Chapter 69

Temporary Chancellery,
Mead, Washington
2213 hours local time, 28 October, 2014

“So, here they come. The delegates of the Spokane-based coalition. What do they call it these days? The Christian Alliance? Something like that, I believe. Latest of many names. They’re in for a rude awakening, aren’t they? Well, in addition to the one that they already had from our army crushing them at every turn. What are your thoughts on that? And on them?” I pointed to the figures descending to the tarmac as we greeted them.

“Rev. Knowledge Adamson, Dr. Eugene Richards, Colonel David Boyce, Morris Johansson, Skip Morales, and Major Brandt Willis, I presume. I am General Aengus Bryne, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of Haven. Welcome to The Commonwealth of Haven!” Aengus spoke first, jarring them more than a little.

The last thing that these secessionists expected was to be formally greeted by the head of my armed forces. Defense Commissar Katrina Schumacher was next, of course, and they were even more astonished at her role. Clearly, they didn’t think that I would allow anyone else a rather prominent speaking role besides myself. They must have really thought me an arrogant prick, mustn’t they?

“I am Katrina Schumacher, Commissar of Defense and one of the Lawgiver’s many wives. We welcome the news that you are here to surrender to us. It will make peace and reconciliation much easier for everyone,” she told them with a seductive wink.

“Surrender? We’re here to pursue a negotiated peace. Time out here. No matter of feminine wiles will work, especially with me here. I am not a lustful creature like you. I am a good, holy Christian lady. You should try it some time,” Reverend Adamson answered, her face now quite red with embarrassment for some personal reason.

“Which is why your face just blushed scarlet and you are so personally incensed? Look, what has your god done for you lately? I’ll tell you what he did. Doomsday. It was his final temper tantrum before retirement. Yes, that’s right. Time for a little red pill, courtesy of me, not Morpheus. The reality is that the old God abdicated and Heaven is under brand new management. And I am the chief Prophet of the new Supreme Being.

“I am the Lawgiver. Let’s be frank here. You’ve lost the war. That’s why you’re here. You can’t win by conventional, or even unconventional, means. We have you surrounded, outgunned, outnumbered, and constantly pinned down by air power and artillery bombardment. And I’m going to make it worse for you, very soon indeed.

“So, yes, you’re here to surrender. You just don’t know it yet. But look around you. I’ve already won. I just want the fruits and spoils of my victory and I want them now. I am the Lawgiver, the Prophet, and unlike Jesus of Nazareth, I am the Messiah. Surrender to me now and save everyone the bloodshed.

“In return, I’m willing to listen to requests for certain concessions. But you must bend the knee, my friends. You must yield. The days of the Spokane-led coalition are over. Eastern Washington must capitulate and it must do so yesterday! You don’t want to witness my wrath and retribution. It’s far better to surrender and accept my gracious hospitality, then return to your camp and order your men to lay down their arms,” I demanded of the Spokane delegation at last.

Loud whispers of bickering amongst the delegates quickly followed, before Major Willis drew a pistol and aimed it directly at me. I chuckled, knowing that I was immortal, and closed the distance, entirely unafraid of their firepower. I simply grabbed the major’s Luger and took it out of his hand, while he stood in utter shock. Colonel Boyce shook his head and then extended his hand to me.

“Welcome to the Commonwealth, Colonel. Welcome to Haven. You’ve made the right decision, unlike your friend here. And now, I have to make an example of him,” I told the colonel before smiting the major dead on the spot and then resurrecting him as one of my Undead soldiers.

“Welcome to the Undead Guard, Major,” Nydia winked at Willis before pointing to the man’s now naked body.