Chapter 14
Settling in Big Mountain, Pt. 1

A week has passed since our ten heroes made it to Big Mountain Resort in Montana and help what is left of the Free American Rejects against some strange dark forces from Those That Remain as well as Darklings from, The Darkness. The snow has melted and the autumn leaves are now visible with the absence of white. During the week, Jack and Marcus got one of the titans from Titanfall up and running with the help of Jose and Jeb. Many refugees that have survived from whatever they endured, both real and fictional, have joined Marcus' group as they try to make room in the main resort building while also repairing and making the cabins in the area work full time. Good news is that there were no more shadow people in the area and no other monsters have shown. As for the bad news; Jack's most unwanted relatives are there.

Close to the forests, Jeb and Jose are piloting the titans as they bring in fresh timber for the cabins. Jose is piloting the Monarch-class while Jeb is piloting the Vanguard-class. Jeb tore down another tree with the titan's hands to add with the other four.

Jose asks through the radio, "Why are we dong this?"

Jeb replies as he picks up three of the logs, "For the cabins and repair work. We got some refugees and there isn't enough room in the main building to support everyone. We do have the town, but some of it is in pieces. Gotta fix 'em before something even worse happens."

Jose adjust a few calibrations in his cockpit, "Oh I can think of things that are far worse."

"I bet I can think of things that are even worse than you."

Jose giggles, "Don't get so full of yourself. Anyway, best to get things repaired before another snow storm."

Both of them take the logs over to the resort and the village. While doing so, Jose decides to turn on the radio. On that radio, Tsuki is on it and pretends to be a radio DJ.

"Minasan, kon'nichiwa! Tsuki Tamaki here to deliver the news! For today's reports in the United States, things in the east coast have finally settle down. New York City is now being reconstructed with some new stuff to accommodate everything, all the Coronavirus zombies have been eradicated so Florida is cleared with the exception of giant alligators terrorizing the Everglades, and Washington D.C. is under heavy guard by, the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel, the Division, the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. along with the Avengers, and much of the Secret Service. Good news is that there are no UFO's from Independence Day...yet."

Jose and Jeb dropped off the lumber to a bunch of Mudokons and Vortigaunts that will process the wood before heading to another spot to get more wood.

Tsuki continues, "The west coast is still suffering from a few of their own problems. If you guys are familiar with the Simian Flu from Planet of the Apes reboot movies, then you probably know about the army of apes trying to take over San Francisco. But thanks to the combine forces of; the New California Republic, the California Commonwealth, the Republic of Pacifica, Dedsec and many survivors and heroes from movies and games; they are driven out. Including Terminators, zombies, the Chimera from Resistance, and the North Korean Army from Homefront. Although some parts are under lockdown because of the body snatchers from, Invasion of the Body Snatchers."

Jose and Jeb knocked down six more before dragging them as Tsuki tells more news.

"However, Joe Biden declared the emergence of a new nation known as, the United Nation States of America, which is a combination of many nations that have emerged in the former United States of America. This is comprised of the California Republic, which is a combination of the New California Republic and the California Commonwealth. If you guys know Fallout, expect some 1950's style post-apocalyptic stuff with some advance stuff from Watch Dogs and more in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah but Vegas is a free economic zone with Mr. House kicking out Randall Flag. But also expect San Francisco to be replaced with San Fransokyo in the near future with Big Hero 6 being its guardians. We also have the Republic of Pacifica, which is comprised of Washington state, Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming and here in Montana. So if you guys see soldiers with green chitin carapace armor, watch yourselves as they use biological and genetic engineered soldiers. But despite that, they do have a fondness for nature. You might also have to expect Wesen from Grimm and Conduits from InFamous helping out. And if you guys are heading to Hawaii, say hi to Lilo and Stitch."

Then the two brought them back at the same location as part of a new sawmill is constructed. Then head off with a large sack filled with a huge amount of pine cones. They head back to areas where they knocked down the trees and bury a few pine cones for new sprouts to grow.

"Now if we head further east, we have the new Great Plains Federation. A federation that is comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Chicago is the capital of this new federation yet there are a lot of mob bosses trying to seek control, all fictional, real and historical. Although expect more Brotherhood of Steel quelling them alongside more Dedsec and aliens from Ben 10. As for the federation itself, expect a lot of farmers. But when Halloween arrives, watch out for Michael Myers and vampires being hunted by a young Abraham Lincoln. To the south of that, we have the Republic of Texas which is comprised of the former states of Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Not much information but expect beer guzzling cowboys and gun toting lunatics through time and fiction as local sheriffs and lawbringers. Especially Chuck Norris as Walker, the Texas Ranger...and everything else that involves Chuck Norris. Although watch out for zombies from, The Last of Us."

