Armageddon Rise Of The New World Order (10 page)

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Nathan had everyone there, including Jason. After a half-hour or so of small talk Nathan felt the mood was calm enough to begin. Julie sat next to Jean who was eyeing Nathan with a look that plainly said this is my family; don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. Nathan felt that Jeans dislike for him came from his own strong sense of individuality. Nathan had always looked deeper into things than most people, often giving complexity to the simplest of things. Nathan aspired to be in a career where he could use his keen insight rather than just his brawn. Despite the feud between Nathan and Jean, Jean was very much like Nathan and Darion’s father. Nathan’s father was a hardworking man who spent most of his life working manual labor jobs trying to take care of his family. Jean was also a simple man who worked similar jobs to take care of his family. Although only 16 when his father died Nathan remembered him well, particularly the important lessons a father teaches his son. One of those lessons Nathan took to heart especially. Nathan’s father told him when he was young “Do not work so that you can live, but live for your work.” What Nathan’s father meant was to find what made him happy in life, and choose that as a career. Nathan always felt that Jean resented Nathan for trying to move outside his station in life rather than just to work for money. Either way Nathan was then like Darion is now, full of conflict and that conflict helped to fuel the disdain these two felt for each other.

So now Nathan stood in the living room with his sister, his brother’s best friend and his Mother and stepfather who chain-smoked until the room was a thick haze. The perfect setting for an early battle of the upcoming war.

Nathan took a deep breath and then began. “There’s no real easy way to say what I have to say, so I’ll try to explain as best I can. Yesterday I received an email at work that said everyone in the country is going to be required to register at their post office. From there everyone is going to be transported to compounds, supposedly for their own safety. What this means is that the country is about to undergo a dramatic change. We will be told where to live, where to work, what to think and where our beliefs are to lie. Essentially, our freedom is about to be taken away.”

As the group presented a general expression of confusion Jean took a deep breath while Nathan prepared himself for the thick cajun redneck accent that he knew was coming. “Wat you jus say boy, wat da hell you talkin bout?”

Nathan cringed at the accent he had all but lost over the years, then responded as if he were explaining to a child why he must not play in the street. “A war is coming...THE war is coming.”

As Nathan looked around he noticed that no one was grasping the situation. He then tried a more direct approach. “Armageddon is here, everything you know is about to change and not for good. Millions of people are going to die and so are you if you don’t listen to what I’m saying.”

That got their attention. Nathan’s mother was the first to speak. “How? Why? What are you talking about?”

Nathan grew frustrated trying to figure out how to explain the situation. In truth he knew what the outcome was going to be but he had to try. “I don’t know how yet, but I know its coming. As far as why....power, the men who are doing this want power above all else.”

In a mocking tone Jean asked. “And who’s gonna be takin over? Who’s gonna be takin us to dim compounds you talkin bout huh?”

Nathan paused for a moment, took a deep breath then answered. “The Illuminati.”

Nathan knew these words were the ones that would start the war, and would ultimately lead to Jean and his mother being captured. Jean stood up then looked at Alexia. “Go to your room.”

Alexia protested. “But dad this is important!” Jean lifted his hand as if to backhand his daughter. Nathans body tensed ready to throw Jean thru the living room window. Jean raised his voice. “Don’t make me tell you again!” Alexia stormed off through the den then showed her distaste for her father by stomping her way up the stairs to her room and slamming the door...but she wasn’t in it. She then silently crept down far enough so she could hear what was said without being detected.

Jean turned his attention to Nathan. “I shulda known you’d bring your bullshit here, always talkin bout secret clubs takin over the world. You come here scaring your mudder and your sister, you even got your imbacil brudder believing that shit. I should...”

Nathan interrupted his ass chewing by moving close to Jean. He towered over him moved face to face and spoke as calmly as he could. “You are the most ignorant man I know. You speak of things you know nothing about because like so many others you choose not to know.” Nathan stopped just long enough to maintain his composure then continued. “If you wish to ignore my warning then I can’t stop you. I love my mother but she would follow your ignorant ass off a building, so she won’t listen either but Lex is coming with me. She shouldn’t have to pay for your failure to act.”

Although Jean was a small man he didn’t back down from Nathan, he wanted to provoke Nathan enough to hit him. He knew then that all ties would be severed between Nathan and his family.

Jean spoke. “You aint takin nobody, you just try you son of a bitch and I’ll have the cops on yo ass so quick!”

