Interlude - Reaching Out

“Stay away, or I’ll shoot!” the gun store owner threatened.

Just try it and see what happens.

Rajesh sneered contemptuously at the obese man behind his counter while he maintained his Force Resistance spell. The ability required him to focus, but he found he was still easily able to accomplish tasks while he did so. His concentration threatened to slip only when he was unduly stressed or forced into complex physical action.

No threat of that here.

Rajesh stood outside the barred, glass window of the gun shop as he contemplated his best course of action. While his aether spell was channeled, he was functionally immune to bullets. No matter what caliber of bullet the proprietor used, when the lead projectile impacted his shield, it would be slowed to a crawl.

Currently, he could only maintain the spell for an hour. Each impact also reduced his aetheric energy by a proportional amount. However, he was in no danger of harm from the man inside. 

I suppose blunt force trauma to the head will have to do.

Rajesh used Wrench Object on the heavy firearm within the display case behind the gunman. A ten pound rifle immediately flew off the shelf, and slammed into the back of the owner’s head. On impact with his skull, his eyes rolled in their sockets, and his legs collapsed.

Good, you kept the safety on.

Rajesh was only slightly concerned that the man would accidentally squeeze the trigger when bludgeoned. While he was currently bulletproof, if the gun fired, the noise could bring monsters or people. It would also drain additional energy. 

He released his spell and turned to address his combat team leader. “Collect every rifle along with the corresponding ammunition. After that is complete, you can move on to pistols and their ammo, but I doubt we will have room.”

“Yes, Lord Rajesh,” Amir replied and gestured for his team to follow. When he reached the entrance, he used a crowbar to pry the shop’s door open. With Amir’s enhanced strength, the task proved trivial, and the crew rapidly hauled their carts within the store. 

Rajesh followed after.

“Quickly now,” he commanded imperiously. “I want to be back before dark.”

After his words of encouragement, their pace quickened. While he waited for his minions to complete their tasks, he walked over to the owner and gently nudged the man’s chin with his shoe. The owner’s head flipped to face the opposite direction and revealed his bloody scalp.

You should not have threatened me.

Rajesh had offered the dead man protection within his faction if he turned over his inventory. However, the shop owner not only refused, but threatened to shoot Rajesh if he did not turn away. After that interaction, he could not let the man live. 

He glanced down at the relatively new tattoo he received on his forearm and noticed a change.

Interesting. It grew both darker and larger. I wonder what will happen after thousands of kills? Why did Blake not mention this in his guide?

Without any immediate answers to his questions, Rajesh retrieved the man’s rifle and opened his interface to check his energy levels.

• Chi: 100%

• Aether: 56%

• Psi: 82%

I need to raise my Magic Stamina. It is taking too long to refill my energy stores.

Rajesh had yet to activate his chi ability, Regeneration, and was in no hurry to do so. It would require him to become injured, which would defeat the entire purpose of Force Resistance. However, it was a necessary backup in case he was taken by surprise. He only had so much aether, and could only keep his defensive shield active for a short time.

“We’re finished here, Lord Rajesh,” Amir informed him.

“Excellent,” Rajesh replied. “Let’s get back to base.”

He strode outside confidently, rifle in hand. His minions filed out behind him, carts full of firearms and ammo. Without traffic, they were able to travel down the center of East University Drive toward the dining hall they had chosen as their base of operations. 

Their destination was only two miles away in a straight line, but without a vehicle, the journey would take them almost an hour to complete. While they traveled, Rajesh would need to remain alert at all times. Any of the surrounding buildings could hold a threat.

I can’t believe that child ignores how useful guns are.

To Rajesh, it made complete sense to leave your firearms behind when you completed scenarios. However, in the open world, they were still the top form of defense. He would arm every one of his guards, and ensure they were trained in its use. 

In the future, Rajesh intended to carry a gun at all times, regardless of its effect on nano rewards. Unlike Blake, he intended to use taxes to fund his rise to power. He had no intention of playing the ‘risk versus reward’ game.

Fifty minutes later, they safely arrived at his faction’s headquarters, and Rajesh was able to let down his guard. He passed through the gate of the ten-foot wall and strode past his many laborers. 

