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Bellum Numquam Mutat

Paulo Jon Frances

In the 2040s, where technology boomed and nearly everything evil has disappeared, were people who wanted to disrupt that peace time. Earth had survived the recession, and advancement was a common term used by everyone at that time. Poverty was at an absolute low, jobs were easy to find, and money was prosperous. The only thing wrong with life though is that it was not always fair. Around the start of the prosperity time, an extremely secretive group called Omega Inc. which is made of people who work toward achieving filling the world with evil and take over it just like any other evildoer, but there was one characteristic that made them have an advantage over the failed corrupt organizations. Their cleverness, self-control, and humbleness gave them an edge on their plan which was called the Lucifer plan named after their leader. It was created to start conspiracies and plots to carry the nations to the brink of war, and then give them the last, devastating nudge to bring the world to nuclear destruction. Just like computers, phones, appliances, and etc, they became simpler, plentiful, and this was the same thing for nuclear weapons. Even though the missiles and bombs have abnormally grown to a destructive state, they have been controlled under extremely high security hidden in bunkers unless notified to open. During 2045, the Lucifer plan had succeeded, the United Nations has been disbanded, and every country has pulled out their heavy artillery. Many citizens were worried for their safety. A computer engineer, called Flynt Mordecai, brought back a forgotten invention called the vault, but the only modification he made was expanding the size of it for a very high amount of people. Mr. Mordecais plan was to construct vaults around the world to secure safety. He hired many construction workers and purchased lots of expensive building equipment. At 2047, he finished all the vaults in the United States, and now the other people are awaiting his army of builders to expand their vaults.

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But suddenly, everyone saw or heard the global warning of the incoming bombs coming to destroy every city in every nation, so the U.S. citizens rushed toward their vaults while others sprinted for cover. Thousands of crowds of thousands of people flooded the streets. As soon as everyone bunkered in their vaults, they heard the cartoonish sound of bombs dropping shaking the ground beneath them. Their lives were forever sealed in those vaults, kept in hole in the ground like a rabbit in a hole except these bunnies werent coming out. Then his new life began, in his vault, Vault 69. Flynt soon became the head scientist of Vault 69, his vault. He lived with his son, Juan Mordecai, and his wife, Freya. Juan was born on June 9, 2053. He is the teen who is portrayed as the shy, smart one. The only person that lights up his world is Avery Jeanne who is the first friend he ever had, since he had entered Vault 69. She is the same age as him, and Avery cares for him and walks nearly everywhere with him to keep him company. That is my life in this vault. Thats all she wrote before she died, Juan, quietly said Flynt Mordecai after he finished reading the last page of Moms diary. ok, I mumbled to myself with slight tears coming down my face. We kept quiet to ourselves and left the collation after everyone else left. As my Father left, I took a little detour to the coffin. Then I took a long stare at my mothers beautiful face, and then the terrifying, depressing flashback came to me. At the vaults court trial, my mom was accused of sabotaging our air supply which resulted in the death of 5 people. Dad and I in our hearts knew she didnt do it, but others didnt feel the same way. They let anger obstruct their mind of common sense and proof. Our vaults specialists checked the crime scene and tried to search for any evidence that would work toward or against my mother. Alas, all the evidence proved she had done it. Dad and I were devastated, not by the accusation, but by the courts rule of her punishment, death. The

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court had sympathy for her because they hadnt believed it because she was such a caring person, but she had to pay for what the evidence proves, so they let her pick her way of death. Mom wanted to die out on the real worlds soil to experience the sun and the world as it was after all the destruction. Even though the court had given it consideration, they heavily forbid for anyone to leave the vault under any circumstances. Mom was saddened, but then she had asked, Can I die in my bed in my sleep next to my family? Can I at least have that? With no hesitation, they allowed it. At evening, my mom slowly walked to her quarters with Dad and I. Everyone was crying except Mom. Mom, why arent you crying? I silently asked her as we entered. I get to die with my loved ones, not by some electric-chair, she had said with a minor smile on her tearless face. As she had lay down, our tears nearly had came to a puddle, but we had held ourselves together like a real family should. Before she died, by an overdose of old morphine, she had wanted us to tell us her goodbyes and tell ours and tell to her her favorite bible verse, Revelation 21:6. Dad and I proudly had told all her all things we loved about her and the great times, and mother did the same thing. She had wanted her son to tell her the verse. I had proudly done that. "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life, I had recited gently but loud enough for my mom. Then my dad had offered to do the job of giving her the dose. It was a pretty big syringe, and I had wondered what the morphine and syringe was really used before. I love you, my dad had whispered into her ear as he gave her the dose.

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Te amo, Mom had replied as she drifted off to her forever sleep. I hadnt taken enough Latin classes to understand, but deep in my heart I can tell she said, I love you. Then I came back to reality, and I met Dad back at our quarters. We had moved our living spaces because our old one had too many memories, depressing ones. During my sleep, nightmares haunted my mind. As my alarm screeched in my ear this morning, it clearly emphasized it was October 21, 2069 with its emanating glow of neon green. In my head, I knew it was going to be one of those school days where nothing happens, no one talks to you, and everybody around you is happy, but Ive been used to that for a while. Same stuff, different day is what I had told myself. The only thing that can cheer up my day is to give a friendly hello to Avery Jeanne. Even though she hangs out with all the popular people, she always has enough time to waste an hour or so with me. In math, we had done our usual routine to tell her the correct answers, and Avery volunteers to answer the question. This is some type of commensalism where one is benefitted but the other is not harmed. She keeps her B+ average for participation, and I kept my A average for just being correct. I came home early because Avery had not needed tutoring for that big test the next day. People didnt need to study for it; its a test where we get to see what kind of job well get after high school. On test day, Ill probably am going to be some engineer or scientist just like my father, I considered to myself. Speaking of Dad, at the door I heard whispers of my dads friend, Lilith, and Dad were talking about someone named Jefferson. I nonchalantly propped open the door to walk in, and Dad suddenly said, Why are you here so early? I responded, I dont need to tutor Avery today.

