A Democracy Fallen

by Matthew Savage

  “I don’t want to be that person, but it is late and we all have to be ready at six-thirty,” Karli said standing.

  Nolan had a feeling something was wrong with her but he figured this wasn’t the time. Nolan wondered whether asking how everyone got involved was a good idea. Everyone got up and left the room. Sarah stood and talked to Steven a little bit as Nolan made his way down the hall. Nolan got to his room and changed and climbed into bed. He lay looking at the ceiling, he felt bad for Ian and what happened to his family and he wondered what it was like for him growing up. It made Nolan appreciate having Sarah with him. Sarah entered the room and sat at the edge of Nolan’s bed.

  “Steven said they still haven’t heard anything on dad.”

  Nolan sat up in bed at this news. “I figured they would let us know if they hear something.”

  “It makes me wonder why we still don’t know anything.”

  “This place seems to not have the resources that the government has,” Nolan said rubbing his eyes.

  “Steven said that since President Marshal has taken control information coming in has significantly slowed down. It might be because people are still unsure if the USSB is listening on conversations which might be the reason information has slowed.”

  Nolan laid back and sighed. He hoped that they would hear something. He felt slightly guilty for sleeping in a nice bed. While he had no idea where his father was or even if he had been killed while in custody. Nolan dozed off and had vivid dreams. They were about gunfire and he thought his mother was in the window with a protest sign and a bullet hole in her chest.

  Chapter Eight

  Mission Gone Wrong

  Sarah’s eyes opened and they adjusted from being closed for so long. She could hear the shower going and was a moment before she realized she wasn’t at home. The shower turned off and Sarah stood and walked to the window. She looked out and it was still dark. She could see a faint shadow of mountains. Nolan opened the bathroom door.

  “I was going to wake you when I got out,” Nolan said. He looked very tired still. “There is still hot water if you want to shower now.”

  “I think I will later.” She said still having morning voice.

  They both did some stretches today. Sarah started and when Nolan noticed what she was doing he joined in. They both hoped this would help a little bit with the soreness that they were feeling in their legs. Sarah finished getting ready then her and Nolan both headed down to the mess hall. Sarah found that she was becoming more use to where things were in the base. It still shocked her at the size of the base. They got in line for breakfast and Sarah realized just how many people were here. She wondered what everyone’s role was and how the Democratic Insurgence managed to keep the base a secret for so long. After Sarah and Nolan got their food they found their group who was sitting with Steven. Evan was quick to greet them as they sat. Sarah looked around and she didn’t see Ian.

  “Has anyone seen Ian this morning?” Sarah asked.

  Evan finished chewing before speaking “He said he would meet us down here.”

  “He seemed off this morning,” Aaron said. He quickly glanced at Nolan. Sarah could tell he might have felt guilty for bringing up Ian’s parents last night.

  “I had no idea about his parents,” Nolan said the words spilling from his mouth.

  “None of us did,” Evan started. “We all come from somewhere. None of us joined because we were bored. Everyone has a reason. This is personal for everyone.”

  “He is right,” Steven said. “I do some recruiting for the D.I, and everyone who has come here with me didn’t do so lightly. We are all fighting for something.”

  “Have you talked to anyone about finding his parents?” Sarah asked.

  “I did. I talked to my Sergeant,” Steven started then realized that not everyone knew who he was talking about. “Mary Underwood. I explained the situation to her and she said she would look into it. It might be harder with the Congressman and his staff being killed. We aren’t sure where they kept any personal records. He joined relatively early on so it is hard to find records before we became more organized. We can’t exactly go through his house either.”

  Sarah then spotted Ian walking into the mess hall. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked like he hadn’t slept at all. He grabbed his food and Sarah noted just how small he looked compared to the rest of the men and women getting food. He came and sat next to them. Ian didn’t say anything as he sat down and started eating. The table they were at was quiet and Sarah felt everyone was unsure what to say.

  “I am sorry I brought up your parents last night. I had no idea what had happened.” Nolan said. Ian looked at him and his eyes were watering.

  “It’s ok. I want people to know. I am fighting so I can see my parents again.” Ian rubbed his eyes and continued eating.

  “We are looking into your parents now. As soon as we find something I will find you and let you know.” Steven said and he put his hand on Ian’s shoulder.

  Steven then stood and told the group he had to get to work. The group finished up, everyone cleaned up and headed outside for their fitness training, Sarah waited with Ian as he ate.

  “You sure you are alright?” Sarah asked looking at him as if scanning for any clue that he might lie to her.

  “I am. It just hits a nerve when I think about it. I think about my parents every day. I can’t stop thinking about them. It fuels what I do here. I want justice for my parents who never did anything wrong.”

  “Steven will find them. He wants to help I can tell.” Sarah said. She checked the clock on the wall. “If we don’t hurry we are going to be late.”

  They cleaned up and ran outside to where the group was waiting. Sarah and Ian barely made it before Sergeant Wolf came outside. He was followed by Corporal Clearwater. The Sergeant instructed them about what they are doing today. He then led them in physical training. Sarah could not deny how out of shape she was as they did push-ups. She struggled and her arms were shaking as they went on. Something Ian said stuck with her though as she worked. “I am fighting so I can see my parents again,” those words were ringing in her head. It seemed to give her strength. She thought about her father and Ian’s parents and she wanted to see her dad again and be able to have Ian see his parents.