Nathan pulled out his badge then set it on the table. If it were not for Jason’s quick reaction Jean might have got his wish of Nathan hitting him. But Jason quickly grabbed Nathan and pulled him back while Nathan’s mother quickly grabbed Jean. As Jean yelled obscenities at Nathan, Beast stood facing Jean warning him with a snarl. Just at that moment Darion was returning.

“Man, Nate as soon as I gave the guy behind the counter the money he...”

Darion had just noticed the situation. He didn’t help any. “Jason! What are you doing? Let him go. I been waiting a long time for this.” Everyone ignored Darion.

Nathan tried to quell the rage beginning to rise; he eyed Jean as he spoke to the room. “Let’s go.”

Nathan grabbed his badge off the table then walked out Jason, Darion and Beast followed. Jean called out. “Beast, comere.” Beast turned to Jean, gave a low growl then followed Nathan. On the way out the door Nathan released his rage by punching through one of the wooden beams supporting the porch. He then walked to the suburban all the while taking deep calming breaths. Darion and Jason were both still standing on the porch next to the broken beam wondering what would have happened if that was Jean’s face. Nathan calmed then motioned for Darion and Jason to come over, before they got there though Jean was in the doorway to yell one last obscenity, the one he knew would infuriate Nathan the most. “Why don’t cha go save your nigger friend and your spick girlfriend?”

Nathan reached behind his back for his pistol, Jason and Darions eyes got big as they ran to intercept Nathan. But they were cut short as Nathan thought a little smarter and pulled out his wallet instead and addressed Darion. “My debit card?”

The front door slammed while Darion and Jason breathed a sigh of relief.

Jason said. “I thought you were going to shoot him for a minute there.” Nathan let out a long sigh. “Yeah me too.” Nathan took another deep breath his body trembling with rage. He then turned to Jason. “Sorry you had to see that.” Jason shrugged. “I’m Italian, that’s nothin, you should see my family.”

Nathan smiled. “So, I guess you heard what I had to say. The airports should still be flying; I’ll get you a ticket to your parents if you want.”

Jason laughed. “You’re an FBI agent and one of the most serious guys I know. If your parent’s won’t listen to you I know mine won’t listen to me....you did say “safety” camps right.”

Nathan nodded. “Their looking for control, they will only dispose of those who pose a threat. We’re going to try to help as many people as we can before things get bad.

Jason raised his eyebrows. “Help how, we gonna break them outta these camps?” Nathan looked at Darion and then back to Jason. “Something like that, it’s probably going to get pretty dangerous. Are you sure you want to do this?”

Jason thought for a moment. “I’ll call my family and try to warn them, but I think I’m going with you guys....Plus, it sounds like more fun than safety compounds.” Darion sarcastically added. “Tons.” Nathan nodded and quickly moved away. “Glad to have you. Now let’s get these boxes back in the suburban.”

Nathan and Darion spoke as they loaded the boxes. “So everything went alright?”

“Alright? I got there slipped 500.00 under the glass door and poof the store magically opened early. I gave him another 800.00 and abracadabra 20 minute installation.” Nathan was still being cautious. “Was he suspicious?” Darion shook his head. “Nah, I just told him I was the assistant of one of the big Saints players, although he wouldn’t stop hounding me for tickets”

Nathan nodded. “Good job. Alright if you guys need anything you’d better get it now.”

30 minutes later both the Jeep and the Suburban were loaded. Nathan and Darion were just finishing putting the all terrain tires on the Suburban when Darion turned to his brother and asked. “What about Lex?” Nathan looked at the house then replied. “I think she’ll be ok.” Jason walked up. “Are we ready?”

“Almost” Nathan said as he looked towards his mother walking out of the house. Nathan moved to meet her. “I’m sorry momma; I didn’t want any of that.” Julie consoled her son. “It’s OK everyone knows how stubborn he is and he should have never talked about Anthony and Kayla that way. I got in his shit about that.” Nathan shook his head, still upset at Jean’s ignorance. “You could come with us.” Nathan said already knowing his mothers response. She shook her head. “No son, my place is here. He’s not a bad man, you know that.”

