Lt. Gardner had no intention of abandoning his duty, despite the sudden departure of Snake Eyes. “Grenades!” he shouted to his men, pointing at Mason’s house. He’d been told that Michael Mason was an enemy of the State, a traitor and terrorist of the deadliest caliber. His orders were to kill the rouge agent, otherwise known as Condor, and retrieve the stolen Intel in his possession. But with his men outgunned and dropping like flies, it was painfully clear the mission was doomed. At the very least, he could kill the spy and complete half of his assignment.
Lt. Gardner stepped out from behind a jeep, gripping a grenade in his hand. Stepping toward the house, he saw several of his men release their grenades, before being gunned down. Knowing these were the last seconds of his life, he watched the grenades rain down on the house. With the pin already pulled, the Lieutenant launched his grenade through the living room window.
Shiloh saw the Lieutenant an instant too late. He raised his rifle and shot him twice through the heart, as the grenade smashed through the window.
Ian ran for the grenade and kicked it down the basement stairs, an instant before it exploded in a thunderous boom. The room began to shake and the walls cracked, as other grenades exploded on the roof above.
With most of the Special Forces soldiers dead or dying, the few remaining tried to flee. But Lt. Sawyer and his men were nothing if not thorough. They immediately gave pursuit, killing every last man.
“We’ve got to stop Snake Eyes!” Mason shouted, as he pulled Savannah away from a crumbling wall and escorted her outside.
“Who’s Snake Eyes?” asked Ian, as he and Shiloh scrambled from what was left of the house.
“My old handler,” explained Mason. “If he gets away he’ll return, and with more men. Stay with Ian and Shiloh,” he added, holding Savannah’s chin and looking deep into her eyes. “I’ll be back. Come on Cleo! Cleo?”
The last remaining snowmobile roared to life and Cleo sped off into the night, following the tracks left by the Russians and Lex.
“Damn it!” Hissed Mason.
“Go!” shouted Shiloh. “I’ll bring her back.”
Mason nodded in appreciation. He ran for the Hummer parked out front and jumped inside. The tires screeched, as he pulled out of the driveway and chased after Snake Eyes. He had a pretty good idea where he was headed.
“Stay with Ian,” Shiloh told Savannah, putting her hand in Ian’s. With his rifle slung around his shoulder, he turned and jumped over the neighbor’s fence. A large, brown and white Clydesdale was grazing in a small corral, but barely noticed Shiloh’s presence. He sprang onto the horse’s back and kicked it gently with his heels. The horse lifted his head and sprang into action. Ian swung open the fence, as Shiloh rode after Cleo, following her tracks in the snow.
“Won’t he need a saddle or something?” asked Savannah.
“He’ll be fine,” replied Ian, as Shiloh disappeared into the night.
*******
Snake Eyes crashed through the gates at the Clearview airport, where a jet sat fueled and waiting. He leapt from the car and sprinted for the jet, screaming, “Start the engines!”
The pilot scrambled onboard and began firing up the engines, as two C.I.A. agents ran toward the black suburban. “What happened?” asked one of the agents.
“It all went to shit!” Replied Snake, scurrying from the SUV.
“Someone’s coming,” shouted the other agent, pointing at a black Hummer and withdrawing a machine gun from inside his coat.
“Kill him!” Snake Eyes shouted over his shoulder, as he ran passed the two agents and boarded the plane. “Let’s go!” He ordered, pulling the door closed behind him.
“But what about them?” The pilot asked, looking out the window at the two agents, who’d taken up defensive positions behind the suburban.
“Leave them!” Shouted Snake Eyes, dropping into the co-pilot seat and pressing his gun to the pilot’s head. “Go!”
The pilot put the jet into motion, as the Hummer pulled onto the runway.
Mason drove straight for the suburban, where the two agents stood firing at him and smashed into it, rolling the SUV onto its side. Realizing he wasn’t going to stop, they dove from behind the vehicle at the last second.
Mason jumped from the Hummer, as the agents climbed to their feet and reached for their guns. He shot both men in the head, before turning and firing at the jet, as it lined up on the tarmac.
“Hurry!” screamed Snake Eyes. “Get us in the air!”
