Negotiations

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

Michael leaned up against the kitchen counter, waiting for the phone to ring. The man’s wife had been missing for close to 48 hours and they knew the kidnapper was going to call soon.

The family had called in Michael for his expertise with personality. He was able to profile people and read them on the spot to tell what kind of person they were, what triggers they had, and what ways things could be said or done to them to get specific results.

As Michael watched the family and friends that were surrounding the victim’s husband, the phone rang. He quickly pushed himself off of the kitchen counter and moved towards the phone in the living room where everyone else was. Michael picked it up and answered it.

“Hello,” Michael calmly said into the phone. He heard silence on the other end of the call for a few seconds, then there were two gun shots followed by a woman’s voice.

“I’ve just killed Mrs. Perkins,” the kidnapper said with a woman’s voice.

Michael took a moment to collect his thoughts and surveyed the people in the room who could also hear the conversation.

“I’ll let them know what just happened,” Michael commented.

“Next, I’m going to come after her husband. I’m going to kill him the same way I killed his wife. First I’ll torture him, then I’ll kill him.”

“Okay,” Michael replied calmly.

“Then, I’m going to kill that couple that they’re such good friends with. I’ll take both of them and burn them into ash.”

“Okay,” he continued to reply.

“Then, the only place that’ll be left for you to hide or for anyone to be safe is at Alan’s house.” Michael looked to the last guest that was there for Mr. Perkins. Alan was a middle aged man who had a wife and two kids across town. His look back at Michael was a mixture of both fear and panic.

“Look,” Michael answered, “Are you going to continue to make threats and monologue like a comic book villain or are you going to actually tell me where Mrs. Perkins is. I know you didn’t kill her because you don’t have the stomach OR the guts to do it. So let’s cut the crap and you tell me where she is.”

Silence overtook the phone conversation. People in the room looked around at one another and then at Michael like he was crazy. They believed he was crazy and going to be the death of them. Then, the kidnapper answered with a severe stutter.

“You… bbbbettered take mmmmmmmmme seriousssssssssssly. Mrs. PPPPPerkins is DDDDDDDDead. AAllllllll of yyyyyyyyyou are nnnnnnnnnext.” Then, the kidnapper hung up.

Michael put the phone down and looked at the astonished stares that were coming from everyone in the room. He smiled and walked over to Mr. Perkins who had tears slowly moving down his face.

“Mr. Perkins, she’s alive. The kidnapper wouldn’t have called if they actually killed her because he’d have no leverage or any reason to come after you. He’s here to make you feel pain in any way he can.” Michael stood up and then continued.

“The woman we’re dealing with is someone who’s very rarely taken seriously. Usually the type of person that would sit in the background and never do anything dangerous for fear of being caught or screwing up when they were a child. She also has a low self-esteem and is trying to cope with scaring everyone else to make her feel she has control. Alan, I would suggest calling your home. Make sure your family is okay. If they answer, tell them to leave. If they don’t answer, tell call the police and meet them there.”

Michael walked over to the counter where he had been leaning and grabbed his gun then put it into the holster. He walked back through the kitchen and then the living room towards the door.

“Wait, what now,” Mr. Perkins asked.

Michael stood in the doorway and turned around.

“Now, I go save your wife and be the hero,” Michael said with a reassuring smile before closing the front door behind him. He opened his car door and got inside. He pulled out his cell phone and called his tech support.

“Miracle worker here, what kind of magic would you like?”

“Marie, I need something to go on here. Did you get a chance to trace the call?”

“You bet your ass I did. I narrowed it down to an old industrial complex across town.”

“Thanks Marie, good work.”

“Michael, how’d you know that she has a stutter?” Michael sat there for a moment, fumbling with his keys.

“I didn’t. I got lucky there.” With that, he hung up his phone and pulled out onto the road. He was going to take this kidnapper down.

Reborn

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

Jacob puts his hands up to his face as the soldiers came up to him. For the last week they had tortured him because they believed him to be some kind of spy. It was a situation that he couldn’t win either way. Whether he told them that he wasn’t a spy or kept quiet, he was already convicted and condemned.

After telling them over and over they had the wrong guy and explaining his situation, they decided that the only option they had left was to kill him. A part of him was finally relieved to hear that this pain and suffering would end soon. It was something that he had looked forward to but they refused to tell him how he would be killed.

He slightly resisted the grip of the two military escorts that were now taking him to his death. They pulled him out to the cage that he had been waiting in and led him to the entrance to a slight alley. Jacob was pushed towards the wall and caught himself before slamming into it. He was confused about what was going on. No chains, no guards holding him in place. He just stood there out in the open with no one around.

He jumped as a whistle was blown around the corner and he heard stomping of boots. The sound came closer and closer to him. He had no idea what was coming for him but there wasn’t anywhere that he could run. He looked up and around the wall to see if there was somewhere he could climb and that’s when he noticed the wall in more detail. The numerous stains of bloody hand prints, smears and splatters made his heart stop beating for a few seconds within his chest. He then turned around and realized what the stomping sound was – a firing squad.

He had been waiting for death for so long and finally he saw how his existence was going to be ended. Not by a quick death, but a painful and torturous murder. Finally, the weakness and lack of energy overtook him. He slumped to the ground and looked from one face to another of his executioners. They were the last things he would be seeing as he took his last breath.

Orders were barked and the squad pulled their rifles to their chest and then aimed them at Jacob. He looked down at his hands as his entire life flashed before his eyes. From the times he spent with his parents, to the times with his wife and daughter, to the death of his wife and daughter. Now, he was the next one that was going to be killed, and there was nothing left to be done.

As the sounds of rifles going off filled his ears, he flinched. His eyes were squeezed shut in the knowing that he would be shredded by the bullets. But, as he sat there for a few seconds, he didn’t feel anything. In fact, he didn’t hear anything either. Jacob opened his eyes to see that the squad had fired, but the bullets were moving towards him in slow motion. That’s when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.

To his right, a woman came up to him. She wore a white flowing dress as a slight breeze drifted through her hair. He was mesmerized by the stunning beauty of this woman as she came closer, then his heart filled with both shock and a mixture of sadness and joy – it was his wife.