  They finished the push-ups and then they had to go on a jog. Sarah seemed to be feeling the soreness in her legs from yesterday. After their jog, they went to the shooting range and practiced with the pistols again. The Sergeant was very impressed with Sarah and Nolan’s shooting. Sergeant Wolf told Nolan to help some of the others. Sarah could tell Nolan was pleased with the idea of him instructing the others. Nolan went to Evan first who was next to him and helped his hands and stance a little. Nolan then spent much more time with Ian who was struggling, but by the time Nolan was moving on Ian was shooting significantly better than he was before. Nolan helped Aaron with his breathing while shooting along with his posture. Nolan spent the most time with Karli who struggled the most. Sergeant Wolf was also trying to help her. Sarah thought this might be stressing Karli out. So many people were gathered around her. Sarah raised her hand to get Corporal Clearwater’s attention.

  “What is it, Sarah?” Corporal Clearwater said kind of loud trying to talk over the gunfire.

  Sarah explained how she felt and Corporal Clearwater took a look at what was happening, Sarah knew that the Corporal agreed. She approached Sergeant Wolf and he backed off letting Nolan take control. Eventually, Sergeant Wolf ordered everyone to cease fire. Everyone exited the gun range and stood outside in a line for Sergeant Wolf. He then addressed the class.

  “Everyone did very well today. We will continue to practice shooting in the days to come. After lunch, we will work on some hand-to-hand combat then continue once again taking apart and maintaining weapons.”

  Everyone was able to go back to their rooms and shower and change before lunch. Sarah made it back to the room and showered. When Sarah got out of the shower the room w
as empty. She wondered where Nolan could have gone. Sarah finished getting ready and left her room and was walking down the hall. She could hear the news and when she rounded the corner she found Nolan watching television. He turned it off as soon as he saw her.

  “What is it?” Sarah asked.

  “Nothing in particular,” Nolan paused for a moment and ran his hand through his hair. “Things are getting worse. The stock market has closed and there are rumors it has crashed. The President has complete control, so the news seems to be hesitant about what to say.”

  Sarah sighed and thought about what other people are going through. She had been so distracted being with the D.I that she hadn't given much thought about what has happened outside of the base. Nolan turned off the television and they headed to the mess hall for lunch. They ate and small talked with the group. Ian asked Nolan questions about shooting. Karli paid close attention to what he was saying. Sarah could tell she was taking mental notes. After they finished the group met outside where they do their physical training. Corporal Clearwater led them to a large room with mats on the floor. Sergeant Wolf entered the area and asked for a volunteer. Everyone knew what they were learning today so no one was quick to volunteer.

  “You all know I will pick someone if no one is willing,” Sergeant Wolf said looking around at the class. “You will all be doing this anyway.”

  Nolan raised his hand. Sergeant Wolf seemed pleased about Nolan deciding he would be the one who gets the moves tested on him. Sergeant Wolf showed them the different moves they will be learning. A couple of the moves must have hurt judging by Nolan’s grunts and him trying to hide the obvious pain he was in. When Sergeant Wolf would do something with his wrist or have his leg bent in a certain way. Nolan groaned and the class muffled their laughter.

  The class was then paired off. Sarah was with Ian, Nolan and Evan were paired off which left Karli and Aaron together. Sarah had a feeling that Karli wanted to be paired with Nolan. Karli would look over at him as he practiced the moves on Evan. Ian was beyond thrilled being paired with Sarah. Except when Sarah pulled one of the wrist moves on him and he fell to the ground tapping out. Sarah laughed and she felt guilty about it until he leg swept her and had her pinned on the floor. Sarah enjoyed the class, she realized how little she had to do in order to cause a great deal of pain. She wasn’t sure when she would need any of these moves but she figured it wouldn’t hurt to know. It was coming close to the end of the class when Mary Underwood came into the room. Sarah wasn’t sure at first why she was there. She thought she might be giving instructions about close quarter combat. That was until she spoke to Sergeant Wolf in private, then called Nolan and Sarah over.

  When they stood at attention in front of Sergeant Wolf, Mary Underwood spoke to them. “After your training here, you are to report to the command station upstairs. You shouldn’t be too late to your classroom session and Sergeant Wolf assured me that you two have a high level of skill with weapons so won’t be missing much.” She sounded serious but something also seemed off in her tone from the last time they had seen her. She nodded to her sister, who paused while helping Karli with a move before she left.

  Sarah knew this was about her father. Terrible things were going through her head. She thought he might be dead and they didn’t want to tell them about it in front of everyone. She wondered if he had been killed would command make them go back to class and act like everything's normal? Sarah had conflicting emotions about how to feel about this meeting. The thought crossed mind if it was even about her father at all. If it wasn’t about her father, what could it be then? She spent the rest of the training thinking about it, with her head somewhere else, Ian managed to get a couple of good hits on her. The session had just about finished, the group was about to head to the classroom session when Sergeant Wolf called Sarah and Nolan over.

