21 Chapter 21
"What do we have here?" Axel's smirk widened as he gazed at Colonel Watts, who sat handcuffed across from him at the table.
"You tried your best Colonel, I'll give you that. But when matched up against me it's best to just lay down your weapons and give up" Stated Axel
The colonel's eyes flashed with an undeniable fierceness. "If you think you have won the war, then you are quite mistaken Son" Said Colonel Watts.
Axel wasn't fond of being referred to as "son". Despite being physically younger, he had lived over 40 years when you combined his previous life with his current one, making him mentally older than the person calling him son.
"You will address me as Admiral" Axel stated sternly as he stared at the Colonel. The rank of Colonel was equal to the rank of Captain so being a two star Admiral, Axel outranked him.
"Admiral." The Colonel rolled the word around his mouth like a sour candy, before spitting it out with palpable disdain. "You may have your titles and influence, but you will never be able to understand the reason behind the insurrection."
Axel shook his head as he repeated, "I do understand the reason, but causing the deaths of millions of lives during this insurrection does not help your case. In fact, I find the entire reason for the insurrection to be illogical. Wanting control over the outer colonies because of their distance from the inner colonies and Earth is not a valid enough reason for independence."
"Valid or not, you can't expect us to bow down to the chains of the Earth Government willingly," Watts shot back, his cuffed hands tightening into fists on the table. "The outer colonies are not mere specks of dust to be dominated and drained of their resources. They're homes, Admiral. They're livelihoods."
Axel shook his head in disappointment. "Your illogical thinking is the reason why you're losing this war against the UNSC. You lack real motivation, which is why people have turned their backs on you so quickly. The outer colonies used to sympathize with you, but your resorting to violence has cost you their support," Axel stated with a grim tone.
But before Colonel Watts could answer, Axel put his hand up signaling him to speak no more. "You will be transported back to Earth, where you will be trialed for your crimes. In the meantime I will round up the rest of your kind and put an end to this armed conflict" Stated Axel.
With that two MCU's came in and carried Colonel Watts back to his prison cell. As he was being carried out Colonel Watts didn't try to resist since it was useless but also because he had accepted his fate.
Would he take back what he had done so far? No and he still believed that the outer colonies should be free from the central governments control. But for now all he could do was to wait for his trial and hope that the other groups will be able to defeat Axel.
Once Colonel Watts was carried out, Axel left the room shortly after and headed towards his office within the command building.
He had one last thing to do before he left the planet. And everything he needed was right on his computer. He had compiled tons of information on Attorney General Johnston which could justify his arrest.
Over the weeks the intelligence specialists within the command center had tapped into and listened to communications between the United Rebel Front and even communications from another planet in the outer colonies.
Using this information Axel had the justification to arrest Johnston and get rid of the strong insurrectionist influence on Eridanus II.
He sat behind the cold metal desk in his darkened office, a singular lamp illuminating the thick stack of incriminating evidence. Axel flipped open his laptop, its glow washing over his face. With swift precision, he began to select and arrange top-secret documents, voice recordings, and video clips into an organized file.
The Morse-coded chatter of Johnston with insurrectionist leaders—discussing illegal deals, plans for explosives, and orchestrated attacks—rang through his quiet office. A video clip showed Johnston shaking hands with one of the most wanted terrorists in the system. Axel had enough proof now to link Johnston directly to the rebellion.
He save the file and would send it later after he arrested Johnston. A few short moments after saving the files into a folder, a knock was heard at his door "Admiral, we are ready to go" Announced Commander Talia from the other side of the door.
"I'll be there in just a moment" Responded Axel. He stood up from his desk and locked his computer. He already had his combat uniform on so he walked directly to the door and followed Talia to the top of the building where a small landing platform was created for sending to teams to conduct operations across the planet.
Once he reached the Pelican one of the squad leaders had approached him and saluted. Axel returned the salute "Report" Stated Axel.
