The Last Revolution

by Carpenter, R. T.

  Pointing at the small golden bars on this chest, he said, “I’ve been activated again, I’m shipping out in the morning. I think it’s permanent this time.”

  Father McKinley smiled back at him. “I always knew you were destined for great things. You carry the hopes and dreams of us all.”

  Alden nodded. “I…don’t know what to say.”

  McKinley gave him a reassuring smile. “This is not the end, just the end of the beginning. Will you have time to stop by before you leave?”

  “Yeah, I don’t leave until tomorrow. But we’ll be able to stay in communication. They’ve given me this secure wrist deck.” Alden gestured to the shiny new device.

  “Really? That is quite the honor. Would you mind if I looked at it? Before joining the priesthood I was an engineer.”

  “Sure.” Alden popped the device out and handed it over.

  “Very interesting.” Father McKinley looked up at him. “Would you permit me to hold on to this for a bit? I want to make some minor modifications in order to upgrade the capabilities for you. It shouldn’t take me long and this will give you an excuse to drop by tonight and say goodbye.

  “Absolutely, I’ll see you tonight.”

  With that they parted ways and Alden headed out to meet the Polemarch and his entourage.

  They were half way around the Island when they received an incoming transmission.

  “General Sokolov, you’re on conference with car one,” Alden said.

  “We’re having a hard time reaching the weather station.”

  Alden looked out at the mountain. “I can’t see anything up there, sir. It’s getting pretty dark over here.”

  “Take the off-road vehicle from the hangar and see if you can find out what’s going on.”

  It was getting hard to hear him, the communications relay kept cutting in and out.

  “Yes sir,” was all that Alden could successfully get across.

  He walked over and shook the Polemarch’s hand. They were standing outside his jet, the engines were warming up and every other member of his team had already boarded. Beyond the jet and sandy beaches, a wall of black clouds rushed towards them.

  “Sir, it was a pleasure to see you again.”

  “It was indeed. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow night.”

  “I’ll be out on the first available flight. The rest of the school should be back in port late tonight.”

  “These are dark times that we’re living through,” the Polemarch responded.

  “We won’t let you down, sir.”

  “I know you won’t.” With that he turned and boarded the flight. The stairs disappeared into the side and the jet engines roared to life.

  Alden stepped back and shielded his eyes from the billowing sand. He took cover behind one of the vehicles as he watched the plane lift off into the evening sky. It banked to the right and then disappeared out of sight as the refraction system kicked on.

  Alden jumped into one of the off-road vehicles, and sent sand and mud flying as he floored it up one of the paths. It had been poorly maintained and parts of the road had been washed out. It was all he could do to remain seated as he bounced up the mountain. He finally burst through the last bit of low-hanging foliage and into a small open area.

  The communications hub was a small square building with a large tower in back. Alden stepped out of the vehicle; in the distance a thin dark funnel was forming amongst the clouds. They swirled around each other in a deadly spiral. The wind billowed, bringing the salty smell of the ocean with it. Trees swayed back and forth beyond the outpost. The lightest drops of rain landed on his face.

  This is not where I want to be. What the heck are those communication operators doing up here? With this kind of storm coming in, they should be reporting into the general regularly. He couldn’t discern any signs of life inside the building. The windows were completely dark. Normally there would be radio activity, laughter, or a guard on duty. The hair on the back of his neck stood up.

  Alden reached into the back of the vehicle and found a hard plastic case. Inside a handgun sat nestled in protective padding. He wrapped his fingers around the handle and pulled it out as he jammed a clip into place. He pulled the slide back, loading a bullet into the chamber. Alden bent his left hand slightly and held the weapon in front of him. The cold steel felt like a glove. After all these years it was a natural extension of his body. He didn’t waver or flinch, but eased forward.

