"The West is effectively dead we have won. The West is dead, what is happening now is just the spasms of a dying corpse of a snake. We beat them in Ukraine, we beat them in the Pacific, and we are soon to beat them in the Caribbean and in South America. And what of Europe but a savage land of dead empires like Britain and France tumbling backward into the dark ages same goes for the child of the British empire the Americans you might ask. To which I say
In this story the West is unraveling at it's seams:
Political divisions in the western societies are becoming unbridgeable schism.
The west is also losing militarily and soon even it's economic dominance will be a thing of the past.
I admit it is unplaesent to look at, because something adjacent/similar could start happening IRL only there are no heroes to save the day!
West has it's flaws, but any potential replacement system seems like it would be far worse.
The West does appear to be unraveling at the seams ITTL. But come to think of it there must be another country, beyond just China/Russia/Vena willing to pick up the slack. Here's my interesting choice: Chile.
No, really, I think it would be interesting to see Chile develop as a leading economic power.
The West does appear to be unraveling at the seams ITTL. But come to think of it there must be another country, beyond just China/Russia/Vena willing to pick up the slack. Here's my interesting choice: Chile.
No, really, I think it would be interesting to see Chile develop as a leading economic power.
I just chose Chile randomly by looking at countries in Latin America and trying to find one. I didn't even know that about you when I chose that country.
In this story the West is unraveling at it's seams:
Political divisions in the western societies are becoming unbridgeable schism.
The west is also losing militarily and soon even it's economic dominance will be a thing of the past.
I admit it is unplaesent to look at, because something adjacent/similar could start happening IRL only there are no heroes to save the day!
West has it's flaws, but any potential replacement system seems like it would be far worse.
Very true I mean at least in this timeline there definitely will be island of stability and alternatives ie whatever the hell Mars got going on.
Though most of the other alternatives on Earth are still a bit shades of grey. Then of course you got the looming and growing threat of nuclear war that is hanging over this timeline.
In a word where the United States is in decline, one would imagine that Latin America would be one of the places where a new superpower would emerge, due to the fact that Latin America has had the potential to become a superpower but was always brought down by US interests (for example, the banana, oil, and coffee industry).
The way Latin America can work without US interests can see the world being built.
Economy of Chile-Just a bit of information about the Chilean economy.
In a word where the United States is in decline, one would imagine that Latin America would be one of the places where a new superpower would emerge, due to the fact that Latin America has had the potential to become a superpower but was always brought down by US interests (for example, the banana, oil, and coffee industry).
The way Latin America can work without US interests can see the world being built.
Economy of Chile-Just a bit of information about the Chilean economy.
I'm actually eyeing Brazil to become Latin American power. They will definitely get major boost after the London Accords following the events of August.
Interesting. Brazil is part of the BRICS block (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) which means that the London Accords imply some rather interesting things from the perspective of a post-Brexit Britain.
I don't want to spoil anything but it will be results of the fallout of the events that are gonna stake place in August of 2025 and will see a major we reshuffling of the geo-political deck of the world not seen since the 90's.
Interesting. Brazil is part of the BRICS block (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) which means that the London Accords imply some rather interesting things from the perspective of a post-Brexit Britain.
I don't want to spoil anything, but it has more to do with France than Britain though the British does get some major blow back from The Sentinel's Wild Ride that leads to the London Accords.
So once again there will be a slight delay in the next chapter. Both me and @Danthefan28 are both taking a bit longer than usual to write this one out.
Mansfield looked around the elevator; it seemed to be old-fashioned. Not out of date, but like something from a movie set in 1940's walking or rather rising museum piece. The whole hotel was like that. He had never seen it before, but from the pictures in the lobby, it seemed to be old, almost too old. For a second, when walking into the hall and looking past the larger than life's Christmas tree onto the grand fireplace where a painting of the hotel hung, he could have sworn, for a second maybe even less, it was just the tower-like hotel was standing in the desert before it changed to be a picture of the modern city skyline.
"Floor 13…there was a name, though it must have been a typo or something; it didn't seem… normal most older buildings skipped that number." thought Mansfield.
The elevator stopped in between floors, or that was at least Mansfield thought before the door opened, showing a teenager; she looked like one of the punks that he went to high school with back in the early 80s. The young woman wore a spiked leather jacket over what looked like a ragged punk rock band shirt and a pair of jeans with a chain chiming as she stepped inside the elevator with a rockstars swagger.
"Floor number 13?" She asked.
"What you got a meeting with Mr.Maybus and Dax or something?"
"No, you have a meeting with us; just in time, we are about to close up shop, moving on to bigger and better things."
The doors opened to show an office, not even a hallway to one, but just an office, a rather large one at that; it was a strange mix of modern art and Art Deco the centerpiece of the room as a large wooden oak desk flanked in front on both sides by two black leather sofas behind which on the room side walls were engraved fish tanks that seemed to be far too large to even fit in the building. Mansfield could have sworn he saw large shapes swim by the glass ports of the tanks if only for a flash of a moment.
Around the room sat on the walls, desk, and on the sofas was what Mansfield assumed to have been Maybus's entourage; four were women around Maybus age, one on the couch half-asleep with a girl besides her, another one maybe a little bit older than the rest dressed in a bikini like she was going to the beach or something gazed at the fish tank. Then there was a third woman dressed in a red and white letterman jacket and ripped jeans smiling at him a little too wide.
There were three young men, one of which was also in swim trunks rocking a shark tooth necklace; another one of them had the aura of a security guard and might have been carrying a concealed gun on him leaning against the right wall.
Mansfield must have stood out like a sore thumb, and not just because he was in a full suit, and he was visibly the eldest person in the room
, his jowls far more prominent, his nose more of a beak, and his eyes steely, meanwhile his hair, though dark, greyed just a little over time.