She stopped in front of him and put her hand out to him. He looked at the bullets that were caught in a slow motion and then took his wife’s hand. At this moment, he didn’t know what to think, just react. Just a few seconds ago, he was being executed and then everything just froze. Jacob looked at his wife’s hand and took it in his. Instantly, he felt as if the energy and strength was flowing back into his body.

He stood up and looked right into his beautiful wife’s eyes. The green in them was the most beautiful thin he had ever seen in his life. It was the one thing that he thought about every night before he went to sleep ever night. She moved closer to him and kissed him lovingly. He couldn’t believe what was going on at this moment. His wife looked into his eyes and spoke.

“Your time is not yet over, my love. You are called to be something far greater than you realize. You have the hidden strength to take on the world. You are more powerful than you or I had ever realized or thought possible. You have the gift. You can save me from them. You have the power to change this.”

He was stunned.

“You’re dead…,” was all that he could get out. She shook her head.

“No, not yet. You have to save me before they kill me. You’re the only one who can.”

His wife kissed him once more and as she ended the kiss, she disappeared.

Jacob didn’t know what to believe. He was still confused as to what just happened. He looked at the bullets that were still slowly coming towards him. You have the power to change this.

Just then, he threw his hand up at the bullets that were coming towards him. They stopped in mid-air and time resumed at its normal speed. Some of the soldiers gasped at what was going on before their eyes. Orders were yelled at the squad once again and another round of shots were fired, only to be stopped next to their predecessors in the air as well.

Jacob thought about it for a moment and then pushed the bullets back at the squad. All the soldiers within the squad fell to the ground lifeless. Then, he walked over to the one who had ordered his execution and the man collapsed to the ground, shielding his face. Jacob grabbed the collar of his jacket and pulled him up off the ground, inches from his face.

“Where is my wife.”

Demonic Encounter

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl


Jack watched as the hallway grew dark. The daylight dissipated and darkness began its reign. Amidst the eerie darkness, numerous pairs of red eyes flashed and stared at Jack as if he wasn’t there. They started to hover from the ceiling, down the walls, and to the floor where the bodies became visible as well. The young man stood his ground at the entrance to the darkness. He knew exactly what was happening in front of him, before his very eyes, the demons were coming.

They hissed as if from a nightmare. From the breathing to the clicking of their overgrown nails, they were all manifesting in an aggressive stance. It wasn’t here to scare any longer, it was here to kill. Jack had known this time was going to come. He didn’t know when, he didn’t know where, but this time, he was ready.

As ten demons stood three feet tall before Jack, another figure appeared. One that was far larger, taller, and more gruesome than the others. It seemed to literally walk out from the shroud of darkness with a low growl. It was a prince of darkness. This prince was the leader of the demonic manifestations that had led up to this event. It had caused pain, suffering, and death for years but now its territory was being threatened. The beast was unreal and the most gruesome and most unimaginable sight that Jack had ever witnessed.

“My name is Anesis,” the demon spoke in a dripping, base tone. “You have been the cause of many issues for me. How dare you challenge me.”

Jack smiled. A week ago, he would have literally turned and ran. But now, he had a lion inside of him that was fearless.

“My name is Jack Darranger, and you are no longer welcome here.”

Anesis laughed deeply as the other demons cackled and hissed in their own ghoulish laughter.

“You are nothing, human. Your death will be slow and painful. I will take pleasure as I destroy you from this existence,” The demon bellowed as he started to take steps towards Jack.

Jack stood his ground. He had no idea of what was about to happen. But, he knew that whatever it was, God would protect him. As the demon reached its talon hand at him, a brilliant white light started to shine off of Jack. The demon went to take a step back, but it was too late. It was already too close to Jack and its figure started to crack and come apart.

“What…are…you,” the demon struggled to ask.

“I, am a child of the one who is seated on the Throne. The one who is in control of all things and, in the end, will cause the eternal destruction of you and your master. I am a child of God.”

Just then, the prince of darkness blew apart. The other demons hissed and became uneasy. Jack looked at every single one of them. He was no longer just merely a human being, he was an antenna for the power of God.

“Your prince is gone. He has been sent back to the pit of Hell that he came from. Not just by me, but by the power given to me by my Master. So, either you leave this place and never return, or you will have the same demise as your leader. Your choice is now.”

As he said those last words, light flowed from behind him. He turned around to see a group of angels standing their ground behind him, their silhouettes shining brightly against the shroud of darkness before him. Jack turned back to the demons and took a single step forward. The demons literally jumped as his foot landed on the floor. Jack glared at them once more.

“Leave this place in the name of Jesus.”

The demons instantly became full of fear and filled the air with wretched screams. They were pulled into the darkness and the darkness pulled away as well and lifted. The demons were gone.

Jack turned around and stared in awe and wonder at the band of angels before him. He didn’t know what to say to them. One stepped forward to him and looked him in the eyes.

“The Lord is with you, Jack Darranger, always.”

With that, Jack felt tears stream down his cheeks. In everything that had been said to him, in all the things that could have been said to him, those simple words impacted him the most. He nodded at the angel and then they dissipated into thin air.

Jack collapsed to his knees and bowed his head with tears in his eyes.

“Thank you lord, for protecting me with your angels. You are my shield, my strength, and my King.” He opened his eyes and starred at the hall that was now back to normal.

“As for you, Satan. No matter how many times I screw up, my Lord is with me. No matter how many times you tempt me, my King is there to redeem me. No matter if I’m alive or dead, my God has his arms around me. The ground that you have taken and the lives you’ve claimed will be taken back. Your power will be reduced and your grasp will be pulled away. But I’m also here to remind you, your days are numbered.”
With that, Jack stood up and looked up towards the ceiling.

“Thank you Jesus.”

Then, Jack walked down the hallway and out of the school. He then played back the event that just unfolded before him as he walked towards his home. A smile came across his face as he realized that he had just had the first encounter with the real enemy. He also felt in his heart that this was going to be the first of many battles. Amid the little bit of terror that pulled at him with that thought, he welcomed it.

The Passing of the Crown

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

Prince Aldar didn’t know what to think. The soldier standing before him had just delivered the worst news that could ever come to a prince, the king had died. He had gone to sleep the night before and passed away in his sleep during the night.

Aldar was lost in all of this. His next move was a critical one. With his father dead, he was the next in line for the throne and to become king.

