Zurkerx- The Empire Shall Grow

by Eric William Haluska

  “Are you okay?” the man asks as he runs up to Gadget. “I’ve located him, although he might be in a bit of pain.”

  Gadget groans. He isn’t happy that someone has just awoken him from his peaceful nap. What’s worse, there’s an annoying sound buzzing in his ears. He thinks it’s his ears ringing because he hit his head, but it’s in fact the sirens that sound loudly. Unaware of the situation, he sits up and rubs his eyes, glowering at the man as he comes to his senses.

  “The bloody hell! Who are you? Why would you-”

  “Do that.”

  Gadget looks at the man, wondering how he knew what he was going to say.

  “Wait, how did you know what I-”

  “Was going to say? Come on now, you should know who it is,” says a voice over the speaker.

  “S-S-Supreme Commander Huns,” Gadget says in a shaky voice as he looks around bewildered.

  “Well, this is embarrassing,” whispers Marcus.

  “You’re not wrong, sir,” says the man, agreeing with him. “Let me bring you up to speed. The Gewekrsma have launched an attack against the nation! They are ravaging the… entire country and… have taken the Tower offline somehow…”

  The man hyperventilates. He isn’t sure how to explain everything unfolding. There’s so much happening that his mind can’t keep track of everything.

  Gadget looks around. Slowly, he realizes the ringing in his ears is from the fort’s sirens. He realizes something is wrong and there’s a crisis at hand. He looks at the man, bewildered by his babbling.

  “That’s enough now. I’ll take over from here,” Marcus says calmly.

  “Mad Dog- what’s going on? Why are the alarms sounding?”

  “Gadget. The Gewerksma have launched their attack. They are ravaging Moskova and the entire Empire; we have been caught off guard.”

  “Oh God. What’s the current situation?” Gadget asks as he stands up.

  “The Tower is offline, infected by the CBW. Luckily, they were able to disconnect from Atlas Grid and shut down just in time, but the CBW is still in their system and will ravage our entire network if they go back online. What’s the status on your developed CBW?”

  Gadget breathes in slowly, taking everything in. He exhales.

  “It’s done. We should be able to defeat the CBW.”

  “Good. Make your way to the Tower immediately. A convoy in Hangar Three is waiting for you there.”

  “Copy that.”

  Gadget runs to his desk. He unplugs the flash drive and shoves it in his pocket. He fears that TetraCure may not be able to stop Rubella Typhus. He worries that TetraCure will be overpowered, erased from history, along with the Empire’s sovereignty.

  But he can’t let his paranoia get the better of him. No, I must believe! He runs to the exit, heading to Hangar Three, hoping he can change the tide of battle.

  ~

  A thunderous sound crashes. It sounds as if lightning has struck someone’s house, setting off a chain reaction of explosives. It scares everyone on the battlefield for a brief movement, as they wonder where the terrifying noise has come from. The sound is so immense that some can feel the shockwave, sending chills down their spine. Unfortunately for one person, her body is ripped to shreds as a metal projectile flies through her, ending her life without her even knowing.

  Hanna ducks behind the pillar, cocking the chamber open as she loads another copper scramjet projectile into the gun. She is carrying the EC1 Grant Rifle[88], a newly developed railgun that has recently been approved for snipers. The EC1 Grant Rifle has two rails that form a tubular barrel. To fire the gun, an electrical current, powered by a dual lithium-ion battery, generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field pushes the projectile forward, sending the projectile at supersonic speeds. Although she only has one shot, the weapon is superbly accurate and can penetrate lightly armored vehicles from several miles away.

  In addition to the EC1 she carries, she also has an Aztek pistol and an Octo-Grenade Launcher slung around her shoulder. But they pale in comparison to what she holds in her hands. Hanna stares at the gun with awe, mind blown by its raw power as she softly rubs her right shoulder.

  “Damn, this weapon has a kick to it; I like it.”

  Hanna cocks the chamber closed. She takes a deep breath. Her next target will be at random, just like the previous one. The next victim remains unaware that he will perish. She pops around the pillar and takes aim, pointing at an unfortunate soul charging forward. She slowly squeezes the trigger.

