FootballStar20

AVOWAL


Chapter 1

The room was dark and damp. The air reeked of blood and death. No sound could be heard except the echo of Mike’s footsteps on the blood-laden floor. Dead bodies lined the floor. Humans and Creatures alike covered the once white marble floor. Rifle in hand, Mike slowly crept toward the unknown of the next room, praying for safety from these horrible Creatures.
These humans and Creatures had fought for what each felt was right. The humans had fought for their freedom. The Creatures had fought for a new planet to call their own. The Creatures were very similar to the humans. Their physical characteristics were just like the humans with few differences. Their body structures were identical to that of the humans. Their reproductive customs were just like the humans. Only their skin and eyes were different. The Creatures tended to have tough, dry skin due to the loss of water on their home world. Their eyes had long vertical slits as pupils and were very sensitive to light due to the loss of sunlight on their planet. But their minds were stuck on primitive ideas. Thoughts of total conquest filled their minds at all times. Nothing else mattered to them.
Mike slowly stepped over the many corpses on the floor inching his way to what he hoped was safety. He had finally made it to the rusted steel door. He slowly wrapped his hand around the doorknob. The coolness of the doorknob soothed his sore and bloodied hand. His aching hand slowly twisted the knob and he peered inside looking for any signs of life. He found only darkness. Mike reached into his pants’ pocket and removed his cigarette lighter. He used it to illuminate the room. As his eyes adjusted to this newly lit room movement caught his attention.
Mike was startled and dropped his lighter. All light left the now pitch-black room. He raised his rifle and began to fire at nothingness. He fired horizontally across the room at what he hoped was a Creature. He fired without remorse, without care, and without thought. The Creatures destroyed his life and he wanted to destroy theirs’. After a long firefight at what Mike thought was a Creature he finally quit. He slowly knelt down to pick up his lighter, his eyes never leaving the pitch-black room. He once again illuminated the room with his lighter but saw nothing but a now bullet filled room. No trace of life could be seen.
Mike saw nothing unusual in the room. It was the main medical office of this once busy military base. Mike slowly looked around the room, one hand holding the lighter and the other holding his rifle. Mike looked for any trace of the thing that was in the medical room. He failed for he found no trace of it. A metal door with a small, barred window lay on the right wall of the office. Mike looked through the window and could see the dark outside world. Snow had begun to fall on this destroyed city. A nuclear winter had begun.
Mike put out his lighter and slowly walked to the door leading outside. He headed for what he thought would be a firefight with a Creature. He had had many such fights. The Armed Forces had trained him well. He was once a Major in the United States Marine Corps. Back when that meant something he was very proud of himself. But now that didn’t matter. All that mattered was he could fight and survive.
Mike used his now free hand to open the door leading outside. The door handle was warm. Mike quickly swung open the door and raised his rifle ready to strike at whatever may be outside. His eyes stared down the barrel of his rifle directly at another.
“Who are you and why did you open fire on us?” the rifle holder questioned. Mike could now see two men in blue cloth jump suits. NASA could be made out on the chest and sleeve of the uniforms.
“You two a part of NASA? Why you two all the way up here in New York?” Mike questioned the rifle holder.
“Answer my questions first and then we’ll talk. Now who are you and why did you fire at us?”
“I’m Mike.” Mike said as he lowered his rifle.
Rifle still raised the NASA man asks, “Why did you fire on us? We meant you no harm.”
“I thought you were one of the Creatures. I’m sure you’ve seen them already.”
“We have. What are they?” the other NASA man had asked that question. He was shorter then his partner and seemed to have a more muscular build. Neither of the men appeared to be much taller then six-foot. Mike towered above them. Both men appeared to be fairly athletic but weren’t up to the physical stature of Mike.
“Where have you guys been? The Creatures are an alien race that came to Earth a couple of years ago. They’re the reason everything is destroyed.”
“We’ve been on the International Space Station. We were sent there four years ago to repair the navigation system. It was slowly breaking orbit and heading towards Earth. We just got here a few hours ago. When we came back to Earth it was like this.” the rifle holder lowered his rifle, ”How did this happen? We saw something coming towards Earth but didn’t know what it was. We were told it was visitors from another planet and that we would greet them when we finished the mission. A few days later we lost all communications with NASA. We decided to finish our mission then come down and see what was wrong. We didn’t know something like this had happened.”
“Well, at first they appeared peaceful. They said they went to different planets to introduce themselves to new species and teach them their culture. But they weren’t interested in us. They wanted Earth. The main goal in a Creature’s life is the conquest of different planets around the universe. They know of no kindness towards us! We accepted those...those things with open arms!”
“But how did they destroy Earth like this?”
“Well, they had started a war with all of the world about a year ago. They attacked all of Europe and America. They were losing badly after a good six, seven months. The world looked very likely to win the war. But the Creatures couldn’t allow that. They would rather kill everything on the planet then lose. So they dropped two bombs: one on the United States and the other on China. The bombs were extremely powerful. One of them was dropped all the way over on California and it did this to New York. The attacks devastated our population. I haven’t come across any humans since the attacks besides you two. But I have seen way too many Creatures. We humans were
totally unprepared. I survived because of sheer dumb luck. I was a Major at this base and had many responsibilities. One of these was to make sure all new equipment was suitable for my Marines to use. Right before the attacks we had received a new bomb shelter. I was inspecting the new shelter when the bombs fell. I could feel the bombs shaking everything around me. Thank God the shelter was very strong. I turned on one of the radios in the shelter and heard the report speaking of the attacks and the destruction they had caused around the entire world. Ever since that day I’ve been roaming New York searching for survivors.”