In a makeshift garage, Jack is working on repairing a few old devices like toasters and ovens. Not his field of expertise, but with Jeb and Jose wanting to pilot the mechs, he volunteers. He has the radio on as he works.

"And next to that, we have the American Empire who have taken over Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. If you guys are familiar with Ghost in the Shell, expect some trouble from them with their imperial conservative bullcrap. But we have the real New Orleans NCIS there if you guys want to take the chance on meeting them. Yet there are other things to look out for like, such as; the giant alligators I mentioned, some more zombies, some stranded Chimera, some aliens from XCOM: The Bureau and Black Arrow troops from Splinter Cell: Conviction terrorizing some parts."

Working on an old cellphone with a soldering iron is Amelia, Jack's older sister. She currently has her hair dyed a dark purple with brown highlights tied in a ponytail. She is in her late twenties as she wears a lilac colored turtleneck sweater with some glitter that hides her c-cup breasts, skinny jeans, and women's pink and black running shoes. She is repairing a cellphone out of a few other cellphones stacked next to her station.

"Now we head back up north, we have the Atlantic Alliance, which controls Delaware, Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, southern Pennsylvania and Virginia. So this nation of the UNSA has control over the capital and is home to not only more Brotherhood of Steel, but also some cybernetically enhanced soldiers. Washington D.C. is right now going through some serious changes with Congress having some agreements with the rise of the UNS of A. But lastly, up north, we have the New England Commonwealth. If you guys are familiar with, the Minutemen, from whatever source you got it, they got it. Past and post-apocalyptic. They control the former states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, northern Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Vermont. The Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. have made New York City their home. But like I said, it's going through some major changes and reconstruction. Although, the Addams Family, or should I say Addams Families, is now real and set-up shop in New Jersey. Same with the X-Men but in Ohio. And don't worry about any Stephen King novel stuff because over fifty percent of them have been wiped by the Joint Strike Forces of UNSA. For those that don't know, it is comprised of troops from every branch and intelligence agencies along with former PMCs. This may include the Air Force, Army Rangers, Marine Corps., Green Berets, Delta Force, CIA, and many more. There is also a minor nation state known as, San Andreas Republic. If you guys know about Grand Theft Auto, you may have heard of it."

Amelia asks Jack, "Can you hand me the screws, please?"

"Coming up." Jack stops what he's doing and gives her a case of screws.

"We also have a few new states that are now part of whatever nation state they reside in. Such as Jefferson, which is located in northern California and southern Oregon and it is also home to sentient Sasquatches. There is Pennsyltucky, which is comprised of western Pennsylvania and eastern Kentucky but expect more Fallout crap in the area. Although the cherry is out on which nation state gets to have it. Statesota, which is comprised of western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Expect closed minded, conservative, backwards white Protestants living in Moralton. There is also Liberty State on the east coast, also from Grand Theft Auto and is part of the Atlantic Alliance. In the Republic of Texas, there are a few tiny states located in the southern area of Texas such as Lemoyne, Ambarino, New Hanover, West Elizabeth, and New Austin with lots of old fashion cowboys from Red Dead Redemption. Yet I have received reports of micronations being independent from the UNSA, but nothing completely concrete as of right now. Also, we now have aliens from Mass Effect, Star Trek, Stargate, Farscape, XCOM and Defiance. But that's just the majority and they're staying clear of the American Empire. That's it for national news. We'll get to international after some music."

Tsuki plays Ginsen no Kaze (Wind of the Silver Flash) by Konomi Suzuki, which is an opening to the anime, Lord Marksman and Vanadis.

"Ooo!" Amelia went after hearing a minute of the song, "I like this song."

"Well some anime have some really good tracks." Jack fixes another toaster, "You should watch some." He puts it back together, "There we go."

Jack then plug it in and test it as he places two pieces of bread in it. He patiently waits as the toaster pops up. However, the toaster jumped and falls of the table.

"Dammit." he went as he sees his hard work reduce to pieces, "I thought for sure I got it right."

Amelia giggles, "For a smarty, you couldn't get a toaster right." and giggles some more.

Jack picks up the pieces, "Yeah, yeah."

Amelia helps out, "Here, I'll help."

J.H. then pulls into the garage with his truck. He stick his head out the window, "Hey, guys! Got some news!"

Amelia and Jack put the pieces back on the table.

Jack goes, "Oh, hey J.H.! What's the news; good or bad?"

J.H. cuts the ignition and exits, "Depends. How do you like dwarves? They started making a new mountain kingdom on one side of the mountains close to where the ski lifts are at. I got them to agree to make their entrances away from the skiing area."

"What kind of dwarves are we dealing with?" Amelia asks. "Lord of the Rings? Warcraft? Dragon Age? Marvel Comics?"

