Humans vs Monsters: The War of 1912

By David A. King Jr

The year is 1912. The world is reeling from the worldwide Great Depression, which has left every nation on earth reeling financially. During this time, two camps of nations have risen to prominence. The nations of America, France, England, and Russia, despite the economic collapses, have managed to start to pull themselves out of the Great Depression. On the other side is the UMN, the United Monster Nations, comprised of Transylvania (home of the vampires), Luciansburg (home of the werewolves, or Lycans), Covenia (home of the Witches or Wiccans), and Decemus (home of the zombies, or the walking dead). Both groups of nations are weary of one another. The UMN is ruled over with an iron hand by Grand Chancellor Alucard, who has brought to an end the centuries-long war between the monster races and has had the monster clans united in their hatred of mankind. At the outset of our story, the UMN has been on a military buildup for more than ten years now and is planning a massed military assault against the human nations listed above for control of the Earth. Though they preach for peace with America, this is just a clever ruse by Lord Alucard to buy his nations more time to prepare for war. One can only imagine the horrors of a conventional war. Gone are the days of lining up soldiers and having them simply walk into oncoming fire. This is a new century with new ways of warfare. A conventional war could mean the deaths of countless millions of lives, both monster and human.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644242223

Book preview

January 8, 1912, 8:30 a.m., Transylvania, Castle Terror Fall

Mankind is a blight on this world, my love, states Lord Alucard to his wife, Lilith.

They always have been, my love, responds Lilith.

War against them was always inevitable, states Alucard. We now have the means and the power to stand against them, and fight them on equal footing.

Peace was never an option with them, states Lilith.

Why do you say that, my love? asks Alucard.

You see, my dear, in all my time on this earth, I have witnessed mankind commit unspeakable act upon unspeakable act against one another time and again. Sometimes they killed in God’s name and other times in their own, states Lilith. So you see, my dear, they’ve always been savages. And what does one do with savages when one cannot reason with them? questions Lilith.

You eliminate them without hesitation, states Alucard.

Very good, my love, you’ve learned well, states Lilith.

Ah, my friends, you’ve arrived, states Alucard, referring to General Titanus, Vice Admiral Precarian, and Latrica St. Clare.

We have, my lord, speaks Latricia St. Clare for the group.

Come, sit down, we have much to discuss, states Alucard to the group.

The leaders of the other monster nations quickly make their way to Alucard’s war table and take their seats. Even as our emissary negotiates for peace, your military forces are to continue to make ready for war, states Alucard to the table. What’s the status of our military forces? questions Alucard to the group.

General Titanus answers back, The main army is just about ready to go. We boast three main armies of one million soldiers strong, each army is backed up by tank corps numbering ten thousand strong for each army.

Outstanding, replies Alucard.

Our naval numbers are equally impressive, states Admiral Precarian.

Go on, states Alucard.

Our naval firepower includes ten squadrons of dreadnought battleships, eight squadrons of battlecruisers, ten squadrons of cruisers, five squadrons each of light and heavy cruisers, twenty-five squadrons of destroyers, and a submarine force of more than seven hundred submarines, states Admiral Precarian.

Very good, Admiral, replies Alucard. How does our air force, fair Ms. St. Clare? questions Alucard.

We can field a total number of 1,500 squadrons of our air units, my lord, answers back St. Clare.

Outstanding, your work you have done, my friends, has been outstanding. Our spy network has kept me abreast of what the militaries of the humans are doing, states Alucard.

And where do they stand? questions General Titanus.

Per Lord Byron, the human countries and militaries stand as follows, states Alucard. The United States, still recovering from the Great Depression, their military is still building itself back up and is not in combat worthy shape, explains Alucard. Great Britain is also reeling from the Great Depression, however, their military is in better shape than America’s. Their grand naval fleet is in excellent shape and more than ready for full combat, states Alucard. Their air force is also well prepared and ready for full combat. Lastly their main army is also well equipped and ready for combat also, states Alucard. France is faring better with the worldwide Great Depression and has its military at a state of full readiness, explains Alucard. Lastly, there is Russia, explains Alucard. Their people are living in poverty and their military is almost in shambles, with the exception of a few naval units and army units spread out here and there, states Alucard.

It’s as you said it would be, my lord, states General Titanus. The human world is not ready for war.

No, it is not, a bloody and prolonged war would quickly turn the humans in on one another, states Alucard. We must strike hard and quickly against the humans, states Alucard.

We must not underestimate the humans, states Admiral Precarian.

What is your concern, Admiral? questions Alucard.

They still greatly out number us, and if President Wilson succeeds in creating his coalition of united nations, their combined military might could overwhelm us, states Admiral Precarian.

I greatly understand your concerns, Admiral. However, steps are already in place to make sure this ‘united nations’ coalition does not come to fruition, states Alucard.

What do you mean steps are in place? questions General Titanus.

The less you know, the better, General. But I assure you that this proposed human alliance of nations will not come to pass, this I promise, states Alucard.

There is one thing you are both still forgetting about, the one X factor and biggest asset to the humans, states St. Clare.

You speak, of course, of Tesla, states Alucard.

Yes, he is the biggest thorn in our sides, states St. Clare. His scientific advancements and inventions can cause us and our forces a great deal of trouble, adds St. Clare.

I know our most recent attempts at eliminating Mr. Tesla have met with less than stellar results. However, he will not escape our agents for much longer, states Alucard.

He must be killed, states General Titanus.

He will, my friend, he will, replies Alucard. Remember, my friends, the time for our attack is not yet at hand, states Alucard.

When is our combined attack set for, my lord? asks St. Clare.

We must keep the human strung along until February 29, that is the date for our combined military attack, states Alucard. Until the twenty-ninth of February, we continue to let St. Croix string along the human governments with talks of peace to keep them at bay, states Alucard. The humans in the end will never know what hit them, come the day for the attack, states Alucard. I know all of you are in a hurry to return to your home countries. Stay in communication with me in case anything changes, said Alucard.

We will, my lord, states St. Clare, Precarian, and Titanus all together. The three leaders exit Lord Alucard’s war room and head out and back on their way home to their respective countries.

Well done, my love, states Lilith.

Who would have thought all the monster clans could have put aside their differences, with one common goal—the defeat of mankind and conquering of the world, states Lord Alucard.

Victory is all but assured, my love, replies Lilith.

You’re very confident, my love, says Lord Alucard to Lilith.

