Chapter 9

Date:  April 1, 2013

Time:  1200 hours

Place:  Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Ennis, TX, Earth

POV:  Jace Wallings

                I rolled up into the office.  Yeah, I know about the routine thing.  However; I’ve got  a day off and I thought he might like to see the model trains down the road that I never have time to show him.

                Something was up.  The whole front desk staff was gathered around, apparently confused.  Then I saw the head of school security behind the desk, equally as confused.  He approached me apprehensively.

                “Officer Wallings, I don’t want…”  He started.

                “Where’s my son?”  I interrupted.

                “Well Mr. Wallings…”

                “This should be a simple question, where is my son?”

                “I’m sure he’s somewhere in the school.”

                “You mean you lost my son?”

                “Not exactly lost per se.”

                Then the principal rolled up.

                “Please calm down Mr….”

                “Fuck that shit.  You lost my son?!”  At this point I was irate.

                “Please, we have…”

                “You lost my son?!”

                All of a sudden, the com unit went off.  I answered it.

                “I’m sorry for interrupting your break Wallings; but, we have a child that’s flipping out.  You have a special needs kid.  Maybe you could help?”  One of my number two’s interjected.

                “Show him on my tablet.”  And there I spotted my child, having a full blown meltdown in the midst of soldiers with arms drawn.  “Damn, it’s my kid.”  I muttered under my breath.  “Try to reduce the noise and hold the kid.  I’ll be there asap.”  I said into the com unit.

                Then I swung around and punched the head of security dead in the face.

                “Officer Wallings!”  The principal started.

                “Marcos has been found.  He’s not on campus.

                “Where…”  She restarted.

                “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

                Then I went to a place off campus so I could whisk off to the Amusement Park of the Civilian District.

Date:  April 1, 2013

Place:  Amusement Park, Civilian Sector, Central Anglasia

POV:  Karl Matthers

                Yeah, we’ve been trackng the kid for awhile.  Honestly, most of the military don’t know whether he’s the chosen one or not including me.  We do know that he’s of interest.  A very special child.  One worth protecting.

                Well…  all of a sudden the kid shows up with a grown man.  Dead in the middle of the Civilian District of Central Anglasia of all places.  The man looking confused with a child seemingly sure of himself of course drew the military’s attention.  I’m still not sure what the original soldier did, I’m sure it wasn’t too threatening.  The kid went bezerk regardless which of course drew more soldiers.  In the commotion the kid ended up drawing at least half a city guard battalion, rank, and tons of others.  Well…  at least the kid knows how to make an entrance I guess.

                “Requesting permission to move in.”  Timor, head of our special protection squads,  squaked over the com unit.

                “That is a negative”  I responded, still maintaining virtual invisibility in the crowd of onlookers circling outside the ring of soldiers.

                “But sir…”

                “I gave you a direct order and expect it to be followed to the fullest.  Keep your holding pattern until directed otherwise.”

                “Yes sir.”

                I fully realized that if we moved in too fast, we would create an incident that wouldn’t be stopped or easily controlled.  I was trying my best to avoid it and doubting by the second my ability to do so.  As their soldiers increased I really didn’t like how this was looking.  All of a sudden, Jace appears weaving his way through the crowd with one of his number twos.

                “Sorry sir.  I know you’re on suspension; but I know you have…”  The man who met them stated as they weaved through the crowd.

                “A special needs kid?  Has it ever occurred to you that this is Marcos?”  Jace responded curtly.

                “Huh?”  The man responded confused.

                “My kid!  Marcos!”

                Helicopters just started gathering.  Some news crews, some military.  I really didn’t like how things were developing.

                “Please Matthers…”  Timor started again.

                “Damn it Timor!  If you move in before I give the order I will execute you myself do I make myself abundantly clear!”

                “Crystal sir.”  Timor responded.

                All of a sudden, Jace just punches the man that was with Marcos.

                “So, you want to kidnap my kid huh?!”  Jace starts in.

