by Jack Parker
"Quiet!" Pete yelled overtop of them. "Listen to this."
He turned up the volume on the simple TV screen and the room immediately went quiet aside from our breathing.
The phrase "breaking news" was flashing on the bottom part of the screen as a male reporter had a disturbed expression on his face. "Good evening, I'm David Blake, and welcome to CBS news New York. This just in: as many New Yorkers have undoubtedly witnessed, the Seeker Headquarters building has collapsed to the ground at approximately 8:33pm local time, barely a week after the attack on the Shroud. Many are horrified at the sight as they are reminded of the 9-11 terrorist attacks from 2001. The building's destruction is apparently the direct result of a Special Ops containment operation ordered following the crisis lived in Seeker controlled areas these past few days. The crisis originated after a statement from the Seeker Directors was released to the media just a few days ago, declaring Martial Law in New York and other Seeker-controlled regions around the globe. The public responded in outrage as they demanded the Seeker Directors to lift the Martial Law. This resulted in a clash between protestors and Seeker agents, who illegally arrested numerous participants. This abusive display of Seeker authority left many civilians around the world questioning the organization's true motives." The image switched to a recorded feed that showed hundreds of protestors throwing rocks and other debris at Seeker agents.
My eyes widen at the sight. "What the..?" I start.
"What the fuck is the meaning of this?" Agent Cian growled out.
"Those are not our people," Agent Evans added in.
Pete gasped in disbelief. "Some of them are, unfortunately." He said. "But the rest…you can tell by their eyes."
The reporter came back on, and then turned his head to the left side. "General Howard of the US military has made his own stern statement about the international community's need to join forces, and overthrow the Seeker occupation."
The scene then switched to a middle-aged balding man who regarded the press with a hardened gaze. "In light of recent events from the past few hours, the military will not sit back quietly as the rogue Seeker organization continues to impose their unjustified authority on the international community. Our reliable contacts within the Offices of Intelligence has confirmed that the Seekers have used the Phantom threat as an excuse to secretly stage a coup to overthrow most, if not all, world powers to gain control over the distribution of resources. The Phantom organization has been euthanized back during the Silent War, nearly nine years ago, yet the Seekers still claimed their existence. I assure you that every necessary measure is being taken to make sure the Seekers are brought to justice and pay for their crimes. That being said, any active member of the remnants of this organization is now considered an enemy of the state, and will be charged with crimes against humanity. Use of deadly force is authorized in case of resisting detainment." He ended by scanning the crowd with his hawk-like eyes.
The image switches back to the reporter. "It is confirmed that an emergency meeting between the members of the United Nations Security Council took place in order to properly respond to the Seekers' betrayal. Their message is clear: the Seekers have been outcast as terrorists, and anyone caught or suspected of aiding them will be charged with treason." The reporter then shuffled his papers. "This is CBS news reporter David Blake. Thank you for joining us. Goodnight, and stay safe."
The room was quiet once the broadcast was shut off. We all remained quiet and reflected on the events.
"Jesus Christ, we've been framed," Agent Cian commented hoarsely.
That was the thought on everyone else's mind for they all had a grave expression on their faces.
It was another couple of tense minutes before one of us spoke. "What do we do now?" Agent Evans asked almost timidly.
Pete stared at each and every one of us intensely as he took in our current states. He then walked over to the window as he stared out at the unknown.
The Head Warrior took a deep breath before he turned to face us, and pointed at the TV. "It's obvious isn't it? We fight, or we die…"
Copyright © 2020 by Jack Parker