Untitled

[Klavier Gavin]

This is something I've been working on since 9th grade, this is the third rewrite i've done for this project. Below is just some background info for the story. You don't have to read it and you probably shouldn't cause it's boring, but it might help for when the characters talk about certian events.

It's set in the third year of an unnamed war. about 6 years ago was the end of the Last War, called so because it was thought to be the last war the ALF would ever participate in wither as support or as the main attacker. The Last War only lasted 4 years. Three years before that war was the end of the 10 year long Mid East War, wich saw the dismantling of a certain branch of the ALF military. At the end of both the Mid East War and Last War many military personel were either fired or exicuted (relatives of those exicuted after the war were also exicuted).

The leader of the ALF is a man by the name Jeffry Stone, he was 'elected president' during the 5th year of the Mid East War. The start of events in the book mark his 14th year as president.

On the GFR side is a man known to most as the Superior, he gained power after the last ruler died. His real name is Deidrick, but most people are afraid to call him this because the last ruler demanded to be called the Superior, and killed anyone who called him otherwise.

One event that will get talked about a few times later on is the Gates Incident. This was an attempt to kill a higher up of the ALF, named Robert Gates (I thought up this name before Robert Gates became SecDef). The attempt failed due to someone firing earlier that they were suppose to. All involved got away, with most still living in the ALF.

That's about as much back ground as I'm going to give, enjoy the story.

I guess i should also say that if the words d**n, and hell do appear every once in a while, other than that there isn't any cursing, if at all. But most of that appears later.

[Klavier Gavin]

