by L. M. Vila
“That is a very strong word,” replied President Park. “We want nothing more than to destroy the boundary line and live as one nation united. This isn't about assimilating cultures.”
“She's right General,” the President complimented. “You may not see it now but soon enough, your people will start to yearn for what they don't have. And if you can't give it to them, they'll travel as far as they are physically capable of in order to get it.”
The General shook his head.
“I do not like the way this sounds. The way you describe it is,” he began to struggle but not with the language but how to say it without coming off as scared, “like we do not have any choice.”
President Marshall smiled and laid back in his seat.
“But your people do have a choice. That's what democracy is all about. That's what we are bringing to your people.”
He began to flip through the file again and began pointing out key notes and highlights.
“We're not trying to rush into anything. What we've proposed is a twenty year plan. Korea will be divided into two states, North and South. General elections will take place on both sides as illustrated by South Korea's government model. We will keep the system in place for five terms of general assembly elections and four terms of presidential elections. After the fourth term of the presidency, both governments will come together to elect a president that will preside over both nations and a secondary vice president that will be elected by the people as well.”
The President closed the file.
“As you can see, we're not rushing or forcing you into anything. We're just doing what's best for your people.”
“Deoleoun Migug jeongchi,” Bahn whispered under his breath. Apparently it was louder than he thought because he could feel eyes on him though he chose to keep his locked to the ground.
“I didn't catch that Meryl,” Agent Yuan stated over her earpiece. “Is everything okay? What's going on?”
Meryl brushed away a few of her blonde locks over her ear and gently scratched the earpiece. That signaled to her team everything was okay or nothing to report. She couldn't exactly be caught mumbling to herself while being locked in this room so they had to resort to using a few more subtle methods of communication.
The General looked sharply at Bahn and shot him a look that screamed punishment before turning back and saying, “My apologies.”
“Is everything okay General Suh?” Asked the President.
“Everything is fine,” he said paying another look towards his subordinate. “You must forgive Bahn. He gets easily agitated when his medication starts to wear off.”
“I see,” the President said. “Well if there's anything we can do.”
General Suh shook his head.
“Do not worry. He'll be fine. His medication is on a timer. He can only take one does a day but becomes irritable just before taking his next pill. I apologize for this disturbance.”
“No need,” President Marshall laughed. “You should see how I get without my coffee in the morning.”
March 27th, 2013 3:40PM
1286 4th St SE
Washington, D.C.
Dr. Shin sat in front of his control board on the second floor of his building. All thirty crates were at his fingertips and with the push of a button, his army would be sent out to wreak havoc upon this so-called greatest nation on earth.
He could see everything from this vantage point. The soldiers worked diligently. Their preparations were nearing completion. Soon, the signal will go off and it will be time to start the show. The thought of watching this country fall to its knees sent chills running up the doctor's spine. For too long they have been mocked, harassed, and demonized by the American government. They sit on their chair atop the mountain and look down on everyone else. It's ironic really that their complete and total undoing will come at the hands of a chemical created on their own soil.
“Doctor!” The Colonel cried out from below.
Standing behind a row of bullet proof glass proved it difficult to hear most of the annoyances going on outside but seeing the desperation on his subordinate's face told him that he should be paying attention.
“What is it Colonel?” The doctor asked. He tried to sound more inquisitive than irritated. It's not like he wanted to be bothered before fireworks began.
“We have spotted a black vehicle approximately one hundred meters away. Two men exited and our approaching the building at this moment.”
Dr. Shin stood up and slammed his fists on the table.
“What men? Who are they?!”
“I don't know. They're not dressed in government clothing nor do they bear any marks on their vehicle signaling they are affiliated with any law enforcement agency either. I,” he stuttered, “I've never seen men dressed this way before.”
This was an unintended course diversion. The signal hadn't gone off yet and their operation was already in potential jeopardy. Pulling the trigger too early will blow their window. If word gets out to the local police departments of an attack, then this entire endeavor will be all for naught.
“Colonel, man your battle stations,” the doctor hissed. “Kill anyone that enters our perimeter. Do not let them enter this building under any circumstances? Is that clear?”
The Colonel saluted.
“Yes sir!”
He took off running towards the docks and began shouting orders at his men. They started sliding and diving underneath the protection of the sandbags. The heavy weapons team took their place behind the cannon while the Colonel stayed behind the dock door. Through a little slit in the gate, he locked eyes on the targets approaching. One dressed in all black and the other in pure white. The Colonel had never seen such uniforms in all of his life but as soon as they drew closer instantly recognized one symbol on their attire.
A cross? The Colonel thought.
That was the symbol of Christianity. A banned religion back home but it usually signified one of peace and love. Secondary thoughts began to battle inside the Colonel’s mind but he belayed those arguments for now and ordered his men to stand firm. There's no telling what these two may be up to despite advertising their beliefs so boldly.
