Chapter 8-6: Blindside - Most People Don't Survive the First Warning

Julian- United Human Faction- Night 70

            Richard struggled up out of the dust. Julian had watched as the Union chopper had opened fire on the camp, only to be struck by a Faction rocket. The mask had slipped off the maniac’s face and flung itself across the courtyard. Julian rushed over to it, pulling it over his face as snugly as he could. None could see what had happened.

            “Get this agent medical attention,” he ordered a nearby medical team, refusing to raise his voice for the man’s sake.

            Richard pushed the medics away. “I’m fine. Get out of here,” he barked.

            The rest of the Faction dispersed, pulling away the wounded and dead and beginning to salvage what they could from the crashed helicopter. Julian crouched down next to Richard, inspecting the scratches on his knees and chest.

            “You got off lucky. That doesn’t cut it,” the Masked Man stated firmly.

            Richard glared in response.

            “To lead, you need to know. If there isn’t absolute certainty behind your actions, you cannot survive. John learned that long before we assigned you to his team. That’s why he’s alive and well outside our borders, and you’re sitting in the dirt with blood on your face,” the Faction leader continued.

            “I don’t need lectures, I need control. You tricked me.”

            “You should have seen it coming.”

            Julian took off the mask, stowing it in his combat pack. His entire body shook as he sighed. As much as he denied it, the revolution was taking a toll on his psyche. He couldn’t manage such a disjointed group alone. He needed Sharon. He needed Paul.