"So what d'you do?" this girl asked him, her accent odd, vaguely Russian, she looked a little bit like a junkie, her physique that of a heroin addict, but they still had meat on the bone; it didn't help it looked like she was half nodding out with her head in the lap of one of the other women "Well, I used to be a news pundit," he said looking up to the ceiling "but now it looks like I'm a babysitter or something? Is this some joke?"
"Quite the career change," the woman whose lap the druggie had her head in said as she gently brushed her hand against.
This one was a little more appealing to his cruel eyes; unlike the junkie, she had this lovely hourglass figure, her legs long and showing in the black mini skirt that matched her bangs and the rest of her whole getup; meanwhile, her lips were this deep and strikingly red color, her accent meanwhile was English—No, Scottish
"Well, I don't intend to stay here too long," Mansfield said. "And neither do we," the girl who sat on the desk said as she searched one of the pockets of her letterman jacket.
Tanking puff from the already lit joint before asking
"Want some?" she asked him.
"No thanks"
"Square," joked the man in swim trunks; the joint was passed around with each one of the groups taking a long drag from it before it made it way to the "Bodyguard," he took a deep puff from his stiff and pale lips, looking at behind red-tinted glasses.
"Where is the Other? Is he with the fishes?" asked the girl in the bikini, her voice it was strange; it almost was like it had a small muffled eco behind it.
"You know the Other, that boy I always love a good war game." joked the junkie.
Polly wants a cracker
Maybe she would like some food
She asked me to untie her
A chase would be nice for a few
Mansfield could've sworn to have heard music echoing from…
Isn't me, have a seed
Let me clip your dirty wings
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Want some help, please me
"Maybe he is dancing in the Ozark." suggested the junkie
Somewhere, he didn't know,
I got some rope, haven't told
Promise you, have been true
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Want some help? Please me
"Listen, I don't know what this thing is, but I want to talk about the deal Maybus offered me."
"Sure thing, sug," said Maybus as she smiled and held out her hand
"Let's make this quick; you're my last customer before this whole operation shut down."
Mansfield gripped Maybus' hand as she spoke again
Isn't me, have a seed
Let me clip your dirty wings
Let me take a ride, cut yourself
Want some help? Please me
"So I heard you want to be president?" said Maybus, her smile now up to her ears showing nothing but rows of sharpened teeth and a burning furnace of hell beyond.
Local Government
1. Municipal Councils (City and Village Councils):
- Role: Is made up of priests and nonnobles Manage local affairs such as urban planning, sanitation, judges, transportation, and cultural activities.
- Elections: Members are directly elected by local residents every four years. These councils then approve a list of Nobel Counts (leaders or heads of local noble houses) to be able to run in public elections.
2. Rural Councils:
- Role: Oversee rural development projects and local administrative functions.
- Elections: A council of nobles and elders members draft legislation or rules that are voted on by the community at large.
Provincial Government
1. Duke:
- Role: Represent the central executive government at the provincial level, overseeing the implementation of national and regional policies and coordination among various local councils and agencies.
- Appointment: Appointed by Provincial popular Counts after the candidates are approved by the king and Guardian Council.
2. Provincial Parliament:
-Role: Central legislative government at the provincial level. Act to draft and write laws on a Provincial as well as acting as the voice of the common people.
- Appointment: Appointed by popular vote from local areas.
3. Provincial Judges:
-Holy men and women well versed in religion and law that
- Appointment: Appointments are elected by local judges and are approved by the Guardian Council.
National Government
1. God Emperor Of Vena:
- Role: The highest authority in Vena, with control over the military, judiciary, and church. The Emperor also has significant influence over the executive and legislative branches as well as acting as the guiding figure for Vena with the final decision for national politics
- Appointment: A hereditary title of the eldest born good health child of the royal family and bloodline.
2. Speaker:
- Role: Head of the executive branch second only to the Royal family, responsible for implementing the constitution and acting as the face of civilian government domestically and internationally. The President oversees the Council of Ministers.
- Elections: Elected by popular vote every 5 years, with a maximum of 5 consecutive terms. Presidential candidates must be approved by the Guardian Council as well as the Emperor.
3. : People Congress and Senate
- Role: The National Legislative body responsible for drafting laws, budgets, and international treaties. It has 1000 members. Along with lord commanders who acted as senators approved all laws, budgets, and international treaties and made decorations of war as one part military adviser and one priest.
- Elections: Members of the Congress are elected every four years in national elections that are distributed on a populational level. The Lord Commanders are members of the military numbering 100 in total who are selected by a Duke, then approved by other provincial noble houses , and approved by the provincial judges to represent the Nobels, clergy, and military within the legislator. Both sets of Candidates must be approved by the Guardian Council.
5. Guardian Council:
- Role: Act as both the Supreme Court and Royal Court to the Royal family in order to ensure legislation aligns with the interest of the King and "Greater Glory of Vena,". As well as approving candidates for the Presidency, Parliament, and the Assembly of Experts.
- Composition: 12 members; 6 appointed by the Emperor and Royal family, 3 nominated by the Judiciary/Clergy, and 3 nominated by The Speaker and approved by the Parliament
Note: Noble in this context does not always mean the same as we know it, as traditionally the title of nobility isn't always hereditary as anyone who achieves greatness and has high honor within a community or the nation be that by saving the life of someone, being a war hero or brilliant commander in battle, being a prestigious scientist writer doctors or lawyer, etc can lead to a person becoming a Nobel. As well as this the status of nobility is something that can be lost or gained multiple times in life and the status is overseen by judges as well as other forms of local, provincial, and national government.
Vena does have great noble houses mostly based on the worship of certain gods by groups of noble families that share the same cult as well as usually sharing the same political party and political values within Vena.
These families can not become too powerful through wealth due to the Venan familiar wealth cap (Though that law doesn't apply to the royal family as they are seen as Gods/ physical embodiment of Vena itself.). Though they can gain more influence by bettering the nation and their communities which are seen as honorable and more important than having money.
This governmental structure has largely remained unchanged since the start of the Venan Dark Ages. However, in the near future, it may be subject to change.
"First royal born good health child". I like the fact that the succession applies equally to men and women.
The mention of it being unchanged since the Venan Dark Ages seems to imply that they have had equal primogeniture since the 1600s. Britain just introduced equal primogeniture in 2014.
The mention of it being unchanged since the Venan Dark Ages seems to imply that they have had equal primogeniture since the 1600s. Britain just introduced equal primogeniture in 2014.
Above is the symbol of the Songhai Joint Defense and Economic Pact. I felt like I should put a face to the organization seeing how it has been and will be coming up a lot in the next few chapters.
The monstrous screech above their heads of Jacques caused him to flinch before he realized that it wasn't aimed at him but instead at the formation of the enemy that had been advancing towards the bank of a canal, which was little more than a creek. The enemy advance had stalled, and they were now pushing back at a high rate, with the enemy falling behind the border. They had been pushed back 10 kilometers per hour now, but at a costly price. Bodies littered the once green field, corpses piled high over the trench lines. The smell of blood and smoking powder was heavy overhead, and with most of the actual Haitian army diverted elsewhere to more important fronts, dealing with the landing on the other side of the island, or unable to make it to the front line yet.
The main forces fighting were mostly border troops, Venan Spec Ops, and a bunch of Red Guards who made up the bulk of the troops, most of whom were armed with looted weapons from the previous regime, machetes, and weapons they scavenged from the bodies of their comrades or fallen enemies. Jacques watched as one of the Red Guards charged at the front line with little more than a pointy stick after his gun ran out of bullets. He got close to the enemy only for hundreds of rounds from the four machine guns to tear his body apart, ripped from each other like a sheet of wet paper. Blood and human flesh mixed with the mud and the torn and battered bodies of the fallen men, women, and children of the Red Guards.
They were little more than bullet sponges, big in numbers and heart for battle, but lacking in other areas. But what had been, for a short time, their saving grace was the Venan Autonomous mini-drones. In the beginning of the battle, there had been lots of drones filling the sky with their shapes, sending the enemy running from them, but even those drones too had begun to run low. The Dominicans had been using what amounted to old M151 Quads with 25mm autocannons mounted to them to shoot down the densely packed sky drones along with attempting some electronic jamming.
It was in the middle of all of this when Jacques realized that the screech belonged to his side. That was when he realized something: the missile wasn't fired from any of the small quad drones as the only drones his people had were FPVs which were way too small to fire missiles. Jacques looked up to see the jets just as they flew by him, flying bulky and almost ugly-looking while at the same time being an angelic cross between a Russian MIG and an F-4 Phantom, painted black with only a white lion's head on their wings to break up the dark color.
Their missiles quickly shattered the enemy's defensive points, forcing a retreat. Yet they weren't done yet; from their bellies, they fired a number of large glide rocket bombs, which were little more than dumb weapons that had small quick-burning rockets and wing kits attached to them. Jacques figured to himself those bombs were meant to scramble and soften enemy lines ahead. What he could not guess, though, was the purpose of the other jets. Flying high like black arrowhead-shaped shadows, they quickly vanished into the distance and altitude, making no noise aside from a low humming as they flew like knives cutting through the sky.
The soldier snapped back to the ground war as he heard the rumbling of armor coming past him. He could smell the diesel. The tanks had a large-slung angular design on their hulls, with bricks of explosive reactive armor, and on their tops was the sloped surface of their turrets. Alongside them came what could only be described as drone Katyushas. As they took off, horrific Manta drones formed a shape similar to that of the arrowhead figures of the jets that had just passed above the battlefield a few moments ago, though the drones were far more spread out, fanning out even more to provide cover and intel for the tanks. Alongside the vehicles came another of Venan's regulars. They looked like angels…
They looked like demons; hundreds of them, countless in numbers, marching through the ever-approaching creeping fog, the tips of their bayonets slicing away at the gas, marking their approach. Juan scrambled for his battle rifle as he dove for cover behind an abandoned car, all the while the yellow mustard-colored mist slowly hovered in the air. He saw other soldiers and other beings coughing, men panicking and throwing up.
"¡Es gas mostaza, están usando gas! ¡Retirémonos ahora, no tenemos máscaras! ¡Maldita sea, mierda, mierda, mierda!" barked his commander over the radio before he was cut off by a large explosion, one that Juan could see from his vantage point, leaving no survivors, only a black bloom of smoke that merged with the yellow gas, floating over towards him, slowly enveloping him entirely.
Juan was confused for a moment about the Venan using mustard gas; why wasn't he affected? He didn't have all that much time to think as he attempted to make his way to a nearby pillbox. Yet it still dawned on him nonetheless that it was colored tear gas, still very painful but not all that harmful, especially not to 1 in 100 people, which Juan had found out during training. That brief moment of realization was broken as a second later Juan felt the defensive bunker nearby him collapse. Juan was sent flying back into another stack of corpses and dirt that partially collapsed on top of him.
He was fading in and out of consciousness as he watched occupants attempt to pull themselves out. That was when one of the demons, the Venan, approached them with a flamethrower. Juan saw the fire reflect in the eyes of the demon's gas mask as it burned his comrades into charred corpses. The last thing Juan saw was a Venan pulling out a collapsible spear from his side holster and stabbing into the screaming man trying to surrender before the Venan demon turned its cold masked gaze towards him, then it all fell black for Juan.
---
Heavy trucks of the M1 Abrams Tank rumbled along the dirt road, or rather mud path, in front of the MRAP as an American soldier, 18-year-old Sarah Michaels, who had been drafted from a small flat town in the American agricultural heartland, now found herself riding on the side of an armored personnel carrier, manning a technical turret on its bed. Sarah lights a cigarette, something she had taken up doing since she first landed in the country just three weeks ago, as she looks around the path. In the distance, she can find a recently abandoned village, or what was left of it after an American napalm strike, or maybe the rebels burned the villagers for being counter-revolutionaries, or maybe DeathWatch dragged them off for "interrogation". She didn't care; all she cared about was getting out of the grey zone as soon as possible.