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Isnt that the girl who hangs out with you all the time? Lilith asked. Yeah, I reply while Im looking at the ground shyly. After we were done talking, I dragged myself and my books into my room. What made Dad so surprised that I came home so early? I came home early before. And why was Lilith there? I only see her at the labs. There are so many questions and too much time, I thought to myself. In the end, I decided to set out to the labs upstairs to uncover some information about it. It was 11:05 PM, and Dad was sound asleep. Before I started school, Dad suggested that I should know the pass code to the labs. With that in mind, I stealthily tip-toed across the room and treaded the hallways. I used the stairs for my expedition because it was obvious to use something that doesnt cause a clamor throughout the whole floor. After awhile, I questioned myself of why I am doing this, and I replied to myself that I was infiltrating the lab for satisfying my curiosity and rejuvenating the side of me that adores adventures. I had finally reached the labs and inputted the pass code in which was 21669, of course because it was the combination of Moms bible verse and our vault number. As I crossed the glistening floors of Mordecai Laboratories, as clarified by the plague the entrance, I caught sight of my objective, Dads office. I opened the door by a little to let enough space for me to enter, and then the exploration of evidence began. I searched everywhere until I found two maps of some type of land. On the clear, neat one, it had shown the map of a country called United States of America, and it was also very green and blue. The other one though had the same structure, but it was called Eversio Solum, and its coloration was all covered in brown and the water had looked polluted. That was all that I couldve gotten out of Dads office, so I quickly dashed backed to my room. There were no suspicions that I left without call, and relief relaxed me.

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Next morning, I awoke to not my alarm but the emergency ones in the halls. As I lifted my heavy eyelids, I saw Avery hovering over me. Wake up! Wake up! she exclaimed loud and clear in my ears. What happened? I exclaimed back at her. The vaults head honcho, Jon Pendygraft, ordered the entire guard force to kill Lilith and your father! One more thing, your dad left the vault. I dont know how, but he did it, she explained. Then we need to reach the labs as fast as possible, I offered. I thought the same thing, she replied. We rushed down the hallways while covering our ears to block out the blaring sounds of the alarms and panic. As we catch sight of multiple guards exiting the elevator, our heads nodded at each other as we glanced at those stairs next to us. The doors to the lab were open, so I wasnt in need to punch in the code. Where would Lilith be?! Avery angrily shouted. Lets check my Dads office, I proposed to calm her down a few notches. Amusingly every door was open except Dads, so it was obvious that this was the way. Checking if the maps were still there, but of course, the brown one was not to be seen. I guessed that Dad was on some type of trip to do something above ground for some out-of-theworld reason. In a few minutes, Avery spotted the button hidden beneath the crevice of our family painting and did not hesitate to push it. Suddenly an automated voice asked us for a voice confirmation. It said to recite 21:6 at that moment, or security will be alerted. Since the guards were already coming, there was nothing to lose. I announced to the unknown voice the bible verse, hoping that my voice was close enough to Dads. It had found it valid, and I was relieved. Son, I hope that youll be able to hear this message. By listening to this, I think you already know that I left Vault 69 with Lilith to revive

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our old plans. I know youll understand my intentions. My leaving will not be in vain, the speaker near the button had announced. It mustve been a message that your dad prepared before he left. Im sorry that you didnt know, Avery assured to me. Its all good cus Im going to find Dad, no matter whats in my way, I boldly said. Youre crazy! Avery shouted. It may be reckless, but Ill be ready, I told her. No one has ever been outside of this vault ever in their whole lives! Avery again shouted. You cant stop me from me following my dads footsteps, I added, and its time for me to leave my old self and start anew. Your new life out there is going to be hard and painful, she uttered, so Im coming with you. Let us not tarry for long, I wisely stated with a determined face on. We waited for the hidden door to slide open. Dust also pried its way through. We charged through it and caught glance of the ominous vault door. The door looked like a gear which I guessed slides out of its position to open. I walked toward the control panel; unusually it was just one simple lever, and pulled it. As the giant gear slid out of place, Avery heard someone coming down the corridor we came down. She and I backed away as we waited while keeping an open eye on the person approaching us. Finally Vault 69s door has opened, but Lilith came out of the corridor and shouted, Run! Mr. Pendygraft is comin- A pistol bullet was shot right at her back. I didnt see the bullet, but Avery and I caught the sound of the bullet and regarded of much pain she was in. Her body cascaded on the floor, right when Jon Pendygraft came out to greet us. Hello there, he creepily addressed with his crooked teeth and ratty old, pale skin.

