Chapter 1 of the sequel!
Welcome to the sequel to The Will of the Ancients. If you haven't read it, then this one might not make much sense! It's a direct continuation to The Will of the Ancients! :)
I Hope you all enjoy it!
Special Thanks (-kind of-) - Continued -
xMechaSheikx - No...don't cry...it'll be okay, I swear!
Ciriajacobs - Thanks so much for the review and follow. You are AWESOME, too. LOL
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The Ascension of the Ancients
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I. The Beginning of the End
Time: 4:00 P.M.
Date: August 4th 1939
Location: Armory of Berlin, Germany. General's Head Quarters.
General Edward Richtofen stared at the letter that sat upon his desk. The Group 935 symbol was on the cover; A fist holding a ball of energy and the numbers 935 stamped within the circle. He examined it carefully, staring at the familiar handwriting. It had been a long time since he'd seen that symbol. A long time since he'd seen that handwriting. But he hadn't forgotten. Over two decades had passed, and he still remembered this, what this meant.
They were back.
He wondered if it was a good thing. He wondered what the contents said. He wondered if it said what he thought it said. His mind burned with curiosity until he felt it would melt with the intense heat of the room. He sighed and picked it up, albeit reluctantly.
He opened it quickly and read:
Dear Edward,
It had been a long time since any correspondence had occurred between us. I am concerned by what this means. If you refuse what is here I will understand, but I still urge you to read it and reconsider if your answer is no.
For the second time, I wish to invite you back into Group 935. This time, we are receiving funds from the Nazi Party and have no need for the Illuminati. If all goes well, then we will soon have enough money to stand on our own. For now, the Group is stable. I also wanted to tell you that a new source of Ununpentium has been discovered and shipments of the element have arrived at our base, which, I grant you, is much better equipped then our last one. This was also given to us by the Nazi Party. It is my sincere wish that you will take up this offer again. If so, then read the instructions attached to make it to the base.
With sincerity, Ludwig Maxis
(Instructions)
On the ides August, catch the eleven train south. Tell a fellow dressed all in black in the first carriage "935. The Giant is waking." He will then say, "Ununpentium is power." he will proceed to give you further directions. He has a description of you and will recognize you. Once you have memorized this note, burn all of it.
The general was not pleased to receive such a letter. He had not forgotten the fact how disastrously the last attempt to do any good with the element had failed. He was also acutely aware of the fact that Maxis, who had not bothered to contact him all these years, had called him Edward. Not General Richtofen, the way he would've preferred. He would have even been okay with General. Or General Edward. Maybe even Doctor Richtofen. But to him, Edward was simply outrageous. He sighed.
Every cell in his body wanted to refuse the proposition. But his heart was for science. And ideas had burned in his mind over the last several years of technology that utilized the element. He was sure he could recall some of them if he tried. He opened a lockbox under his desk and placed the letter within. Figuring he could decide on it later.
Unfortunately, his hand knocked something else out of the lockbox. It was a worn monochromatic photograph of a woman with dark, thick hair and a gracious smile that had once brought some comfort to the General's heart.
The truth was as black and white as the photograph, though. He'd never see that smile in life again. Or hear the lovely, strong voice that accompanied it. Or see the shining hazel-green eyes watching him with hopefulness.
He shook himself mentally and place the photograph back, locking the box up. He stood up and crossed the room, opening his door and walking outside. Two guards saluted him quickly, not meeting his gaze. He ignored them and walked quickly down the long hallway leading out to the courtyard. It was unpleasantly warm outside. He swiftly walked passed through the courtyard and into a sideroom. He walked down another hallway and gritted his teeth as he came to a doorway. He hesitated to open it, preparing for what-or who-he would see.
Finally, he entered the room beyond the door.
"Well, General Edward Richtofen is it now? You've certainly have been a busy-body these last few years." A man within said, his voice accented strangely. His cold blue eyes were calculating, his consummate face emotionless.
Richtofen managed to make his response halfway polite. "Walram Fleischer," he stated like he'd just tasted something bitter. "I will be honest. I have worked hard to get here."
"Ah yes. Forgive my mannerism, the heat is just terrible this year. By the way, have you managed to get that item? Your successes will only save your skin so many times."
He cut right to the chase, typical. Richtofen was also annoyed the man had came in person instead of sending a messenger, as was usual.
"Right, so you said ten years ago." The general pointed out. It was actually the last time he'd seen the man in person.
Waram laughed humorlessly. "My patience is very long, yes...but it is finally running out."
"Ja, and why is it you still look so young?"
"Do not blow me off." He said, glaring daggers at the General.
"Or else what?" Richtofen dared.
Walram sighed and leaned forward in his seat. "Or else this," he said, pulling a black pistol out of his bag and aiming it right at the General's chest.