Chapter 1: Meeting the Players

“Dante, did you make sure to pack everything this time,” asked Virgil heading to his van, “This time we can’t afford to leave anything behind.”
“Yes master,” replied Dante following Virgil, “I checked, double checked, and triple checked everything. There’s no need to worry, I’ve got everything covered.”
“The last time you said that we left half our equipment behind,” said Virgil opening the back of his van, “and please don’t call me master, it makes me feel old.”
“You know, if you checked some of the stuff yourself, we wouldn’t have to worry about leaving things behind,” said Dante picking up an equipment case and setting it in the back, “and about the master thing, I’ll quit calling you that when you stop calling me runt.”
“You know runt, if you’d learn to pack right I wouldn’t have to worry. I really shouldn’t have to check to make sure you do everything correctly”
“Actually, I think you should,” said Dante putting that last case in the back and closing the door of the van.
“I don’t think that would help things,” said Virgil moving to the passenger side of the van and getting in, “You would just complain that I’m getting in your way all the time.”
“So, at least when I forget something, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself,” Dante replied getting in the driver side and starting the van.
“I’d blame you anyways,” said Virgil, “it doesn’t matter how you do things, it’ll always be your fault.”
“I’m not going to win am I,” asked Dante pulling out of the driveway.
“No, and I wouldn’t even bother trying,” said Virgil, “now shut up and drive.”
***
“Welcome back,” said Vincent Bailey shaking the hands of his colleagues. “How did things go on your trip down south?”
“It could’ve gone better,” answered David Smith. “You should’ve sent Carson down with us, instead of leaving him behind on that fieldtrip.”
“He wouldn’t have helped things,” said Thomas Miller, “he’s a bit overbearing at times, and we didn’t need that.”
“You’re right, but with the way things turned out, I would’ve preferred him to the new kid,” said David.
“Speaking of the new guy, where is he,” asked Vincent.
“The poor bastard got sick,” laughed James Marshall walking in. “I figured he’d be better off at home than with us.”
“How bad is he,” asked Vincent not all that concerned.
“Bad enough not to be here, but not enough to worry about,” answered Thomas.
“I feel for the guy, but it was funny as hell watching him on the way back,” said James
“The only reason you found it amusing was because you didn’t have to sit next to him,” said Thomas.
“Anyways, tell me what. Did they say?” asked Vincent.
“They pretty much just want us to go away,” started Thomas. “They’re now happy that we’ve even managed to extend our border that far south.”
“It’s funny that they’re complaining about the border,” said James, “especially considering it’s been like that for ten years.”
“If they want to be that way let them,” said Vincent, “the only thing that changes with them opposing us is that they don’t get as many rights when we take them over.”
“We need to hurry up and end this d**n war,” said James, “if we could just win the thing, then we could focus our resources on taking the south instead of defeating an enemy across the ocean.”
“The war’s not our only problem,” said David, “with President Stone at the head of things, our country will never be restored to its former glory.”
“Unfortunately Marshall is right,” said Vincent, “we need to focus on the war first and when the time comes we’ll readjust our sights to the other matters.”
“What should we do,” asked Thomas. “We’ve lost too many people already; we can’t just keep throwing people overseas and hope they don’t get killed.”
“That has been a problem hasn’t it?” said Vincent. “Unfortunately, the President refuses to see reason and has once again denied our request to use the new weapon.”
“That doesn’t surprise me much,” said David. “The President never liked the idea of developing it anyway.”
“I don’t think we’ll ever be able to convince him to use it.” Said James, “We should just use it whether he likes it or not.”
“We can’t do that,” said Vincent. “If we just use it without Stone’s permission, he may figure things out faster than we want him to.”
“I doubt that…” started Thomas, before he was interrupted by his phone. “Excuse me; I have to take this.”
“Go ahead,” said Vincent, allowing Thomas to walk out of the room.
“I wonder what’s up?” wondered David, “You think it has anything to do with his new project.”
“Maybe,” replied James. “Last I heard it’s getting shut down.”
“Really? Why?” asked David.
“There was an accident onsite.” answered Vincent, “After it happened, Stone said it was too dangerous to continue work on it.”
“Leave it to Stone to chicken out on something because some idiot gets himself killed.” said James. “It’s not like there was anything wrong with the project itself; it was just the people running things.”
“Sorry ‘bout the interruption.” apologized Thomas. “New guy just called and said Carson’s been killed.”
“What do you mean he’s been killed?” asked James.
“More importantly how and when did it happen?” questioned Vincent.
“He was shot while on that ‘trip’.” answered Thomas. “They’re showing it all over the news.”
“Do they know who did it?” asked David.
“From what I’ve been told so far, no,” answered Thomas. “Apparently they haven’t found a weapon, and no one saw anyone coming or leaving the area who seemed like they were carrying a weapon.”
“This isn’t good,” said Vincent getting up. “Smith, you come with me; You two can leave.”
“Where are we going?” asked David.
“First, we see if we can find out who did this,” started Vincent. “Then I go see Stone.”
“I doubt we’ll figure who did this.” said David. “None of my contacts told me anything like this would happen. If it was professional, then these guys are good enough not to need outside help.”
“So you’re telling me that there isn’t any way we’ll find out who did it?” asked Vincent.
“There are ways, but only if we’re lucky,” replied David.
“Fine, then see if you can find something.” said Vincent. “I’m going to talk to Stone.”
“All right, I’ll talk to you later,” said David.
***
“Welcome back, gentlemen,” said Henry shaking the hands of his colleagues, “how did our talks go?”
“It went well,” said Armand. “The only thing we need to do now is get the JCP’s support.”
“I don’t know,” said Leon. “Even though they owe us a few favors, it would be best for them and us if they stay neutral.”
“I have to agree,” said Jermaine, “with the JCP, things would get more complicated than they need to be. Besides, we have the CTB as an ally now; we no longer need the JCP’s aid.”
“It’s good to know things are working out for us,” said Henry. “The ALF, on the other hand, are having some minor problems.”
“That’s good to know,” said Armand, “maybe we won’t have to worry about the war much longer.”
“He said they are having problems, not that they are collapsing,” said Jermaine.
“What problems are the having?” asked Leon, ignoring Armand and Jermaine’s mini-spat.
“For one,” said Henry, “their talks didn’t go well. In fact, their neighbors to the south are even more likely to pick up arms against them now.”
“Leave it to the ALF to mess up the simplest of tasks,” said Armand. “If we’d been in their position, we would have accomplished our goals in less time and with fewer resources.”
“What else is going on over there?” asked Jermaine.
“Really! Which one?” asked Leon.
“Jason Carson,” answered Henry. “He was one of the ones on Stone’s special committee. If I remember correctly, he dealt with the basic planning of the war.”
“His being dead could be bad for us,” said Armand.
“How so?” asked Jermaine.