“Your highness,” the soldier inquired, breaking Aldar’s thoughts. “What are your orders?”

The soldier’s name was Rinehart. He had been loyal to the King as well as protected him. He was also one of the soldiers that counciled Aldar’s father about difficulties that issues and problems he was facing or dealing with.

“What would you suggest,” asked Aldar. Rinehart stood for a moment, eyeing Aldar. He understood that the young man was lost within himself at the moment. There were so many feels he was having that he could tell one from the other.

“Your highness, this is a critical time for you. With the death of the king, you are now to be king. The people of this city kingdom will be in disarray and need a leader. They will need someone who is strong and loyal to them. Aldar, the people need a king.”

Rinehart’s words sunk in to Aldar with both caring and firmness within them. Aldar stood up and turned to the wise soldier that stood before him.

“Then they shall have a king that will lead them, guide them, and protect them.” Rinehart nodded. They both walked to the other side of the castle to prepare for Aldar’s next move. Many pages had been summoned to gather the people within the city for an announcement from the king himself.

Aldar knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Not only did he have to live up to his father’s legacy that he had built during his reign, but he was to surpass it and continue the legacy of his family’s name. This was something that both excited and scared Aldar. However, he knew that with Rinehart at his side, he could do his best.

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Aldar now stood on the balcony overlooking the assembled people of what was now his city.

“Citizens of Runemae, hear me. My father, the king, is dead. He passed away last night in his sleep. It is not only a shock to you but a shock to me as well. You may have lost a great ruler, but I have lost my father. I am next in the line to take the throne but before I do that, I want to explain myself. My entire life, I have watched my father become and be the man and king that he was over Runemae. He was a protector and a defender of all of you. He fought for you, he cared for you, and he dined with you on several occasions. My only hope and wish is to be as strong and courageous a ruler as my father was. If I’m lucky, I will be at least half the man he was. He has left a legacy from his actions and his words and now it is my turn to carry on that legacy. I ask that you help me keep the legacy of Runemae alive and that it continue to thrive and endure in this ever-changing world. That is my promise to you as well as my request.”

With that, Rinehart came out carrying the royal crown in his hands. Silence was all around the crowd as Aldar lowered himself to one knee and looked down. With that, Rinehart lowered the crown onto Aldar’s head. As he stood back up, he was handed the scepter and wrapped in the royal cape. Then, he turned to the people of Runemae. From the silence that had enveloped the crowd, applause and cheering emerged. Rinehart smiled as he stood next to King Aldar.

“They approve of who and what you are, my king. As do I.” Aldar turned to Rinehart.

“With you by my side and your wisdom present, I shall not fail in keeping my father’s name honorable and respected not only with the people, but with everyone who has and ever will hear the name.” Aldar turned back to the crowd.

The crowd cheered and praised the new king of Runemae. Aldar felt a great peace envelope him as he watched the crowd. Thank you father, he thought. Thank you for showing me what it takes to be a true king. I will live up to your name and honor will be kept.

For the first time in Aldar’s life, he felt peace. He was ready to take on this challenge that life had given him. With the help of the kingdom’s citizens, they would become a great kingdom.

One for the Lives of Many

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

Carrie walked into the center of the light. The last thing she could do to save themselves from the demons of the sky was to sacrifice herself. She turned to her friends as they stood and watched with nothing left to say. The goodbyes had been said and it was time to do the deed.

Tears rolled down her face as all the fun and excitement they had been through together. She was strong though. As she had started to walk towards the beams, she felt unsure, like she was doing something wrong. Now, however, she knew her choice was the right one.

As she started to decend into the air, she felt at peace. As her feet were pulled away from the ground and she floated towards the light, the pins on the grenades strapped to her jingled together. It was her last resort to save her friends, her family, and her people.

Two weeks ago the demons decended from the skies in their chariots of the air, wreaking havoc wherever they landed. People who had opposed them before had been slaughtered and left as examples for everyone to know they were not to be opposed. Both her mother and her sister ran with her in tow. Screams of both fear and pain rang out as they saved themselves. Yet, in the end, it wasn’t Carrie that was killed, it was her mother and her sister. The love and longing Carrie had for them grew stronger and stronger with each passing day since they were killed. Now, it was time to avenge them and return the favor to the monsters.

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Hannah stood by as both she and her sister watched in amazment and grief as their dear friend was being taken up into the demon’s chariot. Carrie had protected them and watched over them ever since the attacks had first started. Never once had she complained about those tasks.

Now, she was going to destroy the enemy along with herself. It was a decision she had made by herself and when she explained it, nobody challenged her. When she made a decision, it was final. They had all been part of a tearful goodbye.

They watched her levitate into the air until they could no longer see her. The bottom of the great chariot closed and Carrie was now inside. At that moment, everyone became silent, holding their breath as they waited for something to happen.

Then there was a brilliant eruption of orange and black as it blew up from the inside. Several fires had started and the glowing all around it had stopped. Hannah’s heart hurt as she realized that Carrie was not longer alive. The other three people that were with Hannah and her sister watched as the behemoth fell to the ground in smoke and flames.

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It had been two days since Carrie had given her life for her people. Within those two days, Hannah had been put in charge of the remainder of her people. Their future was secure now and they needed a leader. After discussion, they had decided that Hannah would be best for that position.

Now, she was watching as the remainder of the demons were climbing into their ships and leaving. Through the slaughters and the attacks, she had survived and continued to fight. With her actions as well as the actions of others, they had secured their future to continue to prosper and grow.

A feeling of both grief and happiness mixed within her. Many times had she heard that the lives of one outweigh the lives of many. Never had she thought she would ever have to see an event where that was true or put to action. She wondered if she was going to be strong enough, like Carrie, to be the leader of these people. She turned towards the village as everyone, young and old, worked to repairing homes and other areas to be livable again. She smiled as she watched them taking care of one another and the love they showed.

She looked back to the valley where the last of the ships were lifting off and leaving. They had won, and now, it was time to turn a new chapter in their history. A time when Man once again rised from the ashes and it’s perseverence paid off. Hannah looked up to the evening sky as the sun cast it’s final shadows on the world.

“This is for you, my friend. Thank you.”