                “Jace.”  Kevorski starts in.

                “Not right now!”  Jace snapped back.

                “Jace”

                “Do you not!...”

                “The man has not art skip ability.”

                Everything got real quiet all of a sudden except for the helicopters.  Well…  and the scene of a daddy soothing his child that’s having a complete and total melt down.  This is truly a side of Jace I don’t think we had ever seen before.  This wasn’t a soldier we were watching.  This was a daddy.  A daddy that was nearly to tears at the pain of his son.

                “Are you sure?”  Jace quietly inquired, breaking the silence.

                “I’m about 95 percent sure.  I leave five percent off because it was field testing.

                Then the head of the medical research division Maria Mousoon chimed in; “We could learn so much, we’ve got to…”

                “You’re not touching this child.”  Kevorski interrupted.

                “But…”

“But nothing!  What is wrong with you!  This is a child, not a laboratory experiment!  No!”  Kevorski defended as Jace continued to comfort his child.

At that point, I could see that we really had no choice.  I was not going to allow the child to be condemned to an institutional life where they studied him as if he was a lab rat of sorts; and if the government had their way he would.

“Move in!  No shots fired unless I give the go ahead or the child is in obvious danger!  Move! Move!”  I screamed into the com unit as we lifted our firearms and rushed the soldiers.

“Sir yes sir!”  All my soldiers said in unison.

All of a sudden, about sixty of us moved in, weapons drawn, surrounding the soldiers.

“All members of the Anglasian military, lower your weapons and back away from the child!”  I screamed.

“What is this?”  One of the number Jace’s number twos asked”

“We won’t tell you again, we’ll just open fire.  Lower your weapons and back away from the child.  Make no mistake.  We will kill and die for this child if need be.  This includes you Mousoon.” 

All of a sudden, Kincaid stepped forward.

“Do as he says.”  Kincaid ordered.

All of a sudden the soldiers looked at each other confused.

“”That’s an order soldiers!”  Kincaid snapped.  At that they complied immediately.  “Look Matthers, we don’t want a fire fight.”

“Sure as hell could’ve fooled me.  A bunch of soldiers surrounding a five year old non-verbal autistic child?  What would you call that?”  I responded back.  I couldn’t believe it.  As they like to tell us, we don’t negotiate with terrorists.

“It’s not like that.”

“It is like that Kincaid.  Look around you.  Who is the last to pull their weapons?  Who is talking about running experiments and such?  Look over there!  To you that’s a test subject!”  He looked  “That’s a child Kincaid.  A child with extraordinary gifts, but never the less a child.”

In the center of it all, Marcos was being held by Jace trying to calm him.  The child was obviously still upset.  Probably because of all the commotion around him.  Seriously, my respects to him.  Then I walked over to the two.

“Jace, I’m not sure what you think of us.  I need you to trust us.  We will protect you and your child.  Please.”

“Jace, we can talk about this.”  Kincaid interjected.

All of a sudden, Jace pulled his sidearm on Kincaid.

“You ordered soldiers to pull firearms on my child.”

“I didn’t…”

“Shut the fuck up!  I will put a hole in your head to protect my child if need be.  This I swear on everything I love.”

All of a sudden, the Anglasian soldiers raised their weapons on the ready.

“Again, lower your weapons.”  Kincaid reiterated.

“But sir…”  One of the soldiers started.

“Neither side will survive a firefight.  Again, lower your weapons!”

Everyone lowered their weapons.

“Lets go.”  I told Jace silently.

Then me, Jace, Marcos, and the rest of the troops skipped to the military HQ of Zarkoff 2.

POV:  Thomas Kincaid

Place:  Amusement Park, Civilian Sector, Central Anglasia

Date:  April 1, 2013

                Adrenaline was pumping.  Needless to say a lot of us were excited.  We were finally going to meet the child that caused all the commotion.  The one with the gifts.  The excitement immediately drained when I saw who the child was.  It was Jace’s kid.  Damnit!  I can’t catch a break.

