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[h1][i]Sic semper tyrannis[/i][/h1]
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Tina yawned in the cockpit, as she currently was getting some shut-eye, as the plane was flying on autopilot - while Gent made sure they wouldn't hit a mountain or a flock of birds on their way to the Cheyenne Mountains. Needless to say, they had been getting static for some time now. It was expected, as most of the satellite network had been jammed or simply required power-lines had been simply smashed down.

As they flew, many were talking about what they were going to do. Namely they had hoped, some form of US Government had survived the initial attack on D.C - both from the monsters and the human traitors. For the most part, things remained quiet until the radio started working - which woke up Tina, as she soon got on her 'muffs' and listened in. Soon enough calling the Captain, to have him listen-in.

She wasn't understanding, what they were speaking - but their Captain could. It was namely, a US Air-Controller asking their purpose and call-sign.

"This is Hammer 4 and we're here to regroup with what's left." The Delta Captain answered, as the other men cheer inside the plane, seeing that their bet was on point. "Who's in charge?" He quickly asks. The radio suddenly turns to statics for a few minutes until, the line was redirected to another line. 

"Captain, I would be the man you seek." The radio responded. "But, now is not the time to talk, the mountain is under siege by the traitors calling themselves the Aurora, so if you want answer I suggest you join in and defend us." It continues, making the Captain sprint into action as he commands the Marines and the Rangers to prepare the plane' weapons. Then suddenly multiple rockets emerged from the ground, locking into the plane as it ascends upwards.

Tina growled in reply, soon enough pulling and twisting the controls around - avoiding the first volley of rockets fired at them. As she deploys flares to knock them off their course and detonate behind them.

"FIRE AT CUNTS!" she yelled, the only row of English she did understand, namely curse words. As she took them through some turns to avoid any lock-on's again. While circling the area, so the rest of the crew could unleash destruction down upon the traitors.

The Captain quickly got the men into their stations, coordinating them as he holds onto one of the railings to avoid getting knocked down by the evasive maneuvers their pilot was doing in order to avoid death. Soon, as the plane makes a sharp turn the massive guns of the ship was finally aligned to the enemy SAM sites. And with a powerful "thunk" the weapons sing as their massive shots hits the earth - devastating anyone and anything near those hijacked anti-aircraft defenses. Then after the cannons have fired the roar of its massive chain-guns blare, raining death to those below. 

The attackers now defenseless against the air have begun to fall back, while some started shooting at the plane with laughable results, only to get mowed down by the commanding assault of its weaponry. The crew and the captain cheered triumphantly as they were able to free the massive mountain complex from its siege, then the radio echoes as the same voice as before answered. 

"Good job Hammer 4, we're gonna start the sweep and hopefully retake, the airstrip before you could crash." He said before the sound of soldiers in the background yelled out in celebration. "So sit down cap, and enjoy the ride." He ends making the radio turn back to static. 

Gent after the ordeal was shocked in place, with the missiles almost getting to them combined with the pilot' sudden maneuvers, making his heart rapidly beating. "That was close." He uttered as his face remained pale.

Tina soon enough reached over and touched his hand, smiling at Gent. Indicating that they hadn't been blown up into smithereens and were still around and flying. As she soon enough, flew their plane over to the airstrip they planned to land on. Namely to provide any support they could muster - whether it be, air-support or simply reconnaissance of the current forces stationed there.

[hr]

They had enough fuel to circle the air strip, although it would be mostly boring for her - as they likely had to circle and fly around the location for a good hour or two - before things could be cleared out. Tina was still wearing her usual flight-suit, while the others were discussing something among themselves, that she couldn't quite make-out.

"I am worried Captain. How much of our country, remains if regular terrorists could be knocking at the door of our government?" asked one Marine, from the Delta leader.

