Chapter 8-3: Blindside - Light 'Em Up

Julian- United Human Faction- Night 70

            Julian dismissed his guards before the US helicopter arrived. The enemy couldn’t target him if they couldn’t see him, especially in an area like a school. The men on the other side of the camera would have to see the mask to open fire on someplace there could be innocents. Of course, there were no innocents within a hundred miles of the Faction line. Every man woman and child fought in the streets on the first day of the revolution, regardless of standing. Some, including the man approaching the commander’s tent, had fought harder and more brutally than most.

            Richard entered the tent with his revolver drawn. Julian’s heart skipped a beat as he reached toward the mask, seeking its calming grip. Richard cocked his pistol at the same moment, releasing a held breath as the twisted hammer snapped into place. Julian sat on the matted floor of his tent.

            “Don’t touch the mask. This gun’s got a bullet with your name on it,” Richard whispered, beginning to chuckle.

            Julian stared up terrified, before pulling back his arm.

            “Good boy. Your on my leash now,” Richard said.

            He reached down and picked the mask up himself, pulling on the strap before looking back at the pathetic figure sprawled on the floor below him. The mask would ft just fine when the demagogue was dead. Thinking over the consequences, Julian’s feeling of violation left. He was still invisible in the eyes of those who mattered. The street rat held no sway, especially considering the conversation playing out in Julian’s earpiece.

            “What happens when you kill me Richard? Do you wear the mask? Will people believe that when I’m found dead and the man with your name falls off the face of the Earth? You don’t think they’ll figure it out? Do you think people are that stupid?” the Unmasked Man almost yelled.

            “I’ll take my chances. I’ve changed my name before. Even John doesn’t know who I am!”

            “I know who you are now, freak. I know what I’ve made you! I know you can’t run away anymore,” the leader of the revolution rose to his feet, brushing off his cheap rented suit. “You don’t get to run away anymore, because half the nation knows your face this time. Half the world will be out to kill you to avoid the spread of my plague! You’re my creation! You can’t kill me until you’re already dead.”

            Richard growled, almost throwing Julian off guard, but he kept his new imaginary mask set in place.

            “You walk out of this tent. Watch what they do to you.”

            “The Faction will welcome me. A decisive leader. Someone who’ll lead them to victory, not into the abyss. You’re an anarchist degenerate like I used to kill in the streets. I’m the only one worthy of this mask!”

            “If you really think so, walk out there right now. Test your luck, Campbell. See where it gets you.”

            Julian’s earpiece buzzed with activity. Intercepted US radio transmissions blared, informing the leader of the revolution of their every move.

            “Bushmaster, this is Banshee two. We’re moving toward the enemy encampment now. Requesting permission to engage. Over.”

            “Negative, Banshee. Hold fire unless fired upon.”

            “Roger that. We’re moving in. Cameras on.”

            “Banshee, Bushmaster, Report.”

            “We’ve got fifty plus contacts in the courtyard, more moving out of sight. I estimate thirty moving along the east wall, out of view. Are you seeing this, sir?”

            “Affirmative. You still do not have permission to engage.”

            “I think I see someone with an rpg on the west wall.”

            “Negative, keep scanning for enemy HVT’s in the area.”

            “Oh my God.”

            “What is it Banshee?”

            “Someone just walked out in a mask!”

            “Repeat, Banshee. Did you just say someone is wearing a mask? Over.”

            “Banshee, this is Overwatch. The school has not been cleared. There are civilians in the area. Do not engage. I repeat, do not engage. Out.”

            “Banshee, this is Bushmaster. Repeat last. Over.”

            “We have a single individual with a white mask in the middle of the courtyard. The camera is on him now. Over.”

            “Roger, Banshee. We see him. Priority one target identified. You are cleared for immediate attack.”

            “Bushmaster, Overwatch just ordered us to stand down, over.”

            “Banshee, your orders are to kill the target immediately. Over.”

            “Man, they just said there were civilians. There could be kids in there!”

            “Banshee, Bushmaster. Fire now.”

            “Sir, what should I do?”

            “Light ‘em up, Lieutenant.”

            “Shit. Yes sir, cap’n.”