Nathan nodded then moved to embrace his mother once again trying to hold back his tears. Julie couldn’t hold hers back as Darion joined the embrace his own tears flowing. After a moment Nathan slowly pulled away. “We have to go mom.” She gave the boys one last squeeze and said. “I know.” The three slowly parted. Nathans mother looked at him sternly. “You take care of them.” Nathan looked at his mom and nodded. “I promise momma.” Julie turned and quickly went inside trying to hold her sobs. The brothers walked back to Jason.

Nathan thought to himself for a moment trying to not think that he may never see his mother again. He forced a smile. “You two follow me...we have a few quick stops to make then we’re off.”

Both Darion and Jason asked. “Where?” Nathan gave a wry look and winked. “You’ll see.”

Nathan hopped in the Suburban with Beast in the passenger seat. He drove off Darion and Jason tailing. Nathan regretted having to leave his mother but he understood her loyalty to her husband. Jean was a good husband and father but like so many he was just ignorant. Even his racial slurs were meant more out of anger towards Nathan than any beliefs, still Nathan fumed with anger.

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Nathan pulled into the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant then got out. Darion and Jason pulled alongside; Jason was the first to speak. “So this is your hiding place! A Chinese restaurant with a taco place, two burger joints and a seafood restaurant....sweet.”

Nathan nodded as if Jason was correct. “They’ll never find us.” They all enjoyed the small amount of levity. “This may be our last chance to eat good for a while.” Nathan pulled a large wad of cash from his pockets then continued as he handed it out. “So buy the place out. Go to all of them and buy enough for all of us and then some.”

Nathan then turned around and banged the hood of the Suburban. “Lex, you can come out now.”

Darion and Jason looked at each other. A moment later Alexia slowly crawled from under some clothes in the back seat. She stepped out then asked. “How did you know I was there?” Nathan smiled. “I thought about leaving you back there, but it’s a long trip and I know you love Taco Bell.”

Darion’s eyes were wide open. “Oh man mom’s gonna be pretty pissed when she finds out.”

Nathan shook his head no. “Mom knew.” Darion and Alexia both looked at Nathan, the latter thinking she escaped without her mother’s consent. Nathan explained. “She’s loyal to her husband but she’s going to protect her children. She’s a mother first.” Both siblings had sorrow and guilt on their faces. Nathan looked towards a pizza place as he tried to change the subject. “Like I said it’s going to be a long trip, get everything you can carry and let’s get out of here.”

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After a 6 hour drive the only thing Darion and Jason could figure out is that they were somewhere in rural Mississippi. Nathan had taken a county road about 30 minutes ago onto a back road and had just recently pulled off onto a dirt road. He just turned his left blinker on.

Darion leaned forward over the steering wheel. “Where’s he turning?”

Nathan bulldozed his suv through some bushes and continued through thick woods dodging around trees. Darion sighed “Man I just waxed this thing last week!” Jason looked over. “So the world is pretty much about to end and you’re worried about your paint job.”

Darion threw the Jeep into 4 wheel drive, looked over at Jason and calmly said “Shut up.”

Jason laughed. After a hundred feet or so an old trail big enough for a four wheeler made the going a little easier, a mile or so later they came to a small creek about 30 feet across. Nathan turned up the side of the creek and kept driving until they came to a place where the water was low enough to cross. Every bump scrape and scratch made Darion wince, Jason held his laughter behind a coy smile. After a while Nathan pulled out the creek to a small clearing where old wooden dummies and stand up targets could be seen. Off to the side was a small shack, an ATV and a man. Darion was surprised. “Anthony!”

Nathan parked, got out of the Suburban almost as surprised as Darion to see his friend. Anthony looked to Nathan. “You’re late.” Nathan very perplexed walked up to Anthony. “You’re early… your never early.” The old friends laughed and embraced in the male shake half hug then Nathan asked. “When did you leave?”

Anthony answered. “Not too long after the all hands meeting. I couldn’t get any ammo so I drove down; I saw this for sale in someone’s yard and bought it.” Anthony motioned towards the ATV. “I figured we could use it.” Nathan had many questions for his friend. “So where’s your car?”

Anthony was shaking his head. “Long story.” Nathan cocked his head. “And I assume the meeting didn’t go well.” Anthony’s eyes widened. “You assume right. But we’ll talk about that later.”

The rest of the group had made their way over. Alexia gave Anthony a big hug. “Good to see you.”Anthony stepped back. “Well you’ve grown, still beating up your brother?” Anthony asked why pointing to Darion who was walking over. Darion showed his bruise as Anthony winced. Darion shook Anthony’s hand. “Good to see you Ant, this is my best friend Jason Trapani.”