Chapter 2

Snow began to fall on what was once Central Park. Where there was once happiness and joy, there was only death and despair. Buildings lay totally demolished. No trees, grass or any other signs of life were left in this once peaceful park.
“What are your names anyway?” Mike asked the NASA men as they all walked through the park. The tall skinny one answered first, “I’m John. I was an engineer at NASA. I went on the space station mission as an expert on the navigation system.”
The shorter, stronger one followed, ”I’m Alex. I piloted the ship that headed up to the station. I fixed the navigation systems with John’s help.”
“Were you guys the only ones on this mission?”
“No, there were three more.” John answered. “Those guys are supposed to stay up there for two more years and fix the station if it’s needed.”
“What’s going to happen to those guys?” Mike asked.
“I don’t know. I’m pretty sure they’ll be fine though. They’ve been trained well.” John answered.
“Where are we going anyway?” Alex asked.
“I have no idea but we can’t stay in one spot too long.” Mike said.
“So Mike, I don’t really know much about you. Who are you? What’s your background?” Alex inquired.
“I grew up in Brooklyn and joined the Marines after high school. I decided to go career and just slowly climbed my way up the ladder to major. I had three kids and a wife of twenty-five years. I had two sons, one sixteen and the other twenty-one, and a daughter who was eighteen. They were killed during the attacks.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t realize. Are you sure they’re dead? If you want we could help you look for them. We don’t have anything else better to do.” Alex said.
“They’re dead. I had called my wife a little while before inspecting the shelter. She had the kids at home and they were waiting for me. It was my daughter’s birthday. After the attacks the first place I went to was my home. I found them dead.”
The three men walked in silence. Those thoughts of his kids and wife brought up those horrible emotions all over again. Mike had experienced a breakdown after the
attacks and had contemplated suicide. The thought of the Creatures getting away with murder was the only thing that kept him going. The only reason Mike saw for living was to kill each and every Creature that crossed his path.
Five days had passed. The three men had been following a group of Creatures for the past two days. The Creatures had taken a rest outside of a church. The three men were low on supplies and needed to replenish them. They could think of no better way to do so then to raid a group of Creatures.
It was night and the Creatures had gone to sleep. Each Creature had its own tent around an open fire. The three men quietly entered the Creature’s camp. The plan was to slowly sneak into the camp, steal the supplies, and escape without any action taking place. But Mike couldn’t allow Creatures to live. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself.
Slowly John and Alex crept into the camp and headed for the Creatures food and water supply. When they had succeeded in taking the supplies, Mike told them to leave. They reluctantly did as they were told. As they walked away, Mike took his rifle in hand and pointed it at the first Creature he saw.
John and Alex heard gunshots. They dropped the supplies and headed back for Mike with rifles ready to strike. When they got there only Mike was alive. He was standing over a freshly killed Creature. He breathed heavily but appeared to be satisfied. He had killed the entire group of Creatures while they slept. He had murdered unarmed
and unprepared Creatures and seemed to have felt neither remorse nor guilt for what he had done.
“Mike! What the hell just happened? Are you ok?” Alex asked.
“I just took care of some business. Take the rest of the supplies they have here. They won’t need them anymore.”
“But Mike why? Why kill these things? They were unarmed!” John pleaded with Mike.
“We were unarmed when they destroyed our lives and families! Don’t try to bring morality into this. I was just giving them what they rightfully deserved.” John and Alex fell silent. The continuation of this pointless argument was a waste of time. All that mattered now was their safety.
Three days passed. The three had made it to the Brooklyn Bridge and had stopped for the night. Mike had gone out in search of anything to burn for a fire as John and Alex rested. Alex couldn’t stop thinking about what Mike had done. He had killed those Creatures and had experienced no guilt for what he had done. They were totally unarmed. They didn’t deserve that no matter what they had done.
“What do you think of Mike?” Alex asked John.
“You’re still thinking about the raid on the Creatures aren’t you?”
“Yeah. They were defenseless. They didn’t deserve to die like that.”
“Maybe. I understand him though. These things killed his family. From what he’s told us, they’re all the same. They only want to conquer. I think I would have done the same thing if I were him.”
“I don’t know. Yeah, they destroyed everything but they were probably just following orders from whoever ordered these attacks. They themselves didn’t do anything to Mike.”
“You have family somewhere in America right?”
“Yeah, in Seattle. Why?”
“They’re probably dead. Every last one of them.”
“Are you trying to make me feel bad for myself and instantly hate all of the Creatures? I guess I can’t do that.”
“Well, I can.”
Mike came back with small fragments of wood, paper, and cardboard. His fatigue was easy to see. He couldn’t sleep since the attacks. All he could think about was his kids. They had they’re lives taken from them by those things. They had cut their precious lives short all because they wanted Earth for no reason that he could understand.
“How are you guys doing?” Mike asked John and Alex.
“I was about to ask you the same question.” John answered, “You look horrible. How about you get some rest and Alex and I will keep watch. We can’t have our leader making stupid mistakes due to loss of sleep.”
“I can’t sleep anymore. I usually only get a couple hours of sleep anyway. Hey, what do you guys...” Mike suddenly turned around and raised his rifle.
“What is it?” Alex asked.
“Quiet. Someone’s here.” Mike whispered.
Mike motioned to John and Alex to follow him as he crept towards some destroyed cars on the bridge. He stopped by the side of one of the cars and slowly inched his way to the front of it. He looked around the front end to see what was making the noise.
Mike could make out five things by another destroyed car. But to his surprise they appeared to be men. All Creature groups traveled in a straight line, shoulder to shoulder and never stopped to rest unless they needed to sleep. This group appeared to be huddled together talking. Mike turned to John and Alex, motioning for them to stay.
Mike got up from his knee to a crouch and slowly made his way to the five supposed men. He moved without sound towards the unsuspecting group. Only their voices could be heard. The group of supposed men had turned to face the opposite direction of Mike. They were looking out over murky water. They spoke of life and how each supposed man was doing. Mike finally came within reach of one of the supposed men. In one swift, agile motion Mike stood up, wrapped his one free arm around the throat of the unaware supposed man, and pointed his rifle in the direction of the other supposed men.
“What the hell are you doing?” The supposed man barked.
“Are you men?” Mike barked back.
“We look like men don’t we? Who the hell are you and what do you think you’re doing?”
Mike released his grip on the man’s throat. “I’m Major Mike Cook of the United States Marine Corps. I have been traveling with two other men in search of other
survivors. You five are the first we’ve found since I found them. Are there more of you?” John and Alex stood up and joined the group.
“Yes.” the man answered. “There are tens of thousands of us. We have been fighting the Creatures trying to take back our city.”