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What do you want with us? Avery loudly questioned. I want you two to die but to the looks of it you are already going straight to your doom, Mr. Pendygraft answered. What? I simply asked. You know the scorched wasteland out there beyond that metal gate that used to separate the secure and the unsafe until your dad caused this crisis, he responded with a stern voice. Well you like it or not, we are going out there, Avery said proudly. Sure go on ahead, but you better not show up in here ever again though, if you do, youll best be lookin like your ol friend, Lilith, he laughed with most evil of smiles on his face. As soon as we finished dealing with him, we trekked out of the cave that this vault had been built in and glimpsed at the wooden door. Without hesitation, we pushed the door aside to take in the sights of our new challenge. The enormous light-bulb in the sky was blinding our eyes. As we adjusted our eyesight to our new environment, we finally saw what the world is really of. It actually looked like a scorched wasteland that was ravaged by bomb. So this is America, Avery said silently. It was America, but after you know all this happened, its name turned into Eversio Solum, I corrected. Eversio Solum that translates to, in Latin, to Destruction Country, she responds. No wonder, I mumbled to myself. We quickly jogged down the jagged streets looking for some type of clue of my dads whereabouts. First we should find some type of shelter and food, I declared. Okay then, Avery quietly said.

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After about an hour, we caught sight of a make-shift town. As Avery and I approached, the sign somewhat tried to resemble the name, Fort Knoxford. As we approached it, a group of bandits jumped out of the nearby forest which isnt really a forest in the first place. Gimme all your money or someone is going to end up dead, one of them demanded. We were speechless and too petrified to move. Back away or someone is gettin hurt, Avery replied. What are you gonna to do, you got no weapons on you? the other bandit back-talked. He got us there; we forgot to bring some weapons to defend ourselves. I bet Dad wouldve been smart and at least gather some type of gun or melee weapon. Suddenly, a chief-looking guy emerged out of the town. Hey there, you better split, or youre going to get a beating, he sternly said. God darn, its you again, a bandit snarled. You bet, its me, so you better go or do I have to send you to jail like every other time? the chief guy asked. No sir the bandit mumbled. After that they ran back into the woods to retreat, while we stood next to the chief who just saved us. Sorry to be rude, I completely forgot to introduce myself, he asserted to us, My name is Mr. Riggs, and Im the so-called chief of this little, cozy town. Youre not rude, you just saved us right at the right moment, and we should be the ones thanking you, Avery responded. Its just what I do, Mr. Riggs politely replied, Your friend doesnt talk much does he? I only talk when Im supposed to, I said.

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Then its going to look like we are going to get along fine then, I like dem people who dont blurt out random stuff, Mr. Riggs added, Why are you vault dwellers here anyway? Were here to find my dad who left to pursue something, I answered solemnly. I did see some guy walkin in our town askin for directions to the City of the Deep Reach, Mr. Riggs acknowledged, Only one person knew what was he was talking about was Cody Faraci, hes an odd fellow. Can we see him? Avery eagerly asked with lots of expression. Sure, but you better not be startin a ruckus in my city, Mr. Riggs demanded. Yes, sir, Avery and I both retorted. After he told us a few guidelines to follow, he guided us into his city. We took in the sights of his city which was not very large, but good enough for any population in these conditions nowadays. Everything was nearly rusted metal, and the sun must have radiated tons of heat off of them. I guessed this used to be a fort because I can stop a pretty large building in the middle of town that must be used for stockpiling weapons. As soon as the building disappeared at my sight, we somehow ended up at someones run down house which must have been built by someone who really didnt care about their appearances. Mr. Riggs knocked on the door as if he was very angry at that door. Suddenly, Cody Faraci comes out with an annoyed look to his face. Hes holding a raggedy cane with his torn up clothes which looks like they have never ever been washed before. Watchu want?! Cody thundered with his fake teeth hanging out the right side of his face dripping with drool. These fellows wanted to know about the man you talked to about that City of the Deep Reach, Mr. Riggs enthusiastically asked whilst looking at every other direction except at Mr. Faraci.

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Yeah, he was a guy about the size of here Mr. Riggs, and had the same looks like you kiddo, he snarled while he pointed his uncut finfernail at us. How about this City of the Deep Reach? Avery asked with curiosity covering her face. Well, its this place that used to be the nationals capitol, but then it ended up like this place bombed, and it now is being inhabited by the people who lived in the nearby cities because no one survived the bombardment, but the historical monuments have though for some reason, Cody crooned. Why would Dad go there? I asked myself. Well we got a long way there, so we better get started, Avery wearied to me. Whoa there, we should get some supplies first; hey Mr. Riggs is there a place to get hooked up with guns and meds? I consoled. Yeah, Morry can get you some, she always has a large variety of random stuff, Mr. Riggs added. Thanks, guess well see you around, Avery interjected with some hurry in her voice. As we walked down the broken walkways to Morrys store, we took in all the sights of the city again. The rubble that had been used as a wall to protect the seemingly falling town was scorched with the bombs that must have hit this place hard. The somewhat shining, rusted metal that covered the roofs and walls of every house was bent on every possible angle. Cant wait to leave this place, and all its sadness behind us, Avery whispered. I didnt respond to her comment because I was too mesmerized by the destruction that was laid upon these dead lands. Of how much I pitied these people of how they survived without my dads invention to protect them from the nuclear fallout that was bestowed on every corner of the globe.

