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Chapter 8 - 08: Lifted

A week had passed since Dr. Timo's arrival at the rebel base. He had settled in well, with his own computer and desk. Dr. Timo was busy coding programs that could be useful for the rebellion's cause when Commander Rio spotted movement across the desert. Using his high-tech scope, the commander trembled. "TO BATTLE STATIONS!!! ENEMIES ARE COMING!" he shouted, mobilizing his troops.

The base fell into frenzy as everyone moved with purpose, ready to defend their base. Dr. Timo immediately saved his work and took out the flash drive from his computer. He grabbed his pack and headed to General Tibor. "Dr. Timo, enemies may have found our little base here, but it's okay," General Tibor said calmly. "We've planned for this."

The doctor looked at him with curiosity. "You seem to be too relaxed for someone who's being attacked, General." General Tibor smiled. "As you see, Dr. Timo, this is not just an ordinary base."

Meanwhile, Etan's forces closed in, their vehicles equipped with top-class armaments. "Boss, we see it," one of his men reported. Etan smirked. "Well... Fire!!! Give them everything!" The Elyrian forces went into formation and began to bombard the dunes.

As the dust settled, a huge slab of rocks was exposed, and hatches opened with a swirling machine sound. Turrets came out, and Etan's face filled with surprise. "SHIELD UP!!!" The rebels fired back, but the Elyrian vehicles' force field shields blocked the blows.

Commander Rio reported to General Tibor, "Sir, enemy choppers inbound, more of their forces incoming our position has been compromised. We need to activate Code Echo." General Tibor entered a code in his console and pressed the red button. A PA announced that Code Echo had been activated.

"Everyone, all hands on deck!" General Tibor ordered. The ground began to tremble as booster engines came out of the base sides. Dr. Timo rushed to the windows and saw the base transforming into a flying fortress. Etan's forces were in awe and rage as the rebel base vanished into thin air.

"Fire! Fire! Don't you see they're trying to escape!!!" Etan shouted, but it was too late. The rebel base had activated its invisible shield, and Commander Rio confirmed, "We're clear, sir." The flying fortress disappeared from radar, leaving Etan's forces in disarray.

Etan's face was a deep shade of red, with every vein visible as he seethed with rage. "Patrol the nearby areas and monitor where that fortress of a base may land," he ordered the Elyrian guards commander. "They can't lift that massive base forever; they will land, and we need to know where."With that, Etan boarded a chopper to head back to the city, his anger and frustration evident in every step.

Meanwhile, Enzo was relieved that Ayla had saved him from the slave traders. As they traveled back to the Elyrian outskirts, Ayla mentioned that she wanted to test Enzo's skills by raiding a slave trading business. Enzo felt a mix of emotions - gratitude for his rescue, but also shame and embarrassment at being captured.

Ayla, however, believed that Enzo still had a chance to prove himself. "The rebellion is still young, and we're not going to say no to anyone who wants to join," she said, trying to reassure him. Just then, Ayla's earpiece beeped, and she received a transmission. "Agent Parker, Base has been compromised. Code Echo has been activated! I repeat, Code Echo was activated!"

Ayla quickly turned around and handed Enzo a handgun. "I'm sorry, Enzo. You have to go home on your own. I have an urgent matter I need to attend to. I'll send you instructions for our next meetup." With that, Ayla and her men rode off at breakneck speed, leaving Enzo to navigate his way back. Enzo watched as they disappeared into the distance, feeling a mix of uncertainty and determination.

General Tibor stood at the podium, his stern expression a stark contrast to the excitement coursing through the room. "The Nassirion has been lifted," he announced to the gathered personnel. "This changes everything. We're no longer hiding in the shadows; we're exposed, and they'll be coming for us."

Dr. Timo listened intently, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and concern. "A flying fortress?" he whispered to General Tibor. "I had no idea the rebellion had access to such advanced technology."

General Tibor's expression softened slightly as he turned to his friend. "You'd be surprised what people are willing to support when they feel suffocated by the world government's control. The Arabic nations, in particular, are eager to challenge the status quo. Oil production is a sensitive topic, and Etan Flask's revolutionizing of solar energy has given him considerable influence."

Dr. Timo's gaze dropped, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his thoughts. "I was part of his team," he murmured. "I helped him develop some of the technology that's given him so much power."

General Tibor placed a reassuring hand on Dr. Timo's shoulder. "My dear friend, this is not on you. It's not too late to make things right. We still have a chance to bring out the truth."

As the room erupted into a flurry of activity, General Tibor's words hung in the air, a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the brink of chaos. The Nassirion, now airborne and ready to take on its new role, symbolized the rebellion's determination to challenge the world government's grip on power.

Meanwhile Etan Flask has returned back into the Neurosphere Tower, his mind still reeling from the recent events. "Find the rebels," he ordered his top team members, his voice firm but controlled. "I want to know who they are and what they want."

Taking a deep breath, Etan composed himself and entered his campaign war room he the seated on his table and focused on the cameras, a debate is scheduled against his fellow candidates . The moderator posed questions to the candidates, and Etan presented his vision for the future, his words flowing smoothly.

However, the tone shifted when the former President of the United States chimed in, his voice laced with skepticism. "The truth is, this election is already decided," he said. "Why are we even having this election? Are we a democracy? It's clear the world government has already chosen their favorite candidate."

Etan's eyes flashed with irritation, and he responded passionately. "We've been brought to our knees by wars, but I didn't give up. I need to bring hope to my people. I've done more than all you politicians combined, and you accuse me of being a puppet?!"

The online audience was captivated by Etan's conviction, and his words resonated deeply. "My fellow citizens, this is our chance – maybe our last one. Let me be the one who brings you to the future."

The response was overwhelming. The whole world watched in awe as Etan's message of hope and determination sparked a global reaction. Everyone applauded, and Etan's popularity soared. Despite the success, Etan's thoughts remained with the rebels, and he knew that this was far from over.

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