The jet lurched forward, headed down the runway and away from Mason, as he stood there unloading his clip.
Mason quickly climbed into the Hummer and pursued the jet down the tarmac, shooting as he gave chase. If he couldn’t stop it with bullets, he’d use the Hummer to smash into it. He was only ten yards away, when the wheels of the jet rose off the ground and the plane veered up into the sky.
“Damn it!” hissed Mason, watching the jet disappear into the night.
Snake Eyes stood up shaking and mumbled, “I’ll be in the back. Wake me when we’re almost there.” He slumped down into a leather chair at the back of the jet and breathed a sigh of relief. His hands trembled, as he poured a glass of whiskey. Condor had always been his most reliable and deadliest asset, but he hated this game of cat and mouse. Why couldn’t the man just die?
The phone next to him began to beep. “Yes?”
“He’s on the line for you,” said the pilot.
Snake Eyes didn’t need clarification on who ‘he’ was. He knew it was Legion, calling to check on his progress. This was the second time he’d allowed Mason and the flash drive to slip through his fingers. Would he be given a third chance?
“Hello, this is Snake Eyes,” he said, into the receiver.
“Is it done?” asked a deep, raspy voice.
“Not exactly,” said Snake Eyes, fidgeting with his glass of whiskey, “but now we know where he is and I can go back and get him.”
“I’m beginning to doubt you’re the right man for the job,” grumbled Legion.
“I can do it,” said Snake Eyes, “I just need more men.”
“What happened to the Special Forces units Hamilton provided?”
“We were ambushed,” explained Snake Eyes, “they’re all dead. We had bad Intel and weren’t aware of a company of Marines stationed in town.”
“Yet I see you survived,” observed Legion.
“I was barely able to get out in time.”
“The next time you might as well stay and join your men. This is your last chance,” hissed Legion, “don’t fail me again.”
“You can count on me,” said Snake Eyes.
“I wish that were true,” said the raspy voice, followed by a click, as the line went dead.
*******
When Cleo realized the tracks were headed to the basecamp at Lake Tahoe, she killed the engine and left the snowmobile behind. The vehicle was too loud and would alert the enemy of her presence. Continuing on foot, she followed the tracks to the edge of town and hid behind some bushes, when she saw both snowmobiles and the sled parked in front of a brick building. Three soldiers stood guard at the door, with several dozen more nearby. She hunkered down and watched, as high-ranking Russian and Chinese officers came and went.
There was no way of knowing how many soldiers were inside the building without taking a peek, but that was impossible due to the lack of windows and patrolling guards. She knew she could take the three guards out front, but could she kill them quickly and quietly enough so as not to warn the others? It would be hard, with them standing together so close.
A couple of hours passed and most of the town was asleep, when she finally decided to make her move. She realized it was probably a suicide mission, but she couldn’t leave Lex in there with those monsters for one more second. She knew he was being interrogated and tortured, and had no doubt he’d rescue her if the roles were reversed.
Cleo checked her knife, ensuring it slid smoothly from the sheath attached to her belt. She ejected the clip in her 9mm Berretta and counted the rounds, before doing the same with the assault rifle. If she was going to die, she wanted to go down fighting. She was about to stand up, when a hand suddenly covered her mouth and pulled her backward into the bushes.
Cleo struggled for her freedom, but the man’s arms were strong. She bit down on his hand and he gasped, letting go of her mouth. Of course screaming would only sound the alarm, so she jerked her head backwards and smashed him in the face.
“Ouch!” he cried out, releasing his grip on her.
Cleo spun around, withdrawing her knife in one fluid motion.
“Wait!” whispered Shiloh, holding out his hands where she could see them.
“Shiloh! What are you doing here?” Cleo asked, crouching low behind the bushes.
“I came to help. Is Lex in there?” He nodded at the brick building behind her.
“I think so. I was just about to go and check.”
“And how were you planning to do that?” He asked, glancing at all of the soldiers. “It’s more heavily guarded than Fort Knox.”
“It doesn’t matter. I have to get him out! He’d come for me.”
“Yes,” agreed Shiloh, “but it isn’t going to do him any good if you get yourself killed or captured trying to rescue him. We need a plan, and we need some more men.”