                “Sir!  We’ve finally found the kid!”  Timothy, one of Jace’s number twos was exclaiming as I approached.  I think he noticed I wasn’t happy.  “Aren’t you excited?

                “Tim, that’s Jace’s kid”

                “See, you’re making jokes already!”  Then he noticed I wasn’t amused.  “Oh, you’re not kidding are you?”

                “No, I’m not.”

                It was like everything was passing as if I was watching a movie.  A train wreck of sorts.  The meltdown.  The military build up.  The helicopters.  The two medicals arguing.  Even the rebel forces rising up.  I tried to step in; but, I knew it was a lost cause.

                It’s funny the things that come to mind in cases like these.  The scripture that an old preacher man told me one day about God not being mocked and about reaping what a man sows came to the fore front of my mind, as I watched Jace walk into the wall, dropping his service dagger on the way out.

Chapter 8

POV:  Tigra Wallings

Date:  March 31, 2013

Place:   Wallings Household, Ennis, TX, USA, Earth

Time:  1730 Local

                So there he was.  Suspended for three days.  I was still pissed off at him.  Taking troops into an elementary school!  His heart is always in the right place, and I love him for it.  Hard to stay too mad at him  for too long.  Besides, although it will be a hit to our funds, it will be nice him being around a bit more, if just for a little while.

                “The blue one.  Dress shirt.”  I started when he grabbed the T-shirt.

                “But…”

                “This will be the second time you have met his teacher, and the first time wasn’t good.  We’re going to a parent/ teacher conference, not a bar.”

                “Yes dear.”

                Lord, sometimes it’s like taking care of a child.  I still love him though.

POV:  Marlene Rodríguez

Date:  March 31, 2013

Time:   1830 local

Place:  Principal’s Office, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Ennis, TX, USA, Earth

                We met in my office.  Me, the head of Zarkoff 2 Defense Forces, and Carly.  Yes, I am a citizen of Zarkoff 2.  I am also a citizen of Anglasia.  Many of my countrymen of Zarkoff 2 find this incomprehensible.  If we are to live in a better world, I find it necessary.

                “So; do you honestly think this kid could be the one?”  Jose asked honestly.

                “What do you mean COULD he?!”  Carly got defensive all of a sudden.

                “Both of you, chill!”  I snapped at both of them.  “If you are going to act younger  than the student body here then I will throw you both out.”

                “Sorry Mrs. Lynden.  It was an honest question.  I know what Barali said.  Just had to wrap my head around it.”  Jose backed off a bit.

                “No, it’s me who should apologize.  I battle for these kids daily.  It’s easy for me to believe in them, I know what lies deep inside.  It’s hard for me to get others to see it though..”  Carly responded.  “Truth is I don’t know.  I read the prophesies and Marcos definitely fits the bill.”

                I interrupted, “Regardless, the family is gonna have one hell of a test.  It’s part of our job not only to help the child to his full potential but to help the family through this, whether he is or not.  Mr. Sanchez, have the Anglasian authorities figured this out yet?”

                “No ma’am.”  Sanchez answered.

                “If it’s possible, let’s keep it that way for just a bit longer.  Lynden, I believe you have an appointment to keep?”

                “Yes ma’am.”

                “Be easy on him.”

                “But…”

                “Carly, no matter what his shortcomings, he does love that boy with everything he has.  I saw that both during the raid and at the hearing.  Be easy on him.”

                “Yes ma’am.”  Then she went to her classroom.

                “Mrs. Rodriquez, I honestly don’t know what to do.”  Sanchez started.

                “What do you mean Sanchez?”

                “Marlene, you don’t mind me calling you that do you?”

                “These are unsure times soldier.  I have a feeling we’re going to see a lot more of each other.  Go ahead.”

                “With all due respects; our nation officially doesn’t exist.  Our military is branded as a terrorist organization by the Anglasian government.  If history is any example; Jace is going to need us to protect the kid…”

                “And when he does we will be there.  I have no pat answers.  I’m deeply disturbed by the security concerns to.  We will deal with it best we can.”