Jason shook Anthony’s hand. “You can call me JT, nice to meet you.”

Anthony nodded. “Like wise,...is that Beast?” Nathan nodded. “Sure is, come here boy.” Beast moved to Nathan’s side. Anthony’s eye’s got big. “The last time he saw beast he was just a puppy. Man oh man.”

One by one everyone looked to Nathan wondering what to do next. “Well, get the rest of that food out and let’s eat, tomorrow training begins.” The three youth looked around interested and a little afraid.”

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Chapter 6 : Lessons

November 25

The Prince woke up early this morning. He was anxious. The beginning of operations started tonight and tomorrow the world would change. The Prince put on his robe, shuffled out his bedroom and down the hall to his bodyguard’s bedroom. Before he could knock he heard a voice behind him. “My Lord.”

The Prince turned around startled, tried to look under the cowl of this man then asked. “Deshad?” Deshad bowed his head slightly. “Yes my lord.” The Prince relaxed. “When did you return?” Deshad answered. “Late last night.”

“I assume I have the responsibility of replacing Volkov today?” Deshad again bowed slightly. “Yes my lord.” The Prince frowned. “I did hope to relax a bit today. Oh well the burdens of leadership.”Deshad added. “Leadership of a new world.” The Prince looked at Deshad and smiled. “Indeed. Come let’s go get some breakfast.”                           

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It was just before sunrise. Nathan and Anthony were dressing and getting prepared to wake the others. The night prior Anthony had told Nathan about the manditory meeting; he said that no other information was given just that all agents were to be put in teams and set to secure the state lines and highways. Other teams would be set to help escort civilians to registration and safety compounds, the President would explain during a national address on Friday. The kicker that finally made Anthony’s decision was that special five man teams were to apprehend civilians starting at 12 am on the 26
th
. Anthony was set to lead one of these teams. Nathan asked Anthony about his sisters, nieces and nephews. Anthony said they were visiting his mother in Detroit, too far to get to them and get them here in time. He said he elected not to tell them about the situation figuring that they’d be safer in a camp for now as opposed to trying to run. Nathan swore to his friend they would go for them and Kayla when they could. As far as what happened to Anthony’s car no one knows but him. All that was said was that he drove it down here and somehow ended up with the ATV.

Nathan and Anthony shook the tents of the remaining three. Nathan smiled as he spoke.

“Happy Thanksgiving!” Through all the groans Darions voice could be heard. “Oh come on.”

Nathan looked at Anthony who was quietly smiling, while Nathan did all the yelling.

“Get up, grab your socks and drop your....” Nathan paused as he and Anthony grinned. “Just get up.”

One by one the three crawled out of their tents groaning. As they exited they saw Nathan and Anthony dressed in black military pants, black shirts and black boots. Anthony had a pistol strapped to his right leg and a knife on his left while Nathan had twin pistols located under each arm.

Nathan threw MRE’s to each of the trio then said. “Bon a Petite.” Darion was the first to gripe about the breakfast. “What is this?” Anthony answered. “Military rations, lots of vitamins and calories.” Jason read his package. “Beefsteak?” Nathan smiled. “Ah yes the butt steak, my favorite.” Jason opened the package smelled his food then called to Beast. “Here boy.”

They all ate breakfast as the sun rose then Nathan and Anthony led the others to the Suburban. Nathan spoke. “Find a set of clothes that best fit you then meet us at the targets we have set up.”

A few minutes later Jason and Darion walked up both wearing digital camouflage pants, black boots and green T shirts. Several minutes later Alexia walked up wearing black pants that she managed to roll into hip huggers, black boots laced low with the top of the boot flipped over and a black military blouse cut on the sides and tied in the front. She also wore a navy blue beret tilted to the side with her hair in a bun. Jason’s eyes got wide; Darion noticed and hit the back of his head. Nathan addressed his little sister. “This is not a fashion show.”

Alexia rebutted. “Fine, I’ll make you a deal. If one of these two can beat me then I’ll dress more.....boring. If not then you let me wear what I want.”

Everyone but Jason knew that Alexia had taken after her older brother; she had taken various martial arts including kickboxing, kung fu, judo and jeet kundo since she was seven. Darion was smart enough to step back but Jason was thinking differently to himself.

