League Professional team, the base resembled a typical professional military installation, reminiscent of those in Iraq and Afghanistan. Muller and Katyusha approached the lines, and Muller spoke the password, granting them access. Both high schools entered the base, where they mainly saw Grand Lake, Kuromorimine, Kansas Chief Washington Boys and Girls Academy, St Gloriana, Ooarai, and the remaining Davy Crockett boys, with Dean now acting as the Commander.

Once everyone had gathered and before anyone could question what was happening and where Houston and Maho were, Graham and Muller calmed them down and turned to Dean.

"Sergeant Dean... I know you're the acting Commander of the Davy Crockett, but I must ask, how many of the guys are wounded?" Muller inquired.

"That... You need to see," Dean replied.

Leading the commanders to the medical tent, Dean revealed to Graham and Muller that half of the tank units were badly injured. They saw half of Houston's units covered in bandages, with wounds on their bodies, arms, and even one bandaged eye. Another person had both eyes bandaged.

Seeing the men in such a state gave Muller and Graham flashbacks to the Dallas incident, where the men they were leading to take down the Vermont Tankery Academy had similar wounds. Returning to the present, they walked down the rows, hearing some of Houston's units groaning in pain, until they reached Jefferson, the Vice Commander, sitting in bed with his leg in a cast and his arm also bandaged.

"Jesus... Jefferson, are you alright?" Graham asked.

"Yes... I'm alright," Jefferson replied, his sunglasses shielding his eyes.

"Jefferson, what happened? Did Anderson's unit attack you like this?" Muller inquired, wanting to know what had transpired.

"Yes... First, we were all waiting for the All-Star Team to approach, but we were wrong... We were lied to... The ambush we set up was nothing but a smokescreen... I heard the sound of real bullets and explosions, and then-" Jefferson couldn't contain his anger and tried to get up from his bed. "THEY PLAYED US LIKE A DAMN FIDDLE!!!" he yelled out in frustration.

"They took everything! Everything, I say!" Jefferson exclaimed, grabbing and holding onto Muller. Medical staff, including Ben, the head medic of the Davy Crockett, tried to set Jefferson back on the bed, but they couldn't as he continued to speak to Muller.

"Houston stayed behind to cover us as we escaped... I should've known we were heading into a damn trap!" Jefferson said, still seething with anger. "It's just like the Dallas Incident all over again..."

"Look, there's nothing we could have done. We didn't know the whole thing was a trap," Muller tried to reassure him.

"I know someone who does... Jim!" Jefferson declared. He grabbed one of his crutches and made his way out of the medical tent, despite their attempts to stop him. Jefferson reached the outside and spotted Jim sitting beside his Abram tank. Jefferson slowly walked up to him and grabbed him by the collar.

"You spying...! Come on, start talking! You knew where they could ambush us! Come on, start talking!" Jefferson yelled, holding onto Jim's collar.

Jim's face turned pale as he found himself face to face with the furious and injured Jefferson. He stammered, struggling to form coherent words under the intense pressure of the situation.

"I-I didn't know... I swear, I had no idea," Jim managed to say, his voice trembling. "Anderson... he threatened me. He said he would kill me if I didn't do what he sent me to do... I'm sorry, I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Just as Jefferson was about to press him further, he suddenly felt weak and began to lose his balance. Miho noticed this and reacted quickly, catching Jefferson before he could fall. She held onto Jefferson, who was still injured and unable to move, while Muller and Graham entered the scene, only to see Jim, visibly scared and continuing to apologize.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for any of this... They were going to kill me if I hadn't brought him to Anderson," Jim confessed.

"Brought him? Brought who to Anderson?" Muller asked, trying to get to the bottom of the situation.

"Marshal Commander Houston... He wanted Houston, and if I didn't bring him, Anderson threatened to send one of his assassins after me to kill me," Jim explained, his tears flowing as he recounted the dire circumstances he had been caught up in.

Muller and Graham exchanged concerned glances as they absorbed Jim's revelation. The gravity of the situation was becoming clear. Anderson's involvement and his desire to capture Marshal Commander Houston posed a significant threat not just to their team but to the entire Tankery community and bring down Commander Chiaki.