The grey zone was the disputed zone of control, which was pretty much everywhere outside of a major city or major road line. Zones where if it wasn't occupied by one faction currently supporting the DRC government, it was occupied by the rebels, and since the jungle was so big and so rugged, this de facto meant the heaviest insurgent areas within the country were only under control of the government when American air power was flying over or bombing them. Though the commanders would never admit it, so long as the American soldier killed-to-death "ratio" held, they considered the place under control, lest they get in trouble with the higher-ups. This wasn't the American army of the 21st century; it may have been in gear and name, but everything felt Vietnam. The American military had gone in thinking they would deal with insurgencies armed mostly with old light and some heavy weapons like they did in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most importantly, they had gone in thinking they would have complete uncontested air superiority.
An illusion that was quickly smashed the moment soldiers started having to install what they have begun to call "cope cages" on their tanks to avoid drones dropping grenades or bombs down the hatches, but it did little to stop the ATGMs or those damn FPVs. In the air, Venans supplied anti-air missiles and copies of MANPAD launchers, making the grey zones dangerous for even jets and especially helicopters. Then there were rumors of the ghost fighters; SU-57s would appear out of nowhere, bearing no markings, fire their missiles at ground targets, older mostly DeathWatch aircraft, before flying off. This happened mostly around the border areas with the Congo Soviet, but everyone just knew it wasn't the Congolese flying those jets.
"The countryside is the noose to strangle the occupied city," said a political officer over his radio as Kabeya Mukendi loaded his ATGM 9M133 Kornet.
"The peasants are the hangmen," said Kabeya, almost like he was praying.
"The enemy is heavy and fat," said the political officer, repeating the quotes of Comrade Bango like scriptures from the Bible.
"We are light and fast," said Kabeya as he saw other members of his cadre of rebels mount their dirt bikes as others began to turn on their quad drones.
"They are big trees," said the political officers.
"We are the small axe," said Kabeya as he pressed the button and the ambush began.
The sentinel slammed his fist down against the table, sending it crashing and breaking everywhere.
"Damn it! Civil war! You assured me this wouldn't happen!" He yelled to his second in command.
"Sorry, sir, but the rebels, meaning protesters, are well-armed, by whom I don't know," said the general, taking a step back from his commander.
"WE KNOW DAMN WELL BY WHOM! THOSE DAMN WEST AFRICAN! NIGHT SKIN JUNGLE SAVAGES! THE DAMN VENANS!"
"N-n-no, sir, it doesn't seem to be the Venans; none of the weapons they seem to use match Venan stock,"
The Sentinel took a step forward towards his second in command. "If it isn't those overgrowing apes, then who is it!"
"The w-w-weapons, well they a-a-are A-Am-m-merican."
"Great, the Americans are involved. I suppose I have to ask, rather if it's the black Hindu in the White House or the swamp bunny in Mississippi,"
"The latter, sir," said the second in command?
"How many devices do we have?"
"Six devices, sir, that can be smuggled,"
"We only need three for the main assault and two for the Caribbean, save one for Jackson just in case."
"But sir, maybe we should focus on the main enemy; these weapons are older and mostly smuggled from Russia, so not to be traced back to us until it's too late. Some of them can be duds, and striking America could lead to—"
"I do not care! I need to make sure the African menace is fully destroyed before we recolonize all of Africa under a new empire, even if it means taking risks!"
"Very well, sir, but what of your coronation? If you are to proclaim this empire, you must have a crown,"
"I shall take the crown from the head of the Venan king, so those subhumans will know who their true master is right as I exterminate or enslave them all!"
---
Doctor Zyaireta Carter took the shuttle down the long underground Martian flight hangar that spanned approximately 14,000 acres. The vertical monorail shuttle glided smoothly to a halt at the research and design portion on the 5th floor of the station. As he disembarked, the enormity of the facility enveloped him.
The Martian R&D station was a marvel of engineering and ingenuity, carved meticulously out of the planet's red stone. The walls bore the natural hues of Mars, a deep crimson that contrasted starkly with the sleek, metallic surfaces of the machinery and equipment scattered throughout the expansive area. The facility buzzed with activity. Huge lines of prototype spacecraft were being assembled, each at various stages of completion. Holographic images of these ships hovered above them, projected from nearby stands, displaying detailed schematics and highlighting critical components.
Doctor Carter's eyes roved over the bustling scene. Technicians in lab coats and jumpsuits moved with purpose, welding, calibrating, and inspecting the crafts. The air was filled with the sounds of industry – the hum of engines, the clatter of tools, and the occasional burst of conversation. He admired the seamless blend of natural Martian rock and advanced technology, a testament to human adaptability and resourcefulness.
As he navigated through the maze of equipment, a familiar figure approached. Doctor Moslem Hassan, one of the chief designers of Project Romulus, greeted him with a broad smile. "Zyaire, it's good to see you," Moslem said, extending his hand.
"Likewise, Moslem," Carter replied, shaking his hand firmly. "I'm eager to see the progress on Romulus."
"Of course, follow me," Moslem gestured, leading Carter deeper into the facility. As they walked, Carter took in the sight of the prototype ships being meticulously assembled. Each craft was a testament to human ingenuity, poised to push the boundaries of space travel.
Moslem led Carter to a large, circular platform where a massive hologram flickered to life. The image depicted a sleek, futuristic spacecraft, streamlined and elegant. "This," Moslem said, his voice tinged with pride, "is the Hyper Slingshot."
Carter marveled at the design. "Impressive," he murmured. "But how does it work?"