We have the right to be, we are superior to mankind in every way, states Lilith. They are weak-minded fools, who spend more time fighting among themselves then making their world better, states Lilith.

They are still a dangerous opponent, my love, and with people like Tesla helping President Wilson and the United States military, it makes them all the more dangerous, states Lord Alucard. Soon Tesla will be dead, and once he is gone, President Wilson and the United States military will lose their one advantage they have over us, states Lord Alucard.

Once Tesla is gone, my love, our victory is all but assured boasts Empress Lilith.

Why don’t we turn Tesla, my love, and bring him over to our side? questions Lord Alucard.

I never thought of that before, replies Empress Lilith.

His is a brilliant and powerful mind, replies Lord Alucard. His inventive genius is second to none. Think of the inventions he could create for us, think of his ideas, states Lord Alucard. His mind is an endless well we could continue to pull from, states Lord Alucard.

Then turn him to our side we will, states Empress Lilith.

January 10, 1912, 9:30 a.m. Washington, DC, Oval Office

Good morning, Mr. President. How are you, sir? questions the secretary of state, Richard Hightower.

I am well, Richard, considering all that is on my plate at the moment, states President Wilson.

I’m sorry I am late, gentlemen, interrupts the secretary of defense, Major General Martin John Boorman, as he rushes into the room.

No need to apologize, Martin, replies President Wilson. Thank you for making time to see me, states President Wilson. This meeting gentlemen is of course classified.

I take it we’re discussing the UMN, questions Hightower.

You are correct, replies President Wilson. As we are all aware, the UMN is extending the olive branch of peace. However, we all believe this to be a ruse, states President Wilson. I, for one, do not by what there’re selling, states Boorman. For one thing, our latest intelligence reports points to a military buildup in all four countries of Transylvania, Luciansburg, Decemus, and Covenia.

That’s what I was afraid of, gentlemen, states President Wilson.

Are we for sure that all four countries are building up their militaries? questions Hightower.

Our latest updated reports, show that the nation of Decemus has put their entire navy to sea. We can also confirm more than seven hundred submarines have also put to see in and around the island nation itself, states Boorman. The submarines are headed into the Atlantic and have also spread out through the entire Mediterranean Sea.

Have we been able to ascertain their air force strength yet, Martin? asks President Wilson.

Unfortunately, sir, we have not been able to gather any information when it comes to their air force strengths or number of aircraft or pilots, replies Boorman. When it comes to their armies, that another story altogether, Mr. President.

Go on, states President Wilson.

Our latest intelligence has been able to confirm that that the nation of Transylvania has not one or two but three one-million-man armies, backed by ten thousand tank units as well, states Boorman.

My god, how’s that possible? questions Hightower.

They’ve been very bust, it would seem, states President Wilson.

They have indeed, adds Boorman.

What about the armies of Luciansburg, Decemus, and Covenia? questions President Wilson.

If our intelligence is accurate, it appears that those three nations only maintain small token forces numbering no more than 250,000 soldiers per country per army, explains Boorman.

Well, that’s some good new at least, Mr. President, states Hightower.

The door to the Oval Office opens, and in walks in the president’s secretary. She quickly hands over to the president a folder containing documents and then quickly leaves, closing the door behind her as she goes. What’s that, Mr. President? questions Hightower.

Two things we just got confirmation on, gentlemen, replies President Wilson. The country of Luciansburg has a fleet of high-altitude zeppelins they are currently deploying for use as high-altitude recon and bombers, explains Wilson. Second, the UMN has a chemical weapons base deep inside the heart of Transylvania. It’s exact location is still unknown to us. We do know they are in the process of building chemical weapons and delivery systems for them to deploy over large areas, states President Wilson.

My god, gasps Hightower.

If they can mass-produce chemical weapons and come up with a deployment system for them, they can kill thousands on the battlefield, states Hightower. News of this should be enough information for the world to know and for us to launch a first strike against them.

Easy, my friend, responds President Wilson. First off, what we have is classified information, and cannot be shared with the public. Second, we must gather more information on this chemical weapons plant and what they are making there. I have already sent for my agent Cain Kahn. I will send him into Transylvania to investigate news of this chemical weapons plant and weapons they are making there, explains President Wilson.

How can you be sure you can trust him, sir? states Boorman.

I trust Kahn with my life, gentlemen, he is on our side, states President Wilson.

But he’s a vampire, states Hightower.

Correction, gentlemen, he’s a dhampir, only half-vampire, states President Wilson. His loyalty is without question.

If you say so, sir, replies Hightower.

I do say so, replies President Wilson.

Just then the door to the Oval Office opens, and again it is the young secretary. Sorry to disturb you, gentlemen, but, Mr. President, your visitor has arrived, states the young lady.

Go ahead and show him in, and shut the door behind you please, thank you, states President Wilson.

As the secretary stands aside, into the room walks in a tall gentleman, roughly 6'5", who is cloaked in a long flowing robe and hood that obscures his face. Immediately Boorman leaps to his feet and gets between the unknown figure and the president.

Martin, calm down. I want you and Richard to meet Cain Kahn.

Kahn quickly flips off the robe and hood, revealing his pale white face and fangs. Gentlemen, good day and rest assured, you have nothing to fear from me, states Kahn. Mr. Boorman, I assure you that the gun in your jacket pocket you’re reaching for will have zero effect on me.

Martin, I said stand down now, that’s an order from your commander in chief, states President Wilson. Boorman releases the trigger on his .45 in his jacket pocket and slowly carefully returns to his seat. Now that that is over with, how was your trip, Cain? asks President Wilson.

Once I got out of Transylvania, Alucard’s agents stopped following me, and the rest of the trip was uneventful, states Kahn.

What do you mean by uneventful, Kahn? questions Boorman.

By uneventful, I mean I didn’t have to kill any of Alucard’s agents or humans he had tailing me, states Kahn.

You say that with such a cavalier attitude, Kahn, states Boorman.

Look, Mr. Boorman, I take what I do very seriously, and I never take a life, monster or human, unless I absolutely have to, understand? explains Kahn.

Gentlemen, this sparring is useless, let us get down what were all here for, states President Wilson. Were all here to tackle the problem of the chemical weapons plant hidden deep inside Transylvania, states President Wilson.

Ah yes, the chemical weapons plant, replies Kahn.

What do you know of it, Kahn? questions President Wilson.

Not much I am afraid, the security surrounding the place is above top secret, states Kahn.

Great, so your agent knows nothing about the place at all, moans Hightower.