Goodbye For Now

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

Jason knocked on the front door to Michelle Lawson’s house. It was dark outside and the cold night air was making his breath visible in front of him. The front door opened and Michelle’s father was standing in the doorway.
“Hello Jason. How are you,” Michelle’s father said.
“I’m doing alright, Mr. Lawson. Do you mind if Michelle comes out for a few minutes? I need to talk to her.” Jason felt his insides churn. This evening was not only one that he would never forget, but one that would haunt him for a long time.
The door opened wider and Michelle stepped out, closing the door behind her. Jason motioned to go to the back yard where Michelle sat down on a bench and Jason stood in front of her.
He could help but stare at how beautiful she was. Her piercing green eyes seemed to look right through him. They were so full of life and love. Love for him. Her shoulder length, brown hair slightly blowing in the chilled breeze. Seeing this only made what he was going to say next even harder.
“Michelle, I’m having to go away for a little while.” Michelle looked confused.
“What do you mean go away,” She asked.
“My aunt and I, we’re going to France for a little while. We also don’t know when we’ll be back.” Michelle’s face turned instantly to sadness.
“How long will you be gone? How long is a little while?”
“I don’t know. Could be six months, could be longer or shorter. But we have to leave tomorrow morning.”
“But you just got back from your last trip. We finally have some time to spend together and you’re leaving? You don’t have to go.” Jason’s heart started to hurt. This was harder than he thought it was going to be.
“I have to. I don’t have a choice.” He could tell that she was on the verge of crying.
“Fine. Then I’ll wait for you. It’ll give you a reason to come back soon,” Michelle said with a shaky voice.
“Michelle, that’s the other thing I had to tell you. We can’t see each other anymore.” As the words left his mouth, he felt like he has just completely died inside. There was nothing he could do as he saw tears stream down her face. For the first time in his life, he felt completely helpless.
“What are you talking about,” she sobbed. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I’m sorry,” was all Jason had left that he could say. Michelle stood up from the bench and walked right up to him.
“You look me in the eyes and tell me right now that you don’t love me.”
With every last ounce of strength he had, he looked into her beautiful eyes and held back the tears.
“I don’t love you,” he said quietly. At that moment, more tears came down Michelle’s face. She collapsed onto the bench behind her and put her head in her hands.
There was nothing else he could do. Inside of him was a raging urge to tell her the truth. Tell her he was leaving because his country needed him. Tell her that he truly did love her. But, he couldn’t. He loved her too much to tell her these things. Telling her put her in danger. Leaving her here without doing this left her in danger too. His hands were tied.
He turned around and walked towards the front of the house, towards his car. He had to leave her there, destroyed. Nothing he could say or do could fix what happened. The cold night air froze him to his core. The feeling of numbness and emptiness was now complete.
He got in the car and his phone rang. He looked at the caller I.D. and answered it.
“Jason, it’s Mark. How'd it go?” Jason paused for a moment.
“Yeah. Just finished.”
“You okay man,” Mark asked.
“No,” Jason said with a slow sigh. “But it had to be done. If I’m in France and the terrorist cell found out she was my girlfriend, I wouldn’t be able to protect her. I just wish I could tell her.”
“Your country needs you man. You don’t have to do this though.”
“No, I’m not doing it for my country, I’m doing it for her. It’s something that has to be done. I’ll call you when I get back home.” Jason hung up. He looked at the house one last time and the shadow of Michelle ran to her father’s shadow. He started the car and a tear rolled down his face.
“I love you Michelle

The Man of the Future

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

“I'm from another time,” he said quietly looking right into her eyes. “I come from at least a millennium from the current year. I was sent here to stop a murder.”
She had to believe him. He had to make sure she believed him. She was the only way that he was going to be able to find out when and where everything was going to happen. If it wasn't for her hospitality two nights ago, he'd still be out in the cold of the city.
“You're pulling my leg,” Clarice said. “That's the kind of stuff you read in books.” Devlin looked into her deep golden eyes. Clarice's expression changed. “You're serious.” Devlin nodded.
Just then a group of men at the bar that were eyeing him turned to face him.
“Hey kid, what's your name?” Devlin thought for a moment. He couldn't use his real name. His name was the same as his relative that was going to be killed.
“Kirk. James T. Kirk,” Devlin blurted out. Then the three men got up in their finely immaculate suits and walked over to his table.
“Well, Kirk. We haven't seen you around here before so we'll let you in on a secret. This here is our town. You follow the rules, stay out of our way, and you'll be fine. Got it?” Devlin nodded. The three men walked out of the shop.
“James T. Kirk,” Clarice asked. Devlin shrugged.
“I was going to say Dick Tracy but I don't know when that was first published. Didn't want it to sound weird.” Clarice rolled her eyes.
“Well you could have come up with a better name. Kirk sounds like a stupid name.”
“Are you kidding me? Kirk was one of the best...,” he stopped. “Never mind. Let's get out of here. I want to show you something.”

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Devlin opened the door to the old barn and walked Clarice inside. They were on the outskirts of town.
“This barn seems to have been abandoned a while ago and nobody really seemed to care about doing anything to it. Perfect place to hide my time machine,” Devlin said. Clarice looked around the second level of the barn and then around the ground floor.
“What are you talking about? There’s nothing here.” Devlin smiled. He pulled a small keychain from his pocket and pressed a button on the top of it. In the middle of the barn appeared a small plane. Clarice was staring in disbelief.
“Cloaking device,” Devlin explained. “It’s a new feature that they installed on these things. Last thing we need to do is mess with the timeline further by having stories told of flying objects randomly appearing in the sky. Bad enough one crashed in Roswell in ’47. People are still ranting and raving about that one.” Devlin pulled open the canopy to the cockpit then turned to Clarice. “Want to go for a ride?” Without saying a word, Clarice walked over to Devlin and took his hand as he helped her into the back seat of the cockpit.
When he had climbed in as well he flipped a few switches and the engines hummed to life. The canopy closed and locked shut and they started to lift off the ground.
“Ready,” Devlin asked.
“I think so,” Clarice replied.
Devlin pulled back on the throttle and they moved forward and out of the barn doors. Then, he pulled back on the yolk and they started to climb faster and faster into the air. He leveled off above the city and flew above it in circles.
“Can they see us,” Clarice asked.
“No. The cloaking comes on as soon as the engines start up and the engines have a device that silences them. We’re totally safe.”
“This is amazing.”
“So, do you believe me now?”
“Without a doubt.” Devlin flew them back down and inside the barn where they both climbed out of the time machine and turned it invisible again.
“Now, I need to find this relative of mine who’s going to be murdered and I need to stop it all from happening. Can you help me,” Devlin asked. Clarice nodded.
At first, Devlin had felt alone. He didn’t know anyone and was going to have to scrounge up whatever he could to survive. Now that he had met Clarice, he felt his luck already improving.