Michael surveyed the area. All details must be accounted for. He didn't know what to expect when entering this building so it was important to take note of its surroundings in case things escalated.
The building was located near a few abandoned warehouses and factories. The entire area was fairly desolate saved for a few parked cars nearby. Just east of their location stood the Naval Sea Systems and Command building with one of their prized carriers parked just a few hundred feet south in the Anacostia River.
Most of the streets, surrounding and crossing, were empty. Traffic was few and far between. Without any civilians present and in the area, it would be easy to perform any type of covert operation from this location. The building itself was worn and appeared desolate. There didn't seem to be a soul in the place. As they continued to approach, Michael focused his hearing hoping to catch the moving of machinery, stamping of feet, anything that would signal this was the right place. This would be the first time he wound up at the wrong building but experience told him that in these types of situations, it's better to be prepared for anything rather than anything getting the jump on him.
The FBI agent slid his hand underneath his coat and wrapped his fingers around the grip the thick metal hide of the Desert Eagle bound to his lower back. He continued to hold it there, using the Paladin as a shield to hide his actions as they neared the building. It was approximately five hundred feet long and another three hundred wide. A single metal entry door with a small glass slit on the west side with a pair of closed dock doors next to it.
They were no further than one hundred feet when Michael confirmed what he saw upon exiting the vehicle that immediately caused him to draw his weapon.
Sandbags?
“Get down!” Michael shouted as he pulled the Paladin away from their line of sig
ht.
“What on earth?” Davis said barely able to regain his footing.
He looked over and noticed the weapon in Michael's hand and quickly put two and two together.
“Are we being attacked?”
“Not yet -” Michael started until he was immediately cut off but the sound of the dock door opening and a dozen soldiers jumped up from underneath the bags with AK-47s drawn
Standing in the opening was a team positioned behind a rapid fire Kord machine gun canon. He could hear them shouting something in Korean and it only took him a second to piece together the message being conveyed.
“Stand your ground and maintain the firing line right here!” Ordered the colonel.
His men were more than willing and able to handle the task and did so gratefully.
“No one fires until I give the order! Is that clear?!”
“Sir yes sir!” They replied enthusiastically.
“Colonel!” The doctor shouted over the intercom. “What are you doing? Why the hesitation? Kill those men immediately!”
Lee heard the order loud and clear but continued to hesitate. He had no idea what the target's purpose was but he wasn't about to lay down fire on a potentially innocent Christian man. If the good doctor knew that Lee and most of his men had studied Christian ceremonies and celebrations in the past, it would not only be the end of his career but his life as well.
Nevertheless, Lee would do what he was told. He just prayed that the men would be deterred by his display of fighting prowess, turn back and run. The last thing Lee wanted on his hands was the blood of an innocent all because of a misunderstanding.
“I don't believe this is the best course of action Michael,” Davis stated while watching his companion continue to survey the compound with those killer eyes of his.
“They have over a dozen men, armed with AK-47s and buried in cover. Two are stationed in the back behind a Kord 6P50 machine gun.”
Michael stated as he began formulating a plan of attack.
“It will be next to impossible to take them head on. I'll go east and sneak through their defenses while you create a diversion and - “
“And do what?” Davis interrupted. “I believe I have already stated that I will not allow you to kill anyone. Not on my watch and certainly, not with my assistance.”
The FBI agent grabbed Davis by the collar and wound it tight as he drew him within inches of his face.
“This is not a game or an interrogation. These men are soldiers. They will do whatever it takes and kill whoever stands in their way,” Michael countered. “I'm not about to abide by your rules when my life and the lives of others are at stake.”
“Those are not just soldiers. They are men made of flesh. They can still be saved,” he said while giving the FBI agent a sincere glance. “Much like yourself.”
“This is not about saving a few lives that have strayed from the path,” countered Michael. “This is about saving millions. I can't risk that to placate your pipedream about the goodness of humanity.”
“Did you mean what you said before?” Asked the Paladin.
Michael stared at him sharply with the same anger and menace as before but it soon faded as he attempted to inquire just what the Paladin meant by that statement.
“Back in Japan, when we were leaving the Yamatera's residence, did you truly mean what you said about saving your life?”
His grip loosened on the Paladin. Davis had proposed something Michael had thought he wasn't capable of given the circumstances. In fact, when he initially proposed it, it was almost a dig stating that he can't nor will he ever trust a man who had openly threatened his life.
“Please,” Davis said while slowly drawing his hands up and placing them around the wrists of the FBI agent. “If you give me the opportunity, I will give you a reason to trust me.”
Michael released his grip on the Paladin. His offer sounded reasonable. With all of the assistance offered by Davis and his organization, he had a hard enough time finding reasons to trust him as time passed. Testament still kept many secrets and by the Paladin's bold statement, one was sure to be revealed shortly.
