Mao Mao

Mao Mao's Test & Stash Zone

Miami PD Criminal Record Sheet

Charlie Barrett Puckett-Sáenz

ARREST & SENTENCING INFORMATION _______________________________________________ CRIMINAL OFFENSE NOTES Grand Theft Auto Contract the LAPD for more info on the arrest Assault Injured a neo-nazi during a counter-protest Accomplice Getaway driver for the Lips and the Royals Disorderly Conduct Involved in several protests and riots

FIRST NAME: Charlie LAST NAME: Sáenz-Puckett MIDDLE INITIAL: B ALIASES: Anarchy/Bombera (Fireguard) GENDER: Non-binary AGE: 24 D.O.B: August 3rd, 1995 RACE: Mixed (White and Hispanic) EYE COLOR: Hazel HAIR-COLOR: Dark Brown BUILD: Athletic HEIGHT: 5'8 WEIGHT: 170 PHYSICAL PROFILE ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Underneath that robotic helmet lies an individual not native to Neon Miami nor the surrounding area. They are an outsider to the city, but not to the criminal world. Charlie is rightfully cautious of strangers and, even to a certain extent, their comrades. However, despite their regular appearance, they are rather social and friendly towards the ones that earned their trust. And no, they don't wear the helmet all the time—only when they are at "work." Charlie is mixed, looking more like their father: a Hispanic migrant farmworker reported to the authorities by the mother after learning of the pregnancy. They got the long dark brown wavy hair, hazel eyes, and a Spanish accent that didn't please their white mother and father-in-law. Having grown up in the Inland Empire, Charlie got somewhat used to the heat and still wears all-black outfits—similar ones that they wear to protests held to demand justice in the unjust and corrupt city of Neon Miami. And in addition, they also partake in marches and riots that call for the end to the "corporatist hellhole strangling the working people of life, freedom, and happiness—all thanks to capitalism and a money-driven world that doesn't care about its essential workers."

Psychological Profile
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Charlie Puckett-Sáenz is an oblivious follower, but they aren't blindly loyal or stupid towards a group or individual. To them, having trust in strangers at the get-go is stupid and leaves them valuable of being hurt—emotionally and physically. That is one of the reasons why they wear the helmet besides protecting his identity from the authorities. But, they keep it on until they're either alone or with people that he truly trusts. During their time in the Lips, Charlie felt comfortable enough to take it off in their headquarter. And now, they only take it off around their boyfriend, an active member of the same gang. They still haven't taken the helmet off around members of the Royals.

Trust issues aside, Charlie is relatively social and active within the community (something you wouldn't expect in a person like them). They spend their time around Little Havana, despite being Caras Rojas controlled territory, and with members of the Lips (still has good relations with them). With Overton and other communities "fucked over by corporations," they are found spending time in the far-left group, Misfits, that provides mutual aid programs and support for Neon Miami and the surrounding area. It shows that Charlie is capable of being social towards others, but they still wear the helmet.

According to our own intel, rumors within the criminal world spread that several members of the Lips were considering forming a gang that solely went after corporations and wanted Charlie to be its mastermind. But, plans quickly fell apart when they straight-up rejected the position since it meant taking on a leadership role. In addition, they believe that it's already too late to save the world. The only thing that people can do, in their eyes, is prepared for the inevitable collapse of the world. That depressing, and quite frankly, pessimistic attitude might have been the reason behind joining the Royals after their time in the Lips abruptly ended.

No one knows for certain, but it might have been either the leadership's decision or their choice to leave the gang; however, as stated before, relations between both parties remains positive.

CRIMINAL PAST
_{^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}

Before Charlie Puckett-Sáenz was even born, the world already decided that their life would be shitty. Their own mother, a farmland owner based in Southern California, contracted Customs and Border Protection on a migrant farmworker (their father) that she was having an affair with after he learned of her pregnancy. But instead of admitting the truth, she lied to her own son as soon as they started to ask questions about their father. Her husband, the father-in-law, had always despised Charlie for being a "bastard" and made his hatred clear with them.

The Puckett-Sáenz family always had issues, but things escalated when the 2006–08 drought in the southeastern region of America rear its ugly head. It crippled the farming industry in California and forced countless to shut down for good, including the Puckett-Sáenz farm and home. That forced the entire family to move to Los Angeles in search of work and affordable housing. But then, the stock market crash of 2008 happened and permanently ruined a once-respected family. Charlie's mother turned to alcohol as a means of coping while the father-in-law was working overnight to make extra money. And during one of the drunken nights, their mother revealed the truth about what she did to their biological father.

A thirteen-year-old Charlie Puckett-Sáenz didn't believe it until their father-in-law confirmed it the following morning. They developed a deep hatred for their mother and the stepfather when he verbally abused Charlie shortly after. That transferred into poor grades and a negative attitude during eighth grade and their high school years. But they didn't do anything illegal until his sophomore year: Grand Theft Auto. It was their attempt to get in the Rascals, an infamous gang based in the area that Charlie lived. At the age of fifteen, they were sent to juvenile for eighteen months.

And when he was released and returned home, his mother and stepfather "disciplined" Charlie by beating them with a belt. That event left them traumatized and permanently sealed his hatred for his family along with a desire to leave home. And they got their wish when they were kicked out shortly after high school despite not being eighteen. Instead of reporting to the authorities, Charlie was more than happy to leave and began anew as a drifter. For five years, they traveled across the country and barely stayed in the same for more than a month. That all changed when they found themselves in Neon Miami.

While walking around Little Havana one evening, Charlie stumbled upon a gay nightclub and discovered a gay couple being harassed. They couldn't avoid the harassment and dealt the tormentors with ease after one of the homophobic dudes threw a punch. The couple told the story of their hero to everyone, including the owner of the nightclub. And before leaving town, Charlie was tracked down and offered work as the nightclub's bouncer by the owner. They agreed to the job offer because they wanted to settle down; but, unknown to them, the owner was a part of the Lips. And when he did an excellent job at keeping the peace, he recommended Charlie's services to them.

Charlie, understanding what the Lips do for LGBT+ individuals (like themselves), accepted and was welcomed to the gang. Eventually, they became an enforcer and often acted as a getaway driver here and there. It was where they got the nickname, Bombera (Fireguard), for their brutal strength in defending anyone that needed protection. And they were willing to get their fists bloody to prove a point for the Lips. The gang also allowed them to give back to the community after realizing what type of hellhole cities like Neon Miami had become thanks to corporations and capitalism. That got the attention of their current lover, Rhys Barnes, and both of them began dating around a year ago.

And yet, despite the good in their life coming from the Lips, Charlie unexpectedly left and moved elsewhere. Even their boyfriend was caught off-guard by the news. No one knew the reason behind the departure, and the gang's leadership (and Charlie themselves) refused to comment on it. That was why the rumor blew up within the criminal world. Without any care for the world, they sought a small to a medium-sized gang to join and found out about the Royals. They offered their services as an enforcer (and getaway driver on the side), and it was accepted. Ever since seeking them out, Charlie has been a mysterious member of the Royals with their helmet on at all times.

SKILLS & EQUIPMENT
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_SKILLS:

Bombera (Fireguard) | Charlie can take on someone tough after learning how to fight so high school bullies left them alone. That talent got the attention of the Lips and earned them a spot in the gang. To make sure that they aren't replaced, they took boxing lessons to improve their fighting form. In addition, they have learned weapon handling to be extra safe from rival gang members and other prejudiced individuals.
Hackerman | Recently, as of five months, Charlie began pursuing hacking as an alternative means of earning extra money. And as means of getting back at corporations by hacking into their systems and messing it up for the executives. But, they haven't dared hacked any corporation yet. Instead, they are focused on mastering the basics before moving forward to advanced learning.
Solidarity for the Oppressed | The struggling citizens (along with the oppressed) that received Charlie's aid only know them as someone that genuinely cares for "the ignored." Only some in the Misfits know of their involvement in the criminal world; however, they turn a blind eye to it due to how involved Charlie is within the community. All of them agree that their world would be worst off without their services.
Fading Manifesto | Charlie believes that corporations and capitalism are responsible for the world falling apart. They were once driven to bring forth change through partaking in protests and marches for the Misfits. However, as weeks became months, they realized that perhaps change must be forced upon those responsible by the people that the system mistreats. Such a shift of thinking needs to be watched thoroughly.

_EQUIPMENT:

Helmet | A helmet that's designed to look robotic and fit Charlie's head. It offers efficient protection of their head from objects that are thrown. And, of course, it protects their identity from both rival gangs and the authorities. It isn't indestructible equipment, but it's strong enough to receive a beating before it starts to bend. Unfortunately, nobody knows how Charlie managed to get their hands on it. And they aren't telling any time soon.
Retractable Baton | An MPD issued retractable baton stolen from a drunken officer that passed out while on duty. Charlie has learned how to use it with such skill and finesse that it even impressed some officers. They keep it on them at all times to be safe. Meanwhile, a disciplinary hearing was held for the officer, and he received an unpaid suspension. But he wasn't fired at the cost of a demotion.

OTHER
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Charlie hasn't been to college and doesn't plan on attending in the near future.

Mao Mao's Test & Stash Zone

Connected to Yerba Buena Island and Interstate 80, Treasure Island stood proudly as one of the country's first artificial islands. Previously the nearby island, Yerba Buena, was used as a training station during the Great War. Then, it closed down and left abandoned for decades. That was until millionaire Lewis Harrison proposed plans of a "miniature city" as a solution to San Francisco's recent population boom. Originally, there were only a handful of backers due to the rise of the Marincello development project. However, the McWilliams administration took notice of the proposal and invited Harrison to the White House.

After private talks on the matter, an agreement was reached between both parties with the government assisting in the construction of the artificial island. But then, the administration ended abruptly with President McWilliams' assassination in 1939. With the new Lindbergh administration, the agreement ended up being void and the government straight up took up the land. Lewis sued the government for taking his privately owned land without cause, but the lawsuit was tossed out in a year. Meanwhile, the United States Navy moved in to secure the land and build a naval testing facility for submarines. It still functioned like any other naval base, but with the Japanese threat growing, the Pacific Fleet needed to prepare for possible war.

Thus, Treasure Island Naval Base was born.

Officials began moving to the man-made island almost two years, but testing didn't begin until a year ago. One of those people was General Patrick Noel. Patrick joined the military right after his own father, a Great War veteran, was arrested during the Great Cleansing. He had a lot to prove to his superiors, who feared that he was like his traitorous father. And that hard work and determination earned him the rank of General. Now, his services were needed to protect their only colony in Asia: the Philippines. Governor-General Norman Merino-Lowe requested reinforcements after Japanese forces took the Dutch city of Soerabaja.

Patrick honestly didn't give two shit about some backwater colony; however, the American government cared enough to approve the Governor-General's request. The former Spanish colony was still rich with mineral resources essential to the "continued development of the United States." Of course, it was also useful to keep an eye on both China and Japan in case they were planning something sinister against America. Losing the colony island would put the country at a serious disadvantage, leaving only Hawaii as the major naval base in the Pacific.

However, high command didn't care about how Patrick felt about the assignment. They expected him to follow through or face the consequences. And based on what happened to his own father after being punished, Patrick understood it was stupid to resist. But it meant telling his wife the bad news. She assumed that the naval base was going to be relaxed work until his retirement. And now, her husband was a heartfelt letter instead of telling her in person. Whilst finishing off the letter, Patrick got a knock on the door.

"The ship is ready to depart in a few minutes, general." the voice on the other side announced.

"I will be there in a few." Patrick responded and then waited a second before sighing. He processed to finish the letter and sealed it up in an envelope. Then, he departed for the post office located near the docks. The USS Benham was waiting nearby when the general entered inside. There weren't a ton of people inside besides the workers. He made his way to the PO box and then processed to drop the envelope before leaving without saying anything to the clerk. Outside, he took in a deep breath and then marched his way towards the destroyer.