The Immortal John

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

John walked out of the saloon as two men stood in the street, keeping him from his walk home.

“Well well well. What do we have here,” said the one on the left.

Both were men that were known as being men out for blood. They were collectors for Marcus Longhorn. He was one of the major owners of saloons, women, and had numerous sheriffs sitting in his back pocket.

John had stopped a smuggling of drugs and kidnapped women a week ago and Marcus put a bounty on his head. Ever since, John had people watching him with amazement because of how long he had lasted and lived. Other men who had bounty on their heads from Marcus were dead by sunset. The fact that John was still alive after this long, made him seem god-like in their eyes.

The two goons that were staring him down now were named David and Kenneth. Both were close friends with Marcus and were good at collecting debts as well as money for fulfilling bounties.

“I have no reason or desire to cause an issue with either one of you,” John yelled. “Tell Marcus that I’d like him to leave me alone.” The two men looked at each other and laughed.

“You really think that he cares what you like or want? What matters is what he wants. And that would be to see you dead.” At this point, John had his hands hovering over his pistols attached to his sides. He didn’t want to hurt either one of them but he wasn’t going to let them kill him and there was no other way to end this.

Just then, they both pulled their pistols and shot John square in the chest. He fell backwards and to the ground, motionless.

David and Kenneth slid their weapons back into the holsters and walked over to John’s body that was now lying on its back in the middle of the street. As they got closer they could see other people surprised and wide-eyed as to what they had just witnessed. They had thought that John was an unstoppable and immortal soul, but he had just been gunned down.

David and Kenneth stood on each side of John’s body and looked at his face. They both started to whoop and holler as they talked about how much money they were going to make for this killing and what other rewards were in store for them.

Just then, two shots were fired off and both David and Kenneth both gasped, clutching their chests. They were dead before they hit the ground. Blood started to pool around them and stain the dirt in the street.

Then, John stood up. Both his guns were smoking and still fixed on the two bandits. Everything was quiet and everybody watching was silent and didn’t know what to think. They didn’t understand what had just happened.

John slid his guns back into their holsters. He looked around at the spectators of what just happened. He untucked his shirt and pulled out a door from a small furnace. He dropped it to the ground at his feet.

As he walked off down the street, everyone started to clap, shout, and cheer for him. They were glad to see that once again their savior had lived through another attack. John’s heart was heavy though as he walked away. Not only had he been forced to kill again but none of these people knew how Marcus was going to react. He had done everything within his power to save them from the wrath of Marcus. However, he was only one man. He couldn’t hold it all and save them forever. One day, something was going to happen and there wouldn’t be anything to stop it. That day was the one John dreaded the most. It wasn’t just because of the bloodshed that would happen, but that that day was close.

Destiny Fulfilled

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

Joumos stood on the narrow path that led to the lair of Edric Mauvais. Edric had heard the announcement of Joumos and Ariana’s future wedding and in a fit of rage and jealousy; he had kidnapped her and taken her to his kingdom, a kingdom of darkness.

Many knights had been requested by King Malkeck, yet that made Joumos even more uneasy about the fate of his beloved bride to be. He had once again taken up his armor plating and his sacred weapon for one last battle. His armor was tarnished and warn by previous battles that gave him the honor and glory only and honest and just man should deserve. His weapon, Kinoshi, was feared by many people. It was given to him, in his youth, by an Asian traveler. He had been walking down the path to his home and the nomad told him it was to be his tool and one day, it would be the key to keeping his future safe. He knew that the nomad was referring to this moment.

Joumos stood in an aggressive stance. His entire body tense with anticipation, he was prepared for war. He was willing to go to the underworld and back if that’s what it took to get his beloved Ariana. As he advanced on to the enormous castle that was under Edric’s rule, heat started to hit him. The closer he got to the moat crossing of the castle, the more he realized it wasn’t a simple moat at all. He looked over the side just as a large fireball came straight up at him.

He jumped back from the ledge as the fire blasted past him. Then, he heard another sound. The sound of weight moving through the air. Just then, a dragon burst out from the moat of hellfire. He grounded himself and boar Kinoshi in front of himself.

The enormous dragon flew high into the air and then turned towards him. The beast released the foulest roar any man had ever heard from a beast of creation. No, this beast was not of God’s creation, it was from the pits of Hell. It came down with lightning speed, aimed for Joumos.

He raised his other arm, bearing his shield. Then, he put it between himself and the dragon as it belched fire at him. When the dragon flew overhead, roaring its unnatural sound, Joumos threw the shield. It had been heated by the fire of the beast and was no longer able to be held.

As the dragon came down for another attacked, Joumos was standing on the crossing over the fiery lake. He jumped to his left as another assault of fire rained down at him. However, this time was different. The dragon continued and then moved underneath the crossing where Joumos was standing. That’s when he took Joumos ran to the other side and jumped off the opposite side of the moat, towards the fiery lakes below.

As he started to fall he placed his mighty sword out in front of him. Then, the dragon was just within reach as it passed and he punctured the scales of the dragon’s throat until it stopped and was locked in, holding and sustaining the tug and weight of Joumos. The mighty beast roared at the pain it felt from this attack and started to gain altitude in the sky. Joumos pulled out a smaller dagger from inside his armor and started climbing up the neck of the best with his sword and his dagger, inching closer to the head of the creature.

As he reached the head, the dragon was turning around and starting its dive towards the ground yet again. He turned himself and was now eye to eye with the dragon. Fire poured out of its mouth as well as another scream of anger from the monster. Joumos took his sword and plunged it into the eye of the beast. Another scream came from it as the sword plucked out the once, useful eye from the dragon’s face.

