A New World in the Old: Terror... Terror Every where

The story of how a boy who brought peace to the land by becoming one with the Sea......

Prologue: Part 1

The air was cold and dry, upon the beaches of the gulf of mexico. As a small crowd gathered around, a small flotation device, long and rectangular. As they gathered, they prepared for a service, a young woman with dark black hair tied back into a long tail behind her head and down her back, slowly she placed a small ring upon the box, her eyes blanketed in tears.

They slowly began to take a step back as the box was slowly pushed into the waters of the ocean. A group of four split away and formed a line, carrying a single rifle each, they took aim, fired, fired, fired, fired, 21 times they fired their weapons. As the coffin drifted into the ocean, the flames erupted, a true viking funeral for this person.



1 year earlier

There was once a building, rather lovely, I mean it was covered in plants but it was nice. In the Metallic town of Richmond. It served as the Police station even though it said Post Office on the old rusted hanging sign. With houses and shops on either side stretching out, all of them too were covered in plants but this town was many centuries old

Outside people were buzzing around, selling and buying in the towns expansive market selling everything from food and drinks to luxury items like radios, soaps and booze. And of course that teen selling the newspapers. Shouting "Daily Richmond anyone.... Mass breakout of Atlantean prison..."

To most it may seem to be a normal town, but this was Richmond in the former United States, but now the Capital city of the Virginia Commonwealth, consisting of all the Metallic towns and farmsteads within its borders.

As these normal people went about their business things suddenly changed when the small station erupted into flames and metal. As an explosive was triggered sending glass and debris into a great and expansive radius.

As people ran back and forth as the flames engulfed the entire building, a silouetted figure is spotted fleeing through the smoke of the flames out of the building and into one the adjacent alleys. Spotted by a man hiding in the shadows, his face covered by the darkness of the alleys shadows eyes white and pale, with one scarred and blank.


Chapter 1: Who Is He?

No one knows what started the war, the event that destroyed our entire planet. Leaving it nothing more than a partially radioactive wasteland, the great cities that once covered the earth and could be seen from space. Now they are little more than crumbling ruins, some of the skyscrapers are now leaning against each other, monuments that once were easily recognisable some are now a scavengers dream. Who knows how many centuries and some places are still radiation hotspots and are impossible for any form of life, not even frigging cockroaches.

Those who survived the event, had no choice but to survive the dark time, or more commonly known as the "Chaos". Decades destruction and brutality did more to destroy governments than the event itself. Those lucky to escape the winter colds and the destructive fall of the old world found shelter in the earth and the oceans.

And with the radiation we evolved and mutated into new races and cultures and you could say new species.

Yet I am getting ahead of myself the focus is the peoples, those who were lucky to survive all of this, at first there were two.

There were the dwellers who retreated into the underworld, dug into the rocks and dirt to build towns and greenhouses to live and thrive. It was a hard world, that and the radiation made them incredibly tough, bulky and a little shorter barely 5 feet at the tallest.

But then there are the newcomers, the Metallic who have taken the ruins of the cities for their own. They have a great resistance to the levels of radiation that cover the surface. Many living in their somewhat primitive clans and tribes that shelter within the old world. Simple and primitive but a mercenaries heaven for seeking employment. But not all are like this, there are some towns, settlements and tribes that have somewhat come together and formed nations, like Florida, Virginia, British Commonwealth and the Marseilles Marquis.

Finally there are those like my ancestors who took to the oceans and now live in the underwater airtight domes that stand or sit among the coral reefs. It was there that we founded our republics, united together under the so called "United Oceanic Republics", a body of representatives from each of the settlements and communities of all our people. Our bodies to you would be almost alien, we are slightly taller than ordinary humans, thinner and with more oily hair on our heads, we have webbing between our hands and toes, and larger lungs so we can hold our breaths for over an hour.

And I don't mean to gloat, but the Atlantean peoples are more sophisticated than the other two cultures, we have managed to harvest proper electricity from the waves and hot thermal springs instead of the simple and old fashioned solar panels and wind turbines. And with that electricity we have been able to build factories and create undersea transportation so we can travel back and forth through the oceans.

But I barely ever see them, I'm what some of my kind would call an traitor. My name is Adal-Amar Adal to my friends, and not really that impressive, just an ordinary Atlantean with a muscular but slender body with the webbing between my fingers and toes. Hell the only thing of worth to mention is that I am the younger brother of All-En who is the current reigning Protectorate of the Atlantean Republics, and to those of you who don't know what that means is that he is the elected leader of our peoples for life, he is kind of like a president, commander in chief of our armies and navies until he dies. 

I was kind of the disappointment of the family, both All-En and our sister (Elder to me) Lee-Ann were fathers favourites growing up, he cuddled them, loved them, but the youngest of the family who had no interest in politics or military service. Hello to the phrase "I have no son". Had to earn my own living, had jobs since I was twelve, fishery, Farm, engineer, Hunter etc, all of it so I could actually live my life.

I was forced by my bastard father to sign up to the Republic Marines, still got the scars to prove it, trained to hunt and kill, but once I had the chance I left, I up and left the oceans behind. Last I heard of my daddy dearest was that he had publically and officially disowned me got the scar for that too. So now I live within the wastelands of the world, taking up work wherever I can, yep you heard me I'm a mercenary for hire to the highest bidder.


Chapter 2: Division

Not that I know a lot of it, there is some kind of a reign of terror going on in the Republics and the rest of the world, one of the bloody reasons I'm here... but that't not important. Anyway some crazy jackass called Djeck Vanall (pronounced Van- All) and another guy called Adam-Anall (Ann-All) think that because we are somewhat civilised we should be more central in the world, an old idea of Supremacist , they think that because we have technology we should use it to bring order to the world. They call themselves the AQUALISTS short for Aquatic Supremacists, though they call themselves the Knights of Vanall for some bloody reason maybe some commitment or to give a giant middle finger to the Knights of Poseidous.

Djeck and his followers are so active that everyone is so bloody scared and not Just Atlanteans but also the Dwellers and Metallic with the aim of sparking another Chaos.  I should bloody know, they mistake me for one nearly every time they see me, I mean for crying out loud, I may be an Atlantean but that doesn't mean I'm a psychotically deranged Aqualist. From what I've heard though Djeck is on the run but always one step ahead. Every thing I hear from home is from I've read in the Newspapers from the Dweller Undergrounds and Metallic prints. And by the way when I say newspapers and prints, I  mean those old prints where you have to physically arrange the letters by hand and then press the paper onto them.


Aqualists Strike Again! Dozens dead in Baltimore

Adam Anall seen fleeing Baltimore!!

Protectorate All-En calls for Vigilance after sighting of Anall!

Hundreds dead in Rio after Aqualist Attack!

Atlantean Marines on High Alert!!

Texas and California on Brink of War!

Sighting of Djeck Vanall in North sea!!!

Aqualist Numbers Growing says Atlantis

War between Florida and Virginia Rages On

Is Djeck Vanall gathering an Army?

Are We Ready for WAR? Is Anyone Safe?!

Underworlds and Metallics for emergency Talks with Atlantis!

No Sighting of Djeck Vanall in 6 Months!

Where is Djeck Vanall?.... Where is Adam Anall?




Chapter 3: The Open Road

Here I am in the wilds of the city that from the looks like Ridge Vill... Oh Ridgeville .

Anyway, with a fire in front of me, miniature Geiger counter hooked to my hip, for obvious reasons, even now the levels of radiation are dangerous is some areas, like the wastes to the north where the greatest cities of the Old Ones fallen into ruin. Like Washington and New York, plus a few dozen others but Don't know them.

But anyway back to me, the weird guy slumped into a broken armchair in the ruins of a living room in the remaining half of a some poor buggers house, with the patched clothes and ripped jeans with a green shemagh around my neck tightly, and Mohawk dark hair is me. Yep told you not impressive. I am currently on my way to the Metallic city of Savannah which is at this moment of time being held by Florida, its going to be one hell of a trek but it will be worth it, the agent I clandestinely met in Georgetown, said their looking for Mercenaries to hire in their war with Virginia. 

Looking at this old... really old map I need to take the 78 west and then the 95 south, I was going to go via the coastline, through Charleston where I can perhaps get a proper meal. But two things have happened that have made me change my plan. First being that the Virginians have launched a counter offensive and retaken Charleston. Second the Aqualists set a bomb off in Richmond, so it probably wouldn't be a good idea to be Atlantean and be in a Virginian held city after whats happened.

You know what actually, from what I have heard the Virginians are coming inland. So I might actually get moving now before it gets light. I'll let the story tell itself for a few....... just don't mind when I talk to myself....see yous later

Adal, pulls himself up from his broken chair and then piece by piece, gathers his equipment from his short sword in its sheath, Bringing it up and strapping it to his belt. Next was his Harpernax (An Atlantean weapon that fires small harpoon like bullet which can be retrieved after firing, that uses compressed air instead of gunpowder) ensuring the strap on the barrel and the but were securely fixed before slinging it over his shoulder.

With a small cub of water he chucks the contents into the fire, sending the small flames into damp embers. As the fire began to die down to nothing more than smouldering embers, Adal pulled the last item he required onto his back a simple rucksack, containing spare clothes, ammunition, food and medical supplies.

As he stepped out into the ruins of Ridgeville, he saw the simple farming community that was growing everything Wheat, Potatoes, Carrots but most of all Corn which was easiest to grow in these parts. Marching through the small town, straight down the highway to his right, Adal could see a Platoon of Virginian Militia escorting captured Floridans, he could tell who they were from the patches on their arms bands. The Virginians with plain blue bands with a Proud woman warrior in a white circle, and the Floridans with a white armband with a red X like cross from corner to corner upon it.

Another day... another war

The Guards were carrying the only weapons that the Metallic could really make in mass production, rather old fashioned when compared to the Atlantean Harpernax, no the Militias of the Metallic used old repeating and bolt action rifles, weapons and ammunition that did not really require major factories to construct, which no one on the land really had. The Metallic had Gunsmiths yes, but they had no big industries that could bring out weapons by the crate everyday.

Adal could already tell that these were prisoners of war that must have been captured when the Virginians retook Charleston, now obviously they are being escorted north towards Columbia South Carolina. He was surprised at the number of them, 30 Floridans being escorted by about 25 Virginians. Adal found it best to keep his head down and get moving before the whole town woke up.
Turning left he began to make his way to the main highway, and preferably before the soldiers noticed the fact he was Atlantean, who most likely are on the look out for men like him.

More prisoners for the Virginian Work camps.... I mean Prisons

By the time the sun was high in the sky he was half way down the 78, pushing harder and faster, avoiding locals going along their way in their horses and carts, a few on pedal bikes. Every now and again though there was a familiar sound, electrical power, in this case Adal could see the reason, coming rather fast along the highway was a man on an old electrical peddle bike. Straight away Adal could tell who it was, this side of the town of Walterboro it has to be a Virginian militia courier.

The Biker simply sped straight past him, not once losing focus on the road ahead most of all avoiding the wrecks and remains of the Cars, trucks and lorries that dot the road.

Road Hog!!!

Adal couldn't give a damn either, after all he needs to get to Savannah and he wants to be in Walterboro by tomorrow.

Didn't give a damn.... I just wanted to shout at the tosser....

He was just hoping that the town was still under Floridan control, but the second guess was hitting the back of his mind as he found himself entering St George which just like Ridgeville had been taken by the Virginians.  And it must have been recent, some of the building were smoking, fires were still embers, there was the distinct smell of gunpowder in the air and blood on the concrete and far in the distance carts carrying bodies away. It was clear to him that even though the Floridans started well, they are now losing home territory to the Commonwealth.