Chapter 3

The party of eight went to the Resistance Headquarters. Jake, the leader of the patrolling group of humans, led the way. His four bodyguards who were followed by Mike, John, and Alex followed him. The eight came to the entrance of a once tall and
majestic skyscraper. Two heavily armed and shielded men guarded the skyscraper’s entrance.
“Jake, it’s good to see you again,” the taller of the two guards said. “I see you’ve brought three new survivors. You’re all welcome to come in.”
“Thanks Jonathan. Seen any Creatures lately?”
“No. It’s been really quiet lately. I don’t like it.”
“How many Creatures do you usually see in a day?” Mike asked.
“I’d say about twenty to thirty a day. They usually travel in groups of five,” the other guard said. “There are a lot of them but they can’t fight well at all. Five Creatures are easy for us to pick off if they travel in groups of five. But if there are ten or more it becomes a little more difficult.”
“Well keep up the good work guys,” Jake said.
Jake led the group into the building’s lobby and to a reception desk. The lobby was very large and grand. The man at the reception desk stood and saluted Jake as the group passed. Jake returned the salute and led the way into a large, open room. It appeared to be a meeting room. A large, rectangular table lay in the middle of the room. Chairs could be seen at each side of the table and at the ends. At the far end of the table to the group sat a large man in an Army uniform. He was overweight but didn’t appear to be out of shape. He had a commanding look to him. He stood as the party of eight entered.
“Ah Jake, welcome back,” the Army man said. “Who’s this you’ve brought back? More survivors?”
“Yes. Two of them are men from NASA and the other is a Major from the Marines, sir.”
“A Major huh? What’s your name sir?”
“I’m Major Mike Cook.” Mike answered. “These two men with me are John and Alex. They had just come back from a mission to the International Space Station when I meet them.”
“Well, I welcome you all to the Human Resistance Headquarters. It’s not much to look at now but it’s getting there,” the Army man said, “Oh, excuse me. I’m Admiral Robin Grey.”
“Admiral, I remember you now. You ran the other New York base, right?” Mike asked.
“Yes I did. I have to say you did a fine job running your base.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Admiral, has the resistance made any progress toward taking back the city?” John asked.
“Unfortunately, we’ve only scratched the surface of what we need to do.” The Admiral replied. “The problem is we only have a few military men here. The majority of
the men are normal people. I’ve tried to train them but we have a lot of men and it takes a while.”
“Are there any women who have military experience?” Alex asked.
“I don’t even know. We’ve made a rule here. All women must stay out of danger. This includes women with military experience.”
“Why do that?” Alex asked with a hint of anger.
“We only have a very small number of women survivors.” Jake answered. “For every five men we have one woman. And without women we could never hope to repopulate the world. We need all of these women alive.”
“That doesn’t seem right to me.” Alex replied.
“I’m sorry you see it that way but it’s been decided by everyone, including the women.”
All was quiet. Alex was in total disbelief at what he had just heard. How could the women here vote to not do anything constructive to save their city? Women had fought so hard throughout history to have equal rights. How could they destroy that?
Tension filled the room. This rule had affected the new three members of the Resistance. “Well, I think it’s about time we talk about fighting the Creatures and getting our city back.” The Admiral said, breaking the tension.
“Well, first we need to train these men how to fight.” Mike said. “I suggest we get all the men with military experience together and see who could teach a small group of,
say twenty men, to fight. Those twenty could teach others and the others could teach the rest.”
“That sounds good to me.” The Admiral said. “Jake, round up the military and bring them here. We’ll all meet back here in an hour. Gentlemen, allow me to show you around the headquarters.”
Jake saluted the Admiral and Mike who each saluted back and then left their company. The Admiral now took the lead of the party and led them through two very large doors to what he called The Center. Hundreds of people could be seen in the Center. The Center itself was very large and was circular with a fountain in the middle. The room was lit by artificial lights on the ceiling. It appeared to be a mall of sorts. Shops lined the outside rim of it. Tables and chairs were in the center. People could be seen eating, talking, shopping, and having fun throughout the Center.
“Admiral, do we have any Navy or Air Force men here?” Mike asked the Admiral as he led them through the Center, pointing out different shops and restaurants.
“Well yes we do.” the Admiral replied to Mike. “We have a small but versatile Air Force. We only have two jets and they’ve been pieced together with what materials we have. Jake leads that part of the Resistance.”
“Do they train everyday for when we may fight?”
“They do. They’re much more prepared then our ground forces are, unfortunately.”
The Admiral eventually got the group to the end of the Center and to the next part of the tour: the residential area. The residential area wasn’t quite as grand as the Center but was nice considering what the outside was like. It was one large room, bigger then the Center, with a downstairs and an upstairs with doors lining the walls.
“Well, that’s it.” The Admiral said.
“That’s it?” John asked a little disappointed.
“Unfortunately yes. The headquarters can’t have the luxuries we humans once enjoyed.”
“Do you have a spare room?” Mike asked.
“Yes, in fact we have three. You gentlemen will be in rooms A303, A304, and A305. Your rooms will be on the right. Just follow it until you see your rooms. Please come back to the meeting room as soon as possible.”
“We will and thank you very much for your hospitality.” Mike said.
“It’s no problem. Now enjoy yourselves while you can.” The Admiral said while walking away.
As the three made their way to their rooms Alex asked his companions, “So, what do you guys think of the Admiral?”
“I think he’s a nice guy,” John said.
“Yeah, but what about that rule? I think that’s horrible and very sexist.”
“Do you?” Mike asked Alex. “I see it as being very smart. If we are to have any chance at helping humanity survive this we need as many women and men as we can get. Considering how many men we have and how short we are on women I think we need every woman alive and safe.”
“That’s true but in order for humanity to survive we also need to win this war. Maybe some of those women are amazing war technicians. Reproducing takes two to work. Winning a war takes everyone to fight.”
The three spoke back and forth on the morality of the rule their whole trip to each other’s rooms. They finally made it to their rooms but only had enough time to look at them then head back to the meeting room.
“Well, that was a fun walk.” Mike said sarcastically.
“Well, at least now we know where our rooms are.” John replied.
“What do you plan on saying at the meeting Mike?” Alex asked as the three headed back.
“I don’t know. I know we need these men trained but that’s all I have. Once I get more information about the Creatures I’ll come up with a better plan.”
“Do you think we can save Earth?” John asked.
“I’m not sure we can even save New York.”
The three walked in silence to their destination. The thought of saving the Earth had filled Mike’s mind since the attacks. He just didn’t think untrained men could do what he wanted them to do.
The three finally made it to the meeting room just as the meeting was about to begin. The room was full of military men. The room only had thirty men, which included Mike, John, Alex, and the Admiral. Thirty men out of tens of thousands who had any military experience whatsoever. Mike’s hopes of a free New York left with this realization.
“Welcome back gentlemen,” the Admiral said. “Please, have a seat next to me.”
The Admiral sat at one of the ends of the table. Mike, John, and Alex sat to his right. As the Admiral rose from his seat all speaking ceased. “Men, I’ve called you all to
this meeting to speak of our current situation,” the Admiral said to the group with a booming voice. “Every last one of you is our only hope at winning this war with the Creatures. You have to be relied on to teach the rest of the men of the Resistance how to fight. I would like to introduce you all to these men on my right. These men are new survivors Jake found earlier today. Gentlemen, as I say your names please rise. The two of the three are NASA astronauts. They are John and Alex.” John and Alex both rose as their names were called. “The final survivor is Major Mike Cook of the United States Marine Corps.” Mike too rose as his name was called. “He is the reason this meeting was called. He has suggested that you men train twenty to thirty men each. Then in turn, those men will train other men. This cycle will eventually train all of our men. When that time comes, that is when we will make our attack. That is when we will save our city!”