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We soon had finally reached the store which was named Morrys Market. Alliteration always gets the customers, I thought to myself. I opened the door for Avery not to just be polite but to let her go in first. Im the scared one of doing new things. For I had lived most of my life in my solitary room (which I didnt mind), I had spent my whole life wasting time until something amazing happened, but alas all it would do is send me out to a suicide mission. It isnt much of a suicide mission, but a survival mission because Im able to get supplies and actually live. Avery took a punch at my shoulder and quietly told me that I should get out of dream land and help her out with negotiating with Morry. Why would she need my help? Shes been the leader of this expedition since we left the vault. Even though this trip was on my intentions, she took the lead because she cares for me and wants me to live to see the light and my dad. Im the only one she cares about because her parents were killed in the accident involving my mother. She knew it wasnt my mother that poisoned the air, so she didnt lash out on me. Avery also never had any siblings and neither have I, so you could say that we were brother and sister watching each others backs. Then Avery swung another one at me but it directed to my gut which I had none of. Finally I came up to Morry and tried to use my honeyed words to persuade Morry for a reasonable trade. In the end, we came to a consensus. So as I recall, you want to trade your precious vault tech, for a magnum, magnum rounds, a sniper, sniper rounds, this rifle, and rifle rounds, and some of this Sanacuram which means Healing Cure in Latin if you didnt learn Latin before the world nuked itself, Morry asked. Sanacuram are these little syringes that are supposedly like that morphine that mom used to instantly give a person a boost of energy

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and a moderate boost to muscle and organ repair. In my mind, that is absolutely amazing and astounding, but its common throughout the lands of Eversio Solum, so it is sold at a cheap price. Yeah that is what I am asking for, sir, I politely stated. Fair enough, Morry responded. After we left the crummy little store and its terrible stench of old junk, Mr. Riggs sprinted toward us with wariness showering his face. He had his gun out ready to shoot someone right out of their body. Avery told me that I should wait while she asks him what the hurry is. I bravely told her that I could handle the matter. Fine, she shrugged to me. It was time to take a stand for myself and change my shy, quiet self. There you are, I knew Id find you guys here, you need to help me, the bandits came back with their posy to overtake the firearm stronghold, Mr. Riggs quickly announced to us. Well help you cus its time to pay you back, I proudly said. Ok then, lets take down these bandits a size, Mr. Riggs emphasized back while we were running down the streets toward the building. We caught the tail of the group barging in the stronghold, so we sprinted as fast as we could down the narrow corridors. Then I had nearly ran out of breath, but I knew I had to keep trekking on for my debts had to be re-payed to the man who saved Averys and my life. Soon enough, our trio had reached the base, and we could hear the whispers of the greedy little plans of the misfit bandits. Look at this weapon gold mine, should we explore and take as much as we can? one of them sneered. No, first we are going to gather just enough weapons to fend off the incoming waves of citizens of this town, another smartly replied.

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I agree, the others had mumbled while the activating of guns interrupted their conversation. As soon as we got in, we treaded the floors while the bandits loudly stomped on them. I pulled out my sniper rifle, the chief brought out his monster of a shotgun, and Avery sluggishly came out with her assault rifle. Whyd you pick the sniper? Mr. Riggs asked me with small concern. Well, its long, powerful, and accurate and thats the way I like it, I tacitly acknowledged to him. Then you try to take them off at a distance while your little girlfriend helps me get them up close, Mr. Riggs joked. Good plan, Avery added. I cant believe she didnt interject with that smart-aleck statement from the chief, so it might as well be official that we like each other. But I should not be focusing on my love relationship if there is one, I should be focusing my mind on the real situation right now. Before Mr. Riggs left, he gave us code names, mine is Alpha, his is Romeo, and Averys is Sierra. They charged up the stairwell guns blazing trying to land as many shots as possible while I lay down camping it waiting if they need back-up or not. Surprisingly they hobbled back down it dripping with some patches of blood but not severe enough to cause a bleed out. My eye is in my scope waiting for the hostiles to stupidly come back to pursue their supposedly helpless prey. Eight of the possibly twelve bandits rushed toward them with no clue of an Asian coming down on all of them. I got three collaterals on six of them leaving them straddled on the floor. Then I shot two more in the chest, so they can sleep forever. The rush of accomplishment overcame me, but then suddenly I heard Mr. Riggs yell, Alpha, Sierra, Sierra, Al-. Then the river of Gatling rounds swept by my face like spikes flying at you.

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I immediately sought for cover, and the only place that I couldve found was the nearby dumpster because everything was highly explosive especially by those bullets. To my left, I saw the blank eyes of Mr. Riggs, and the stained sheriff suit he had on. And to my right, I catch sight of Avery trying to come up behind Mr. Gatling Gun. Without any concern of hitting anything astray, I blindly start spraying my sniper from behind the dumpster. In my mind, I thought to myself that this is the stupidest idea in the world, but I somehow chinked off a piece of the gun. Then the Gatling gun jammed, sparks flew, and the bandit had tried to run from it, but alas the explosion of the random bullets coming from the guns deadly canister of rounds splattered everywhere whilst hitting two bandits. I slowly rise from where I hid and try to search for Avery. She was huddling in the corner next to the entrance, and I offer a hand to her and she, of course, accepted. We strolled out of the compound, but then we heard someone screaming inside. I ran back in to see what has happened. All I see is the forgotten bandit strapped with explosives to his chest with a timer which is down to 69 seconds. I yelled to everyone to run as fast as you can out of here. Everybody, leave, the place is going to blow! I exclaimed to the whole town while exiting the weapons stronghold. No one heard me except Avery, not even Cody Faraci or Morry. We hauled ourselves toward the exit of the town. Counting in my head, the place is going to blow itself in about 20 seconds. Nearing the exit, the pictures of all the dead came back in my mind. Lilith, Mr. Riggs, and now this whole city is at its inevitable death with everything inside it. The pictures finally had been swallowed deep in me just like anything else I felt; right when Avery and I exited Fort Knoxford the bombs went off with our bodies flying out. After an hour, I soon gained consciousness to find myself a few meters from the so-called city. My skin was covered in the dust from the fallen city. Then I realized that it would be polite to check if Avery

