Guardian Angel Page 12
He was draped in a robe of fine cloth, markings which looked of tribal descent tattooing such a fine tapestry of blue clothing. Of course, he was surrounded by nearly a dozen Ancient Butchers, each holding their large blade of razor-toothing in a single hand, protecting the most important member of their faction.
“You allow us militarize Washington City and use your sky-grid above for protection against our rival faction. The soldiers at your disposal become soldiers at our disposal, helping us rid Earth of the ones who seek to use your race for food. In return, you will be allowed to rebuild in peace, the families of your soldiers given a second chance at life.”
“I agree with everything,” Congressman Ryan Evans said. “Except for the simplicity of our terms,” he added. “We did not invite you here because we are accepting defeat. We've been grossly outnumbered and behind your technology since Invasion Day, yet we've held the city. We have more to offer than simply bowing,” Evans said. “If Washington City is to be integrated, then we wish to send a group of Humans to integrate with you as well. My soldiers will also demand they be given rank in your army as they will not simply continue to fight without recognition.”
“Do you insult me?” Arch Templar Lagus asked.
“No, not at all,” Evans replied. “But you must understand why we have been able to hold our ground for so long.”
“And why is that?” Lagus asked.
“My soldiers have fought because they have hope for the future. If I sign a declaration, essentially taking their hope away from them, they will not fight for either of us. Men fight for life when they chase one that is worth living. And that is the source of our zeal in combat.” Evans said.
“I see.” Lagus replied, obviously deep in thought.
“If we can agree to become equals, my soldiers will prove invaluable to your war effort. And once your faction topples the Ancients who control Europe, I humbly ask that our race be allowed a single continent in order to rebuild and thrive. In a non-military manner, of course.” Evans said.
Arch Templar Lagus mulled the offer. It seemed fair enough, even to a member of the superior race. They would no longer know of defeat at the gates of Washington City. No longer be hit with naval strikes during the day, which had become a thorn in the heel of their military. In exchange, they would have to allow the Humans to become a part of their own society, at least until the war of factions was over, at which time they would allow the Humans a continent of Earth to live.
Before Lagus could sign the declaration, however, explosions began to ring out around them. Buildings crumbling outside as guns began to ring out.
“Report!” Congressman Evans demanded.
“Nice fireworks display.” Alicia said as her group sprinted toward the air fortresses that awaited them.
Calypso had made arrangements for explosives to be planted throughout the city. Nothing capable of hurting anyone, but loud enough to distract those who needed to be.
As soldiers ran to the sources of explosion, both Human and Ancient, they quickly became aware that they were simply distractions and nothing more.
Nadia and Calypso broke from the group, entering the airship on the right that was filled with both Germans and soldiers of Washington City.
“We'll see you up there.” Calypso said,explosions rocking the area around them as some of the city's soldiers had become aware of their plan.
“Alicia and her team are escaping!” one of the soldiers yelled, relaying the message back until it eventually reached the meeting between Evans and Lagus.
“Someone stop her! Load some ships of war and shoot them down if need be!” Congressman Evans yelled, furious that such an important meeting had been pulled to a standstill because of her.
Alicia, Jackson, Perk and Saunders were aboard one of the sky galleons, as were nearly a hundred Resistance sworn soldiers. They were also sworn to Alicia, because of her ability in battle and her unwillingness to treaty with the Ancients. A mutual hatred for the gray-skinned race was now their common thread.
Preacher, Calypso, Nadia and Certes were aboard the second fortress of the sky as both ships began to slowly lift into the dawn-filled air. Nearly eighty Resistance sworn souls were with them, as was a near-warehouse sized load of supplies and weaponry, most of it Ancient technology.
They would be doing their fighting against a more heartless variety of Ancients in Europe, and most of it would be without the protection of Guardian Angel. So Calypso had those making the trip, load the higher end weaponry.
Both galleons rocked back and forth a bit as the large ship the Germans had arrived in exploded, sending thousands of wooden splinters into the air as the soldiers sworn to Evans fell to the ground. Preacher had decided to eliminate the ship so it could not be used later to lure his people into a trap. He did, however, salvage one of the large flags from it first, helping Certes drape it over the side of their new warship.
Three smaller, but heavily armed ships began to lift from the asphalt of Washington City to give chase. They were under direct orders to fire onto the two fleeing fortresses, destroying them, along with the crews aboard which could pose a threat to them down the road.
Seconds later, however, the steam-fed guns mounted at the edge of Washington City began firing. Not on Alicia's group, but onto the three ships which gave chase. Soldiers who had lost so much to the Ancients, soldiers who had volunteered to remain behind and provide covering fire with the Gatling guns, knowing their death would follow shortly after. They were making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure Alicia Lucard and her soldiers continued to fight for the right cause. Freedom.
The two ships had slipped into the clouds, escaping into a sun-filled sky as they made their way to the war in Germany.
“Tell me something,” Alicia said, her eyes flush with tears as she looked over the wooden banister onto a city which was quickly disappearing from sight. “The names of the soldiers who stayed behind to ensure we made it to safety?”
“Langsford and Hicks,” Perk replied. “We tried to convince them to come with us, but they had already made the decision.”