  Pushing the door open, he moved inside. Blood was splattered across the back walls. One of the operators lay face down on the floor at his feet. Several dark spots pooled across his back. The other operator hadn’t even been able to make it out of her chair. She was slumped back against the seat, arms dangling at the side. Blood ran down her fingers and pooled on the floor centimeters below.

  All communications and weather relay equipment had been destroyed. Some circuits popped with sparks and others were smoldering and fizzling. Alden dropped and checked for a pulse…nothing. They were under attack; he had to warn the general! Looking down at his wrist deck socket he remembered giving it to Father McKinley. He had to get down there to warn them.

  Alden sprinted out of the building. He covered the few steps to the vehicle in a heartbeat, and leapt into the driver seat. Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the silent Island. Alden stood up and looked down towards the school. None of the buildings were visible but smoke was already rising from below.

  He dropped back into the seat and gunned the accelerator. As he rounded the first corner the vehicle nearly flew over the end of the mountain, careening down the trail on the other side. The jungle was a green blur as he flew through the foliage, a ledge appeared on his side and the path turned a sharp corner and dipped off to the right.

  Cranking the steering wheel over as fast as he could, gravel and dust flew off into oblivion as he nearly toppled off the edge. The adrenaline, speed, and rapid reactions reminded him of being inside the cockpit of his fighter jet. He loved the freedom of limitless air.

  Brrrp. Brrrp. The familiar sounds of automatic gunfire echoed through the valley. The pitches sounded at near equal decibels, which meant return shots, a firefight. Alden was getting close. Who would be foolish enough to attack Council soldiers? Was it the lunar terrorists? Had something gone wrong with the Three Nations Treaty? These were the only family members he’d ever known, he wouldn’t let any more of them die. Moments later, he burst out of the jungle and the vehicle soared through the air. It landed with a thud on the outskirts of the school. Alden slammed on the brakes and came to a swerved stop.

  Grabbing the pistol, he jumped out and sprinted towards the center of campus. There were 96 Angele Dei at the school, some of the best fighters in the world. But every one of them was gone, except for him and Gabriel. There were 35 security guards and a couple dozen soldiers stationed around the base. They were running on a skeleton crew.

  He had to be dispassionate. What was the most important thing to do right now? Secure the fusion reactor. If ever there was a time to hit them, this was it. They had been betrayed from the inside and it was going to cost them dearly. In the distance, another explosion went off and flames ripped through one of the auxiliary buildings.

  Alden tucked close to the wall and peered around the corner of the first building. A soldier in black combat pants, vest, and a tactical assault helmet was a holding a fully automatic assault rifle and working his way towards one of the other buildings. He definitely wasn’t from the Island. Alden felt all the pressure in the world pushing on his trigger finger. One little twitch was all it would take. But no, he had a new assignment. He had to find out where the leak had come from and who was responsible.

  He eased up behind the soldier and then wrapped his arm around the neck. Pulling tight and twisting his face to the right, he cut off the blood flow to the brain and the soldier’s body went limp. He’d need as many suspects to question as possible when this night was over.

  Alden dragged the body behind t
he building and grabbed his assault rifle, slinging it over his shoulder. Alden crouched. The man’s glowing wrist deck showed a map of the campus, guard rotations, and three-dimensional views of the interior facilities, including a long elevator shaft down to the fusion reactor. Switching screens, Alden was able to make out a list. The Island was at the top and the second was a private jet en route from the Island to the mainland. They’re going after the Polemarch!

  Alden pressed the release button to get a better view of the deck, but as it released from the incapacitated man’s wrist the screen went blank. A puff of black smoke fizzled out from beneath the screen. Damn! He should have assumed there would be a security protocol in place. That was stupid. Alden put the deck in his pocket for safekeeping and then continued forward.

  Suddenly two soldiers clad in black gear raced around the corner. As they raised their guns to fire, Alden gave two quick little squeezes of the trigger and dropped both of them simultaneously. He didn’t need to question everyone.