As Moslem began to explain, they were joined by a high-ranking officer of the Martian Defense Force, Commander Zaire Katz. The commander's presence added a palpable sense of authority to the discussion. Katz nodded in greeting, and Moslem continued, "The Warp Burst Slingshot is based on the damaged warp-speed capable torpedoes we managed to reverse engineer from Black Power's family ship. While we can't exceed the speed of light without access to slip space, this prototype can create a sufficient warp bubble to traverse within the cislunar space of Earth in a matter of hours, compared to the days it would take using our traditional solar sail drives."
He paused, letting the information sink in.
"However," Moslem added, "this process is one-way and highly dangerous for people. Along with that, there is an issue with time dilation. Normally as an object approaches the speed of light time it slows down as it experienced last time. However, this isn't the case within unstabilized warp fields as they can't be stabilized by local causality within them. This means people inside of it can experience anywhere from instantaneous travel to Earth to years or even centuries, But it could be used to send steady supplies to Earth, bypassing the current speed limitations as to us on outside it would only be a couple of minutes every time so long as the field doesn't have an early collapse which could lead to the ship imploding."
Carter's mind raced with the possibilities. "It could also be used as a weapon," he said thoughtfully. "A ship moving at such speeds could become a formidable RKV – a relativistic kill vehicle."
Commander Katz, who had been listening quietly, interjected. "Doctor Carter, I must remind you of the Martian Defense Force's commitment to nonaggression and strict self-defense. While the MDF is tasked with defending Mars, most of our personnel are optimists and part-time scientists. They're more likely to engage in heated scientific debates or study space phenomena than engage in offensive warfare against Earth."
Carter nodded, understanding the commander's position.
"I see your point, Commander. It's just that the potential uses of this technology are vast, and we need to consider all possibilities."
Katz's expression softened slightly. "Of course, Doctor Carter. But our priority remains the safe and peaceful use of technology. The Hyper Slingshot is a remarkable achievement, and it should be used to benefit humanity, not harm it."
Moslem nodded in agreement.
"We're on the brink of a new era in space travel. The Hyper Slingshot is just the beginning. Imagine the possibilities – faster supply routes, better access to resources, and new opportunities."
Carter's gaze returned to the hologram, his mind buzzing with ideas. "Indeed, the future looks promising. We just need to ensure we navigate it wisely."
——
"So what do we get out of it?" asked President V. Clair, staring across from members of the Gang of Four: NSA, CIA, ACB, and DOD.
"A chance to defend your country," said General Timothy D. Haugh.
Imani turned to General Austin. "I hope you have better ways of convincing me. How does Harris expect me to take her offer seriously when she didn't do the simplest thing: show up."
"Imani, you know as well as I do what the value of plausible deniability is," said Director Dixion. "And you also know that we know you people in Paris."
"Whatever do you mean?" asked Imani.
"So are we gonna play this game?" asked Tamika Lang. "What do you want, Imani? We are willing to give up a few things if you help us out with our French problem."
"What would you like us to do?"
"We need your carrier to provide the main American aid in the upcoming intervention in France as well as the use of the Justice Commando. At the moment, due to issues in the Caribbean and the fighting in Congo, the US Atlantic fleet is a bit busy," said General Austin.
"Or you're scared to lose a carrier?" Imani quipped
"But why?" The French Navy is a no-show; most of them have already defected…unless,"
"There are some ISOTed elements of the navy that are still loyal to the French. As well as,"
Austin paused, "ISOTed members of the German navy that are loyal to sentinel. They are mostly using Cold War-era rigs, the equivalent to the late 60s. However, we don't know if they are nuclear ICBM capable or not. We have been keeping it secret since the Placement, but there have been scattered battles between the US Navy and them, along with them attacking shipping."
"We are also aware of the NAZ goal to move into the Gullah Coast. We are willing to turn a blind eye to any quiet operations within the region, and not support the Republican state government so long as you don't interfere with any democratic control county or district."
"Very well," said Imani, "But you will foot the bill for any operations in France. In addition, while we are on our little vacation in Paris," said Jagger as he spoke up for the first time, his voice heavy, shocking the members of the Gang of Four, who had somehow managed to forget the Marshal of the African Legion was there. From the back came another voice, of Heart Harkon, "We get to keep what we kill."
---
They moved up under the cover of night, mostly in small bands of three, spread out over the brush. The trucks had been parked earlier that day disguised as civilian vehicles, mostly SUVs that had been modified to house mortars. A few of them had AKs, some RPGs, and a few heavy PKMs. Most of all, they had faith in their god.
"What do you see?" said Mariam over the earpiece that was linked to their communication system.
"A group of five occupiers. The rest of them have mostly gone out on patrol. A drone clocked a convoy moving south hours ago towards the entity proper."
"Good, praise the goddess. We might have an easy time with this," said Mariam, cutting the wire fence to the compound as they entered the grounds. Mariam then signaled for her other comrades to go left toward the large generators.
"Moving to target their generators," said one of the group as they crept over toward the large solar battery box. Laying their hands on it, with considerable effort, the women's hands started to glow with electricity before producing an EMP.
Mariam let out a battle cry as the mortar from the trucks began to rain down fire and bring stones upon the occupiers, who began to flee out of their compound holding their rifles and firing wildly, only to be caught in a hail of accurate gunfire that lasted only a few minutes before Mariam and her war band retreated back into the bush as quickly as they had come.
It wasn't until long after the battle, when they were clearing their rifles and resting, that she noticed something. Despite seeing the bullets leaving her rifle, despite seeing how it made the head of the occupier explode into pink mist, the gun had been jammed since before the start of the mission, and she had forgotten to bring ammo. What made it even stranger were the bullet holes on both sides of her uniform, yet she was not harmed.
"Praise be to Rora," Mariam said to her. "Praise be."