“There’s no time,” cried Cleo. “Do you have any idea what they’re doing to him in there?”
“I can only imagine,” he said softly. “But if you go and get caught they’ll be doing the same to you, and probably worse. We need to return to Clearview and organize a rescue mission.”
“I can’t leave him behind,” she insisted. “What if he’s not here when we return?”
“Then we’ll find him,” said Shiloh. “But if we’re his only chance, don’t you think we should give him the best chance possible?”
“I guess,” said Cleo, drying her eyes.
“Come on,” he said, guiding her away from town and back into the forest.
“I ditched the snowmobile a few miles away,” she said, as they walked through the deep snow.
“I know, I found it and followed you here. Don’t worry, I’ve got a horse tied nearby. We’ll ride double.”
World War III – Day Twenty
Clearview, Nevada
“We need to go now,” insisted Cleo. She’d arrived in town with Shiloh less than an hour ago and was already itching to leave.
“What we need is a plan,” countered Lt. Sawyer. “I’m not willing to risk my men in a suicide attack just to save your boyfriend.”
Cleo glared across the room at the Lieutenant. If looks could kill, hers would’ve dropped the officer dead where he stood.
“I’m not saying we shouldn’t try,” added Lt. Sawyer, noticing Cleo’s scowl, “but my orders are to defend the mountain passes, nothing more.”
“Listen,” said Ian, trying to reason with his old friend. “You and I both know the best defense is a strong offense.”
“Not if I lose half my men trying to save one,” retorted the Lieutenant.
“What if we could come up with a plan that put your men at minimal risk, but would still thwart the enemies advance?” asked Shiloh.
“What do you have in mind?” asked Lt. Sawyer, staring at the map in front of him.
“I recommend,” began Shiloh, “a small group rescues Lex, while your men create a distraction,” he added, looking at the Lieutenant.
“A small group won’t have much of a chance in a town occupied by thousands of enemy soldiers,” observed Ian.
“They might if the enemy believes the attack is coming from the mountains,” suggested Shiloh. “I propose the rescue party moves into position tonight under the cover of darkness, while everyone is still asleep,” he added, using a stick to point at the map and the building where Lex was being held. “At the same time, the Lieutenant and his men surround the town.” He drew a circle in the mountains around the town. “The rescue party quietly eliminates the guards before they change rotation,” he drew an X with the stick. “This must be done before the sun rises. Lieutenant, you and your company attack at first light, creating as much chaos as possible. Once the enemy has engaged the Marines in the mountains around the town, the small group of volunteers will breach the building and rescue Lex.”
“It’s not a bad plan,” admitted Lt. Sawyer, realizing his forces would be concealed in the forest and take minimal casualties, if any at all. “How much time would we need to buy you?”
“As much as possible,” said Shiloh. “But for this to work, we must strike simultaneously.”
“May I make a suggestion,” replied Mason.
“Of course,” said Shiloh.
“There’s a prison camp here,” said Mason, pointing at a beach on the large map spread across the table. “I suggest we follow your plan, but send an additional rescue party to free the American prisoners. If nothing else it’ll cause a huge distraction and those who escape will swell our ranks.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Ian, staring at the map.
“I agree,” replied Lt. Sawyer.
“Well then, the only question is who’d like to volunteer?” asked Shiloh.
“I’m with the group rescuing Lex,” stated Cleo.
“As am I,” agreed Mason.
“I’ll lead the group freeing the American prisoners,” volunteered Shiloh.
“I’m with you,” said Ian.
“I’d like to help too,” said Billy, stepping forward.
“Wait,” hissed Cole, trying to pull his cousin back.
“I’m old enough,” said Billy, shaking lose from Cole’s grasp.
“No Billy!” gasped Dakota, reaching for his arm.
“Don’t worry,” Shiloh said softly, “I’ll take good care of him.”
“Well if he’s going, then I’m going,” said Cole, stepping forward. “By the way dude, which group are we with?” he asked, whispering into Billy’s ear.
In the end it was decided Shiloh and Ian would lead the group rescuing the American prisoners, while Mason and Cleo led the group rescuing Lex. Knowing it would take his men longer to get into position, Lt. Sawyer dismissed himself and headed up the mountain with his company of Marines. The men who’d volunteered hurried home to gather supplies and ammunition, and kiss their loved ones goodbye.