  Pressing his back against the wall, Alden made his way to the edge of the building and peeked around the corner. All hell had broken loose. It was growing darker by the moment. The chaotic flames lapping out of several of the buildings cast everything in an evil glow. Everywhere he looked Island guards were locked in heated firefights with the black clad soldiers. They were ruthless and efficient to an almost scientific fault.

  The top side of the reactor building had been blown in half, the flames were quickly consuming everything. Gabriel—had he made it out okay? They were the only ones capable of matching the skill of the invading force. Gabriel was as tough as they came. If he had taken out half the force already, Alden would never hear the end of it.

  He emerged from cover and sprinted towards a group of the attacking soldiers. Lifting his rifle Alden took aim and gave his trigger several little squeezes, dropping the entire group in rapid succession. He passed an alleyway between two buildings where a soldier was strangling one of the guards. Alden swung the gun and gave it a quick fire. He didn’t need to look back to know he had hit his target.

  Jumping over a fallen palm tree, Alden pulled a knife from the back of his belt and chucked it at another soldier a couple of meters ahead. He caught up to the body before it hit the ground, retrieved his knife, and kept moving. Slamming against one of the walls, he took protection from the chaos around him. He was only a few meters from the fusion reactor building; he had to hurry.

  As he prepared to run the remaining distance, a weak and startled scream came from somewhere behind. It sounded familiar. He tried to push it out of his mind but couldn’t. Turning and walking the other way against the length of the building, he peered around the corner. Two dark silhouettes stood a few meters away; one directly in front of the other.

  Rain splattered against the buildings and sidewalk. It was impossible to tell what was going on. He’d been spotted; the individual in front sprinted off into the woods. He was carrying something large. The remaining figure collapsed to their knees.

  Alden sprinted towards the kneeling figure.

  “Father McKinley!” Alden yelled.

  Sliding across the wet pavement, he was able to grab hold of him just before he hit the ground. He laid Father McKinley’s head on his shoulder for support. Blood seeped down Alden’s pants mixing with the puddles forming around them. From the depths of his soul, Alden experienced the most incomprehensible pain and anger flooding to the surface. He was back there, on the mission, covered in blood.

  “Help! I need a doctor. Somebody please help!” Alden screamed at the top of his lungs.

  “My boy. You came for me.” Father McKinley looked up at him. He tried to reach out his frail hand and touch his face.

  “Helllp! Please somebody help!” Alden’s eyes stung, he couldn’t catch his breath. Debilitating pain surged through his skull once more.

  “Shh… listen to me. No one lives forever,” Father McKinley said.

  “Noo…I can’t lose you too!”

  His back arched in pain. “Promise me something.”

  Alden wiped his eyes. “Anything.”

  “Forgive Gabriel for everything that’s happened between you two.”

  “Why?”

  “Don’t worry about that now. Just promise.”

  “I promise.”

  “Alden, you are meant for something far greater than this place.” He inhaled a shaky breath. “I upgraded your wrist deck, please take it back.” He fumbled the device out of his pocket and handed it to Alden. With that, Father McKinley gave several harsh coughs. Bright red blood trickled down the side of his mouth.

  “I need a doctor! Please!” Alden gasped for air as he yelled. Rain poured down around them. Thunder crackled overhead. Gunfire and faint explosions could still be heard in the distance. His words were lost the moment they left his mouth.

  “Alden, please look at me,” McKinley said in a soft voice.

  Alden dropped his gaze once more, wiping the blood from Father McKinley’s face. “I’m so very proud of you. No matter how dark things get, always remember that I’m proud of you.”

  Alden could barely hold back his sobs. “I can’t lose you. I need you. Please, please stay with me. The doctors are on their way. They’re coming.”

  Father McKinley smiled once more through broken pain. Alden grasped him tight. “Who did this to you?”

  Leaning in close, he could see Father McKinley beginning to struggle to speak. This was followed by several body spasms and the gut-wrenching sound of liquid bubbling inside his lungs.