They, along with his constructors, were in the process of upgrading his support buildings. Once their tasks were completed, they would finally be able to raise their faction hall to level three. His faction’s roster had been at the limit of five hundred members for two days now, and he was eager to surpass it.
 Almost two thousand people were housed within his walls. Initially, the frightened populace of Phoenix was more than happy to exchange future nano for safety. Monsters had appeared everywhere, and Rajesh was the only one who could offer protection in the area. The trip to The Dome was too far.

However, after a day of reflection, some began to grumble about his leadership and plan. His lieutenants were careful to note these troublemakers and expel them from the building. After two dozen people were forcefully marched out of the building for insurrection, the rest of the populace quieted.

There was no more talk of a change of leadership.

“Lord Rajesh!” Zahir, his chancellor, hurried across the lobby floor to greet him at the door.

Rajesh acknowledged his loyal right-hand man with a nod and entered the building.

“Sir, I see you were successful in retrieving the guns,” Zahir stated as he held the door

Rajesh suppressed a sigh.

Why do you always feel the need to state the obvious?

In his opinion, his chancellor was not very bright. However, he was extremely loyal and followed orders. That was all that was necessary.

“Should we begin the sweeps now, or wait until the hall is upgraded to level three?”

Rajesh paused to consider.

While two thousand people was a large number, a level three faction hall would allow him to recruit up to five thousand faction members. Each person he invited received two point five million nano from completing a directive, which would go directly to his treasury. 

Rajesh wanted that twelve point five billion nano, and would force people to join his faction if necessary to achieve it. 

That subsequent largess would not only allow him to raise his own level and attributes multiple times, but those of his lieutenants and their teams as well. Unfortunately, their current shelter did not contain nearly enough space to house five thousand people. 

Every room within the dormitory was filled to capacity. Without working toilets, his faction members were forced to utilize buckets to hold their waste, which they expelled into the storm drains outside his borders.

It was unsanitary, and the smell was off-putting.

It’s too soon to begin recruitment.

“No,” he answered his chancellor’s question and resumed walking. “We will wait until the faction hall is level three. Then, we can secure the surrounding buildings to house our new members. We will begin forceful recruitment while we simultaneously expand our walls.”

“Amazing plan sir!” Zahir praised him enthusiastically.

As he strode down the hallway to his office, Rajesh could not keep his eyes from rolling. “How long until the faction hall is upgraded?”

How long until I surpass Blake Summers.

“Uh…” Zahir stammered. “I’m not sure. All prerequisite structures should be completed by the end of the day,” he was quick to assure Rajesh. “Unfortunately, according to The Guide, a level three faction hall requires materials from a random scenario. We won’t know which scenario to complete until the upgrade becomes available.”

Rajesh nodded. “Assume six hours time to complete the scenarios required and harvest the resources.”

“Uh…” Zahir frowned as he considered the initial question. “Then the upgrade could be finished in as little as five days.”

I suppose it will have to do.

A notification suddenly popped up in the corner of his vision, and he opened his interface to check the message.

A holo-chat request has been initiated by Baron Blake Summers, Scion of Humanity, Ambassador to the Architect. Would you like to answer?

Interesting.

Rajesh had not spoken to Blake since he left the faction over a month before. The separation had been on bad terms, and he had never expected to speak to the child again.

I wonder what he wants. He better not expect assistance.

From the moment Rajesh left the Terran Alliance, he had watched Blake repeatedly shoot himself in the foot. First, was that mess with the police. Discovery of his town was inevitable, however, Blake’s reaction to that fact was not.

Rather than skip town and begin anew, he decided to hold his ground. The resulting action escalated tensions until open war was inevitable. Each time the stakes were raised, Rajesh expected Blake to do the smart thing and run. However, the child remained bullheaded right up until the end.

The final conflict, where Blake defied President Warner, live on stream, jumped out of a helicopter, and then destroyed a strange, top secret craft, was ridiculous to the extreme. The action only solidified Rajesh’s intention to never directly cross the unstable faction leader. 

Rajesh turned to Zahir. “I have a call. Leave me.”

His chancellor nodded and scurried away. He entered his small office and closed the door behind him. Once he was seated behind his desk, he accepted the holo-chat and greeted his old faction leader.

“Blake Summers,” Rajesh nodded cordially. “I am surprised to hear from you.”

