“Come in!” he shouted. The Commander’s nostrils flared and his face had the meanest of looks on it. “What is it?”
“I'm... I'm sorry sir,” a tiny woman replied in a faint voice. Commander Sullivan waited impatiently for the woman to explain herself. “Well get on with it, what is it?”
“Sir, something big is going down and I think you better see it.” The Commander apologized to the person on the other line for having to end the call prematurely. Begrudgingly, the Commander followed the small woman to the command center. “What is it?” The agents inside, the tech crew and everyone else watched the screen in sheer shock, “Turn it up.”
Sheryl Anders, one of the top news reporters from Washington was reporting live a few blocks away from Pennsylvania Ave.
“What in the world is going on down there?” Commander Sullivan asked.
There was a violent battle taking place between an army of Post Humans and the National Guard. The camera crew zoomed in to get a closer view on the violent conflict that was taking place.
“It's them!” Commander Sullivan exclaimed as he
recognized Joe Dorgan, Erik Masters, Seth Maddox and Kyle Stanton leading the attack like generals in an army would do. Levitating above them was someone in a long hooded robe, a short man and a woman in white.
Commander Sullivan watched as the Post Human army cut through the police and National Guard with alarming ease. He watched as they mercilessly killed anyone that got in their way. The streets were filled with chaos. Fire and smoke polluted the air while hundreds of civilians did their best to get to safety. Commander Sullivan noticed the path the Post Humans were heading and his eyes went big. The commander let out a slew of curses directed at the screen.
“What is it sir?” one of the agents asked.
Commander Sullivan’s face was as white as a ghost, “They’re heading straight for the White House!”
Everyone inside the room looked around at each other. This was what so many people feared. The emergence of Post Humans would eventually be a major threat to national security. Whoever was leading this group of Post Humans had an army of them and Commander Sullivan was fairly certain a lot of them were enhanced with the stolen Blueranium from the vault.
“What do we do Sir?” an agent asked.
Everyone waited around to see how Commander Sullivan would respond. He hesitated for a moment as he watched the Post Humans bully their way down the street. It was clear that these particular Post Humans didn’t want to talk. They didn’t want to negotiate or find common ground, they wanted to destroy. They wanted to conquer. They wanted to rule.
“Commander, what are our orders?”Agent Hardine asked. His entire unit were fully dressed and awaiting their next assignment.
“We go to war,” Commander Sullivan replied.
“Yes sir,” Agent Hardine replied hiding any trace of concern that he rightfully felt at that moment. He was ready to defend his country, but knew good and well he would be facing a threat greater than anything he or anyone in G.U.A.R.D had ever face. Not even anyone in the military could've faced anything like what was taking place in Washington.
Agent Hardine and all the head agents met with one another and began formulating a coordinated attack. Commander Sullivan was on the phone with Mr. Connors getting the League prepped for battle.
“This is what we’ve been training for. Our country needs us; this is where we make our stand. This is where we show the world what The League of Protectors is all about. This is where we protect our people; this is where we protect our country,” Mr. Connors said to his team.
The woman in white used telekinesis to disarm the soldiers firing at the group. Her mastery of telekinesis was well beyond that of Noah Winters. Joe Dorgan and Seth Maddox enjoyed free reign of their abilities. Joe heaved cars towards the police and soldiers while Seth Maddox lit the cars on fire. This combination attack left the soldiers scrambling about, desperately trying to avoid the attacks.
The short man was in possession of a loud speaker and used it to make threats; Stating a new dawn was approaching and that this country would no longer be held captive by the human population. He expressed great frustration with the public’s opinions on Post Humans and vowed to dispose of the hatred and ignorance that polluted the world. There were many more Post Humans that marched with them. More than Mr. Connors and Commander Sullivan could've anticipated.
Stephanie Morgan, who was on the Star Foxx, was putting her abilities in overdrive trying to identify the individuals in this army and their abilities. “Mr. Connors, there are dozens of people out there that I can’t identify. What does that mean?” Stephanie asked. The young woman rested her head on the headrest. She needed to let her abilities recharge before she attempted to identify anyone else. Mr. Connors looked at her with a bland look.
“It means one of two things my dear. It means that this hooded man has successfully powered regular humans with the Blueranium. That or this individual has somehow developed a way to shield them from your abilities.” Neither scenario was good for the League of Protectors.
The Star Foxx landed moments before a swarm of G.U.A.R.D jets touched down in the designated meeting place, just a half a block away from where the Post Human army was marching. Mr. Connors, along with Garrett Blake, Stephanie Morgan and Bianca Ramirez exited the jet. Moments later Shayne Tucker sped in with Jackson Prescott.
Jackson wanted possession of the automated jet Jason Shaw had recently finished developing, but he was denied. The argument was that with Jackson living on campus, there was nowhere to store the jet. In addition, he and Shayne lived together so Jackson's transportation was covered.