"These aren't regular terrorist... and the thing is that we knew this would happen but, we never did anything." He answered, still disappointed at the state of his once proud nation. "But, as you can see, we get to survive in order to fight on." He continues now sounding a bit, hopeful. The US soldiers made it into the strip as they started removing any of the obstacles and other debris scattered around the run way. "I've worked with them in one point of my career." He said with shame as he sighs.

"So much for the Second Amendment then," groaned the Marine in reply, that part of their Constitution might have been taken a bit too much out of context in the years since. Although, until now - it hadn't been much of a problem, although now with the fall the Federal Government and their control, all of that warning and issue was coming out of the woodworks. And they were heavily armed to boot.

Fortunately for them, they at least had a decent landing - courtesy of Tina, pulling the AC-130 down as smoothly as she could; which included some nasty bumps and shakes, before they could stop. Once they had landed, everything was soon shut-down and put under lock-and-key. The last thing they needed was somebody else overrunning this place and taking the AC-130 on a joy-ride.

As much as any of them were prepared, seeing National Guard keep some measure of order and control was better than nothing. While some remained to secure the air-strip, the rest of Hammer 4 was taken on-board several trucks and soon enough driven towards the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. Tina for her part, stuck close to Gent - since she was a 'foreign national' here after all. On board, several spent munition cases lay scattered on the floor, while numerous bullet holes can be seen around the vehicle, and several blood strains decorated the walls of the truck. 

"Its not about the second amendment its about politics." Replied the Delta Captain, continuing the discussion. "A deal to line up their pockets and to make sure they stay in power."

"Its alright, I'm here." Gent whispered to Tina in an attempt to comfort her as he grab hold of her hand.

After a while the truck arrived in a dead end of the mountain before two guards lifted the veil cover, that was hiding the entrance. Once inside, steel walls and several tents were sprung up, with the wounded being treated by what little doctors and nurses they had left. And on the other side a line of malnourished civilians lined up as they receive their food for the day.

"Nice of you to come by Captain Nicholas." A familiar voice from the radio said, accompanied several heavy foot steps - as most of Hammer 4 climbed off the truck. "I am Robb Johnson, and I would be the one in charge of what little military we have left." He said as the ground stand in attention and gave a salute. "And as for the civilians or the general public that would be the vice president." He said as he gestures the group to follow him. Anybody taking a look closer, could see the signs of structural weakness as large cracks on the ceilings and walls can be seen around the area. Likely due the multiple attacks this location had suffered.

"As you can see we are lacking in everything." He starts as the group passes by the numerous rooms of the facility with some of them having an out of order sign or flat out un-openable - due to cave-ins. "Personnel... Resources... You name it." He continues as the group finally reaches an iron door, with an key-card slot in the side, taking out his key-card and swiping it through the slot opening up the door and revealing a more classy and decorated room than what was outside. "We're both completely running low on both and we are in constant need of more fast."  

"Captain this is Robert Cambridge." He introduces, entering the room and revealing a man in a wheel chair, his feet torn off violently and his body filled with scars and it would at first glare seems like a miracle that he survived at all with the visible damage that his body has taken. Robb and the others gave a small salute before he introduced the  group to him. 

"Thank you for your help, we the United States of America are in your debt - to you and your men," spoke Vice President, now officially President Cambridge - although his wounded and gratified mood soon turned sour - as he then looked suspiciously at Tina and noted the suit she wore. "Is this you're prisoner? You commie scum make me sick, this is all your fault, you are the reason our proud nation fell!" He vents making Gent squeeze Tina' hand more tightly, as his rage begins to show on his face.

"With all due respect Sir, she is the sole reason that you live up to now!" Gent steps up, speaking his mind with hints of frustration toward the handicapped man, catching him off guard and speechless. 

"Commies saving America!?" He said in disbelief before busting into laughter making the group uncomfortable. The last president of the United States of America, a broken, old fool, but in order to not escalate the situation even further they stayed silent. "Listen here you little shit, it's us saving you not the other way around." He said pointing and directing it to the both of them. 