This raised a question in his head, He had fought for both sides in previous conflicts, but in each the Virginian commonwealth never pushed into Federation territory. They always allowed the Floridans some victory then counter with a massive push, thus pushing Florida back across into Georgia, at which point they would hold the line against any Floridan push, thus prolonging the war but giving them the home field advantage. But now they were moving into Florida held country with intent, why?. What would make them commit troops to an all out invasion of Georgia? which they know they won't be able to hold once Florida pulls itself together.

Now with the sun beginning to set, he has a choice either try and find a place to stay for the night or push on south on the 95 and find a place to pitch camp. As he looks up at the Virginian Commonwealth flag flying above the highway, he makes his choice, with the militia in platoon strength here, there was no way he was going to spend the night.
Turning left, he once more continued down the road towards the Floridan line.


Chapter 4: The War

Fuck am I tired, days and nights of nothing but bloody walking.....

After almost three days of constant moving he finally arrived at his destination, a battle torn Walterboro, a farming settlement that has constantly changed hands in the latest war between the Commonwealth and Federation. But for the moment there is a Floridan Red X flying above the guardposts and the way everyone was working hard he could instantly tell the town wasn't going to be under that flag for much longer.

The Floridans were moving the bigger weapons like the old cannons away from the town and further south, supplies were being crammed onto carts and like the cannons being pulled away by horses.

"Halt" A shout went, looking back at street level Adal saw a single militiamen aiming an 1873 Springfield carbine directly at him. Adal steadily raised his arms in a sarcastic manner and slumped, the militiamen just kept aiming the springfield at him, "Who are you Virginian bastard?". It was a woman, barely 18 at the least, he could see that she was clearly a new recruit, from the cleanliness of her uniform and weapon, even the way she was standing, legs too close together, her brown hair tied back into a ponytail.

I think this kid has seen way too many theatre crime dramas

"I'm Atlantean dumb-ass see the webbing on my hands" Adal gave his response, "I'm here for employment.... Got a letter from Brigade commander William J. Harper"

"Give It"  she ordered

Adal just looked at him, after a sudden sigh, he threw his ruck sack to the floor and slowly knelt down with one hand began to rummage through his belongings. Finally getting the small piece of paper that bears his proof, "Here" slowly extending the paper forward.

She slowly came forward, step by step until she could finally snatch the paper from Adal's hand, but the instant she did, Adal made his move. Pulling this random militia-woman's arm until she lost her balance, Next he grabbed the Springfield barrel and pushed upwards into the air, but the young fighter pulled the trigger in the process. Now the entire garrison knew what was happening.

Now they Adal could see them all running towards them, Adal once again raised his hands, holding the letter in his right hand. Now instead of just one young recruit pointing weapons at him he now had about 20 veterans, "For crying out loud" he exclaimed.

Before he knew what had happened he was restrained on the floor, three guys holding him down, two of them pulling his arms behind his back. Then a certain shout came "Virginians!!!", the sound was only covered by the gunshots and echoes of explosions, "VIRGINIANS!!".

Okay this just keeps getting better....

The three now holding him down jumped up to turn and fire, using either their old bolt action or level action rifles. Adal rose up slowly grabbing his Harpernax and ruck sack, then finally getting up further to run for the protection of the town, weaving and jinking left and right as the Floridans fell on either side of the road. Harpernax still in hand he made one final dive into better cover as bullets began to strike around, he wish he had better but an artillery crater was the best he could get under the current circumstances.

Eenny.....

Checking his ammunition, he pulled his pack around to his feet and began to pull through all the items within, what he found he didn't like. Only three Harpoon clips, each contained about 40 Harpoons but they go very quickily in a fight, he understood that he can reclaim them when the fighting was over but there was always the matter of finding them.

Meeney.....Miney....

Not wanting to use a specialised weapon that was expensive to maintain, he returned to his pack and rummaged through it ever more, to find a more practical weapon. In this case an incredibly old Colt peacemaker revolver, compared to the Harpernax it was worthless he would have only six bullets in the gun at any one time and even then he had to continuously pull back the hammer to fire every shot.

Mo....

Heck the only reason he had it was because on the surface world Bullets were cheaper than Harpoons for a Harpernax. Pulling back the hammer to prepare his first shot, he took a peek over the top of the crater to see what was coming and pick out his first target. What he saw was not as surprising as he thought, just a small Platoon of Virginians numbering of only about 20 to 30 men, wielding bolt action rifles and level action repeaters.

The Virginians must have thought the town was lightly defended either that or this the vanguard of the main assault that is close behind. Pulling himself ready, he pushed out of the crater and pointed his Peacemaker, taking aim he squeezed the trigger and pulled back on the hammer in quick succession, 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 ,6. Each bullet hitting its mark, falling another Virginian to the earth, taking a knee he began the agonising job of reloading his peacemaker sliding each bullet one at a time.  Looking up he kept seeing them coming, but then as he saw one man running towards him and he was still trying to put the final bullet in.

Then finally a shot rang from behind him, it was the same young woman who challenged him when he arrived. From the look on her face, Lex could she had made her first kill, just from the way she wasn't able to say anything or even look away from the person she had just shot.

Hell... I wouldn't be surprised if she throws up.... 

Falling to her knees, she lost control of herself and began to throw up profoundly from the shear shock and pain of taking someones life.

never mind.

But then the sounds he had been hearing and focusing on were dying down, turning forward again along the road which by now was dotted in the bodies of the Virginian vanguard. But the only living things were those who had survived and were running for their lives, this allowed Lex to take a strong breath, the breath he had been waiting for since he started his long trek.


Chapter 5: the Job

"Adal-Amar" a voice went, slowly turning around as he retook his standing stance, Adal saw a more experienced soldier, someone he had known for a while.

"Brigade Commander William J Harper" Adal stated "Been a long time"

Just so you guys know, I have a history with this old geezer.... 

"Not long enough" the Commander stated with a firm gruff in his voice "This way now" he turned away, giving a wave of his hand.

And when I say history I mean I knocked out three of his teeth last time we met.....

Adal was lead through the chaos of what he could only call a retreat, the look of the town and its Militia inhabitants were clear in their intentions. Families were packing their belongings, being loaded onto horse and carts by the convoy, as the Militia loaded as much of the weapons and ammunition they could. Yet the Commander lead them through it all and finally into a large tent which obviously served as the commanders hooch, judging from the boards with papers and maps, and most importantly a large table.

"We are losing this war" the Commander barked, Adal just had one thought in his mind and he made it clear.

"No shit.." he scoffed "You've lost Augusta and Athens up north"

The commander just looked at him with an element of fear and concern "Thats not why I want to hire you" This made Adal judge everything, why hire someone to not fight a war? "The reason is this" he handed two small slips of paper with the mark of Florida's Spies network.

"
Dispatch 617

Our spies in Virginia have confirmed the reports of Adam Anall being in the commonwealth, from they have collected it would appear he's heading south after the attack on Blacksburg.

If Andrack is here in North America, then something big must be coming from the Aqualist terror cells, else Vanall would not have sent the General of their forces our way. This fits in with the capture by our forces Everglades city of the Butcher of the Congo.

Dispatch 619

We have had no recent reports from our agents within Nevada, their last pigeon note states such "Unknown troops spotted. weapons unfamiliar. wore Aqualist Insignia. Aqualist activity increasing in Nevada. Djeck Vanall" Note was covered in blood, imploring agents were killed as message was sent.

The latest intelligence from Utah also concerns that there was an large scale attack somewhere in the region, one that ended with the complete silence of the Salt Lake Tribe"

Two words hit Adal hard, Djeck Vanall, a man whom everyone knew, he now understood that he was being hire to figure out what happened. "So just to clarify you want me to go to Utah find out what the hell happened and report back"

Djeck... Mentioned by name.... not association.... what the hell's he doing in the Plains Nations....

"Pretty much yeah" the commander confirmed with an almost sarcastic look on his face.

Adal began to think about this job "and you are aware that means going through Louisiana and Texas which is easier said than done and then even worse go into the wild lands that are controlled by the Plains Nations...... what then?"

Aka.... going through a swamp... then going through the only nation to fight off the Reavers on a daily basis.... then going into the brutal mess of the Plains Nations....

The Commander once again waved his hand "We have a prisoner... an Aqualists whose is another reason we wanted you.... because you are his last request"

Some death fearing weirdo.... wants me by name

This caught Adal's attention, not just because this was the first time in a long, long time since he has seen an Atlantean but also because he is someones last request before their execution. But the shock was made even worse when he saw in an iron barred cell who it was.

It had to be you...... you slimy psychotic murderous bastard

"Hello old friend" a voice went, as from the shadows a tall slender man stepped forward, he was the same height as Adal, with no hair upon his head and the distinctive webbing between the fingers on his hands, his skin was pale but slightly tanned just like Adal from living in the open sun of the surface.
His voice was calm and stern, but the words he had were serious and dangerous "So glad you could accept my invitation... how is your family doing" he said leaning sidewards onto the side of the door on the inside.

How the hell is this an Invitation

"You and I both know I don't give a damn about them Blake or should I call you... Black Marsh" was Adal's sudden and quick response.

To those of you who don't know who this guy is.... he is Blake Marin... aka Black Marsh...aka the Butcher of the Congo... an Aqualist Lieutenant.... whose forces have slaughtered thousands in Africa....

"Hmm yes... of course ever the outsider Ada...." Black Marsh just smiled at this memory "I'm surprised you actually came"

"I came because I've been hired to help investigate the sudden silence of Salt Lake" Adal ordered "Now I have a feeling that you and Djeck are responsible" Black Marsh turned to him slowly with a firm face stronger than his voice "So excuse me as I fulfil my contract".

So long asshole

As he turned away however Black Marsh became ever darker as he suddenly took centre stage of the cell door his face pushing between the bars.

Shit... there goes my quick escape from this conversation

"Adal.... you must now be ever more cautious..... you and Djeck are bound together that shall forever change the very momentum of history..... yet he knows that beneath your Outsider, Lone wolf act there is a fragility that threatens our people..... that is what worries him....." Adal just stood there and began to rub with his right hand the shemagh around his neck with concern, he knew what it was that Black Marsh was talking about.

"You've come a long way down from the Protectorate Council" Adal joked as he once more tried again to walk away.

Good come back.... now get out... come on Adal go!!!!

"Pay attention General!" Marsh ordered again, halting Adal in his tracks as he heard the word being said aloud, a title that only one group of people would call him.

General!!!!!

"Three more of the Desert will fall into our fold.... and there is nothing you can do to prevent it..... you need to accept that this is inevitable...... because by the time you realise that it was you.... that made all of this possible... it shall forever be the last sane thought in your traitorous skull"

Adal instantly became uneasy the warning that this person he once knew made him question everything. He now knew he had to find out what was happening in the Plains Nations, a land filled with constantly warring tribes, who raid the neighbouring nations for slaves and resources. And he was having to go there.

As he walked away passing the empty cells, a blank look on his face he knew what he had to do next, a choice that would let everyone he feared know where he was, to do that he needed a computer.

Three of the desert.... three of the Desert


Chapter 6: The Trip

Deep in the oceans of the Bahamas, within the great city of Atlantis was a command centre. A large domed room built into semi circle with desks and chairs circling around row upon row, at the front wall was a screen of immense size to display information in great amounts. Upon every single desk was someone desperately typing and clicking onto their key boards, as if their lives depended on it.