The latest jet, against Jason's blessings would remain with Noah Winters. Noah's responsibilities to the streets of Chicago and his inability to fly or run past the speed of light, made him the perfect candidate for the newly built automated jet. Jason argued that Noah didn’t deserve the jet because of his rash behavior and vigilante antics, but Mr. Connors insisted Jason reconsider. His main reason was in case Noah was needed somewhere and all fast transportation was occupied. With the automated jet, Noah could get to the location in a timely fashion. Begrudgingly, Jason agreed to give the jet to Noah.
Jason Shaw and Jessica Prescott were the next ones to arrive on the scene. They were joined shortly after by another wave of G.U.A.R.D jets. Noah was next to arrive. As he walked off the jet and towards the team, everyone could see the seriousness on his face. His dedication to protecting the innocent was what Mr. Connors admired most about Noah. Jason and Mr. Connors were standing side by side when Noah walked over and interrupted the conversation the two men were having.
“What’s the plan?” Noah asked taking no interest into whatever their conversation was about. Before either man could answer Noah, another flying vessel made its descent. This vessel was much bigger. It looked more like a spaceship than a jet.
“What in the world is that?” Jackson asked. His mouth dropped as he stared at the massive vessel.
“That would be a spaceship,” Shayne replied nonchalantly.
“I thought those things only existed in movies and comic books!” Jackson said.
“Yet, humans that can fly seems normal to you?” Shayne retorted. Jackson chuckled. He had to admit, a man that could fly or a man that could produce ice from his hands was just as outrageous to imagine. The doors on the spaceship opened up and several dozen men got out. It looked to be a mixture of G.U.A.R.D agents and other military personnel. Jason looked at the men with great curiosity. Some of the outfits on the men he didn't recognize. They weren't regular military personnel. They looked more like specialized units similar to that of G.U.A.R.D.
“Garrett do you copy?” Jason asked via League comm link.
“Loud and clear.”
“You see the giant ship?”
Garrett chuckled. “Um yeah, everyone in the world is seeing this giant vessel. I didn't think G.U.A.R.D would actually let this vessel be seen by the public. The U.
N is going to be in an uproar over this!”
“Never mind that, I want you to run background check on these men in non military uniforms. I don't recognize them at all.”
“Copy that,” Garrett replied and ended transmission.
“Ladies and gentleman we find ourselves in one tough situation,” Commander Sullivan exclaimed. The tall burly man was the last one to exit the ship. All attention was on him. “Today we face a threat unlike any other that we have encountered. Walking the streets prepared to destroy all that we are is an army of Post Humans. This army is intent on making the human race submissive and they intend to do so with deadly force. It is our job to stop this radical threat. It is our job to protect the innocent.”
A few of the men looked back towards The League of Protectors. They trusted the League about as much as they trusted the army of Post Humans looking to eradicate them.
“I stand before you confident that we will meet this threat in battle and defeat them,” Commander Sullivan looked towards his G.U.A.R.D agents. “This is what we train for. Long before The League of Protectors worked with us, we were out there stopping these nuisances. While are military was out battling terrorists from around the world, it was us that dealt with the terrorists here in our own backyard.”
Commander Sullivan turned his attention to the marines. “You guys are trained to handle any threat regardless of the circumstances. You are trained in all forms of combat and the word fear does not exist in your vocabulary. You may not possess the abilities that these Post Humans do, but you are every bit as dangerous as any of them.”
Commander Sullivan then turned his attention to The League of Protectors, “The old saying goes with great power comes great responsibility. You guys have taken those words and applied it to your everyday lives. You choose to use your abilities to help protect this country. You are loved and respected by some feared and hated by others. Yet whenever you are needed, we always have been able to count on you.”
Commander Sullivan paused and looked towards the blackened sky. Smoke and fire filled the air.
“Today is a defining moment. Today we battle our worse fears. Today we either give in to our fears or we face it head on and overcome it. I’ve been afraid of many things in my life, but never once have I been afraid of confronting my fears. Our enemy is heading for the White House. Our President, our country is in danger. Today we fight! Today we stand! Today we protect!”
The League of Protectors, the marine unit, the non uniformed agents and every member of G.U.A.R.D present let out a thunderous cheer. They were ready to make their stand.
32
Enemy at the Front Gate
The League of Protectors led the way down the street just a block away from Pennsylvania Ave. If they, along with G.U.A.R.D and the other elite soldiers couldn’t contain the area, many feared the Post Humans would head straight for the White House. The President, along with his secret service was locked in the panic room. Upgrades to the White House security were put in place by Shaw Enterprises after Bianca easily bypassed the previous settings. As Jason Shaw marched down the street, he hoped his added security features would be enough to keep the President safe.
“Dude that's an army!” Jackson stated noticing the large number of Post Humans battling the national guard.
“We'll be fine, just stick to the training and everything will work out for us,” Shayne stated truly believing his words even though the odds looked completely against them.
“How epic would it be if we all showed up for the fight in matching black leather uniforms?” Jackson asked with a grin.
“Focus Jackson,” Jason said sternly.
“Leather, really?” Shayne echoed.
“Beats spandex,” Jackson said grinning and then turning his attention to the task at hand.
“Jason this is Stephanie do you copy?” Jason touched his earpiece and confirmed he could hear her. “Focus your attacks on Joe Dorgan, Kyle Stanton, Seth Maddox, Erik Masters, the woman in white and hooded man. They are the only ones in that entire army with power levels comparable to yours. Let G.U.A.R.D and the other units contain the rest.”