....17, 22, that’s only five years....she should be 18 soon....

Nathan winked at Anthony who was shaking his head, he knew what was coming. Nathan called to Jason. “Alright Jason, try not to hurt her.” Jason moved forward and winked at Alexia. She assumed an innocent posture and said. “Be gentle.” Jason replied. “I’ll try and put you down softly.” Alexia stood perfectly relaxed while Jason assumed a stance that looked like he was about to wrestle a bear. Darion moved to Anthony’s side. “This isn’t going to be good.”

Jason faked left, then went right. He reached for Alexia’s arm to try and turn it behind her back. Alexia reversed his grip, stepped under his arm and flipped Jason over onto his back. With Jason’s arm still locked out she put her boot to his throat adding insult to injury. She then looked at her elder brother with an expression of complete superiority. Nathan, Anthony and Darion all turned their heads and laughed. Then Nathan responded to his sister’s look. “Ok, ok...if anything you’ll confuse the bad guys.” Alexia smiled then released Jason who was looking around trying to figure out what happened. Nathan took a breath.”Alright let’s get started.”

Alexia walked past Darion as he held his hands in a defensive posture. Jason walked by next rubbing his shoulder, Darion was laughing. Jason huffed. “What? I slipped ok.”

Darion chuckled. “Sure” Beast barked at Jason. Jason looked at beast. “Oh shut up.”

Nathan began to give instructions. “Let’s go.”

Everyone circled around. “Ok it’s time for firearms training, all playing stops now. If it were up to me none of you would ever have to handle a gun but circumstances make that very difficult. First and foremost, ammunition is a precious commodity. We have a good bit now but don’t know when we’ll be able to get more. With the control on ammo it’s going to be very hard to come by, but we have to train you so try not to waste any. If and when the time comes to fight firearms will hopefully be the last resort.” Darion was the first to question this tactic. “Why would it be a last resort?” Nathan expected the question. “Anthony and I have talked and we think ammo will be very hard to come by. Therefore we are going to use ....different methods, methods proven effective in times past. Anthony is a better shot than I am so he is going to be your firearms instructor. As for me,… let’s just say it’s going to be a rough afternoon.”

The trio of youths looked at each other ominously.

Nathan turned to Anthony. “It’s all yours.”

Anthony took over. “Thank you Mr. Turner. We’re going to begin pistol training this morning, we have a variety of pistols and I want you guys to get a feel for all of them. Nathan and I are going to show you the proper way to hold aim and fire your pistol. We’ll practice dry firing for a couple of hours then we’ll begin live fire.”

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The morning passed fairly quick with Darion and Alexia doing well, while Jason was having a little more trouble but still doing ok for a first time shooter. The important thing to Nathan was how they conducted themselves. The thought that he and Anthony were in essence teaching these kids to kill bothered him but he knew they had to be prepared. Lunch was a welcomed rest for blistered hands.

Darion was complaining about his lunch. “Hot dogs...they don’t smell like hot dogs.”

Anthony looked up from his meal. “Five fingers of death.”

Alexia was the next to chime in. “Mines not that bad...chili mac. Anyway what gun did you guys like? I like the big one.” Anthony looked over. “The Desert Eagle?” Alexia nodded. “Yea, I like that one.”

Jason was the next to speak. “I don’t know I’m not real good with any of them.”

Anthony offered encouragement. “Be patient, it will come. I think you should stick with the Glock 40. It has a good blend of accuracy and stopping power.”

Darion looked around. “Where’s Nate?”

At that moment Nathan had just walked over carrying the silver chest from his house, he set it so that as he opened it the top shielded the contents from view. Everyone including Anthony turned their attention to Nathan curious to see the chests contents. Nathan pulled out a belt with two sheaths attached to the hips and two pistol holsters facing each other in the back of the belt. Nathan synched on his belt and strapped the sheaths to his legs just above the knee. He then felt behind his back to make sure the holsters were in place. Then he reached in to the chest and pulled two nickel plated 45 caliber pistols out and placed them in the holsters behind his back adding to the two 40 caliber pistols already under his arms. Next Nathan pulled out two black steel short swords with black nylon gripping and no hand guards. He let them roll to the outside of his hand spin one full circle then land on the crease between the sheaths and his pants. He then slowly moved the blades up and snapped them in place. From his caesar haircut and facial stubble to the weapons and clothes he looked every bit the warrior ready for battle.