                “Yes ma’am.”

                Then he left my office.  I stayed a bit longer.  I had a lot to contemplate on my own.

POV:  Jace Wallings

Date:  March 31, 2013

Time:  1930 local

Place:  Wallings Household, Ennis, TX, USA, Earth

                The parent/ teacher thing is actually pretty interesting.  What’s even more interesting is his, I should say, culinary choice of play-dough.  Very interesting.  I didn’t know Marcos was as smart as he is.  The things you learn when you’re not working all the time and on call for the rest.

                “Jace, what’s this?”  Tigra asked pulling out a non-descript envelope labelled “The Wallings Family”.

                I took it from her hands and started to open it.

                “Don’t!”  She screamed.  “Don’t you think we should get it checked out?  What if it’s tainted or something?”

                This is something I always secretly regretted.  The caution we have to exercise.  I desperately wish I could give her the sense of safety she deserves.  I did not choose my path.  That doesn’t take away from the fact that my path has acquired me many enemies.  Maybe someday.

                “Baby, if it were people who have us in their shit list, it would likely be an explosion.  They would want to make a statement.”

                Then I opened the letter:

               

“I didn’t mean to cause you grief and trouble.  Believe it or not, we are not your enemy.

                Enclosed is three day’s worth of pay.  Enjoy the time with your family.  You deserve it.  Even those of us in the shadows can respect the work that you do every day.

                As I said earlier; we apologize for the grief and trouble that we have caused you and your family.  It was not our intention.”

Sincerely

Jose Sanchez

Head of the Zarkoff 2 Defense Forces”

“What are the Zarkoff two defense forces?”  Tigra asked quizzically.

                “If it’s who I think it is, we call them the Rebel Alliance Forces.  Weird.”

                “The terrorists?”

                “I think.”

                “Strange”

                Then I had the munchkin pulling me by the shirt tail.  I guess the little monster is hungry.

POV:  Jose Sanchez

Place:  Across the street from the Wallings Household, Ennis, TX, USA

Date:  March 31, 2013

Time:  1950 local

                I figured we had to get along with the Wallings Family at some point, me and my two direct subordinates that is.  We figured the least we could do is recoup Jace and his family for scaring the crap out of him and getting him suspended.

                So, I crafted him a note and shot him three days of pay from our contingency fund.  I figured it was the least I could do.  Man, he’s got a beautiful family and the kid is definitely loved.  Every child and man should be so lucky.

Chapter 7

POV:   Jose Sanchez

Place:  Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Ennis, TX, USA

Date: March 30, 2013

Time: Noon local

                Never again.  That is our motto over three hundred years later.  I am Jose Sanchez, head of the Home Defense Forces of Zarkoff 2.

                I got a call about an hour ago.  The kid that has caused so much trouble has finally been found.  Some think he’s the answer to prophesy.  Personally, I’m not so sure.  The prophesies might just be the ramblings of old men longing for what they still think of as home.  If they knew how little Anglasia even mentions them they might reconsider, but that’s my opinion.  Because of all the stir the kid has caused though, it’s my duty to check it out.  Oh joy.

                I arrive on the playground of the Thomas Elementary School about noon their time.  It’s amazing how much little security is in such places. Of course, we have our hidden security, but then again we have citizens working and learning here.  We see the playground and finally find him.  So tiny.  Playing on a jungle gym.  Seems impossibly unlikely, and yet here he is. In the flesh.

                “So this is the kid?”  Mat remarked.

                “Doesn’t seem like he could cause such a stir.”  Karl remarked.

                “Who found the kid anyways?”  I asked.

                “I think it was Mark out in the Bronx”  Mat answered.

                “Yeah, he was supposed to be in trouble.”  Karl remarked, “Mark and his crew beat the dude to death. Literally.  Some coward that picks on women and children.”

                “Yeah, remind me to kill me little brother later.”  I laughingly responded.