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made it out alive and well. I peer through the smoke trying to catch a glance of her but with no luck. Suddenly a humongous airship flew by dropping off heavily armored soldiers who were trying to scan the area for living people. I was wrong; they came to see if there were any weapons to be salvaged. According to their blank radars on their wrists, there were no visible weapons to be taken from the rubble. I wondered who they were. Even my eyes were too weak to be kept open. All I couldve seen with my minuscule peripheral vision were six or four soldiers dragging something below their ship. In my opinion, I think there are a bunch of jerks because they didnt care about the survivors just the weapons that used to be stashed in Knoxfords stronghold. Suddenly, they were beamed up as if they were an advanced civilization in which I wouldnt be surprised. In their alien ship of some sort, they literally disappeared in a blink of an eye. After that I took a little nap just for a minute, but it was actually enough time for another spaceship to appear right next to me. It wasnt actually the same strongly built spaceship; it was more of a moderately sized chopper that was built to fit about 20 people aboard. Approximately ten soldiers walked out of it, and they stared at Fort Knoxford or what it used to be. In my awakening, I attempted to lift myself up to find myself as weak as I was when I got blown up. Was it the end of me? But someone had come, the soldiers had seen me, and brought me up to their chopper. Man, these guys are actually good people, I tried to whisper to myself. In this war, we are, what you say, the symbol of the human people for good and peace for all, one of the soldiers stated. I hope so, I added, The other soldiers really didnt give a care if I was dead or alive. Who were they? the soldier raged. I really couldnt tell who they were, but they wore ebony armor, I answered.

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Argon the soldier mumbled to himself. Who are they? I asked with eagerness. Argons are the people who think they are fighting for the people even though they are only killing for their own satisfaction and salvation, another soldier interjected, The so-called president of the old, good U.S., President Fawkes, is the leader of their whole movement; all he is leading is a false movement which is going to drive itself into oblivion. We all know there is no U.S., we made a new country called Eversio Solum because that is what it is a country filled with destruction, another soldier added. Where we goinanyway? I sluggishly asked. Since the Argons blew up the Pentagon, I guess we are flying to the work site, Jefferson Memorial, the driver replied. The word, Jefferson, sparked in my mind. The memories of my time in Vault 69 had come back to me like a lightning striking my body. The talk between Lilith and Dad which included the word Jefferson, must have been connected to this place we were going to. What Luck. Then we came in sight of the memorial; it was pasted with multiple military camps. Half of them were wounded, and a small portion of them were lying dead on the ground next to the camps getting ready to be buried. This is just like the rest of the world, dying and barely surviving. Was my dad trying to stop this? Because it is going to take a long time if thats his goal. I was about to walk off the choppers platform, but the soldier I was talking to grabbed my shoulder. Forgot to introduce myself, the names Adrian Shepard, he said. Mines Juan Mordecai, I replied. Everybodys face lit up with surprise as if they were seeing a god right in front of them. They must know me or something. So youre the son of Flynt, Adrian stated.

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Mhmm, I consoled to him and the whole choppers crew. I guess we need to set up a family reunion, come on, he suggested as he left toward the entrance of the Jefferson Memorial. Happiness started overcoming me, but I held it in with all my might. Showing my childish joy can make me look like coward and a child. We approached the secluded basement, and Adrian just guided my way the whole time. I just met him, he saved my life, and that was enough reason to trust him as a friend. Then we approached a door that was heavily secured, but it only needed a swipe of Adrians card of some sort. I caught a glance at my lost, forgotten dad except he was never lost, he followed his dream and it lead to here for some reason that I need to know. His beard has grown out a lot, his eyes are clearly outlined by the bags under them, and he is still wearing his lab coat that he used to wear at Mordecai Labs. Mr. Mordecai or more like Flynt, we found a fond friend that you might know, Adrian said. Who is it? Dad angrily asked. Why dont you find out yourself Dad, I answered back to him with some joy to my voice. He turned around with confusion on his face, but soon it had turned into a break out of tears just like how he broke out of Vault 69. I too had to relinquish my happiness; the knowledge of knowing that my father is alive can bring anyones spirits up. Im so sorry, it just had to be d-, Dad apologized while tears were still running down his face. You had to do what you had to do, just tell me what your doin and when youre goin to do it, okay? I interrupted. Im glad you understand, and this is what I have been working on, the Jefferson Plan, he responded, and pointed at the project. It was a gigantic machine which was shaped into curls of tubes that ended up into this central chamber which contains radiated water.

