Resistance Rising

by Matthew Savage

  “Captain,” Orson said to the room. “We have movement.”

  Sarah looked through the spotting scope and saw three figures heading into the building.

  “Were you able to see who they were?” Captain Underwood asked.

  “I couldn’t tell sir,” Orson replied not taking his eyes from the building now.

  Captain Underwood stood for a moment and looked out the window at the parked car and target building. The team gathered by the window. Whoever the people were they were now inside their target building.

  “They are early,” Captain Underwood said in a whisper. He cleared his throat and spoke again. “Everyone get ready. We are going in.”

  Chapter 5

  Extra Cargo

  Director Moore stood in front of Nolan waiting for a reaction but Nolan didn’t know what to say. Nolan was trying to remember what his cousin Lee looked like and wondered how he would get to Indiana. His arm was still wrapped he wondered what this would do for his mission.

  “Nolan, I am going to need you to lead a small team to Indiana and get your cousin and his forces to help us.” Director Moore instructed.

  Nolan had never led a team before. A part of him thought about asking for this mission to be solo. He didn’t like the idea of leading others into danger.

  “A team, sir?” Nolan asked.

  “Yes. I have one fellow who can join you. We just got him as a transfer. I need another to join you.”

  “How about Ian?” Nolan asked. He wasn’t sure where that name came from but it would be nice to have someone experienced in combat to join him.

  “Ian?” Director Moore asked. Apparently unfamiliar with the name.

  “Ian Dreyfuss sir,” Nolan reminded him.

  “That boy President Powell knows? I don’t think so.”

  “Sir, he has been in combat he can handle a mission like this.”

  “He is not a part of the Intelligence branch.”

  “Then let’s transfer him.”

  Nolan didn’t want to get stuck with someone who he didn’t know and had never been in a battle. Ian showed he could keep his cool while fighting.

  “Why do you think there will be fighting? This is a simple recruiting mission.”

  “That’s how it seems. I haven’t been with the D.I long but I have noticed there are no simple missions.”

  “I like your mindset,” Director Moore started to pace. “I will clear it with President Powell.”

  “May I join you, sir?” Nolan asked.

  “That isn’t a good idea.” Director Moore said. “The President is very busy and this is a sensitive subject. I think it is best if I handle it.” Director Moore handed Nolan a file. “This is your new guy. He will be under you. Corporal.”

  “Corporal?” Nolan couldn’t believe it. “Thank you, sir.” He was so pleased.

  He didn’t think he would be promoted so fast especially after the trouble he started. He was so proud of himself. He couldn’t wait to tell Sarah and Karli about it. Nolan did his best to hide his excitement on his face.

  “Captain Underwood said you would be a good fit for a promotion if we needed you for a mission.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Nolan tried to keep his voice even.

  “Meet with the new recruit and debrief him. I will find you after I meet with the President.” Director Moore said dismissing him from the room.

  Nolan read the file. It wasn’t very long but it seemed this new guy Anthony wasn’t someone to be messed with. He had several incidents of fighting before he joined up with the Insurgents. Nolan was wondering what made him join. He looked through the file until he reached Anthony’s room. Nolan knocked on the door. It was a moment before the door opened. Anthony was standing there. He had a cigarette in the corner of his mouth and was wearing a sleeveless shirt. Anthony wasn’t tall per say but he was built. The first thing Nolan noticed about him was how large his hands were. Anthony had dark hair and a long goatee.

  “Anthony Kristoff?” Nolan asked.

  “Who is asking?” Anthony asked.

  Nolan didn’t expect this reaction.

  “I am your new squad leader. I am Nolan Hunter.”

  “I heard about you. You and your sister are the ones who started this war.”

  “I wouldn’t say we started it.”

  “Is she here? I heard she is hot.” Anthony said and looked out the hall as if expecting her to be there. He looked at Nolan’s face. “I am only kidding. Come in.”

  Nolan walked into the room and he could smell cigarette smoke and smoke that might have been from something that wasn’t a cigarette. Nolan looked around the room. There were cigarettes put out in an ashtray and Nolan spotted a knife stuck into the wall. Anthony closed the door behind Nolan. He saw Nolan look at the knife and it didn’t seem to bother him.

  “What can I do for you?” Anthony asked.

  “I am here to brief you on what is going on,” He took one more look around the room. “You know you’re not supposed to smoke in here right?”

  “I know,” Anthony said.

  This caught Nolan off guard. Nolan started to explain what was going on. Anthony nodded his head as Nolan talked. Nolan would have to stop periodically to cough but would continue on.

  “So we are going on a trip to Indiana,” Nolan finished.

  “Are we expecting a fight?” Anthony asked.

  “Director Moore doesn’t think so.”

  “He is your cousin?”

  “That’s right?” Nolan tried to sound like this is a good thing. “It shouldn’t be a problem we are waiting to hear from the Director to make sure that we can get our third team member.”

  “Sounds good. I will get my things together. We are leaving soon correct?” Anthony said.

  Nolan could tell he was ready to get moving now. He could see it in his body language Anthony sort of jumped around like a boxer getting ready for a fight. Nolan liked his enthusiasm.