"General detain this man!" He orders as two of the guards begin to handcuff Gent, with the other Marines watching hopelessly as the armed guards point their guns at the group.

Tina took that moment to pull out her own pistol and point it at the President of the United States - drawing all attention to her and away from Gent. It wasn't everyday a foreign national had this close of an opportunity to point a gun at the leadership body of the former superpower. "I am Valentina Tsernova. Russian...Air...Force....not Communist!" she declared, giving the feeble man a dirty look. "We came....help you...monsters...both...enemy."

She was hacking her words, and drawing them out - but she was making a point, using everything she had learned from studying English. "...I stay....help others....help your country....you don't want help?" she growled, slamming her pistol onto the table with enough force, to rattle many others in the room. "...okay....I leave...." With that notion, Tina turned around and started walking out of the room - all guns still aimed and following her, as she left the room, many simply to shocked to even pull the trigger.

One of the Marines - whom had questioned Delta Captain Nicholas before, on the ride here shook his head as well. Then simply threw his M16 onto the floor, in front of everybody else. "Yeah. If this is what remains of the great United States - I think I will have better success surviving on my own. At least outside, I know people won't let politics that are twenty years old, affect my chance of survival!" he declared, not caring if the man was President or not. When he had been younger, he had very eager on serving - but now, after months against the monsters. He had simply enough and hearing this dumb political bullshit, simply called his limit.

"In return. That little Ruskie chick, is the reason - those terrorists, aren't sitting in your chair. Mister President," he said, that last part with some insult in his tone. "She was the one flying that gunship and she was one of those pilots over Washington D.C whom wasted fuel and munitions saving your stupid ass. Russians, Germans...Europeans....not Commies you old geezer..."

With that said, he left - a few others, mostly the Marines, repeated the same and threw their rifles straight into the pile. It was a declaration - their own Armed Forces were unwilling to fight for them anymore, after seeing such a blatant abuse of power, insult against one of their own and an ally they had come to treat as one of their own. If nothing was done to persuade otherwise, the U.S Government would lose what constituted as their only remaining Tier One Units in likely America itself.

The General and Captain Nicholas stood there silent and ashamed. With the guards losing the will to carry on their orders of even stopping her. Though still handcuffed the guards let Gent get away. Now feeling good that he wasn't the only one feeling like that. 

"Tina wait up," he said as he runs to her, one Ranger followed suit seeing that what little respect he had left was gone. 

"I want them executed, that commie bastard and those ungrateful insubordinate soldiers!" ordered President Cambridge to the few that remained but, no one moved or said anything, overcome with rage the crippled man rolled out of the room.

Once outside the corridor he pulled out his hand gun, one he had taken for his protection and pointed it at Tina, his judgement clouded in rage. Plus the sudden act preventing others from persuading or even stop him, as they noticed his intent far too late. 

"I promised you a dat-" Gent tried to say before he noticed, the handicapped man pointing his hand cannon at her. With little time left and limited actions to choose from. Gent dashes to her and once closed slammed into her from behind acting as a shield as the president unloaded his clip. Relying on his vest to not die, with every hit felt like getting hit with a sledgehammer, he was still happy that she was all right in the end. 

Tina yelped when suddenly somebody with handcuffed hands knocked her onto the ground and covered her body with his own. Luck was on Gent' side as despite having a gun, the Vice President was a bad shot - with most of the shots flying wild except the two that hit his vest. Although they hadn't been penetrative ones. Tina for her part, looked up rather shocked at Gent, quickly having her hand touching along his back. Once she confirmed he wasn't going to bleed out - she hugged him tightly. Nobody had done such a thing for her ever in her life.

Gent, eagerly accepted her embrace whispering to her ears. "I love you." Tina for her part, kept her emotions in check, no need to be getting into a kissing session right in front of this important announcement. Although, she did help pull Gent up and lean against her - her smile in reply, told Gent everything he might have to know.