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It is also connected to the master computer panel that my Dad was standing beside. I saw tubes like those outside the memorial; they were being submerged into the nearby water by some soldiers. Whats your plan about anyway? I asked him. After the bombs bombarded all the lands, it poisoned the water supply with radiation, and it was a minor dose of it, but just enough to cause an inevitable death, Flynt Mordecai lectured, that is when the Jefferson plan comes in to save the day with this device, this memorial will be able to purify tons of water for everyone. Then why havent you started it up? I said with frustration. Well you see, we need this certain chemical, he bellowed, We tried other that was like it, but the only that will work is the one that the Argons stole during the invasion of the Pentagon. So its still there with them? I questioned. Yep, and we, Sons of Mordecai, are going there to get it back and luckily the HQ also tomorrow in the morning, Adrian answered, This war has been going on for half a decade, and Ive been here since the beginning, but sometimes there is a limit on how much blood a man can get on his hands, if you catch my drift. Before you ask Juan, both sides of the war are fighting for world peace or close enough, but the Sons of Mordecai are made of trusting, honest, and caring people, but the Argons are created from Omega Inc. which are the people who dissolved the world into its form that is present right now, Dad emphasized, Argons are lead by President Fawkes who has beliefs that peace can only be achieved by doing what has to be done with no mercy which just translates to gun battles and skirmishes spanning the East Coast of Eversio Solum. We were winning until they ambushed us at our own headquarters, Adrian sadly announced. They mustve caught you with your pants down, huh? I jokingly questioned.

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It was just a surprise attack where we were outnumbered their soldiers, but we werent the ones with five of their hover ships showering soldiers with lead from every single direction, Adrian corrected me. The Argons must be stocked up on firearms- oh wait, the only reason they have so much is because they rob cities, towns, and any other place to get what they want. Do what has to be done is what President Fawkes would say and that is what they did; they stole from others to get what they want to achieve peace for everyone. The Sons of Mordecai are the people who are to be trusted to this land because they care for our safety, they were the people who helped me up from my downfall not just left me to rot in the radiating sun. I owe them my life like I did to Mr. Riggs and Fort Knoxford. Hey Adrian, can I join you on the battlefield? I shyly offered. Thats crazy; youre going t-Dad interjected with anger on his face. Its his decision, and my approval, Flynt, let him be, and of course Ill let you only if you know how to handle a gun, Adrian accepted, With that sniper rifle, you can join our marksman team which includes me of course. Isnt that convenient? I joked. Take care of my son, and make sure he comes out alive, and thats an order Commander Shepard, Dad ordered sternly. Yes, Mr. Mordecai, as we, Sons of Mordecai, say War doesnt determine who won but who is left, Adrian recited. That is true, I thought to myself. At end of the room on the side of the computer panel, I saw a laminated version of Revelation 21:6 and it must have written by Dad because its kind of sloppy. Hey Dad, did you write that for Mom? I asked with sincerity while pointing at it.

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Yes, I couldnt leave this unforgotten, he said while holding it up, Mom would be proud of us, in fact she was the creator of the Jefferson Plan. She was? I quickly responded with surprise on my face. After you were born, she was in the labs with me observing on how we created water for ourselves. She was extremely intrigued by how our water system can pull water from the soil above or from the air and turn it into slightly radiated water. The water is highly radioactive if it is not purified correctly. Then her smart mind came up with the idea if we can do this, we can expand our goals to the surface. Some people despised her of believing that we would help inhabitants of above if there were any. She had mentally created plan of this machine in front of us and carefully drew it on a blueprint. For a few years, your mother, Lilith, and I secretly constructed the Jefferson Plan. Mom chose the name Jefferson for the plan because that was an important figure who was alive many years ago who accomplished many things, and Thomas Jefferson had a fitting a memorial for our purification machine. Also, did Lilith come with you? Flynt concluded. She didnt make it, lets just say that it was Mr. Pendygrafts fault, I quietly answered. I knew he was an unfit candidate for a person to lead Vault 69 but how about Avery? he questioned again. I had forgotten all about Avery and the explosion with her body flying with mine. Was she alright? Did she make it out with me? Or was she taken away by the Argons? Then something rang in my brain, she was the thing being dragged by them. Well Juan, wheres Ms. Jeanne? he inquired again. I was frozen and speechless right in front of him. My words that were supposed to come out of my mouth were formed into tears. Hey Adrian, where do the Argons keep their prisoners? I pleaded with fury marking my face and body. My hands were clenched

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in fists shaking by my side, my eyes locked on the floor below, and my teeth are grinding against each other. Whyd you ask? he curiously asked. My friend, Avery, was caught by them; she was with me when Fort Knoxford exploded into smithereens. I could only see soldiers hauling someones body up to their ship. Not to be mean, Im pretty sure no one could survive that discharge of combustion from the weapons stronghold in Fort Knoxford. Avery and I only came there to know about Dad and the City of the Deep Reach, I told them. I forgot to give you the proper introduction to this terrific, broken down, forgotten city, welcome to the City of the Deep Reach! Adrian sarcastically exclaimed, Its named that because of hard it is to get here; you can only reach the City of the Deep Reach by flying here or traversing the bandit-filled tunnels. Enough about geography, I need to save a girl, so where do Argons keep their captives? I impatiently demanded. It is most likely the Pentagon because they made that their new headquarters. That reminds me, we are also hoping on assassinating President Fawkes because he might go there to make a congratulations speech for his so-called peace-bringing soldiers, Adrian answered. What are we waiting for; we better get some sleep before our great expedition to take the HQ back and kill a foul president, I reasoned. We all agreed, and then soon we departed to our sleeping quarters. Adrian told me that I should take a rest with the other soldiers to bring out the inner soldier in me. I really dont understand how sleeping with strangers can help me turn into a killing machine. Well it doesnt matter because I havent slept in a few days. My mind was boggled up with pictures of Avery being kept in captivity, being starved to death, or worse being tortured for information because she knows me who is the son of the head leader of their enemy. I tried to