Richtofen felt a ferocious stab of anger and a slight hint of fear. Finally he sat down across from the Illuminati man and said, "You really like the pistol, don't you? Okay then, my contacts have tracked the device to a museum in the U.S. Fortunately, they have no idea what they hold."
"Location?" Walram asked, tucking his gun out of sight. He looked like nothing had happened.
"New York." Richtofen handed the man a paper.
Walram took it and looked through it, studying a picture on the paper.
"Well, looks like we got a winner. You are so much more useful than your...father...was. Most likely, he used this device often to go off the charts. We want it back." He stood up. "Oh, and for future reference. Don't be such an ass. When it comes to this business, I have no qualms where the bullets need to land."
He walked out the door without another word.
Verdammt! To say Richtofen was pissed was like saying a mountain was a molehill.
He'd had every intention of that going very differently, but it hadn't. Now, he was unsure how much longer the Illuminati would want payment for his father's 'crimes' as Walram called them. How much longer would he live in their good graces before something not so good happened? He leaned forward, running his fingers through his dark hair, greying around the temples somewhat from continued stress. He had to figure out how to escape the Illuminati. Maybe Maxis's invitation would be his best bet.
So, for the love of science and a need to escape those who harassed him often, he would accept the letter's invitation.
Even if it meant he'd technically lose his status here as General.
The train that Richtofen had boarded an hour ago rolled to a stop at the factory. The shifty man on the first train he had took had told Richtofen to take this one after disembarking that train. He was soon climbing out along with several other men his eyes landing on the 'base'.
He stared at the sheer size of the factory. Maxis hadn't lied about this place being better than their last base. Der Riese: waffenfabrik was engraved in a large metal sign over the impressive, iron double doors leading into the massive compound just on the edge of a city known as Breslau. Two security guards were standing on either side, making newcomers turn out there pockets and show proof of acceptance into the facility. Group 935 was bigger and better than ever it seemed.
He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
Richtofen stood there, decked out in his uniform and a small pistol at his waist to give him some comfort. He trusted no one, afterall. He reexamined the card that the man on the train had give him before moving to join the line.
He made it into the facility, the guards recognizing the General. Unfortunately, they said, they would have to take his pistol until he was approved to carry it. He had accepted, albeit regretfully. He now found himself staring around a large courtyard where the new arrivals were gathering. He was a little uneasy to see various races of different countries.
Why would Group 935 become global? It reminded him too much of what the Illuminati was like.
He could hear two men speaking in a rapid-fire Asian language. Upon further listening, he found others speaking in many languages like Dutch, French and even what seemed to be English, some with American accents. He didn't know why, but Americans always bugged him with their care-free lifestyles, as if the world would hand them everything as they watched baseball, drove in motorcars, ate apple-pies, and raised their children to do the same.
He could also pick out other languages he couldn't properly identify. He hoped these foreigners could speak German, or things could get difficult. It wasn't so much that he was racist, but the fact was that he knew the threat of the oncoming war now that Hitler was chancellor of Germany would send many packing back home.
Unless they just didn't care. Which he doubted seriously.
He walked up to a small group of men speaking, thankfully, in German to ask what was going on there when someone called his name.
"Doctor Richtofen!" The voice said.
It had been a while since someone had addressed him that way. He turned and saw a young man hurrying towards him. He looked to be about twenty. He had sandy blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes and he looked very familiar to Richtofen.
"Who are you?" He asked as the man reached him and offered his hand to shake.
"Oh, I was just a kid when you last saw me. I'm Kline Schuster!" He said, looking a little embarrassed.
Richtofen, for the first time in a very long time, smiled. He shook the younger man's hand.
"You look very much like your father did." Richtofen complimented. At least one thing good was happening today.
"So I've been told!" The younger man said, looking equally pleased at the chance meeting.
"Und how is your mother?" It was good to have a normal conversation for once. He hadn't had one since Emily had...
Kline stated. "She's fine, better now that the Nazis have finally turned things around for Germany! And she's very happy that I am here, doing the thing I love, which is studying higher sciences."
"Yes, just like your father, indeed."
Kline was about to speak but was interrupted.
"All right, gentlemen, your attention please!" Someone called over a microphone to the noisy crowd of workers and soldiers based there.
It was Maxis, who looked about the same for some strange reason or another, even though some twenty-odd years had passed since Richtofen had last seen him. It bugged Richtofen to no end that this man hadn't seemed to age one bit. What was he? 60? 70? Younger? Older? After the time in France...he'd seemed younger afterward which confused Edward to no end. He decided not to dwell on it.
"Thank you. I would like to officially welcome you to Group 935. Here we will explore science as it has never been explored before!" Doctor Ludwig Maxis started.
Once everyone had quieted down and was paying him attention, he started again with what seemed a well-rehearsed speech. He must have been a pretty good speaker, too, with his deep, parade-ground voice that was unique because he held everyone's full attention throughout the entire thing.