I didn’t say that, replies Kahn.

The security for the plant is above top secret, but I was able to learn some valuable intel on my own, states Kahn.

Such as? states Boorman.

The plant is massive, more than a million square feet in size, explains Kahn.

My god, that’s unbelievable, gasps Hightower.

The plant employs a workforce of more than 250,000 monsters, that’s day and night, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, states Kahn. From what I was able to gather from several monster soldiers working there, they are working on a new chemical weapon comprised primarily of mustard gas and hydrogen compound mix.

Mustard gas is bad enough, but crossed with hydrogen, that’s one hundred times worse because masks would be in effective against it, states Boorman.

There’s no doubt now that the UMN is making ready for war, especially with a weapon like that, states President Wilson.

That’s not all, gentlemen, interrupts Kahn. They are also making an attempt to weaponize the black death. However, they are having trouble weaponing it, states Kahn.

So now there attempting to create biological weapons too, gasps President Wilson.

I am afraid so, sir, states Kahn.

Do we have a location of the plant, Cain? asks President Wilson.

That’s where I have better news, sir, states Kahn. I was able to track several radio transmissions from the Transylvanian capital city of Slovenia, I have pinpointed the weapons plant approximately fifty miles north of Slovenia, states Kahn.

You have done well, Kahn, states President Wilson.

I am sorry I misjudged you, Kahn, your intel is proving to be invaluable, states Boorman.

Same here, adds Hightower.

Cain, I must now ask a huge favor of you, states President Wilson.

What is that, sir? asks Kahn.

We need you to go back into Transylvania and back to that chemical weapons plant and gather up as much data as you possibly can, requests President Wilson.

I understand, sir. I will leave immediately for Transylvania, states Kahn.

Cain, we need more detailed information regarding the chemical makeup of the mustard gas weapon and the bubonic plague weapon they are working on, states President Wilson. I don’t have to tell you to watch your back, do I, Cain? questions President Wilson.

No, sir, you do not, replies Kahn.

Last thing, Kahn, states President Wilson.

What’s that? replies Kahn.

When you reach the chemical weapons plant, start planning a way to destroy the plant, and I mean totally destroy it, level it to the ground, states President Wilson.

I understand, sir. Consider it done, sir, replies Kahn. Cain Kahn quickly gathers up his belongings and exits the Oval Office.

His report on that chemical and biological weapons plant has me deeply concerned, states Boorman.

As it does me as well, Mr. President, states Hightower.

Gentlemen, I am troubled by the news of the plant too. However, Kahn is the best at what he does, and if anyone can come up with a way to take out that plant with minimal loss of life, it will be Kahn, states President Wilson. Is there anything else on the agenda, gentlemen?

No, Mr. President, I think that just about covers everything for this meeting, states Hightower.

Either of you have anything else you need to add to the meeting? asks President Wilson.

I’m good, sir, states Hightower.

I’m good as well, states Boorman.

Then we will meet in one week’s time to update, states President Wilson. Until our next meeting, good afternoon, gentlemen.

January 11, 1912, 6:45 a.m., fifty miles north of Slovenia

Slowly Lolita Marie Van-Horne’s car pulls up next to the security checkpoint, just outside the chemical weapons plant, fifty miles north of the Transylvanian capital of Slovenia.

Halt! shouts out the werewolf guard who is on duty. Excuse me, please forgive me, Ms. Van-Horne, I did not know it was you, states the guard. Raise the gate, let them through, hurry.

Van-Horne pays the guard no mind and waits patiently in her car to move forward. The car clears the checkpoint and continues down a well-lit road which runs parallel to the weapons plant. She goes through another four such checkpoints before reaching the final one. At this checkpoint she is made to exit her car. Once out of her car she is matched against her photo ID, finally, one last werewolf guard gives her one more final goings over and waves her through. Finally, Ms. Van-Horne enters the sprawling complex.

For as far as the eye can see are manufacturing plants producing glass vials for the chemical weapons. To the left of where she is standing are several testing booths for the chemical weapons, and inside several of those booths are captured enemy soldiers strapped down to tables awaiting their fates. To her immediate right are several more booths where bubonic plague testing is underway.

Ms. Van-Horne," calls out Major Dunbar.

Major, good morning, how is testing going on our test subjects? questions Ms. Van-Horne.

The first batch of test subjects succumbed very quickly to the latest batch of mustard gas–hydrogen gas compound mixture, states Major Dunbar.

So a 100 percent kill rate then? questions Ms. Van-Horne.

Yes, ma’am, 100 percent lethal on contact, replies Major Dunbar.

Excellent, prepare the next batch and next batch test subjects, orders Ms. Van-Horne.

Major Dunbar motions his hand to a corporal standing at the side of the testing rooms. He opens a door and in are forced several captured United States army and marine soldiers. As the group are lead to the testing rooms, several men fight free and make a break for it. Quickly Major Dunbar changes into his werewolf form. He quickly closes in on the group of fleeing soldiers and corners them. One soldier over takes one of the plant guards and takes his firearm. As Dunbar leaps at the soldier, the soldier fires at him at point blank range, wounding Dunbar. With one swipe of his massive claws, Dunbar rips the soldiers head clean off, and his lifeless body slumps to the floor. Upon seeing their comrade beheaded, the remaining soldiers quickly surrender. Major Dunbar quickly transform back to human form and orders the enemy soldiers moved into the experimentation chambers.

I apologize for that, ma’am, states Dunbar to Ms. Van-Horne.

That’s all right, Major, replies Ms. Van-Horne. Keep me updated on the testing results as they come in, Major.

Yes, ma’am, I will, right away, states Major Dunbar.

Major Dunbar motions to the testing room guards to seal the rooms and prepare for the next round of testing. Ms. Van-Horne turns and walks away from the testing area to her own private office. She enters her office and takes off her coat and sits down at her desk. She reaches for desk drawer and pulls out her list of contacts and scrolls down through them till she comes to the one she is looking for—Lord Alucard. She reaches for her phone to call Lord Alucard. She dials the contact number, within seconds Lord Alucard answers.

My lord, am I disturbing you? questions Ms. Van-Horne.

No, Lolita, you are not. I’ve been waiting for your call with the updates on the chemical and biological weapons testing, states Alucard.

Very good, my lord, the overall testing is going very, very well, states Ms. Van-Horne.

Explain, replies Lord Alucard.

The first several batches of test subjects quickly succumbed to the overall mixture of the mustard gas–hydrogen gas combination, death was almost instant, states Ms. Van-Horne.