Davis began to outline his plan to the FBI Agent.
“We will approach them head on as we had originally intended. All you have to do is stand behind me and I promise you, no harm will befall you.”
The proposal was bold but even as crazy as it sounded, it was still to Michael's advantage. Should the soldiers open fire and turn his cassock dressed companion into Swiss cheese, the FBI agent would still be afforded those precious seconds in order to rebound and take the initiative on the attack. This plan sounded better by the second.
“Fine,” Michael replied while holstering his weapon. “We'll do it your way.”
The Paladin smiled.
“There's hope for you yet Michael.”
Hard breaths continued to pump in and out of the Colonel's lungs. Just a moment ago the targets were dead to rights and now they have appeared to have vanished. They could be circling around the building hoping to pull off a surprise ambush or they could have just run off scared. Regardless of the situation, Lee and his men needed to hold their position until all threats have been verified and dealt with.
“Sir,” one of Lee's men whispered.
“What is it private?” He silently asked.
“The targets have returned and are continuing their approach.”
“What?” Lee snapped. He peered through the window in the door and confirmed his soldier's report.
“Orders sir?”
Lee's pulse raced. He had hoped they would just go away. If it were law enforcement then this wouldn't have been a discussion. The fighting would have been over and they would have lived up to the high standards set forth by their superiors. They didn't come all the way here just to faith. Holy man or not, no one was going to enter this building.
“On my mark,” he stated, “Fire at will.”
The soldiers steeled themselves and locked all of their weapons on the approaching targets. They were hungry and ready for combat. There was no way two unarmed men could get past this defensive post.
Rapid thumps beat against the Colonel's chest. They were within one hundred feet of their position. Only a few more would put them in the effective lethal range of his squad's weapons. They walked tall, looked sharp and undeterred.
Closer and closer, the targets continued their pace. He was able to get a good look at them now. The one dressed in white had vibrant blond hair and stood in the front of the other whose entire outfit and style were the polar opposite of the holy man. He appeared to be as dark as a moonless night while the other was as bright as the sun.
They had finally crossed the threshold line. The Colonel promised himself that once they past this, there was no going back for either of them. He gave his soldiers one last look. They continued to show the same dedication and patience as any proud soldier of the People's Army. It was time to show this country that they meant business. These two would just be the first of many. Just one more sacrifice for the greater good.
Lee took a breath, asked for forgiveness and shouted.
“Open fire!”
March 27th, 2013 3:51PM
The Oval Office
Washington, D.C.
The General continued to rifle through the information packet. Hundreds of years of his people's history will be changed with just one signature. A momentous weight rested upon his soldiers. This document will usher in a new era for the former People's Republic. And yet, he still couldn't find the courage to lay down his signature.
“This does not feel right,” General Suh stated. “All of these mandates, dictates, and new laws are not what I had anticipated with these documents.”
He could sense a flood of adrenaline flowing through his body. It almost lifted him out of his seat.
“Why do we have to change so much? Why must we become like you? Why can't we find our own path like you did?”
“Now General,” Th
e President started.
He scooted forward and rested at the edge of his seat in a hope to convey the importance of what he was about to say.
“We tried that once, remember? Our goal isn't to turn your country into America 2.0. We're trying to create stability through harmonization. Our country takes on a heavy burden to fight some of the great injustices of our world. We can't be wasting our time, efforts, and resources just to come back to your backyard in ten years and give you another spanking.”
A fire began to grow within the bowls of the General's soul. He may be one of the most powerful men on earth but no one speaks to one of the greatest generals that has ever served the People's Army. His hands clenched against the armrest. One more insult and he might start ruining furniture.
“General, if I may,” President Park interrupted.
She could see the tension in the air and knew it was the perfect time to step in and help smooth things over.
“We want the same thing. We want our people to be happy, healthy, and well nourished. We want to have the freedom to travel to wherever our hearts desire. But most importantly, we want to tear down the wall that separates us and unite us as a whole once more. We have ancestors and history on both sides. It is not only unfair to keep us separated this far, it is unjust.”
Her arm slowly extended and placed a soft hand over the General's.
“Let us end the foolish strife and do what's best for our people. America is not here to take over or change us. They're here to assist us and make sure all of our needs are met. When it's all said and done, you and I will be running our country.”
“You,” the General began feeling much calmer after hearing those soothing words. “And I?”
“That's right General Suh,” the President said sliding back into the comfortable part of his chair. “It's all right there in black and white. As of today, you will no longer be the general of the People's Army. You will be the first President of the North Republic of Korea.”
The General's throat went instantly dry. He had served this country for years as one of their finest warriors and was soon promoted to one of their most prominent tacticians. His entire life and career were designed to serve the one true Leader. He never once thought of serving the people directly as a figurehead and politician. The thought of being in such power never crossed his mind, mostly because any thoughts like that would put you first in line to the execution block.
