| The Way Things Are |
[27 Jun 2008|03:37am] |
Military trucks roll down the highways of American towns and cities. Conspiracy theorists hype up the 'Big Brother' angle, beyond all measure. Their impact, though, is slight. Restricted to their own focused audiences. Most people want some sort of order. Everything has been too chaotic. In Nevada, business owners complain that a Las Vegas without nightlife, is virtually no Las Vegas, at all. They will deal... They hope. Most of the hotels have their own, internal attractions; some having entire theme parks behind their closed doors.
People start to think of films like 'Outbreak', 'Deep Impact' and 'Independence Day'. The Internet has already virtually collapsed, several times in the last few days. Any remaining VIPs not already summoned to nuclear bunkers prepared for World War Three, now get the call.
The National Guard now pours across civilian areas. Traffic is halted. FEMA, if it even still exists, is going into overdrive. Special, 'less-lethal' means of riot control are deployed, such as microwave beams to cause the sensation of pain across one's skin, around areas of special security interest. With curfews in full effect, however, few, if any accidents, necessitate their use. Some people start to feel bored: Where are all the explosions? If this is really the New World Order, where are all the concentration camps? Legitimate questions and the conspiracy theorists play for time.
Far from the shambles of the defunct Project Integrations, the measures now undertaken for security are professional and swift. Anything intent on causing trouble is, for the most part, quickly identified and neutralised, except in a few cases. Most commercial flights are cancelled, until the authorities can devise a properly regulated system of monitoring passengers. Ironically, many of the recommendations suggested in the wake of '9/11' are now being hastily implemented by force.
Las Vegas is still a neon playground. Just a lot quieter and, with the exception of armed soldiers and law enforcement, mostly with empty streets. Searchlight, for the first time in a long time, actually has some police representation wandering its dusty roads.
Results differ in other countries. For the stricter regimes, far nastier precautions are taken. All things considered, things are rather peaceful.
So far.
[Written by E.]
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| Down and Out |
[27 Jun 2008|10:54am] |
The more Frank Dickerson ran, the more he began to realize he wasn’t getting away.
Turning the corner and heading into one of the many dark alleys of Las Vegas, Frank looked over his shoulder, seeing that not only was the police officer still on his tail, she was catching up. And the officer didn’t appear to be all that winded, either, which was amazing, considering this high-speed foot chase had been going on for nearly five minutes now.
Frank was down and out, unemployed for two months now and in desperate need of money to feed his family. The chaos surrounding the public admission that demons existed was actually a boon for Frank, as he was able to on more than one occasion steal money and valuables from people as they panicked and rioted in the streets.
But tonight, one of Las Vegas’ finest caught him. Frank, never having been a violent man or one prone to confrontation, decided to run, hoping to use the athleticism he had in his high school track days to outrun the officer.
It was like Armageddon out here, so Frank honestly wondered why the officer was worrying about some petty criminal.
( They'll let anyone on the force )
[Submitted by Jeff.]
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| All for Naught |
[27 Jun 2008|11:58am] |
“What did you find, Magus?”
The vampire kneeling before Seraphus was a meek one, looked as if he were barely strong enough to stand on his own two feet. But Magus was an old and powerful sorcerer, able to mystically keep his body intact even as disease ravaged it. Centuries ago, Magus lay bed-ridden, syphilis threatening to take his life before Seraphus saved him from death and delivered him to eternal damnation.
Forever grateful, Magus spent his unlife serving his sire and the cause of the Order of Zeus. He had seen the prophecies, knew that of which the Elders spoke. He had seen many an offspring of the Slayer grow into manhood, and yet none of them were the descendant of Zeus.
And having just consulted with the Oracles, using his centuries-refined mystical powers, Magus was convinced the Order would have to look elsewhere.
“It does not look good, master,” Magus spoke in a shaky voice. “The boy does not exhibit any of the signs.”
( Loophole )
[Written by Jeff.]
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