  “Hunters, I need to see you both before you go to Command,” The Sergeant said

  He was waiting for them on the other side of the room, away from the door. Sergeant Wolf must have thought the class would listen in on their conversation.

  “I have a lesson for you both,” the Sergeant started. “I know you both got things on your mind at the moment.” Sarah and Nolan nodded at this. “That doesn’t mean you can lose focus. I saw that move Ian got you with. Had you been focused Sarah, you would have blocked it. I know that because he tried the same thing earlier and you did block it.”

  “Yes Drill Sergeant,” Sarah said hanging her head a little.

  “When you’re in battle things distract you. People die, friends get hurt, these are things will that happen. If you can’t focus through, that you will get you or your squad killed. I am not going to let that happen on my watch. So whatever is said in the briefing you both are going to come to class focused. You understand me?”

  “Yes Drill Sergeant,” Sarah and Nolan said.

  “Good. Now get to it or you’ll be late.” He said and he left the room.

  Sarah and Nolan then took the elevator to the Command floor of the base. They both were quiet in the elevator. Sarah didn’t want to say anything for fear it might jinx them. The elevator door opened to command. Sarah and Nolan found groups of people working around tables scattered about the room. Some of the people were talking loudly. Most of them were gathered around Senator Powell. He looked deep in thought as he looked at papers in front of him.

  “President Marshal is making his moves to make sure he keeps control,” One man was saying. “We have to make our move before it is too late and we lose our opportunity.”

  “You know we don’t have the forces to do that yet. It would only hurt us. We can’t be a major target just yet.” General Wilkins voice said in his deep raspy voice. “If we attack now without any real target it will hurt us more than it hurts them.”

  “We need to make sure when we make our move it is worth it. It sends a clear message to the American people,” Senator Powell said.

  The Senator then noticed Sarah and Nolan standing at attention at the door. “Sarah, Nolan glad you are here.” Senator Powell said cutting off the people talking. He rose to his feet and the room seemed to start whispering as Senator Powell approached them. “Please follow me to my office. General Wilkins, Captain Underwood you can come too,” the Senator said. He led them to his office. “Someone let Stefan know that they are here.”

  The office looked the same as the last time they were in it except there seemed to be more papers on his desk now. Sarah figured he inherited more work now that the other two members of Congress had been killed. Senator Powell showed them to seats in front of his desk. Senator Powell found his sat behind his desk with General Wilkins and Captain Underwood beside him.

  “How is your training going so far?” The Captain asked.

  “Very well sir, thank you,” Nolan responded his voice sounding hoarse.

  “Stefan Moore will be here in a moment. He is the Director of our intelligence,” Senator Powell said clearing some of the papers from his desk. The door opened and Stefan Moore walked he wore a dark blue suit and his hair had been slicked back. His face seemed strained and he had dark bags under his eyes.

  “It is nice to meet you both,” Stefan Moore said shaking both of their hands. “I have some news.” He paused for a moment and handed them some papers. “These are reports about your father. As you may know, the rescue mission in which we were to bring you two and your father here had several parts. Including reconnaissance on your residence in order to gain the level of threat, then, of course, the apprehension and extraction. Getting you here had some hiccups but getting your father - here it seemed to have gone very wrong.” Stefan gave Captain Underwood a look. “You see. Both groups had planes they had to catch. Your father made it to his plane but not before the USSB got there. They attempted to take off but the plane’s engine was shot and it crashed on the runway.”

  Sarah gasped. “Our father is dead?” Tears were forming in her eyes. “I thought you had said he was captured?” Nolan put his
head in his hands.

  “He has been, this is just what we have learned transpired before his capture. We wanted to give the full picture,” Captain Underwood explained. “So, the plane wasn’t destroyed. It seemed some people were hurt. The team had managed to get your father out which is when a gunfight broke out. It is our belief that several of our agents were killed during the firefight. However, your father was not. He was indeed captured. We don’t quite know the full circumstance yet but we do know he was captured and so far as we know not badly hurt.”

  “What does not badly hurt mean?” Nolan said. Anger flaring in his voice.

  “It means,” Captain Underwood said with a stern voice, “he might have been injured in the crash but not fatally hurt. We also think that the people who were injured and left on the plane have also been taken.”

  “Why were they taken prisoner?” Sarah asked, “If no one else had been captured, why would they take him?”

  “As I said before your father has a great deal of knowledge about our organization,” Senator Powell said. “In the meantime, General Wilkins has some scouts trying to find where he is being kept now.”

  “What happens when you find him?” Nolan asked.

  “That depends,” Stefan said rubbing his chin.

  “On what?” Sarah asked also losing her temper a little.

  “Where he is, how many are guarding him-” Stefan was cut off by General Wilkins

  “How many people it will take to bring him back, and the risk it will be if we decide on such a move.”

  “So you mean to tell me,” Nolan started “that there is a chance he will be left in a prison?”

  At these words the room was silent. Captain Underwood looked at General Wilkins and Senator Powell for permission to answer.