Chapter 23: Impact

"...Chinese sovereignty questioned. India has refused to comment, but the situation is getting increasingly dire. So far, there have been three border skirmishes, with paramilitary groups as the primary culprits. India will heavily rely on economic and military support from the West; China will look for continued neutrality and trade with them. With both relying on overseas nations, they are stuck in a stalemate, leading credence to war being overall unlikely."

Mark walked up to Barak, who was now watching the news with interest.

"It looks like it's getting worse." Mark sighed, "Four decades ago, the world was largely peaceful after the Occupation. Seems the US pulling out of United World has really hurt stability."

"You know your history." Barak blankly stated, "Since when do you care about this? Most are more attentive to Britain's issues than those an entire world away."

Mark shrugged, "Unlike 'most', I'm not blind to the issues other nations face; they affect us too. The world is too interconnected for it not to, plus, they are all petty in the face of US dominance."

The news continued, the duo listening to the next section.

"Regarding the US, there has been no word; their isolationism is being upheld. Experts suggest they are content to be idle, as Aaban suggested, and see the world weaken itself. Domestic anger has increased after the news of rationing food in India yesterday, sentiment lingering on the idea that the war is merely a front to reduce the population."

Mark huffed, "And here, I thought India was peaceful."

"They are." Barak instantly responded, "Their government has just become quite... authoritarian in the past few decades. It's a growing trend; everyone is subtly following the Americans."

"So much for the Land of the Free. Democracy was once the beacon of hope, seems it's being turned off. The One Nation Movement has picked up a lot of traction, though; it's a good idea."

"The One Nation, aye? You really think it's a good idea?"

"I do." Mark shrugged.

Barak hummed, "Then, let me ask you something: How will this government be run? How will it work? Who will lead it? How will it be fair?"

Mark paused, contemplating, "Erm... I haven't actually read too far into it. I'd imagine democratically, a president and a large assembly of sub-nation reps. Something like that."

"If only it were so easy... the US won't end its dominance and give the inferior nations a chance. That's the pervasive ideology within their government; the One Nation Movement is too idealistic; at least, the democratic and fair version."

"You're definitely not a supporter of Communism, then." Mark lightly laughed, "I suppose there is no easy way to unite the world. There will always be problems: Differing cultures and religions, ethnic groups, and historical tension. But... I still hold on to hope; we'll find a way; we always do."

"I never said it wasn't possible." Barak turned towards Mark, "Do you know the only way a world would unite completely?"

"No, but I guess you're going to tell me."

"You know of the Roman Empire, yes? The British, Mongolian and Chinese empires? The Ottomans?"

"Of course, who doesn't?"

"Each of them has fame, prestige and achievements. But, do you know what set them apart from the rest?"

"I feel like I'm getting lectured again." Mark wryly smiled, "But... no? Enlighten me."

"It's quite simple, Mark. They had two things. First, they had great leaders in their prime: Caesar, Octavian, Genghis Khan, and Tang Taizon. They are all monarchs, dictators and kings, consolidated power in the hands of one or a few individuals who are good at what they do. Too many decision-makers and events happen faster than they can react and decide."

"And then, when the power gets into the hands of someone incapable or insane, they collapse. What does that prove?"

Barak grinned, "True, but what if the leader was undying? What if they were strong, powerful and long-lived? Would you say they would be unworthy of ruling Humanity? Or would you rather someone who lives a hundred years with mediocre competence?"

"Like a god-king? Never mind the infeasibility of it; I doubt anyone would want control for that long. Giving someone too much power will inevitably lead to disaster."

"Oh, you would be surprised. But what I am getting at is that I believe America is trying exactly that. Their President is covered by a... veil, he's a behemoth of a man and has lived for nearly a century, yet, the Americans seem unbothered by this."

"So, you think they are trying to unite the world and place a... geneticly modified human as the dictator?"

Barak shrugged, "Perhaps, I think the One Nation Movement might be their plan; I don't know for definite. The second would be fear. Fear of power, and in fear, they listen; the greatest rulers in history knew this and used it."

"Respect does the same thing."