Mao Mao's Test & Stash Zone

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

_{June 10th, 1955}

Departure

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_{Treasure Island Navy Base, San Francisco}

Connected to Yerba Buena Island and Interstate 80, Treasure Island stood proudly as one of the country's first artificial islands. Previously the nearby island, Yerba Buena, was used as a training station during the Great War. Then, it closed down and left abandoned for decades. That was until millionaire Lewis Harrison proposed plans of a "miniature city" as a solution to San Francisco's recent population boom. Initially, there were only a handful of backers due to the rise of the Marincello development project. However, the McWilliams administration took notice of the proposal and invited Harrison to the White House.

After private talks on the matter, an agreement was reached between both parties, with the government assisting in constructing the artificial island. But then, the administration ended abruptly with President McWilliams' assassination in 1939. With the new Lindbergh administration, the agreement ended up being void, and the government straight-up took up the land. Lewis sued the government for taking his privately owned land without cause, but the lawsuit was tossed out in a year. Meanwhile, the United States Navy moved in to secure the land and build a naval testing facility for submarines. It still functioned like any other naval base, but with the Japanese threat growing, the Pacific Fleet needed to prepare for possible war.

Thus, Treasure Island Naval Base was born.

Officials began moving to the artificial island almost two years, but testing didn't start until a year ago. One of those people was General Patrick Noel. Patrick joined the military right after his own father, a Great War veteran, was arrested during the Great Cleansing. He had a lot to prove to his superiors, who feared that he was like his traitorous father. And that hard work and determination earned him the rank of General. Now, his services were needed to protect their only colony in Asia: the Philippines. Governor-General Norman Merino-Lowe requested reinforcements after Japanese forces took the Dutch city of Soerabaja.

Patrick honestly didn't give two shit about some backwater colony; however, the American government cared enough to approve the Governor-General's request. The former Spanish colony was still rich with mineral resources essential to the "continued development of the United States." Of course, it was also valuable to keep an eye on both China and Japan in case they were planning something sinister against America. Losing the colony island would put the country at a severe disadvantage, leaving only Hawaii as the significant naval base in the Pacific.

However, high command didn't care about how Patrick felt about the assignment. They expected him to follow through or face the consequences. And based on what happened to his own father after being punished, Patrick understood it was stupid to resist. But it meant telling his wife the bad news. She assumed that the naval base was going to be easy sailings until his retirement. And now, her husband was a heartfelt letter instead of telling her in person. While finishing off the letter, Patrick got a knock on the door.

"The ship is ready to depart in a few minutes, sir." the voice on the other side announced.

"I will be there in a few." Patrick responded and then waited a second before sighing. He processed to finish the letter and sealed it up in an envelope. Then, he departed for the post office located near the docks. The USS Benham was waiting nearby when the general entered inside. There weren't a ton of people inside besides the workers. He made his way to the PO box and then processed to drop the envelope before leaving without saying anything to the clerk. Outside, he took in a deep breath and then marched his way towards the destroyer.

---

_{Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes Estates}

Melvin Merrill exited out of the vehicle and walked quickly towards the door of Don Xabier Giménez's manor. He didn't know much about architecture, but it was clearly inspired by villas you would find in Spain and Portugal. Still, it was impressive compared to his place down in Northridge. He made his way to the entrance and saw one of Xabier's bodyguards taking a brief smoke break. Before he had the chance to speak, the bodyguard toss his cigar to the ground and crushed it beneath his boot.

"Why are you here? Weren't you told that the boss is busy planning his daughter's quinceañera?"

"I was, but" Melvin responded and then held up the suitcase. "I won't be here if it wasn't urgent. A gram of coke is inside, found it in Howard's club on Cardiff. Told me that he got it from Delbert."

<"Shit.">

World of Light

Hey, I am wondering if I could rejoin this roleplay with a different character (tho I might replay Roadhog assuming he isn't being used)?

Precipice Of War: The Reboot of a Reboot

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

_{July 12th, 1955}

A NEW MORNING

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_{Big Bend National Park // US-Mexico Border}

"<Run faster!>" a man cried out in pure terror while escorting his co-workers towards safety. There were fleeing from a couple of White Americans driving a custom jeep with the USBP emblem on the front doors. It was clear that they weren't working for Border Patrol because they lacked the uniform. However, it didn't mean they weren't sponsored, given one of their jeeps was being used. All of the white men were carrying some sort of loaded weapon with them. But, they weren't looking for wild animals to hunt.