Very good, Ms. Van-Horne, this was the news that I was waiting to hear, states Alucard. What’s the progress on the bubonic plague? questions Lord Alucard.

We’re still having trouble manufacturing a strong strain of it, sir, replies Ms. Van-Horne. The strains we have of it so far are causing the test subjects to become violently ill, but it’s not causing death.

Make that your top priority, we need that weapon especially with the outbreak of the war not that far off, states Alucard. The bubonic plague will be needed when we launch our surprise attacks against the human nations and their military installations.

We will double our efforts, my lord, and get you the results you need, sir, I promise, replies Ms. Van-Horne.

Is there anything else you need? states Lord Alucard.

Now that you mention it, my lord, we are running low on human test subjects, states Ms. Van-Horne.

I shall have more captured soldiers sent to your facility posthaste, Lolita, states Lord Alucard.

Thank you very much, my lord, we will make good use of them as soon as we get them, replies Ms. Van-Horne.

If that is all, Ms. Van-Horne, good evening, states Lord Alucard.

Have a good evening, my lord, replies Ms. Van-Horne.

January 12, 1912, 8:00 a.m., the Vatican

The main audience chamber of His Holiness, the pope. The main door opens and in walks in His Holiness Pope Pius V. He takes to his throne seat. Once there, he next summons in a Templar Knights servant.

Yes, Your Holiness, greets the Templar Knight.

Please let Sir Richard know he may come in now, states the pope.

Right away, Your Holiness, states the Templar Knight. Sir Richard, His Holiness will see you now, advises the Templar Knight to Sir Richard.

Sir Richard Wallace, the Lionheart, enters the main throne room. Upon seeing the pope, he quickly kneels. Upon seeing this, the pope is quick to greet Sir Richard and states to him, Rise, my friend, no need for you to kneel.

It is good to see you, Your Holiness, replies Sir Richard.

And it is good to see you too, my old friend, replies the pope.

You summoned me here regarding several urgent matters, Your Holiness, states Sir Richard.

Yes, we have much to discuss, Sir Richard, states the pope. Among these urgent matters is that of the UMN.

I figured as much, Your Holiness, replies Sir Richard.

Our most recent intelligence reports, courtesy of the United States government, have shed a good bit of light on the UMN’s military forces and what they have been up to in the recent months, states the pope.

Go on, Your Holiness, asks Sir Richard.

Well, for one thing, the naval battle fleet of the country of Decemus has put to sea, engaging in large fleet war games, explains the pope. Our intelligence also confirms that Vice Admiral Precarian is with the fleet also.

That confirms some of what I was hearing through other channels, Your Holiness, replies Sir Richard.

Counting all their surface fleet warships and submarine units, that gives them a combined fleet of more than 1,300-plus warships, states the pope.

With that many submarine units, that will be able to do some serious damage to the cargo shipping lanes in the Atlantic, not to mention the Mediterranean as well, replies Sir Richard.

"We also know that Captain Praetor has put to see in the dreadnought battle ship Revenge also, which gives the UMN their best naval officers at the ready," states the pope.

I have also learned through my channels, Your Holiness, that among their navy vessels are several experimental warships, states Sir Richard.

Go on, replies the pope.

We know they have brand-new minesweeper and minelayer warships that are capable of deploying more than five hundred mines per ship, states Sir Richard.

That’s unbelievable, replies the pope.

That’s not all, Your Holiness, their fleet also has two new ships that are capable of launching up to one hundred air force units each, explains Sir Richard.

Those two ships could be serious trouble to the navies of the United States and Great Britain, states the pope.

Additionally, they have six brand-new troop carrier ships, each capable of carrying and deploying up to twenty-five thousand troops plus equipment, explains Sir Richard.

Those sound like perfect warships for continental invasions, replies Pope Pius.

I agree, sir, that leads me to believe they are definitely planning for war, explains Sir Richard. We’ve also learned something very important about the UMN’s dreadnought battleships and battlecruisers.

Go on, what is it, Sir Richard? questions Pope Pius.

Our latest intelligence has learned that both classes of warships now carry sixteen-inch main guns, states Sir Richard.

Surely you’re joking. If that’s true, then the United States’ and Great Britain’s navies will be badly outgunned, states Pope Pius.

With the potential allied nations navies only carrying fifteen-inch guns on their battleships and battlecruisers, they are badly outgunned and that could prove to be bad in any head on confrontations with the UMN naval forces, states Sir Richard. Our intelligence also points out that fact that the neither the United States nor Great Britain knows about this.

I know what you are going to say next, Sir Richard, states Pope Pius.

Which is, we need to let both Britain and the United States know about this new weapons development, states Sir Richard.

You know we maintain a noninterference agreement with both the UMN and Great Britain and the United States, explains Pope Pius.

I understand, sir. I don’t agree with it, Your Holiness, but I understand, replies Sir Richard.

Let us continue on with the briefing, states Pope Pius.

Yes, sir, replies Sir Richard.

Where do we stand when it comes to the UMN’s air corps? questions Pope Pius.

I am afraid, sir, that we don’t have much to go on right now, replies Sir Richard.

How’s that possible? questions Pope Pius.

Our intel pinpoints the UMN’s primary air force based in the country of Covenia. Other than that, Your Holiness, we know next to nothing about their air force, states Sir Richard. However, we were able to uncover some information about the size of their air force.

Go on, Sir Richard, replies Pope Pius.

Our intelligence puts the number of combat-ready squadrons at 1,500, five units per squadron, states Sir Richard.

How did they manage to mass-produce so many units? questions Pope Pius.

We don’t know exactly how they were able to come up with and amass so many air units, Your Holiness, but we’re still trying to find out how, states Sir Richard.

Now that we’ve gotten through the UMN’s naval and air forces, we can move onto their armies and their status, states Pope Pius.

Yes, Your Holiness, replies Sir Richard. Of the four monster nations, we know that all four maintain main standing armies, explains Sir Richard. We know that the nations of Luciansburg, Decemus, and Covenia only maintain a standing army of approximately 250,000 soldiers each.

Well, that is definitely good news, states Pope Pius.

That’s where the good news ends, I’m afraid, Your Holiness, replies Sir Richard. It’s the nation of Transylvania that greatly concerns me.

Why do you say that, Sir Richard? questions Pope Pius.

