“What is it that you desire? Riches? Honour?” asked the major, a hint of enticement emanating from his voice.
“Your dead body, you coward!” came the reply.
This struck a cord. The major beat the prisoner repeatedly with his staff. With a menacing snarl, he threatened the captive. Looking at his interrogator straight in the eye, the captive remained unperturbed, unflinching and seemingly calm despite the gravity of his ordeal.
“Very well, let’s try something different,” the major declared with a sinister tone. “Summon Torquere! Let’s see how this bastard fares against him.”
A few deadening moments passed. Abruptly, the clanging sound of the metal door was heard. The tormenter had arrived, brandishing his shiny metal suitcase. Everyone in the room knew what was in it – truth serums, syringes, vials of acid, razors, pliers and all sorts of instruments intended to inflict immense pain to his victim.
“Now then, care to tell me your little secret before my colleague here begins the ‘treatment’?” the major inquired, sounding almost victorious. Undoubtedly, the terrifying sight of the elite tormenter should serve as a great incentive for the prisoner to divulge his secret, thought the major. Otherwise, the excruciating ‘treatment’ administered by the tormenter should render the prisoner begging for mercy and more than willing to disclose the piece of information. Either way, the major was sure of obtaining what he sought.
Silence.
The major then gestured for Torquere to begin. The tormenter grinned sadistically, before pulling out some vials of clear, corrosive liquid and proceeding to work…
Ten years ago,
It all began in 2050 A.D. when the entire world fell under one world government called the New World Order. Decades of conspiracy by a multitude of influential politicians and powerful businessmen have led to the unification of all world nations under one totalitarian government. World bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and other global organizations have served as hotbeds for such universal conspiracies.
The world was then divided into 10 states, each ruled by a single ruler. The rulers convene annually or when summoned by the Supreme Ruler at his palace in Rome. The Supreme Ruler carried the title “Emperor” and had authority over all the other rulers of the states.
The world government imposed restrictions to all individual freedom. Each individual was required to submit to the government. As a seal of their submission, each person was required to have a microchip embedded under the skin of his or her forehead. Without this chip, the person could perform no essential activities such as trading, travelling or obtaining education without being arrested by the Special Enforcement Agents enlisted by the government to apprehend any errant individuals.
Despite the government’s restrictive laws and harsh enforcements, there exists one small rebel faction, called the Conquerors, that dares to stand up and challenge the authority of the New World Order. It is reported that the main base of operations is in Turkey, though no one knows exactly where the base is located. The rebels have used guerilla tactics disrupt critical government infrastructure and destroy valuable economic zones, especially oil wells.
10 years later,
“Is everyone in position?”
“Yes, Sir. Everything is in order. The empire will be yours.”
“Excellent. Commence with Operation Decapitation.”
--
I felt someone nudging me from behind. Deep in my thoughts, I was jolted back to reality as I turned to acknowledge the gesture. It was Field Marshall Grados.
“General, are the soldiers ready to be mobilized?” he posed.
“Affirmative.” I responded.
The day was 6 June 2050. All the rulers of the 10 states will be gathering for the Grand Annual Convention. Security in Rome was tight. Army tanks rolled across the street and fighter jets roared across the skies. I was in charge of the security in Rome that day. It was a strenuous task, I must admit, bearing the safety of the world leaders on your shoulders. Intelligence sources have confirmed rebel activities in the vicinity of Rome. No doubt, they would use the event as an opportunity to deal a fatal blow to the government by executing its leaders.
Security at the airport was at a maximum. The leaders began arriving one after another. Upon arrival, they were escorted by the best trained Alpha Soldiers into heavily armoured motorcades. The motorcades were then escorted by a convoy of heavily armoured APC’s to the meeting point in the city of Rome.
All the leaders arrived safely at the Romulan palace, where the Emperor was awaiting their arrival.
Security around the palace was beefed up. Thousands of Alpha Soldiers were deployed in the vicinity of the palace. Predator gunships encircled the palace, ready to unleash a barrage of anti-tank missiles in the event of any tank assaults by the rebels. Banshee fighters screeched across the clear blue sky, ready to engage any incoming rebel aircraft. Anti-missile batteries were deployed all around the palace to counter any potential rebel missile attack.
