Shawn POV:
Our actions gave the military the opportunity they needed. The stratoscopters had no problem picking off the Bastion units on the top of the wall. However, as we pushed in, we found that the omnic forces were retreating. A bit concerning given that their usual strategy was to continue pushing even if the battle was lost to them.
That only meant two things. One, the upcoming fight would be the hardest we've done so far. We could probably expect to see the omnics that were guarding the other abandoned states. If no one else picked up on this, it was worth mentioning to the higher ups at the debriefing.
Then secondly, it meant that Anubis and his Ravagers were learning and adapting. At this point in the war, the humans had finally gained the upper hand. Liberating America of the omniums would provide the world with morale and give us more freedom to assist other countries as well. One mistake on our part could set us back to where we were.
Our forces pushed through the massive hole caused by me and S3bastian, who reveled in the looks of admiration on some soldiers. However, it wasn't all good looks that were cast our way. I didn't miss the looks of hate and fear on some higher-ranking soldiers. I shook my head. Humans would never change no matter where you went. If it wasn't our greed, it was our pride that would lead to our downfall. Leave it to us to create a situation where we can't be happy with success and always find a way to want more and fall. I could expect some bullshittery in the upcoming meeting.
Before the meeting, I linked back up with my team. Even though there were more soldiers than we've been used to, my team was more than capable of handling it themselves. There were three "awakened" members, who even after healing and running hundreds of soldiers, weren't the least bit tired. Just went to show the reason of my training in preparation of this moment for them. It would be amazing if all of them were awakened, but I needed to focus on this fight sadly. They'll get their chance eventually.
With them handling everything, I made my way to the command center. Once the area was deemed clear, the engineers, and their team began construction on it. I was surprised they had it up in around two hours.
I had a thought to leave S3bastian with the team for this meeting, but then I realized that I didn't care for what those old idiots think. If the past is any indication, they were about to come up with the dumbest plan over jealously or some other dumb reason.
I filed into the room along with many other soldiers of various ranks. At the center, a table was set up where the highest-ranking members were already sitting. The rest of us, who fought the battle, could just stand.
As the last person shuffles into the room, making it a couple hundred in attendance, the lights dim as seven holograms appear on the screen in front of us. Of course there was Adawe with the other generals there.
Madame Adawe begins, "I'd like to congratulate everyone here. By your efforts, we have achieved the first steps to paving the way to ending the war. I'd like to personally thank someone who made all of this possible."
Beside me S3bastian says, "Finally she sees my greatness."
"Second Lieutenant Brian Wright. This was a monumental task given to you. That you not only pulled off but did it in a matter of a couple of months. You have earned your promotion to First Lieutenant."
Everyone in the room applauds, even me. She's correct, he definitely did deserve his promotion. There were plenty of times that he could have thrown our campaign with a bad call based on emotion. However, he remained levelheaded and would always make the right choice.
Adawe continues, "With the pleasantries out of the way, we must turn our attention to another matter that must be addressed. A motion has been put forth by various members in command. That motion is to demote and remove Shawn Rose from his unit and place someone else in charge."
My stomach twists at hearing this. Absolutely disgusting what people were capable of. Even though I was expecting something like this to happen, it still pissed me off a little. I could feel myself lose my composure as I turned to the rest of staff, ready to defend myself. However, a metal hand grabs my shoulder, keeping me in place.
"What's the premise behind this motion?" S3bastian asks.
"Multiple counts of insubordination, failure to adhere to proper radio etiquette, failure to obey chain of command, the list goes on." Adawe lists, keeping her poker face.
It was then, that I calmed down. If Adawe wanted me gone, it wouldn't take a meeting with everyone else's opinions. I wouldn't put it past her to have a couple of masked up guys try to kidnap me in the middle of the night while I was "sleeping". She had the authority to make me disappear, and this was the most roundabout way of doing so.
"So, who is recommended to be my replacement?" I ask, baiting the culprit or other conspirators out.
"That would be me." I recognize his voice. IT was the guy who asked who I was in the battle after my announcement over radio. He was a tall Caucasian man, who even in his uniform, the muscles could be defined through them. He looked to be in his mid- 40s with a buzz cut and a smug look on his face. My first thought at looking at him was that he definitely lived in Texas.
"What qualifies you to be the head of a medical unit?" I counter to him.
"Your staff clearly has the medical knowledge that I wouldn't need it. With me in charge, they wouldn't be running all over the place like lunatics. They would be a proper medical unit that doesn't run out on the battlefield risking their own lives."
"This method is the one I've deemed to be the most effective given the current adversary we're facing. I can assure that at no point will my team ever put anyone even themselves, directly into harm's way." I respond.
"Oh, can you guarantee that? Even while you fraternize with the enemy. The audacity to have one of those clankers right here in our presence while we have a meeting for the future of humanity. I wouldn't put it past it to have been the one to put our comms in such disarray."
S3bastian scoffs. "Although some of you make it very tempting. It is against my programming to either bring harm or do anything that would bring harm to humans. And even if I was trying to kill you guys, I would have no problem in doing so. Everyone here saw that I'm basically a walking nuke. Messing with communications would be child's play compared to that."
At S3bastian's words, the guy's face turns to anger. "See. I don't see why anyone else hasn't taken him down. I'll do us all a favor and..." He reaches for his side arm on his waist. However, the moment everyone blinks, I'm right there, grabbing his wrist keeping him from pulling his pistol.
"Since you have so many problems with my team and partner, I'll gladly inform my unit that if they see you or any of your unit on the battlefield to pass them by."
His face grows red. "Are you, a medic, admitting in front of everyone that you're willing to deny medical?"
"No. I'm telling you that you guys can limp your sorry asses to my tent. That is if you aren't gunned down before you can make it."
"And you can forget about the lollipop after treatment too." S3bastian adds in.
"Gentlemen, that'll be enough. This is a debriefing not a hearing. Any further outbursts will result in severe punishment. Do I make myself clear?" Adawe interjects.
"Clearly, ma'am." I say backing up.
"Yes ma'am, your majesty." S3bastian says doing a bow.
The guy simply goes, "Hmph."
Adawe's face contours a bit, "Master Sergeant Williams. I SAID do I make myself clear?"
The anger leaves his face as he realizes the situation and straightens up. "Of course, ma'am. Apologizes Madam Adawe."
Adawe takes a deep breath, rubbing her temples before regaining her composure. "This matter is petty compared to the upcoming task at hand; therefore I will prioritize the more important matters. However, this issue will be revisited at a later date and time.
A point was made in this... "discussion". Communications in the last battle was horrendous. So much so, that I would be embarrassed to even call myself chain of command if I was there. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that there needs to be a clear concise leader. One we can trust in this most dire of fights. Everyone, First Sergeant Jack Morrison."