Storming into the room, was a firm and defiant woman, with a strong figure and dark brown hair. As she stormed in everyone knew she had entered from the sudden roar she made "Where is he?".

"He's still online Commander Leanne" a reply came, this was someone Adal feared and hated because he was his elder sister, one of the siblings that there father loved.

That pissed off chick is my dear big sis Leanne.... or Lee-Ann on paper.... she really really really hates me... don't know why.

"How did he get into out system?" she demanded

There was a sudden pause as she scanned the room "He um... gained access with.... your username and password" this was something she could not believe it one question instantly hit her mind.

"How the hell does he know these things"

She uses the same Username and Password for everything......  What!.....How else could I read her diary growing up

Her next question was more important "What is my little brother after?"

The desk workers instantly began going through the system, placing it upon the main screen, showing what it was the Adal was doing. The screen showed him looking through faces and names, until he finally came across the one he wanted "Blake Marin" a worker shouted "Other wise known as Black Marsh... the butcher of the Congo..... a leading Aqualist Lieutenant.... currently in Floridan custody". A name that caught Leannes attention, but then those thoughts changed.

"What the hell is the butcher of the Congo doing the Americas?" she stated "wait whats he doing?" she saw that the screen had changed,  the face was still there, but now there was a search known associates, a list of very long, long names. But then once again it changed Known associates: America. The list of names was changed as it shortened down to those focused only of those in the Americas.

As the list was scrolled down, it was clear the user had not found what he wanted as once again Known associates: America: Plains Nations, this time the long list finally began to zero down, as the cursor found and clicked on a name "Jason Prillick" a blank face came up but the name and information came up, along with the last known location "Vega"


Meanwhile back in the Floridan Federation, Lex is going through his list of demands for this particular contract. "Alright I'm going to need some help, first I'll need Mick Neldon, he's a Dweller from the Hoover Underworld" he stated to the leading officers within the room.

"Why do you need him? he's an arms dealer to the highest bidder" one commander almost shouted

So am I and yet you've hired me for crying out loud....

"I need him because he knows me and he knows the black market...." came the reply "As well as him I'll need someone with fast transport.... I know someone.... Jessica Stanthom, a Utan.... you'll be able to find her she'll be the only one flying in a helicopter"

Being serious about that.... who knows how many millions of people in the world and yet she's the only one flying.....

They all looked to him like he had just had a moment of flatulence, (Farted) Yet he held his firm look, he knew he was telling the truth in this matter. "Finally I'll need someone who knows the Plains Nations, Luckily I'll be able to find him myself, last I heard he's somewhere in Santa Fe"

I don't think I'll tell them who.... better that way

One by one the commanders of the Floridan Military began to nod their heads in agreement. By the following day reports had come in, Adal had his information Mick was in Louisiana and Jessica was being held by Floridan forces in Mobile to the south east. By that evening he was making his way southwards to find her.

What the hell is she doing there.... Last I heard she was running guns in Toronto

Yet there was one condition for him having his way, he would have too take along a member of the Floridan Militia to ensure that they fulfilled their contract. And unfortunately for him it was the same rookie that threw up after killing one man, he would later learn her name to be Jane from Jacksonville Florida.

After a long and uneventful journey he finally made it to the fishing border town of Mobile, the town was quite literally on the border of the Floridan Federation and the Louisiana Coalition. For the most part the town is mostly focuses on fishing from the gulf, but every now and again there's a Atlantean whale submersible (Trade ship) coming in too trade the commodities its carrying.

But for Adal his focus was the one vehicle that looks like it doesn't belong, an old 21st century Osprey helicopter, surrounded by floridan militia guarding something they never thought they'd ever see. But for Adal this was something he had seen before, Jessica was known for flying a private charter, she would fly her specially adapted Osprey, which unlike those of the old world did not rely on fossil fuels, she had managed to retrofit the aircraft to rely on electricity, with solar panels built onto the back and batteries within the engines.

Yep that's Definitely Jessica's' baby....

Usually when people say private charter they mean transporting people, Jessica is a bit of a smuggler, she uses her baby, to fly anything and everything across the continent. Although she does have preferences. Being from the Plains Nations she has a bit of discrimination against her, as she tells it, she fled her old life because she was fed up with the constant wars the tribes wage.

Adal was lead through to a secluded part of the town, which was clearly acting as a prison. Rooms had been imprisoned, solid bars had been fitted to the windows as well as the doors being replaced by the traditional barred doors of a jail. The Cells nearly all had the same kind of people, men and women in simple clothing, with tribal tattoos covering their bodies some were similar but the odd prisoner had different style of tattoo on their bodies. Adal recognised them in an instant to be captured Reavers from the plains, from the differing tattoos, they were clearly from different tribes, nothing to be concerned with, after all the tribes are always raiding their neighbours.

Finally he was pointed too a cell containing someone very different, it was the individual he and Jane were after, Jessica of the Pine Ridge tribe. Adal was definitive that it was the right person, because whilst all the other prisoners just watched as they walked by, Jessica was using the old pipes atop her cell to exercise. her Blonde hair tied back into two short pig tails, Jane looked at this woman and couldn't believe that she was the person they had come for.

"Hello Jesse" Adal shouted

Jessica suddenly halted her exercise and allowed herself to drop, turning to see an old friend she thought she never see again, she began to laugh. "What the fuck are you doing here?" she asked in her laugh.

"To get you out..." came the reply "Florida is willing to let go and give your baby back in exchange for you help in fulfilling my contract"

"Whats the Catch?" she asked

Adal looked her dead in the eye before he gave his answer "We're going into the Plains"

"That's its... I mean for something like this I thought....." She joked before being interrupted.

"And going after Djeck Vanall"

He saw the shock in her face when she looked back at him, she couldn't believe he had just openly and without any hesitation said that name "Adal" she whispered with a worrisome voice "Its a fools errand.... from the stories you've told.....you know better than me what he's capable of"

"Thats why we need to stop him.... now are you in or out"


Chapter 7: The Swamp man

After getting Jessica on their side, and her "beautiful baby" as transport, the trio loaded her up with supplies, as well as materials need for bribing the tribes.

Now their aim was to find a Dweller in the swamps controlled by the Louisiana Coalition, and not just any Dweller, but one that has a nack for explosives and weapons and likes to blow things up. They were going for Mick Neldon.

High above the beauty of the earth, Adal felt very uneasy, its a problem he had learnt before when he had flew with Jessica. He figured because Atlanteans are Semi-Aquatic, it means they are more reliant on Oxygen that is cleaner, and not the thin air higher up. Jesse disagreed, she just figured he hates flying and has an extreme case of air sickness.

Jane loved it, she never would have imagined looking down on farms, forest and hills from so high up, although properly wearing her seat belt, she would look out the open door of the osprey seeing the world below. All the while Jesse manned the cockpit, even though she was self taught in flying and engineering, she was an old hand at flying this baby.

They flew the skies for days, landing near the swamp villages to ask questions. Slowly but surely they began to get an idea where the man they were looking for could be found, until finally they had a definitive answer in the name of Beaumont, on the border with Texas. The trio hopped back into their transport and flew in the most direct route.

Finally arriving they knew straight away he was there from the bundle of smoke coming from what was clearly the training ground. Landing safely, they didn't even have to look for him, as soon as the ramp came down, there he was. A shorter man in his late forties barely 5 foot in height, with no hair on his head but a firm and muscular body despite his size. His voice was gravely and tough "Hear ya looking for me" he grunted.

"Been too long Mick" Adal chuckled "See you still love your explosives"

"You know me kid...." he laughed "I'm not happy unless I'm blowing shit up"

"How would like to blow up Djeck Vanalls' plan" Adal asked

As with Jessica, Mick was shocked to hear the name so freely spoken, it was as if there was a taboo to say the name Djeck Vanall. A name that no one was willing to say outright, but for Mick "After what that bastards done to my people..... point out where and I'll set a fucking nuke off"

Smiling at this Adal twitched his head to the left, telling Mick to hop aboard for the search for their next recruit, someone that knew the Plains Nations and what was going on better than anyone. They were going for a legend of the West.  "Jesse.... Next stop.... Santa Fe.... time we found Lincoln Johnson".


Chapter 8: Three of the Desert

Once more the flight was unpleasant for those who disliked to fly, but uneventful, the only thing to really note was that the world below began to change, instead of green and brown, it became more and more white and greyish yellow of sand and sun baked grass.

Passing over the hills and plains of Texas was new for Jane, she had never even left Floridan Territories, but for the other three it was nothing new, Adal had been here thousands of times, fighting under the employ of Texas against the Plains Nations raids, Jesse for her smuggling and Mick for his selling of improvised explosives.

They followed the western route Jesse knew best, but slowly as they passed El Paso, they began the swing northwards to Santa Fe, the front-line between the Plains Nations and the Texans. After days of travelling and nights of resting and sleeping back on solid ground, Adal began to think of his past, of how he left his entire family, he knew they hated him, how they would kill him without a second thought now. He would have nightmares of his father, brother and sister, some would say he hates his family, yet this only a half truth, he hated his father no less than he was afraid of him.

But this no longer mattered, Adal knew that should he ever return, his family would just lock him up in the frozen hells' prison again, he understood long ago that you can't undo the past and every action has a consequence.

But that would have to wait, for soon the outskirts of Santa Fe had become visible, swinging her baby around, to circle the town Jesse laughed and whooped at the exciting thought of getting a alcoholic drink finally after weeks of constant travelling. After a steady landing they piled off, Lex was the first, but stepped to the side of the ramp, taking a knee, his head low and a very pale face, Mick and Jesse knew that he was there to throw up, so they just passed him by, but Jane didn't understand and tried to help, but Adal just waved her off.

For the truth was very different, Adal wasn't leaning over to vomit, he looked to see that no one was around. He then with one hand, he pulled from his pocket a pair of small pliers, then with a great amount of hesitation brought the pliers to his mouth. Then he sealed his eyes shut and clamped the pliers behind his upper lip, with great pain he began to pull and pull and pull until finally what he was pulling came free. The item he was pulling was one of his own teeth, yet the tooth was not human, it was curved and long like that of a shark. Reaching back into his pocket he brought a small felt bag, which he open and dropped the tooth down into it, the sound that came from within was like that of the tooth landing onto a collection of small objects.

The only thing that changed his attention from losing his dental work was a sudden shout and scream, over the familiar sound of combat, the whizzing of bullets over his head, but something was off, it was too constant, this wasn't bolt action or lever action rifles, these were automatic weapons. Running back into the osprey, Adal grabbed his Harpernax, loaded his first clip and ran to the fight.

As he ran through the town, he saw the bodies of the Texan rangers riddled in bullets, yet he pushed on to find a group of rangers fighting alongside Jane the rookie Floridan. The rangers were wearing no proper formal uniform, instead they were wearing a variety of clothing, mostly the old cowboy style, with the hats to match, the only thing identifying them as Rangers was the golden star badge on their shirts. Adal could see these guys were clearly outgunned, they were wielding winchester and 1869 carbines, rifle that required the lever to be pulled down with each shot, they wouldn't stand a chance against automatics.

"What the hells going on?" he shouted.

Jane was the one to answer surprisingly "The towns under attack" very obvious, Adal just looked to her his eyebrows firmly locked into place, "Oh... sorry..... the Texans are trying to regroup but they've been split in two..."