Our most recent intelligence, when it comes to the Transylvanian army, has been able to confirm that they have not one or two but three well-equipped armies, states Sir Richard. Each army is composed of approximately one million monsters and is backed by no fewer than ten thousand tanks each.

How can that be possible? replies Pope Pius.

It’s pretty clear, sir, that they have been building up their military in secret for a good long while now, states Sir Richard.

There is now no doubt in my mind that it’s war they have been preparing for this whole time, states Pope Pius.

Do you still want us to stand by and do nothing, Your Holiness? questions Sir Richard.

You know the church mandate—we cannot interfere on either side, states Pope Pius.

Just then, there is a knock at the chamber door, and in walks in a Templar Knights guard. Sorry, Your Holiness, your other party has arrived, states the Templar Knight.

Thank you, show him in please, replies Pope Pius.

In walks Colonel Thaddeus Bloodwright. It’s good to see you, old friend, acknowledges Sir Richard.

It’s also good to see you too, Sir Richard, and Your Holiness also, states Bloodwright. Gentlemen, I have very disturbing news concerning the UMN.

Do go on, Colonel, states Pope Pius.

It would seem that our biggest fears have come to pass, states Bloodwright.

What do you mean? questions Sir Richard.

It would appear that the UMN is experimenting with both chemical and biological weapons, states Bloodwright.

Have you definitely confirmed this, Colonel? questions Pope Pius.

Yes, Your Holiness, unfortunately I have, replies Bloodwright. The colonel pulls off his back pack and proceeds to pull out photos showing the dead bodies of soldiers that were gassed to death. Other photos depict the chemical weapons plant north of Slovenia. Additional pictures show chemical weapons vials of mustard gas and hydrogen gas.

They truly are monsters, states Sir Richard.

I wouldn’t believe it, if not for the photos, states a stunned Pope Pius.

As near as we have been able to determine, the UMN has created a compound of mustard gas and hydrogen gas, it has a 100 percent lethality rate, states Bloodwright.

What about chemical masks? questions Sir Richard.

I am afraid because of the hydrogen part of the compound, it eats away at and destroys chemical masks, making them totally useless, replies Bloodwright.

How could they do this? How could they be so careless? questions Pope Pius.

I think, sir, Your Holiness, they mean to start a war and win it at all costs, states Bloodwright. I’m afraid I have even more bad news, on top of the chemical weapons they are experimenting with—they are also attempting to create biological weapons too.

What do you mean biological? questions Sir Richard.

Our sources have recently learned that the UMN is attempting to create its very own strain of the bubonic plague, states Bloodwright.

You mean they are attempting to recreate the black death? questions Pope Pius.

Yes, Your Holiness, they are, replies Bloodwright.

Well, what are we going to do about this? questions Sir Richard.

For now, we can do nothing, replies Pope Pius.

Your Holiness, how can you say we will do nothing? questions Bloodwright.

I must first meet with the Board of Bishops and bring all this information to them, states Pope Pius. I can only act if I have the blessing of the Board of Bishops, explains Pope Pius.

Knowing what we know now, they should act once all of this information is brought to their attention, shouldn’t they? questions Bloodwright.

They better damn well act, we’re talking about a potential loss of life that could be in the hundreds of thousands, states Sir Richard.

Calm yourself, Sir Richard, I am sure they will do the right thing when all the facts are presented to them, states Pope Pius. Colonel, are any other weapons or things we need to know about when it comes to the UMN? questions Pope Pius.

At this point in time, Your Holiness, you now know all that we know, states Bloodwright.

I had hoped and prayed that the UMN could be reasoned with, that they would not want to plunge the world into a state of world war. How could I have been so wrong? questions Pope Pius.

It’s not your fault, Your Holiness. You couldn’t have known about all of this, states Sir Richard.

I agree with Sir Richard, Your Holiness. You could not have known what the UMN was planning, states Bloodwright.

I applicate your candor, gentlemen, states Pope Pius.

Now, we must decide what we are going to do about the UMN, declares Bloodwright.

I am forced to agree with Thaddeus, Your Holiness. At this point in time, something must be done, states Sir Richard.

You both know we have a treaty of nonaggression signed with the UMN, states Pope Pius.

Yes, Your Holiness, but there must be something we can do, or a way around the treaty altogether, states Sir Richard.

Are you telling me we are going to sit by with what we know, and we are not going to do a damn thing? demands Bloodwright.

Calm yourself, Thaddeus, states Pope Pius. The Board of Bishops can be reasoned with, and with all the facts and information we have brought to life, I know the Board of Bishops will do the right thing once presented with all the information pertaining to the UMN.

What is the state of our army? asks Pope Pius.

All 1,500,000 Templar Knights stand at the ready, fully armed and full trained, states Sir Richard. All the Templar Knights units can be mobilized in less than twenty-four hours if need be, Your Holiness. We also have enough naval forces to easily deploy our Templar Knights overseas as well.

Again, gentlemen, I will need the full consent of the Board of Bishops in order to mobilize the army and for any military action as well, states Pope Pius.

How sure are you that you can get a majority vote to get the full consent, Your Holiness? questions Bloodwright.

I am very confident, Thaddeus, that I can get enough of the votes needed for a majority vote, states Pope Pius.

Well, for one, I am glad you are that confident, Your Holiness, because I for one am not, states Sir Richard.

Why do you say that, Sir Richard? questions Pope Pius.

There is always too much in fighting whenever it comes to important votes, states Sir Richard. Especially when it comes to brothers Matthew and Jonas, they always split the floor on votes and can keep issues tied up for weeks and even months as they have done so in the past.

I agree with Sir Richard on that one, Your Holiness, adds Bloodwright.

Just then a knock on the chamber door is heard, and again enters the young Templar Knight. Your Holiness, Captain Theydor Brinman has arrived and is waiting to speak to you, sir, states the Templar Knight.

Very well, show him in please and then shut the door on the way out please, asks Pope Pius.

Yes, Your Holiness, replies the Templar Knight.

Captain Brinman enters the pope’s chamber and immediately kneels. Rise, Captain, welcome, states Pope Pius. Allow me to introduce to Sir Richard Wallace the Lionheart and Colonel Thaddeus Bloodwright, states Pope Pius.

Sirs, it’s an honor to me you both, says Captain Brinman to both Bloodwright and Sir Richard.

The honor is all ours, states Bloodwright, speaking for Sir Richard.

Your reputations proceed you both, states Captain Brinman. Am I interrupting anything, Your Holiness?

Why no, not at all, we were just wrapping up our briefing on the UMN situation, states Pope Pius.