"We need to find Houston and Maho immediately," Muller said, his voice filled with determination. 

Graham's words hung heavily in the air as he acknowledged the challenging task ahead. The uncertainty of Commander Houston and Maho's whereabouts weighed on everyone, leaving them in a state of helplessness.

"Damn..." Muller muttered, his thoughts filled with concern for Houston and Maho, hoping they were safe wherever they were.

Meanwhile, at the Northeast side of the Secret FOB, Houston was enduring a painful ordeal. His shirtless, bruised body bore the scars of countless electrocutions and interrogations. He wore jungle fatigue pants and tankery boots, a stark contrast to his battered state.

Houston's gaze fell upon Maho, who lay nearby, her eyes vacant, having been broken by Commander Anderson and his guards. Determined to escape, Houston carefully moved past the guards, using stealth and his combat skills. At times, he had to lay Maho down safely before incapacitating a guard through a chokehold or close-quarters combat.

As Houston made his way through the facility, he knew that escaping through the main gate wasn't an option due to the guards stationed there. Instead, he resolved to take the sewer exit, where he hoped to find a way out without encountering any guards. The cold air and the shadows of the tanks loomed around him, creating an atmosphere of tension as he pressed forward, driven by his determination to rescue Maho and escape the clutches of Commander Anderson.

In the depths of the sewer, Houston took a moment to rest, gently placing Maho beside him. He looked at her with deep regret in his eyes, realizing how he had been unable to protect her.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry I wasn't there to save you in time," Houston whispered, his voice filled with sorrow as he wrapped his arms around Maho, embracing her in a moment of shared vulnerability.

Their brief moment of solace was shattered as the alarm of the FOB blared, signaling that Commander Anderson had likely discovered Houston's escape with Maho. Houston hurriedly got to his feet, carefully picking up Maho, and began to move through the sewer.

Navigating the sewer's waterways, Houston followed the flow of the water, listening to the echoing splashes of each step. The sound of guards and their search dogs pursuing him grew louder, urging him to keep moving.

The path through the sewer led to an exit, but as Houston approached, he realized it was a waterfall that dropped off a cliff into the river below. With no other option, he turned to face the guards who had cornered him, their guns trained on him.

Among them was Anthony, still dressed in the old Vermont Tankery Academy officer uniform, and the Vice Commander, whose voice was distorted by a modification device. She had her arms crossed as she revealed her true identity to Houston.

"I'm afraid we can't let you leave yet, Big Brother... Because we share the same blood, Brother..." the Vice Commander stated with a chilling smile.

Houston was bewildered by her words. "Why are you calling me brother?! You're not my blood sibling! Who the hell are you?" he demanded.

In response, the Vice Commander removed her mask, revealing her face, which sent shockwaves through Houston. She looked nearly identical to him, with the same hair and eye color, and the resemblance to their father was uncanny.

"My name is Sienna Houston! I'm you! I'm the true heir of the Houston legacy, Brother!" Sienna declared, her smile twisted with a sinister and crazed determination.

Houston was left in a state of shock and disbelief as he processed Sienna's revelation. The news that he had a long-lost sister named Sienna, who had been kept away from him and raised separately, was both astounding and unsettling. The resemblance between them was undeniable, and the implications of her words weighed heavily on him.

"How... How is this possible?" Houston muttered, struggling to come to terms with the unexpected turn of events.

Sienna continued to explain their shared history, shedding light on the intricate web of secrets their father had woven. As she spoke, it became clear that jealousy and rivalry had played a significant role in her life. She had grown envious of Houston and Red's success in tankery and had been trained by their father to surpass them.

"We were both born in the same year but with different mothers, in different locations. I grew up believing I was the true heir of our Houston legacy. However, when Red was born and I saw you two rising to the top, it fueled my jealousy. Father kept me hidden away while you and Red made a name for yourselves. After the Dallas Incident, Father trained me in tankery to become even better than you. So, that's why I'm your shadow, big brother," Sienna explained, her voice carrying a mix of resentment and determination.

Houston was left to grapple with the complex emotions stirred by this revelation. The family secrets, the rivalry, and the connection he now shared with Sienna added layers of complexity to an already perilous situation. As the guards closed in around them, the siblings stood on the precipice of a confrontation that would have far-reaching consequences.