"Wheres Jesse and Mick" Adal asked

A Texan ranger took over, shouting over the gunfire, "Your friends are with the Colonel... he's held up at the fort.... but that's on the other side of town.....  Jackson by the way"

"How many are you" Adal shouted

The conversation was halted for a second as they all ducked down or clung to the walls of the surrounding buildings. As bullets whizzed pas again in greater amount, it was becoming clear that the attackers were closing in. "I've got 26 shooters here..... the Colonel got the main body at the fort.... doubt they'll be able to hold out though"

Adal began to formulate a plan, but it would be difficult, after all they had bolt and lever, and the enemy had automatics. In the time it took them to fire 5 bullets the enemy could fire 50. Adal gathered information, narrow streets, obvious choke point, no way for them to advance without being slaughtered. Then an Idea, if one cannot go through the streets, why not go over, looking to Jane and the leading Ranger, his plan began to form up.

"Alright I've got a plan" he shouted "Jackson.... you and I are going up onto the buildings try and flank them.... Jane you and the rangers provide covering fire... make them keep their heads down not us"

It wasn't a great plan, but it was better than wasting ammunition, Jackson nodded peeling away to the corner of the building, putting his hands together, Adal took the hint and used it by putting his foot into the rangers grip and felt the sudden heave of being pushed up to grab the edge of the roof.

With his fingers pulling him up, he finally heaved himself up safely, laying flat on his stomach with his harpernax on his back, Adal now stretched his right hand down to help Jackson up. Once they were both atop the building they began the steady journey of crawling across the rooftops. Adal every now and again would take a peak over the edge to try and see if they could commence their surprise, once , twice, thrice nothing. It was becoming clear that whomever was attacking knew how to fight like a proper army, another thing Adal did not see at all was transport, if this was a raid by the plains then there would be horses, yet nothing.

After an agonising crawl over the sun baked roofs of homes and shops, Adal took another peak and saw something he had feared the instant he heard the automatic weapons. These were not tribesmen from the plains, they weren't Californians, they weren't Atlanteans not this far inland, well they were but not those he wanted them to be. The Soldiers attacking Santa Fe, were wearing the style of military uniform that the old ones would have worn (Humans before Event), they were wearing helmets that covered their heads and faces, that were clearly very high tech from the appearance, they must be very safe to wear in this heat. They also were wearing body armour which was camouflaged to fit with their uniform and the environment they were in, that being the desert. To show once again their clear experience and readiness for battle, each and every soldier had knee and elbow pads, clearly to help them when laying prone or taking a knee and on their backs were proper survival back packs, which he knew must have held food, water and extra ammunition.

And of course they were wielding their automatic weapons, using them as if they had been using them for years, they aimed perfectly, fired in short controlled bursts. Even the way they moved from cover to cover was something he knew very well from his training in the Atlantean Marines.

All of this pointed to one inescapable fact, something that he had wished wasn't so, the soldiers attacking Santa Fe were Aqualists. Adal suddenly realised what Black Marsh said in that cell "three more of the Desert will fall into our fold", Ada; now understood this is what he meant, the Aqualists were taking Santa Fe and two other locations in the Desert.


Chapter 9: The Truth of the Founder

Adal and Jackson now took aim, Adal gave a very instructive guide for Jackson "Do you see the vests there wearing" Jackson gave a simple nod from his Winchester, "Okay Aim where it isn't, and don't bother with the helmets, they'll bounce off" Jackson was somewhat shocked that he knew this but didn't care right now, he wanted to avenge those he had lost.

Ada; was the first to fire, firing his harpernax sending his first harpoon in a precise shot, sending it spinning through the air, into the throat of one to the Aqualist soldiers. Then Jackson made his shot, and of course he failed to connect, sending his round into the chest of another, although the soldier was sent to the ground, from the pain of their chest being struck, he was pulled back by another soldier into cover.

Adal and Jackson began to unload onto the soldier who were little more than easy targets from their elevated position. But once more Adal saw their training, how quick they were to respond and react, changing their positions to better suit the situation they were in. One of them was throwing hand signals to the others, obviously an officer Adal thought, but not any more. Or at least an attempted was made to do so for at the last minute another blocked his shot and took the harpoon instead, the officer looked up to the roof and paused, as if he had seen a ghost, lowering his weapon, raising his left hand from the barrel, to a release switch on his helmet, opening up the face plate and showing his face.

 Adal suddenly saw who it was, it was the person he was going to Vega for, Jason Prillick, Adal now almost infuriated, he took aim and fired another harpoon this time into his targets shoulder. The instant it hit its mark, Adal jumped down and ran to grab him, with their officer now on the floor with Adal standing above him, Adal gave a shout. "Back off now..... or he dies".

Slowly the soldiers held their fire and began to slowly pull back, down an opposing street that lead into the wilds. Looking back down at his captive Adal still saw a familiar face in the open face plate, and finally heard a voice come from it "Definitely you Adam". Adal pulled back the primer on his harpernax as a threat, he clearly didn't want to hear that name.

"Hey Atlantean... their pulling back..... looks like all over town" Adal heard from above, looking up to the rooftops to see Jackson, standing tall.

Later that day in the fort Adal was cleaning the harpoons he had reclaimed from the bodies of those he killed, Jane, Mick and Jesse around him, while he cleaned his weapon and harpoons they were stuffing food and drink down their throats. After all they had been living off simple foods for weeks.

Yet there scoffing of the food came to an end when the colonel appeared, he was an older gentlemen approximately in his sixties, with a moustache covering his upper lip and a short stubble on his cheeks and chin. His grey hair was somewhat long combed back behind his head, or tuck under a cowboy hat, he was wearing a cotton shirt and vest jacket with blue jeans, with a twin holster on his belt, one revolver on each hip.

"been along time old friend" he spoke in his gravelled, gruffy voice

"Yeah.... 2 years ago, the last Reaver attempt to take Santa Fe right" Adal responded

The colonel took a seat to Adal's left across from Jane and Mick and to the right of Jesse, "Guys let me introduce Lincoln Johnson Colonel of the Texas Rangers.... but just call him Colonel everyone else does" The colonel gave a slight nod to each and everyone of them after his introduction.

"Guess its good luck... you turned up in time..... never seen Plains Nations like.." The colonel attempted.

"They weren't Tribesmen.... they were Aqualists" Adal interrupted, They all looked to him, from the way he said it, they knew straight away that he was definitive in his response, there was question in his mind who they were "Don't believe me... ask the officer I took captive"

"I intend too, with the help of your little group of course" The colonel finally managed to get a full sentence. As they all stood, the colonel lead the way past all the wounded rangers that had been injured in the attack, and past the covered bodies of those that were not lucky to survive. As high above the vultures were already circling.

Finally entering the cells, they found the prisoner, stripped of all his high tech equipment, in little more than his camouflaged uniform. "Who are you?" the colonel stated beginning the interrogation.

"Prillick, Jason, Lieutenant, 2457622" the response came. before being slapped across the face by Adal.

"Don't give me that shit, Jason.... your an Aqualist commando, responsible for raids and attacks all over the Plains.... so how bout you quit bullshitting us and tell us what we want to know" Adal grunted

"Oh you speak to me of Bullshitting..... You've been doing that to all your friends here.... the Dweller the Floridan, the Tribal and even the Colonel here....." Jason answered "What do they call you any way.... your little nick name... do they even know your real name.... Cause I do Adal or should I call you Adam An" he was suddenly halted when Adal force his hand over Jason's mouth, but it was too late.

"What the hell is he talking about?" Jane asked with some concern, they were now all looking at him, And Adal knew it. "You know this guy"

He had no choice "Go on then, tell them.... no point hiding it now" releasing his hand from Jasons mouth.

Jason just smiled as he told the story "This is Adam Anall, Commanding General of the Vanall Army..... Damn Founding Father of the Knights of Vanall..... Second only to Djeck Vanall himself.." They were now all looking at Adal, who just stood there with his back to them all.

The Colonel was almost in a fit of fury, "Adal is this true", Adal just slowly turned to face them, the look on his face was both anger and pain, they knew straight away that from this mixture of emotions, that the truth had been revealed, Adal was Adam Anall, the second most wanted man in the world, best friend to Djeck Vanall and one of the two founding fathers of the Knights of Vanall other wise known as the Aqualists.

The group stood in shock, they could not believe it. Some of them had known him for years and yet the man they thought he was, didn't even exist, the man they trusted with their lives is in fact the one of the most wanted men on the planet, what made the feeling worse was the fact that, he was not saying anything against it.

Jane was the worst hit, she was ordered to follow this man across the continent to help him. Ordered by the Floridan Federation, to follow him and obey his commands as if he was a general. Adam just stood there, not saying a word, looking at all four of them, Jane, Jesse, Lincoln and Mick, not saying a word. Lincoln was the first to act, slowly reaching for his holster which held his colt, "I should shoot you right now" he stated.

"Not very friendly are you.... Colonel.... what happened to the battles we fought?" Adam replied in a joking manner.

"Fought under a lie.... as far I'm concerned....Your responsible for every Aqualist act of brutality they've committed on Texas"  Lincoln almost shouted pulling the colt from its holster.

Jesse took over from this, almost turning the subject away from anger, "You were in charge of the whole Aqualist force?" she shouted

Adam looked to her and without breaking a sweat  answered "Yep...... during the coup and after it...."

Jesse was almost furious "You told me stories of Vanall and the Aqualists and you said that you had no wish to be one of them..... and yet your a fucking leader of them"

"YES!" Adam shouted "I've killed people.... hundreds for that fucking cause..... I believed in the cause of Aquatic Equality!!..." his tone began to calm sharply "But I didn't believe in supremacy.... if you are willing I'll tell you a story"

Mick was the only one who actually cared for his opinion "Lets here it then.... elsewhere"

The group slowly left the cell still holding a hogtied Prillick, this time into the office of Lincoln, which despite its size, it was compact, with boxes and crates sealed properly for security. Piece by piece Adam lined out his story.

"I met Djeck while I was in the Marines.....he was enlisted in the Navy.... we became friends and discovered we shared political opinions of the Republics.... You see the image that the Republics make is not the real one...... I mean there are beautiful neighbourhoods with gardens and clean air..... but most live in the slums..... terraced houses, factories, smoke and smog clouding the air the ventilation clogged with the sut from the factories.... I worked in them for a time........ thousands having to live hand to mouth whilst others live in impressive mansions..............

We founded the Knights of Vanall.... to try enact change among the Republics, bring economic equality to all our peoples.....

At first we did it peacefully.... building up support rapidly, we wanted to get the Republics to be more involved in the world, not just trade a few pieces for random crap.... but actually involved.....so then they couldn't hide the truth about the suffering of the lower classes of our people......

But slowly we became angry, no one in power listened.... so we started to be more violent in our actions.....Riots in the lower neighbourhoods and acts of vandalism....... until we both came to the agreement and began to build an army......He would lead us Politically.... whilst I trained and lead our Paramilitary forces......

Then we staged the Coup.....our forces backed by the poor in the slums rose in rebellion and tried to force our way into the higher levels....... It was then that I began to see how far Djeck had fallen into chaos...."

They all listened with intent, even though they didn't trust him anymore, they could definitively hear the truth in his voice. They could pick up the emotion he felt when he mentioned Djecks fall, like he had lost a brother.

"During the Coup.... Djeck and I lead the assault on the Temple of Poseidous, which was the home of the knights... legendary defenders of the oceans..... We slaughtered them.... every single one in the temple.... even the young apprentices..... Djeck gave the order...... to kill even the children....... When the Coup failed.... I was sent to the Frozen Hells....."

They felt amazement, the legendary prison of the Atlantean peoples, famed for never having an escape attempted that has been officially recognised as successful. Excluding the one the that Aqualists made during an assault on the prison.