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swallow these things down, but alas these pictures are something that cannot be easily left to dwell deep in me. I knew my mission was to save Avery, the best of friends, find the chemical compound for my dad, my only loved one, and help take back the Pentagon with Adrian, the guy who saved my life. Next morning, I was rudely awoken by an alarm just like the one I awoke when Avery told me that Dad left Vault 69. As I rose from my sleep, everyone is scattering around the memorial grabbing their rifles and started shooting at the sky. I knew what they were shooting at, an Argon airship. There were at least six about to swarm the Jefferson Memorial, and the continuous streams of bullet were gunning down all the camps and the soldiers. The Sons of Mordecai were dropping like flies, but that hadnt stopped me and others still sending their bullets at them. After about fifteen minutes, five of them plunged into the radiating bay for we showed them no mercy to those Argons. Their plan was to exterminate the rest of our movement. But did they have anything against my dad purifying water? Maybe they will try to kill Dad and take the glory from him. Yeah that would be the way of a real evil guy. In the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Adrian Shepard trying to wave me over toward him. Without hesitation, I sprinted to him to stay away from all the destruction. He had a patch over his right shoulder which was coated in blood, but at least he is still alive. My men are going to take down the last Argon ship, but more are soon to come no doubt, he shouted in my ear, You and I are going to do this Pentagon thing alone, you got me? The fate of my dads project and Averys life lies in two guys, one hardcore war soldier and a barely trained teen. This is going to end up terribly. Lets do this, I responded boldly.

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Since the streets are off, we are travlin the sewers and Im pretty sure they are clear of bandits, he howled at me as if it was easy as walking in and walking out. The nearest manhole is half a mile away from here, but Adrian suggested we traverse the sewers under the memorial. It was created as an escape route not a way to infiltrate a base. The dingy, raunchy dump of peoples feces is just disgusting to run through, but you got to do what you have to do. In Vault 69, we just burnt all our wastes in an incinerator that is where all our pyrotechnics came in. Right now, burning all this wouldnt help in any way possible unless we needed some light, but we had flashlights to open the way for us. After about an hour or two, we reached another dingy manhole. According to my tiresome legs and aching head, we must have ran ten miles, minimum. The Pentagon is only nine miles away from Jefferson, Adrian professed. As we climbed up the chute departing the wretched dump below, the Pentagon came into view. Half of it was scorched by flames, and the other was crowded of landed airships and groups of Argons. Look, Adrian whispered silently to me. At first, I didnt know what he was looking at, but then it came clear. President Fawkes was exiting his heavily armored van. He is a very bulky, tall man who used a cane even though his legs were not harmed. Should I take the shot now or wait for another moment? Adrian eagerly asked me. Let him live a few minutes, I laughed. But laughing time was over; the airships were getting ready to launch which were probably flying to Jefferson Memorial. Your Avery is certainly in the basement of the HQ, the chemical is in the science lab, and our emergency EMP is locked up right next to

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the labs, Adrian sneered while keeping a good eye on Mr. Fawkes, Looks like this is where we split up. I guess Ill get Avery an-I wearied. No, you need to get the chemical; I dont want you to get all teary when you meet Avery, Adrian corrected me. Fine, I shrugged. The back entrance is the key to me getting in there, and according to Mr. Shepard it is the nearest to the stairwell which will help because the labs are on the second floor. The back lot though was empty and eerily quiet, there was something wrong. Maybe they are expecting me, doesnt matter to me. Right now, every feeling and thought just goes right through me because the only thing I care about was Avery and the Jefferson Plan. The hallways of the Pentagon were dusty and gray, and when I reached the labs it was the same Only one scientist was working in there, and all he was doing was pouring these substances back into each other repeatedly. Something caught my eye though, right beside him was a flask labeled, Jefferson. This blockhead doesnt even have the smarts to see something important, so I just strolled in behind him crouched. At the moment I stood right behind him, I whispered in his ear, What has to be done, and I snapped his neck which sent him flopping on the floor immobile. I guess my part of plan was done, but Adrian told me to meet up with him at the EMP room which was near where I am. Isnt that convenient? I checked the hallways first for clearance, and no one was to be seen. As I entered the empty room of absolutely nothing, I tried to find the hidden EMP. It has to be around here, I thought to myself. Suddenly the lights went all dark, and then I got kind of panicky. For a few minutes, I attempted to grasp the doorknob of the exit out of this room. That search was soon interrupted by someone knocking a blunt object on the back of my head.

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I peered through the lids of my eyes, and all I had seen was someone hauling off my body somewhere. The throbbing in my head wouldnt stop though; its as if a gong was being rung by my ear drum every second. As I awoke from my unconsciousness, I sat in a tied chair next to who knew, Avery Jeanne who was staring at me in worry, but then in relief. You ok? she asked with lots of concern. Good enough, how bout you? I question while holding back all the pain in my head and the happiness in my heart. Actually better after th-Avery answered. Quiet! someone fumed, You should be respectful to your superiors. I look up from my seat, and all I see is President Fawkes standing in his dandy business suit with Adrian Shepard standing beside him with Argon armor for some reason. Adrian, I mutter, So you were an Argon spy the whole time, you gained my trust, and lead me into a trap, I knew Argons were smart. I did do that, Adrian confessed, I had to do what had to be done. My name is Lucifer Fawkes the president of the U.S. and the leader of Omega Inc., he acknowledged, I dont mean to be rude, but all I need from you two little twerps is the location of chemical that you are using for this genius Jefferson Plan. Dont you already know? I questioned, Adrian told me where to go. He did now, Mr. Fawkes exclaimed, Oh yes! It was part of our trap for you, Juan Mordecai. I guess he wasnt fond of me or my dads work probably because it would totally just destroy his reputation and his organization.

