Chronicles of the Unknowns: Intervention

Chapter 4

Hunter laid out a map on the center table in the living room. It was truly overcrowded. For the past few years we'd been able to manage, but not it was clearly way too many people. Fortunately, we were making our final preparations to leave.

"I think we should head back to the United States. That's where the brunt of the action has been," Hunter said.

I saw Sakima and Timothy shake their heads.

"We should avoid the United States because that's where most of the action has been," Sakima said.

"I think Cel and her crew have a handle on things out there. I know for sure she's done running," Timothy said.

"Cel?" Dziko asked.

"Celeste. My sister," he explained. Dziko nodded with a look of recognition on her face.

"You're sure they don't need back up?" I asked, feeling concerned. Having loved ones in a time of war had to be gut wrenching.

"Cel has plenty of back up with her. Plus, you haven't seen how violent she is in a fight. Trust me - she'll be fine. Cel won't allow herself to get killed," Timothy said.

"So where do we go then?" Dziko demanded.

Timothy flinched at her tone. I could tell he still wasn't quite used to her personality. I knew she wasn't intending to be rude - underneath it all she was deeply concerned about our wellbeing.

"Well were in Japan right now. So why not a powerful country that's nearby?" I said.

Hunter put an X over the US and examined the map.

"We have China and Russia," he said.

We all mused over those two options.

"Has there been much news about either country in regards to the war?" Ken asked.

"Both are pretty hostile. But I think if we can take down Russia we'd be able to send a big message about our prowess. We'd make a statement," Timothy said.

"Take down the entire country?" I needed clarification.

Timothy nodded.

"We infiltrate. Destabilize their military forces. Gain leverage over their government," he said.

"Crush them," Sakime and Dziko said simultaneously. They both looked at each other.

"I can help with the infiltration of some of your guys, but if I have to spread my focus on all of you it most likely won't work. We're going to have to split up," Hunter said.

"Those who would have a harder time going unnoticed should stay close to you," Ayana said.

"How many do you think you can handle?" I asked him.

"No more than four," he said.

Salali would definitely stay with him. Sakima's powers were conspicuous and he'd probably want to stay with his sister. Timothy and Ayana didn't have much with their powers that would conceal them. That put four people that absolutely had to stick with Hunter.

Dziko, Ken and I would be on our own. We could probably go underground with Dziko's powers. I could keep us from drowning if there were any unknown sources of water beneath the surface. There probably wouldn't be much Ken could do, but at least he'd be safe.

"I think Salali, Sakima, Timothy and Ayana should go with Hunter," I said.

Sakima started to object but then he mulled it over some more. I knew he wanted to ensure his sister's safety personally.