When Joumos turned around to see where they were flying, the dragon was aimed at the remains of Edric’s empire. He slid himself down the dragon’s throat as the course did not change. Every time he looked, the tower of the castle was closer and larger. Then he looked at it one last time as he secured himself with the weapon he had and that’s when he and the dragon slammed through it.

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As Joumos awoke he had Princess Ariana kneeling beside him. Her beautiful brown hair swaying in the wind as if by a celestial gust. Her green eyes piercing into him as she stared into his eyes. He felt her beauty as it resonated off of her and he felt warmth.

“Are you alright,” the angelic Ariana asked. Joumos moved slowly and got to his feet.

“I am fine my lady.”

As he stood into the eyes of his beautiful bride, fear had come across her face. Then, blood pooled around the front of her dress as shock also came over her face. She fell to the ground as Edric stood there, smirking.

“NO,” Joumos screamed as he pulled Kinoshi at the ready and jumped at Edric. As Edric attempted to block the initial attack, Joumos twirled to his right and plunged his blade squarely into Edric’s abdomen. Edric stared at him with pure hatred in his eyes. They were not eyes of a man but of a demon. Red and lusting for blood and destruction. Edric pulled himself down the sword, impaling himself further, but also inching closer to Joumos’s face.

“You may think you have won this battle, knight. But you have yet to win the war. There have been things set in motion even you cannot stop.” Then Edric fell limp and lifeless on the steel blade.

Joumos released the corpse and ran to the side of Ariana. She was still breathing but bleeding a lot. He felt his heart beat faster with the fear of his beloved leaving him cold and alone. He had been told that he would defend and keep his future safe, and he had failed. Ariana opened her eyes and looked sweetly into her savior’s eyes.

“I love you…” were all the words that came whispered out of her mouth as tears rolled down her face. She had fallen back into unconsciousness. Joumos picked her up and carried her out of the castle to his steed. He whipped the horse numerous times to make him run faster than the four winds could move to his kingdom in the hopes he could save her.
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Ariana opened her eyes and felt stiff and sore. Light was all around her and she couldn’t take it all in. There was a figure that was next to her side, in a chair, where she was laying. It took her a moment for her eyes to adjust before realizing it was her Joumos. The man that had risked his life and did whatever it took to save her life.

She reached out and touched his hand and then held it firmly in hers. To this, he had awoken and smiled at her with more warmth than she had ever seen within him.
“How are you feeling,” he asked her softly.

“I’m sore but I will live.” Tears came to his eyes and he held her softly in his arms.

“I thought I had lost you, my love.”

“…Never. I will be with you always.”

The both laid there in each other’s embrace. Joumos thought about what the nomad had once said about he would defend his fate and destiny and Kinoshi would help him succeed. For the Asian was right, his future, his fate, his destiny, was safe and in his arms, where she belonged.

Dark

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

Devlin Sparks drove as fast as he could through the storm. It was only moments ago that he had gotten a call from his beautiful wife that men were inside of his house. His wife, Nicole, had said she was hiding with the kids in a closet far in the back hallway of the second story. He knew why they were there. The agency he had worked for told him this would happen in time. He had made too many enemies while working for Project Prometheus. Safe wasn’t a word that would ever be allowed in his vocabulary.

Yet, he had slipped in keeping the whereabouts of himself and his family from prowling danger. As he sped down the narrow streets of the country side, the monstrous storm around him raged on. Lightning flashed brilliantly and thunder shook him to his very core. Devlin had put the windshield wipers on full and it was still hard to keep the windshield of his little Ford clear.

As nature once again boomed in defiance of ceasing, his cell phone rang.
“Hello,” he said into the phone.

“Devlin, where are you? They’re still here.” He could hear the silent whimpering through the phone as her fear was more and more obvious with each passing second. He heart was pounding in his chest and he wanted to scream from the strain he felt from being so defenseless.

“Honey, you and the kids just hang in there and keep quiet. I’m just around the corner.”

“Wait, I think they’re leaving now. They’re all walking out the door.”

“Nicole, I want you to get yourself and the kids out of the house, right now. Get in the car and drive down the road and meet me.”

“No, honey, they’re gone. We’re safe now. They just pulled out some papers and things from your study and that’s it.” He came around the last turn and he was within a mile of his house. That’s when he could hear the voice of his 5 year old daughter through the phone.

“Mommy, what’s this big box? There’s little numbers.” Devlin’s heart was in his throat and he could breath. He had just pulled into his driveway. Then, it happened.

The explosion was so intense, it threw Devlin onto the roof of his car and everything went silent to him. His house had just been completely blown away. He was stunned and in shock of what had just happened. His wife, his children, were no more.

“No…,” was the only word that came out of Devlin’s mouth as he watched in horror as the remains of his house burned in front of him. Rain poured down from the sky and drenched his face as he laid there, in the mud, whimpering silently like a child. How could this have happened? Why did this happen? Who was responsible?

As everything fully registered, his jaw tightened and his soft, wet hands became solid fists. He screamed as loud as he could and for a second, he was above the thunder. He stood up and continued to watch the flames destroy the last piece of sanity he had left.

Whoever was responsible for this, their days were numbered. It was one thing to threaten him, it was another to slaughter his own wife and two innocent children. His son, Marcus, was only a year old and his daughter had just had her 5th birthday party.

He shed one more tear before he became dead inside. The numbness overtook him. He was no longer Devlin Sparks. No, that man had just died in the explosion that took the lives of his family. He was a man without a name, without a reason to live or be cautious. He was a man with a mission, a vendetta, and had nothing left to lose.

Earthquake

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

It was supposed to be another typical morning for Elizabeth. She was to do her normal routine in the morning that consisted of a lumpy bowl of oatmeal and a shower before heading off to work. However, today not only did her life change, reality was changed. Earlier this morning Elizabeth woke up to her house shaking all around her. She didn’t know what was going on or for how long it had been happening. However, it was thirty minutes after she woke up that the shaking ended. She had just been through an earthquake.

As Elizabeth came out from under the table she had taken shelter under, she walked to the television and turned it on. Mayhem was EVERYWHERE! The earthquake was the strongest that California had ever seen on any Richter Scale. It seemed like a part of the San Andreas fault had given way and created a large chasm that enveloped half of the state. She watched the news, scared of what she saw. People were hurt, dead, or dying.