Well, good, I have come into possession of some vital information that I need to make you aware of, gentlemen, states Captain Brinman.

Do please go on, states Pope Pius.

My unit and I, while on our last mission, came into possession of several documents, explaining in detail about how far along the UMN is when it comes to their experimentation with the bubonic plague, states Captain Brinman.

Please continue, states Sir Richard.

It appears that they are much further along than we had originally feared, states Captain Brinman. They have developed a working strain of the plague.

Our most recent intel had stated that the UMN was several years away at best from producing a viable working strain of the bubonic plague, stated Sir Richard.

It appears that unfortunately those reports were dead wrong, states Captain Brinman.

How good are your sources when it comes to confirming this intel, Captain? questions Bloodwright.

I’m afraid 100 percent, sir, replies Captain Brinman. There’s more I need to tell you, gentlemen.

Please continue, Captain, states Pope Pius.

What’s worse is that the UMN has begun experimenting on humans, states Captain Brinman.

No, it can be true, states Bloodwright.

I am afraid it is, gentlemen. The UMN has been using captured human soldiers for some time now to experiment on when it come to the bubonic plague, states Captain Brinman.

They truly are monsters, there can be no doubt that they mean to destroy mankind, states Sir Richard.

I could not agree more with you, states Bloodwright.

There has to be a way to reach out to the UMN and reason with them and steer them away from this path that they are currently on, states Pope Pius.

No, no, there is no way to reason with monsters. They want war, and I say we finish them with the provocation, states Bloodwright.

They’ve shown us their hand, Your Holiness, states Sir Richard.

"They seem to want one thing and one thing only, and that is war!" states Bloodwright.

I have to agree with my counterparts, Your Holiness. It would seem the UMN is locked in on a course that will bring it into direct conflict with the human world, Your Holiness, states Captain Brinman.

I’m afraid, I may be forced to agree with all of you, states Pope Pius.

Nobody wants war. Hell no, one here is praying for it, Your Holiness, states Sir Richard.

What we decide to do or not to do in this room in the next few minutes will change the fate of mankind for years to come, states Bloodwright.

Your Holiness, when does the Board of Bishops next meet? questions Captain Brinman.

Four hours from now in the main meeting hall, replies Pope Pius.

Your Holiness, what are you going to do, sir? asks Bloodwright.

With everything that all of you have collected and brought before me here today, I will ask the Board of Bishops for the right to warn the human governments of what is going on when it comes to the UMN, states Pope Pius.

You’re making the right decision here, Your Holiness, states Sir Richard.

I concur, adds Bloodwright.

As do I, states Captain Brinman.

You can only look away and do nothing for so long, Your Holiness, states Sir Richard.

Then, gentlemen, let us pray that the bishops see our point of view and side with us, states Pope Pius.

Hopefully they will see our point of view and realize what kind of threat the UMN has now become, states Captain Brinman.

I will now bring this meeting to a close. I will follow up with you all once I have heard back from the Board of Bishops, states Pope Pius to the group.

We will wait to hear from you, Your Holiness, states Bloodwright, Sir Richard, and Captain Brinman in unison.

January 15, 1912, 7:00 a.m., Kent, England, Royal Navy shipyards

The morning sun glistens off the fifteen-inch gun barrel of turret number 1 onboard the dreadnought battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth. Vice Admiral John Jellico paces nervously in his quarters onboard his flagship as he awaits the arrival of Prime Minister H. H. Asquith. Jellico thinks to himself aloud, wondering what this meeting could possibly be about. Then he realizes that this meeting could only be about one thing and one thing only, the UMN. All of a sudden, the vice admiral hears footsteps on the deck just outside his quarters. The PM has arrived, in the company of a detachment of Royal Marines as his personal protection. A knock on his quarters door comes, followed by three more knocks on his door. The vice admiral can hear the marines say, Attention: Hut. His door opens and the prime minister is introduced.

Good morning, Vice Admiral, says H. H. Asquith.

I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time, Jellico, states PM Asquith.

No, sir, not at all, Prime Minister, replies Vice Admiral Jellico.

Please come on in and have a seat, sir, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Thank you, Jellico, I will, replies Prime Minister Asquith.

You know why I am here, Vice Admiral, questions Prime Minister Asquith.

I believe I do, sir, you’re here because of the UMN, replies Vice Admiral Jellico.

You are very perceptive, Vice Admiral, states Prime Minister Asquith.

In all fairness, Prime Minister, I was given a heads up by your home office as to the nature of your visit, states Vice admiral Jellico.

Well, I am glad to see that the lines of communication are open between my office and the military, states Prime Minister Asquith.

They always are, sir, replies Vice Admiral Jellico.

So let’s have it, Vice Admiral, where do we stand when it comes to the UMN and their navy? asks Prime Minister Asquith.

Well, sir, it’s not a good update that I have for you, when it comes to the UMN Navy, states the vice admiral.

That’s fine, Vice Admiral, let’s hear it, questions Prime Minister Asquith.

For starters, sir, their submarine fleet is massive, states the vice admiral. They have a grand total of just over seven hundred subs that can and are capable of putting to see right now.

Surely you cannot be serious, states Prime Minister Asquith.

I’m sorry to say, sir, but what I just told you is 100 percent accurate, and on top of that, per our sources, the UMN has another five hundred submarines under construction in and around the home island of Decemus, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Decemus, how could they have that much manufacturing power? questions Prime Minister Asquith.

You have to remember, sir, that Decemus is an island nation of the undead, or zombies. They neither sleep nor hunger for food, all they do is work nearly twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, explains Vice Admiral Jellico.

What about their surface fleet, Vice Admiral? questions Prime Minister Asquith.

Well, sir, their surface battle fleet is virtually equal in size to the British Grand Fleet, explains Vice Admiral Jellico. When it comes to dreadnought-class battleships and battlecruisers, they are equal in might to our own fleet.

Vice Admiral Jellico, I wasn’t expecting to hear that their fleet was equal to ours in every way, states Prime Minister Asquith.

Well, sir, neither was I, replies Vice Admiral Jellico. I thought they would have some ships and some capacities, but not all that they have.

Tell me, Vice Admiral, can we engage the enemy with a reasonable chance of victory? questions Prime Minister Asquith.

Sir, without question, we can, declares Vice Admiral Jellico.

You seem very confident when you say that, Vice Admiral, states Prime Minister Asquith.

