[hr][color=pink][sup][h1] [center][img]https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BarrenWiltedAnnashummingbird-size_restricted.gif[/img][/center] [b][center][color=96D2B7]UNITED STATES OF AMERICA[/color][/center][/b] [/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=6DC09B][I]March 3rd, 1933[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=6DC09B][b]EAGLE CLAW[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=6DC09B]Undisclosed Location // Washington D.C.[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=BFE4D3]Smoke filled the rather small conference room with most of the windows sealed shut and covered by curtains. There was one curtain that remained partially opened, revealing the overview of Washington D.C. An older gentleman took in the view with a glass of scotch while everyone else was working harder than ever before. He began to reflect on his life and how he ended up here. After all, it wasn't remarkable. A veteran of the Great War, he returned home to take over his father's business after his sudden departure. He redirected the cattle business towards the equine business, which saw massive success thanks to the horse racing boom. Some of his company's breeds went on to win tournaments, earning it more recognition and prestige. It was the reason why he and his family didn't suffer for the Great Depression compared to other families. And with the relaxation of gambling laws, partially in Nevada, he started to invest in other forms of gambling besides sports betting. His plans were in place until election night put them at risk. Henry Wallace's landslide victory spelled the beginning of trouble for the wealthy establishment, including those in the gambling industry. Everything that he built from his father's cattle business was at risk of falling apart. And with the Great Depression getting worst, he wasn't giving up without a fight for his family's sake. Yet, he wasn't alone. He, and several prominent wealthy men (and women), were invited to attend a meeting in the heart of New York City. That was where his involvement began, and the rest was... well, secretive. Looking at the nation's capital as the sun slowly disappeared from the horizon, he took a drink and placed the glass down beside him. He wondered if he had just taken his last drink. Then, he saw that his glass was being refilled by a good friend and a major figure in thoroughbred horse racing, Joseph Widener. [color=5FBA91]"What are you looking at?"[/color] Joseph asked as he placed down the bottle of scotch and then picked up his glass. [color=5FBA91]"Nothing in particular. Just admiring the view."[/color] Clayton Bradshaw picked his glass and took another drink. He glanced at the roundtable and turned to his friend. [color=5FBA91]"Did I miss anything?"[/color] [color=5FBA91]"Well-"[/color] Abruptly, the sound of knocking caught everyone's attention in the room. A servent made his way to the door and opened it. Two soldiers from the U.S. Army entered the room with their weapons drawn. Nearly everyone in the room, including Clayton, thought that they were going to be arrested. But when General George Moseley arrived, everyone started to calm down while still being suspicious of him. J.P Morgan was the first person to approach him and asked for the reason behind his presence. Moseley looked at the soldiers and told them to put down their weapons. Then, he looked around the room and said clearly: [color=5FBA91]"Eagle has struck."[/color][/color][/indent][/indent] [hr][/indent][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=6DC09B]U.S. Capitol // Washington D.C.[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=BFE4D3]President-Elect Henry Wallace was growing tired of his conversation with the Speaker of the House. A half-hour of empty threats and pressure to abandon his beliefs didn't faze the farmer. After all, he had been dealing with politicians like John Garner since his win. It didn't matter if they were either Democrat or Republican. He understood that it was going to be an uphill battle against the capitalist establishment. Yet, he wasn't alone in this fight with his supporters and wife by his side. Henry stared down the Speaker and confidently said, [color=5FBA91]"Let me be clear: I will [b]never[/b] betray my beliefs to satisfy the establishment. The people voted for me to bring forward change to this great nation. And, no matter what, I will fight for a better tomorrow. Now, if you're done, I will take my leave."[/color] John remained silent as he watched several police officers and soldiers appeared from the shadows. He watched with delight as General Douglas MacArthur stopped and prevented the to-be president from leaving. Henry asked for a reason, but he never got an answer. Two soldiers grabbed his arms and managed to handcuff him while he struggled. He tried to call out for help but was quickly silenced with some tape. Then, Douglas pulled out a cloth bag and put it over his head. John made his way towards the general as Henry was being dragged off to the capitol's subway system. [color=5FBA91]"You know what to do?"