"Does it? You cannot be respected by all; you said it yourself. Those who believe in religious dogmatism, how do you placate them and western liberals? You choose one action, and you piss off another."

"So, you think America will... what? Take over the world and enforce their rules?"

"Perhaps, authoritarianism is on the rise; the east and west are too alien in culture and values; the same goes for religions. A united world cannot be done without insurmountable power, which causes fear in the populace to abide and obey. The US has both in plenty."

"Even America would struggle to take on the entire world." Mark objectively declared.

Barak hummed, "True, but... there is another. A new power is arising, one able to force the whole world into submission. Don't you see?"

"No...? I don't 'see'."

The suited man shook his head, disappointed, "Think upon it when you have time. Now, why are you here?"

"The... funeral."

"Ah... well, I got mostly good news. You can have your moment of peace, and you'll be alone; the Defence Secretary was adamant on no conversations with your friends or family, however."

"I see." Mark whispered, "I guess that will have to do. Thank you, Barak. I... appreciate it."

"You're welcome, Mark. Losing people, especially family, is hard. Stay strong."

There was a pause as Mark looked to the ceiling as Barak spoke.

"How were the experiments with Fatima?"

Mark ignored the man, concentrating on his hearing as the sound nearby was blocked out. He could hear something, vague and sharp, coming from above in the sky; it was reminiscent of something he had experienced, the wind. It was the same whistle as when he plummeted back towards the base, the screech getting louder and louder.

'A missile?' Mark panicked.

"There... something is outside." Mark spoke, confused.

He left the room with haste, Barak following in confused concern as they exited the building and into the cold night. It was silent and dead, at least, to Barak. Yet for Mark, he could hear it like nails on a blackboard, a shrill screech as an object pierced through the air.

Mark stared upwards, his pupils locked onto a pure black object, its silhouette massive and bulky but still human.

'The fuck is that?'

Looking to the sides, he spotted more, smaller but dark as night, their helmets adorned with horns, looking like demons. Small streaks of white light made their appearance known to the average observer, like stars in the sky, Barak finally taking notice.

"There are... people up in the sky!" Mark said with urgency.

Barak squinted, "You mean the... lights? The specks? How do they look? Are they armed?"

"Yes! H- Heavily armed! They're wearing some sort of metal plate, black with white streaks. There's a... a... I don't know; a big fucking behemoth in front."

Barak inaudibly cursed, "Fuck. How many?"

Mark's heartbeat raced, his eyes flitting about in the sky as his thoughts sped like a race car.

"I... f- like... fifty? Maybe more?"

The Brigadier's thoughts were fast, an indefinite answer from the nervous and panicked Mark, but it was an answer, nonetheless.

"Shit! The Americans? French? Fuck... they're probably after you, Mark. But how do they know?"

The man shook his head, dispelling any confusion or indecision and grabbed Mark's shoulders.

"I'll alert the base. You go to the lab; get them to save any of your data into a USB or something."

Barak sprinted inside after commanding Mark, the latter taking a moment to process everything. Taking a deep breath, the sound closer, he ran across the open plain towards the lab building, tumbling across the ground from the inadvertent burst of pace.

'Shit.' He grunted.

Pushing himself to his feet, he rushed towards the door, opening it with enough tact to not rip it out. The guards he passed frowned, seemingly alert of him as their guns were undetermined whether to be raised or lowered.

"We... we're being attacked!" Mark shouted.

He ran past them, red lights suddenly flashing in every hallway and room. Unarmed soldiers sprinted to the armoury, armed guards rushing to defensive positions as a loud, blaring alarm resounded shortly after the lights. Almost thirty seconds had passed, the screeching wind now only a few kilometres above them.

Arriving at the lab, he saw Fatima and her aides moving around rapidly, saving everything they could in physical backups.

"Fatima!" Mark shouted, "Barak said my data needs to be saved!"

The woman ignored him, typing on a keyboard before the inevitable came. Everyone in the base heard it, and then they felt it; a shockwave spread in every direction like an earthquake. The giant had landed, and with it, there was impact.