Chapter 12
Charles, Ellie, Sven, RHM, and Reginald all sat at a table in one of the Toppat airship’s meeting rooms. In front of them was a map of the complex.
“Any ideas on how to break Henry out?” Reginald asked them all, making each person in the room shake their heads.
They had been at it for a few days now. The complex known as the wall was the most notorious place for criminals. If you were sent there, you never made it back out.
Henry had, however, done so, starting a riot in the process, the first incident in fifty years after the current warden had taken over. It was the reason why the warden hated Henry so much and would stop at nothing to make sure he had Henry where he could see him for all eternity.
The group had thought of everything they could to get Henry out. They were running out of ideas, however, and out of time. The longer Henry was there, the more dangerous it was for him. They didn’t know what the warden planned for Henry but knew it would never be anything good.
Charles leaned back in his chair, thinking long and hard. “What if we got the general in this? He likes Henry, and I think he already realized who exactly Henry is.” Charles thought allowed, making everyone look at them.
“Why would the military help save a criminal, especially one that they would realize had ruined their plans? That could put you in danger if you tell them, Charles.” Ellie asked him, frowning at the thought.
Charles shrugged, looking at them. He hadn’t gone back to the military camp yet. He had actually been staying here on the ship in Henry’s room. It was the only way he could sleep at this point. “General Galeforce is actually a pretty good guy. He was the one who realized my potential when no one else did and put me in a higher position from jump when I completed flying school. The general probably already knows who Henry really is.” Charles told them. “If we can’t think of anything to do right now, why don’t you guys temporarily team up with the military to take down the wall? They were already pushing it with kidnapping Henry the first time since he is pardoned. With them actually kidnapping me when I haven’t done a single crime, and then using me as bait for a pardoned man, the government has every reason to shut them down. There is shady stuff going on there and they won’t stand aside for it.” He continued.
Everyone stared at him in shock at the statement, though were quietly mulling over his words.
“The boy’s got a point.” Right told them, making everyone look at him. “We don’t got a lot of options for saving Henry, but with their help, our resources double. I don’t like it but it's the best chance of saving him.”
Reginald sighed, running a hand over his face. “Go see Burt about getting a frequency to contact us and then head to your little military base. I’ll trust you as Henry’s friend, but please hurry. I don’t want to lose my son to that bastard warden.” Reginald told Charles, who nodded, running off to the communications room to talk to Burt.
This was their only hope. Hopefully, the General would agree to join forces.
The next thing they knew, General Galeforce and Charles was on a video call with Reginald and RHM. They planned for hours, wondering how they could save the Toppat prince from the wall.
“What about attacking from both sides? They would have no way to run and it is our best bet.” The general offered. He had realized who Henry was after the airship mission, but had seen how happy his pilot was with the thief around. He had planned on sending Henry on another mission to actually earn his pardon, but after the fact that Henry had actually saved Charles twice, even sacrificing himself to do so. He knew Henry was a good man, and wouldn’t mind getting rid of the wall anyways. He never realized he would team up with the Toppats of all people to do so, but it was plain to see that the leaders of the clan deeply cared for their son, and wanted him free of the warden’s clutches.
“Henry could get killed by the warden before we even got to him though!” Reginald argued, gritting his teeth at the thought.
“Henry’s tough and he’s gotten himself out of stickier situations. He would be able to hold himself while we got to him. They likely have him in maximum security, which is on the bottom levels of the complex. We can sneak a team in to start extracting him so when we attack, then he would already be well on his way out. I would have no doubt you have insiders there, just the same as us.” General Galeforce told them, making Reginald and RHM nod in agreement. Charles looked at the General.
“Can I be apart of the extraction crew? I want to make sure Henry is alright!” Charles asked, looking at him.
“We’ll need you above-ground Charles. The warden knows you’re important to Henry, at least important enough for him to give himself up. You will need to be up on the surface, where you can meet up with Henry there and bring him out.” Galeforce told him, making Charles pout slightly but nod.
“We can send in Henry’s right hand-in-training to help bring him out. She was locked up with Henry the first time when the two escaped and will know the way better than some. “ Reginald replied, motioning Right to call her and let her know to get ready.
“We have a few inside that can help her and any others you send in. Once Henry is on the surface then we need to get him out of there as soon as possible, as Warden Dmitri will be after him.” The general told them, making the Toppat leader nod in agreement.
“Temporary truce then for Henry?” Reginald asked, making the general nod.
“Tomorrow, we break out Henry Stickmin and shut down the wall.”