Cyberknight: One Path

⁕ The Lynching Game (part 1)

No side was safe following Jagger's sacking of the entire Allied Commands and the cities where millions of people used to live. The propaganda institutes entirely controlled by Jagger were quick to highlight the cyberknights who were meant to take the blame for the massacre but the rumors of traitors within the Allied ranks were also spread parallel to the main accusations. In this air of fear, doubts and confusion, the leaderless Allied Forces was temporarily put under the puppet government set up by Dunkel under Jagger's orders prior to the Appalachian disaster.

On every available device within the Allied Forces' reach, an urgent message was sent through from the propaganda ministry with the head of the Allied new government, Admiral Hendrick, speaking.

"On behalf of the new Allied provisional government following the dastardly attack by the Empire, I would like to call upon all of you, men and women all fighting for freedom and country, to be wary of your surroundings. This genocide was not a simple ambush by the Empire but a coordinated strike with the help of traitors amongst our ranks.

All military operations unless critical to the survival of our regime will be put on hold as we shall not rest before all the perpetrators are caught. We, as a beacon of freedom and democracy, will not tolerate such humiliation at the hands of our wicked enemy and those who sided with them. Survey, listen and report all suspicious individuals, activities, and ideas to the newly formed Blue Guards and the Dome agency.

We pray for a return to normalcy and for the lives of those who perished. Let us avenge this wound left upon our regime by the Empire and crush those heartless dogs who sold us to the enemy. It is much of your duty as it is ours to weed out every single person with association to the Empire or traitorous thoughts. "

People watched with worried looks on their faces as the broadcast came to an end. Suddenly, brothers from nations under imperial rule were viewed with suspicion. At the diner table, friends no longer dared to talk carelessly for fear of saying the wrong word. At the barrack, soldiers felt doubtful of every single fellow fighter around them to the point where many didn't dare sleep in fear of their neighbours.

The atmosphere of fear and doubt was immediately intensified as, within a day following the announcement, some men were woken up by the arrest of their fellow brethren they fought side-by-side with. Anyone could become a target of arrest and execution unless they had proven themselves to be explicitly innocent. Like a chain reaction, many who wanted to save their own skin were compelled to snitch in secret about those who showed disgruntlement with the Allied Forces.

Meanwhile, Audrey was surprised by Kadyn and her team who prepared a party to welcome her return to service. Although they didn't have much in terms of assets to arrange this party, the group still managed to obtain a cake, a television with a gaming console and a few party hats.

[Kadyn] - "Welcome back, Audrey! "

Said Kadyn as she hugged her friend.

[Audrey] - "Oh, wow! It isn't even my birthday and you guys... "

Said Audrey while still in amazement.

[CK] - "We were glad you make full recovery, comrade CT. "

Said CK as he handed a plate to Audrey.

[Senju] - "Yeah, you deserved it after what you have done that day. Even Kadyn-sama said she could've never won without your help. "

[McCree] - "Yeah, partner, we were just glad you didn't live up to your codename. "

[Senju] - "What's that supposed to mean? "

[McCree] - "Well, ya know, her name is Cut-Throat and she almost... Ya know... "