“Copy that. Alright guys, you heard her.”
Stephanie was able to complete her evaluation on the power set each Post Human possessed. The six that she mentioned would be the most challenging and require the most attention.
“Listen up, each of you will have a specific target to take out. Bianca, it’s your responsibility to heal as many people as you can without bringing harm to yourself.”
“Jason, do you copy?” Garrett asked from the control center where Commander Sullivan and Mr. Connors were strategizing.
“What is it Garrett?” Jason asked slightly annoyed that he was interrupted.
“Someone is trying to hack into the White House security systems.”
Jason frowned, “Well stop them!” he shouted in frustration.
“I’m on it.” Garrett replied meekly.
Everyone in the League looked around for their targets. Noah was matched up against Kyle Stanton. Shayne and Jackson would concentrate on Seth Maddox and Erik Masters. Jessica would battle the woman in white and Jason would go for a decisive third round with Joe Dorgan.
“What about the guy in the hooded robe?” Shayne asked.
“Stephanie said his power was off the charts,” Jackson added.
Jason huffed angrily. “We’ll deal with him after we take out his lieutenants.”
The lines were drawn and the players were ready. There was no turning back now. For months the mysterious man in the hooded robe had one up The League and G.U.A.R.D. He orchestrated a massive breakout that freed many dangerous criminals. Some of which were still free. He outwitted the League and gained a comprehensive understanding of how they responded in the heat of battle. He captured the League and created diversions that enabled his associate to steal Blueranium from a G.U.A.R.D vault. There was no denying that this hooded man was certainly a mastermind.
Jason studied the man carefully looking for any sign of weakness. The man’s face was well hidden but Jason didn’t get any sense of fear coming from him.
“League of Protectors for many months we have studied you and have been impressed with your skill and heart. You lack proper guidance However, we, The Order, know many things and can help you reach your maximum potential.” The short chubby man’s voice was very annoying as he spoke over the loudspeaker.
“The Order? What kind of super villain organization name is that?” Jackson asked, unimpressed.
“Quiet,” Jason growled.
“You are fighting for the wrong side. The human race will betray you. The minute they no longer need your services they will begin rounding you up and enslaving you. I have seen it many times; I know this to be true! They fear you and recognize your potential. They have no choice but to eliminate you.”
As he spoke the man in the hooded robe stood up. Jason kept his eyes locked on him. No one knew exactly what he was capable of.
“We will give you one chance. Surrender yourselves to us and we will embrace you into our organization. Resist and we will destroy you just as we will these weak humans you stand with. What say you?” the short chubby man asked. There was a deafening silence. “What say you?” he shouted again as if he was unheard the first time.
“What say you? Who talks like that? I think he's watched too many medieval times movies!” Jackson teased.
Jason stretched his hand forward and let out a massive blast of red energy that sent the man flying. The man in the hooded robe elegantly side stepped to his left as the short chubby man flew passed him. The man in the hooded robe looked on as his messenger tried to get to his feet.
“So be it,” the hooded man shouted. He countered Jason’s blast with an energy blast of his own. The blast was way more powerful than Jason’s and sent the entire League backwards to the ground.
“Let it begin!” the hooded man shouted.
That one word was all it took for all he
ll to break loose. Thunderous shouts broke out from both sides as the two engaged in deadly battle.
“Here we go!” a pumped up Jackson shouted. The skillful college man charged forward picking off enemies that got in his way. He rotated between hand to hand combat and ice blasts as he approached Erik Masters. Shayne stayed close by Jackson covering his blind side. Jackson seemed very eager to confront Erik and Shayne quickly began to worry that Jackson was going to do something reckless.
Noah and Kyle circled around one another. The two men knew each other well. They knew each others' fighting style. They knew everything they needed to know about one another. “This is it, you should've taken the leader's side. At least then you would've lived a little longer before I killed you,” Kyle had a cocky smile on his face as he spoke. The two men continued dancing around one another. Both men knew how skilled the other was and neither wanted to risk being caught off guard. “I always knew one day we’d be on opposite sides. You always were weak minded,” Kyle said.
Noah narrowed his eyes. From the time the two men met, Kyle always criticized Noah for not being ruthless enough. Noah refused to react to Kyle’s words. He knew far too well the mind games Kyle liked to play.
Noah stuck his hand forward and motioned for Kyle to ‘bring it on’. Noah’s defiance wiped the smile right off of Kyle’s face. The shape shifting assassin charged forward, jumped up and swung aggressively.
Noah blocked the punch and drove Kyle’s hand backwards. He used both closed fist and connected with blows to Kyle’s chest. Kyle staggered back, a bit surprised by the impact in which Noah connected with.
“Aggression. I like!” Kyle exclaimed. Kyle ran forward and swung; Noah blocked the punch and countered with an attempted right hook to the face. Kyle ducked and landed an uppercut that caught Noah by surprise. “Still predictable though!” Kyle said.
New Age of Heroes 1: The League of Protectors - Dawn of a New Age Page 24