Cascade

By Joshua Linscott

With powerful new allies, Eli Reznor and Jessica Nelson continue their perilous fight against all odds in Subversion Saga Book Three: Cascade! We follow the modern day revolutionaries as they bring the battle back home to America. Met with great opposition, they are forced to work from the shadows of an old military bunker complex. They slowly unravel the twisting tale of their opponents while attempting to stay focused on their goals. Holding a new constitutional convention and restarting the country from scratch remains their primary objective as they struggle through obstacle after obstacle. Lives are lost, sacrifices are made and the strongest among them are put to the ultimate test. Will it all be for naught? Find out as the Revolutionary Trilogy of the Subversion Saga comes to an end in Cascade! What are you willing to fight for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098302368

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Copyright © 2020 by Joshua Linscott.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher/author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, bulk purchases or to contact the author, please visit the official web site.

www.subversionsaga.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Published and distributed by: Book Baby

Edited by: M.D. Wright

Cover design by: Joshua Linscott

Original cover photography by: Joshua Linscott

Cascade

A Novel

Subversion Saga Book Three / Joshua Linscott. — 1st ed.

ISBN 978-1-09830-236-8

I dedicate this novel to anyone who is fighting for a just cause. Anyone who is trying to do the right thing. Anyone who places truth and justice above everything else. Thank you! I also dedicate this novel to my amazing parents John and Sharon Linscott. As I have stated in the dedications of the previous novels in the series, they really deserve all the credit for how I turned out. I personally think they did a great job but I’m sure there are a few folks out there that might disagree. I certainly feel like I was raised for a different period in time. However, I am doing the best I can to impart my energy on the world. Of course, I must mention my amazing siblings Monica, Matthew, Angela, Stephanie and Jared. You guys have been a major blessing from day one. Thank you for putting up with the runt of the litter and I guess thanks all your shitty hand-me-downs you gave me too. A special thank you to anyone who has taken the time to read the first two novels in the series and is here to see how this trilogy ends. You rock! None of this has been easy for me but I am very grateful to have been able to do this. I put my heart and soul into each line and I hope you can tell. Last but not remotely least, thank you to the great architect of existence, or God if you will, for everything.

Special Thanks

Jesse Mailhot

Monica T. Linscott

Stephanie Linscott

Angela Edwards

Angela Robbins

Joanne Gallagher

Corey Blackburn

Jared & Grace Linscott

Chris Valenti

James Maltos

Angel

Robert Paul Johnson

Matthew Wise

Stephanie A.

Melissa Fehr

Lena

Orenda Noisecat

Cassidy Porter

Slum Glutton

Kady Wiese

Karen & Greg Griffin

Nicole Vallée

Jeremy Brown

Alex Imori

Hannah Larson

Cerena Hamilton

Doug Britton Jr.

Sonja

All these wonderful folks made the publication of this novel possible by believing in me and my dreams. Self-publishing my work is a dream come true and I couldn’t have accomplished it without their help! I cannot ever thank any of you enough for supporting me and this novel. THANK YOU!

All that was great in the past was ridiculed, condemned, combated, suppressed - only to emerge all the more powerfully, all the more triumphantly from the struggle. Let the future tell the truth and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishments. The present is theirs, the future, for which I really worked, is mine.

―NIKOLA TESLA

Table of Contents

-| PROLOGUE

1| DEAD WEIGHT

2| MERRY CHRISTMAS

3| LAND OF THE FREE

4| RAVEN ROCK

5| AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN

6| SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

7| THE MARK HAS BEEN MADE

8| TREASURE HUNTING

9| MONEY SHOT

10| A WARM PLACE

11| IMAGINARY LINES

12| SEEKING JUSTICE

13| QUARANTINE

14| BESIDE YOU IN TIME

15| STATIC

16| THE LAST PRESIDENT

17| THE FRAGILE

18| LOVE, TRUE LOVE

19| THE WITCHING HOUR

20| THE LINE BEGINS TO BLUR

21| AGAINST ALL ODDS

22| PROJECT CASCADE

23| LEAVING HOPE

24| UNITED WE STAND

25| DIVIDED WE FALL

26| AFTERMATH

27| REMISSION

28| EMERGENCE

29| I’M GOING HOME

30| STATUS QUO

31| WE WILL DO BETTER

32| RIGHT WHERE IT BELONGS

33| WE THE PEOPLE

-| EPILOGUE

WE WILL DO BETTER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

-|PROLOGUE

Starring out the rear passengers window of his mother’s Tesla Model W, Otis tries to find the courage to tell her about something he had done. Thinking deeply as rain pummels the glass sideways and unsure how to approach her for the best result, he starts simple. Hey, mom.

Yes, honey. She replies.

If I tell you about something I did, will you be mad?

Well, that depends on what it is Otis.

Can’t you just promise not to be mad?

Look kid, I love you and all but there is no way I can promise not to be mad. I mean, what if you tell me you killed a cat or something? She responds with a laugh.

It’s not like that. He says.

Well either way, I want you to tell me. Even if I do get mad, it’s important for you to communicate.

