Moto was growing tired of Toha's meetings but, he would not break. No matter how long it took, he would outlast. Though now that he included his son Evan into the meetings he became less forceful, almost as if his objective had changed. Evan had chosen to follow the church of The Great Widow, instead of the religion of Azagoth that he had grown up into. Toha was a devout follower, even going so far as to try and recruit Moto a time or two. He did love his son however, no matter the religion he followed, at least for now. Moto knew the fickleness of gods though, he once followed a religion, the death of his beloved and later three daughters changed that. 'Faith', what is that but a way to say you are wrong. The very thought of faith brought forth anger and hatred to his face. If they were so divine why does one need faith? Either they loved and cared for their followers, and therefore guided by love and morality is irrelevant. Or they are guided by morality and so making love the greatest lie to mankind. Moto dwelled on this thought for a moment, he already knew what side he had taken. There in the office of the President, he would find a way, no matter how long it took, he would make them prove their worth.
A knock on the door, without invitation Miranda entered and closed the door softly. "Your grace, Toha and Evan are on their way up." "Thank you Miranda". She turned towards the door and stopped to ask a question. "Are we really going to ally with those things Markus made a bargain with Sir?" "Right now nothing is set in stone. We will do all that is necessary to ensure the safety of The Republic and her people." She hesitated for a moment before giving her response, "I don't think we should sir. A standing army sure but, are what cost and what purpose?" Moto thought on this for a moment, "If it helps, I don't trust them either." She gave a faint smile at this and turned to leave before stopping to turn around once more. "I almost forgot, this is a report we got early this morning. We lost contact with the archeology team you sent into the Waste Land. The Dr.'s research however is still in the museum, he took only copies. I contacted them earlier and they are sending over copies of all his research. It will be on your desk by the end of the day." "I do not deserve an assistant like you Miranda" revealing a slight playful smile as he said it. She only smiled back and walked out of the door. For a third time she turned around, "and the 500 men you asked for are ready and awaiting orders". A smile and a nod, content, she closed the door softly on the way out.
Several minutes passed before the General and his son arrived and sat down. The meeting went the same as it had for the past week but, something was off. This time Toha was different, his tone was livelier, happy even, not the strained tone he had before. Slight differences, Evan no longer objected, even assisted in his father's gestures, mimicked at times. Moto's mind was so focused on this that he forgot to pay attention to what was being said. "So that is how this great army can assist The Republic." Moto slightly shook himself awake, as if he had been in a trance. "Very good General, it is good to see how motivated you are, and it seems you have even convinced Evan to see your side." Evan simply sat and didn't say a word, even when both men looked at him. " Make it so Toha, I do have business to discuss with the young Captain. Invite Markus and an emissary tomorrow and we will discuss the assistance they will provide". Pleased with himself the General stood and shook hands and left, with an extra bounce to his step. After they were alone, Moto lowered his eyes to his one remaining guest. "You didn't even move did you?" "NO" "Perfectly still" "Yes your grace, you wanted him to leave the room didn't you". "Your father is using some magic then, I didn't expect it so soon." Evan felt the pendent beneath his shirt heat up. "Are you sending me away or promoting me?" "Both, there is something I need you to look into. I sent an archeologist and his team south into the Wastelands a couple of days ago, they didn't check in last night." "What were they after?" " A tomb, his presentation was quite convincing, as the head of his society put it. You will leave tonight, Miranda will have all the Dr.'s research before the end of the day, 500 men are standing by, and whatever you find.....bring it back." A knowing nod and he stood to leave, "don't forget this". A new insignia was tossed at him and he caught it and looked at his hand, it was the star of General. " Sir I..." "You can and you will, before you ask, because you deserve it, and because I can." This put a genuine smile on his face, as he left the room leaving Moto to prepare for his meeting the next day.
The sun was setting as the new General entered his vehicle, armed with research and determination. 500 troops and a large convoy of vehicles left the capital led by their commander. Unknown from where they left all the way to their destination. Evan said a small prayer for his president, gripping the pendent he wore beneath his shirt. He and Moto would go into the unknown soon, however he was better prepared.
The setting sun shone on his dark skin as he knelt next to the grave, a red rose in his hand clenched as tight as his hand could. Tears ran down his face as he said the words "Trevor, Happy Birthday Son." He places it on top of the grave, and blood drips onto the grass, then he bows his head in prayer. 'Heavenly father, forgive me of the sins I have committed.
Let the blood your son shed wash them all away, so that other sons need not die.
And if sons need to die, take them into your loving embrace.'
He stands, letting the blood still drip into the grass, some even drips onto the pants of his brown suit and polished black shoes. Slowly walking to toward a figure in a grey hooded robe. She raises her eyes to meet his, however she cannot see, her eyes nearly opaque, losing the color they once had. "Governor, I have heard the words, and I am here to deliver them", he doesn't answer, only nods. He doesn't stop, and she keeps step as they walk away from the setting sun toward the graveyard entrance. "For your wound" she presents a bit of cloth that he takes and wraps around his bleeding hand. " I have far deeper wounds, have you anything for that?" "Only words, The Republic has lost contact with their abomination of a creation. My spys whisper of a team sent into the Wasteland, and they watched as men and women were devoured and ripped apart." "What were they after?" "That I do not know, I do know what killed them. A young girl with Raven hair and a woman with Red." He looks at her a little confused, "A white wolf large enough to bite off a man's head, and a black widow with legs like spears." He suddenly stops and looks at her, " They transformed?" She does not answer, only a slight nod of her head. "Is that all?" "No, Moto is intent on allying with long dead beasts, their origin is unknown but I am looking into it." "He might use them to take the Disputed land from us, very good Prophet, that will be all." She nods and takes a sharp turn and walks back into the graveyard, then stops. "Be Careful Isaiah Coburn, I do not know our Father's plan for you but, the false gods you hunt could undo us all". He doesn't slow, only listens to her words, and leaves her alone, in a field of ghosts.