Chapter 4

The day after the military meeting a message rang out through the Center every half hour:
“All men who are at least 18 years of age help your city become free once again. Help us fight our enemies, the Creatures. We call for all men, even those who are not trained in military warfare. This fight is for all men. Fight and save humanity!”
This simple message gave the men of the Resistance courage and strength they didn’t know they had. The results from the first day of the message were astounding.
3,000 men had answered the Resistance’s call. The strongest of the 3,000 men were given to the military men to be trained. The rest went to fitness sessions intended to build strength, speed, and endurance. John and Alex ran these sessions.
John and Mike had become very used to this lifestyle the Resistance had given them. They had become total supporters of everything the Resistance stood for and believed in. However Alex had not grown too comfortable with how the Resistance was operated. He thought their goal was very admirable but the way women were treated was something he could not bear. The women weren’t allowed to do anything constructive towards the Resistance’s cause. The women were only allowed to relax and enjoy themselves. They had to play the role of the old stereotype of a housewife.
Four months had passed since the fateful military meeting. Alex walked into the Center looking to mingle with the Resistance’s citizens. Alex walked to one of the Center’s bars and ordered a drink. A woman not much younger then Alex sat beside him and also ordered a drink.
“Hi, I’m Alex.” Alex said to the woman.
“I’m Sarah. Nice to meet you.”
Alex couldn’t help but stare at Sarah. She had long blonde hair and a stunning face that seemed to light up the small bar. “I’m new here, is the tequila good?” Alex asked trying to make small talk.
“They’re not bad,” Sarah answered. “Are you one of the new guys? One of the NASA guys?”
“Yeah, I was the pilot on our ship. What’s your story?”
“Well, I lived in New York City my whole life and was once in the Army. I was stationed at the Admiral’s base.”
“Really?” Alex said a little surprised. “You know, he’s going to need as much help as he can get to win this war.”
“You know I can’t help.”
“I wish women could.”
“You do?” Sarah said with surprise. “Why?”
“Well, someone like you may be the world’s next great general and you can’t live up to your full potential because you’re a woman. I don’t think that’s fair at all.”
“Neither do I but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m not allowed to fight.”
“Yeah,” Alex said. The two drinks came to the par. Alex took his drink and stared at it. “I just hope us men can save this city.”
Sarah takes a drink from her margarita. “You have your doubts?”
“Yes, I don’t think we can win this war.”
“Why not? Do you think if women fought it would be the deciding factor in the war?” Sarah asks with a hint of sarcasm.
“No, but we’d have a better chance.”
“Then why?”
“I think we’re fighting for the wrong reasons.” Alex said. “Sure, everyone says we’re fighting to save the city but how many of them believe that? From what I can tell,
the men in the Resistance fight because they want all Creatures dead. I think fighting like that is the quickest way to lose.”
“Why do you say that?” Sarah asks.
“I don’t know. Call it a gut feeling.” Alex says with a small smile.
“You’re very different than most the men around here.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“Depends on how you look at it.”
“I’ll take it as a compliment then.” Alex said with his small smile still intact. He looked down at his watch. Shock struck his face as he realized what time it was.
“I have to go. I’m a little late for the night workouts.” Alex told Sarah as he stood to leave. “Tell you what. Meet me at Sue’s Italian Restaurant at seven o’clock for dinner. How’s that sound?”
“Seven it is. See you later.”
“Later.” Alex yelled back as he rushed to the Center Gym. He and John held workouts twice a day for those not ready for the Resistance’s military training. John ran the strength training while Alex ran the endurance training.
Alex ran into the gym just as John started the class. “Sorry for being late everyone. Have you taken roll yet?”
“Not yet. Glad you decided to make it.” John said with a smile.
John began to take roll. The amount of people attending these workouts was astounding. Alex had never expected this many people wanted to fight the Creatures.
The gym wasn’t small whatsoever but the ready and willing Resistance volunteers easily filled it. The role sheet’s official tally counted 1,000 men at each workout. John and Alex ran the workouts efficiently but barely. With 1,000 men, the workouts just scrapped in at four hours each.
Two hours had past since the workouts had begun. The men attending the workout were dead tired. The workouts began with a two-hour run around the inside of the Center. The run was non-stop. This run was how Alex gave the men endurance. As the men rested Alex and John sat at the entrance of the gym planning the second half of the workout.
“So, why were you late?” John asked after the second half of the workout had been planned.
“I was having a drink with a woman at the bar.”
“A woman, huh?” John said with a smile. “It’s about time you loosened up.”
“I guess she was in the Army. She says she was stationed at the Admiral’s base.”
“You talked to her about the rule didn’t you?” John said with a hint of grief in his voice.
“So what if I did.” Alex replied sensing this grief. “It’s an unfair rule.”
“You plan on trying to get her to fight this rule aren’t you?”
“So what if I am?”
“Alex, this rule is there for a reason.” John said. Alex was about to speak but John cut him off. He said, “I can’t tell you not to fight this rule. But, I can tell you that these people have suffered enough. They don’t need their judgment in the rule they voted for questioned.”
“I can’t let that rule stand John. If women wish to fight it’s their own choice to do so. No one should have the ability to control what another can or can’t do.”
“Well, good luck.” John said defeated.
The workout continued. Only one person passed out during the second half of the workout. Usually at least five pass out during the second half. After the workout, Alex rushed off to meet with Sarah.
Alex made it to the restaurant with time to spare. He waited outside for Sarah as he thought of what he could say. He wanted to persuade her to believe what he believed but what could he say? As he thought he could see her heading toward him. She looked radiant in a beautiful black dress. Alex hadn’t realized just how stunning she really was.
“You look amazing.” Alex said as Sarah came up to him.
“Thanks.” Sarah said with a smile. “You look pretty amazing yourself.”
“I try.” Alex said returning her smile.
The two walked into the majestic restaurant. It was full of happy and lively people. Sue’s Italian Restaurant was the only restaurant in the Center that felt like an actual restaurant.
“Table for two please.” Alex said to the restaurant worker running the lobby.
“Yes sir. Please follow me.” The employee said.
The employee led the pair through a maze of people to a table in the corner of the restaurant. Sarah and Alex sat in two chairs opposite of each other. The employee gave them two menus. “I hope you two enjoy yourselves. I’ll be back to take your orders in a moment.”
“Thanks,” Alex said as the employee left the two alone.
“So, how was the workout?” Sarah asked trying to start a conversation.
“It was pretty good. I think our group is almost ready for their military training. So, what did you do after I left?”
“I went home and thought about all of the things you said.”
“Really? What did you think?”
“I think you’re brilliant and I want to believe in what you said but...”
“But what?”
“Well, I need more time to think about it. You see, if I were to create a big fuss over the rule all it would do is hurt our rebellion against the Creatures.”
“But if you’re accusations were believed and woman were allowed to choose to do whatever they wanted it might help the rebellion.”
“Yeah, but I don’t know if I want to take that chance. What do you think?”
“I think anything is worth doing if you think it’s right.”
“Yeah. Thought of what we could do to try to make our point known?”
“Well, I thought you and I could try to find women in the Resistance and ask them some simple questions: ‘What do you think of the rule that forbids women to fight for what they believe in?’ and ‘Do you think women should have a right to choose to be whomever the choose to be and fight whomever they choose to fight?’ and ‘Do you believe that the rule should be enforced?’ After all that, if they are against the rule, we have them sign their name onto a list. You and I will take that list and show it to the Admiral and demand he stop enforcing that rule.”
“Do you think that will work?”
“I have a lot of pull with Mike and Mike is the Admiral’s right hand man. I think if we get enough signatures, the rule won’t be enforced anymore.”
“But will women agree with us?”
“I hope so. Otherwise I’m afraid that if we win, women will have to fight for equality all over again.”