“Well, that Carson guy didn’t do his job very well; it was almost like he was playing a game,” said Armand. “With him gone, they may replace him with someone who knows what he’s doing.”
“I doubt it,” said Leon. “The only person in that country who could even be considered a threat to us is Vincent Bailey, and Stone won’t let that dog off his leash long enough to do anything useful.”
“It’s true that most people in the ALF government are unfit to run things,” said Henry, “but I’ve heard that a new member may be added to the team, and that he was selected by Bailey himself.”
“Really? Who’ve they added now?” asked Jermaine. “The last person added was Thomas Miller, and he hasn’t done much since joining.”
“His name is Patrick Lenard, and he has quite a record,” said Henry. “I would not be surprised if the used him to fill the now empty slot.”
“Really? What kind of record?” asked Jermaine.
“He did good work in the Last War,” said Henry. “He helped plan the some of the last missions, and he single-handedly planned the raid on that POW camp.”
“If that’s the case, then I’m not worried,” said Jermaine. “If I recall correctly, those last few missions failed miserably – and didn’t that raid go horribly wrong as well?”
They were good plans,” said Leon. “The only problem with them was that a certain official decided to cut off their support just after they’d been executed, and never told anyone.”
“If he’s joined recently,” said Armand, “then their president’s not going to let him do a whole lot until he can trust him.”
“I know, and with the death of that committee member, Stone must think that something’s up,” said Jermaine.
“I wouldn’t blame him if he did,” said Leon. “About this time I’d be wondering who on that committee might not like me, and take them out before they did the same to me.”
“I believe he did that the second he took power,” said Armand. “It’s strange to think of how they started and where they are now, compared to us. It’s almost like we’ve switched places in this world, the only difference is that we won’t make the same mistakes they did.”
“That’s what happens when people want power,” said Henry. “Some get it by any means necessary and others earn the right to rule.”
“I guess it’s true when they say ‘to figure out a man’s true character, give him power and see what he does with it’,” said Leon. “The Superior took power and created a better country. Stone takes power and is trying to take over the world.”
Unfortunately, I must cut this short,” said Henry getting up to leave. “I must speak with the Superior soon. Armand, I want a report about the talks later, and Jermaine, I’m going to need an update soon.”
***
“How could you let something like this happen?” yelled President Stone. “You’re supposed to make sure our people don’t get into trouble or worse. Where the hell was his security?”
“Sorry, sir,” apologized Vincent, “I did warn you, though, that we were not going to have enough security for Carson if you insisted that the others do the talks this week.”
“Don’t blame this on me, Bailey,” shouted Stone. “You should’ve made sure things were taken care of here first instead of dealing with your boys and their field trip.”
“Again, sir, I apologize for Carson’s death, but he was not of great importance to this country or its cause,” replied Vincent.
Not important?!” yelled Stone. “How can you say the person in charge of planning this war isn’t important?”
“I have found someone else who has actual experience at planning things like this,” said Vincent. “Besides, you and I both know Carson was not competent enough to do his job to begin with.”
“Someone else?” asked Stone. “Who? That Lenard guy?”
“Yes,” answered Vincent.
“You can’t expect me to believe that some guy you got from the military knows anything about planning missions in a war,” spat Stone.
“He helped plan the last major missions of the Last War,” said Vincent trying to convince Stone to see things rationally for once, and failing.
“And if you remember correctly,” argued Stone. “The last missions of that war failed miserably.”
“Sir, they only failed because the teams never got the support they were promised,” said Vincent starting to become annoyed. “Other than that, they were well planned missions.”
“If they were so well planned, then why wasn’t there an exit strategy when things went wrong?” inquired Stone.
“You’re missing the point Stone,” said Vincent, anger apparent in his voice. “Despite the fact that those missions failed, they were planned well enough that I think this guy can do a better job, than Carson could in his dreams.”
“Did you just call me Stone? How dare you talk to me that way,” yelled Stone oblivious, to Vincent’s argument. “You will address me as ‘Sir’ or ‘Mr. President;’ never as ‘Stone.’ I am not your friend. I am your President. You work under me, I am your superior.”
“Again, my apologies, Mr. President,” said Vincent, with no trace of emotion in his voice.
“Good. Now get the hell out of my office,” shouted Stone.
“Yes, sir,” said Vincent walking out.
***
“What was all the noise about?” asked David as Vincent walked down the hallway.
“He actually got to me,” said Vincent, thinking about his conversation with Stone, and surprised at his own reaction.
“You actually reacted to Stone’s abuse, I guess you are human,” laughed David. “What exactly did you do to make him that mad?”
“I called him Stone,” replied Vincent.
“That’ll do it,” said David. “I just hope he isn’t to mad.”
“Why?” asked Vincent.
“I have to go in there and tell him that we haven’t made any progress in the investigation of Carson’s death,” said David.
“Not like that will matter,” said Vincent. “Once our plan succeeds we won’t have to worry about that or our president anymore.”
“Yeah, when that happens, you won’t need to differentiate between your president and your friends,” said David, making a joke Vincent didn’t get.
“I have to go,” said Vincent, “good luck dealing with Stone.”
“Yeah, right,” said David. “I’ll need more than luck. I wonder if the higher ups in the GFR have to deal with a leader like Stone.”
***
“I’m glad to hear things are going as planned,” said the Superior.
“They certainly are, sir,” replied Henry.
“Please, call me Diedrick,” said the Superior/Diedrick. “We’re friends, before subordinate and superior.
“I’m sorry,” said Henry. “I’m just use to things before you took power.”
“I don’t blame you,” said Diedrick, “but times have changed. Let’s not worry about the past. Besides, after you helped me gain power, a wrong step here or there doesn’t bother me. When you think about it, we should be in each other’s position.”
“I think I prefer things the way they are,” said Henry. “I’ve never really wanted a high position, but when Bather was in power, I felt I had no choice but to do what was nessicary.”
“I understand how you feel. I think we all felt the same way,” said Diedrick.
“I only feel bad that Bather was my friend,” said Henry. “It makes me wonder how much the others truly trust me, since they know I’m the one who cast Bather out of power.”
“I don’t see a need to worry,” said Diedrick. “I have faith in your loyalty and that is enough. As long as you understand the position you took and why you took it, it doesn’t matter whether or not the other understand.”
“You’re right,” said Henry, walking towards the door, “but I have one question before I leave,” he said, turning around.
“Yes? What is it?” asked Diedrick.
“About the use of the weapon we developed,” said Henry.
“I would prefer we not use it unless we absolutely have to,” said Diedrick/The Superior. “If we should ever use it, I do not want future generations to look back at that decision, and say we made a mistake, to say we went with the easy way out and never looked at every possible option that did not rely on it.”
“I understand, Sir,” said Henry, leaving the room. “I was thinking the same thing.”