  ~

  As the fight drags on, several drones fly above, monitoring the situation below. They can see tracers flying from both sides as both sides wreak havoc on the city. In between those tracers is a man in a black leather coat, white leather vest, and red cravat, walking towards the Gewerksols and their bullets, carrying the Pesci 41[89].

  “Who is that?” asks an astonished drone operator. “He’s crazy for walking out into the open.”

  “That’s Falcon for you; a man that fears no one.”

  Vincento Falcon Salamaze makes his way forward. He is a tall ghostly colored man with black hair that is turning silver. He has a scruffy silver white beard that hides small scars, although it can’t hide the thick scar that runs down his left eye. He has crystal clear green eyes that set onto people; some interpret him as a gentle giant; others believe he’s a monster. Yet, these aren’t his original eyes.

  During the Halusnekian Civil War, he served as a mercenary and assassin who fought on behalf of the Halusnek government. At the time, he was a Marshall of The Regiment, serving second command under his aging father, Richas Salamaze. When the Regiment was paid by the Empire and Halusnek, he was sent with the 48th Company, a unit within The Regiment he was tasked with commanding, along with others.

  Initially, his leadership helped push back the Marvolkschen, giving some relief for the Halusnekians as they tried to rebuild their military. During his time there, he earned the nickname Falcon for his fast reflexes when it came to fighting and sharp eyesight for spotting enemies from afar. This is what most people know him by today and call him as such.

  However, during the conflict, the entirety of the 48th Company was wiped out by the Marvolkschen at the Battle of Weinstown, which was 150 miles from the capital. There, he fought the revolutionary Nikholas Cebastian, where Nikholas took both his eyes and severely wounded him. He left him for dead, but he was rescued by the Halusnekian military and was sent home when he recovered.

  When he returned home, his father was found dead, poisoned by arsenic. This saddened and angered Falcon, who could no longer see. He was struck with grief as revenge simmered inside him. It remains unknown who killed his father, but he believes Nikholas was responsible. Since that day, he has been appointed Commander as he searches for answers with his son, Luke Salamaze, hoping to shed light on a mystery they have yet to solve.

  The Gewerksols lower their guns in fear as Falcon approaches them with a grim look, unafraid of them. He has only heard rumors of the Gewerksma’s impending attack, rumors he withheld in retaliation for the government’s persecution of The Regiment. But he also believed the rumors weren’t factually evident, an excuse he can play on if the government finds out he hid this vital information from them.

  As he approaches them, he cocks the gun back and points it at the frightened Gewerksols. He opens fire as they take off running. They don’t want to die at the hands of a madman. But one by one, they fall to the ground as Falcon and his soldiers slaughter them mercilessly.

  ~

  On the outskirts of the southern part of Moskova, an armored vehicle hastily approaches. Inside the vehicle is Argus, examining his blade. He knows today is the day that he and his comrades bring Paradise to the people. He knows his presence will be a big morale boost for those who may question their effort and undermine the push by their enemy. He looks out the window and sees Moskova in flames, witnessing Paradise in the making.

  ~

  Another armored vehicle approaches M
oskova from the northwest. In this vehicle is Aceso as he looks out the window. He can’t believe Argus would be the one to orchestrate such an attack on the nation, their home. He is determined to find him and free him from the darkness that shackles him, even at the cost of his own life.

  ~

  Sadara and Donin look for a vantage point to help their friends down below. They see several skyscrapers that are of potential interest. One building they see is the Johnson & Weld Tower, a multi-billion Zureus law firm. It has several balconies with a variety of landscaping.

  “There,” she says, pointing at a balcony covered with shrubs and trees that would provide ideal cover. “Bring us there!”

  Chalres heads towards the balcony. He hovers just above the balcony as Sadara slides the door open. She grabs her gun and swings it around onto her back. As she’s about to exit, she turns to Chalres.

  “Thanks for the ride! Better get back to base before you get in trouble.”