"Gentlemen, allow me to take this opportunity to welcome you to Group 935. This is a prestigious moment in the history of our race. You represent the future of technological advancement. You are the pioneers of human discovery. In your hands lies the destiny of mankind. In our hands is a great power and with that power comes a price. You have volunteered to be part of this great experiment and with that decision comes the responsibility of absolute secrecy. No one is to know what you do, where you work, what our research has uncovered, or what our purpose will be. You will have no further contact with your governments or with your families. Your decision to fully dedicate your lives to Group 935 is absolute. In your lockers in your designated rooms you will find your field ops manual which will direct you should our manifesto get compromised. We cannot afford to let this power fall into the wrong hands and therefore the field ops manual should be considered your bible. Make your preparations now. A new dawn is beginning for mankind."
He finished his speech walked down from the podium, face grave and deep in thought.
This was a lot different than it had once been, Richtofen noted.
After the first couple of hours with the multi-race group which involved a tour of the factory, learning where all of the facilities were, and finding their rooms, General Richtofen was less than pleased. He immediately requested a private audience with Doctor Maxis as soon as he could get away from the tour. Surprisingly enough, it was granted to him.
As they took a seat at the small table in the office, Richtofen got the feeling that their old friendship was non-existent at this point.
"Maxis, what is the meaning of this?" Were the first words he spoke to the man in a long time, but he was too riled up to care.
"Of what?" The man queried, raising an eyebrow.
"The...everything! Restricted use on the element, barely any work space for me in my quarters, cooperation with projects, I'm only your assistant, and now the fact that my room's no bigger than a dog house!"
There it was, all laid out on the table so-to-speak.
Maxis leaned back in his chair, face stressed. "Edward, you've been gone from the group for a very long time. True, we were disbanded, but we still stuck together-most of us-in the hopes that we could rebuild. Now that we have that chance, we need a few rules to keep the group together. We don't have unlimited access to the element like last time, so the restriction is necessary. Also, since we now know just how potentially dangerous it is, we have to be very careful with it. Trust me when I say this is the best facility as far as workspace, size and uses go what with this new war going on. Just be thankful that we don't have to go to the frontlines this time!"
Richtofen snorted. "My room back at headquarters was bigger than that! About like this." He gestured around the room. "And why am I not your equal? Why am I the assistant and not your partner?"
Ludwig sighed impatiently. "Your room is all we can spare with all of the scientist from all over the globe pouring in. We don't have the right to instantly make you my partner after your absence. It would be unfair to those who have been here much longer."
"Unfair?" Laughed the general incredulously. "You don't know the meaning of the word, unfair!" He hissed. For some reason, all he could think about was the illuminati.
Maxis was now glaring now, his temper shortened all of a sudden. "If you know unfair so much, then tell me who was dining in luxury as a general while the Deutschland starved in inflation and poverty!"
"What?! Dining?...hardly. Do you realize that even the army was effected? It was back-breaking just to get into the military and it took nearly two decades to be promoted. All of which I've just thrown away to come here and live in a shed!" He snarled.
Maxis, at first, looked like he would start yelling. But then, his temper inexplicably drained away. "Fine," he relented slightly. "I understand your point. I will work on getting you transferred to a more...convenient...location. In the mean time, you'll just have to be patient."
"Gut."
They sat there a moment in an awkward and tense silence.
"So, Edward, seeing as I know you too well. What have you come up with in the last few decades?" Maxis tried for friendly.
Richtofen stared at Maxis keenly for a moment, feeling a little excitement to share his new ideas despite the small argument. "Well, there is the-" He was interrupted when the door to the office burst open and a young girl-looking about ten years old-came running in.
"Daddy!" She exclaimed, running to her father who instantly stood up. He bent down and picked her up.
"Who's that?" She asked, pointing at Richtofen.
"Don't point, dear!" Admonished Maxis. "That's General Edward Richtofen, he's working here now."
The girl waved at an annoyed Edward. Edward forced his annoyance away with a silent puff of air and waved back. Maxis put the girl back down and she giggled before rushing out the door again.
"Why do you have a little girl here in a place like this?" Asked the general incredulously as soon as she was gone.
"She is my daughter. Her mother is...well...dead." He finished sadly.
"What's her name?"
"Her name is Samantha."
Richtofen felt that the name was very familiar, but he could not place his finger on it.
Richtofen sensed that arguing about that subject was only going to make this whole situation worse. Still, he thought it was wrong, keeping her in such an environment despite the fact that it was full of dangers. The cold metal walls and locked doors were no place for a young girl.
"So...about your projects..." Maxis prompted, intent on taking up the conversation where it had left off.
Richtofen felt a sour taste in his mouth, and he was certain now that he was going to regret his decision to join Group 935 once again.
He started describing the wunderwaffe project in the hopes of gaining permission to start in on it right away.
He really needed the distraction.
End of chapter 1
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