Houston's disbelief and anger surged as Sienna explained her motivations for joining Commander Anderson. He couldn't comprehend how she could align herself with someone so ruthless, given the atrocities committed by Anderson's faction.

"But you know what Anderson did! You know the horrors he's responsible for!" Houston protested, struggling to make sense of her decision.

Sienna's determination to prove herself as the true heir of the Houston legacy, fueled by her jealousy and rivalry, seemed to have driven her to align with Anderson. Her desire to see Houston dead was now apparent.

As Anthony stepped forward, his smirk revealed his eagerness to exact revenge on his former Vice Commander. The tension in the air was palpable as he loaded a single bullet into his Colt Revolver and spun the chamber. He made it clear that no one should interfere, as he considered this the moment where his grudge against Houston would be settled.

Houston stood firm, his mind racing for a way out of this dire situation. The waterfall loomed behind him, and there seemed to be no escape. The outcome of this confrontation was uncertain, but one thing was clear: it was a moment of reckoning that would determine the course of their fates.

With no apparent way to escape the dire confrontation with Sienna, Anthony, and the guards, Houston realized that their only hope lay in the sheer drop of the waterfall. He clung tightly to Maho, determined to protect her at all costs.

In a swift and daring move, Houston took a step back, positioning himself at the edge of the cliff. With a deep breath and a final, determined look at his sister Sienna, he leaped off the edge, plummeting into the turbulent waters of the river below.

Seeing this Anthony tries to stop from Houston from jumping so he can take his reveage but failed to pull the trigger of his revolver but watch Houston drop down to the river with Maho in his arm 

The sensation of freefall was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Houston clenched his teeth and held Maho close as they descended. The icy waters enveloped them, and they were carried away by the powerful current, disappearing from sight.

Above, Sienna, Anthony, and the guards watched in shock as Houston and Maho made their daring escape. The river's roar concealed their presence, and for a moment, it seemed as if they had vanished completely.

As Houston tried his best to support Maho and push her toward the shore, his own strength waned. The weight of the turbulent river water and his injuries began to take a toll on him. He fought to keep his consciousness, but the struggle was becoming increasingly difficult.

Gradually, Houston started to lose consciousness, and the world around him faded into darkness. He felt himself sinking deeper into the water, and everything became hazy.

Suddenly, he was jolted awake, surrounded by a surreal and burning forest. The sound of crackling flames and the sight of charred trees filled his senses. Houston moved cautiously through this strange, fiery landscape, feeling as though he had entered some otherworldly realm. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was a place between life and death.

The flames mysteriously ceased, replaced by a torrential downpour that doused the once-blazing forest. Thunder rumbled in the distance, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Amidst the rain, a hooded figure floated above the water, back turned to Houston. Intrigued and confused, Houston approached the enigmatic figure cautiously, unsure of what to expect next.

Houston's confusion deepened as he confronted the enigmatic figure known as The Sorrow. The surreal surroundings and The Sorrow's cryptic words left him feeling both intrigued and uneasy.

"Who are you?" Houston demanded, his voice filled with uncertainty.

The Sorrow turned to face him, revealing his aged appearance and glasses. His demeanor exuded a profound sadness, and he spoke in a somber tone, addressing Houston's own feelings of sorrow.

"Sad... So sad... A Host of Sorrow," The Sorrow said, pointing at Houston, as if recognizing the shared burden of sorrow between them. He continued to explain the nature of their existence, the sorrow that permeated their world, and the voices of the dead that lingered on.

"Like you, I too am filled with sadness. This world we both know is one of sadness. Battle brings death. Death brings sorrow... The living may not hear them... But their voices... May fall upon deaf ears... But make no mistake... The Dead... are not silent... Now you will know the sorrow of those whose lives you have ended," The Sorrow proclaimed, his eye shedding a tear, and the shattered glass of his glasses symbolizing the weight of his sorrow.

Houston stood there, absorbing The Sorrow's words and the profound sense of loss that surrounded them. He couldn't deny the truth in the man's words, acknowledging the weight of his actions and the sorrow they had caused.