"Practically all the above and there are a hundred of them. There are live action, video game, CGI animated, hand drawn animated, flat ones from story books and some made from novels that look like old sketches."

"Excuse me!?" says a female voice coming into the garage.

A woman in her mid-twenties comes in while wearing a tan Albus Numen manus oversized linen blazer, matching high-rise raw-edge linen shorts, and light brown Schultz pedria boots. She also has blonde dyed highlights with the middle being brown with her hair being short and wavy.

Jack does a silent groan, "Hey, Beatrice."

"Did someone say...'dwarves'?" Beatrice, Jack's middle older sister, has taken an interest. "Dwarves mean deep pockets, which means all the gold and jewels. That also means a lucky break!" Beatrice, for those that have forgotten from the first chapter, is the gold-digger sister who went through more marriages and divorces in order to get an easy life.

Amelia on the other hand, was a conniving a bitch that tries to use her looks to get ahead in life. But after a huge exposure caused by Jack and have been recuperated, she's a better person than before.

Amelia sighs and isn't happy with her sister, "Beatrice. Just because your husband is now a zombie, doesn't mean you can just jump ship into another marriage."

J.H. whispers to Jack, "That has been happening a lot lately."

Jack whispers back, "Beatrice gold-digging marriages or the zombie infection?

"What's the difference?"

The song on the radio ended and now it is playing, Hell Yeah by Zebrahead.

"Oh says you. Besides, I'm looking forward to a life of luxury when all the smoke clears. I may have gotten a lot of money from all the banks Catherine and I looted since their abandonment, but we're trying to stay ahead of the other assholes." Beatrice is a prideful woman who knows no shame with her pride being as equal as her greed. "So I won't need your money anymore."

Jack just walks out, "I'm gonna go and check on the other refugees."

"Whatever."

Amelia and Beatrice have an argument while J.H. tunes his truck for the winter.

Jack heads over to some of the buildings still intact in the village as he flew in. Such as the Big Sky Cafe and Bakery (or the Illy Cafe), that still has the same style since all the people left and abandoned the resort. Such as the wooden frames, the white countertops on black bricks, the same pricing for drinks and crepes, and the selection of fruits, other drinks and water bottles at the cashiers.

The only thing that has changed is the customers and regulars. Two Vortigaunts are seen at a table, drinking white mocha espresso with one wearing an orange construction hat while the other is wearing a green construction helmet with a wood axe symbol on it. A Mudokon is drinking a chai latte while wearing jean overalls and a blue baseball cap backwards. One of the normal human mechanics is playing a round of chess with a Castithan from Defiance...and winning. Four Annelids (Worms) are enjoying their possibly eighth cup of coffee as they listen to the radio that is now playing, Crawl Out Through the Fallout by Sheldon Allman. And no, they are not related to those from Men in Black movies. Nor the same ones.

At the counter is Jack's father, Sean Silversword. A man with parts of his brown hair turning gray while looking a bit messy but has a hairnet. He is wearing the red shirt and black pants uniforms. He does have some bags under his eyes when he was making end's meet to payoff of the loans and debts he owed until the apocalypse hits. Not to mention that he is looking a bit paler.

"Hey dad." Jack greets his father.

"Hey son. The usual?"

"Banana, blackberry and lemon crepe with a mint and raspberry hot chocolate."

"So the usual then." Sean look at his co-workers, "One Jack special!"

"How are ya doin'?" Jack asks as his snack is being prepared.

"Better nowadays. After going through the horrors since this apocalypse, my entire life flashed before me and... I noticed that my life is full of shit. Being lazy has got me nowhere but three spoiled daughters. Well two now since Amelia changed after that stunt you pulled. A failing marriage, a mountain of debt that I can never repay, a wife that cares more about money and getting rich while also just as spoiled as our daughters. Yeah. My life was a wreck. Now though," he smiles, "I'm actually glad of starting a new. I got a new job, don't have any debts to worry about, and I won't have to worry about much."

"Is mom still-"

"Yes." he answers bluntly with a sour look, "Yes she is. She's currently living in one of the condos and donated the trailer to Marcus."

"Shit man."

"Excuse me." says a Mudokon co-worker, "But your hot chocolate and crepe been done for a while."

On the counter is the mint and raspberry hot chocolate with a plate of a banana, blueberry and lemon crepe.

"Oh crap. Thanks, man." Jack takes his order, "And I hope you won't take things for granted or be lazy again, dad."

"Will do."

Jack then takes a seat and enjoys his snack. Yet joining him at his table is Dr. Harry Dalton, a volcanologist from the 1997 volcano disaster movie, Dante's Peak, along with a meteorologist from the 1996 tornado film, Twister, Dr. Joanne "Jo" Harding and Owen Grady from the Jurassic World movies.

Jack asks them, "May I help you?"

To be continued in part 2