For some reason, the leader of the Terran Alliance sat upon a cot, slid against a stone wall. Rajesh immediately recognized the room, as he himself had spent time within the small jail cell.

What are you doing in there? Did your faction arrest you?

Rajesh immediately dismissed the thought. While he had no doubt Blake would eventually lose the support of his faction, he was currently too powerful to detain.

Blake ignored Rajesh’s statement and smiled. “I see you’re a Lord now. Congratulations on creating your faction.”

Rajesh accepted the commendation with another nod, but remained silent. He had no intention of feeding Blake any details of his progress.

He requested the meeting. Let him explain why it was necessary. How he does so will show his intentions.

Blake frowned at Rajesh’s lack of response. After a moment, Blake replied, “It’s been a while since we talked, and I wanted to see how you are doing. Any problems down there in Phoenix?” Blake then smirked. “How’s the heat? I bet it’s well over one hundred and ten in the valley.”

“I am doing well,” Rajesh ignored Blake’s attempt at small talk. “Is there another reason you contacted me?”

Blake sighed and mumbled, “...fine.” In a louder voice, he said, “Yes, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss a trade alliance between our factions. Oliver can make some pretty damn good potions now, and we have others who are making valuable goods as well.”

Rajesh nodded. “I am interested. What do you propose?”

Blake seemed surprised.

Hmm, what is the real reason you contacted me?

“How about once a week, I send a convoy down to your base in Phoenix. We can establish a regular trade route that will benefit both of us.”

“Will you be accompanying this convoy?” Rajesh asked.

Blake shook his head. “No, not unless you need me to. I’m pretty busy.”

Good, I don’t want your bleeding heart anywhere near my faction.

“Will you consider selling me a few of your working vehicles?”

Blake frowned. “Sorry, but we need the trucks. But,” he suddenly grinned. “I could sell you a few of the conversion kits if you like. You’ll have to find a mechanic and an old diesel truck to convert, but you’ll have your own fleet in no time.”

Rajesh nodded. “Then I will purchase as many as you are willing to sell me. How soon until the convoy arrives?”

“Hmm,” Blake rubbed the peach fuzz on his chin. “It’s too late tonight, but they can probably be there by noon. It just depends on what they run into on the way.”
 “I will look forward to their arrival. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?” Rajesh asked pointedly.

“Oh yeah,” Blake said, as if he suddenly remembered something. “I was just thinking about old times, and I remembered some friends from my old faction in Phoenix. They should’ve been at the University of Arizona on Invasion day, and I was curious how they’re doing.”

If they were your friends, you would have contacted them directly. I wonder why these people are important to you.

Rajesh decided to call him out indirectly. “If you supply me with their names, I will see what I can find out,” he suggested helpfully.

“Uh…” Blake stammered and then looked sheepish. “I actually can’t remember their names,” he admitted. “But, they were researchers there at the University. I think they were engineers.”

You are horrible at this. 

“They are your friends, but you don’t remember their names? They must not have been very important to you.”

“Well… they were more like acquaintances,” Blake admitted. “But I would still like to know if they survived.”

“That will be difficult to confirm without any more information,” Rajesh said dryly. “What else can you share to help me identify these people? You said they were engineers. What nationality were they? What did they look like? Were they students or professors?”

After each question, he saw Blake wince. Finally, the faction leader sighed. “I don’t know, it could be any of them. Can you just make sure everyone at the engineering department survives? It could be important.”

What did they build in your alternate timeline that was so important? 

The fact that Blake refused to state why it was so important sounded alarm bells within Rajesh’s mind.

“I will of course do my best to ensure everyone survives,” Rajesh told him. “We all want what’s best for humanity, do we not?”

Blake hesitated, but nodded. “Great. That’s all I wanted. Good luck with your faction, Rajesh.” After the awkward statement, Blake ended the holo-chat.

I need to tell Zahir to do an immediate sweep of all engineering staff and students. We can’t let any of them refuse to join the faction. 

If Blake thought they were important enough to the future to contact him, they could benefit him greatly. Even if Rajesh was unable to discover why the time traveler found them essential, they would make excellent bargaining chips. 