  “We can’t leave just yet. We need to figure out if we get our third member. Hangout here. I will get you when we are ready to go.” Nolan looked around for a moment. “Try not to do anything you’re not supposed to before we leave.”

  “No promises, Corporal.” Anthony sarcastically laughed.

  Nolan shook his head and left the room. He wanted to see Karli before he had to leave. It was early in the day which meant that Karli was at her station in the communications area. He had never been to that area before but Nolan knew where it was.

  The elevator stopped on the Communication’s floor. This area of the old hotel was converted rooms that became offices. Each room had several desks in it. Some of the offices Nolan could tell they were listening to something because one person would stand behind the other. The person sitting would be writing things down. Nolan wondered what they were listening too. He knew that if it was important there was a chance it would end up in his department. He found a receptionist.

  “I am looking for Private Bell. Is she around?” Nolan asked. He looked around as if saying her name would bring her out of her office.

  “Office number seven.” The receptionist said.

  She directed him to her office. Nolan walked past the offices before reaching the one where Karli was. Nolan watched her through the glass door for a moment as she worked. He wanted to stay in that moment longer but he knew his time was limited. Nolan knocked on the glass door. Karli looked up from her work and a large smile grew on her face. She quickly opened the door.

  “What are you doing here?” Karli asked.

  “I wanted to tell you I got a promotion,” Nolan said.

  “To what?” Karli asked.

  “Corporal. I get to lead my own team on a mission.” He remembered why he was here now. “I am going to be leaving soon. I can’t tell you where we are heading.”

  “I understand. Will you be safe?” Karli asked. The concern was written on her face.

  “I will. I wanted to let you know, and to say goodbye.”

  “I appreci
ate it.”

  They didn’t speak for a moment and Nolan wished he could do something. He was looking at her lips. Then at her eyes. He wasn’t sure if he should.

  “I have to get back to work,” Karli said.

  “Of course. I uh… have to get moving.”

  “Good luck, Corporal,” Karli smirked at Nolan and closed the door behind her.

  Nolan had a large grin on his face the entire time to his office. Nolan was going to check and see if Director Moore was in his office. Nolan hit the button for the elevator. When the doors opened Director Moore was standing in front of him.

  “Director!” Nolan said. He wasn’t expecting the Director in his elevator.

  “I was coming to see you. I figured you would be here?”

  “You did?”

  “Of course.” Director Moore said Matter-of-factly. “Go and get Ian. President Powell said he could join you.”

  “Will do, sir,” Nolan replied and got in the elevator to find Ian.

  Ian was on office duty for a Major. Since the D.I hadn’t been in open war yet, there wasn’t much to do in terms of office work. Nolan noticed this as he watched Ian sitting at a desk. Ian was doing his best to keep his eyes open but it didn’t seem to be working. Nolan opened the door and stood in front of the desk.

  “Private, I need to speak to the Major,” Nolan said.

  “Nolan?” Ian said confused. “Yes, you can head right in.”

  Nolan opened up the doors and Major Ritter was sitting behind her desk. She had short dark hair pulled into a nub of ponytail. She seemed to be only seven or so years older than him.

  “Major Ritter, I have new orders.” Nolan started before she interrupted him.

  “Joining our unit. That is fine. Give your orders to Private Dreyfuss he will give you instructions.”

  “Actually, Major, it is Private Dreyfuss who I am taking. He put the orders on her desk in front of her.”

  She opened the orders and read them. Nolan assumed she read them twice considering how long it took her to respond.

  “Very well,” She looked at him. Squinted her eyes as if not believing his rank. “Corporal, You can take him.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am.”

  Nolan did his best to remember his military procedure and saluted her. He left the room and walked up to Ian’s desk. Ian looked at the door when Nolan came out of the room.

  “Ian you are coming with me,” Nolan said.

  That was all Ian needed. He left his chair and followed.

  “You need to pack your bags. We are going on a trip.”

  Nolan explained everything to Ian. Ian seemed interested but didn’t ask my questions. It was as though Ian took in every detail that Nolan spoke. When Nolan finished Ian was quiet. Nolan waited for him to say something.

  “Why are there other groups fighting? Wouldn’t it be easier to win this war if we work together against the government?”

  “That is the thing. I want to know why people aren’t willing to join.”

  “Do you think U.S. is using propaganda to make us look bad?” Ian asked.

  This was something Nolan had considered since reading about the other groups.

  “It wouldn’t surprise me but I don’t know much these groups would believe anything that the government had to say.”

  They arrived at the large group room where Ian slept. Ian gathered the little things he had and followed Nolan. They had to get Anthony and weapons before leaving for the Indiana. Nolan and Ian knocked on Anthony’s door. The door opened immediately and Anthony was holding his bag.

  “You boys take any longer?” Anthony said and pushed past them.

  “I guess we are going,” Nolan added to Anthony’s back.