Chapter 5

“Hey John. How’s the workout group doing?” Mike asked John as he entered the gym’s locker room.
“They’re getting better,” John replied. “I think they’re almost ready for some real training.”
“How’s Alex doing?” Mike asked with a hint of concern.
“How do you mean?”
“Well, is he still mad about the rule?”
“Yeah. I don’t think that’s ever going to change.”
“Yeah, I just hope he doesn’t cause a problem.”
Mike began to change for his evening workout. Mike respected Alex’s opinion of the rule but in the end it was just. It had to be enforced otherwise the repopulation of Earth may be impossible.
“Still hate the Creatures?” John asked sarcastically.
“What do you think?”
“Say we win this war. Will you still hate all Creatures, even if there are Creature survivors?”
“I haven’t put much thought into it.” Mike replied trying to avoid the topic.
“Start thinking about it. I have.”
“What would you do?” Mike asked.
“I think I wouldn’t hurt them.”
“You’re telling me you would show compassion to those things in that situation?” Mike asked with disgust.
“I’m saying I can’t stereotype an entire species based on what a few decided.”
“A few?”
“Yeah, a few. I imagine that the Creatures acted on the orders of a few Creatures. How could I, with good conscious, blame an entire species on what those few Creatures decided to do?”
“It hasn’t been proving that the Creatures acted on what a few Creatures ordered.”
“Yeah, but it hasn’t been disproving.”
There was silence between the two as they changed. Mike just couldn’t think about treating those things with compassion after what they did to his species. They had taken his whole life away. How could he ever treat them well?
“Mike, I’m not saying you shouldn’t be mad at the Creatures. All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t just aim to kill every last Creature because you were affected by them personally.”
“We were all affected by them personally!” Mike shouted.
“Mike, I lost my family too. But I won’t kill innocent Creatures because I’m angry. I will only kill those who try to kill me. I hope you can do the same.” With that, John left Mike.
After his workout, Mike went off to find the Admiral. He needed to sort things out. How could he possibly show any mercy towards the Creatures? It was inconceivable for Mike to even think of doing. But how could he kill those who were innocent to what had happen? Mike was lost in his thoughts and needed help to sort them out.
Mike entered the Center’s Meeting Room. The Admiral sat at the head of the
room’s table looking through some paperwork. He looked up just as Mike entered.
“Mike, good to see you,” the Admiral said as he got up from his chair. “How are things going?”
“I’m pretty good. Just been thinking a lot.”
“And what were you thinking about?” the Admiral inquired.
“I’ve been thinking I’m a jackass.”
“How’s that?”
“I wanted to kill every last Creature on the planet and now I have second thoughts.”
“You’re not thinking about leaving the Resistance are you?” the Admiral asked with concern.
“No, that’s not it. I still want to save the city. I just don’t want to kill all of the Creature’s in the process.”
“You’re gaining a conscious I gather?”
“Yeah, I guess. What do you think?”
“I despise every Creature on the face of this planet. But I don’t want them all dead. I just want the ones responsible for all this to die. I too wanted all Creatures dead, but I thought about my life before the Creatures. Before the Creatures, if I were to go to war with another country I wouldn’t kill their innocent no matter what their leaders had done. Why would my stance change with the Creatures?”
“Yeah, I guess. I just can’t see myself being nice and gentle with the Creature’s.”
“I guess you’re just going to have to swallow your anger and not kill any innocent Creatures.”
“I guess you’re right.” Mike said as he left for his room.
“Avowal Mike.”
“Avowal?”
“Acceptance. Accept the Creatures for what they truly are and not what we think they are.”