  Chalres’ face crinkles. He fears he will get in trouble despite them allowing him to leave. If he does, he hopes to drag down these brats with him.

  “You better hope our asses don’t get kicked after this,” he says nastily.

  Sadara only smiles as she hops out. Donin gets up and approaches the exit as well. He also looks at the pilot.

  “Umm, sorry for what has transpired. We’ll take the blame for this if it comes down to it.”

  Chalres stares maliciously at Donin, not convinced by his words.

  “Right… I’m going now.”

  Donin jumps out. He stumbles a bit as he regains his composure. Sadara looks at Chalres and gives him a thumb’s up as he flies away, happy to unload his annoying cargo.

  ~

  The Gewerksols struggle throughout the Empire. They are surprised by the resistance they face. They were told that they would steamroll the enemy with ease. This would have been thanks to Rubella Typhus, a CBW they don’t know about. However, the CBW has been stopped from infecting the entire Atlas Grid, enabling the military to coordinate attacks effectively with the help of The Regiment and Brockov, a coalition that has proven stable and effective.

  Demoralized and outgunned, the Gewerksols retreat in an orderly fashion. As they fall back, a military Mini APC Marc-12[90] pulls around the corner. The APC’s .50 caliber automated machine gun[91] opens fire. The soldiers seek cover with a few unable to dodge the flurry of bullets that tears their limbs apart.

  As the APC tears up the joint, a soldier lifts up his RPG-10 and takes aim at the APC. A green circle appears as the rocket locks onto the vehicle. With the pull of the trigger, the rocket streams towards the vehicle. A massive explosion shakes nearby buildings as a massive fireball erupts. The vehicle goes tumbling into the air, landing on its hood.

  Seeing the devastation that has been unleashed, the Gewerksols flee to find cover. For a moment, the soldiers celebrate, believing they are winning. Then a loud clanking sound is heard. The door on the Mini APC-12 is kicked out as someone crawls out.

  ~

  Dmitri paces back and forth. In his hand is his golden revolver that protected him from the assassination attempt years ago. He is contemplating whether he should go out there and fight this nemesis who has disrupted his great nation. Yet, his guards have been badgering him to come with them for the sake of his safety. Scarlet walks in.

  “Mr. President, we have to get you to the Vault,” she says in an urgent voice.

  Dmitri turns around, revealing his black sunglasses to make himself look imperturbable.

  “No, I have been elected by the people!”

  “Here he goes again,” a guard says, shaking her head.

  “And I am here to serve and fight for their natural rights!”

  He walks towards the balcony doors and unlatches the locks. He opens the doors as the scenes of war unfold in front of him. The sounds of guns and screaming soldiers fill the air. He is amazed and shocked by the scenes before him. In the distance, tanks are rolling up with an armored figure standing on top.

  “Scarlet,” says Joseph over the mike. “You have to get him out now!”

  “You don’t think we’ve been trying? You come and pry his dumb ass!”

  Scarlet looks up and sees the balcony doors are open. Dmitri waves his gun in the air.

  “Hey! All of you down there! I, the President of this great nation, will take you all down! I will make you traitors pay for destroying the lives of millions down there! Do you hear me?”

  ~

  Indra stares at the President. He can’t believe the President hasn’t been evacuated yet. He’s stunned that his security hasn’t escorted him somewhere safe. And now they have the opportunity to kill one of the most powerful individuals in Zentari, an opportunity they won’t get again.

  “That fool is having one of his patriotic episodes again,” Indra says, overjoyed as he smiles. “What a perfect way to die. Commander!”

  The tank’s top hatch opens up and someone pops up.

  “Sir, what are your orders?”

  “You see that man on that balcony over there?” Indra says, frantically pointing at the President. “That’s the god damn President up there. Aim your gun and blast him into oblivion.”

  “Got it,” the commander says casually as he pops back into the tank. “Gunner! Aim your gun at that balcony. It’s at 11 o’clock.”

  “Roger that.”