                At that point, Barali snuck up behind us.  He has a habit of that.

                “Such a little child, yes?”  He queried.

                “Yeah.  So; this is the little one who has stirred up so much?”  I asked.

                “That would be the one.”

                I had to admit.  It was hard to believe.    The child couldn’t be more than six years old.  So innocent.

                “A child will lead the people to freedom and heal the land”  Mat quoted the elders from years ago.

                “Come on Tony, you don’t actually believe the old man’s ramblings do you?”  I started.

                “You gotta admit, if anybody fits the bill it’s this kid.”  Karl started.

                “Yeah, but…”

                “I know Jose.  So tiny.  Yet he’s pulled off mobilizing both forsaken and outside militaries by simply doing what was previously thought of as impossible.  Hell…  The kid crossed over to moving platforms for Christ sakes.”  Mat started.

                “I dunno.  From what I’ve heard the kid can’t even speak.”  I interjected.

                “That would be the truth Jose.  The child is a non-verbal autistic”  Barali interjected.

                “What?!  You mean…”  I said, shocked.  Admittedly the kid being autistic didn’t fill me with assurance.

                “At least meet the child before you make a judgment call.”  Barali interrupted.

                At that point I grunted and Barali called the kid over.  Apparently the kids name is Marcos.  When he gets there he starts flapping his arms.  Very curious child.

                “I want you to meet some of my friends Marcos.  They are Jose, Mat, and Karl.”  Barali introduced us.

                We all said hi and the kid beamed, waved back, and sputtered some gibberish.  Then he handed me his pre-chewed gum.

                “Smart Kid.  Gut check.”  Mat remarked.

                “Yeah”  Karl responded.

                “No.”  I interrupted.  I could tell by the look in his eyes it was something more.  “Kid’s smarter than that.    Show of friendship.”

                Then I took the piece of gum and started chewing it.  Handed him a piece of chocolate which amazingly enough he pushed away.

                “Tastes good”  I remarked.

                Everybody looked on.  Gum tasted like shit.  I wasn’t gonna be rude though.  Even if he wasn’t who they say he is, he’s powerful enough.  The kid seemed happy, so I kept chewing.  Then he took his stuffed dog out and hit me with it and laughed.  At that point I tickled him.

                “Run off now little one.  If not you will run out of time to play with your friends.”  Barali told the child.

                With that the kid beamed with pride and ran off.  I spit out the gum.

                “I don’t get it Barali.  He’s just a child.”  I finally said.

                “Yes, simply a child.  And yet with great potential.  He will heal old wounds, revolutionize art skipping, and show many the way to freedom long forgotten.”  Barali stated.

                “But…”

                “His heart is pure.”  Karl stated.  “Lying is not natural to him and neither is fear.”

                “Whoa!  That something you pulled outta your ass or something?”  Mat retorted.

                “Nah, I studied.  What?  I do that every once in awhile!”  Karl answered back.

                All of a sudden, we saw FBI jackets appear, coming straight to us all with drawn guns with, of course, Jace leading the pack..  Since the massacre is fully classified to the Anglasian military, we are considered a terrorist organization.

                “You know that I cannot help you in the open just yet.  Leave now.” Barali told us.

                “Freeze!”  Jace screamed as they ran for us.”

                We ran.  I hate running; but, we couldn’t risk the safety of the children.  They were catching up to, until we heard a shrill cry from a kid.  It was amazing!  They started grabbing their legs and jumping on top of them holding on!  It was hilarious!  I guess you had to have been there to understand.  I’ll be damned if the kid was actually helping us make our get away!  I laughed as we just kept running.  Hardest I’ve laughed in awhile.

POV:  Jace Wallings

Date:  March 30, 2013

Place:  Anglasian Joint Forces HQ, Military District, Central City.

                I’m sitting in my office still trying to put the pieces together.  All of a sudden a call came through the communicator.  High ranking Rebellion Force members have entered the Thomas Jefferson School.