[hr]

By the end of it, the Captain and the General apprehended him, seizing the gun from him. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU TRAITORS!" screamed out Cambridge, as he was dragged back into the room. 

The Captain ran to them with both his hands up. "Stop!" He yelled out trying to stop them from leaving. The General soon followed suit  unarmed but, unlike the captain not raising his arms. "I ensure you that I do not share the opinions of our president, anyone is welcome to stay."

Although the aftermath ended, with the Marines and the Ranger pulling what sidearms they had at the opposite pair. They had given up their M16s but not their pistols and those could still do some damage, in the right hands. "Stay? Like that!?" asked the Marine, the same one whom had left after Gent and Tina, now witnesses to what had just happened. As he pointed at Gent and Tina, lucky that nobody had died - otherwise things might have gotten actually bloody. "To get shot when we turn our back at somebody?" he growled, now that they were amped-up, calming down was a much harder thing.

"No. We stay, then HE has to leave office. I don't care if he is the last dick of Washington. I will not trust the authority of someone whom just a second ago - was planning on murdering in cold-blood a fellow soldier. Who is the only reason we are alive here right now!" he replied, indicating that the Vice President was to leave office or be forced to resign - yet he would be honestly surprised, if they planned on keeping the Vice President around after that clear sign of mental illness and lack of fortitude.

"The people won't stand for it and there's no one that would replace him even if we do." The General said in an attempt to reason with them. "No one that the people will allow to lead them. America' survival hangs in the fact that, that man leads. I don't like what happened but, you have to do this for this country. You don't need to follow the guy or even go near him, you just need to stay here." He adds quite sounding a little bit desperate. 

"No offense sir, but that was the man that let those bastards outside get this powerful." The ranger said revealing a secret he shouldn't have said. "You of all people should know this sir." He said directing his gaze to Captain Nicholas. "You of all people know that man staying in power will end this country."

"You don't know that." replied Nicholas with a hint of doubt. "We don't know that."

"Sir, with all due respect - if your serious about following a man, whose ideal is to espouse that any European is a Communist. That anybody not eager to follow his idea is a traitor that deserves to be arrested. And to excuse his act right now. Then sadly, this country is lost before it began - no matter what you might hope for," replied Jackson, the Marine whom had remained so defiant even until now.

"The fact of the matter is, we are divided and likely any chance of hope or even reuniting this shattered homeland - lies in unity. That includes whomever might come from Europe in the future years. If your President acted in such a way to just ONE Russian - what will he do, when there are likely thousands of them here? Will he turn any aid or assistance down - since he assumes they are all Commies? That kind of political mindset is not only dangerous but also toxic to this very country."

"Upon arrival here, Corporal Gent was arrested for defending an actual soldier whom had saved this Complex. What will happen, the next time some General or Colonel disobeys your President' idea? Will they get shot and executed too? You say we barely have any contact with him? Look at what just happened now. I will be doubting ANY orders that come up from high, if he remains in office. Because I can't be sure if its legitimate or that man in the office might want us dead. If he is so, dismissive of us now - how do you think he will remain if we stay? I will NOT have my gravestone reading: '[i]died for an old idiot[/i]'. The only marker I want is '[i]died for his country[/i]'."

"No General and that is where you are wrong. America wasn't build upon following an old, broken, fool of a leader. It was about freedom and liberty. Great men stood up and took charge in the days of America' birth. Throughout our history, there have been many such. Now you can stay here, be dismissive of your role and put your faith in that man. But General...that is a coward' way out. You can stand here and say you can't do nothing. OR you go in there, take charge and BE the leader America will need."

The General and the Captain stood there speechless and dumb folded. The marine was right. "You are right, if America is gonna survive we need capable and able men leading, not politicians." He replied as gives the young man a salute. "The people might view this as a coup d'etat, they might be scorned at the military and they may call me a dictator. But, I will make sure to save this nation."

