Chapter 15: Prelude to Destruction
"It doesn't matter if there's an executive order from the President, I need to get to Hollow Earth now!"
"I'm sorry Dr. Andrews, but all travel to Hollow Earth is grounded. The Director has given her authority as well. There's nothing we can do."
"Like Hell there is," Dr. Andrews shouted as she tried to push past the security guard to the hangar.
Dr. Andrews had already been en route to the Monarch outpost in Florida when the President's speech had been made. When she arrived at the base, the entire building was in a state of disarray. The main hangar with the HEAVs had already been closed by Director Hampton's orders with security posted at the entrance as well. Dr. Andrews felt a pang of fear and need. she had to reach Jia. There was no telling when the EDF would strike. She couldn't chance it. Two more security guards arrived to help stop her from entering the hangar. She continued to try and fight them off, maternal instinct kicking in. One of the guards grabbed her by her legs while the other two hoisted her up.
"Ma'am, you need to calm down! If you keep this up, we will take you into custody! Now settle it down!"
Ilene stopped struggling briefly enough that the guards had set her down. As she went to stand up, she charged into the nearest one and shoved him against a wall. A guard pulled her away, trying to pin her arms behind her. The guard fought trying to cuff her hands behind her. Eventually it took an additional guard and some pepper spray to make Ilene submit. All she could do as they restrained her was scream Jia's name over and over again.
"What can all of this mean," Madison asked her father frantically over the phone.
Mark wandered around the dig site with the phone to his ear. He had been stationed here for some time helping the other scientists and archaeologists in their research. They had discovered some ruins in Saudi Arabia. It was believed that they might hold some knowledge on ancient Titan and human interaction. Unfortunately for Mark they had gotten a bit more than they had planned. A portal had opened up close by and the team was attacked by a Warbat. Several of the crew were attacked and they had to take refuge within the temple they had partially uncovered. It was some time before Saudi forces showed up and managed to wound the creature enough it retreated. Mark and his team barely had time to recover before the President made his announcement to the world. And now, as Monarch was in the midst of packing up their encampment and equipment, Mark was on his phone trying to sort out his daughter's panic at the same time.
"Madison, there's no telling what the EDF can really do down there. There's far too much ground to cover, even for their forces. This is probably nothing more than the President blowing smoke to make it look like they're doing something," he responded.
"I'm telling you Dad, this isn't right. There's something more going on. Something they aren't telling us."
"Well what are you proposing Maddie? I don't like this anymore than you do but our hands are tied. You heard the President. Monarch has already given all of their field operatives the order to return."
"Steve and I are close to figuring out what's going on. We just need a little more time to get what we're after. But to do that, we need to know where the EDF are located at."
"Where they're located? Maddie don't tell me you're going to do what I think you're going to do."
"We just need to get in there and get into their computer system somehow. If we can do that, then we..."
Mark cut her off.
"Are you crazy?! You're literally talking about hacking a military base right now," he shouted.
"We're not wrong Dad and you know it! Look at everything that's happened! Behemoth attacking at their weapon unveiling, the attack from Hollow Earth, and now they're suddenly going to take the fight to Hollow Earth? And after that they're supposed to do something about the Titans on the surface? You know that there's a balance between us all for a reason and they are trying to destroy that. How long do you think it's going to be before Godzilla sees us as a threat and starts to fight back. It's going to be like Ghidorah all over again!"
Mark grit his teeth and leaned against a wall. The problem wasn't that he didn't believe his daughter or that he didn't care. The problem was he didn't know how to help or which direction to help her in. He cursed himself in his mind and took a deep breath.
"Madison, I love you so much. Give me a little bit of time and I'll see what I can do for you on my end. Maybe Director Hampton might know where the EDF has roots. I need to finish things up here. I don't know if I'll find anything but at least I'll try. Just try not to do anything really stupid until I do. You're all I've got left in this world and I don't want you risking yourself over nothing."
"This is far from nothing Dad. We may be the only ones that are doing something."
"I'll let you know what I can find out Maddie. I love you."
"I love you too Dad. And thank you," she said disconnecting the call.
Mark put his phone back in his pocket and sighed. Then he joined the others in packing.
Godzilla swam through the water quickly. He could sense the disturbance during his battle with Anguirus and acted quickly. The King of the Monsters could feel the intrusion into his lair, even all the way to the northern artic where he had chased the invader Anguirus. The senses of an Titan were already far superior to any other animal on the planet. And an Alpha Titan's was even more powerful. Nature had seemed to know what she was doing when she gave the Titans their abilities. And what Godzilla sensed was a threat to his young. The future of his species was on the move and Godzilla was ready to destroy to get it back.
"Are you absolutely sure about this," Captain Storm asked the General.
Captain Storm and Captain Turner stood before General Gordon in his office. He had called them in there to discuss the upcoming Hollow Earth Operation.
"That is correct Captain Storm. We're going to use our Super Xs and the Gotengo to descend into the Hollow Earth and bring the fight to our enemy. Preparations are under way and I wanted to brief you both personally as you are by far my most qualified and suited men for the task."
"But sir," Captain Storm said, "Is the Gotengo even capable of handling the descent? I know the Super Xs are based on HEAV design, so I would assume they are capable. But I'm not sure if the Gotengo can do something like that."
"Captain Storm, if I may. The General seems very confident in what our equipment can handle. I think we should have complete trust in what he's proposing.," replied Captain Turner.