“They paid the ultimate sacrifice. The highest level of courage a soldier can give,” Alicia said, holding her tears back as she thought of them, as well as all the other lives lost in war so far. As she walked over to a desk that was mounted to the wall near the front of her airship's interior, Alicia grabbed a large marker.
She wrote U.S. Langsford-Hicks onto the wooden wall in front of her. Large letters of black marker to become a permanent reminder of those who gave their lives for freedom.
“We'll paint it on the exterior of the ship later.” Alicia said, turning to the group of soldiers who had gained even more respect for her in that single moment. “Right now we need to bridge the ships together and figure out where we plan to hideout when night falls. You can bet your ass they'll have ships out looking for us,” she added, glancing to the fresh ink which had officially named her ship. “Both Ancient and American.”
“I'm very sorry for such a moment.” Congressman Ryan Evans stated, knowing any hope of a treaty had been ripped apart.
“There is no need for apologies Congressman Evans,” Arch Templar Lagus said, quickly leaning down to sign the pact between the Humans and Ancients. “I accept your offer, and fully intend to keep my end of the deal. Our people with be fully integrated, Humans who fight for our banner will receive rank based upon their abilities and when the wars are over, your people will indeed be given a continent to reside. Though you will not be here to see it.” Lagus said.
“What?” Congressman Ryan Evans asked with a frightened pitch.
“You see, in our culture, when a person of such high authority fails so convincingly, they are dealt with accordingly,” Lagus said without pause. “Who among you is next in line for command behind Evans?”
“Um, that would be me.” General Bain said, stepping forward slowly.
“And you agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this treaty?�
� Lagus asked.
“I do.” General Bain replied, his sharply-cut military hair shining almost as brightly as the large mass of medals pinned to his chest.
“Good.” Lagus said, turning to the group of Butchers which stood watch at the building's door and motioning them.
“Take Congressman Evans outside and skin him. The Humans need to know what drives the resolve of our soldiers.”
“No! No...” Evans yelled loudly as the Butchers easily pulled him from the meeting room and into the streets of Washington City.
His screams pierced the ears of everyone nearby as the prickly edge of a butchers blade began its cut, slicing him from the bottom of his chin down to the very toes on his feet.
“You see,” Lagus said as the screams of a man who wished for quick death echoed back to them, instead finding the Butchers easily pulling the flesh from beneath his skin layering and exposing it to the world. “Hope for a new life is not what drives my soldiers. It's fear. This is why they so willingly die in combat for me. Because, they know the other alternative is a much, much more painful demise.” he added as Evans screamed to the top of his lungs.
“Please! Please kill me!” Congressman Evans screeched as his entire body had been pulled from its blanket of skin, which was tossed aside as though it was made of rubber. But rather than help him die quickly, they simply left the skinned man to lay there and suffer for nearly a minute more.
“Now General,” Lagus said calmly. “You take a few hours to organize your forces once more, and then report back to me. Execute my wishes to perfection and you will remain heavily rewarded. But fail me...”
“I will not fail you, sir.” General Bain replied, bowing for a moment as it became the first official bow of a Human soldier to an Ancient Templar.
“Good. Very good.”
The two airships were bridged, a large wooden plank linking them together. As they met on Preacher's ship to inventory their supplies, they also looked over maps of terrain which lay before them. It was still early morning, however, Alicia and Calypso quickly agreed on a spot that would prove perfect for landing undetected later in the evening and surviving the night.
“Did you leave anything in Washington City?” Alicia said with a laugh, placing her hand on the shoulder of Calypso for a moment. “Good job.”
“I just wanted to make sure we had plenty of firepower for our crew as well as the surviving Germans when we arrive.” Calypso replied, receiving a nod of appreciation from Preacher.
“We need to contact the Germans in Wernigerode and let them know we are coming. Maybe give them some hope to cling to.” Alicia said.
“That is a good idea. I can get it to them with our equipment at this range, perhaps at least in code.” Preacher replied.
“Code would be the best option,” Jackson said. “It would assure our message reaches remaining German military only.”
“Good idea,” Alicia said. “Preacher, can I speak with you for a moment?”
As the two made their way from the group a bit, she stopped to speak with him.
“Listen,” she said softly. “Something about all of this isn't sitting right with me.”
“Nor is it with me.” he replied.
“Right now, there are two people I trust. Jackson, because he has nothing to gain from treason, and you. I truly believe you are a man of your country, and that you would do anything to protect your countrymen. I need you to understand that my intentions are true, I will help you retake Berlin. But you and I, here and now, need to agree that when we reach Wernigerode, we split our command. I do not trust anyone else here, including Calypso.” she said.
“Agreed. When our boots touch soil, we will establish a clear chain of command with everyone around us. You and I will share command and do what is best for Germany, your new home.” Preacher replied.
Alicia turned to study the group for a moment, trying to figure out what was instilling such an uneasy feeling inside of her.
“And as for Nadia, she will be given a chance to earn my trust once more. If she proves to be a traitor in our midst,” Preacher said, turning to the group. “I'll kill her myself.”
As the meeting came to a close, Alicia joining Jackson to board the U.S. Langsford-Hicks once more, she received one last look from Nadia Jacobson. One that spoke of no treachery, but instead spoke of lust between the two women. Possibly even love, which was a thought that scared the hell out of Alicia Lucard as their force of freedom carved its way to a small town in the countryside of Berlin City.
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Table of Contents
Copyright
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
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