Chapter 3-8: Castling - The Chessboard Philosophy

Jeremy- United Human Faction- Day 26

            “You shouldn’t have left him like that. At least take his firearm away next time,” whispered Jeremy.

            “It doesn’t matter what we do to him, he’ll come back,” replied John. “I’ve seen him disappear enough times to know that.”

            “The difference is that we don’t make people disappear,” Jeremy said.

            “That’s what I was trained to do.”

            “That’s a lie, John. You were trained for exactly what I plan on doing.”

            John looked to the road, but it was obviously not his focus. Jeremy decided not to press any harder. This was his only friend, after all.

            “John, I’m sorry. I know who you are, even if you never told me. You would never kill one of your own, but you need to realize he is not one of us any more.”

            “God! Jeremy, we’re not on the same side!” John yelled, slamming on the brakes.

            “You don’t understand this world like I do,” was the only reply.

            They had several more days of travel ahead of them. There was time to talk later. For now, Jeremy could only feel sympathy for his partner, and he could only fear Richard.

Capter 3-7: Castling - The Defenders

Capt. Jasmine Wake- United States Air Force- Day 26

            “Welcome home, boys. Let’s get you briefed,” was the only hello Wake heard when she reached New York. After years fighting in Pakistan, she had been ready for her return home, as had the men she flew. Her skills in the transport helicopter were something her superiors did not take lightly. She would be flying until this war was over. Or until she was dead.

            “Kilo Four-Nine-Seven, this is Overlord New York. Good work on that last run. Get some rest before your next trip, over,” the radio squawked, barely audible over the sounds of the landing zone.

            “Roger that Overlord, it’s good to be home.”

            Jasmine exited her vehicle, signed for the engineers, and immediately headed for her bunk. She slept the entire night and most of the morning without interruption. When she finally woke, she found herself surrounded by rookie pilots.

            “Ma’am, the General needs you in five hours,” yelled the only infantryman among the pilots.

            She grunted in recognition, and the others scurried away. She had time to eat, shower, and wonder why she was taking orders from the Army now. She wouldn’t question until the time was right, but she knew she would have to eventually. She entered the barracks right on time, as usual. The General, whose name she would never know, walked up to her. He was desperate.

            “Captain, welcome to the United States Army. You are the newest member of call sign Falconer. You will meet your team in ten hours on the top floor of the Empire State Building. You do not exist. Good luck,” said the General, immediately walking away.

            “Yes, sir,” she mumbled, half saluting.

            The rest of Falconer joined her, whether Jasmine knew so or not, as she made her way to her destination. She recognized several of them as they approached, but all were out of the obituaries. There were three men who looked ready to snap her in half if she took a wrong step, two with identical tattoos marking their necks, and two thin men with the look of serial killers. When she finally reached the top floor of the building, the last two members of her new team were waiting.

            “You’re late, Captain. I hope you’ll show a little more motivation in the field. Let’s get to work.”

Chapter 3-6: Castling - A Trio of Traitors

Richard- United Human Faction- Night 25

            Jeremy was fast asleep in the back seat. His unwillingness to accept the severity of the situation disgusted Richard. Twice he almost pulled over to teach the prisoner a lesson, but when he started to veer from course, John would give him the look the rookie had received so many times during their drug stings. He was still the leader of the pair, there was no arguing against that, and he was not going to allow anything to happen to this prisoner.

            “Why do we need this man alive? We’ve never even asked him for intel. He’s useless,” said Richard, emotionless as ever.

            “We aren’t barbarians Richard. We don’t just kill everyone who opposes us,” responded John.

            “That’s what I’ve always done, and I’ve been promoted for it. Maybe you don’t understand your orders, John.”

            “My orders are to keep this man alive.”

            “Is this really life, John?” asked the man in the back seat.

            “Shut up!” yelled Richard.

            “John, our chauffer is terrible. Can we get a ride from someone else next time?”

