Chapter 26

Senator Appleton was going to his son Ben's school in his car. His meeting with opposition leaders showed positive results. He could not completely convince them to change sides on the matter of Armageddon, but they promised to consider the proposal. He was immersed in his laptop. He looked happy and content

Senator Appleton was a loyal and passionate American. He believed that USA had earned the status of World Leader by sheer efforts and hard work of its citizens, so they should be the only one benefiting from the fruit of their success as well. He wanted US Government to focus on colonizing American citizens first. If USA made a deal with other nations and countries, that would mean a large colony with substandard resources for all. It was unacceptable for him.

Senator Appleton supported the idea of "Fee Per Person (FPP)", where every non-American who wanted to reside in American Space Colony would pay a certain fee, as a tool for face saving. If USA were to implement FPP for every human that would mean financial support from rich and a highly advanced colony in space.

Senator Appleton proposed that US Government should Ban Saans. He really believed that Daniel earned his status in the world because he was an American and he was obligated to return the favor then. How could he donate all his resources on the world other than Americans?

Senator Appleton had decided to propose impeachment of President Mathew in today's Party High Command meeting. Senator Appleton had no personal grudge against President Mathew or Daniel. It's just that they were standing in the way of America's National cause, at least in his opinion. He was successful in finding the people who shared his ideology, and they were increasing day by day.

"We've arrived." Nina informed.

Senator looked up, sighed, and closed his laptop.

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3:55 PM

It was a posh residential area where Choka's target lived. There was snow all over the place. An old man was walking on the footpath with the support of his stick. He was very slow. He was wearing a cheap looking blue fur coat and a trapper hat. His back was a little curved and his hands were a little shaky. He was wearing gloves, mask, and warm shoes to withstand the cold weather.

After a few minutes, a car flew in the house that the old man was passing. Old man got startled a little and started walking again. Car hovered and went down in the house. Old man was in front of the house when he heard the explosion. A man and a woman screamed right then. He quickly went to the gate and rang the bell.

After a few moments, a man dressed as a chauffeur opened the door. He looked flabbergasted and blue from fear. His white dress had blood all over.

"Wh-What?" It seemed like he could not think straight.

"Blood. Blood." Old man screamed and quickly entered the building. Driver followed.

He saw a body lying on the floor, without head and blood was all round it. There was a woman standing beside Senator. She was shaking visibly.

"Quickly, take her in and do not let anyone out." Old man instructed the driver. Driver quickly moved.

"Have you called the police?" Driver moved his said in negative.

"I will call the police. You go quickly." Driver held Nina's hand and quickly moved her towards the main door. Commotion could be heard from inside.

Old man quickly rushed towards the body and looked around. Driver and Nina were still outside.

"Hello Police?" Old man screamed.

"Senator Appleton has been murdered at his house. Please come quickly." Old man said. He spotted something a few yards away from the body.

Old man briskly went there and picked it up. It was shell of the ammo fired. Old man smiled. He put out a similar looking shell from his pocket, dipped it in Senator's blood and placed it at the same spot where original shell had fallen. Then he walked briskly towards front door.

The door of the house opened, and a few people came out. Driver could not keep them in. Old man quickly left the house and treaded in one direction. His back was straight, and stick was on his shoulder.

Kyle had successfully finished his part of the mission.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22nd December 2050

President Mathew was sitting in his living room. It was half past 12 in the midnight. The room was dimly lit, and President seemed to be pondering about something. He was continuously moving his revolving chair.

The news of Senator Appleton's murder spread like a wildfire. Murder of a high Government Official raised questions on the justice system of the country and obviously people and media were pointing fingers at Government and especially President Mathew.

Murder of Senator Appleton hit President Mathew hard, after all he knew him for a very long time.

But Appleton's murder was not the reason behind his restless night. He was thinking about the call he received the other day. He had a gut feeling that the murder was conspired by the caller. But why? Killing Senator Appleton would only disrupt his agenda and mission. The more he contemplated on this matter, more he felt lost and puzzled.