I am confident, sir, because this is the British Royal Navy, we fight for king and country. We’ve ruled the waves for centuries, and we’re not about to let our forces be defeated by a bunch of monsters, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

All right, Vice Admiral, all right, I believe you, replies Prime Minister Asquith.

It’s good to see that your confidence is so high in the belief that our naval forces are superior to that of the UMN, states Prime Minister Asquith.

I’ll be damned if we suffer any type of defeat at the hands of those monsters, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Again, I understand your passion, Vice Admiral, I really do, sir, states Prime Minister Asquith.

We must prepare ourselves for conflict with the monster nations, even as they negotiate for peace, we must prepare for all-out war, states Prime Minister Asquith.

You really think that it will come to all-out war, Prime Minister? questions Vice Admiral Jellico.

My gut tells so, Vice Admiral, as does my heart, replies Prime Minister Asquith.

I can’t believe that the monster nations combined would risk all-out open warfare with England, France, Russia, and the United states combined, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

You must remember, Vice Admiral, many human nations have already signed nonaggression treaties with the UMN, including Prussia, Italy, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire have all decided to not get involved in the coming conflict, explains Prime Minister Asquith. This has played right into the monster nations’ hands, to divide and conquer without having to fire a shot.

They’ve already divided multiple human nations into not fighting.

This alone has weakened mankind, states Prime Minister Asquith.

I understand your meaning, Prime Minister. President Wilson’s bill to create a coalition of countries, it has yet to come to fruition, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

It’s clear now that the monsters meant for that bill to fail or at the very least get caught up in so much red tape that it would stall out in congress, which it now has, states Prime Minister Asquith.

All we can hope for is for it to get moving again through congress and have the bill passed as soon as possible, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

The strength in our four countries of Russia, England, France, and the United States is in our unity and ability to work together for a common goal of seeing the monsters defeated, states Prime Minister Asquith.

This battle against the monsters will be a hard-fought battle that will take all our countries will and fortitude to defeat them, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

One other thing, Vice Admiral, we have begun to issue travel at your own risk warnings to the general public, especially because of the UMN’s buildup of their submarine forces in and around the British Isle’s and in the Mediterranean, states Prime Minister Asquith.

Do you anticipate any kind of open attack by their submarine forces anytime now? questions Vice Admiral Jellico.

It’s hard to say, Vice Admiral, we are seeing their submarines in open water, but they’re staying out of our home territorial waters, same with the United States, they are seeing them off their coast, but they’re not entering their homeland waters, states Prime Minister Asquith.

I’ve been in contact with President Wilson and he advises me we should not jump the gun, as we could easily end up starting a war with the UMN, even though the UMN is making provocative moves, we must not make the mistake and engage them, states Prime Minister Asquith. Well, my time here is just about up, Vice Admiral Jellico.

I am sorry to hear that, Prime Minister, replies Vice Admiral Jellico.

You’re not sorry, Vice Admiral. Let’s be honest, career military men like yourself hate all politicians, states Prime Minister Asquith. We hold you back and take situations out of your hands, or we tie your hands too much. I was just here to get a feeling on you and to warn you of the impending war that now sits at our doorsteps, states Prime Minister Asquith.

I understand, Prime Minister. You’re only doing you do diligence, replies Vice Admiral Jellico.

Thank you for understanding, last thing I want to do is step on the toes of my CNC of the Grand Fleet, states Prime Minister Asquith.

You have anything planned for the rest of your day, Vice Admiral? questions Prime Minister Asquith.

I have naval maneuvers planned with the main fleet and a one on one with my most trusted captain, Captain Conan Wainwright, states Wainwright. I see his name on many after-action reports, seems to be a real hothead, granted he’s a fine naval officer, but seems to be too emotional, states Prime Minister Asquith. No need to worry Prime Minister, I’ll handle him accordingly, sir, replies Vice Admiral Jellico Good, we need quality navy officers in this navy, and not emotional wrecks demands Prime Minister Asquith. It’ll be taken care of, sir, replies Vice Admiral Jellico. We’ll meet again Vice Admiral, states Prime Minister Asquith as he departs the vice admiral’s quarters.

With fleet maneuvers now completed, Vice Admiral Jellico quickly heads back to his quarters. As he turns the corner of his ship and gets sight of his quarters, he quickly glances ahead and sees an officer leaning against the door to his quarters. In a matter of an instant, the vice admiral recognizes who it is at his door. Well, well, Captain Wainwright, it is good to see you, sir, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Vice Admiral, Captain Conan Wainwright reporting as ordered, sir, replies Captain Wainwright.

Why so formal, Conan, we are friends here, states Vice Admiral Jellico. Captain Wainwright doesn’t answer and stands at attention. So that’s how it’s gonna be, Conan? questions Vice Admiral Jellico.

Again, Captain Wainwright announces himself as reporting for duty.

For Christ’s sake, Addis, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

The captain takes his place inside the vice admiral’s quarters. So what do you have to say for yourself regarding the incident that took place off the coast of Sicily two weeks ago? questions Vice Admiral Jellico.

I’m not exactly sure where to begin, Vice Admiral, replies Captain Wainwright.

Well, don’t be embarrassed, Captain, let’s hear it, and in your own words without filter, demands Vice Admiral Jellico.

Well, sir, to put it honestly, the other captain of the other ship involved is an idiot, states Captain Wainwright.

You being funny mister, huh, you hear me? replies Vice Admiral Jellico.

I am being completely honest, Vice Admiral, states Captain Wainwright.

I have a report of said incident care of Captain Morrison Jericho, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

If you have a report, then why the hell do you need my side of the story, sir? states Captain Wainwright.

You know, Conan, you one hell of an officer, instinctive, highly motivated, but you don’t know every goddamn thing, mister, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Sir, interrupts Captain Conan.

This is where you zip it and listen to what I’m going to tell you, mister, states Vice Admiral Jellico. I’m standing here in the presence of someone who is ready to become a fleet commander, I’m talking you own squadron of battlecruisers mister. On the other hand standing in front of me is someone who thinks the rules aren’t for him, that rules don’t apply to him, states Vice Admiral Jellico. You’re someone who likes to do things the hard way, and dammit, mister, that isn’t the navy way. You hear what I am telling you, Captain? asks Vice Admiral Jellico.

Yes, sir, I get your meaning, I never meant any harm in the incident, sir, I swear it, begs Captain Wainwright.