            John chuckled and pulled out his laptop. Richard was losing his cool. If they didn’t stop somewhere soon, the Senator would end up dead. There was nothing John would be able to do to stop him.

            “Richard,” began Jeremy, “there is no reason why we can’t be friends. What was your political party before you joined the Faction?”

            “I didn’t vote,” replied Richard, knowing the speech would be even longer if he didn’t respond.

            “Come on, Richard. Don’t tell me you didn’t even have opinions before last month.”

            “I was an independent.”

            “No. If I’ve learned anything about politics, it’s that there is no such thing as an independent.”

            “I’ve given you my answer.”

            “Well then, I suppose I must have been an independent too. That means we’re in the same boat here. Richard, even though we’re on opposite sides of this conflict, that doesn’t mean we can’t get along. We’re the same kind of person on opposite sides of the world. We could be like Romeo and Juliet. Nothing will stand between us!” yelled Jeremy, who was out of his seat and flailing his arms in as theatrical a manner as he could achieve in a humvee.

            Richard swerved to the side of the road and jumped out of the vehicle. John followed suit while Jeremy held his pose.

            “Cool down!” yelled John.

            Richard grabbed the Senator and pulled him into the dirt.

            “I should have killed you the day I met you,” hissed Richard, drawing his revolver.

            “Richard, get a hold of yourself!” John screamed.

            While Richard had been the team’s crack shot, John had more experience with a pistol. Before his partner could react, John pulled out his own weapon and disarmed the executioner. Richard's battered revolver lay on the ground smoking. Jeremy stared, horrified, at the new hole in the ground next to him.

            “My orders are to keep this man alive. You have committed an act of treason against both the Union and the Faction. I’ll spare you tonight, but expect no mercy the next time we meet.”

            Richard lay on the ground, dazed. His right hand was in more pain than he had ever experienced before. He could barely hear John, but the message was clear. He had been betrayed by his former partner, and he would have to work for his revenge.

            John and Jeremy drove away, leaving their third in forest. Richard stood slowly, making sure not to put too much pressure on his mangled hand. He retrieved his weapon. It had fired as it left his hand, so there was still a chance it had remained functional. This weapon would get him his revenge. Richard vowed that this weapon would kill John, as well as his new friend Jeremy Glass.

Chapter 3-5: Castling - A Two Front War

Sharon- United Human Faction- Day 25

            “Hello, Captain,” Sharon yelled out from across the docks.

            “Little lady, what are you doing out here again?” the old sailor replied.

            “I’m not who you think I am Captain. My name is Sharon, I’m a friend of Julian,” she whispered as he docked.

            “You never told me any different so I’ll take your word for it. My only question is this. Will you take my word as it is?”

            “That depends on the word, Captain.”

            “My boys are whispering ‘bout Chinese movement on countries to their East. What stops them from coming for us?”

            “You do, Captain. This ship looks seaworthy to me.”

            “That it is, Miss Sharon. You won’t separate her from me anytime.”

            “I would never think of that, sir. However, I was wondering if I might enlist you and your Navy for an overseas operation.”

            “This isn’t my Navy, Miss. You want something to happen, you should talk with Julian, if he’ll listen to you.”

            “Julian is not a man of the sea,” said Sharon, walking onto the Captain’s ship, “he’s a man of the Earth. You command this fleet, and so you are the one I will ask for assistance.”

            “You talk to Julian,” the Captain said. “He’ll tell me what to do with my men, and then I’ll do it.”

            Sharon found Julian with Paul in the lobby of their building. The two were silent, but motioned for Sharon to join them in the elevator. Paul unplugged the camera, and nodded to Julian.

            “How many people know?” asked Julian.

            “That depends on what you’re talking about. Is this about China?” replied Sharon.

            Paul and Julian shifted their stances uncomfortably. And looked toward each other. The elevator stopped, and Paul reattached the camera’s wiring. The three silently walked to Paul’s room. Once Julian was sure no one was listening, he turned back to Sharon.

