(Dedicated to my son Joseph and my daughter Lillian: the only monsters I love more than Godzilla)
Godzilla x Kong: Destroy All Monsters
Prologue...
Douglas Gordon stared on at the television, his eyes glued to the devastation on display before him. He wasn't in shock or disbelief. Honestly how could anybody in this day and age be? Monsters. They were a part of everyday life now. So why should it come as a shock that CNN broke in with news of yet another Titan confrontation. People got used to seeing this all the time now. Whether it was the Godzilla and Kong incident 3 years prior or that massive awakening of Titans across the planet prior to that. The new normal one might say. A planet of monsters. As if humanity wasn't monster enough. But Douglas Gordon knew. Yes, in his mind and his heart he knew. This time was different. So he watched on as the news read "Giant Monsters All Out Attack" and heard the reporter spouting off the usual words that came with the aftermath of a Titan assault. Total devastation. Thousands missing, even more presumed dead. Cleanup efforts underway. Millions or more in damage. Shaky camera footage of the ensuing battle played on whilst the reporter continued speaking. Godzilla and Kong seemingly teamed up against another giant white beast and another giant ape with a whip of bone crashing and blasting through the city. Footage of a darkened sky filled with ice and another of the red haired ape being crushed to bits. Footage of the leftover remains of what survived in the city played. Makeshift hospitals, workers clearing rubble. The area itself was irradiated, some heavier in others. Another leftover whenever a Titan showed up. Tragedy. Unending. Needless. Preventable. And he smiled. Douglas Gordon smiled, not because of the lives lost or the buildings destroyed. He did feel true sorrow for all that befell the innocent people of Rio. No, Gordon smiled because he saw what was different. He saw what the outcome of this tragedy would be and he was willing to use it. He was willing and ready to show the world what he saw.
2 days later...
Douglas Gordon was an imposing man of 6'5'' wearing his military uniform with the same pride and distinction he carried all his life. 48 years of age and having served with distinction numerous times in sorties and tours worldwide. His thick moustache and high & tight haircut had flecks or grey sprinkled about and his brown eyes held a determined gaze. A satchel lay on the chair next to him. He sat patiently waiting as a secretary approached him with another military man in her company. He wore a blue uniform, a stark contrast to Gordon's green and was quite on in years, easily surpassing Gordon by nearly 30 years. Gordon stood as he approached, saluting first to show the older man respect before it was returned, and then they shook hands.
"Admiral Stenz, it's good to see you again sir, but I thought you'd retired a couple years back?"
Stenz smiled and patted Gordon on the back as they followed the secretary.
"I was. But, in lieu of the meeting you're about to have General Gordon, the President asked for someone else in the military who's had experience in this particular field. So I've been asked to sit in and give my thoughts on whatever discussion is going to be had."
Gordon gave a knowing look. He figured others might be sitting in on this meeting, though he expected someone from Monarch and not an admiral, let alone a retired one. But he wasn't worried. Even if one of those eggheads from Monarch were there to shoot down his ideals, it wouldn't matter. The secretary opened a door to the meeting room and escorted the two men in. A long table with 4 chairs, 2 on each side and 1 at the head. 2 chairs were already occupied. A bald, black woman in military fatigues and a chubbier, balding white man with a beard with a polo shirt and khakis both stood and saluted. Stenz and Gordon took their seats. Stenz was the first to speak.
"Colonel Foster, it's been a while. And who's this with you?"
Colonel Diane Foster gave a curt smile in response.
"This is Dr. Allan Henry, one of our top experts from Monarch. We've been asked to represent the organization at this meeting."
Allan extended a hand to both men.
"Seems she's rather unfond of you Admiral," Gordon said looking at Stenz and ignoring Henry's hand.
"The last time we saw one another was when the Admiral here launched an experimental weapon at us in hopes of killing Godzilla and Ghidorah. Nearly fried my men in the process, as well as almost killing the only thing standing between us and extinction at the time and effectively killing the local's fishing livelihood."
Stenz sighed as he shook Henry's hand.
"I was under orders and advised you all to leave the area. I only did what was asked because that was our best answer at the time."
Foster was about to respond when the doors on the other side of the room opened up and the President came in. Both parties stood and then sat down as he took his seat. He was an older man, late 50's with receding hair and thick glasses. He cleared his throat and began.
"I know you were the one who wanted to arrange this meeting General Gordon but regardless I appreciate all of you for coming. Now as you can see I have two representatives from Monarch here as well as another gentleman from our Naval branch of the military. I've requested these individuals here because of what you're wishing to address. Given the little I've gleaned from your request, I felt it would be best to get their opinions as well."
"If you don't mind, uh President Saunders um sir, why have you called us here," Dr. Henry asked, his nervousness at being in present company apparent.
The President continued.
"General Gordon has some things he would like to discuss as well as some propositions. I'm giving him an opportunity to voice his thoughts as well as hear yours. General," he said gesturing to Gordon.
Gordon cleared his throat and opened his satchel, producing various folders and papers.
"For over 13 years now, our nation and others have been made savagely aware of the presence of Titans. Their impact has been felt everywhere. First it was the MUTOs and then Godzilla. Since then, more and more have shown up in places all over the world."
President Saunders began flipping through the folder, looking over the images of readings and Titans, different sensor signatures, and the like. He passed it to the other 3 as Gordon continued.
"Now, I'm well aware and so is the public of Monarch's approach to these monsters..."
"Titans," Dr. Henry corrected.
Gordon shot him a look, daring him to interrupt again.
"As I was saying, everyone knows Monarch's approach is to simply observe and let be. Not once has Monarch done a damn thing to actually protect people..."