I accidentally built a bomb.

You what? She asks in shock.

I didn’t get hurt or hurt anyone. I built a bomb and set it off in the backyard. He explains.

Why would you do that? How did you do that? Who taught you to do that? She asks in rapid succession as her emotions rise.

I was just experimenting. I took some old bottle rockets and found out if you crush them up and take the powder and light it, it makes a small explosion. So, I wanted to see what it would do if it was in a confined space. I put a lot of powder in a small plastic jar and sealed it with tape and cut a small hole for the fuse. Otis explains.

Baby you can’t be playing with fireworks like that, you’re only eight. She says concernedly.

It made a really, really loud explosion. It scared me.

See, you shouldn’t be doing that.

It wasn’t the explosion that scared me.

What did then?

It was the fear of getting caught. He replies.

Then why are you telling me?

Because it’s the right thing to do and you always told me to do the right thing and be honest.

I sure did. Thank you for telling me. Now, no more bombs please. There is no good usage for bombs except in maybe mining. Keep using that big brain of yours but always be careful, dear.

I will mom. He replies.

Good.

Bombs are good in war, right? He asks.

They are good for killing people but you won’t have to ever worry about that. She explains.

I just want to be like you and dad.

Oh sweetheart, that’s very noble of you. I’m sure you will grow up to be just like your father and I.

I hope so. I just want to fight for something like you did. Is there anything left to fight for?

Yes dear, there is always something to fight for.

1|DEAD WEIGHT

Omilio bursts through the door opening of the infirmary and sprints to Jessica’s room.

Are you guys okay? He asks, out of breath.

We’re fine. What the hell is happening? Eli asks.

Wells let Meyers out of the brig and we can’t find them. Omilio explains through short breaths.

Let’s go. Eli replies.

Be careful! Jessica yelps concernedly.

I will. I love you. Eli replies, kissing her on the forehead.

I love you too. Jessica mirrors.

Are you okay? Omilio asks Sarah.

I’m fine. Go find those bastards. Sarah replies, pulling a 1911 .45 ACP pistol from her waistband.

Handing Eli a Glock G33 .357 pistol, Omilio leads them out into the corridor.

The brig is on the deck just below us. We think they are still on that level of the boat but no one has seen them yet. Omilio details.

Where the fuck did they think they were going to go? Eli asks rhetorically.

I don’t know. But we need to find them before they can hurt anyone. The COB thinks they’re armed. Omilio replies.

Where is everyone else? Eli asks.

Most of them are protecting the President. The rest are sweeping the other decks. I told them we’d get the brig deck. Omilio answers.

Hey Fredrick, can you watch over Jess for me? Eli asks as he pokes his head in his room next door.

I got you. Fredrick replies as he begins to slowly get out of his bed.

They continue out of the infirmary and down the port side corridor. Omilio approaches and cautiously descends a ladder to the dim deck below.

All clear. He whispers back up to Eli.

Eli follows and stays close behind Omilio as he leads them down the corridor. Inching forward, the duo move back to back, watching both directions. A loud crash comes from a room just ahead of Omilio. He signals to Eli to watch the hall while he investigates.

Rounding the corner of the door frame at a snail’s pace, Omilio peers into the room, ready to fire. After an initial scan, he steps into the room and does a more thorough inspection. A moment later he emerges without incident.

Nothing in there. He whispers.

They continue searching the deck, meticulously checking every nook and cranny for any sign of Lt. Wells or Captain Meyers.

Over here. Eli says softly.

Omilio joins him and the two look to a pair of handcuffs lying on the grated deck below them.

Seems they have been through here, let’s keep going. Omilio suggests.

A series of gunshots ring out from the deck above them.

What the fuck was that? Omilio asks in shock.

Sounds like it came from the infirmary! Eli yells as he turns to run.

Sprinting back to the ladder, he clamors up it frantically. Reaching the top, he dashes to the infirmary, armed and aimed. Looking down the corridor towards the rooms, he can see a pair of legs hanging out of Jessica’s doorway. With Omilio at his back, he moves forward very cautiously, listening intently.

As he passes Fredrick’s room he peaks inside. Fredrick is nowhere to be found. He turns back and continues with his weapon raised and his finger on the trigger. Suddenly, the ships alarm sounds again.

We have located Captain Meyers; he has locked himself in the forward torpedo bay. Lieutenant Wells is still missing. The XO announces.

Eli looks on in horror as the lifeless legs protrude from the door in front of him, a thick pool of blood now clearly forming beneath them. He carefully steps over the legs as he peers inside.

Eli! Sarah yells.

What the fuck happened? Eli asks as he barges into the room that is covered in blood.

Check on Jessica! Sarah replies from the corner.

Eli hurdles across the room to Jessica, still in her infirmary bed.

Babe! Are you okay? Eli asks as he leans in to check her.

Eli begins to panic as he pulls back to see her lifeless body covered in blood. Omilio moves to Sarah who is crouched over a fading Fredrick in the corner.

Fredrick! Stay with us man! Omilio shouts as he leans down to assist him.