            “So word’s gotten out?” he asked.

            “There are only rumors right now, but there’s no solid information on… does China actually have anything planned?” Sharon looked to the pair, slightly frightened.

            “We intercepted a call for help coming directly from the White House. China is coming to protect its markets in the US, but they wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of expanding across the Pacific. The Union is too afraid of us to understand that there is a threat of Chinese expansion,” said Julian.

            “Where does that leave us?” Sharon asked.

            Julian picked up the mask, then turned and said, “we are their first target. They will come across the Pacific and strike exactly where the Union wants them to. We have to hit the Chinese first.”

            “You are the only one of us who could rally a counter-attack,” said Paul.

            “A counter-attack?”

            “Sharon, by the time our Navy reaches Hawaii, they will have already invaded,” Julian put down the mask. “Are you willing to go?”

            “Why can’t the Navy manage the war overseas?” asked Sharon.

            Paul looked to Julian, who nodded back.

            “China will occupy the entire state. There will be prison camps, air bases, and the invading army. You are the only one who could stir up insurrection. At least, so long as Julian doesn’t change his mind on Thomas.”

            Sharon only nodded, and left the room. She couldn’t argue against them when they were both right. She would be shipping out with the Admiral, and she would face the Chinese. It would take a number of days for the captains to prepare for the trip. It was time for her to get to work.

Chapter 3-4: Castling - The Prophet of Luck

Jeremy- United States Senate- Day 25

            John made a habit of sitting beside Jeremy's cell, albeit silently. The Senator knew John would not have any interest in conversation unless he was instigating conversation himself. Jeremy decided it would be more favorable to keep this jailer happy. A complacent guard made escape possible. A friendly guard made escape probable. Richard, on the other hand, would be a much more interesting man to interact with. He would just have to avoid discussing the Faction while the greater evil was nearby.

            “Who is Charles?” John finally asked.

            “I was wondering when you would ask that,” Jeremy responded, still watching the wall of his cell. “Do you want to hear the long story or the short one?”

            John gave no answer.

            “I’ll tell you when the time comes. For now, just sit tight and wait for the moment God comes to pull me out of this cell.”

            John finally looked Jeremy’s way. The Senator had never said anything relating to religion before, not even when he was toying with the men in the offices.

            “It’s what my name means. Jeremy: he who will be saved by God. The angels are coming for me, John. When they get here, it’ll be your place to finish the job.”

            “When I do that, you’ll tell me everything?” John asked, his eyes as unwavering as his voice.

            “That is entirely dependant on what you do after you pull me out. There are two destinations for me after I leave this cell. If you are truly loyal to your people, the people of this great country, you will take me to the heart of the revolution: the city of San Francisco. If you care only for yourself, I will tell you everything once we reach Pike National Forest.”

            “When do I decide?”

            “That is not something under my control. Besides, I don’t think we should discuss this while your friend is around.”

            John turned to see Richard walking toward them. He was in full combat gear, with an extra bag for John.

            “We’re relocating the prison to Santa Rosa, New Mexico. I’ll be driving you and the prisoner there in one hour,” yelled Richard from the other end of the lot.

            Richard dropped the bag and walked toward the stairs to the unconverted portion of the garage. John looked back to Jeremy, believing the prophecy had come true already.

            “Come on, John,” the Senator whispered. "Does he look like an angel to you?"

Chapter 3-3: Castling - A Forgotten Favor

Paul- United Human Faction- Night 24

            Colorado was a problem. The Faction had territories in Nebraska and Oklahoma, but Colorado remained neutral. The situation made no sense, and soon it would be a massive problem in terms of territorial boundaries. The Utah armies refused to move in until their reconnaissance and special operations teams returned from the field.

            Paul knew exactly who had given the order. Thomas was trying to carry out his revenge on Julian. The only way to stop him was to call his handler. Paul dug through the piles of papers spread across his floor. Eventually, he found the file he was searching for. He recognized the name of the handler immediately. He had recruited Carlos personally, and knew the man well.