Access into palace by any unauthorized personnel was barred. Bomb detectors and snipers were deployed to ward off any potential suicide bombers. The bomb squad was ready if a bomb threat was ever discovered. Everything seemed in order. It was almost impossible that any rebel attack could penetrate all of those security barriers, I thought. With that, I reclined comfortably against my chair in my command post as my eyes surveyed the monitor screens before me.
Elsewhere in the palace, a figure brushed past several security checkpoints. It walked briskly along the corridors. Reaching the control room, a security card was withdrawn and swiped across the card reader beside the door. The figure pressed a thumb against the fingerprint reader. The door opened and the figure entered the room, which was filled with all sorts of control knobs and switches. After surveying the room, the figure approached one of the controls and with the flick of a switch and the push of some dials, a voice could be heard, “Security at section 16-A disabled.” Satisfied that the mission had been accomplished, the figure left the room.
--
“Sir, the security is disabled,” said a voice. “Shall we move in now?”
“Wait for my command,” another voice replied.
The squad of rebels was ready and waiting in the sewers. They were tasked with one mission: to assassinate the Order’s top leaders, particularly the Emperor. Severing the chain of command would undeniably leave the Order without direction.
After some final checks, Commander Ezros gave the order, “Alright. Execute the mission. Long live the Brotherhood!”
The rebels made their way through the sewers, through a secret passageway into the palace.
--
“As you can see, gentlemen, the New World Order has brought about great change to the world. The integrated political, social and economic system has ushered in huge development to all the nations of the world,” the Emperor began.
“Yes, except for the vile rebels who have continued to oppose our plans and who have refused to submit to our authority,” President Dolous interjected. “Their attacks in the past few months have damaged critical infrastructure and I am growing tired of their persistence.”
“What about the rebel captive that Major Teroh interrogated that other day? Has he yielded any useful information?” President Valious spoke up, apparently gesturing towards President Marcus
“No, the bastard was defiant to the end. Pity. He would’ve made a fine soldier for the Order had he not been corrupted by the rebel propaganda,” came the reply.
“This is a problem indeed. But I have confidence in that all of you will be able to deal with them, severely,” continued the Emperor.
“Of course, Sir,” all the ten rulers replied in unison.
“Good. Now then, on to our main agenda. In order to tighten our grip around the people, we need usurp more power from the local jurisdiction, giving the central power a greater autonomy in all aspects of governance…”
--
“Sir, we have a problem,” a soldier reported to me.
“What is it this time?” I uttered indolently.
“Our security at Sector 16-A has been rendered inoperative.”
“What? How is that possible? When did this happen?”
“According to one of the guards, it was disabled about 20 minutes ago. Apparently, someone accessed the control room about the same time.”
“Who?”
“According to the log, it was…Field Marshall Grados.”
“What? That’s impossible. Why would he want to do that?”
“I don’t know, Sir. Shall I contact him?”
“Yes, do that, please.”
--
“Sir, everything is in place as ordered. We’re ready to begin the operation,” a rebel commando radioed Commander Ezros.
“Very well, do it,” the commander ordered.
--
“We have superfluous manpower in the production sector but critically short of human resources in the education sector. Now may I propose…”
Before he could finish his sentence, an explosion shook the place and President Valerian fell off the chair he was comfortably reclining against.
Everyone in the conference room began to panic.
“What happened?”
Another explosion could be heard and then gunfire.
--
“Sir, rebel troops have breached the parameter! They’re making their way to the conference room.”
“What? How can this be? Deploy all troops to the conference room immediately!”
“Yes sir!”
Damn, they totally caught us off guard, I thought. Field Marshall Grados must have been working with the rebels all this while. There was no way anyone could’ve gotten past all the tight security around the palace. No way…
We reached the reception area. A hallway leading to the conference room was just beyond. The place was a mess. Several blasts have ripped massive holes in the walls and the floor. The bodies of several guards were lying motionless on the ground. We brushed past the bodies and debris towards the hallway leading to the conference room. The sound of gunshots resonated from the hallway.