"thats right, your looking at the only bastard to break out of hell.....but anyway.... I met back up with Djeck and found he had become a terrorist...... I didn't like the idea..... but it was working Atlantis was having to come to the surface to hunt us down....... I came here for a few months as you know colonel...... lead raids.... attacks and organised bombings..... but whilst in the plains I found something that changed everything....... It was a base of the Old ones..... built underground.... filled with weapons..... and the tools necessary to make more.... even a map of other bases like it across the world............ thats right the weapons Prillick and his boys used were probably either from the base or built there....... I told Djeck and he remade his plan...... We would continue the reign of terror.... to cover what we were doing.... preparing for a war with the surface........ It was then that I couldn't take it...... one day I was in charge of a raid on a tribe in the plains to gain resources for the base.... but we found slaves being held...... Djeck came along with reinforcements.... I thought we would defend the slaves until they could get to safety...... but Djeck refused.....saying he had only come for the supplies not slaves...... I couldn't let it go so me and the fighters loyal to me refused....."

They were now even more intrigued, they now understood something..... what happened to the friends.

"I ordered them to secure Djeck while me and a force repel the tribal reinforcements..... those loyal to Djeck raised their weapons.... mine did the same...... I warned him that I couldn't follow him anymore down that path...... he claimed that any who offered resistance would be responsible for the consequences..... I finally gave in and gave the order to fire..... the two of us fought I got the upper hand, but I couldn't do it.... So I let him go in the name of our past friendship......  he and his followers fled..... We repelled the tribal reavers, and founded our own group..... we call ourselves the Brotherhood of Nautilus.... we try and counter Djecks radicalism......we battle covertly them when ever we could.... hiding as mercenaries in the other nations...... working to disrupt the Aqualists wherever we can...." he looked to Jane "Like tipping off Florida about the arrival of a leading Aqualist landing in one of their ports" he obviously meant the butcher of the Congo.

This they couldn't believe, a group that was resisting the Aqualists. Lincoln didn't want to believe it, but on the other hand, he could, for intelligence had reported of a group trying to disrupt the Aqualists in North America but a horrifying truth was coming.

"Now to the matter at hand..... We think Djeck.... wants to build up his army again" Lex stated, the word again struck them all, why would Lex use that specific word?. "Years ago, before the Coup Djeck and I had huge numbers at our command.... and not just Atlanteans but also outcasts from across the world.... people who think that Djecks plan for the future is the best option........ from what I know from the Brotherhood....across the world.... he's been recruiting heavily......... And we've tried to do the same...... but when I saw Black Marsh in a Floridan prison.... I knew that something was coming..... and I knew where when I saw the intelligence report from the Floridan command...... the Salt Lake tribe didn't just go silent.... I think Vanall has unleashed his army..... and I think his next target is Vegas........ and before you ask why Vegas.... because Vegas is the defacto capital of the Plains Nations...... he takes that he can cut off the heads of all the tribes.... and if you don;'t think he can do it.... look here..... a single commando unit was able to go toe to toe with an entire garrison of Texas rangers...... with weapons and armour like this..... he'd steamroll the whole continent.... and he'd butcher any who stand in his way"


Chapter 10: Memories

The Argument was compelling, yet they couldn't forgive the betrayal they were feeling, after all this was a man that they believed to be their friend. Yet the whole time he was a man responsible for thousands upon thousands of deaths across the world, he trained the Aqualist forces to the point they could match any army in the world.

Yet for the first time they could tell he was telling the full truth, for a second they believed what he was saying was true. Mick was the first to act "I believe him" the group looked to him with amazement "Come on... look at one Aqualist Commando group did to this town..... Imagine an army of them..." They took his point very quickly, yet he was not done giving his reasons "Look come don't come.... But I'm going to Vega with Adam.... because my home is in the Hoover Dam......I may not see eye to eye with them anymore but its still my home....."

The Colonel was next "Point taken..... if what your saying is true... Kid... then the Plains won't hold them..... and Texas will be next in line and if we get embroiled in a war with California..... Our only hope is to hold them in the Plains"

Mick was even more afraid because after all his home was not far from Vegas, it was only a short trip from Vegas to the Hoover Dam Dwellers. "If Vega falls then they'll want the dam.... its the only crossing.... my people won't stand a chance"

"Yeah..." Jesse whispered, a silent but begrudging agreement to join the journey to the city of Vega.

Only Jane held out, but finally nodded.

They all agreed to catch up on some sleep before continuing their journey, each of them having their own small room. But Adam was the only one who had the door locked from the outside as well as an armed Texas ranger guarding the door, Adam was experiencing Deja vu, it reminded him of his cell in the frozen hell maximum security prison, yet it didn't bother him, he just allowed himself to fall to sleep and his mind to go blank.

The following morning Lincoln banged on the door, raising up quickly from the shock, Adam looked around for his shirt, yet before he could Lincoln came through the door, "Come on then.... you want to prove yourself".
Adam nodded his head and turned to get his shirt, as he did so Lincoln saw a scar unlike any other, it was a circular brand with what looked like the letter A, but without the bridge in the middle of the legs within it, the whole brand was covering his back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade and down the length of his spine. Something Lincoln never thought he would ever see on someones own skin, his first thought was that someone had done it as punishment for betraying the Aqualists.

Within the hour they packed anything of use onto Jesse's baby, and set off on the journey to the Defacto capital of the Plains Nations. As they flew across the open land, seeing the emptiness of the expansive grasslands and forests, Jane once more watched the world below, the Colonel trying to hold onto his vomit bag, being his first time flying in the sky.

But for one individual, he slept and found memories he wished he could forget. They were pleasant but they reminded him of everything he left behind.

He remembered the slums, him walking the compact streets and alley ways, his face covered in the dirt and sut from the chimneys, a pair of long brushes over his shoulder. This was when he was only 21,six years ago, a year since he left the Marines, a year since the founding of the Knights of Vanall, about a month before the coup. 

He walked the streets until he turned a corner to see something very different from the filth covered streets of the lower levels. Looking up to see the higher levels of the city, where the more powerful and richer families lived and worked, as he made his way up the many, many steps that divided the city levels, until finally the level of smog and sut began to clear to become crystal clear air. 

He started again to walk in the now more open streets, looking at the shops and boutiques that unlike the shops in the slums were not cramped, but were more open and clean. Even the people walking the streets were different, the clothes they wore were clean and colourful, unlike his own which were patched up and resewn from tears. Walking the streets he knew people were looking at him, even some were muttering beneath their breath and he could tell what they were saying "Dirty slummer".

He just ignored it, until finally a group of young teenagers stepped in front of him, "Why don't you turn around Slummer" Adam didn't say a word, he just gritted his teeth. He had gotten used to it. The teenagers didn't move though, one of them laughed and pushed him over, they all laughed at what they had done, feeling powerful.

Adam just attempted to get to his feet, but then one them kicked him in the stomach, forcing him back down to the cobblestone street. Finally Alex made a sentence "I ask you gentlemen to leave me be.... I am needed to look after an important individual"

"OH yeah who.... would want a slummer like you to look after them", the leader joked

Adam tried again to get to his feet, again the leader brought his foot ready to kick, but Adam responded, grabbing the foot before it could connect, twisting it so that this time it was the teenager that fell onto his back. "The man I care for is my uncle Constant-ine the former Lord Admiral"

The teens heard this and stepped aside, after all you don't mess with the man who once lead the entire Atlantean Navy. Adam picked up his brushes and continued to walk leaving the leader of the little gang on the pavement still not able to believe what had just happened.

Adam made his way to the high class streets, where there were large impressive houses and mansions. He turned into one unlike the other houses that were on multiple levels, this one was a bungalow mansion, with brown and reddish brown bricks, and solid wooden doors, opening it slowly, using a key he had been given by his uncle.

"Uncle!" he shouted "I'm here.... hope your not still in bed"

A reply came from the furthest doorway "I'm in the Library", Adam chuckled and made his way to the door, but not before placing his brushes down by the door. Slowly making his way through the house and into the library which was packed with books of all kinds, but most were paper, books and novels from the old world. Sitting in a small wheelchair was his uncle an elderly man with greying hair "For the sake of the ocean son... clean that face of yours"

Adam laughed and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his the dirt and sut from his face. "I'll make your breakfast Uncle.... Eggs and Fish sticks.... few slices of sea vine on the side..and a cup of hot coco". His uncle just looked at his nephew, smiling at the knowledge that his carer no longer needed to ask what he wanted for breakfast.

A little while later, Adam returned with a tray, holding plate, a cup, coco pot and cup of milk. His Uncle wheeled himself to one of the library tables, Alex placed it in front of him, "There you are"

His uncle stopped him though "Hey... what happened?" he pointed to a bruise on Adam's arm.

"Nothing just a bunch of 18 year olds think that they were better than me uncle" the reply came

Constantine laughed "That obviously didn't know you were a Marine.....you look terrible.... have had any sleep" 

Adam turned shaking his head "three jobs Uncle.... including this one... spent the night cleaning factory chimneys...."

"Is it that bad" Constantine choked "I thought you got paid for looking after me"

"I do... pays for a place to live and taxes, but not for bills and food" the reply came

The conversation quickly changed though "Oh Your Brother called early this morning" Adam didn't say a word, he didn't care for them, after all they didn't care for him "He asked how you were..... I told him that you were doing alright....... he seemed glad"

"That's a surprise" Adam replied "Didn't think he cared"
"Hey he and your sister love you..." Constantine interrupted  "They love you as a brother.... so don't bad mouth them" he took up his fork and began to eat his breakfast. savouring the taste, he was always amazed how his young nephew made it just the way he liked it.

"I'm not bad mouthing them.... it just....." Adam tried to get out the words but couldn't find them "Never mind"

He walked off  and began to tidy up the piles of books and began to place them back into their specific spot in the alphabetical plan. Constantine didn't stop with his psycho aid for his nephew "You spoken to your old man", Adam didn't reply he just remained silent and kept putting books back "Maybe you should... he's still your father"

"How the hell can you call him that after what he's done?" Adam stated 

"Because he is still your father and he's my little Brother" Constantine argued

but the counter Adam gave, Constantine had no counter for "Do want to see my scars, where the plate in my arm is.... " 

"Adam!" Constantine shouted "I know whats he's done.... I was there when you went into the hospital to get that plate.... so can you please just find some love in your heart for him"

"Yeah I remember..... that you and only you came..... where were All-en and Leanne? Oh yeah they believed his bullshit story of an accident at work"

The tension was finally eased with a knock at the door, "Uncle you home" it was a feminine voice, they both knew who it was straight away. Even before she walked through the door of the Library, a young woman around 25 years her dark hair short tucked behind her ears. 

"Leanne... hon what are you doing here I thought you were Australia" Constantine exclaimed in amazement.

"Yeah I got a months leave... thought I'd come and surprise....you" she replied as she turned to see who else was in the room. "Hello Adam"

"Leanne" the reply came swiftly "You doing okay", all he got in reply was a simple nod.

"Well come here let me look at you?" Constantine exclaimed pulling his wheelchair back from the table. Coming straight up to his niece he took her hands and looked up to her face. "Beautiful as always.... how are you"

"Sub lag tired" she laughed, "Come one I'll fix us up a drink and I'll tell you everything"

"Nice... cos I've got some news for you about this capital city" Constantine chuckled as Leanne came around and began to push his wheelchair.

