Time: 0830. Location: South America, somewhere along the Amazon River.
In a small office on a lower level of the Vipers’ Nest the men who had been the original guardians of the post gathered.
“Why are we leaving here, man?”
“Because those are our orders, Crouch.”
“Screw orders, man. They don’t make sense. We have a stronghold here. We have food, water, supplies, weapons. Look at this place. Look at all the guys who fought to get here. Now we’re just gonna leave it all? Just like that?”
“Not all of it. We’re keeping this base active with a small unit just like before.”
“Then why the hell do we have to leave?”
“Because your Commander has bigger plans for you.” The voice catches the Vipers off guard. It always does.
“Agent didn’t hear you come in.”
Turning towards Onesi, “And you never will.” Turning slowly back towards Viper Crouch, “The Commander has placed a lot of trust in you and you have proven yourself worthy of that trust. I’ll assume you don’t want to disappoint the Commander. Am I correct?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Very good. Now if you’ll excuse me gentlemen I have to see to a few last-minute arrangements. I suggest you men find your way outside.”
_______________________
The air is alive with the energy of the amassed troops; excitement, anticipation, apprehension, and under it all, permeating everything fear. Upon the arrival of Cobra Commander preparations had begun immediately from readying transports, to issuing new uniforms, armor, and weaponry. The men and women gathered at Vipers’ Nest had known what the end goal was, returning to the United States and reclaiming it for Cobra. Now the day had come.
Standing before his assembled troops Cobra Commander looks out assessing each man and woman before him. He has come to know everyone personally, learning their fears, their passions, and hearing stories about their families. He has used the passing months wisely, uncovering what drives them, and what motivates them. He knows many have lost everything, unbeknownst to his troops he also knows that there will be reunions for some when they reach New Springfield, reunions that will only solidify their loyalty to Cobra and more importantly to him. Now is the time, they haven’t lost anyone in months, and the locals who have survived have turned to them as saviors, and that is what they have come to believe themselves to be. He raises his hand and immediately a stillness spreads over his army.
“I stand before you humbled by your perseverance and strength. I will not lie to you both of those qualities shall be tested as we are about to embark on the next stage of our journey. The expedition we are about to undertake shall be drought with peril. We will undoubtedly be forced to confront untold hordes of the undead, vicious bandits, and marauders, and let us not forget the natural and man-made threats; disease, the unforgiving elements, nuclear, chemical, and biological fallout, not to mention the destruction of infrastructure. We will be paving our own paths for much of the journey. And through it all, we must stand together. We must stand as one, united. Indeed, some of us may not survive the trek, however, we must not let our loss be in vain.
We shall fight shoulder to shoulder to protect each other. We shall offer refuge to those who seek it and we shall defend them as vehemently as we do ourselves. We shall travel as a beacon of light in this dark new world. We shall be a place of hope for any and all who need it.
We return to the United States not as a hostile force determined to take over, but as saviors looking to restore peace and order. Our order.
Along the way, some of you may feel the calling to spread the word of our mission, of assisting those who need a guide. I encourage you to answer that call.
Already our ranks grow in the north. As we speak, Lieutenant Colonel Bludd and Captain Claymoore are working to reestablish communication, travel, and trade in preparation for our arrival.
Men and women of all races, creeds, religions, and backgrounds are flocking to our New Springfield. They have thrown off the shackles of corporate control, influence, corruption, injustice, inequity, and inequality. Those that are able are joining our cause. They are taking up arms to defend our future.
We shall rise from the ashes of the old world. We shall stand with open arms accepting, assisting, and protecting those unable to defend themselves. We shall stand as leaders for humanity.
We go forth now with glorious purpose. To New Springfield. For the innocent. For Cobra.”
“COBRA!” The thunderous response shakes the very ground of the jungle.
_____________________
As the convoy begins to roll out, the men of Vipers’ Nest look back at the place that had become their home. Nearly 8 years of living and working in the isolated listening post had left an indelible mark on the tight-knit unit. As they drove off, they watched the jungle close around the dirt road enveloping the reinforced doors.
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