We entered the hallway to see the last of the guards being killed by the rebel commandos. Upon realizing our presence, the rebels turned and fired. The soldier next to me was hit in the neck and crumpled to the ground, motionless. I took cover behind the walls. Composing myself, I withdrew my handgun and fired at the rebels.
The rebels hurried through the hallway to the conference room. The heavily armoured door of the conference room was locked. The rebels tried to crack open the door by hacking through the security code.
My troops and I pursued them and distracted them from their task. A heated exchange of gunfire ensued. After what seemed like eternity, the bulk of the imperial troops arrived and outnumbered the rebels. The rebels, sensing the end, withdrew an explosive device and detonated it, killing all of them.
That was close, too close.
The door to the conference room was unlocked. To our relief, all of the leaders were safe.
--
I marched back to the command post and summoned all my underlings.
“Any sign of Field Marshall Grados?” I spoke up.
“Apparently not. You believe he perpetrated all these?”answered Colonel Brandy.
“How else could the rebels have breached the palace parameter if it were not for him disabling the security at Sector 16-A? There is simply no way,” I exclaimed.
Silence.
“Issue an arrest warrant for Field Marshall Grados. Effective immediately, I’m relieving him of his command of the Roman army,” I declared.
“As you wish, sir,” came the unequivocal reply.
“Next, I want the leaders to be evacuated to a safe location. Major Teroh, I shall leave it to you to oversee this matter,” I ordered. “Meanwhile, I want all imperial troops in the palace to purge the palace of any remaining rebel presence.”
With that, the council was dismissed.
--
Back at the conference room, the leaders were escorted to the armoured motorcades waiting outside the palace, where they will be taken to a safe house located about 10 km away.
“Are we ready to move, soldiers?” Major Teroh asked one of the commanding officers.
“At your order, sir.”
“Take the Vatican Pass. The rebels won’t think of attacking the motorcade there.”
“Yes sir.”
--
“Phase One of the plan is completed. The chicken has left the coop. Proceeding with Phase Two...”
“Excellent. Dylan, I shall leave the motorcades to you. Meanwhile, I have a dinner reception with the Emperor.”
“Long live to you, Brother.”
--
Back at the palace, the Emperor was being escorted out of the conference room.
“Your Majesty, shall we escort you to the royal safe house?” I asked.
“No, that will not be necessary.”
“Then, we should at least get you upstairs to the royal chambers.”
“Very well then.”
Just as we were about to proceed, my cell phone rang. I answered. It was Colonel Brandy.
“Sir, we’ve just discovered the body of Field Marshall Grados. It seems that his right hand was severed and his security card was taken from him,” he reported.
“That explains how the rebels got access to the control room. Anything else of interest?”
“Yes, it would appear we’ve found an 8-pointed star lying near the marshal’s body, typically worn by an officer by the rank of major.”
“Wait a minute, Major Teroh’s badge was missing from his uniform wasn’t it?”
“I’m afraid so, sir.”
“Traitor! Where is the major now?”
“We’re still looking for him.”
“The motorcades! Have they left?”
“Yes, they left about 10 minutes ago.”
“Recall them immediately. Send troops to cover them. We’ve just walked right into an ambush!”
“At once, sir!”
I hung up.
“What’s the matter, major?” the Emperor questioned me.
“We’ve just discovered that Major Teroh is the perpetrator behind today’s events. He has been working for the rebels. We fear that the motorcades are walking straight into an ambush.” I replied grimly.
“What? This is a disaster!”
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. We are doing all that we can to ensure the safety of the leaders. But first, we must get you to the royal chambers immediately.”
Flanked by imperial troops, the emperor was escorted up to the royal chambers.
We reached the top of the stairs. Numerous thoughts raced through my mind now. Will the troops make it in time to save the motorcades? Are we walking right into another trap? What is the rebels’ next move?
Without warning, a bomb ripped through the corridors, killing several soldiers. I was knocked back by the force of the explosion and almost fell off the stairs. Almost simultaneously, gun fire broke out from all sides. We were once again caught unaware.