The cattleman still was running away from them, but it was clear that the threat was catching up. He kept on running even as his legs were slowly giving in. Then, he felt a bullet going through his leg and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The jeep came to a stop in front of him, and the white men began exiting out with excitement. It did, however, gave his co-workers enough time to possibly hide from the white terrorists. One of the white men got up close to the wounded man and stabbed his lit cigarette into the bullet wound for seemingly no reason. "That's what you get for stealing our cattle."

"No stealin-"

Another white man looked down at the worker and spit at him. "What a dirty liar."

"We should just leave him for the coyotes." An older white man said while holding the rifle that injured the worker.

"Nah, we got to send a message to these thieves..." The young white man stopped himself as he noticed someone, or rather something, approaching them in the distance. "What the-"

Before he had the chance to finish the sentence, a bullet permanently silenced him and left behind a hole in his forehead. The other men started to panic at the sight of their dead friends and randomly opened fire around them. They didn't attempt to flee until another of their colleagues was killed on the spot; however, one of them thought of doing something bold. With his friend's blood on his shirt, the white man placed his foot on the neck of the cattleman and pulled out a pistol. That was when he issued his ultimatum. "Show yourself, or this bean-bandit gets it!"

The man pulled back on the hammer of his pistol. "I mean it!"

In the distance, a figure appeared from a boulder with his hands up in the airs. Then, they made their way towards them with their weapons in holsters. As they got closer towards them, it was clear that they were a cowboy if their attire wasn't clear enough. And holding onto a silver revolver in their right hand. In an instant, a single shot rang out as the ring finger and pinkie of the white man's hand were blown off. Before he had the chance to speak, the cowboy unloaded his handgun at the man while the cattleman watched in horror.

Then, it ran out of bullets.

The cowboy began reloading his revolver while minding their business; however, they glanced over at the cattleman and peeked at the wound. "<Will you be alright?>"

"<Y-yes. I should have enough time to make it back home before it gets worst.>" The cattleman was surprised that the stranger spoke Spanish fluently. But before he had the chance to ask about it, another vehicle was approaching them; and unlike the wannabes lying dead, the goons were actual border patrol agents armed with military-grade weapons and looking for blood. When he looked at the cowboy, he noticed that the individual was holding onto a small black notebook and keys.

"<Take the jeep.>" The cowboy threw the keys at him and then pointed at some rocks in the distance. "<Go and get to your friends hiding behind the boulders there. I will handle them.>"

The cattleman nodded and made his way to the jeep with the keys on hand. There was so much that he wanted to know about his hero. But, it was clear that time was running out. He started the jeep up and stared at the cowboy for possibly the last time. "<Thank you.>"

There was no response other than a simple nod from the cowboy. As the cattleman drove away and heading towards the boulders, his mind was overwhelmed by everything that happened to him today. But before he had the time to process them, a series of gunshots echoed across the desert and then died out in an instant. The cattleman wasn't planning on stopping after that, but he needed to know his hero's fate for that brief gunfight. Instead, he saw something that was astonishing and unbelievable in the distance: the cowboy standing over the wounded border patrol agents with the revolver in his holster.

---

Crisis of the Confederacy [Sci-Fi Warlords in a crumbling state]

---

SHINING PATH

_{March 15, 2259}

A NEW DAWN

---

_{Hidden Location, Frontier Post}

Earth was destroyed. That was what the local media was declaring in a breaking news segment. All across Frontier Post, thousands of people were devastated since they considered Earth to be their second home. In fact, some people had a vacation house on the planet. Even known there were no reports of survivors (at the moment), dozens gathered at the administration building seeking out answers regarding Earth. Some of them had family and friends on the planet, while others were more worried about any property destroyed in the nuclear war. For now, the governing body of Frontier Post is keeping peace in the area with help from the authorities.