——
"Now if you feel that you can't go on because all of your hope is gone," sang The Four Tops over the helicopter radio as the helicopter flew along the Carpathian mountains. The chopper flew low and hugged the mountains to avoid any radar detection, zipping along and giving only a slight buzz from its two rotary engines. The Legion-operated, Venan-made VTOL helicopter was insect-like, almost in the shape of a dragonfly. Though its stingers were far more deadly than any insect, its missiles were, at least on paper, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. These warheads were far rarer than the conventional ones and were mostly modified Atomic Demolition Munitions, which amounted to a nuclear landmine mounted to a rocket missile. In short, it was a nuclear RPG mounted on a helicopter.
The weapons were designed to be airmobile and helicopter-mounted weapons. They could, of course, be used in a "fuck everything in that general direction" role; it was a nuclear weapon, of course. However, its biggest advantage wasn't direct troop targeting but targeting major chokepoints, which is why they were being stationed in the Carpathian Mountains. There were also their offensive capabilities as both mini tactical weapons as well as, possibly more importantly, localized EMP bursts. However, for the Korps, it was mostly the first option when dealing with powerful Metahumans. Only maybe a few scores of these types of warheads existed elsewhere in Legion. There were a few more, maybe double, back in Vena, along with a few other chapters of Legion, but that was beyond Tar'la's pay grade.
"Bringing her down now," said the pilot, Jacoby Jackson, a member of the Korps air core.
Tar'la shouldered her rifle as they landed near the base. They were still dealing with insurgents, even if the fighting now was mostly light. The passive exoskeleton sat under her uniform and helped to stop the heavy backpack of equipment and her frontal armor chest rig from slowing Tar'la down as she jumped from the chopper as it landed. Site E-4 was the main base of operation for the Korps in the sector. The building was originally built by the Warsaw Pact as part of their attempt to build a series of mini Cheyenne Mountain Complexes to house members of regional communist parties in case of nuclear war with the Americans. It was forgotten about and left unfinished in the mid-'80s, that was until Legion started renovating it.
The other soldiers were in a hurry at the base, some of them rushing back to their choppers as Tar'la attempted to walk toward the large vault door of the facility. That was when she bumped into Edwin, a tall former SAS man from England.
"What's happening?" asked Tar'la.
"Don't know, but they are deploying some of us to near Site E-5."
"Russia? What's going down there?"
"Don't know exactly, but they are deploying the Task Force Cosmic."
"So it's alien?" asked Tar'la.
Edwin shook his head. "That's what I thought at first until they started bringing in Exos, Psionics, and Mages, along with a few EDs for the task force, alongside Night Witch."
"If they are bringing in the Princess, then it must be serious,"
Edwin nodded. "And way above our pay grade."
---
Rora and Red Usurper flew over the Ural Mountains range.
"Hey, why am I not cold?"
"Oh, my dear prophet, you think I would let the cold harm you? Do you lack so much faith in me?" joked Rora before she got a message over her comm system from Reaper. His voice had been tense, which was already a bad sign. "Rora, I intercepted some frantic communications. Something about a 'waking old god' near your location. And seeing you are what you are and that you and Alec are the closest ones to the area. We need you to check it out ASAP." The urgency in Reaper's voice left no room for doubt. The moon, high as the witching hour approached, watched over them as Rora and Alec got closer to the coordinates given by Reaper, with them landing with a subtle thud on the rocky terrain.
They arrived to a scene that was nothing short of chaotic. A team of Russian, Chinese, Legion, and Venan scientists were trapped inside a mountain bunker, the entrance partially obscured by the aftermath of a recent avalanche. The mountain military base was a hive of activity. Spotlights sliced through the night, illuminating the rugged landscape with stark beams of light. VTOL insect-like helicopters flanked by drones hovered above, their engines humming ominously as they scanned the area with high-powered searchlights. Tanks and armored vehicles were strategically positioned around the mountain's base, forming a perimeter. Soldiers, heavily armed and alert, moved with precision, ready for any threat that might emerge from the darkness.
The night was alive with the sounds of military operations. Orders were barked through radios, and the crunch of boots on gravel echoed in the crisp air. Alec, ever vigilant, stood by her side, his eyes scanning the perimeter for any signs of danger, even as Rora strolled down the path without care.
As Rora and Alec disembarked, they noticed Night Witch talking to a member of the Korps. Rora's keen ears picked up snippets of their conversation. "We can't risk any more lives. Whatever is waking inside that mountain is too obvious and far too dangerous to just leave it alone and hope it goes away," Night Witch said, her voice filled with grim determination.
Rora stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. "What's the situation?" she asked, her tone authoritative.
Night Witch turned to face her, a look of relief flashing across her face. "What are you doing here?"
"Helping," said Rora.
"And thank you. We need your help," said Night Witch, her Venan accent dripping with verbal poison.
"You must excuse them," said Night Witch. "The last time members of your team interacted with us it was a pretty cold meeting."
"He isn't part of our team," said Alec. "But I'm guessing General Winter had a few choice words to say to your husband."
"Yes, and I don't take the disrespect of the one I love lightly. However, I'm willing to put aside my current feelings about it until this situation is over," said Mina.
"What is happening here?" said Rora. "For the number of warriors you have here, this can be no mere avalanche."
Night Witch nodded. "We don't know what it is exactly, but it's dangerous. The scientists managed to send out a distress signal before communication was lost. We've been trying to reach them, but the bunker is heavily fortified, and the avalanche has made access nearly impossible."
Rora's mind raced. They needed to get inside that bunker and rescue the scientists before whatever was awakening could fully emerge. "We'll get them out," she said with determination. "Alec and I will go in with you."
The Korps member, a stern-faced soldier with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "We'll provide cover and support. But be careful. Whatever is in there, it's not something we've ever dealt with before."
Rora nodded, appreciating the gravity of the situation. She turned to Alec, who gave her a reassuring nod. They were ready.