"Admiral, we have surrounded the Attorney General's office and have cut off all escape routes leading to and from the building. A few guards have already surrendered but those most loyal to him had remained inside and barricaded themselves with hostages" Reported the Squad Leader.
"And now you are having a standoff with them" Asked Axel.
"Yes Sir" Replied the Squad Leader.
"Alright then let's go" Said Axel as he boarded the Pelican followed by Commander Talia and the Squad Leader. A few minutes later and they had arrived in front of the Attorney General's office building which was already surrounded by dozen's of UNSC Marines and had two Falcon's hovering overhead provided aerial observation.
Once the Pelican landed Axel was taken the Attorney General's office where Johnston was held up. As they reached the floor Axel could hear shouting which sounded like Johnston arguing with one of the UNSC squad leaders.
Axel was taken down the hallway until he got to the source of the yelling.
Standing outside the door to Johnston's office, Axel could hear the muffled shouts of the Attorney General interlaced with calm, resolute responses from Squad Leader Davis. "I don't give a damn about your warrant, Davis! You soil my office with your presence!" Johnston's voice boomed, rattling the reinforced steel door.
"Mr. Johnston," Axel said smoothly as he pushed open the door and stepped inside without waiting for a response. Framed in the dim glow of an antique brass lamp, Johnston shot to his feet, his face twisted in outrage. Beside him was Davis, standing rigid but unflinching under Johnston's furious tirade.
Axel studied the room carefully, noting a handful of defiant-looking men guarding a group of scared hostages huddled in the corner. They were outnumbered by UNSC Marines but were fortified behind makeshift barricades and armed.
"Admiral Axel," Johnston growled, taking in Axel's uniform with an evident sneer. He tossed an accusing look towards Davis who merely gave a single nod in return.
"I see you've been informed." Axel said coolly, returning his gaze to Johnston. "You are under arrest for treason against the United Nations Space Corps and its allies, Mr. Johnston."
Johnston's angry scowl morphed into outright disbelief. "Treason? This is preposterous! I have done nothing but serve my people!"
"You served yourself more than anyone else," Axel retorted quietly. His eyes flickered towards the terrified hostages and then back to Johnston. "Think about their lives before you do anything reckless."
Axel observed the men on Johnston's side and could tell that they were scared and probably feared for their lives.
The soldiers' allegiance to Johnston was strong, but in the face of being outnumbered and outgunned, that loyalty was as fragile as a thin piece of glass that could be easily shattered.
"I did what was right, Siding with the insurrectionists gave me power and kept the people in line" Stated Johnston.
"And it kept my pockets full, as long as they were allowed to do what they wanted to, I would keep getting paid" Continued Johnston.
Axel's response was filled with disappointment. "So you were never truly invested in the people, only in the money," he stated.
Johnston smiled " That's correct Admiral, and I have no intention of getting put on trial" Yelled Johnston as he reached for his weapon.
But as he did this the window behind him had shattered and 5 MCU's appeared behind Johnston and his group. Johnston who was distracted by the MCU's didn't notice Axel draw his pistol and point it at him.
Now with his weapon pointed at Johnston, Axel shot 4 bullets, two landing in his arm holding the weapon and another two was aimed at his hand but because if Johnston movement Axel had missed.
Johnston had dropped his weapon as he was shot in his arm while the MCU's moved in for the arrest and the Marines moved in towards the hostages in a coordinated manner.
But seeing Johnston go down the remaining guards had gave up and dropped their weapons.
"Good shot's Admiral" Said the Squad Leader.
"Thank you" replied Axel as he holstered his pistol and turned towards Commander Talia who was standing at the door.
"Make sure these people get back safely and secure the building until tomorrow" Ordered Axel.
"Aye, Sir" Commander Talia said as she began to issue orders to the marines while Axel left the building and returned back to the command center.
He would wait a few days before he gather all of the residents up and announce the changes to leadership and their crimes. Once that was done then he would head to his next target.