  He mumbled several words, but the only one that was audible was “Khasim.” Father McKinley’s chest rose and fell and then all was still. Alden felt like all sound had drained out of his world, there was a deafening pressure on his temples and an invisible force was squeezing the life out of him. Each breath was more laborious and it was all he could do to hold on. As the feeling slowly returned, he felt an awkward object pushing into his hand. Reaching down, Alden saw the handle of a knife sticking out of Father McKinley’s abdomen.

  He couldn’t think of anything else to do, so he wrapped his hands around the handle and slowly pulled it out. Alden’s gut clenched shut and through sheer force of will he held on, until the weapon had been dislodged. Without thinking, he dropped it to the ground and listened as the metallic blade came to rest against the wet path. It was done and Father McKinley was free.

  Alden slid out from underneath the body and carefully laid it down. Reaching up to Father McKinley’s face he closed his eyes. After a few moments Alden looked down at the deck he’d returned to him. It was the last thing he would ever give him and Alden slipped it into his wrist socket and clicked it into place.

  “Don’t move!” Thousands of needles stabbed Alden all over his body. They had caught him; he was dead. Slowly looking up, he saw three automatic rifle barrels pointed at him.

  A sudden wave of relief passed over him. “Thank God it’s you, I thought for a moment you were one of the other soldiers. Please move your weapons away from me. The person that did this ran that way.” Alden pointed off towards the woods behind them.

  “Alden, don’t make this any harder than it has to be. We don’t want to hurt you.”

  “What?” Alden said in a flat but irritable tone. He stood up to full his height and stared at the three Island guards.

  A fourth guard walked up, his side arm pointed at Alden. “Get down on your knees and put your hands behind your back!” Alden looked at the last guard as he moved closer.

  “Are you part of the attack on the Island?” Alden demanded.

  “No, you are,” the fourth guard responded.

  “Excuse me?” Alden responded.

  One of the other guards added, “There’s a capture or kill order out for you. It says you were involved with the lunar terrorists trying to overthrow the Council.”

  “You expect me to believe that? I’ve given my life to defend this Island. Now we’re under attack and I expect to find the pe
rson that did this.” Alden motioned at Father McKinley’s body. “Contact General Sokolov or Gabriel. They’ll clear this up!”

  “General Sokolov is missing,” one of the other guards responded. “And Gabriel has been reported KIA.”

  “What, no! This isn’t possible!” Alden yelled back.

  Suddenly a clear picture emerged in his mind. With the command structure destroyed, Vasentus’s status in question, and reports listing him as the traitor, he would never be able to prove his innocence in time to capture the individual responsible for killing Father McKinley.

  “The reactor has been stolen!” one of the guards yelled. “Only a member of your team could have done that. And you’re the only one left! Now you’ll do as we say or we will shoot you!”

  The fusion reactor has been stolen. The suffocating force abated long enough for the guard’s words to cut deep. It had cost Alden part of his soul and half his team—his family—to bring that weapon back to this island. The pain he had worked so hard to move past had returned. It was over. Gabriel had been right after all; should have destroyed it when I had the chance. Now Daniel, Mary and Gabriel really had died in vain. How many more will suffer because of me?

  Alden lowered his head and dropped to his knees. Father McKinley’s body lay next to him. Be at peace. Turning from the guards, Alden raised his hands and placed them on the back of his head. How could this be happening? He had to go after the killer now. In a matter of moments the reactor would be out of their reach for good. They will pay for what they’ve done.

  Chapter 2

  The guards stood their ground, barrels pointed at Alden. He sat on his knees in a pool of water and blood, hands tucked behind his head. One of the guards moved forward, handcuffs in his outstretched hands. In the span of a heartbeat Alden shot his left hand back and grabbed the guard, using his weight as leverage and swinging to the right. The guard was shoved into the middle providing a shield between him and the soldiers.