            Carlos had lived his childhood in the cartel-run nation of Ecuador. He learned to put his family first, and he always had. His devoted service in the violent drug trade was what Paul had first noticed about the man, but the work was not an attempt to achieve greatness, it was the only way Carlos knew to protect his family. Paul offered a position in the Faction in exchange for citizenship in the United States. Both kept their ends of the bargain, but Carlos felt indebted to Paul.

            Putting Thomas on a leash would be easier then he expected. He would call Carlos the next week. For now, he could sleep.

Chapter 3-2: Castling - Too Young to Rule

Julian- United Human Faction- Night 24

            Julian and Sharon stood together on the shoreline. With the crowded Golden Gate Bridge overhead and the lights of Alcatraz in the distance, the scene was anything but peaceful, but at least there was no sign of weaponry or paperwork. They felt as though there was no revolution. They were a college couple again, sitting under their bridge and discussing their world. There was no need for them to actually rule. They would be able to live in peace, without worries of fluctuating taxes, unstable markets, or the growing unemployment rate. Because that was all in the future. For now, there were no worries simply because they didn’t want any.

            Sharon was an artist long before she learned anything of politics. That was the aspect of her personality that first brought Julian to her. He was tired of politicians, even at the local level. Union Leaders, City Officials, the crippled and elderly, they were all the same. Everything had a purpose, and everyone debated what that purpose was. Julian didn’t see his world that way. Some things had no purpose or reason. Sharon understood that.

            They spent the night under the bridge. Neither of them remembered their cause for one second, or even debated the country as it had been less than a month before. For one night, they were purposeless, listening to every wave and feeling every gust of wind. Everything felt right.

Chapter 3-1: Castling - Promotion?

Jeremy- United States Senate- Day 23

            Richard strolled through the makeshift prison the Faction had built out of the parking garage of Carlos’ former office building headquarters. The grey cement building was fairly quiet, the inmates being either highly disciplined or absolutely exhausted. There was one prisoner who couldn’t keep his mouth shut, though. His name was Jeremy Glass.

            The former senator remembered Richard as well as he had remembered John several days before. He remembered the shaky entry into his hotel room, the yells not of courage, but of excitement. He also remembered the feeling of a loaded revolver pressed against his forehead. He watched his first true enemy walk closer and closer to his cell, and turned to the man who was his foe only in name.

            “He wants me dead, doesn’t he?” Jeremy asked.

            “I don’t think anyone knows what that one wants,” replied John.

            Richard looked his former superior up and down and offered his hand in greeting.

            “Do you two know each other from somewhere?” Jeremy asked, a sickening grin spread across his face.

            The question sounded so sincere, Richard believed the man had gone insane during his short stay behind bars. When the laughing started, he realized the senator had never been sane by Richard’s standards.

            “This is the most important inmate. I’m here to keep tabs on him at all times,” explained John. “He’s an asset. We never could have taken the Northern Line without his intelligence. We reward that here. No torture. No taunting. These are honorable men, not mob bosses like we used to hunt down.

            Richard grunted in understanding and turned away from his captive.

            “You aren’t even going to say hello?”

            Richard turned to the cell, and found Jeremy sitting just inches from the bars. The look on his face was sickeningly juvenile, and was obviously intended to enrage his jailer.

            “You shouldn’t toy with me, freak. I’m more dangerous than you can imagine,” Richard hissed, playing into Jeremy’s hand.

            “Of course you are,” said Jeremy, standing, “but I assume that threat comes from the loaded die in your holster. What happens when the odds are even?”

            “I should kill you right here!” Richard screamed, grabbing the Senator through the bars of his cell.

            John grabbed Richard and pulled him away from his near-victim. Richard threw his hands up, pushing John back, and stalked away. There was complete silence all around the remaining pair.

            “He gets mad when you pull his tail,” Jeremy said to the veteran. “I wonder if he’d act the same way if I cut it off?”