Foster stood up, jutting her chair back.
"That's not at all true! What about the attack on Rodan and Ghidorah years ago? There's also our military division of Monarch that I head myself that contributes to humanity's defense. Or how about the advances in Titan warning systems and shelters we've put in place the years since? Clearly we're not just sitting on our asses doing nothing."
"All efforts to cover for your mistakes and past indiscretions involving these monsters! Feeble attempts to atone for the horrors your organization has kept in secret. And your so called military division is a joke, an utter sham. Where were they in Hong Kong? In Italy? How about Rio?" Gordon shouted, slamming a fist on the table.
Saunders stood up and put his hands out, trying to ease the tension.
"Let's just take a minute here. I would appreciate no more interruptions while the General is speaking. I haven't all day to listen to squabbling. General? If you please."
Gordon continued.
"The point I'm trying to make is this. We have no real defense against these beasts. Our current military is essentially meaningless when it comes to a threat posed by them. If any one of these monsters were to attack our cities, we can't do anything but watch."
"But that's why Godzilla is here. Whenever one of them acts up, he just puts them back in line or, you know," Dr. Henry ran a finger along his neck.
"You rely on a wild animal to protect you from another wild animal. Your organization just wants to sit back and be content while the rest of the world is pillaged and destroyed by creatures that we cannot handle. Wash your hands of everything while we burn around you."
Foster stood once more.
"And how many lives has Godzilla and even Kong saved fighting for us? Have you even considered that?"
"And how many more lives has Godzilla taken?! San Francisco and Boston. How many were killed when Godzilla destroyed those Apex facilities and the Kong Armada? What about the nuclear reactors he recently destroyed? And that little fiasco in Rio? All those lives gone. Homes and businesses destroyed. Lives ruined by your so called "Protector". That, is what I've considered."
Foster sat back down. In her heart she knew she was right. Godzilla had saved the literal planet in the battle against Ghidorah. She had witnessed it first hand. But in her head, she also knew Gordon's words rang with some truth. Gordon pulled out another folder and handed it to Saunders. He opened it up and looked inside. There were several papers, each with various propositions and some schematics.
"My proposition is this Mr. President. I would like you to authorize the creation of a military branch specifically designed to help protect our cities as well as lend aid to other countries in the event of an attack by one of these monsters."
Foster shook her head as Henry's eyes widened at the thought.
"General," Dr. Henry said, "After all they've done to protect us, you want to go to war with Titans?"
"We can't keep losing innocent lives while you're so called "Protectors" are constantly at war! There are still unmapped portals to the Hollow Earth we've yet to encounter and Rio was proof of this! What's to stop a random Hollow Earth monstrosity from taking one of these portals and popping up in another random city and laying waste? More civilian casualties. More senseless death and destruction. We've seen how Godzilla protects through destruction. It's an endless cycle of violence. Walter Simmons was right to build that Mecha years ago. We need contingency plans to deal with these monsters, on our terms, not theirs!"
Foster closed her eyes and sighed heavily before speaking.
"Do you realize how insane that sounds? You clearly have no idea what you'd be doing."
"On top of that, you don't even know the first thing about Titans. What makes you so sure you can do anything about this," Dr. Henry said, genuinely curious.
"He's not entirely wrong though," Stenz finally said, having listened intently, "I've seen the damage up close as well. And while I agree that some of these Titans are better off for Godzilla to handle, he can't be everywhere. I honestly agree with what the General is saying and feel it should be looked into."
The President raised a hand.
"General I appreciate your sentiments, but if I were to authorize something like this, how sure are you that it would actually be effective?"
Both Foster and Dr. Henry slumped back in their seats.
"Mr. President," Dr. Henry continued, "There's no telling what this could do to the Titan's environment, let alone their nature. We'd be risking potential aggression from..."
"You just made my point doctor. The fact that you're even considering their aggressive potential is enough to solidify my proposition."
Gordon wiped his brow and sat down.
"With the proper funding and time, I think we can make a very effective defense against our monster problem sir. It's all there in the proposal I've given you sir. Take your time and look it over. I'm willing to wait for a decision. But don't take too long Mr. President. We don't know when another attack may happen."
President Saunders closed the folder and looked over the group.
"You've all made it clear your beliefs on the matter. I'll take this and discuss it with my Joint Chiefs of Staff and we will get back with you on your proposal General."
He stood up and nodded to the others as he left the room, leaving the palpable tension behind for other matters. Foster and Henry stood up and went to leave. As they opened the door, Foster looked back at Gordon.
"You really have no idea what you're doing, do you General? You say this is for our protection. But you're really just trying to trying to play dragon slayer."
Gordon looked on at her and smiled.
"I'm just trying to save what planet we have left, before it's eaten by your pets."
It was only a few days later when another Titan attack occurred. Titanus Baphomet, it's monstrous wings nearly blocking the sun showed up in the southern United States. It began to attack the city of Houston, nearly leveling the entire city during a 3 hour rampage before Godzilla arrived to chase it off. Once again devastation had hit. More lives lost. More ruination. Douglas Gordon picked up his phone the day after Houston and heard from the President personally that he would be approved for his proposition and everything it included. Even the information directly from Monarch on every Titan they knew of, both on the surface and within Hollow Earth. He would have all the information and funding he needed. He knew this was the right thing to do. He felt pride swell within him as he hung up the phone. Then he dialed another number and waited. There was an answer. Gordon smiled as he spoke.
"Admiral Stenz. I just got the approval from the President. In the interest of helping my organization out, what information can you provide me about that weapon you used 8 years ago?"