After a moment they began their conversation all the while Adam just continued his job of cleaning and caring for the house his uncle lived within. All the while he listened with curiosity catching certain words such as the growing tension in the lower levels of the city how people were going on strike refusing to work and even some areas riots.

But then Adam heard his name, alongside another name Djeck, of how the two were becoming very political and radical in their opinions. He could see how this was scaring Leanne, he knew what she was thinking when he saw her turn to look in his direction in shock and fear. Most especially when the word "Paramilitary" was stated.

Suddenly Adam woke up, he didn't treat that as a dream the memory of his past was a nightmare, constantly reminding him what he left behind, those he betrayed. Looking around he saw the others, Mick, Jane, Lincoln fast asleep, turning to his right to see the cockpit Jesse was wide awake still flying and flying hard to get to their destination a place she never thought she would ever see again, the defacto capital of the Plains, formerly Sin city, Vegas.


Chapter 11: I know what I fear

After a few days of travelling, recharging and resting, they came up over a the cusp of a hill and Jesse gave a call "Hey.... come have a look".

They all clambered to the cockpit to try and catch a glimpse of what she could see, as they all crammed in tightly, their it was. The vast city of Vegas, the only true city of the Plains Nations, this place was huge, the ruins of old casinos and hotels stretched across the so called strip. Houses that have been rebuilt across the city were a mixture, some were made of proper brick and mortar, others with stone but most were closer to the old Teepee and yurt tents.
Slowly Jesse brought her baby around the strip showing the grandeur of the largest buildings and casinos which now served as the heart of the black market in North America.

Adam knew this place, "We need to go into the Caesars palace" they just looked to him "I've got a contact there"

Jesse did so, slowly pushing forward with the joystick, and slowing the speed of the rotors. As they came down in front of the palace market, with everyone looking at the one of kind vehicle. As the ramp came down Adam looked to Lincoln "You might want to remove the Ranger star on your jacket" Lincoln realised why, this wasn't a place where Rangers were accepted, most likely if they knew he was one he would end up hanging from a tree somewhere.

As they slowly came off the helicopter, they were a sight to be seen, as a crowd gathered around to see who the mysterious visitors were. What got Jane and Lincoln was the difference in the crowd, there were many different tribesmen and women looking at them, each had different tribal markings and tattoos.
Adam lead the way towards the Palace, "Come on then", snapping back into reality they made their way in his direction. Not before Jesse closed up the ramp and locked her baby into place, she didn't want anyone trying anything.

As Adam lead the way he noticed Jane and Lincoln wondering what so many tribes were doing here, "Just so you know Vegas is a neutral city for the tribes" he wanted to explain further but Jesse butted in, after all she had more knowledge of her home land than anyone else.

"that means no violence within the limits of the city" she stated "No matter what tribe they might be..... if you see an enemy here you can't kill them". they were interrupted by a sudden brawl nearby, clearly rival tribes were dukeing it out, the group excluding Adam looked at Jesse "I said they couldn't kill.... doesn't mean you can't vent your anger" They then finally entered the great palace market, in the lobby of the building there were market stalls of all kinds, ranging from simple foods to rare items that the tribes had traded with the smugglers.

Then a call came from a small stall in front of the main doors, "Read your future sir?" the call went, a middle aged woman came out and stood in Adams path "Will only take a moment", Adam looked at her, middle aged, brown hair ruffled up, her hands unable to truly hold still for a moment. "Druggy" he thought.

Yet she was persistent as she pulled him to the side, towards her stall. Slowly she brought out her tarot cards and spread them out. Slowly she closed her eyes and selected one almost at random. Placing it down face up, "Justice" she stated "Someone whom sought justice for those around him". Now his attention was held, as she brought the next card up "The Star, a man who had hope in a cause he and another had created... a cause he believed would bring hope". His attention was now becoming fear, it was if she knew exactly what she was discussing.

"Judgement" she moaned as she brought out the third card from the deck, placing alongside the others, "A man whom has been judged for being something he is not.... Judged by those he feared yet also loved". Adam knew exactly who she was talking about the only two people he wanted to love as family. "The hermit.... A man whom has sought sanctuary in solitude after a loss of someone very... very close... to his heart" the group behind him began to notice something, his breathing was becoming more laboured, Jane even saw what she recognised as a tear.

One card was placed down again, this one made its reader afraid "The Devil" they all looked and saw it clear as day in the candle light, a goat legged being with horns and flames, "Once called a friend is now thy greatest Nemesis", She reached for the next card, yet Adam caught her hand before she could even see it.  "What do you have to fear deary?" she asked.

"I know WHOM I fear, and wherever he goes one thing follows, for one could it is his name" Adam stated firmly. They all looked to him as if he knew what the next card was.

"Who is that love?" the reader asked

"Death" the reply came as Adam placed the card face up atop the others revealing a black robed skeleton riding a white horse. With that he walked away as fast as his legs could carry him.

The group however remained with the reader as if waiting for the last prediction, "Beware what follows" she spoke "What he spoke was true, he is coming" placing down the last card showing the hanged man "And a sacrifice will be made making a man a martyr for a cause unlike any other".


Chapter 12: Contact

They walked straight past all the other simple market stalls and into what looked more like a tavern/inn within the market, a bar was serving drinks in a great variety, the finest wines and the simplest beers and lagers. Everyone thought Adam would go for the bartender, believing the age old way of thinking that Bartenders know everything. But no he walks straight past the bar and the tables to a far corner where sitting on his own was a middle aged coloured Atlantean man, rather tall and muscular by some standards. But a bald head and a stubbled beard, they knew he must be Atlantean from the tattoo on his arm of the Great Salt Water Crocodile, the emblem of the Atlantean Marines. On the table in front of him was a board with dozens of small little discs, like those of checkers. Adam took a seat and asked a single question "Can I have this game sir" he then reached into his pack and pulled several Atlantean Coins from one of the pockets.

They couldn't believe this, to them he had brought all this way to gamble on a board game. But then the coloured man checked the coins "Atlantean... you in the Marines...." Adam nodded "Did you know a Captain Nemo?"

"The Ocean will never forget such a man" Adam responded smiling, the others started to notice something, the way they were speaking was cryptic, as if some kind of code.

The man offered his hand forward "Then shall we play", piece by piece they began to put their checks onto the board, almost in synch, not like they were playing a game but were building something. Slowly they began to see what it was, the different pieces they were placing on the board were a symbol, like that of a sea shell, but then Lincoln finally clicked onto what it was, it wasn't a Shell, it was a Nautilus shell.

When the shell was complete, the man bowed his head "Welcome brother....the Nautilus is always open to its friends"

"Thank you Dsuo... we are need of your help" Adam replied "We think Djeck, plans to unleash his army here in North America.... he's already destroyed the Salt Lake Tribe" That name was familiar to Jesse, the Salt Lakes were one of the most powerful of the all the tribes in the Plains.

Dsuo leaned forward "I think we should discuss this privately" standing up he stretched his arm towards one of the empty corridors.


Chapter 11: The Scars and Mutants

After a minute or two, they came into a private room, that looked like a smugglers store house, "Sorry for the mess.... but to hide in this city you need to be obvious". They looked to him with disbelief "AKA I hide by buying cheap crap and then making it into expensive shit"

"So what do you know Mr Dsuo" Lincoln questioned, Dsuo just looked at them, after all he didn't know them.

"Allow me to introduce people..... this is Colonel Lincoln of the Texas Rangers.... Corporal Jane of the Floridan militia.... Mick of the Hoover Dam and Jesse of the Sioux tribe.... now please what do you know" Adam introduced

"Only rumours, people are scared.... after the Salt Lakes disappeared... the Tribes are afraid of something coming.... they've all sent their leadership hear for some kind of meeting to decide what to do.... but that was weeks ago and still nothing" Dsuo explained "But there is one more thing I've heard" Their attention was peaked "a whisper has been circulating.... A City of Sin shall Burn"

Adam knew straight away "Djeck" they just looked to him "Get your enemies fighting each other so then when you show yourself, they are too weak to fight back... it was our plan back when I was still in the group.... How many men do you have Dsuo?"

"Barley a squad.. its hard to recruit people when they are constantly being taken by their tribe to raid and pillage" the answer

Adam took a stand breathed a solid inhale into his lungs and then left the room without another word.

"This justs keeps getting better and better.... never should have trusted that kid" Lincoln muttered "Bastard"

"That Bastard as you call has suffered from this war more than you ever will" they all looked at Dsuo like they couldn't believe him "This war has cost him his whole life....... and his family has never supported him for anything.....  now they hate him..... that pain shall be with him for the rest of his days"

Jane grew curious "What do you mean?"

Dsuo grabbed a couple of chairs, two at a time offering one to each of them , before taking one himself "I've known Adam for many years, we served together in the Marines, I was once his superior officer for a time didn't really like the kid but as time passed I began to respect him.... until he was promoted and I had no problem saluting him..... but then he was kicked out of the military... he had to get multiple jobs to keep a roof over his head and food in his belly" Dsuo explained "After the Coup, Djeck and many of us escaped.... But Adam was captured, I was there in the Courthouse...... when they laid out charge after charge... treason, sedition, murder, Terrorism" Dsuo voice was changing again, more distorted and uncomfortable. "His father was there.... the angry son of a bitch..... it was clear that Adam was going to lose this trial.... he did.... but later on at a private punishment Adam suffered something no one ever should"

The way he was speaking was changing to pain and sadness as if he was reliving the memory all over again, experiencing every feeling, emotion, chill and inch of sweat. As they could tell from the way he sat, that he was both hot and cold at the same time, "He was held standing up with his back bare and all to see.... then his father came up to him, You bring dishonour to our family he said stepping around his youngest son grabbing the branding iron, a large circle with the old letter of Alpha in it..... You will learn your place. I couldn't watch as he brought the branding Iron up... and suffering will be you Legacy  I looked away just before the room was filled with his screams and cries as the iron began to scorched his bare flesh"

The way Dsuo was clear to them all, he was in a state of shock and suffering, every word was covered with the pretence of firmness, he was trying to appear calm but was on the brink of breaking down into tears and cries of his own

Meanwhile in bathroom hidden away from the whole world, Adam was uncomfortably removing his shirt, but doing so in a way that the shemagh around his neck was not moved in anyway what so ever, turning his back to the mirror, he turned his head to see the eternal scar covering his back. Even after years the scar was still clear to see, but of course that was the intent, his father wanted the entire world to see his shame.

"All that suffering because of some mutations" he muttered

Yet they clicked in on this unique word "MUTATIONS!" Mick stated firmly

Dsuo was now even more uncomfortable "Have you ever noticed Adam being somewhat strange about his appearance" They nodded rapidly all gesturing in some way to their necks, "Well this is due to a unique mutation in his genome"

Back in the hidden bathroom, Adam was checking over his face and most especially his teeth, all the while Dsuo continued the story "You see these Genes are found in most Atlanteans, however for all but one these Genes are inactive... but for Adam he must forever contend with two distinctions that separate him from the rest of society.... the first being his teeth..... unlike others, His are like that of a shark, sharp, pointed and some serrated, yet they can be removed and slowly replaced, so thats what he does" Adam saw another tooth, once more bringing up some pincers he began to pull "He pulls out the teeth that are visible so they can be replaced with more human teeth, but soon those will become shark-like as well so he does it again and again and again" Adam slowly brought forth his little pouch, opened it slowly to reveal the entire pouch filled with the shark like teeth he had been removing from his mouth the past year.