“Hurry back men,” Ian called out after them, “we only have a few hours until sunrise!”
“Hey guys,” said Cole, speaking softly, so only Shiloh and Ian could hear. He’d waited till almost everyone else had left. “I don’t suppose you could talk him out of going?” Cole glanced at his younger cousin. Billy and Dakota were standing off to the side, holding hands and kissing.
“I doubt he’ll listen to us,” replied Ian. “He’s young and naive. Like most boys his age he thinks he’s invincible.”
“Can’t you at least try bro?” pleaded Cole. “He doesn’t know what he’s getting into and I’m afraid he’s gonna get himself killed.”
“What would you have me do, arrest him?”
“I think that’s exactly what he has in mind,” replied Shiloh.
“Something like that,” admitted Cole, feeling a little ashamed. “He’s only going because he thinks he needs to prove something. He feels responsible for the prisoners escaping.”
“I can’t arrest him for volunteering,” said Ian. “Heck I’m not even the law. I’m just filling in until the town elect’s someone to replace Sheriff Garrett.”
Cole dropped his head in defeat.
“Don’t worry,” smiled Shiloh. “I had a dream about this mission last night and Billy was fine.”
“Thanks bro,” said Cole, a flicker of hope illuminating his eyes. “If this dream is anything like your last vision, I’ve got nothing to worry about.” He turned and strolled away, headed towards Billy and Dakota.
“Did you really have another vision?” asked Ian, when Cole was out of earshot.
“I wouldn’t call it a vision,” replied Shiloh, “just a dream.”
“And did you really see Billy in the dream?”
“I did. In the dream I saved his life.”
“Was I in the dream?”
“Not that I remember, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t there.”
“You and your visions,” teased Ian.
“Excuse me gentlemen,” greeted Lt. Colonel Kye Williams, as he approached the two men, using the crutch Dr. July had provided. “I heard about the rescue mission and was wondering if I could be of any assistance?”
“I don’t see how you’d be much help,” said Ian, glancing skeptically at Kye’s crutch and his sprained ankle.
“We lost our Sheriff,” said Shiloh. “Ian’s been filling in, but he’s coming with me. Would you mind assuming the role until we get back?”
“Not at all,” said Kye, accepting the keys to the jailhouse Ian handed him. He hated feeling useless and was glad to help. “Did I hear you gentlemen talking about visions?” he asked, looking from one man to the other.
“Oh, yeah,” said Ian, grinning. “A while back Shiloh had a vision our town was going to be attacked by a raiding party, known as the Enlightened Ones.”
“I remember hearing about gang. And the attack happened?” asked Kye, more curious than ever.
“It sure did,” said Ian, “and just like Shiloh said it would, giant and all.”
“A giant?” asked Kye doubtfully, repeating the word as if he didn’t believe.
“Damn straight,” said Ian. “I saw the creature with my own eyes. Craziest thing I’ve ever seen!”
“What happened?”
“Shiloh challenged him to a fight, winner take all.”
Kye glanced at Shiloh and sized him up, as if looking at him for the first time. “And you defeated this, so-called giant?”
“He’s standing here isn’t he,” exclaimed Ian, slapping his friend on the back.
“I wish I could have seen the encounter,” admitted Kye. “Have you had any other visions?”
“Just the one,” replied Shiloh, “and of course the dream I had last night, but that was different.”
“That’s not all,” added Ian. “Tell him about the rest of your vision.”
“There’s more?” asked Kye.
“I saw a man,” said Shiloh, thinking back on his vision from almost a month ago. “He unites the World under one banner in the name of peace.”
“Well that sounds pretty good,” said Kye.
“Many people flock to his banner,” continued Shiloh, “drawn by his charm and intoxicating personality, but in the end he forces them into slavery and makes them worship him as a god.”
“Sounds creepy,” observed Kye.
“Yeah,” agreed Ian, “but it gets even weirder.”
“Why, what happens next?”
“Death,” answered Shiloh, “death like the world has never seen.”