The soldiers and the rebels exchanged fire. I took cover with the Emperor. We must reach the royal chambers. We shall be safe there.
Ordering the troops to cover us, we raced along the corridors, up another flight of stairs. Awaiting us were more rebel troops, who let out a barrage of ammunition towards us almost immediately. We took cover behind the walls and returned fire. I took out my hand gun and shot at the rebel troops, killing three of them. We were joined by reinforcements soon after and we overpowered the rebels.
The chambers were now in sight. After recomposing ourselves, we made a dash for the chambers. Just then, gunshot rang out again from behind us. A soldier behind me was hit and instantly tumbled to the ground. I turned and let out a few shots from my handgun. One of the shots hit a rebel troop in the chest, and he collapsed.
Finally, we reached the chambers. I entered the room with the Emperor and sealed the door behind us. We were safe inside. Meanwhile, gunshot sounds were still audible from the other side of the door. However, the door and walls of the chamber were engineered such that they were able to withstand explosions of tremendous scales, so I knew we were safe behind these walls.
I was now alone with the Emperor. It was time to execute the final part of the plan.
“Commander Ezros, I do believe you’re here. It’s time to carry out the final phase of the plan.”
The commander was hiding inside a cupboard and made his appearance at my call.
“What is the meaning of this?” demanded the Emperor.
“You see, your Majesty. This day demarcates the boundaries of a new era without the Order. With your death, the Order shall meet its demise and the world shall be free of your wretched grasps,” cried Commander Ezros.
“No wait, maybe we can discuss this,” pleaded the Emperor.
“I’m afraid there is nothing more to discuss. Sic sempre tyrannis!”
With that, Commander Ezros pointed his handgun at the Emperor and pulled the trigger. The Emperor collapsed, dead.
Then, the commander turned to me.
“I appreciate your help in this, General. But I’m afraid you are no longer of any use to me.”
“What? But we had a deal!” I retorted.
“Well, too bad. But I can’t take any chances.”
“You traitor!”
BANG! A shot rang out. Commander Ezros crumpled to the floor, blood gushing from his temple.
“How timely of you, Major,” I commented the impeccable timing of Major Teroh’s appearance. He had been hiding in the royal chambers as well.
“Thank you. With the Emperor dead, we can now ascend to command the Order. We can create our empire!” exclaimed the Major.
“You could’ve done a better job though covering your tracks after killing the Marshal. Now the whole army and police are looking after you.”
“Don’t worry bout that. I’ll think of something to say to them.”
The Major was now examining the Emperor’s body now with his back facing against me.
“I’m sorry, major, but I can’t take any chances. It will be MY Empire!”
BANG! A shot rang out from my handgun. The bullet went through the Major’s head. He collapsed like a marionette with its strings cut.
“My Empire…” I said with a grin.
The sound of gunshot on the other side of the door has now subsided. Instead, I heard a voice calling out.
“Your majesty, are you alright there. I thought I heard gunshots.”
I recognized the voice. It was Colonel Brandy. Moments later, I unsealed the door.
“What…happened?” asked the Colonel, perplexity clearly registering on his face.
“I’m afraid the traitor hid in the chambers with the rebel. I managed to kill them but not after they shot the Emperor,” I replied grimly. “What of the motorcades?”
“I’m afraid they’ve been totally destroyed by a rebel ambush. All ten leaders are dead.”
Victory! With the leaders gone, I can now ascend to the throne of the empire unopposed.
“We must not allow this loss bring down the empire. We shall retaliate against the rebels. Set up an interim government immediately. I shall personally lead the empire on this crusade against the rebel scourge.”
“At once, Sir.”
--
Two months after incident, I was crowned the new Emperor of the Order. The coup was a success. It was now time to repay the rebels for their assistance.
I reviewed the tape left to me at my desk by Major Teroh. It was about the interrogation of the rebel captive. The captive finally relented and disclosed the precise coordinates of the rebel headquarters. This information was not reported to any of the former rulers.
Now, I possessed the piece of information that would secure my place on the throne. It was time to proceed with the annihilation.
The End...is just the beginning.
Emperor Brian Chee
