Paul O’Connor had drawn away till a better time to attack. The time was winter…near the end of December that he decided that it was time to once again show his face.
Paul stood on top of perhaps the largest sea vessel on the earth. It was weaponized on all points and equipped with high powered radial engines. He looked over the horizon towards the cliffs on New Heights.
He had made certain that the vessel was retrofitted to be protected by the magnetic mines Joseph had set in the sea. The ship shook but Paul did not. He was in absolute control.
As he watched the people scramble around trying not to fall over the edge…he laughed to himself, at how the fools were trying their best to be like him. He was the most stalwart man in the IOSTA. They could only attempt to try to be like him.
Marcia climbs to the top. She looked a little green around the gills. “We’re close enough for an all-out assault.” She informed him.
“Not going to happen Marcia. We’re hitting land before we attack.” Paul told her still looking ahead. “You want to go on foot?” Marcia asked. “This is the vantage point that we have into New Heights. This is the only way it’s going to happen.” Paul told her. “Then what?” she asked him.
“You kill Joseph and bring me his head. I have other matters to attend to.” Paul said to her. “What’s that?” Marcia asked. “None of your business.” He said coldly.
She rolled her eyes and climbed down. Paul continues to look at his soon to be conquered city.
You lose Arlington. Paul thought to himself.
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Joseph had on his leather jacket and walked with Madison on his arm. They passed through the town slowly enjoying the happy mode of everyone around them.
“You know, I’ve been thinking about moving here.” Madison said to Joseph. “Really? Why would you ever move here?” he said sarcastically.
“Yeah. Don’t think it’s because I value your friendship. I just like this ambience here. And, there’s really nothing left in Hollywood for me. Dad’s a bum; mom’s gone…not really any family left. You’re the closet thing I have to family.” Madison said.
“Glad to be.” Joseph said with a smile. “There a reason you like New Heights?” Madison asked poking. Joseph looks at her with a raised eyebrow. She was prying…he didn’t really know why she would be. Of course, to any normal person, they’d figure it out, if they weren’t on the chopping block.
“I really don’t know how to answer that.” Joseph said scratching his head. Madison rolled her eyes at him and chuckled. “Okay…you probably don’t. I’ll give you that.”
Joseph peers ahead and sees someone he hadn’t seen in some time. Joseph takes off running towards the man. They jump at each other and roll in the dirt. The people of the town gasped at Joseph’s outburst.
The man and joseph roll on the ground. Joseph puts the man in a hold and smiles. He bends to the man’s ear as the people come in to make sure Joseph doesn’t hurt the man…that he isn’t crazy.
“You give?” Joseph asked him. “YEAH MAN! I don’t know how you always get me.” The man told him. Joseph gets up. He holds his hand out and lifts the man up.
Madison squints and smiles. Her face changes into a slight panic as she fixes her hair quickly. She runs up to them both getting in front of Joseph. Joseph raised his eyebrow once again.
“Tony!” Madison said. “Hey Maddie. What up Jas?” Tony said hugging him and his British accent clear and precise, “Hey Madison.”
“Madison…I think your hair is a little messed up.” Joseph said. Madison grabs her hair and runs down the sidewalk a little ways trying to fix what was not messed up. Joseph laughs then turns to Tony.
“That’ll keep her busy for a little while. So, watcha in town for?” Joseph asked Tony as they walked the opposite direction of Madison. “Actually I came here to see you.” Tony said.
“Really? Grandpa released you from service? I didn’t think that he would lose his touch with the American government. How is the old man anyway?” Joseph said. “That’s why I’m here Jas. I was instructed to come to you first.” Tony told him.
“By who?” Joseph asked slowing his pace. “A will.” Tony informed him. “A will?” Joseph asked chuckling, “Why would a will instruct you to come to me first?” “I’m sorry to inform you of this, but, your grandfather has died.” Tony says solemnly.
Joseph laughs. He looks at Tony. “Dude, he just lies in bed for days at a time sometimes. Just go back and shake him up a little bit. He’s got this weird thing about him. Dad says he does that to pay his respects for those lost in World War II.” “No man. This isn’t one of his freaky traditions. Joseph…he’s gone.” He said in finality and remorse.
Joseph stops moving and Tony gets a bit afraid as Joseph turns to him. Joseph was unlike any mood that Tony had seen before, at least from him. Joseph wasn’t angry one bit…yet he was. He was sad but not sad. He was…inhuman.
Tony wondered if he was safe. Joseph simply turned away as every good memory turned into nothing more than data on a person. Tony tries to grab him, but Joseph shoulders him away.
Joseph continues to walk ahead. Madison finally runs up looking a bit flustered. She sees Joseph moving off like a robot on a mission. She looks at Tony.
“What happened?” she asked him quickly. “I told him his grandfather died. He completely shut down…not…not normal like. It’s…a little scary what he did.” Tony said watching his friend continue past people.
“His grandfather…why did you tell him that?!” Madison said grabbing her head. Tony was confused. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on but...” “He loved his grandfather. He didn’t need to know that.” she said completely ignoring him.
Madison takes off leaving Tony there wondering what in the world did he do that was so wrong. Madison catches up with Joseph and grabs him. She is a little afraid at she would find but he seemed to be decently cool.
“I’m fine Madison…at least I will be. There’s nothing I can do about it.” Joseph said to her. “Joseph…” “There’s nothing there Madison…nothing!” he said turning away from her. “I need some time alone.” He told her walking off.
Madison looks down in defeat. She turns the corner to Tony. He looks at her with a wondering look. “We have some things to talk about Tony.” She said to him. She continues walking and he follows her.652Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYiVENIlJo
