1 The Kidnapped Governor

POV - CAL

As I ascended the wooden steps, each footfall resonated like the weight of destiny upon my shoulders. The auditorium buzzed with anticipation, a symphony of murmurs mingling with the rustle of my new silk tie and suit—a facade of confidence concealing the cold armor of a bulletproof vest beneath. Amidst the rising tide of applause, I felt the surrealism of the moment wash over me, time slowing to a crawl beneath the glare of bright lights and the scrutiny of countless lenses broadcasting my inauguration to the world.

My heartbeat quickened in tandem with the crescendo of cheers as I raised a trembling hand to acknowledge the sea of faces before me. Generals, local leaders, heads of departments—all stood in homage, their applause a thunderous affirmation of my newfound role as the guardian of Lilac Garden, a bastion of security and protection in uncertain times. Yet, beneath the veneer of celebration, a silent question echoed in the recesses of my mind: How in the world would I rise to meet this monumental task?

"Raise your right hand," commanded the speaker, his voice a solemn prelude to the oath of office. "Repeat after me. I, state your name"

"I, Charles Anwar Layeed." Everything sounded muffled but it felt like I did this before.

"Do solemnly swear"

"That I will support and defend the Constitution of Fahar Province"

"Against all enemies foreign and domestic"

"That I will bear true faith and allegiance"

"To the Constitution of Fahar Province"

"That I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation"

"Or purpose evasion"

"And that I will well and faithfully discharge"

"The duties upon which I am about to enter"

As I scanned the crowd, the burden of leadership pressed upon me with the weight of a titan. Like Atlas, burdened with the weight of the world upon his shoulders, I stood at the precipice of my new reality, acutely aware of the monumental challenges that lay ahead. In that moment, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the solemnity of presidential inaugurations past, realizing with a whispered oath, "So help me God," that the mantle of leadership was now mine to bear.

Day of Kidnapping. Friday, May 8th, 2020

It was Friday, May 8th, 2020. It was my offday and like any offday, it was the day of gaming. I opened up Steam and the first thing I went to check was the activity tab. The new Campaign mode is now live.

"Holy mother of updates", I gasp.

The updates read, 

"Able to conduct large-scale operations across multiple regions. Facing new challenges and tactics of adapting Insurgency." It is my favorite game playing as a governor looking top up at the map while implementing policies to win the support of the people and push back the insurgent influence.

The game is booted up after the update and a few seconds later the Ndemic Creations logo fades in and starts hearing that guitar strum, bongo beats, transporting me back into the role of a governor.

The first thing I do is click the campaign and choose the name for the operation. After some quick searches on CounterInsurgency and reading a little. Operation I.S.P.S.E.I.C. will be chosen for the title, short for, Integrate and Synchronize Political, Security, Economic, and Informational Components. Something I read and saw from the combination of several Wiki pages.

It's a great name used for all the operations due to it all being under one umbrella. I hit next and chose Brutal as I considered myself an experienced player but hadn't touched the game for weeks due to work and had already beat everything on the free Samsung phone. Create a Campaign and see that "Approved" stamp on the book.

"Let's get this place Governised!"

When the first region popped up, Cashew Corpse. The map features a Soviet Bunker, Civil Illiteracy, Scouts, and Extended Deployment. Huh.. New perks?

"Well," I thought, "this might be a challenge. The Air Force will be where the funding goes for the military. Airstrikes might need a few missions to destroy their fortified position while the insurgents get an extra boost in fighting.

The government bureaucracy will take forever to do anything and that's not good. Anti-corruption will also be the focus of my administration, however on the bright side the scouts will open up intel about the zones and Coalition soldiers will stay twice as long, saving my game reputation but won't be able to make them stay after their deployment is done.

The Advisors have been provided to me to stabilize my Region. Town Planner, Negotiator, Tourist, Tax Collector, and Tactician. I have no idea what's to come but am excited to launch the Campaign. With that launch, the whole house went black and a group of men out of nowhere put a bag on my head.

"HEY! WHAT THE FUCK!" I struggled. "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!"

I tried to struggle as multiple hands dragged me and felt that I was being thrown into a small window. With what's happening my fear only was regarding the damages of my glasses. I walked a few phases and was pushed in, the sound of a van started and drove off. As I screamed as loud as he could, a kidnapper put a rag over the cloth bag, and then I blacked out.

As I awakened, still groggy and strapped to a chair. A uniformed soldier was in front.

A firm and loud voice pierce through my grogginess "Morning son! How are you feeling? Great? Good. My name is~" I stop listening as I completely zone out needing some times to get my bearings.

The feeling of coming into consciousness with a loud piercing voice got me dazed and confused. I try to keep everything in check and ask "Uh.. What was that? 

"Yes Son, you are going to be Governor." he points at the map "See this right there, that whole map in this region is yours".

"Huh? You just kidnapped me! What is all this?!" as I tried to run towards the door and opened it. A wave of sounds could be heard, chatting of the bureaucrats, clerks and guards.

My eyes tunnel vision when they see me figuring out what is going on. As I took one more step, I was tackled to the ground and brought back to the room before blacking out.