  Nolan and Ian caught up with Anthony at the elevator. When they entered the hangar bay, Nolan led them to the SUV, which would take them to the airport. They put their bags in the trunk. Nolan got into the driver seat which was a change of pace for him. Nolan had gotten used to Captain Underwood doing the driving; now as the squad leader, it was on him. The hangar doors opened and the SUV took off into the night. The hidden path that led to the road was dark and narrow. It was covered by thick trees and brush. Even if people found themselves on the road that ran past the old hotel, they wouldn’t be able to spot the small road that went under the abandoned hotel. Nolan drove the team to an airport forty minutes away from the base. In the past the D.I would use a small airport several minutes from the base and take small planes where they needed to go. This mission was different. They were going to get onto a plane that was delivering cargo for a company President Powell used to own.

  Nolan and his team arrived at the airport. They parked their car and found where they were to enter in order to get to the plane. People were loading crates into the back. Nolan, Ian, and Anthony entered the plane through a side door. Nolan greeted the pilot who shook his hand.

  “Welcome boys. This should be an easy flight for you.” The pilot said. “I will come back and inform you when we are getting close to landing. When that happens we will put you three into one of these crates. After we land we will load you into a truck.”

  “Then when we are close to our target zone will jump from the truck.” Nolan finished.

  “That is right. Sounds easy from here. Shouldn’t have any problems TSA and USSB don’t check cargo just yet.”

  “Well, that gives us an advantage,” Nolan said as he shook the pilot’s hand.

  Nolan instructed Anthony and Ian to take their seats. They followed his orders. Nolan took the seat across from them. Nolan knew they had a couple of hours until they land which meant that the team could get a little sleep.

  “It had been my experience that during these missions it is hard to get a good nights rest. I recommend you all take the time to sleep now.”

  “You really expect us to sleep?” Anthony asked as if this was an outrageous request.

  “I would suggest trying,” Nolan replied as he closed his eyes and got comfortable.

  Nolan felt a hand on his shoulder and he woke up. Nolan couldn’t remember falling asleep. He didn’t feel like he had slept. The pilot was standing over him which told Nolan he must have slept because now it was time to get into the crates.

  “We started our decent, Corporal.” The pilot whispered.

  “Thank you.” Nolan rasped.

  Nolan rubbed his eyes and looked at Ian and Anthony they both were sleeping. Nolan gently woke them up. Anthony stirred and stretched. When Nolan woke up Ian he abruptly woke up and struggled in his seat belt. Nolan tried to calm him down. Nolan recognized what had happened because this is normally what happens when people wake him up.

  “Ian, you are fine.”

  “What?” Ian said alarmed.

  “You are fine,” Nolan said in a calm voice.

  Ian calmed down. Nolan waited for Ian before instructing them.

  “We are descending now so we got to get into our crate,” Nolan instructed.

  Nolan led Ian and Anthony into the cargo area of the plane. Nolan found the empty crate they were to get into. He opened the top and Ian and Anthony climbed in first. Nolan climbed in last and closed the top behind him. They were in darkness and Nolan stepped on someone’s leg.

  “Shit I am sorry.” Nolan said.

  “It is fine.” Anthony said in a strained voice.

  Nolan went into his bag and found his flashlight. When the light turned on Nolan realized how small the crate was. The three of them were almost on top of each other.

  “We are going to get real close on this mission.” Nolan laughed.

  Everyone laughed for a moment. Nolan was already counting down the minutes until they can get out of the crate. It wasn’t long before they felt the plane touch down and come to a stop. They heard the cargo bay door open and the other crates and boxes started getting moved. They felt their crate get moved and loaded into the truck. Nolan knew they were the last ones in the truck. Nolan heard the door close and the truck started to move. No
lan opened the top and they left the crate.

  “Not gonna lie guys. I don’t ever wanna be in a crate with you all again.” Anthony laughed.

  They all stretched and woke up their limbs that were asleep. Nolan went into his bag and found his GPS. He turned it on and got his bearings. He estimated that they would need to drive for an hour before they would reach their drop point. Nolan was to tap the truck to let the driver know when to pull over.

  “Alright, guys get your weapons ready. When we get dropped off we should only be a few miles away from the target house. This member made contact with us about a small group of people who have been resisting the government. This contact should lead us to their base.” Nolan informed them. The team nodded in understanding. “I want us to be on high alert when we get to the contact house. I think it is strange that a random member found us.”

  “You think this could be a trap?” Ian asked.

  “I think it is a possibility,” Nolan said.

  “If it is, they are making a mistake trying to get us,” Anthony said and punched his chest.

  Nolan smiled at his confidence in the fight before he even saw who was up against. Nolan checked his map and saw that they were getting close to their drop point. Nolan moved to the other side of the truck and gave it a knock. It wasn’t long before the truck came to a stop. The backdoor opened and the driver was standing there.

  “Good luck to you guys.” The driver said.

  “Thank you,” Nolan said.

  Nolan jumped off the truck first followed by Ian and Anthony. They made sure they had their bags and all their things before the driver closed the door and got back into the truck. When the truck pulled away, it was dusk and Nolan looked around to find a landmark to tell them where they were. He looked at his GPS before understanding which way they were pointing. They were on the side of a highway which at the moment was empty but Nolan knew that could change at any time.