Just then, her cell phone rang. As she ran back to the other side of the house to her cell phone she saw things that had fallen all over the house and either broke or shattered. When she got to her cell phone, the caller ID said it was her supervisor at the E.R.

“Elizabeth, thank God you’re alright,” Thomas Avery said with a sigh of relief.

“Tom, what’s going on?” She was still in shock of how she was awakened earlier.

“Have you seen the news? The San Andreas Fault just opened up and sucked half the state inside. We’ve been getting so many emergency calls that we’re being overloaded. I need you down here right away. Our paramedic team is being called in.”

“I’ll be there in 15 minutes,” she said as she hung up the phone.

After a quick shower and throwing on her uniform, she had jumped into her car and was headed to the hospital. She passed numerous accidents as well as collapsed houses because of the earthquake or trees that had been shaken down. Mayhem, terror, fear, death and dying, it was everywhere. The looks on people’s faces was something right out of a horror movie. Most of them were in shock and just staring off because of what just happened to them.

When she got to the hospital she was immediately dispatched with her team to an accident that consisted of a 6 car pile –up 1 mile from the interstate. As they arrived, there were people whimpering and bleeding. Only the sounds from the aftermath of destruction remained. Elizabeth ran to the first person that she saw that needed the most attention. There was a man that was laying on his back on the ground next to an open car from the accident. She checked his pulse and it was quite faint. As she started to look over his wounds she could see that he was bleeding from all over his abdomen. She checked his pulse one more time and there was nothing that existed of the man anymore.

Just then there was another tremor that started to shake the streets. As everything shook she did her best to keep from falling. She saw a large shadow waving back and forth over her and she looked up to the source. The highway was swaying back and forth like it was nothing. She could do nothing but watch in awe as the massive concrete structure started to buckle over its supports and start to lean her way. There was so much shaking that there was no way she could move far enough to not be right where the street was going to land. Out of the corner of her eye she saw movement and heard an engine that was getting louder. She turned and watched a man on a motorcycle flying down the street towards her. He slowed just enough to grab her and throw her on the bike and speed off. Elizabeth’s heart was in her throat and racing as she was moved just in time before the highway crashed where she had been standing moments ago.

“Elizabeth, it’s not your time yet. God’s not finished with you,” the strange savior said. Elizabeth was stunned.

“How do you know my name,” she asked.

“The way I know your name and my name is not important. Only hold fast to His promise that your time is far from over. You have many things to accomplish.” The driver stopped the motorcycle and she climbed off.

“Just remember that I’ll be watching out for you and I’ll be around,” the rider finished before driving off.

She was stunned. A minute ago she thought her life was going to end and yet here she stood, still in one piece. Who was the person that saved her? What did he mean by she still had many things to accomplish? What was she to do now?

Life After Death

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

As little Annie walked back to her seat after talking to the stewardess she felt embarrassed. She had just explained how she was too small for the seat belts and needed a booster for when the plane landed. It was embarrassing enough that she was 4' 9" and that people always looked down on her. The attention was more than she ever wanted.

Annie climbed back into her seat just as they started hitting some turbulence. They were flying over a lush rainforest at the moment and the mixture of dark forest green and the polka dots of exotic colors were more than words could describe.

The turbulence was starting to get worse and the fasten seatbelts sign dinged on. As Annie looked around for a stewardess to get her a booster they all had panicked looks on their faces. None of them paid attention to any of the passengers asking questions. Instead, they hurried to their seats and buckled in.

Just then the pilot came over the loud speaker.
"This is your captain speaking. We seem to be running into quite a bit of turbulence and don't worry, we'll be safe and sound and in time to our destination. Thank you."

Annie felt sick to her stomach. As she buckled into the giant seat the plane started to shake violently. People started moaning and screaming as the plane was tossed violently. Just then the hull of the plane started to moan louder than anything being heard inside. All of the sudden, the roof of the plane was torn away and darkness intruded into the bowels of the aircraft. She looked around as parts of the airplane continued to moan and strain under the pressure. Next, the back of the plane was torn completely off. At this point Annie was gripping onto the seatbelt itself with white knuckles for fear of being pulled out of her seat. They were going to crash and there were no doubts about that. Last thing Annie remembered was hearing people screaming and then their screaming fading as she lost consciousness.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

When Annie woke up to reality she was flat on her stomach in the middle of a field. Her head was killing her because of the giant headache that was currently tormenting her well-being. However, she didn’t have any broken bones or blood flowing out of her. Besides a few bruises that were starting to reveal themselves on her arms and legs, she was surprisingly fine. As she stood up and looked around, she couldn’t tell much about her surroundings and where she was. So, she climbed over to a wing from the plane that had landed in the middle of the field that she was in.

As she got to the top of the wing and looked all around her, she felt sick to her stomach. As she turned to all sides she realized that she was literally in the middle of a field of death. Bodies from the plane were strewn in various angles, shapes, and poses that were both natural and unnatural. Annie’s knees buckled and she fell to her hands and knees as she threw up.

Once she got down from the wing she walked into the surrounding forest. As she walked she was thinking about her current situation. She hadn’t seen any other survivors from the crash. Why was she the only one? Out of everyone on the flight, she was the smallest and she was the sole survivor of the horrible event.

Just then, something moved out of the corner of her eye. A man was running with a giant metal cylinder in his hands. As she thought about shouting out to the man she studied the cylinder he was carrying, it was a rocket launcher. This person was the reason for the crash! Annie decided that she would follow the man through the forest to see where he was going. If she followed him to a city or somewhere with a phone, she could report what happened and tell the police what happened.

After 30 minutes of following the man he finally got to a car that was parked on the side of the road. She watched as he opened the trunk of his car to put the destructive weapon in. As he started to put it in, bright flashing lights of red and blue came from all sides and surrounded the man. As she watched police officers arresting the man she ran after them shouting, screaming, and flailing her arms. However, none of the officers acknowledged her. She ran up to one telling him what she had seen the man do and about the crash site and the bodies that were everywhere. But still, there was nothing to show that the officer knew anything about her existence. As she was confused to why a team of people in hazmat uniforms ran past her and she followed them to the crash site.

When they got there, everyone went right to work. However, nobody had yet to acknowledge her.

