8.2
Two days later - 11/13/2009
"Commander Wolf, can you explain your reasoning a little more clearly?"
In the Russon government offices, four men were gathered at a table. The three with graying hair wore suits, and the one young military commander wore his camo uniform.
"These recent events can't be called a coincidence," Commander Wolf replied, a hint of impatience tugging at his voice. "Nothing had happened in Hoodsdale for 30 years, but in the course of one week it was first taken over by a 'mysterious individual' and then 'saved' by XI, an organization no one's ever heard of."
His reddish-brown eyes narrowed, fixing a gaze of steel on each of the government officials in turn.
"Is it not fair to assume that XI took Hoodsdale as a tactical move? And now we hear that their leader has relocated to Blackpool? He clearly has something in mind–we'd be foolish not to prepare for the worst."
The old men glanced at each other uncertainly.
Finally, one swallowed, then cleared his throat and said, "Commander Wolf, we have been pouring resources into the military for years, and it has grown to immense power. In fact, many would argue that it is too powerful. Do you really believe that this XI organization poses any threat to us?"
"Yes," Commander Wolf declared without hesitation. "I do. And the three of you should understand why."
Here he paused, letting the silence sink in.
"The elements. We play too fair, and that gives the cheaters every advantage. But are they really cheating? Is there any rule against it?"
One of the men shifted the papers in front of him. None of them said anything.
"I'm not asking for resources. All I need is permission to shift the resources we already have."
"This is absurd!" one of the officials finally burst. "You're asking to break the one fundamental agreement every city came to 30 years ago! Elements are what caused this disaster, so humanity isn't going anywhere near them!"
"You are young, Commander Wolf," another added before any retort could be made. "You did not experience the horror and loss of the apocalypse, so you cannot possibly understand the danger we are so afraid of."
Commander Wolf raised his eyebrows and nodded his head.
"Yeah, I didn't experience the apocalypse, and that seems to mean I'm the only one here who can provide an objective opinion. Open your eyes. We're already using the elements. Every single soldier has consumed an element of healing."
"And that element is harmless! The only one that is safe!" the first official shouted.
Commander Wolf took a long, sighing exhale, as if trying to calm everyone in the room.
"This is my proposal," he said. "Just as we're doing now, we won't ask soldiers to consume anything other than the element of healing. I agree with you–the elements are dangerous, and their powers aren't something humans should take for themselves."
"However," he continued, "we need to integrate elements into the military. Ten years ago, Blackpool developed a method by which elements could be infused into weapons. Just like they did, we'll begin element research and push technology to its limits. Without consuming a single element, our soldiers will become superhuman."
Commander Wolf sat back in his chair and crossed his arms, waiting patiently for a response.
The suited men turned to each other and began whispering in voices they clearly didn't intend Commander Wolf to hear.
"This is too radical."
"I agree. We need a reason more concrete than 'there may be conflict at some point in the future'."
"...well, I do suppose his proposal may allow us to finally subdue the gangs."
"Good point," Commander Wolf announced, having heard everything the old men were saying. "Yes, we will finally erase the one advantage they have over us. And the gangs are a perfect example: they have few weapons, poor coordination, and no scientific understanding of the elements, yet they still pose a threat to us simply because their members have consumed elements. Imagine the control we could exert with those powers."
The men looked at him hesitantly.
They averted their eyes, scratching their chins and finally, nodding their heads.
The officer who had opposed Commander Wolf most opened his mouth to speak. "Under the condition that no Russon citizen ever consumes an element other than healing, we accept your proposal, Commander Wolf."
The commander bowed his head. "Thank you."
"Your point about the control we would gain with elemental powers convinced me, because I agree that we are entering a period of potential instability. Remember that protecting humanity is always our top priority, Commander Wolf, and never stray from your duty to the citizens of this city."
Commander Wolf nodded once. "Yes, sir. I will protect humanity."
The tension in the room dissolved instantly, and they all stood to shake hands.
"The future is bright thanks to you, Commander Wolf, but you don't show us enough respect," one joked with a friendly smile.
"My apologies," Commander Wolf replied with a forced smile and bow of his head. "The heat of the moment makes me forget."
They chuckled and said their goodbyes, leaving Commander Wolf alone outside the door of the meeting room.
He stood there motionless for a few moments, then nodded his head, satisfied.
– – – – –
Later that same day, Commander Wolf stood proudly on the stage of the high-ceilinged hall that doubled as the military's cafeteria and large-scale meeting room. All of the captains and squad leaders in Russon's army were seated in front of him, full attention focused on their young commander.
Commander Wolf was tall, but not towering. All you could see through his uniform was his professional posture, but his physique was lean and muscular. His hair, styled forward so that it just touched his eyebrows, was nearly black, and his face had sharp, youthful features, but there was an instantly recognizable wisdom in his eyes.
He was only 22, but he'd climbed the entire ranks of the army legitimately, leaving no room for anyone to doubt his title.
Commander Wolf never wasted a single second. In 20 years, he had already accomplished more than most could do in a lifetime.
"I have good news," he declared to his men. "As of this morning, we have permission to research the elements and integrate them with technology."
A cheer erupted in the hall. It wasn't unanimous, but even those who were the most hesitant about elements put their hands together a few times.
"For those of you who are concerned, let me clarify that we won't be consuming any additional elements–we'll be harnessing the powers exclusively through technology."
"This project starts immediately," he continued. "We're going to shift all our focus and funding into element research, so don't be surprised if you wake up tomorrow with a different role than you have now."
He took a breath, letting the silence sink in.
"Finally, we'll be able to control the gangs safely. And most importantly, a race for the elements, the likes of which humanity has never seen but has always been destined for, is about to begin. There will be many players, but as the representative of justice and human prosperity, we are going to emerge victorious."
The crowd erupted. This time, it was unanimous. Every captain and squad leader in that room opened their throats and let out a battle cry, prepared to give their lives for their city, for their commander, and for humanity.
Commander Wolf stepped off the stage, joining the others for a brief celebration.
But he didn't waste time, and he didn't linger. The moment he exited the meeting hall, the gears in his mind started turning.
He was determined to calculate every possibility. His military's progress would be unstoppable, and nothing would stand between them and the limit of elemental power. If anyone else dared to join the race, he would go even faster.
Commander Wolf could not be rattled–or so he thought.
Something unthinkable was about to happen in the suburbs of his city.