As they made their way toward the bunker entrance, the mountain loomed above them, its peak shrouded in darkness. The recent storm had left the ground treacherous, with patches of ice and snow making each step a careful endeavor. As they reached the bunker entrance, they paused for a moment, taking in the scene. The large steel doors were partially buried under debris from the avalanche, but a faint light could be seen flickering from within. Rora could sense the fear and desperation emanating from the scientists trapped inside.
"We're here to help," Rora called out, her voice carrying through the night. "Stay calm, and we'll get you out."
Night Witch stepped forward, her eyes glowing with dark energy as tendrils of darkness wrapped around the rocks blocking the bunker entrance and began to move them aside. The heavy stones shifted and fell away, clearing a path.
"Nice... spooky, but nice," Alec said, nodding to Night Witch as Rora then summoned a ball of rage lightning, which crackled and sparked, illuminating the entrance as they stepped inside. Alec immediately began helping the scientists to their feet, offering reassuring words.
"What exactly happened here?" Alec asked one of the disheveled scientists as they made their way further into the bunker. The interior was a mix of high-tech research equipment and structural damage from the partial collapse. Flickering lights cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the air was thick with dust and the scent of fear.
The scientist, a middle-aged man with a deep gash on his forehead, explained, "We were studying an ancient artifact for the Russian military. It's something we found deep in the mountain. But it unleashed something... something that took over the minds of other scientists and guards deeper in the facility."
As they progressed down the corridor, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive. The walls were lined with complex machinery and computers, many of which sparked intermittently from damage. Debris littered the floor, and the sound of distant, inhuman growls or even strange laughter of things that shouldn't be speaking in voices that should never be heard echoed through the halls.
At the end of the hallway, they reached a massive stone door, ancient and foreboding, carved with strange symbols that seemed to bleed from the rock itself. The symbols pulsed with an unnatural energy, and looking at them caused a searing pain in everyone's minds except Rora's.
Rora stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she examined the door. "Stay back," she warned Night Witch and Alec. "Whatever is behind this door is old and powerful."
Night Witch shook her head defiantly. "I can handle myself. I am no child that is scared of the dark."
Alec, standing firm beside Rora, added, "I'm staying. I'm not going anywhere without you."
Rora sighed, appreciating their loyalty but knowing the danger. She took a deep breath and summoned her power, creating a gust of wind so strong it lifted Night Witch and Alec off their feet, carrying them swiftly out of the bunker. They landed outside with the rest of the scientists, unharmed but far enough to be out of immediate danger.
Turning back to the stone door, Rora braced herself. She placed her hands on the cold, carved surface, channeling her energy. The door responded to her touch, the symbols glowing brighter as it began to
slowly creak open. The air grew colder, and the darkness beyond the door seemed to swallow the light from her lightning orb.
Inside, the true source of the darkness awaited. Rora stepped forward and pushed open the door.
As Rora pushed open the stone door, a wave of darkness surged out, accompanied by a cacophony of demonic growls and screams. Inside the chamber, the air was thick with the stench of decay as Rora was greeted by a horde of twisted, demonic zombies. Their bodies were contorted and mangled, their flesh rotting and decaying. The first creature lunged at her, its jaw hanging loosely, emitting a guttural growl. Its eyes, glowing with malevolent energy, fixated on Rora, hungering for her destruction.
"You cannot stop the dark one!" it shrieked, its voice distorted and inhuman. "He rises, and all shall perish!"
Rora felt a pang of sadness as she looked at these once-human creatures, now twisted and corrupted by whatever evil they had stumbled upon.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos. "I'm so sorry."
With a swift motion, she summoned a whirlwind of icy wind, freezing the creatures in their tracks. The cold penetrated their decaying flesh, slowing their movements as they struggled against the icy grip.
One by one, she targeted them with bolts of lightning, her aim precise and unwavering. The lightning crackled and sparked, illuminating the chamber with its brilliant light as it struck each creature, sending jolts of electricity coursing through their twisted forms.
Her sword danced through the air, a blur of silver and steel as it sliced through the horde with precision and grace. With each strike, she felt the weight of their suffering, but she knew she had to press on.
Another creature lunged at her, its flesh hanging loosely from its bones. She met its attack head-on, her sword cutting through its decaying flesh with ease. As it fell to the ground, she felt a pang of sorrow for what it had become. But there was no time for mourning. More creatures surged forward, their eyes filled with hunger and hatred. Rora steeled herself, her resolve unwavering as she prepared to face them head-on.
With each strike of her sword, she felt the darkness recede, replaced by a glimmer of hope. The chamber echoed with the sounds of battle as Rora fought on, her determination unwavering.
Finally, the last of the creatures fell, their twisted forms crumbling to the ground.
The chamber fell silent, the only sound the blood dripping off of Rora's sword as she looked at the wreckage around her. She looked over the bodies, the blood of the damned, and anger flooded her as she shouted.
"DAMN YOU, WHOEVER YOU ARE! DAMN YOU! YOU ARE A COWARD! DO YOU HEAR ME? A DAMN COWARD WHO TOYS WITH THOSE WEAKER THAN YOU!" Rora smiled as she stamped her foot, causing a massive part of the room's wall to crumble into another room, that of a deep bottomless pit with only a single pointed peninsula of a walkway carved into its cliff. "But I am here now."
As Rora stepped out onto the cliff, the mountain began to tremble beneath her feet. The ground shook violently, and fissures split open in the earth. From the depths of the mountain, something emerged from the blackness of the pit, a massive form nearly filling it. The creature's skin was like charred scales, and his body was covered in ancient runes that glowed with an unholy light. Great horns protruded from his head, and a pair of bat-like wings unfurled from behind him. His eyes blazed with fire, and his voice echoed with power as he spoke.
