Join the new world

Tale of the American: Chapter I
A story by John Halen

Its not everyday that you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, likewise it’s not everyday that you find yourself in a life-threatening situation involving multiple international conspiracies and a street vendor that thinks you stiffed him five bucks. For me, I had the unfortunate meeting with the latter, and Sweet Jesus was it painful.

It all started about couple weeks ago in Boston, just as the snow started to fall. I had just been honorably discharged from the military work and had just started work as a telemarketer, attempting to convince customers to purchase random products or Squirm magazine subscriptions (it was a zine of rather erotic quality). Though mind-numbing to the point of insanity, the job kept me narrowly above the red, and slowly I was able to integrate myself into a civilian life. However there would be times that I would recollect my time as a soldier, fighting against the tyranny that was TWO.

After having undergone at least a hundred calls attempting to sell more Squirm magazines, I headed over to the local bar to grab a drink in celebration for the weekend, able to unwind for the first time in over a month. It was convenient timing on my part, as it was the memorial for the ending of the Second American Revolution. Though it had only been two years since America had submitted TWO’s dominance, the memories were still too raw for me to go out and watch the parades. Even more hard to digest was the fact that America had now become the conqueror, rising from TWO and taking over a couple countries on the Pacific. Had the Revolution really been worth the struggle? I never found an answer to my question, having drunk myself into a stupor long after the parade was over.

Swearing loudly the next day due to an immense hangover, I struggled out of bed and limped toward the living room, nabbing some cereal for breakfast and turning on the news. As expected much of what was on comprised of America’s re-emergence as a world power, bringing “a new era for democracy and freedom,” I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit at the propaganda, wondering if the people in the occupied nations felt the same way I did about TWO. Pondering about the question while gulping down the remaining milk, I suddenly get a call from my phone, the ringtone deafened by my coat pocket. Grabbing it, I notice that the call is from Vermont, the number one I’ve never seen before.

“John Halen speaking” I said, accepting the call.

“Your life is in danger,” replied a voice, its tone serious.

It took me a moment to register what the caller just said, not sure if the caller was male or female.

“Come again?” I said, not sure if to take this seriously.
“If you value your life, leave your apartment and head to the Autoshop on 6th and MacArthur, you will receive further information there,”

At this point I felt pretty sure that this was a crank call, hanging up the phone after hearing this part. “A$#ole,” I muttered to myself, cleaning my bowl and heading to the bathroom. I had only gotten four feet when a huge explosion lifted me of the ground, my body hitting the wall hard. disoriented and pain in my back, I struggled to my feet and saw three armed soldiers surrounding me, weapons at the ready.

“What the-” I said, but was unable to finish my sentence as I was knocked unconscious by a rifle butt.

Vote, subscribe, and tell me what you think! Looking for new characters (about four main excluding john) to be in the story: must have full name, age, rough description of them that’s believable (backstory helps), and skills (like sniper, hacker, etc).

Till next time