Now, I have already cleared up this incident with Captain Jericho, nothing more will be said about anywhere by anyone. Now if you’re ready, are you ready to get back to being a captain aboard your ship, serving this navy? questions Vice Admiral Jellico.

Yes, sir, I am ready to resume my position aboard my ship, sir, states Captain Wainwright.

Good, now that that unpleasantness is over with, I have an urgent mission for you and your crew to undertake, Conan, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

I understand, John. What’s in store for us, sir? asks Captain Wainwright.

You know that were at a now de facto state of war with the United Monster Nations, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Yes, Vice Admiral, I was aware of that situation, have been for some months now, replies Captain Wainwright.

What you may not be aware of is the fact that the UMN’s full navy has now put to see. We only learned of this recently from the Americans, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

What kind of numbers are we looking at, sir? questions Captain Wainwright.

A total number of units, counting all surface warships and submarines, puts their fleet numbers at just over 1,300 warships, explains Vice Admiral Jellico.

My god, how did they amass such a fleet? questions Captain Wainwright.

It would appear that the UMN has been working in secret for some time on their battle fleet, and we did not keep a close enough on then in that time, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

It would appear so, sir, replies Captain Wainwright.

Sir, what is our mission? questions Captain Wainwright.

Your mission is to undertake the following: One, you are to go to the North Sea between Britain and Russia. Two, you’re to monitor all submarine traffic, what they are up to. Three, you will keep track and count of all submarine units, we need as accurate a count as possible. Four, you will not engage in open warfare with the submarine units you encounter for any reason. You may only defend yourself if you are fired upon, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Why don’t you cut me off at the knees, not allowing is to fire and to only return fire if fired upon? states Captain Wainwright.

"Let me be crystal clear, Captain, you cannot start any confrontations with the enemy subs, you can only do what I have instructed you to do, and that’s it, sir, states Vice Admiral Jellico. You cannot violate these orders. I need to know, Conan, that you will follow my orders to the letter of the law," questions Vice Admiral Jellico.

You have my word, John. I won’t fail you or the service. I will follow your letter to the law, replies Captain Wainwright. When do we leave, sir?

You leave as soon as you can set sail, Conan, posthaste. We need this information back as soon as possible, states Vice Admiral Jellico.

Understood, sir, right away, sir, replies Captain Wainwright.

Conan, I don’t have to tell you to watch your back, do I? questions Vice Admiral Jellico.

No, sir, you don’t. It was good to see you, sir, I’ll be back before you know it from the mission to the North Sea, states Captain Wainwright.

Captain Wainwright quickly departs the vice admiral’s quarters and heads toward his ship’s launch. Good luck, Conan, the vice admiral says to himself. You’re going to need it. He sips back a tall glass of scotch.

January 18, 1912, 7:45 p.m., Washington, DC, the White House

President Woodrow Wilson sits quietly at his desk in the Oval Office, looking through multiple reports concerning the UMN. A knock happens against the Oval Office door. Come in, says President Wilson.

The door opens and in walks head of the Secret Service, John Meredith Wilkes. Mr. President, I just wanted to check in on you for the night before I retire for the evening, states Wilkes.

How nice of you to look in on me, John, replies President Wilson.

What’s got you up so late, sir? asks Wilkes.

Damn reports on the UMN, troop movements, naval fleet movements, spy reports, and any other damned thing you can think of John, replies President Wilson.

I cannot believe that their diplomat is still pushing for me with everything we now know about the UMN, states Mr. Wilkes.

Believe me, peace is what we’re trying to maintain here if anything I have say about it, states President Wilson.

Just then walks in Secret Service member Charles Allen Washington. Good evening, gentlemen, just came in to check in on President Wilson, states Washington.

President Wilson and Mr. Wilkes look at each other with a concerned look on each other’s face. As you can see, I am here and he is fine, states Mr. Wilkes.

I am fine, Mr. Washington, states President Wilson.

Is there anything I can get you, sir, before I turn in for the evening? asks Mr. Washington.

No, sir, I am fine, states the president.

Then I will take my leave, gentlemen, states Mr. Washington. Mr. Washington quickly exits the Oval Office and goes down the hall to the south wing of the White House.

How long are we going to keep up this façade, Mr. Wilkes? questions President Wilson.

We can’t let on that we know who and what he really is, states Mr. Wilkes. We can’t let Lord Alucard know that we are on to his highly placed spy in our midst, Mr. President.

So we keep him around to see how much more we can learn about him and see if we can gain any information from him to then use against the UMN, states President Wilson.

Yes, precisely, sir, we gain what we can and turn around and use it, states Mr. Wilkes.

I can say this whole business is uncomfortable to say the least, John, states President Wilson.

I know this whole business is a bit dodgy, but it must be done for the greater good, Mr. President, states Mr. Wilkes.

Well, I’ll do my best to string him along nicely, John, states President Wilson.

You know, sir, your personal security is the most important to me. I will protect you and your family with my life, at all cost, sir, states Mr. Wilkes.

It’s good to hear that, John, that’s one less thing that I have to worry myself about, states President Wilson.

Like I said, sir, you and your whole family can count on my protection and that of the whole Secret Service as well, states Mr. Wilkes.

Can you summon Mr. Hightower for me, John? It’s important that I speak to him as soon as possible please, questions President Wilson.

John immediately exits the Oval Office and two doors down on the right to Mr. Hightower’s office. John knocks on the outer door to Hightower’s office. Come in, echoes out from the office.

John walks into Hightower’s office. John, it’s good to see you, sir, states Mr. Hightower.

And you, sir. The president sent me over, he needs to see you posthaste please, states M. Wilkes.

Very well, after you, states Mr. Hightower.

Both Richard and John head back to the Oval Office posthaste to get to President Wilson. Richard entered the Oval Office first followed by John.

Richard, good, you’re here, I need your help, states President Wilson. We need to go over these troop movement papers and paperwork concerning the UMN’s navy also.

I understand that, sir, but shouldn’t we excuse Mr. Wilkes? questions Richard.

No, Mr. Wilkes stays. I have found his information and advice invaluable, states President Wilson. Based upon these newest charts and paperwork, it would appear that the UMN’s navy has put fully to sea.

I concur, sir, there can be no doubt that they are making ready for war in my opinion, states Richard. What do you think, Mr. Wilkes?

I definitely agree with Richard, you don’t put that much firepower to sea without intending you use it, states Mr. Wilkes.

The question I have is who’s the intended target? questions Mr. Wilkes.

Good point you bring up, John, who is the target indeed? states Richard.