Chapter 6

Five months had past. All of the volunteers of the Resistance had been trained and were more then willing to fight at a moments notice. Mike, John, Jake, and the Admiral were discussing the Resistance’s battle plans in the meeting room as Alex and Sarah headed toward them. Sarah and Alex had successfully gained every woman’s signature from the Resistance. Every woman was against the rule. Every woman agreed that they deserved a right to choose to do whatever they wanted to do.
Alex and Sarah entered the meeting room. “Ah, welcome Alex.” the Admiral said as he stood. “Oh, and Sarah. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. How are you?”
“I’m fine, sir.” Sarah replied. “Alex and I come with a request, sir.”
“You do? Well, what is it?”
“We have gained over a thousand signatures from women in the Resistance,” Alex answered. “They, as well as myself and Sarah, wish that the rule stating that women are to not endanger themselves no longer be enforced.”
“Alex, this is not the time or the place for this,” Mike said.
“When is?” Alex asked. “When can travesties be fixed? What time is appropriate?”
“Sir, we have many things to accomplish today. This is not one of them,” the Admiral said.
“Sir, did I serve you well?” Sarah asked the Admiral.
“Well, yes you did. But I don’t see how that has any relevance here.”
“Back then,” Sarah said avoiding the Admiral’s question, “would you let me fight with you in war?”
“Yes, I would. What’s your point?”
“What’s different now?”
“Sarah, everything’s different now. We can’t risk having women die when we have so few of them.”
“With all due respect, sir, you do not have me nor will you ever have me,” Sarah said sharply.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know what you meant, sir,” Sarah barked. “I am not a tool to be used as a baby producer. I’m a living person who has rights. One of my many rights is to choose to do whatever I want to do. This rule takes away those rights.”
The Admiral sat back. He slowly leaned toward Mike and whispered, “I’m not going to win this am I?”
“I don’t think so,” Mike whispered back.
The Admiral spoke to Sarah with a smile, “You are one hell of a debater Sarah. Fine, the rule will no longer be enforced. All women who wish to fight may now fight. I will make a message to play in the Center announcing this. Congratulations.”
Sarah and Alex both let out a large sigh. They had won. Alex had done what he had always hopped to do since he had first come here. He was elated and relieved at
what had happened here. He and Sarah both gathered around the others to form the battle plan.
Through espionage the Resistance had learned that the main headquarters of the Creatures was were the main Creatures were located. Taking down these headquarters was going to be hard but if it were done, the Creatures in America would be severely crippled. The Creature’s headquarters was located in an old skyscraper north of the
Resistance building. It was a fifty-story building and had a patrol on the ground floor at all times.
The Creature’s had slowed down attacks and patrols away from their headquarters due to the preparation for an attack. It had been determined that the Creatures knew what the Resistance was and where it was located. They were planning to attack. The Resistance had to attack soon before the Creatures attacked or all hope would be lost for mankind.
The plan was for a surprise attack. It had been discovered that the Creatures had a very light patrol and almost no activity in their headquarters during an hour period between midnight and one in the morning. This time was the ideal time for an attack. Mike would lead a team of the first trainees into the building and attack the ground floor
patrol. This attack would have to be silent and quick in order to keep the Resistance’s presence unknown. After this, the entire Resistance would slowly and quietly work their way up to the top floor were the head Creatures were thought to have been located. After the military made it to the top floor they would get in contact with the air force. The air force would then wait for the fight on the top floor to end and the military to leave before
destroying the Creature’s headquarters with what few bombs they had. This plan would only work if the element of surprise were in the Resistance’s hands. The attack would be in a week. That week would be filled with training for all of the Resistance’s military. This would be either their finest, bravest battle or their last.