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Now the next part of the plan, Adrian devilishly laughed, to make you even more sad than possible. I didnt know what they would do, take the flask away, blow up Vault 69, or destroy my entire dads work, but they had done something unimaginable. One magnum shot from Mr. Fawkes pistol to Averys chest was all it took to shake me up. Avery! I thundered with tears coming back to my eyes. Juan I need you to tell, Avery weakly said with her eyes drooping. Tell what? I calmly inquired. That Avery faintly whispered. Then she became like everyone else I knew, dead and forever remembered. The only friend I had, I would have to, but someone wanted to be a jerk and become an Argon. All the fun times we had together in Vault 69 came back to me. The time we put firecrackers in the restrooms, created a mosaic in 6th grade, and when she followed me into Eversio Solum with me. Avery shouldnt have come with me even though I wouldnt have it that far at least I would know I died knowing she was still alive, but now its reversed. Well since we got you taken down a notch, Lucifer Fawkes calmly, but strongly emphasized, Give me the chemical. No.., I quietly replied with my eyes locked onto Avery. Do I have to kill another person to make a point? he strongly questioned me. I was speechless because the only person I had left was Dad, and if he died then everything else would fall, the Sons of Mordecai and me. Im about to order my squ-Adrian reported with a stern military voice. Without warning, Sons of Mordecai barged in through the door pointing their guns all at Adrian and Lucifer.

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Traitor! all the soldiers shouted with enduring rage in their piercing voices. Adrian Shepard was now covered in the blood he was deserved to be soaked in. All the lies he fed to us, and all the information he must have fed to President Fawkes. I thought we had a friendship not a lie, and then he killed my friend in cold blood. She may be just one person out of thousands who died in this war, but she represented a million hearts to me. President Fawkes stood their innocent as can be, but that was a get-up anyone can see through. Let me take the shot, I demanded looking at Mr. Fawkes. Sure, you have had a hard time already might as well get your revenge, a soldier answered. I approached Shepards body, and picked up his magnum. After I checked if the magnum still had some rounds, I aimed right at his temple. Hes just standing still because a dying man at least dies with courage. Any last words, President? I happily asked him with a grin on my face. Yes, I would like to t-, he entreated while he was counting his fingers as if he was coming up with a list. Too late, I quietly mumbled to myself as I sent the round right in his forehead. His body lay down on the wall of his office. While the rest of soldiers swept the building for any leftover Argons, a group of soldiers flew me back to the Jefferson Memorial. Many people died for me, were they worth my life and the Jefferson Memorial? If it succeeds, then it will all be worth it in the long run. As soon as I landed on the scorched lands of this battlefield in front of the memorial, I was greeted by Dad, but there was something wrong. Son! Are you ok? Dad exclaimed with concern. Im good Dad, I replied with sadness in my voice, Avery didnt make it.

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I know what happened; you dont have to repeat what doesnt have to be said, Flynt assured, During the attacks, I acquired a fatal bleed on my left leg, so they had to amputate and substitute it with a prosthetic one. Oh Dad, here, I offered to him holding the flask of the chemical. Thank you, Dad thanked while tears of happiness were coming out, I know you had to sacrifice so much, but Im proud of you son. Sure, sure, lets go get that purifier working, I shrugged back to him. The walk back was depressing because around us were wounded soldiers limping around, and corpses scattered across the field. The fnial airship had crashed in front of the memorial. It must have did that, so if they went down, everything would come down with it. As we entered the hallway down the memorials basement, Dad said, Today we, Sons of Mordecai, shall achieve our goal of peace starting with healthy, purified water. The purifier was not damaged in any way, but some Argon soldiers had lay down beside it. He inputted a 3 digit code which was 216, named after the bible verse. As he poured the flask in, Dad just kept staring at the verse as if Mom was right beside him. If mom was here, she would be in oceans of tears cheering us on how we continued and completed the Jefferson Plan. The lime green radiated water had turned into a clear liquid. It worked. Yes, we have finally done it! Dad rejoiced, Now its time to channel it into the bays nearby us which will travel the rivers, and soon enough rid this land of radiated water. We need water to live, and many other things. He held me by his side while gazing at the beautiful purifier.

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Fawkes thought he could take over the world instead he destroyed it, I exclaimed, The Sons of Mordecai stopped him, and maybe his movement still lives, but not for long. Why not we drink some of that water? I asked with rejoice. Well then we have to go to one of the exhaust tubes where the water comes out, he dictated. Let us tarry for long, I wisely said. The walk back out though seemed a lot happier, since the Jefferson Plan has succeeded. Knowing that all the people that died, actually had sacrificed their lives for a reason, to let others live in their place. We strolled across the memorials border until Dad had found what he was looking for, a custom made water fountain. It was made in glistening porcelain, and on the sides were engraved, Sons of Mordecai. Ill let you have first taste, Juan, Dad insisted. Fine, I hesitantly responded because Dad should have drunk it first since it was his and Moms project. As the water hit my lips, it felt good having water that wouldnt cause a mutation in or out of your body which is a relieving thought. My dad then had a drink and had satisfaction all over his face just like Mom would. On January 9, 2069, war brought us here to purifying Eversio Solums water supply, but it sacrificed many lives. They died in honor except, you know, the Argons because Im pretty sure they lost. This burnt battlefield is a wasteland but its our home, this is where we live, and we might at least cherish what we get, and make it even better.