Meanwhile, in the corporate world, the Confederation Stock Exchange collapsed in a matter of seconds after the news spread. Frontier Post was hit especially hard given that several dozen companies had offices on Earth along with workers and high-ranking personnel. But, there were a lucky few companies that received little to no blowback from the devastating news. For example, Airwave still had its CEO and CFO because their offices were here rather than on Earth. Unfortunately, they weren't spare the adverse effects of the stock exchange collapse. Currently, the Financial District is in a state of panic, with authorities dispatched to prevent any more suicides from taking place.

Then, there were the protestors at Elliot Square. News of the short nuclear annihilation and the stock market's total collapse spread like wildfire across the square. And then, it made its way to members of the Shining Path, specifically the leader, Zhan Yijun. Zhan, realizing that this was their moment to strike, ordered an emergency meeting with his comrades to address the apparent crisis facing the Federation and Frontier Post. Without Earth and the Solar System, the major trading planet would face hardship for a long time economically and politically. And while the authorities were distracted with other matters, Zhan had plans to occupy Elliot Square and the surrounding areas.

It included the headquarters of Airwave, a corporation responsible for producing drones of different varieties. Rumors spread for months that a private underground factory existed and producing military-grade drones for the Federation. But, the only way to find out if the rumors were true was to storm the headquarters and find access. Meanwhile, Amalia Hart and her group of fighters planned on seizing control of the nearby police station to use as a base of operation for the Shining Path. Only when the area around Elliot Square was safe and secured is when Zhan will be able to process with the next phase involving establishing contact with General Jugan Lao.

---

Mao Mao's Test & Stash Zone

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WONDER WOMAN

^{"FATE OF THEMISCYRA"}

_{January 1st, 1968}

First Day

---

_{Themiscyra, Samsun Province}

It took a few minutes to carry all of the equipment to the acropolis, which was still remarkably intact compared to the others (with the expectation of the Acropolis of Athens). If it wasn't for Diana, it would've taken a whole day, and a sizable moving crew, to set up a base of operations without ruining the ancient site. The Acropolis of Themiscyra was the highest citadel built, but it was smaller than the ones in Assos and Pergamon. And not to mention, much of the structures were left undisturbed including a fairly large temple that caught Diana's attention. A foreign, yet familiar, smell was luring her towards the decrepit structure.

"This way."

---

Mao Mao's Test & Stash Zone

---

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

_{July 12th, 1955}

A NEW MORNING

---

_{Big Bend National Park // US-Mexico Border}

"<Run faster!>" a man cried out in pure terror while escorting his co-workers towards safety. There were fleeing from a couple of White Americans driving a custom jeep with the USBP emblem on the front doors. It was clear that they weren't working for Border Patrol because they lacked the uniform. However, it didn't mean they weren't sponsored, given one of their jeeps was being used. All of the white men were carrying some sort of loaded weapon with them. But, they weren't looking for wild animals to hunt.

The cattleman still was running away from them, but it was clear that the threat was catching up. He kept on running even as his legs were slowly giving in. Then, he felt a bullet going through his leg and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The jeep came to a stop in front of him, and the white men began exiting out with excitement. It did, however, gave his co-workers enough time to possibly hide from the white terrorists. One of the white men got up close to the wounded man and stabbed his lit cigarette into the bullet wound for seemingly no reason. "That's what you get for stealing our cattle."

"No stealin-"

Another white man looked down at the worker and spit at him. "What a dirty liar."

"We should just leave him for the coyotes." An older white man said while holding the rifle that injured the worker.

"Nah, we got to send a message to these thieves..." The young white man stopped himself as he noticed someone, or rather something, approaching them in the distance. "What the-"

Before he had the chance to finish the sentence, a bullet permanently silenced him and left behind a hole in his forehead. The other men started to panic at the sight of their dead friends and randomly opened fire around them. They didn't attempt to flee until another of their colleagues was killed on the spot; however, one of them thought of doing something bold. With his friend's blood on his shirt, the white man placed his foot on the neck of the cattleman and pulled out a pistol. That was when he issued his ultimatum. "Show yourself, or this bean-bandit gets it!"

The man pulled back on the hammer of his pistol. "I mean it!"