Chapter 7

One week had passed. The Resistance’s attack would be today. All preparations had been taken. It was now up to fate. Mike stood in front of the entire Resistance’s military in the Center. Out of the 1,000 women who had signed the petition to repel the infamous rule 700 had joined the military. The men and women in the military were obviously scared. There was little hope of them surviving.
Mike stood over the military and tried to think of what to say. He was never good at speeches or public speaking. He felt good about the upcoming battle. He didn’t know if they would win or not but at least he had a clear conscious. He had told every platoon leader to stress the fact that no innocent Creature would be injured. Mercy would be shown toward all Creatures.
Mike raised his hand in the air to command silence. “You men and women, be proud of yourselves. You are about to do what many dream of doing. You are about to fight for your species. You are about to fight for your friends, your family, your children, and your children’s children,” Mike shouted to the military. “We may not win this day. But if we die, at least we die knowing we fought for what we believed in. Very few
people who die can say that. I’m proud to say I have the chance to do so and so should you. We fight for our freedom and lives! We fight for our hopes and dreams! We fight for mankind!”
A loud cheer rang through the Center. Mike’s speech had done exactly what it needed to do. It had boosted the morale of the military and had raised their confidence. Mike took command of the military and led them out of the Resistance’s headquarters and toward their destinies.
The military had made their way into the Creature’s territory. Their headquarters could be seen. But something else could be seen. A huge group of Creatures had gathered outside their headquarters. They had known of the Resistance and were ready for a raid. The military’s hopes of survival were crushed at the sight of this massive group of Creatures. The military had stopped good hundred yards from the mass of Creatures.
The Creature in front of the first line of Creatures stepped forward and called toward the military,“ Human leader, come forth. I wish to make a deal with you.”
The Admiral stepped forward and shouted back,” Do I have your word no shots will be forward if we meet?”
“You have my word, ”The Creature leader shouted back.
The Admiral began to walk toward the Creature. “Admiral, you can’t trust them. They will kill you when they finish speaking to you!” Mike pleaded with the Admiral.
“Mike. I know they might do that.” The Admiral explained. “I have to go though. I want you to split the military into four groups. One group will stay here and fight when
the time comes. Another will move around to the Creature’s back. And the other two will take the sides. Trust me Mike. I will not bow down to these Creatures.”
With that the Admiral made his way to meet the Creature leader. The two meet halfway between the two militaries. “Human, I propose a deal,” the Creature leader began. “Surrender now and I will promise safe keeping of every human in your group. This deal will provide every human of your group equal rights with every other Creature. You will just have to follow our rule. What do you say?”
“I wish to ask you a few questions before answering,” the Admiral replied.
“Ask as many as you wish.”
“Who controls all of the Creatures on Earth?”
“I do. I am their leader.”
“So you commanded the attacks?”
“Yes.”
“Why did you do all this?”
“I believe in total domination of the universe. Your planet had life so I haf to control that life.”
“Are all other Creatures like you?”
“They can be when properly motivated.”
“I can’t condemn my people to a power hungry Creature. Humans like myself would rather die with honor then live under your rule. Your deal is not accepted.”
“Human, we have 50,000 strong. We have discovered you have only 5,000. You are outnumbered. You will not survive this. Please, reconsider. I have killed enough humans.”
“Humans will never live under another’s rule. We will fight you until we are all dead.”
“So be it. I give you five minutes to prepare your men. When your five minutes are up, I will fire once in the air. Your five minutes start now.”
The Admiral made his way back to the military. “Mike, did you split up the military into four groups?”
“Yes sir.” Mike answered.
“Men,” the Admiral shouted to the military, “get into position! Do not fire until you hear a gun shot from the Creatures!”
The Creature leader came back to his military. “Sir, did the humans accept?” a Creature asked the leader. “No,” the leader replied.
“Do you want us to do anything to prepare ourselves?”
“Like what? Why would we need to prepare for an attack from an insect?” the leader answered with a smile.
“Sir, we are surrounded by ruins and we have no place to hide ourselves. Once they attack, we will be slaughtered.” the Creature pleaded with the leader.
“Are you under minding my authority?”
“No, no sir. I just wanted to be completely clear,” the Creature answered with nervousness in his voice.
“They are no match for us. We severely outnumber them. Relax. This battle will be over in minutes.”
The military’s four groups moved into position. The Creatures stood without even noticing the military’s movements. Their arrogance was very noticeable. They barely saw the humans as a threat. The Creature’s leader raised his gun and shot one bullet into the air.
A rain of bullets began to pour on the Creatures. Yet they did nothing. The humans hid behind cars and ruined buildings while the Creatures stood in the open. The humans were protected by a shield while the Creatures were protected by nothing.
“Mike, why aren’t the Creatures moving?” the Admiral asked Mike as they shot down Creatures.
“They think their size advantage is good enough to take us on. Their arrogance is amazing,” Mike said with a hint of disbelief.
“Sir, we must engage the humans!” a Creature pleaded with his leader while trying to avoid attacks. “We will be wiped out if we don’t!”
“Fine, engage the humans.” the leader replied. “Spread the word around to advance. Finish these...things quickly.”
The Creatures slowly braved the rain of bullets in order to fight the humans at close range. The Creatures easily outnumbered the humans but were lacking in quality
fighting skills. The humans were better trained and easily took on the huge number of Creatures.
As the humans began to turn the battle to their favor, five ships came into view over the battlefield. The ships were designed for space but could be used as airplanes. These ships belonged to the Creatures. The ships began to fire upon the humans.

Chapter 8

“Mike, get a hold of Jake!” the Admiral shouted at Mike while avoiding fire. “Get him over here now!”
Mike reached into his jacket’s pocket and retrieved his communicator. “Jake!” Mike shouted into the communicator. “Jake! Get the hell over here. Creature ships are bombarding us! I repeat. Come to the Creature’s headquarters!”
Jake received the communication. “Josh, we’re heading to the headquarters,” Mike told his gunner who sat behind him. “I don’t think our surprise attack went as planned.”
“Men, head for the Creature’s headquarters,” Jake said through his communicator to the other jet that made up the Air Force. “Our men are being attacked by Creature ships. We need to protect them at all costs. Our lives our expendable as long as we succeed. Remember that when we fight. We’ll be outnumbered and their weaponry will be much better then ours but we have to fight as long as we can. Humanity as we know it is at stake."
The jets turned around and headed for their destination. Within minutes they were there. Creatures and humans alike lined the battlefield. Five Creature ships were
annihilating the humans. “Men, engage at will!” Jake shouted into his communicator as he engaged one of the Creature ships.
Jake’s ship began to fire upon the Creature ship. Before the ship could even turn one of its wings were shot off. “Aim for the cockpit!” Jake told his gunner. Josh followed orders and poured bullets upon the cockpit. The Creature ship was destroyed but not before hitting Jake’s right wing.
“We alright Jake?” Josh asked after being hit.
“Yeah, just a little scratch. We got a ship on our tail. I’m going around.”
Jake sent the ship into a hard right. The damaged right wing caused the ship to pull to the right making Jake’s right turn very sharp. Jake’s plane was right behind the Creature after the turn.
Josh shot the first of two missiles the plane had. The missile was a direct hit to the Creature’s engine. The ship crash-landed into a group of Creatures and next to another ship. That other ship was the last of the human’s air force. Jake and Josh were all alone against three more Creature ships.
All three of the remaining Creature ships attacked Jake and Josh all at once. “Josh, we’re going to have to keep them busy for awhile until they make a mistake. I’m going to try to go face to face with one of them once another is behind me. Keep a lookout on our back and tell me once one is back there.
As Jake fought in the air while Mike began to lead the military against the onslaught of Creatures on the ground. The tides had turned once again. The humans easily routed the Creatures. The war was almost won.
“Jake, there’s one back there.” Josh told Jake.
Jake saw a ship coming at him two o’clock and headed in its direction. Jake’s plane was between a ship coming straight at him and a ship following him. Both began to rain bullets on the plane. “Jake, what the hell are you doing?” Josh asked with concern.
“Don’t worry. Just wait.”
Jake moved the plane’s speed to full velocity. The plane was only a few yards from the oncoming ship. When the plane and ship were about to collide Jake turned hard to the right. The two Creature ships attacking the plane rammed together. They both fell to the ground on top of a group of Creatures.
Josh let out a very large sigh of relief. “Josh, how much ammo do we have left?” Jake asked a very happy Josh. “We only have that one missile left. That should be enough for that last shi,.” Josh replied.
Jake turned the ship to face last Creature ship. Josh shot the final missile the plane had. The ship banked hard right and dodged the final missile. “Josh, eject.” Jake ordered. “What? Why?” Josh questioned Jake. “I said eject!” Jake barked.
Josh pulled his ejection lever and shot out of the plane. He landed in a group of humans. Jake turned in the direction of the last plane and increased the plane’s speed to full velocity. Jake let out a final prayer before crashing into the final ship. Both the ship’s and the plane’s occupants died.
An hour had passed. The Resistance looked likely to be the victors when more Creatures began to appear all around the battlefield. The Creatures were ready for this attack and had been very well prepared. The Resistance was tragically outnumbered when this extra Creature help appeared. There was no hope now for the humans.
“Cease fire!” the Admiral shouted. “Cease fire!”
All fighting had stopped. The humans had lost their fight for their independence and freedom. “Sir, was the loss of all of those humans worth this? You knew you would lose? You had no hope.” the Creature Leader said as his soldiers disarmed the humans. “Some things are just worth fighting for.” was all the Admiral said to the Leader.