The encounter with The Sorrow left Houston with a haunting sense of reflection and introspection, as if he had glimpsed into the depths of his own conscience. The enigmatic figure then faded away, leaving Houston alone with his thoughts in this mysterious and surreal world.

The Sorrow's words hung heavily in the air as Houston absorbed the profound meaning behind them. The shared sorrow, the echoes of countless lives lost in battle, and the weight of his own actions weighed heavily on Houston's conscience. It was a moment of introspection and reckoning, forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices and the pain he had caused.

As The Sorrow's right eye bled and his glasses shattered, it was as though the physical manifestation of his tears mirrored the emotional wounds inflicted by the cycle of violence and death.

Houston had no words to offer in response. Instead, he stood in solemn silence, contemplating the profound message delivered by The Sorrow. The rain continued to pour, as if nature itself mourned the tragedies of the world.

With a nod of acknowledgment, The Sorrow slowly faded away, leaving Houston standing alone in the rain-soaked and burnt forest, left to grapple with the lessons and revelations of this otherworldly encounter.

As Houston's consciousness began to return to the real world, he found himself back in the cold river, sinking deeper and struggling to stay afloat. Amidst the darkness and the water's icy grip, he heard a distant voice, a comforting presence in the depths of his confusion.

"Wake up... Go back to the real world... Don't be sad... The spirit of the warrior will always be with you... You will meet your little brother, Red, someday... Don Houston..."

The Sorrow's words reached Houston, infusing him with a renewed determination to break free from the darkness that threatened to consume him. With a burst of strength, he swam upwards, breaking the surface of the water, gasping for air as he pulled himself onto the dry shore.

Lying there, panting and exhausted, Houston looked at Maho, who lay on the shore beside him. She was safe, and he felt a deep sense of relief. Houston turned his gaze to the surrounding forest, his senses sharpened by the encounter with The Sorrow.

In the distance, he spotted a faint figure of The Sorrow, still watching over him. Houston nodded in silent acknowledgment, knowing that the lessons and revelations of this mysterious encounter would stay with him, guiding him as he faced the challenges that lay ahead.

With Maho by his side and the spirit of a warrior within him, Houston was determined to press on, seeking a path back to the real world and the answers that awaited him.

As night descended upon the forest, Houston recognized the need to make camp and ensure they had a safe place to rest. Gathering sticks and materials, he skillfully started a small campfire using rudimentary tools, demonstrating his resourcefulness and survival skills.

The crackling flames provided warmth and a sense of comfort amidst the darkness of the forest. Houston also managed to catch and cook a wild snake, using a stick to skewer it over the fire for their dinner.

With the fire providing both light and heat, Houston turned his attention to Maho, who sat nearby, still trapped in her unresponsive state. Her eyes remained dull and emotionless, and she had yet to utter a single word.

In an attempt to break the silence and create some semblance of normalcy, Houston turned to Maho and tried to engage her in conversation. He asked about their meal, trying to infuse a bit of levity into the otherwise tense situation.

"So, Maho, this is the first time you and I are eating a snake, huh?" Houston said, a faint smile on his face as he sought to establish a connection, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity.

Houston's attempts at conversation fell on deaf ears as Maho remained in her emotionally numb state. He couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation, understanding that the trauma they had both endured had left its mark on her.

As he shared his thoughts about the food they had never tried together and the desire to explore new culinary experiences, there was no response from Maho. Her inability to engage in the conversation only served as a painful reminder of how deeply she had been affected.

With a sigh, Houston reached into his pocket and retrieved a small family necklace, a memento from his past. It held sentimental value and was a reminder of his previous relationship. Placing the necklace around Maho's neck and gently pressing his forehead against hers, he closed his eyes, lost in a moment of reflection.

Memories of his ex-girlfriend resurfaced, and he recalled the question she had once posed to him, a question that now took on a new significance in the context of their situation.

"Tell me, Houston... If you love me... What would you do to protect our love?"

His response from that distant conversation echoed in his mind, and he whispered it to Maho as he leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips. The gesture was an expression of his commitment to her and his determination to protect her, no matter the challenges they faced.

"I would do everything... To protect you, Maho," Houston declared, his words carrying the weight of his emotions as the campfire's flames slowly dimmed, casting a serene and quiet ambiance over their makeshift camp.