Finally Adam tugged slightly at the Shemagh around his neck, loosening it slightly, "Then there is the gene that might very well make him the future of our peoples.... you see while its true Atlanteans can hold their breaths for up to an hour..... we are still reliant on air.... but Adam is very different.... yes he has lungs and can breath the air.... but hidden underneath that scarf of his, on both sides of his neck" Adam slowly pulled the Shemagh over his head "Are Gills for breathing underwater" Adam now looked himself in the mirror with all the mutations to see, upon his neck were long slits of a sharks gills three on each side of his neck above the joint of the body but ending just below the ear.


Chapter 13: A City of Sin shall Burn

The night air was still and calm, but even high up upon the roof of the Caesars Palace, the overpowering stink of bootleg alcohol, opium and weed was very clear. Adam just sat alone, in a ruined lean back chair, a glass of water and a salt shaker next to it, he just looked out over the immense city, the only city in the plains. He didn't know but he rather liked this city, it somewhat proved that the tribes of the plains could actually do something other than raid and pillage.

"Dsuo said you'd be up here" a voice went, Adam turned to see his colleagues, Jesse, Mick and Lincoln all standing staring at him. He could tell straight away that they knew about him now, about the mutations he had, from the way they were staring at the shemagh around his neck.

But their attention was suddenly changed by his response, he went silent completely even with his facial expression, it was as if something was wrong. "Its happening" he whispered.
He stood up and ran to the buildings edge, looking out to the city limits, at first they questioned his actions, they couldn't see anything. But then they began to pick up that there was something wrong, usually the air is overpowered with the smell of opium, weed and alcohol, alongside the sound of vultures and other birds circling for the scraps of meat that the tribes butcher.

Yet now the air was still and almost silent, as if the whole world had frozen in place. Then a distinct sound came out across the air, almost like a great gust of wind, then a collection of small orange flames.

The answer to what they were soon became clear as explosion after explosion began to strike the city, all of the major structures were overwhelmed as flames erupted from the explosive force. Then swooping down, were fast moving aircraft, the swoosh of the curve as they passed by was enough to throw the group onto their backs. Then a familiar sound came down, the sound of Helicopter blades hundreds of them.

Almost a swarm of dozens upon dozens of attack helicopters began to circle around and strafe with missiles and machine guns. Adam could hear the cries and screams, as well as the sound of simple rifles firing in response to the attack. Standing to his feet, Adam could see the focus of the attack by the aircraft, it was the largest of the hotel Casinos the MGM. Which was where the tribal leaders were meeting.

Jesse couldn't believe it, she thought she was the only one to fly in the air, and it took her nearly her whole life to figure out how to refit her baby to fly on electricity and then learn to fly her. Yet before her she could see all kinds of helicopters and fast flying jets as the old ones called them, she was both terrified for her people, but also at the same time jealous because she only had the one.

A new sound began to echo through the concrete, metal and wooden streets, a continuous rumble of metal and rock. Looking down to the streets, the group saw something even more terrifying, mechanised vehicles, large armoured and heavily armed, The vehicles were solid, rectangular shaped at the base, where the engine and ammunition was most likely stored, with a strong central turret on top with a high powered long barrel cannon and smaller multi barrel machine guns on either side. The group didn't understand one thing though , the vehicles didn't appear to have any space for a driver or gunner. Adam recognise them immediately "Tanks!" he shouted running back to the door off the roof.

As he ran, the group looked down and could only watch as the heavily armoured vehicles either ran down the tribal warriors or gun them down with built in machine guns. Jesse was almost crying from watching the power of the plains be butchered, firing bullet after bullet into the metal plates of the tanks, but nothing could make them stop, They just kept surging forward.

Seeing the chaos below, the group now understood why Adam had run for the door, the Tanks were being followed by other vehicles more recognisable from the rusted old ruins, ones that were clearly meant to carry people. When these vehicles stopped, dozens of men poured out, men they all recognised, they wore the same uniforms, armour and wielded the same weapons that had attacked Santa Fe. They all realised what was happening, just as Dsuo had told them "A City of Sin Shall Burn".

Fleeing for their lives off the roof, down into the lobby, the group caught up with Adam, surrounded people screaming and crying, the lobby was covered in blood. Bodies of the dead were everywhere, those who weren't being cared for by those unharmed, yet even through all of this blood continued to flow across the marbled floor.

Adam had some experience in this matter though, "We not gonna be able to hold the city" the group looked to him, the whole reason of them coming here was to prevent it now here he was saying they couldn't achieve their goal. "We need to fall back and regroup..... Jesse get the bird fired up and ready its on board cannons Mick you cover her once in the air stick close to the buildings and streets so their aircraft can't take you down.... Jane help get these people out the back way... tell them to retreat to the Navajo stronghold north of here.....Lincoln rally any of the Braves who might listen to you and establish a defensive line in-front of the hotel..."

They just looked at each other, but then nodded firmly, Jesse pulled her Springfield, Mick his pump action shotgun, Lincoln his walker colts and Jane here carbine repeater, standing firmly in front of him they stood as if to salute him before running to do their tasks.
As told Jesse and Mick ran out the front door into the chaos of the street battle, Lincoln tried to gather up the braves and Adam could tell how desperate some of them were to be taking orders from a Texan.

Now Adam turned to Dsuo "Get your recruits... We're going to have to hold the line long enough to get these people out" Dsuo now wearing full battle armour on his body stood like a soldier before running for his duty, but before he did he paused to point at a large box on the floor. "Adam your gonna need that.... kept hold of it for ya".

Walking to the box, he opened it slowly and saw with amazement the armour he thought was long gone. Piecing it together on his body was done than said to those who knew what they were doing, for this was Atlantean Marine Armour, each plate was placed to protect the wearing without excess weight, plates upon the hands and arms overlapped to allow movement. Yet one thing that Adam never forgot was the helmet, inspired by their ancestral beliefs, the helmet was constructed of a single metal plate hammered and crafted into shape, with a strong nose and cheek guards, so one could only see the individuals eyes when they were wearing the helmet. But atop the helmets exterior running from the forehead up into the air and then into the back was the crest which resembled the fin of a shark.

Now readied for battle, Adam looked back to see Dsuo and his gathering of recruits, He instantly could tell that not all of them were Atlanteans, the majority were Metallic tribesmen and the odd dweller most likely from Hoover. "NAUTILUS!" He shouted proudly to which they replied with a proud and defiant "HHHOOAA".

They now marched into the battle of Las Vegas.


Chapter 14: Our Last Chance

The battle was bloodied and long, lasting for much of the night, the message was passed along to all of the peoples who were still alive. That Adam Anall was fighting to protect them, many did not believe it, but when they saw with their own eyes as he either shot his harpernax at the attacking Aqualist troops, or ripped the wires from a Drone Tank that was on the brink of running over and injured brave.

Yet all the heroics was not enough, by the time that the sun was rising over Sin City, Adam stood high on the hills looking over the burning city, the smoke was almost blocking out the suns light. Even over the whistling wind he could hear the continuing explosions, gunshot and screams of those who hadn't managed to escape.
Turning to look in the opposite direction he saw the result of the sacrifice of so many people, a long drove of hundreds if not thousands of people clambering their way through the hills northwards trying desperately to get to the Navajo stronghold, hidden in the hills near Vegas.

Having no choice he began to follow, seeing Lincoln, Jane and Mick carrying a stretcher, laying upon was a bruised and beaten Jesse. For during the battle her baby had been caught in the open by the airborne drones and helicopters, outnumbered and outgunned she did her best but was brought down hard.

As the day past they walked without rest, food or even water to the Navajo. By the time that the sun began to dip behind the horizon, They finally saw it, fires burning in the hundreds, as people continued to pack themselves into what was now a refugee camp, thousands of people crammed into simple housing under the protection of the Navajo tribe.

Adam walked straight through, turning back to see the small band who followed him into battle from Texas, Florida and Louisiana now beaten down to the brink of giving up. But he knew what needed to be done, he went to his friends and knelt beside the stretcher "I'm sorry Jesse 'bout your baby".

She opened her eyes and looked at him "She put up a fight though.... I'm proud of her"

"What the hell do we do now Adam...Vegas is gone and no doubt Hoover is next" Mick interuppted "Maybe we could head there and warn them... if we hold them there then maybe..." Adam raised his hand to stop him.

"As we were making our way up the hill away from Vegas, I could see Smoke in the distance.... They attacked Hoover already... By now I bet they've been forced to abandon it"
Mick couldn't believe it, he may have not agreed much with his people at the Dam but the Hoover Dam was his home and now for all he knew he might be the last Hoover Dweller left alive. "Jane grab a horse and head east.... tell them everything... Florida and Louisiana need to be ready.... Lincoln same to you... Texas needs every ranger it has on the northern border"

"We can't just walk away lad..... maybe there's a way we can hold the line here in the plains" Lincoln argued

"How?" Jesse muttered, slowly raising up onto her elbows "The Tribes are now leaderless.... without the chiefs the plains is now going to fight itself.... Vanall just needs to sit back and let us"

"Not unless the Navajo side with us..." they all looked to Adam, "Now the Navajo are the strongest tribe here in the western plains, well over 3,000 braves can be summoned in days.... now if we get them onside maybe the other tribes will be willing to listen"

"How the hell are you going to do that?" Jesse moaned

"I'm going to tell him the truth...." the reply came as Adam rose to his feet again

He marched through the camp, past the refugees whom he thought would be afraid of him in his armour, yet many of the braves saluted him, those who weren't bowed their heads respectfully. He passed the Navajo braves who just stared at him weapons readied they knew who he was, but they didn't see what he had done in Vegas.

Into the chiefs tent he went and stared at a middle aged man with many scars, a spear in one hand, a Springfield rifle in the other. "They say you are Adam Anall, General of the Aqualist army" he stated in a questioning manner.

"Formerly.... I founded my own group to oppose him.... but we need your help" Adam replied

"What for?" The chief leaned forward tempting to heed the offer.

Adam stepped forward "To destroy the Aqualists base of operations in North America"

The chief began to laugh as did all the braves around him "None know where it is boy...... many have tried many have failed.... some never came back"

"I know where it is... because I found for them.... now I'm going to blow the fucking place sky high" Adam announced "I remember the layout and can make a map for you". This caught the chiefs attention greatly, for not only did this so called Aqualist General know where the base was but the layout and can help launch an offensive.

Waving his spear, a brave brought forward a small table and pencil and a large sheet of paper, Adam knew straight away what they wanted, taking the pencil he began to draw "Now the base itself is located underground, built beneath a great mountain to the north west of here...." taking great care with each sketch of the pencil "Now there is only two ways in... this one here" he pointed after sketching it "Which is where vehicles and tanks can enter or exit the base elevator" then he made another on the opposite side " then here...but its extendable, and reaches upwards, the room its connected too is where the aircraft are stored... so they open the doors extend a platform and launch".

The whole room was now gathering around the table, even the chief had unseated himself and stood opposite Adam, behind Adam himself were the friends he had brought themselves into the tent and briefing, Lincoln, Mick, Jane and even Jesse with some help from the others. "Now the base delves deeper with a collection of stair cases and elevators that go up and down to different levels..... the base itself is completely self sufficient, we built greenhouses, water recycling and even Geo-thermal plants... but the key is here" he pointed to a large room he had drawn "This is both storage but also a factory floor, where we built weapons such as assault rifles and heavy weapons but also the larger drones and tanks which are more powerful than any weapon you have"

"What is your plan?" the chief asked.