                The Rebellion Forces, or so I thought then, are a team of terrorists that have caused us some trouble on the outskirts of Anglasia and even into Earth.  Bad news, or so I thought at the time.

                “Damn.”  I muttered under my breath as I realized that it’s Marcos’s school.  Then I pushed the comm. Button.

                “I need two rapid response teams in the dispatch room now!  Before ASAP!  Cover is Federal Bureau of Investigations!  Move!”  I screamed half in panic.

                “Dispatch order received and sent.”  The dispatcher responded.

                At that I grabbed my FBI jacket, my side arm, and bolted out the door.  I know it technically falls under military jurisdiction, but the staff of the school already knew my as an FBI agent.

                I ran with all that was within me, with people passing me in all directions ready for combat.  I finally got to the dispatch room.

                When I got there I saw two squads of twenty-five each, all clad in full FBI tactical body armor.    I jumped into the armor that was waiting for me.

                “We have a situation at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Ennis, TX on Earth.  It has been reported that a cell of Rebellion Forces are touching down there even as we speak.  Make no mistake soldiers, this is personal.  My kid is enrolled in that school.  Anybody having a problem with that can leave now.

                “Sir, “ the head of one of the squads started, “With all due respects, if he’s coming after our own, I say kill ‘em all!”

                “Whoop! “  Everybody said in unison.

                All of a sudden, two other teams walked in.

                “Apologies for the interruption sir.”  The head of Rapid 4 started.  “I heard there was a situation at Jefferson Elementary, figured we could help.

                “We touch down in the vehicle depot in Trophy Club, TX; and travel from there. “{  Then I drew the necessary design and charged it.  “Tactical, hold death notifications on standby”

                “Death notifications on standby.  Don’t make us have to use them sir.”  Tactical responded through our comms.

                “Move out!”  I ordered.

                “Whoop!”  They screamed in unison as we stepped through the portal.

POV:  Jace Wallings

Place:  Anglasian Vehicle Maintenance Compound, Trophy Club, TX, USA, Earth

Time:  1215 hrs local

                The C.O. of the vehicle maintenance compound met us as I flashed my badge.  We all filed into the command vehicles and left the compound, sirens blaring and lights blazing.  At full speed, it took us about 45 minutes to get to the school.  Four command units blazing down the highway in all.

                I rode with Rapid One.  We busted through the front door, weapons drawn.  I took five into the office with me flashing my FBI badge.

                “Jace Wallings, badge number 1045628!  Terrorist threat!  I need this facility locked down now!”

                “Yes officer, right away.”  The secretary responded.  “Attention all faculty, code Kenny!  All faculty, we have a code Kenny on the campus!”  The secretary announced over the loud speaker.”  Lock down has been initiated officer.”  She said turning to me.

                “Sir, we have spotted the threat on the playground.”  I heard over my com unit.

                “You four, follow me!”  I screamed.

                And immediately, me and four men ran as fast as we could through the school to the playground.  We ran past fully armored men fully armed with the works.  Bounding past men guarding the back door, we almost caught them.

                Almost is the key word.    The weirdest thing happened.  Two barks and three howls and all of a sudden the whole class just hung onto us latching to our feet and bodies!  We could hardly even move!  We tried to move forward; but, all we could successfully do is watch them get away.  All this while news choppers circled around us.  I realized Kincaid was NOT going to be happy.  Finally, I looked at the teacher.

                “Let’s finish getting these kids inside while my men secure the rest of the building.  Can you take these weapons from us while the kids are hanging all over us?”  I said, part in irritation.

                She let out a chuckle, “Yes officer.”

                Then Marcos ran up to us; offering me a piece of pre-chewed gum.  I dunno what it is about him and pre-chewed gum.  I knelt down, very slowly mind you, and accepted it.

                “So who are you exactly?”  I  inquired of the teacher.

                “Carly Lynden, Head Instructor  of Special Ed officer.”  She Answered.

                “With all due respects, it feels kinda weird the teacher of my son calling me Officer.  My name is Jace Mrs. Lynden.”