"Johnson stop!" Nicholas said, as he pulls his gun out aiming at the General, before he could make a move towards the room. Quick to react, the Ranger switches his sights to the Captain unloading a few shots to his foot making him drop to the floor in pain. Quickly he spared no effort in disarming the Captain, letting the General enter the room unmolested.

"You're making a big mistake General, the people will revolt and take up arms and this will end the nation! We are surrounded in all sides by the enemy, a revolt is not what we need right now!" Nicholas argued, as the Ranger restraints him. 

Jackson soon enough, was at Captain Nicholas' side - getting out the bandages to treat his leg wound. "C'mon now Captain. Your Delta Force. You saw what was out there, those monsters and those damn PMCs. Do you honestly think, that the civvies here will honestly give a fuck about whom is leading them? I say, as long as we keep those greenskins out of this place, allow them a warm bed and hot-meal they likely don't care two cents whom is running the show."

"Plus. Think about it. Do we need politics right now? When our country is divided, we got monsters and terrorists left and right - do we honestly need our system to be bogged down over partisanship?" he spoke, finishing the patch-up on their Captain' leg. "Plus, there is a very easy way of preventing scorn. Just tell them the truth. Tell the public how our President, our beloved leader - pulled a gun and shot one of their own sons fighting for their freedom. I think by now, people are tired of politics - they'd want somebody to just make the nightmare we live in, go away."

Nicholas sighs in defeat and nods in acceptance. He looks at the two love-birds thinking that, those two were the future Americans. Their children and all whom would come or be born to this land were Americans and as a soldier he had a responsibility to protect them from harm, internally and externally. And to ensure that they remained safe the president has to go. The General at that moment had just then re-opened the door, revealing the President restrained by the soldiers as it seemed like he had attempted to escape just a few moments ago. The soldiers stopped as they gave up a small salute releasing the man in the wheelchair. 

"Sir, because of your attempted murder on an American. You are hereby relieve of your position and title." Declared General Johnson making some of the soldiers smile and sigh in relief. "Escort him out of here."

"TRAITORS ALL OF YOU!" yelled out Cambridge to each and everyone in the room as they didn't show any signs of protest. As one started to push his wheelchair out of the room.

As it happened, Tina soon enough simply leaned over and gave Gent likely the best and deepest kiss he ever had from a woman. Plus she wasn't shy on showing her gratitude. "Yes. Yes on bed later, and coffee and more bed," she giggled, whistling for the keys and soon enough unlocking Gent' handcuffs. So much trouble, over one Marine getting cuffs slammed on him. Although she still hugged him again, once the cuffs were off. "Don't...do...again...stupid...Yankee..."

Gent, smiled in return as he leans to her. "So that date?" He asks as it looks like the storm was finally passing. Although they did get a mild rant from the ex-President now being wheeled out of his room.

"YOU SLUT COMMIE BITCH!" 

"YES!" Gent said as he goes for another kiss. "Lets go grab us some coffee and hopefully a bed."

[hr]

While as Captain Nicholas had predicted, not many were rather eager to hear that their Vice President had suddenly been replaced by the General of the US Armed Forces - although once the outlying reason had been revealed, many had forgotten their groans already. Namely, when survival was on the line - then the people barely cared about any politics anymore. Although, it did bring into question how unstable their situation was in-general among the American land. Luckily for them, the situation started improving with the day-to-day operation - namely the remains of the U.S [i]Provisional Government[/i] had access to Tier One Units. Whom were ten steps above the National Guard units here and not to mention, they had an actual pilot whom could educate others and fly the stationed aircrafts in the region. Plus, there were more books around here for her to improve her English.

Good news wasn't in short supply either, as the remains of the 4th Infantry Division would arrive under one Senator Atkins, a few days later. While not being no more than a Congressman from Colorado - Senator Atkins was more open and willing to listen, was of the opposite party than the ex-president and also was a liberal Democrat. With no other line of succession or politician left in the Complex, they just took him instead for the time being for the vacant position and thus was sworn in President Atkins.