“What is wrong with you people? Can’t you hear me,” she screamed as loud as she could. By this point, tears were streaming down her face. She felt so alone and isolated. As bodies were cleared away, one of the team members called the captain over to a body. As the captain raced over, she did as well. When she got there, the sight was gruesome and unbelievable.

“It’s such a shame to see someone so little and young have this happen to them,” breathed the captain under his breath.

Annie was in a total state of shock as she was looking at, herself. There was her body, lifeless, laying there with her head broken open, her arms with the bones protruding through the skin unnaturally, and her brain matter bleeding out of her ears as well as the breaks in her skull. How could it be that she was standing there, thinking, talking, and yet she was a lifeless corpse at the same time?

As she looked around at the scene again there was something new. A man stood in the middle of the field, cleanly dressed and he was looking straight at her. She thought it was just herself projecting him staring at her so she walked to another part of the field. When she looked at him again, he was still watching her. As she walked up to him he smiled warmly and she didn’t feel threatened by him.

“What is your name,” Annie asked.

“My name is Andrew,” replied the comforting but strange man.

“I’m dead, aren’t I?”

“Depends on how you look at it Annie.” She was confused.

“Perhaps I’ll just let Him show you.” Just then everything around her disappeared and she was embraced in light. Not a normal light that could have been from the sun or from electric light, but true light. Annie felt not only comforted but an emotion of love that was stronger than anything she had ever felt before, the true essence of love. As she felt lifted by the light into the air she felt supported and in awe and wonder.

“Hello, my child,” boomed a soft voice that had so much compassion that it felt like it dripped off of every word. Tears came to Annie’s eyes as she came to a new level of relaxed. For she knew the voice immediately when it spoke, it was God.

“D…daddy,” she choked the question out because of the overwhelming emotions that were overtaking her.

“Welcome home, my good and faithful servant.”

Fire People

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

The year was 2012. The world was in chaos and disorder as more and more was being taken over by corporate giants that were run by the government. There was also in uproar in the business world because of the takeover of jobs and tasks by the technological advancements as well. Because of this upheaval, the unemployment rate was on a spiral rise up. People were losing their jobs left and right.

As things continued to get worse there became word of a conspiracy in all of this against those with jobs. The reason for the amount of job loss was because the government wanted to have more control over everything and wanted people to have no control over their lives or resources. Because of this conspiracy, an underground movement was created. This movement was simply called, “The Fire People.”

The Fire People was a mass of people that were a rebellion against the hostile government take over. This, is one of the records of their campaigns against the oppressive and mechanical government that was hell-bent on taking them over.

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May 8, 2012

Time: 22:00 Hours

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Lathan stood at the back of his jeep. He had the back opened up and numerous weapons sprawled out with ammunition strewn everywhere. His mission was simple. He was given a flash drive less than three hours ago by the Fire People leaders that had a virus that was to destroy the mainframe of an automated car factory. As he finished suiting up he closed up the back of the jeep and locked it. He had to be careful with the security around the perimeter of the plant. Granted, he was covered by the cover of darkness but he wasn’t sure what kind of security was used here.

As he walked over to the chain link fence with barbed wire he looked around the outside area of the factory. He couldn’t see any security patrol robots or any of the few human security officers that were still employed in few places like this. Lathan cut through the fence and made his way to the giant building with smoke stacks and flashing lights inside like a strobe light at a club. He pulled a grappling gun out of the holster on his left leg and aimed at the roof of the building. He fired and the hook flew up and over onto the roof, catching and locking itself. He pressed a button and he started to lift into the air.

As he came to the third story of the building he stopped in front of a window and smashed it open. Lathan swung himself into the now open window and let go of the gun. He heard a slight humming sound coming from down the hall. He watched as two robots came around the corner. They looked right at him and aimed their weapons.

“Halt intruder,” they said with their fake human voices. Lathan pulled out two boomerang shaped blades from his back pocket.

“Hope you two enjoy magnets.” The security bots made a tinny, chuckling sound as they heard this.

“We have no metal that can be magnetized. We’re made of carbon fiber.” This made Lathan smile wide. He threw both of the boomerangs at the robots. Both machines did not fire at the incoming projectiles. However, when the boomerangs came up to the robots, it sliced both of their heads clean off and they fell to the floor with a thud as their bodies still stood erect on their wheels. Lathan caught the returning boomerangs.

“How did you do that,” asked one of the robots in its hollow voice. Lathan walked over to the heads laying on the ground and squatted down in front of them.

“Diamond tipped, magnetic boomerangs. See, you may not be made of metal but you have a small piece of metal about an inch wide and a tenth of a millimeter thick that is required to be part of your CPU in your head. The super magnet automatically is attracted to that. It’s a new weapon we’ve been working on.”

Lathan stood back up and pulled a small handgun out of his back pocket. It was a handheld EMP weapon. He aimed it at the heads and fired, destroying the insides completely. Then, he walked over to a room that was behind the still standing bodies of the robots. He kicked the door in and walked over to a clear window console. He pressed a few keys and a small USB raised from the middle of the console. Just then a face came into view on the screen.

“Whoever you are, you are not allowed in here. This is a restricted area. Cease your actions and leave this place or prepare for the calling of the military police.”

Lathan pulled out the USB from his front pocket. He looked over at the artificial intelligence face floating on the screen. He smiled as he plugged the USB device into the system.

“I assure you, intruder, that whatever virus or program that is written on this device will not affect me in any way and do no harm to this system.” This made Lathan smile and laugh to himself.

“I don’t know if you’re aware or not but my name is Lathan McDaniels. I’m not only the smartest computer genius in the world as of this moment but I also built and was responsible for the artificial brain that you call yourself. As you hear me talking you can feel yourself losing control of systems more and more. Like your Borg cousins say, resistance is futile.” Just then the face disappeared and there were sparks shooting from the screen and the console. Then, the power shut down throughout the entire building.

Lathan put on a pair of night vision glasses and a spray can. He walked over to the screen and put three words over the screen with the can of paint.

THE FIRE PEOPLE.

As he walked out of the building and towards his parked Jeep he dialed into his radio.

“This is Agent 5Z. Mission accomplished. Returning to base.” There were two beeps on the other end of the radio signaling that his message was received by the listener on the other end.