  The tank’s turret turns as its barrel takes aim at the balcony. The gunner unlocks the breech chamber and slides the door open. The loader then picks up a 120mm shell and slides it into the chamber. He then slides the door closed and locks it into place. The gunner looks through the tank’s scope, watching the President on the balcony, his finger on the button to fire.

  “Okay, fire at the dancing Mike!”

  A shockwave pushes Indra back a bit as the projectile leaves the gun, striking just beneath the balcony.

  ~

  The explosion sends shrapnel flying, generating a shockwave that pushes Dmitri back. He goes flying in the air and lands on the floor, tumbling across it until he comes to a stop in the middle of the room. He groans in pain as his ears ring.

  Scarlet and the others jump back a bit. They are surprised the President has survived. She rushes over only to be stopped by his guards.

  “You have to see this,” says one of the guards.

  “Really?! This is a national crisis-”

  “It’s funny though!”

  Scarlet rolls her eyes and turns towards the President. Dmitri looks around to see if anyone is nearby. His ears are still ringing, his vision somewhat blurred as he picks out several figures standing by the door. He realizes it’s his guards and Scarlet staring at him, possibly mocking him. The President’s mouth drops a bit, as he is embarrassed by what has unfolded.

  “What the hell are you all staring at me for? Get me out of here!” he shouts with a slight tremble.

  He motions for Scarlet and his guards to come pick him up. Scarlet looks at the guard.

  “I see what you mean.”

  She walks over and grabs Dmitri and pulls him up.

  “Hey, ouch- be gentle now.”

  “I thought you, the President, were going to protect the people,” she says, teasing him as he brushes himself off.

  “Look,” he says hyperventilating. “I get into the moment, okay? Let’s just get out of here…”

  “Whatever you say, Mister President.”

  Scarlet escorts him out the door and the guards follow suit. As they are walking, one of them hands the other a Zureu, shaking his head in disbelief. He has lost a bet once again, thinking the President would have the balls to fight.

  ~

  “With the leader of the Empire dead, their morale will now crumble.”

  Indra smiles, confident that the President is dead. The tank’s hatch opens up again and the commander appears.

  “What are my next orders?”

  “Just keep firing and pushing forward. I’ll take care of the rest
.”

  He jumps off the tank. With the death of the President adding to his confidence, he enthusiastically charges into battle, pulling out his sword. Despite the hellfire that persists, he fearlessly advances, giving his comrades a boost of certainty that they will take the Palace. Assured that victory is within their grasp, they follow Indra.

  As they charge forward, the First Lion Guard, The Fifth Lightning Cavalry, and Fourth Red Skull Division approach. Their mission is to secure the perimeter of the Presidential Palace and drive out any resistance within its borders. Once they complete this objective, they are to advance into the capital itself and eliminate additional resistance that may be entrenched.

  But until they arrive, the Red Skulls defending must hold off an enemy that has been given a boost of morale, courage that has activated unbelievable strength. Indra appears unstoppable as he slaughters his victims one by one. Blood splatters the ground, painting a picture of death. They are powerless to stop him; their only option being to run and zigzag in hopes they aren’t in his path.

  As he gets closer, a soldier jumps from around one of the columns and opens fire. His bullets bounce off Indra’s armor, not even denting it. The soldier continues to fire until he runs out of ammo. Desperate, he hides behind the pillar and reloads his gun. When he peers around the corner again, Indra stands in front of him. Indra lifts his sword and slices him, putting an end to his life as the man screams in agony.

  Hanna jumps at the dreadful sound. She wonders who has emitted that horrible noise, one that sends chills down her spine, giving her goosebumps. She turns around and sees a Kren standing above a soldier bathing in blood.

  Indra turns his head and sees Hanna. He walks towards her, placing his sword back in its scabbard, believing he has found another easy target.

  “Hanna,” he says with joy and a smile behind his mask as he raises his arms. “You are looking good today. You haven’t changed a bit.”

  Hanna backs up, raising her gun. She pulls the trigger and only hears a click. Desperate, she looks for another projectile, but has none.

  “What? No hello? Don’t you think that’s disrespectful?”