Chapter 9

Mike, John, Alex, and Sarah all shared a cell together. They were inside of the Creature’s headquarters at a place that was called the Execution Room. They had been identified, along with the Admiral, as the head Resistance members. They all waited for their time to die. The other humans were forced to rebuild the city. Only hard labor lay in their futures.
The Leader, called Emperor by the Creatures, had ordered the execution of all of the leaders of the Resistance. One would be killed each day. The Admiral was scheduled the first day. A guard stood watch over the cell. He was the Emperor’s right hand man.
He stood very tall. He was about level with Mike. But his build was much bigger than Mike’s. He had muscles coming out of every part of his body. He was called Uhale.
“Uhale, how does your government work?” Mike asked Uhale.
“Why does that concern you?”
“Well, it just seems you are ready to do whatever the Emperor says. Does he give anyone else any say in anything that happens?”
“No. He will ask for our opinions but that is all.”
“What is your opinion on us being executed?”
“I don’t agree with it.”
“And you see nothing wrong with the Emperor executing us anyway?”
“He controls all that the Creatures do. It is not my place to question what he does.”
“And you see no problem with carrying the burden of our deaths on your hands?”
There was no answer. Uhale appeared to Mike to be very thought out. He appeared to be on the brink of fighting against the Emperor but needed something to push him over that brink.
An hour passed. The Execution Room had been filled with thousands of Creatures. All of these Creatures crowded around a large stage in the middle of the room.
The cell that held the head Resistance members was off to one far side of the stage. In the center of the stage stood the Emperor. The Admiral was stood chained to the stage. The Emperor held a gun in his right hand.
“Loyal citizens, we are gathered here to witness a change in the human existence.” the Emperor started. “The humans think they can fight us. They think they can match are strength and intelligence. They think they own this planet!” the Emperor shouted and then paused. The pause was done to allow shouts of happiness and unity. There were no such shouts. The Emperor staggered on: “I will break their morale and unity. I will destroy their last bit of hope. I will kill every last leader of their Resistance starting with this Admiral!” The Emperor paused once again and waited for his shouts. Once again he was let down.
The Creatures in the audience knew what was going on was wrong. No shouts of happiness and unity would come because there was neither happiness nor unity. There was only despair and pity for what they were about to see.
“Human, do you admit to the crime of treason?” the Emperor said with a hint of anger to the Admiral.
“I admit to fighting for my freedom and independence from a horrible excuse for a leader such as you.” the Admiral replied.
“Then I take my gun and rid my planet of your insolence,” the Emperor said as he raised his gun. He pointed the barrel at the Admiral’s head. One shot ended his life. A gasp rose from the crowd.
“I killed that man for all of you. You are...” the Emperor stopped. He saw all of the Creatures leaving. Uhale left the stage and left the room with the rest of the Creatures. No one was left in the room besides the Emperor and the occupants of the cell.

Chapter 10

A day had passed since the Admiral’s execution. Mike was the next on the death list. Uhale had not come back yet but Mike felt positive he wouldn’t die that day.
An hour before Mike’s execution was planned Uhale appeared to replace the guard that had taken his place watching over the cell. Once the guard had left the room Uhale turned to Mike and spoke: “Human, I won’t let you die today. Our citizens have spoken. They wish to leave you humans in peace. I’ve been sent to speak with the Emperor. I wish for you all to accompany me.” With this he unlocked the cell.
Mike was the first to leave the cell. He hesitantly nudged his way over the Uhale and extended his hand. “Thank you for all that you’re doing.” Uhale shook Mike’s hand and then led the group to the exit.
A short elevator later the group was on the top floor of the headquarters. Uhale led the group to the Emperor’s room and entered it with his gun raised. “Sir, we have to talk.” Uhale started. “Uhale, it’s good...” the Emperor stopped. He saw the gun and the humans. “What the hell is this?” the Emperor franticly questioned Uhale.
“Sir, you must step down as Emperor.” Uhale said with remorse. “I’ve been asked by the people to relieve you of your duty. Please, don’t make this harder then it has to be.”
“Why would the people want that? I’ve done my job better then anyone else could!” the Emperor yelled at Uhale.
“Sir, your actions as of late have been lacking in decency and respect of others. Your need of demoralizing the humans have brought about this change in public opinion of you.”
“I did my job!” the Emperor pleaded.
“Sir, you did what you wanted and not what was best for your people. The people took pity in the humans, as have I.” Uhale paused to calm his emotions. “Sir, you have two choices: you can step down as Emperor or I can relieve you by force. Please, don’t make me kill you.”
“That’s the only way I’ll be relieved of duty. Do what you must.”
The Emperor lowered his head as tears began to appear in Uhale’s eyes. Uhale raised his gun and pointed it at the Emperor’s lowered head. A single shot echoed the room.

Epilogue

The Creatures had stayed on the Earth two more years as they repaired the damage that they had done to the planet. The humans, war torn and concordat, formed the Unity Pact. This Unity Pact stated that all humans, whom were still ruled differently by different nations, would never raise arms to each other again and all governments would honor their citizens’ natural rights. This pact was never broken.

Verago

I really liked this!
Kind of like War of the Worlds, but better...I strongly suggest you get this published, if you haven't already.