Apocrypha ✔️

Chapter 39

"But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming."
Psalm 37:13

EARLY MORNING, Gabriel arose quickly from his bed. The sky was still dark. He smacked his lips and felt his mouth was dry.

As he went down the hall, he saw that the Chief's office was open, and the fire was on.

"No, don't tell them." He heard. "Yes, yes. I'll have Higgs send Victor the instructions. Don't do anything in the light."

Gabriel tried to be silent, but he stepped on a creaky floor panel. It was then silent. Gabriel didn't see the Chief quietly coming out of his office to confront him.

"It's early for you to be out and about."

Gabriel jumped. "Uh, I was looking for water." He muttered.

"Come." He led him into his office.

The Chief served Gabriel a cup of water. Gabriel looked around the room. He saw that the portrait that was once hanging on the wall was opened. A drawing of a horned snake that was cut into fragments with the phrase "Join, or Die."

"Here." The Chief handed him a cup of water.

"Thanks." He sipped it. The Chief returned to his seat. Gabriel felt awkward, unsure of what to do.

"Nice office you have." Gabriel said, hoping to make conversation.

He kept looking back at the snake picture.

"Interested?" The Chief asked.

"Huh?"

The Chief stood up and walked next to Gabriel.

"Since you're already marked for treason, there's no point in hiding it." The Chief pointed to the snake. "We're part of a coalition, you see."

"What kind of coalition?"

The Chief stood directly in front of the snake. "A revolutionary one." He said. "We have branches all over the US. Here, New York, Florida, Greater Utah, and even American Columbia."

"What's your purpose? To end the government?" Gabriel asked, wanting to take a step back.

"Not just end it but kill all those responsible."

Gabriel gulped. "Even children?" He asked in a whisper.

The Chief didn't answer. "Our mission statement is to slowly infiltrate the government by putting puppet Senators and Representatives. As of right now, we have 5 in the Senate and 13 in the House.

"In the long run, our hope is that one day, when a weak President comes along, these puppets will have been put in power, like the Secretary of Defense. And from there, we'll topple down this house of cards."

"Seems like a long and tedious process." Gabriel mentioned, already regretting his words.

"It is." The Chief chuckled. "By the time the plan comes to fruition, I and all those in charge will be dead. But our plan is to give hope to the younger generation. Remind them that they hold the key to their chains and the sword for their justice."

Gabriel was speechless. He'd be a fool if he already didn't know of counter-revolutions going on. Every year, the Central Arch Agency publishes a report of dozens of those groups being destroyed.

His own uncle went through the process of apotheosis because he managed to destroy one of the largest rebellions.

"Chief Polixenes, I know that you were probably before my grandfather took over. Timon has given us stories, but I want to hear yours."