In the distance, a figure appeared from a boulder with his hands up in the airs. Then, they made their way towards them with their weapons in holsters. As they got closer towards them, it was clear that they were a cowboy if their attire wasn't clear enough. And holding onto a silver revolver in their right hand. In an instant, a single shot rang out as the ring finger and pinkie of the white man's hand were blown off. Before he had the chance to speak, the cowboy unloaded his handgun at the man while the cattleman watched in horror.

Then, it ran out of bullets.

The cowboy began reloading his revolver while minding their business; however, they glanced over at the cattleman and peeked at the wound. "<Will you be alright?>"

"<Y-yes. I should have enough time to make it back home before it gets worst.>" The cattleman was surprised that the stranger spoke Spanish fluently. But before he had the chance to ask about it, another vehicle was approaching them; and unlike the wannabes lying dead, the goons were actual border patrol agents armed with military-grade weapons and looking for blood. When he looked at the cowboy, he noticed that the individual was holding onto a small black notebook and keys.

"<Take the jeep.>" The cowboy threw the keys at him and then pointed at some rocks in the distance. "<Go and get to your friends hiding behind the boulders there. I will handle them.>"

The cattleman nodded and made his way to the jeep with the keys on hand. There was so much that he wanted to know about his hero. But, it was clear that time was running out. He started the jeep up and stared at the cowboy for possibly the last time. "<Thank you.>"

There was no response other than a simple nod from the cowboy. As the cattleman drove away and heading towards the boulders, his mind was overwhelmed by everything that happened to him today. But before he had the time to process them, a series of gunshots echoed across the desert and then died out in an instant. The cattleman wasn't planning on stopping after that, but he needed to know his hero's fate for that brief gunfight. Instead, he saw something that was astonishing and unbelievable in the distance: the cowboy standing over the wounded border patrol agents.

---

Mao Mao's Test & Stash Zone

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PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

_{January 15th, 1991}

EMPRESS OF KOREA

---

_{Classified Location, Taipei}

The occasional screams of desperation kept Shao Kun awake for hours. He heard the sounds all around him

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Mao Mao's Test & Stash Zone

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SHINING PATH

_{March 15, 2259}

A NEW DAWN

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_{Hidden Location, Frontier Post}

Earth was destroyed. That was what the local media was declaring in a breaking news segment. All across Frontier Post, thousands of people were devastated since they considered Earth to be their second home. In fact, some people had a vacation house on the planet. Even known there were no reports of survivors (at the moment), dozens gathered at the administration building seeking out answers regarding Earth. Some of them had family and friends on the planet, while others were more worried about any property destroyed in the nuclear war. For now, the governing body of Frontier Post is keeping peace in the area with help from the authorities.

Meanwhile, in the corporate world, the Confederation Stock Exchange collapsed in a matter of seconds after the news spread. Frontier Post was hit especially hard given that several dozen companies had offices on Earth along with workers and high-ranking personnel. But, there were a lucky few companies that received little to no blowback from the devastating news. For example, Airwave still had its CEO and CFO because their offices were here rather than on Earth. Unfortunately, they weren't spare the adverse effects of the stock exchange collapse. Currently, the Financial District is in a state of panic, with authorities dispatched to prevent any more suicides from taking place.

Then, there were the protestors at Elliot Square. News of the short nuclear annihilation and the stock market's total collapse spread like wildfire across the square. And then, it made its way to members of the Shining Path, specifically the leader, Zhan Yijun. Zhan, realizing that this was their moment to strike, ordered an emergency meeting with his comrades to address the apparent crisis facing the Federation and Frontier Post. Without Earth and the Solar System, the major trading planet would face hardship for a long time economically and politically. And while the authorities were distracted with other matters, Zhan had plans to occupy Elliot Square and the surrounding areas.

It included the headquarters of Airwave, a corporation responsible for producing drones of different varieties. Rumors spread for months that a private underground factory existed and producing military-grade drones for the Federation. But, the only way to find out if the rumors were true was to storm the headquarters and find access. Meanwhile, Amalia Hart and her group of fighters planned on seizing control of the nearby police station to use as a base of operation for the Shining Path. Only when the area around Elliot Square was safe and secured is when Zhan will be able to process with the next phase involving establishing contact with General Jugan Lao.

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