[/color] [color=5FBA91]"Yes."[/color] Douglas answered and began to walk away before remembering James LeCron, the Vice President-Elect. [color=5FBA91]"What about the rabbit?"[/color] [color=5FBA91]"I was told that General Patton is in position to strike at the spot."[/color] John answered and then directed his attention towards the entrance of the subway system. [color=5FBA91]"Just follow the tracks, and the rest will be smooth sailings. Oh, by the way, make sure to get some rest for tomorrow. You have a long day ahead of you."[/color][/color][/indent][/indent] [hr][/indent][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=6DC09B]Washington Airport // Arlington (VA)[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=BFE4D3]Vice President-Elect James LeCron had been waiting almost two hours for the arrival of his family from his hometown. He should've made them come with him weeks ago, but didn't because transferring schools for their children took longer than expected. Now, he was anticipating their arrival. James decided to go to the front desk and ask about the delayed flight. When he got there, however, no one was there. He called out to see if anyone responded, but no one did and it annoyed him. Then, he heard the door opening and saw a general with several soldiers approaching him. Their weapons were holstered, but it didn't make him any less worried. James stared at the general and questioned his presence, [color=5FBA91]"What are you doing here?"[/color] George Patton turned to the soldiers and ordered to apprehend him. One of them restricted his arms while another went over to put on the handcuffs. However, James broke free and began running towards the airfield. Everyone gave chase while Patton pulled out his pistol and made his way quickly. A police officer managed to tackle him to the ground, but he was elbowed in the face. James attempted to get up, but a soldier kicked him hard enough to cause great pain. While he was finally being detained, George pointed the pistol and looked around at the airfield for any signs of witnesses. [color=5FBA91]"Hurry up! We don't have much time before someone spots us."[/color] James desperately demanded answers even as the tape and cloth bag were on him. A Ford Model 40, painted black and lacking a license plate, drove towards them and stopped on the airfield. The driver reached over to open the back door and got ready to drive away from the airport fast. The soldiers and officers shoved James into the back seat and closed the door. George watched as the Model 40 drove off and made his way back inside. He made his way to the front desk and picked up the phone. After entering a series of numbers, an operator redirected George to a secured line; however, the person was unavailable. It was all part of the plan. He had to say only a few words as instructed. [color=5FBA91]"Rabbit has been caught."[/color][/color][/indent][/indent] [hr][/indent][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=6DC09B]Undisclosed Location // Washington D.C.[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=BFE4D3][color=5FBA91]"Eagle has struck."[/color] Everyone froze in place after the announcement and then stared at J.P Morgan for direction. He thanked the general for giving him the news and asked him to wait outside for a minute. Moseley nodded and ordered the soldiers to follow him out. Once the military presence was gone, Morgan walked up to the table and grabbed his glass. The servants rushed out with bottles of expensive alcohols and began filling the guests' glasses up. He began to speak. [color=5FBA91]"Eagle Claw has been a success. But, that doesn't mean our work isn't doneā€”far for it, in fact. We have been planning for this moment. And all of you have your duties to protect the new United States of America. I suggest that we depart as soon as possible before the riots start. However, I wish that the following people stay here a while longer: Rockefeller, Hearst, Coughlin, Richard and Andrew Mellon, and Ford. The rest of you are dismissed, but not before sharing a final toast."[/color] J.P Morgan raised his glass followed by everyone else in the room, including Clayton and Joseph. [color=5FBA91]"To tomorrow! May it bless us, our families, and the United States of America!"[/color] After the toast, everyone began to leave with Clayton and Joseph following shortly after saying goodbye to Morgan and the others. Joseph bid farewell with an offer for his friend to visit him and his family at Hialeah Park. Clayton accepted it, adding that his family would love to see the flamingos up close. But, he noticed that the general was talking to other generals. Also, several politicians were slowly making their way to the conference room. He didn't recognize any of them, but he noticed the Speaker of the House in the background. Clayton felt like he wasn't supposed to see them and decided to leave before he was spotted. But in the back of his mind, he questioned their presence.[/color][/indent][/indent][/indent] [hr]