“But millions have already died,” pointed out Kye, “with countless more to follow. Where is this alluring man, if he truly does exist?”
“I believe the war we’re fighting now is paving the way for his arrival. He’ll be revealed soon,” said Shiloh, “of that I’m sure. He’ll bring an end to the war, by convincing Israel to sign a Seven Year Peace Treaty.”
“But the whole world is at war,” replied Kye. “That would have to be one hell of a Peace Treaty. And why would peace hinge upon Israel’s consent? What about the United States and the rest of the world?”
“Every country will sign the treaty,” replied Shiloh, “but without Israel’s consent there can be no peace. The United States is supposed to be the world’s largest super-power, yet look around, we’re surround by our enemies. We’re outmanned and outgunned, it’s only a matter of time before we’re overrun. Heck, we can’t even keep the power running. In a matter of months we’ve been reduced to a third world country. Whereas the Israeli’s have systematically destroyed every military whose come against them. Their enemies are on the run and they’ve reclaimed territory promised to them by God. I believe God has abandoned the Unites States, just as we turned our backs on him.”
“What territory did God promise to the Jews?” asked Kye.
“In Genesis chapter 15, verse 18, God tells Abraham, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.’ After being attacked from every direction Israel has struck back ferociously. Their borders have swelled from the Nile River, in the west, to the Euphrates River, in the east. The same exact territory described in the Bible. They can’t be stopped, not with God on their side.”
“Tell him about the genocide and mass executions,” exclaimed Ian.
“Yeah,” agreed Kye, “tell me about that.”
“In my vision I saw millions of people slaughtered for their faith,” explained Shiloh. “Christians who refused to denounce Christ were rounded up and beheaded. The government used guillotines, just like the ones used in the French Revolution.”
“Was that how the dream ended?”
“No. In my vision I saw the same charismatic man leading an army two hundred million strong.”
“That’s impossible,” declared Kye, “no army of such magnitude exists.”
“Perhaps not yet,” agreed Shiloh, “but it will.”
“Heck,” said Ian, “China alone could field an army of that size.”
“So where does this demonic ruler lead his huge army?” asked Kye. “Is he attacking Israel?”
“Not exactly,” replied Shiloh. “Three and a half years into the Peace Treaty he declares war on the Jews and begins hunting them. At the end of the Tribulation, he leads his army to the Valley of Armageddon to do battle with God. The entire army is annihilated in the second coming of Jesus Christ.”
“Wow! What a vision,” said Kye.
“Ready to go?” asked Cleo anxiously, jumping from the Hummer, as Mason pulled to a stop in front of the jailhouse.
“Everyone is here and accounted for,” said Ian, sensing her urgency.
“Then let’s go,” she said, climbing back into the Hummer.
“You heard the lady,” shouted Ian. “Mount up!”
The volunteers climbed into their vehicles and lined up behind the Hummer. Shiloh and Ian took the lead, riding in Shiloh’s old Chevy. It took almost an hour to get to the top of Kingsbury Grade, where they parked and concealed the vehicles, before continuing on foot. When the lights of South Lake Tahoe were in sight, the group stopped and bunched together.
“Everyone knows what to do,” whispered Shiloh. “Stick to the plan and this may just work. Remember, everything starts at sunrise so make sure you’re in position and ready. We’ll rendezvous at the vehicles and head back to Clearview together.”
“Good luck,” said Mason, shaking Shiloh’s hand, followed by Ian’s.
“You too,” whispered Shiloh. He smiled at Cleo reassuringly.
Mason and Cleo turned as one and disappeared into the dark, with three men from Clearview following close behind.
“Alright,” said Shiloh, looking at the remainder of the men, “let’s go!”
He led them down the mountain and into town, darting in and out of shadows as they went. The American prison camp was located at Camp Richardson and enclosed by a chain-link fence on three sides, with the fourth facing the water. Several prisoners had tried to brave the waters in an effort to escape. Some suffered from hypothermia and drown, others were shot dead by the guards patrolling the camp.
“There’s more guards than I remember,” said Shiloh, counting the soldiers patrolling the prison camp.
“I’ve got an idea,” said Ian, pointing at a nearby dock with a small shack and a sign that read, Boats for Rent.