At 11:43 AM, the President died and Elias Ward's life ended.
Gregory Hoyt stood near the podium, warmed by the sun. Reporters murmured politely. The advisors' nervousness was evident despite their calm facade. The President announced new economic reforms to 200 citizens.
Proud Cascadia, full of riches and youth, feigned immunity to harm. The nation was a diverse mix, just a disaster away from collapse.
Gregory's hand trembled, attempting to steady it. "...and that's why we will fight for …"
A wet thud echoed, followed by a gruesome burst of red mist, spreading like a stain in the air.
Hoyt folded straight down.
For a single impossible heartbeat, the entire Cascadian High Seat froze.
Then came the screaming.
Vice President Elias Ward, a war hero, moved before the cameras. He moved three steps toward his friend before being tackled.
"CASTLE SEVERED! CASTLE SEVERED!"
A shout echoed as Reeves forced Elias's face down. "Shot confirmed! Get the Cipherline secure! Move the Heir! Move him now!"
Elias tasted blood and sunlight.
He saw only Gregory's hand from the ground, still wearing his simple silver ring.
He didn't even take it off for speeches.
Another scream tore across the garden. Agents swarmed. Reporters scattered. Someone fainted.
Then the agents shoved him through the portico doors.
***
CASCADIAN CONTINUITY BUNKER
Thirteen seconds underground. Elias counted each one.
Inside, controlled chaos reigned.
National Security Advisor Catherine Voss yelled. Marcus Holt stared at the maps, expecting missiles. Staff and analysts processed threats, data, and scripts.
Marcus Hale, the Chief of Staff, rushed over clutching a leather protocol folder.
"Mr. President—"
"Don't." Elias's voice cracked like dry bone.
"Sir, the High Arbiter arrives in 27 minutes."
In 27 minutes, Elias Ward becomes Cascadia's President.
The bunker doors opened again.
Nadia entered under her own power, agents struggling to keep up. Her formal dress was gone, replaced with dark slacks and a fitted jacket.
Hair pulled back severe. Eyes sharp enough to cut through steel.
When did she have time to change?
She marched straight to him, cupped his face, checked him with practiced precision.
"I'm fine," he breathed.
"You're in shock," she replied. "Sit."
He sat.
She stood between him and the door, silent and deadly. Anyone who wanted Elias would have to pass her first.
Voss approached.
"Sir, here is the preliminary report." She swallowed. "He took a suicide pill. Dead before extraction."
The temperature in the room seemed to collapse.
Suicide pills weren't for lone wolves.They were for operatives who knew rescue wasn't coming.
Elias met Nadia's gaze. She gave the smallest nod.
Not random. Not local. A professional hit.
His stomach clenched.
The wall screens showed the Cascadian Exchange Index dropping rapidly. Circuit breakers halted trading; trillions vanished.
"This isn't panic," Hale muttered. "This is engineered short-selling. Someone made a killing today."
Nadia's hand landed on Elias's shoulder. A warning and a promise.
General Holt cleared his throat. "Sir, we need decisions. C-CON status, investigation lanes, economic stabilization—"
"One thing at a time," Elias spoke oddly. "Put the republic on C-CON 3. Shield the borders. I want every agency hunting whoever did this. No mercy."
"Yes, sir."
"Treasury and the Sovereign Reserve, freeze the markets. Keep tomorrow from opening in freefall."
"Yes, sir."
"And prepare a prime-time address. Eight o'clock. I speak after I'm sworn in."
He paused. "Gregory's family…are they protected?"
"Margaret and the children are with counselors and agents," Attorney General Vanessa Reyes said quietly.
The bunker doors opened again.
Chief Justice Roland Pemberton entered, carrying the battered founding Bible of Cascadia.
Cabinet, party leaders, and official witnesses formed a solemn semicircle.
Elias placed his hand on the Bible. His wedding ring tapped the leather.
"Repeat after me…"
Thirty-two seconds later, he became the 34th President of the Republic of Cascadia.