                “Oh, so you’re the father that never shows up.”  She said disapprovingly.

                “Well…  I’m…”

                “Too busy for your son?”  She responded as we passed rooms being charged in by fully clad tactical officers and all clears rang out one by one.

                “I, as you see, show up when it’s important.” 

By this time, the four traveling with me were chuckling almost into full blown laugh.  Admittedly, it had to be a sight seeing the head CO of your department dressed down by an elementary school teacher.  Marco, of course, was walking beside us beaming with pride.

“It’s always important, “she started, “especially with a special needs child!”

“I’m trying.”  I responded.

“So, I take it you’ll be there at 7:00 tomorrow.”

“For…”  I at this point half way cringed.  Man, this lady was good.

“The parent/ teacher conference scheduled.  You did get the email?

“Well…  Um…  Of course I did.”

“Good, then it’s settled.

Then the kids essentially kidnapped us into playing with them on their various tasks.  I had to admit, it was a sight to see men in full tactical gear playing leggos, play dough, and what not with my son and his friends.  Then we got the all clear.

“I gotta go.”

“Remember, 7:00.  No excuses!”

“Yes ma'am.”

They waved to us as we left.  Then we all got into our prospective command vehicles and rode off into the sunset as you would say.

Place:  Wallings House, Ennis, TX, USA, Earth

Date:  March 30, 2013

Time:  1915 local

POV:  Jace Wallings

                It was intense.  Tigra was very upset at me.  I halfway don’t blame her.  I was only trying to do what was right, which in her eyes didn’t help my case.  In her mind we drew weapons around unarmed children and busted down doors to an elementary school and that’s all that mattered.

                It also didn’t help that we made the news.  Prime time.  It was one of our UC reps representing us of course.  This one was Andrew, posing as an FBI spokesman.

                “So, this is normal operating procedure officer?”  A lady reporter asked.

                “It is when there is a suspected terrorist on campus.  It is general procedure to do what we have to to quell the situation and save as many lives as possible.”  Andrew responded.

                “But wasn’t it true that the terrorists weren’t actually there?”  Another reporter queried.

                “No ma’am.  They were caught on visual.”

                Does it normally take one hundred men to take three terrorists down?”   Another reporter piped in.

                “All the information is not yet in sir.”

                “When will it all be in?”  The original lady started again.

                “When the investigation is complete ma’am.”

                “And what will happen to the agents?”

                “The agent in charge will probably be suspended until the investigation is complete.”

                “With or without pay?”  Another reporter chimed.

                “That is to be determined.”

                All of a sudden, the phone rang.

                “Hello.”  I answered.

                “Are you watching the news?  Kincaid asked.

                “Yes sir.”  I responded.

                “Well?”

                “We got a call of active terrorist activity at my son’s school.  I responded in the manner I felt necessary to keep the children safe.”

                “You needed a hundred soldiers to take out three terrorists?”

                “No sir.  We were unsure of their numbers so I called for fifty at first.  Fifty more joined of their own volition.”

                “You realize people want your badge, right?”

                “Yes sir; I saw that on the news.”

                “I’m almost inclined to give it to them.  Hearing is set up for thirteen hundred hours.  Do not be late.

                Click.

                “What was that?”  Tigra asked, the news still playing in the background.

                “I think I might be suspended.”

POV:  Thomas Kincaid

Place:  Council Chambers, Anglasian Joint Forces HQ, Military Sector, Central City

Date:  March 31, 2013

                Admittedly, I was a bit irritated.  I had calmed down since yesterday; but, not by much.

                “All rise, council is entering the chambers!  Open hearing on The Siege of Thomas Jefferson Elementary!  All rise!”

                I never get used to that.  I trained to be a soldier; not a politician or a judge.  Here I am none the less.

                “You may be seated.”  I said.

                They all sat down.  So did we.    