Adam pointed straight to the mark he made for power, a small electric sign "We infiltrate the base using the ventilation shafts, they can't cover all of them...we get into this room here... where the electrical batteries are.... plant timed charges and then retreat to the hangar here....where I'm sure with Jesse's help we can fly out and get to a safe distance" they all looked to him strangely "The explosion will all but destroy the mountain.... such a blast will make the base worthless... the Aqualist lose their main base here in north america....."

"And they lose the ability to build more of those tanks and aircraft" Lincoln interrupted, Adam winked in reply.

They were all concerned but Adam boiled it down "This is our last and only chance"

The chief turned to speak to his people, all the braves gathered and whispered to him, Adam could only wait for them to make their decision, finally the Chief turned to them.

"We agree.... Vegas was the most powerful stronghold in the plains.... unless the Aqualists are weakened we cannot fight them openly..... the Navajo will launch raids against their positions around Vegas and Hoover Dam to distract them... give you a chance to infiltrate the base easier"

The plan was set, the Navajo and the survivors of Vegas will launch small attacks against the enemy at numerous points so that Adam, Jane, Mick, Lincoln and Jesse can destroy the Aqualist base.


Chapter 15: Area 52

Adam was laying flat on his front looking out across the hills at a great mountain standing almost alone in the desert grass plains. Using a pair of binoculars he scanned the mountain side where it met the plains, bare rock, nothing but rock was all he could see. But then a glimmer of light, reflecting from something metal, focusing his eyes and binoculars he finally saw what he wanted, hidden by the shadows of the rocks he saw an immense door large enough for the tanks inside to come out two at a time, heavily built from the strongest metal. And unlike other places where metals are rusting away this door was maintained and clean of rust, the soil before it were tracks leading away from the mountain and then southwards towards Vegas. This was where the tanks came from.

Now knowing they were in the right place, he scanned the rocks around the door, then he saw it a small square of a rusted metal grate. Smiling he shuffled back away from any sight of the mountain, turning to see his friends he whispered "We're here, the base is in that mountain and even better they haven't been maintaining the vent shafts only the doors".

"Whats the plan then boss" Lincoln requested, they all looked to him the legendary colonel of the Texas rangers calling Adam boss.

Adam smiled "Two teams... Mick, Jesse and Jane you guys head to the hangar and secure one of the Ospreys make something fast..." They nodded, "Lincoln your with me... we're going to plant charges in the electrical room and anywhere else we can"

They looked nervous and they had a right to be, they had all seen what the Aqualists were capable of, so Adam decided to give them some inspiration "We have paid a terrible price to get here.... now we have a once in a lifetime chance to make a difference that could very well save thousands of people..... and I know here" placing his hand over his heart "That we will".

As the sun began to set, they made their move, slowly and carefully making their way down onto the plains, then with as much speed as their legs could muster charged in almost complete silence across the open space towards the great bunker door, diving behind the rocks surrounding and hiding it. Now they clambered up to reach the vent, once there Adam nodded to Mick, who pulled from his pack a large Dweller Hammer and smashed it into the rusted grate.
One by one they clambered through the now emptied whole.


Chapter 16: Katrina 

Jesse, Mick and Jane were the first to drop out of the vents into an empty hallway, Adam leaned upside down and pointed the way they needed to go. Nodding silently they began to move slowly and carefully to avoid attention, making each step quietly and silently.

Meanwhile above them, still crawling uncomfortably through the tight air shafts, Adam counted his way along "56,57,58" at first Lincoln didn't quite understand what was happening to make Adam count, but then the answer came with 60. As Adam stopped and pulled up a grate then haphazardly shuffling around to go feet first, down into a separate hallway. With his Harpernax readied he aimed left, right, forward and behind, scanning for any whom may have seen him, seeing no one around he gestured for Lincoln.

Slowly they made their way through various corridors, avoiding Aqualist patrols yet overhearing their conversations "Here about Vegas", "Yeah fell in one night.... command thought it would take a week", "Same at Hoover Dam".

Slower then he even could thought he could be, Adam edged forward passing room after room most marked with barracks then a series of numbers, but then command brief. Curious he peeled the door open slightly to peek inside "No one inside" he whispered. Stepping inside he saw an extensive map of the entire world, lines of red string had been pinned to different points to it, large pins with different colours at certain locations one in North America a second in South, Africa, Europe and even Asia, Adam knew straight away what these was "Poseidon help us... he found them.... he actually found the other bases across the world.... the butcher of the Congo was coming here so he could do the same in Africa".

Lincoln grabbed his shoulder "we need to move", shaking his head Adam focused they needed to focus here in america.

They moved on passing room after room following a sign on the walls reading Electric, but yet again Adam paused seeing another mark, a dot with line like sound moved upwards, this wasn't a radio though. He knew straight away what it meant, forgetting everything he smashed at the lock on the door and pulled, the door flung open with a crash and he saw what he thought was gone, a woman with dark black hair, a thin body but virtuous. Her hair tied back up into a long pony tail, her skin was pale but slightly tanned, the room itself was extensively reinforced, clearly meant to hold her inside, there were no large ventilation shafts which meant that she could not escape through them..

He knew who she was straight away, "Kathy" Adam muttered under his breath, it was sheer disbelief he had only one thought through his head, "I thought her to be dead".

Turning towards him, she looked and saw the same question, the person she loved, she believed to be dead. The answer to it all was right in front of them, they were both alive and they couldn't believe it. Kathy ran straight at him, grabbing him with both her arms around his neck holding him so tightly that he began to choke a little.  "Um... Kathy...."he choked "Can't breath".

Yet no response came she just smiled holding tighter and tighter she didn't want to let him go another time. After what felt like hours to the two of them, they slowly release each others grip on the other. All the while Lincoln just stood in the doorway watching them, "Oh Colonel Lincoln.... Allow me to introduce a  fellow Nautiloid... And the love of my life Katrina..." Adam Introduced.

"Just call me Kathy... everyone does" She joked.

Lincoln nodded his head "Now can we get back to why we're here?" Adam remembered the whole reason and moved to the door. The two of them followed close behind, "So whats your story?" Lincoln asked looking at Kathy.

"Met Adam in the Marines, we became friends then lovers.... we both were Aqualists,... but we both saw that Djeck had fallen.... so we founded the Brotherhood of the Nautilus" She explained "We tried to make what we had work... but we were often kept apart..... We last met in Virginia about 3 months ago.... I thought him dead.... but I was captured... brought here" She explained.


Chapter 17: A Last Sacrifice

Suddenly Adam raised his fist, a smile on his face. Standing before them was a large metal door with an electrical sign imprinted onto it, Pulling the lever the doors began to open slowly revealing a collection of large electrical systems, all of them extensive Geo Thermal collectors, systems that collected energy from the earth itself.

Nodding to Lincoln, they both began to pull explosives from their packs, Kathy was both surprised but also happy, she hated this place, after all she had spent months being held here as a prisoner. Grabbing one of the explosives from Adams hand she began to help. All three of them began to place the explosive cylinders onto and into different parts of the system.

"So what will happen when these go off" Lincoln asked.

Adam looked over and answered sternly, "It will cause a chain reaction.... these go boom and it ignites the entire electrical system... causing it all to go boom.... aka whole mountain go boom".

"Hey!" A shout came, they looked to the door and saw an Aqualist squad standing there, Adam pulled his Harpernax and fired a consistent barrage of harpax rounds into the squad. Lincoln pulled his Colt revolvers and in turn began to unleash bullet after bullet into them. The Squad was caught unaware, three of them fell before they could react, the other 2 took cover and returned fire with their automatic rifles.

Kathy now pissed off stood her ground, and when the soldiers came out to fire again, she screamed with all her strength. The Sound of her scream was piercing, so powerful that the Soldiers trying to kill them had dropped their weapons and were gripping their ears trying to make it stop, screaming themselves in sheer pain as their minds began to overwhelmed by the mere power of her voice.

By the time she stopped the two survivors were on the floor dead, their eyes, ears and noses rushed with blood. Adam just started laughing "Never going to get over your singing" grabbing her by the arm he began to pull her away out of the room and down the corridor, followed closely by Lincoln still trying to recover himself from the shock of her scream.

They ran faster and faster towards the symbol indicating the stairs, slamming the door down they now looked up at the hundreds of steps they would need to climb. As they did so a sudden rumble struck them, shaking the entire earth and steps around them, looking down at the battered door far below them, the same door they had pushed through into the steps. Now they only could see a great expanse of fire and smoke from the explosion they had caused, seeing this Adam shouted "MOVE!".

Running faster and faster they finally got to the right level, slamming the door open, the trio saw the sign they needed, a helicopter with the arrow pointing to the hangar. They could only pray that Jane, Jesse and Mick were successful, turning left towards the hangar, they continued to feel the earth shake as deep below them level after level was turned into destructive flames and rubble, Aqualists burned alive as they fled for their lives only to be turned to ash by the fires they were running from.

Looking up Adam saw the open hangar doorway, with the extended platform stretched out with a helicopter readied, an osprey just like Jesse's baby, the two rotors turning swiftly, two figures waving their arms at them, Jane and Mick shouting at them "Come On... Come on".

Adam smiled, it was nearly over, he looked as Kathy and Lincoln jumped onto the rear ramp of the osprey. But then a sudden rumble behind him, a sound he knew too well, fire.
Looking behind him, he saw the flames begin to come their direction, the electrical system was erupting faster than he thought. And now it burning it their direction.

Not having the time to properly react, he saw a pair of fire door close-able in the corridor, looking back to his friends, he knew straight away that if the explosion came, they would be killed as well. Running back into the corridor, a sudden strike from the force of the explosion struck them all in the helicopter, forcing it off the platform, Jesse tried to regain control, pulling on the controls to even it out and keep it steady.

Looking back Kathy could see why they weren't dead, holding the metal doors closed was Adam, using his back as a lock, his arms extended across each side, his legs slowly edging from the fires behind the door trying to force their way out. They could see his clothing slowly burn away, his bare skin becoming more and more visible, his eyes firm, his face angered as he was focused on his strength to hold this door closed.

"ADAM!" Kathy shouted running out for him, but Lincoln and Mick both understood what he was doing, they grabbed her and held her back, pulling her into the helicopters cabin. Yet her eyes never left him, she was afraid, terrified, after all she only had just got him back, now she had him back.

Adam looked to her, his eyes slowly tearing up, yet his attention was taken away with a lever on the wall, the sign next to it was emergency blast door. Looking back to his heart, the love of his life, he knew what he had to do and so did she from the way he was looking at her, she too began to cry.

Adam with great pain suddenly released his grip and jumped to the lever, as he jumped his hand caught bringing it and the blast doors down. The last they saw of him was as he jumped disappearing into the flames.

Kathy reached out trying to regain control, she wanted to go down and find him, but Mick and Lincoln held their grip, behind them Jane began to shout "Go now!".

Jesse with tears in her eyes pulled away, as they gained altitude and distance they could see the result of their mission, as the whole mountain began to rise in flames and smoke. Mick, Jesse, Jane and Lincoln all thought the same thing, the fortune teller was right " A sacrifice will be made making a man a martyr for a cause unlike any other".

Epilogue:

"Do you remember those Tarot cards...." Lincoln asked the group "That last one before the hanged man"

They all nodded "Indeed...." Mick replied "How do we track down Death himself?"

"Adam Knew.... if only we could find out what knowledge he took with him to his grave" Jesse interrupted.

That night as they tried to mourn their friend, Kathy sat alone, looking at something in her hands, Whispering only one sentence "Why didn't I tell him". Opening her hands she revealed to herself an extremely old tool, something that only Atlanteans used, a pregnancy test with a plus sign on it.