***

“So far, only the governors of Texas and California have yet to pledge their support,” President Warner’s new Secretary of State informed him. “They have formed factions with the help of their national guard, but are not willing to subordinate themselves to your authority.”

How dare they! I’m the President of the United States!

Warner slammed his fist down onto the table and growled, “What do they want?”

He knew, well, that everyone had a price. For some, it was wealth, others sought power or favors. In his rise to prominence, he had even used extortion as a means of control. Unfortunately, he had nothing on the distant governors.

“Despite our assurances of mutual defense, neither governor wishes to cede control to federal authority,” the Secretary of State answered. “They do not currently see a benefit in such an action, and have stated they intend to remain separate.”

“Perhaps we can offer them a financial incentive?” his treasury secretary suggested. “A promise of ten billion nano a month would be enticing.”

Warner heard a snort from his Secretary of the Interior. “Why buy what you can take for free? We can just get their mayors and state legislature on our side and go around them. Cut out the middle-man.”

“Or threaten force if they don’t comply,” his Secretary of Defense growled. “This is a constitutional crisis!”

Warner rolled his eyes.

The cameras aren’t rolling. No one wants to hear your showboating.

All were potential avenues to pursue, but President Warner was curious what his new Director of National Intelligence had to say. Scott Peters had been strangely silent for the majority of the meeting.

“Scott,” he interrupted their argument. “What do you think?”

The ex CIA man cleared his throat. “Mister President, I don’t believe any action from you will be necessary. Yesterday, I had my people implement a flag-waving propaganda campaign. They went on the new social media and are protesting their governor’s decision. It’s still early, but my people have already gained significant support toward a unified country. People are afraid the United States will be left behind the rest of the world. By stoking that fear, we can incite unrest within the two state’s populations. They will put pressure on their governors, and I estimate by the end of the week, they will have no choice but to submit.”

Now that’s what I like to hear.

“And if your plan doesn’t work?” Warner asked in his southern drawl.

Scott shrugged. “Then we of course can pursue other avenues.”

He grunted.

“I suppose we can shelve the governor discussion for now. Scott, what else you got for me?”

“There is a new development with the Blake Summers situation,” Peters informed him.

“Oh?” Warner leaned forward. “Please tell me your spies found proof he’s working with the aliens.”

Scott shook his head. “Unfortunately, no progress has been made on that front. However, he is experiencing growing unrest. He was caught on a recording, executing six individuals.”

“That’s it?” he snorted. “He killed dozens of innocent soldiers a week ago and no one seemed to care.”

“The footage likely would have been ignored if it were not amplified by one Jennifer Taylor. She has gained a surprising amount of followers in a short amount of time, and the people have turned to her as a trusted source of news.”

Where have I heard that name before?

Warner frowned. “Isn’t that his pet reporter?”

“Influencer,” Scott corrected. “Yes, they did have an amicable relationship before this. I am not certain what could have caused their current rift, but I believe we can capitalize on it.”

The President snorted. “Probably a lover’s spat.”

Scott Peters frowned. “According to my sources, there’s no evidence that suggests a romantic relationship between the two.”

Warner pointed at Scott. “A pretty little thing like her and a bulletproof kid who can punch through tanks? You bet your ass, they're in a relationship.”

“Well, if they did have such a connection, it seems to be over now. A few days ago, Miss Taylor expressed interest in interviewing you. She has a large following and could do quite well in boosting your influence. However, due to her connection to Mister Summers, we politely declined.”

“Damn right,” Warner agreed.

“Now, things may have changed. If she has sided against Mister Summers, it may be worth pursuing an interview after all.”

The President leaned back in his chair and considered.

Do I need this? Is it worth my time?

If he agreed to be interviewed, it would only take an hour of his time. With holo-chat, there was no need to travel, nor bring the young lady to DC. Of course, reporters always wanted to make a name for themselves. They posed, ‘gotcha’ questions every time, no matter how much his staff warned them not to. 

There was no doubt that the interview would be a risk. However, if they were spurned lovers, he could use that to drive an even greater wedge between them. If this reporter was even remotely similar to his estranged wife, she would gladly drive a knife in her ex’s back.

I can use her to eliminate that bastard for me.

Warner leaned forward and looked Scott Peters in the eyes. “Tell her I’ll do the interview.”

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