Queen of the Cowboys

The Chicago Initiative

"We're going to what?" Buchanan said. Whereas before his heart had stopped, now it was racing like a runaway hunting dog, trying to break out of his chest. He stumbled backward a step with the power of Burnshire's statement, delivered casually as if it were the most natural thing in the world to take over a major American city, especially one of Chicago's size and importance.

"Out," Burnshire said, her now steely gaze leveled at Buchanan. At first, he thought she meant he needed to leave for asking a question with such an obvious answer, but instead, the others started filing out of the room. "Okala, you stay here."

They returned to the table at Burnshire's side. Ever the faithful commander. Buchanan could almost feel the resentment coming off of Okala. Alone time with the Queen, he learned, was rare to come by, even more so for newcomers. Okala may just be protective, or perhaps jealous, but one thing was clear: his plan was working.

"You heard me," Burnshire said once it was just the three of them. "We have all but completely taken over the West. The Plains to the Rockies are mine. Any new settlement that springs up for mining or trading or what have you quickly falls under my command, if they know what's good for them. All my kingdom needs now is a capitol, and what better place than America's own City of Light?"

Burnshire's cold smile didn't reach her eyes. A hunger for power and control gripped her, although Buchanan was beginning to suspect that it had taken her long ago. Her ambition and success were laid clearly on the map in front of them. A closer inspection revealed what he missed before: a small crown insignia denoting each town's location, a green border outlining the hidden kingdom within the United States.

"But, surely," Buchanan said, "one of the many towns within your sphere of influence could act as a capitol. Right?"

"The problem with all these boomtowns is that they're temporary, unlike a city. A permanent, man-made part of the land. Much harder to tear down and root us out if the United States government did decide to act against us. Chicago's location at a key trade route with access to the states of the east and south makes it the perfect target. Now all we need to do is eliminate as many potential roadblocks as necessary, hence the letter."

"We have the manpower to take the city without the letter, of course," Okala cut in. "However, we would like to preserve our forces to protect our territories from threats, not throw them away on a bloody battle."

"Truly, I have no desire to christen my new city in blood," Burnshire said. Buchanan had more objections, to be sure, but couldn't get any of them past his lips. Burnshire and Okala looked at him expectantly. "So, your signature?"

"Y-yes, of course," Buchanan said. There had to be some way to warn the mayor of Chicago in advance against the requested course of action. "How are you so certain he will accept the—my—request? Mayor Archambeau must be a man of intelligence and capability if he holds this position."

"My sources tell me that the man's intelligence and gubernatorial abilities leave much to be desired. I'm more than certain that he will send away his defensive forces. Now, your signature. Or will that be a problem?"

"Of course not, your Majesty."

He signed the letter.

Two days later, the message runner returned with a response. The mayor will send his national guard eastward to New York at once.

Another three days and scouts that Burnshire had posted in Ohio reported that Illinois national guardsmen were well on their way to Pennsylvania.