"The Gotengo was designed using HEAVs as the basis for the armor and engine designs. Not only can the Gotengo go to Hollow Earth, if need be the tungsten drill at the front of the ship can actually dig an entry point into Hollow Earth from anywhere"
"I understand General. I'm just trying to ensure our men walking into their premature deaths."
"This organization is here to protect humanity and it's my job to protect our men. Make no mistake Captain Storm. Death is always a possibility. But that will be when we engage the enemy, not while we're getting everyone ready. Preparation is key. That is why were are not enacting on this right away. A large scale attack of this sort requires every detail finely examined."
"Yes sir. I apologize for my reaction sir," Captain Storm responded.
"There's no need to apologize Captain. I am understanding and well aware of your concerns. And I also appreciate you bringing them up to me. Communication is key in our organizataion. How can we trust each other if we're not honest with one another?"
"Yes sir. Of course sir," Captain Storm said with a nod.
"Now back to the business at hand. This operation will be overseen by myself. Both of you gentlemen will each play and important part. Once the details are finalized I will have a proper mission briefing with you both. I wanted you here today so that I could give you both a head up. It will be a lot of pressure and wanted to give you enough time to process your importance before I give you everything. I trust everyone in our organization but you two are the ones that I have faith will help carry out what's necessary for success."
"That will be no issue at all General," Captain turner replied.
General Gordon nodded and dismissed the two captains.
"One more thing before you go Captain Turner," General Gordon said.
Turner turned back around as Storm left. As the door closed, Captain Turner let out an annoyed sigh.
"All due respect General, I'm not sure what you see in him."
"Captain Storm is a valuable asset to our team. He's not only one of the best pilots we have but he also has a natural charisma to his personality. Our men and women need someone like that to help them stay committed to the cause."
"Is that why you also try to be so personable to the troops sir?"
General Gordon looked back at Captain Turner with venom.
"Do you question the sincerity in my demeanor Captain," he asked.
"Not at all sir. It was just a question," Captain Turner said with a swallow.
"You may be closer to me in the EDF than Captain Storm, but make no mistake about your position Captain Turner. You are under my command and you will show me the respect I am due. Tread carefully or I'll make sure your next assignment is somewhere so remote your own family won't remember you exist. Am I understood?"
Captain Turner nodded and swallowed once more. Gordon sat back and relaxed in his chair.
"Has your squad retrieved this egg from Monarch?"
"Yes sir. We were able to acquire it before they were able to take the egg back to Monarch"
"What of the scientists and crew involved in the egg's discovery?"
"Dispatched as per your request General. The official report will say that the sub had a malfunction due to radiation levels within the area they had located it. No loose ends."
"And where is the egg now?"
"It will be departing Miami tomorrow morning at 0600 hrs. It should arrive to base within the next 32 to 36 hours."
"Sounds like things are in order as need be. That will be all Captain."
Captain Turner saluted and left the room.
The next 24 hours was intense for Ilene Andrews. Security had managed to cuff her and escorted her off the premises. She was arrested and placed in a local jail. Once she was able to calm herself, she attempted to use her phone call to contact Director Hampton. Whether it was due to not knowing the number calling or she was busy, Ilene never made contact. And so she was there, left to her thoughts behind bars. She could feel her emotions attempting to claw their way from inside of her. She tried pleading with the police, telling them that she needed to try and contact others to inform them of the danger her Jia was in. They wouldn't listen. She knew how she sounded. Hysterical woman, doing everything she could to get out of jail. Eventually she found herself sitting and thinking. She had to get out of there. She hadn't slept but her adrenaline kept her going.
"I don't believe this," she heard one of the officers say.
The voice came from another room nearby. Ilene moved closer to the bars and tried to listen in out of curiosity.
"It's unreal man," a woman's voice said, "They're all coming out now it seems like."
"You said it. As if a bunch of those monsters attacking wasn't enough. Now we've got the big dog himself," another voice responded.
"Hey! Can you guys hear me in there? What's going on," Ilene shouted.
The female officer came around the corner and looked at her.
"What's going on? Was there another attack," Ilene asked.
"Oh yeah, they brought you in from Monarch didn't they," the woman replied, "I would say so. That Godzilla was just filmed attacking a city."
"Wait, what? What do you mean attacking a city?"
"I mean he's destroying Charleston right now."
At 0600 hours exactly, the military escort with the egg began it's trek north from Miami, Florida. They were to continue driving with no stops until they reached EDF headquarters. The transport was passing through Georgia by mid afternoon, hampered only by traffic along the way. Godzilla was still traveling along the coast of the United States when it detected that the egg was significantly closer than it's previous position. He immediately swerved and made landfall at the nearest shore. Godzilla broke the water with a mighty roar and trampling into the city of Charleston, South Carolina. With no regard for anything in his way, the mighty titan stomped his way from the shore and into the city itself. His great body pushed through the buildings, his tail smashing and pushing the rubble behind him. His egg was the only goal he had in mind. The people of Charleston fled through the streets in terror. Godzilla's feet dug into the ground with every step. His movements were slowed as he smashed and destroyed everything in his way. Energy crackled up his spines, the sound of the charge rippling through the air. A beam of fiery energy exploded from Godzilla's mouth as he went from right to left in a sweeping attack. His fire breath carved a huge swathe out of the city and cleared his path. With determination, Godzilla began to move faster as the city of Charleston burned behind him.