“We are here to determine what exactly happened in the Earth area of Ennis, Texas, in the country of the United States, in regards to the siege at an elementary school.  We are also here to determine what to do in regards to the actions taken as a result of the actions taken by General Jace Wallings of the Anglasian Military.

“For one thing, we need to replace all the locks.”  Elder Glen McCray said in his thick Scottish voice.  He’s head of Infrastructure and Construction.

“What?”  I asked in astonishment.

“His team felt the need to put the school under complete lockdown and then kick in literally every door, including the janitor’s closets.  Needless to say every lock but the ones belonging to the main office are now destroyed.”

“There’s not exactly an instruction booklet…”  Wallings started.

“Yes there is actually.”  Kevorski started.  Geez sometimes I wish she would stick to her lab.  “There are two actually.  The Anglasian Military Code of Conduct and the Hostage Rescue Training Manual.  General Wallings decided to ignore both and do what he wanted as usual.”

“Even when it’s your child there?  And we have citizens there Elder Kevorski.  Marcos goes there!  We actually got a visual of three high ranking Rebellion Forces troops standing over my son!  Are you a mother Mrs. Kevorski?  Do you know what that’s like?”

Thern I watched as her face softened.  Then the head of Rapid Three tried to stand and speak.

“Stand down soldier!”  Wallings ordered sharply.

“But…”  He started.

“It was an action I ordered and led soldier.  The actions were taken under my responsibility.  I will not tell you again soldier.  Until the decision officially gets handed down I still maintain my authority and position.  STAND DOWN!”  Wallings dressed the soldier down.

One thing I’ve always admired about Wallings.  He might be wild and reckless at times; but, he always takes responsibility.  Full responsibility.             He may be an asshole at times; but, his men love him.

“Do you have footage of the visual?”  Gonzales’ temporary replacement questioned.

“Yes sir.”  At that, Wallings approached the bench and attached the tablet to the connections which showed Rapid three’s surveillance on a screen.  “May I point out to the ladies and gentlemen of the council, Jose Sanchez, Leader of the Rebellion Forces; as we know, a known terrorist organization against the Anglasian people and government.  With him are his two men directly under him, Karl Matthews and Mat Yin.”

Then he played the incident from Walling’s com unit visual.  I saw the actions of a scared father.  All of a sudden, this older lady that nobody knew walked in.

“Excuse me; but, proceedings are in effect”  Kevorski snapped at her.

I think I can speak for the rest of the council when I say that I want to hear what she has to say enough to forgive this one breech of protocol”  I interjected. 

“With all due respects Mrs…”  Kevorski started, obviously irritated.  I must admit that I smiled a bit.

“Rodriquez”

“Yes, Mrs. Rodriquez.  Kevorski started.

“With all due respects Elder Kevorski, I have made a living protecting and teaching students.   This was nothing.  I’ve also made a living dealing with uninterested parents, isn’t that right General Wallings?”

“Mrs. Rodriquez, do we have to go through this again?”  Walling asked.

“Not if you’re going to be there tonight.”  She responded sharply.

“Yes Mrs. Rodriquez.”  I must admit, watching Wallings cow down to someone, even a grade school principal, did make me chuckle.  We don’t get to see him like this very often.

Then Rodriquez started; “We can all agree that he went a bit overboard.  Okay, maybe that is a bit of an understatement.  However; although I had one hell of a mess to9 clean up, I’ve never been prouder to be an Anglasian citizen.  With little to no regard for their personal safety, they swept in to secure not only our children’s safety but the safety of the adults working in the school.  I implore the council for leniency in regards to General Wallings.”

Wow!  I must admit that I never expected this.

“One week suspension without pay.”  I started.

“Three days”  She countered.

“You are aware that we are the eldership are you not?”  Gonzales’ replacement flatly stated amazed at this wiry woman standing before us.”

You are aware that I have faced mobster, police officer, soldier, and common thug alike; all for the well being of my children, are you not?

All of us looked at each other in bewilderment.  Then three days got voted on and passed.  What else could we do?

As she passed Wallings, “See you at 7?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Then we all filed out.