He was more open for taking charge and being the Commander-in-Chief that America needed - even willing to accept Valentina Tsernova, oath of allegiance - despite her barely having been on American soil for under three months. In the eyes of President Atkins - she had earned her citizenship by the marks of blood she had spilled and the notion justice she had upheld. 

In all honesty, it wasn't the best situation for the Federal Government: they had a population to whip into shape and not drain resources, barely any contact beyond the Cheyenne Mountain Complex and the Colorado area, with a President whom hadn't gone beyond Senator - and had been voted into office through the ballots of a thousand people. Although everyone there was eager to fightand take-back their country - be their enemy monster or human. They had enough resources in the Cheyenne Complex to last them several years, yet also with the addition of Hammer 4 - they had the capability of deep-surgical strikes and the possibility of having an actual trained and armed presence in the region.

[i]"My fellow Americans. On this day, we stand at the brink of collapse - besieged by enemies domestic and foreign. I will not lie to you - things will be hard. Things will be difficult. Your government is barely able to shelter you, protect you or enforce the law anymore. America. I am sorry. Yet hope remains, the Federal Government has not fallen. We are still alive. We are still fighting. Sadly, we can not do this alone. America, I come to you - not as a Mayor yet as an equal. As of this moment, I ask every man, woman and child for their assistance. Divided we are weak. Together, we might be able to gain enough strength to defeat our enemies and reunite this divided country. Thank you."[/i]

With the speech of President Atkins, the problem of leadership of what remains of the United States was semi-solved. General Robb would utilized what they had and namely the men of Captain Nicholas, in the matters of training and planning for decisive strikes against the roving bands of monsters and mercenaries that were surrounding them from all sides. Bands of refugees fleeing towards their location were bringing rumors of troubling news. The appearance of a new race or races that indiscriminately killed anyone and anything - be they human or monsters. Cultist orcs and their hunters that were kidnapping family members and erecting strange monuments in the several other states and the latest and the most troubling - an organization that was helping and collaborating with the Invaders.

In supply terms - thanks to the arrival of more men, they could re-establish supply lines to other bases and to much needed materials. Like emergency generators, ammo depots and extra fuel for power the base and the various aircraft that they managed to recover from the enemy. Though the handicapped Vice President was out of office, he wasn't sent to jail out of pity and since he had been elected in some measure in a lawful manner. Rather was put under house arrest to reduce public outcry. And like those politicians of old, still enjoying better meals and a better room then the others in the facility.

But, the good news had to stop eventually - as the base suffered too much damage in the last siege. Having lost too many rooms, beyond the number of refugees that they had outside. Plus them camping outside or setting up a refugee camp would reveal their position to their enemies. Nicholas seeing the threat that could happen, started working on gathering data about the refugees, taking account their numbers, individual skills and capabilities that they could use for themselves. It was the sad notion, that some people just couldn't be welcomed inside - and those that were needed to contribute in some way.

After gathering all that he needed he contacted the General to hopefully conduct a meeting to discuss their steps in tackling the problem in hand. Showing the data to the standing President. Revealing that a number of sixty families was just outside the base camping, with most of them could easily become militia troopers that they could use to refill their ranks - although not much beyond that. General Johnson standing nearby in place as he waits for his orders, while the Captain continued to address the overpopulation problem. While the two developing lovers whom had started this all, being far away from this.

Tina for her part, turned off the radio in the modest room she shared with Gent. "Oh you...so great speeches and urges...." she chuckled, as went over to get some coffee - the only thing covering her form was her jacket. Namely she had traded her pilot' uniform for a more American one. "Let us hope, we shall gain victory. Yes?" she asked from Gent.

While the speech was far from done Gent looked and smiled as Tina turned off the radio and returned to bed. Smiling at the long night they would spend within the company of each other. "I already got my victory."