He came through the door with a gun and Fredrick jumped him from behind. They struggled and Fredrick got shot. I saw an opening and shot him in the head. Sarah explains, motioning to a very dead Lieutenant Wells lying halfway in the room, missing half of his cranium and its contents.

Oh my God. Omilio replies in shock.

Jessica gradually opens her eyes and stares at Eli with a bewildered look.

Jess! Are you okay? Eli asks with great concern.

I’m great. Why wouldn’t I be?

She raises her left arm and looks at her blood covered hand.

What’s this? Jam? She asks as she raises it towards her mouth with her tongue out.

No! Eli says as he gently grabs her hand and lowers it.

What’s the big deal? Jessica asks, confused.

Eli moves away from her bed to reveal the rest of the room.

Oh. She says bluntly.

Fredrick, you good man? Omilio asks.

It stings a little. He replies, coughing up blood.

He’s been shot in the chest. Sarah explains.

Is he gonna make it? Omilio asks softly, pulling her to the side.

It doesn’t look good. He’s lost a lot of blood. I can’t… Sarah manages to say as she begins to weep.

Fredrick, hang on man. Omilio says, turning his attention back to him.

I got shot twice in the same day man. I’m not holding my breath anymore. Fredrick says through a blood-filled smile.

You seem to do everything in twos. Two plane crashes, now this. Omilio replies chuckling.

I’m gonna kick your ass twice if you make any more shitty jokes. Fredrick says jokingly.

Fredrick, I’m going to try to assess the damage. Sarah says.

Do what you gotta do Doc. Fredrick replies between groans.

Sarah leans in again and pulls his shirt back to reveal the entry wound.

It looks like it entered in the area of your heart. I’m going to do everything I can Fredrick. Sarah promises.

I’m getting too old for this shit. Fredrick says with a grunt.

Guys, help me get him onto the bed in the other room. Sarah says.

I’ll be right back Jess. Eli says, kissing her bloody hand then instantly regretting it as he wipes the blood off his lips.

I’m just gonna have another nap. Jessica replies.

That sounds great babe. He says back.

Eli moves over to assist Omilio with Fredrick.

Thank you. Eli says, gripping Fredrick’s hand.

I got you. Congratulations by the way. Fredrick says, wincing in pain as he is lifted.

Thanks man. Do you have any kids? Eli asks.

I’ve got two sons back home. A seven-year-old and a five-year-old. Demarco and William. Fredrick replies.

That’s awesome man. We’re going to get you back to your boys, okay? Omilio says in a comforting tone.

Okay, set him down nice and easy here. Sarah says.

Omilio and Eli gently set Fredrick down on the bed in the infirmary room next to Jessica’s.

Is there anything else we can do? Eli asks.

Not right now. Thank you, gentlemen. I’m going to call one of my assistants to help. Sarah says.

I’m going to go see what’s going on with Meyers. Omilio says.

Are you sure you are okay alone? Eli asks.

Yes, go do what you gotta do. Sarah replies.

The duo set off towards the torpedo bay at the front of the vessel.

I know he might have been a bit disgruntled but why did Lt. Wells try to kill Jessica? Eli asks.

Turns out he is Presidential Candidate Samantha Wells’ son. The two were very close apparently. Omilio explains.

What does that mean? Eli asks.

It could mean a lot of things. Omilio replies.

Like what? Eli asks in further confusion.

Wells was a direct opponent to Stephen Wilson. She has a lot to gain if things go back to normal.

Oh. Eli says loudly and elongated.

Sorry. We would have kept a closer eye on him if we made the connection earlier. Omilio says.

No worries. There is no way you could have known. Eli replies.

A large crowd of crew gathers outside the watertight doors to the torpedo bay, cramming together to try to get a glimpse through a small porthole window.

What’s going on? Eli asks as they arrive.

Meyers has locked himself in there. We’ve been trying to figure out how to override the door locks but he’s tricked the system into thinking the area is flooded so they won’t budge. The COB explains.

What kind of damage can he do in there? Omilio asks.

Well, the torpedoes have to be armed from the bridge. Highly unlikely he could manage to cause any real damage. The COB answers.

Wells has been taken care of. Omilio states.

Oh? Is he alive? The COB asks.

Negative. Omilio responds.

Sir, Lieutenant Wells has been located and dispatched. The COB radios.

Copy, good work. The XO says.

I got it! A crew member yells out.

Everybody stand back! The COB shouts.

The mechanism unlocks and the door swings open gracefully. The COB steps in first with his Glock G33 .357 raised to his eye level.

Freeze! The COB yells.

Meyers freezes in place on the far side of the torpedo bay.

Hands up! Turn around! The COB barks.

Meyers raises his hands slowly and turns around. The COB moves in and handcuffs him.

Sir, I’ve got Meyers. Would you like me to return him to the brig? The COB radios.

No. Put him in SDV one. The XO replies.

Sir… The COB begins to say.

You heard me. Put him in the God damn SDV. The XO orders.

What little color was left, fades fast from Meyers’ face.

Don’t do it son. Meyers pleads.