"I am Chernabog, the bringer of darkness, the harbinger of chaos," he bellowed, his voice shaking the very foundations of the earth as it echoed through many mouths and spoke with many tongues, his eyes glowing with the fire and flames of hell. "For countless eons, I have slumbered beneath the Earth, but now my time has come. The mortal scientists have awoken me, and soon I shall walk the Earth once again, bringing with me an eternal night!"
As he spoke, the mountain shook and trembled, and parts of it collapsed into the bottomless pits below. Fire blazed from the depths, and the screams of tortured souls echoed through the night. Lesser demons and Nightmare Things flooded up into the sky, their twisted forms blotting out the stars. As the dark god broke through the mountaintop and towered tall above the mountains, his form cast a shadow over the land. The earth itself trembled beneath his feet as he picked himself up, and a demonic choir of lesser demons and nightmare creatures sang his praises.
Meanwhile, Rora prepared herself for battle. With lightning crackling around her, she faced Chernabog, her eyes filled with determination. As the ancient god lunged at her, she dodged his attack with lightning speed. The force of his blow was enough to create a storm, but Rora took control, directing bolts of lightning back at him. She leaped in the air, growing in size to almost match Chernabog as she flew between massive strikes of hellfire and ectoplasm.
The Nightmare Things began to swarm her but were burned away as holy flame-coated Rora cast the creatures down to earth as falling pillars of salt and ash.
The military joined the fight, their weapons firing at Chernabog with everything they had. But the ancient god was unfazed, swatting away their attacks with ease. There was a blast larger than the others from the missile fired from a VTOL chopper, one that seemed to shake the earth as it hit the face of the monster, creating a massive air blast that caused avalanches across the mountain range. A massive mushroom-shaped cloud formed where the blast had happened; there was a moment of silence as the military and Legion thought for a fleeting moment they had managed to harm the dark god, only for the great old one's face to emerge from the mist, smiling unfazed, not showing a single sign of harm on his stone scale skin.
Then lesser demons and horrible nightmare creatures, causing pain to even lay eyes upon, danced in the face of what should or could be as they descended upon the helicopters and military, erupting from the hole that the old one had made in his escape from the mountain and filling the air like a demonic swarm of bats. But Night Witch, her body growing black with shadow as she unleashed her flesh magic upon them. Her arms became a sword of blood and bones, like chainsaw blade edges of sharpened teeth, slicing away at the demons while absorbing the biomass of the Nightmare Things, only to serve to make herself even stronger as blades of shadow began to peel themselves from the night itself, forming flying shadow horsemen armed with lances that impaled the lesser demons. Red Usurper soared through the air, using his telekinetic powers to hurl massive stones at the monsters. Using some of his magic from his holy staff to light them on fire before shattering them down on the horrific hordes.
But Chernabog was focused on Rora, his voice dripping with arrogance as he spoke. "I am the darkness that consumes all," he roared. "NO ONE CAN DEFEAT ME, MORTAL, NOR LITTLE GODDESS! I WAS OLD BEFORE TIME! GREATER BEFORE LIGHT! OLDER THAN THIS UNIVERSE, AND I AM GREATER THAN ALL IN IT!"
But Rora was undeterred by the speech of the Great Old One. With a defiant shout, she cast a lightning bolt into one of Chernabog's eyes, causing him to roar in pain. "YOU WILL PAY FOR THAT, LITTLE GIRL!" said Chernabog, throwing with a badly timed but mighty blow aimed at Rora. He struck another mountain, sending it crashing down, turning a mountain into a valley with a single blow.
"You may be powerful, but you are not invincible," Rora retorted. "The time of dark gods is over. This world belongs to the light." With a swift motion, she cut one of Chernabog's wings, causing him to howl in agony as he tried to fly away. Night Witch cast chains of shadow, fire, and wind around his legs, ripping them off one by one, while Alec brought down an avalanche of stone on Chernabog's good leg.
"How does it feel to be powerless?" her voice a blazing multitude, as under them a choir of her own shouted "HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! HOLY!" Her eyes blazed with holy fire that flared out into the night. "You are nothing but a coward, hiding in the shadows."
With a final, triumphant cry, Rora plunged her sword into Chernabog's heart, vanquishing him once and for all. As the sun rose on the horizon, she stood victorious, the light of dawn banishing the darkness once and for all.
"For I AM THE LORD THY GODDESS! QUEEN OF QUEENS! GODDESS OF GODDESSES AND THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS! FOR I AM GREATER! FOR I AM THE GOD MOTHER OF MANKIND!" she proclaimed, her voice echoing across the land.
"Okay, what the hell was that?" asked Alec.
"Whatever it was," said Night Witch, landing beside him, "it was powerful."
"It was a shadow of what it once was," spoke Rora, appearing behind them both. "A great old one, from a reality long since gone."
Alec looked at Rora. "What was that thing before, in a previous reality?"
"Well, as the concept of the multiverse is now proven as of a few months ago, the idea of such things should not be that shocking," said Night Witch, before turning back to Rora. "You said that thing was a shadow of its former self; what does that mean?"
"It means that what we saw was nearly completely dead. Long ago, far before my time when this realm was new and before the invention of time, there were a great many monsters that came before reality. They spawned several children who were known as great old ones, but they were pushed out and driven back by mortal races. What was left behind were shadows that were killed or imprisoned by mortals, younger gods, and other things that sought to break their hold over this realm."
"So this Chernabog was one of those shadows?"
"Yes, and if we didn't kill him as soon as we did, he would have brought himself and the rest of his ilk back into the realms of mortals," said Rora.
"Well, let's just thank God…you?" Alec paused before going on. "Anyway, let's just hope that Chernabog is dead for real this time."
"It's not dead; for things like Chernabog, death is rarely an end, for it is hard to kill a thing that can eternally sleep. For even in time, death itself may wither and die," said Rora.
---
Pyro smiled, a grin spreading across his face as he looked at the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. The city reminded him of home, or at the very least, what had become of his home after the events of The Placement—a missed match, a broken puzzle set of the past and the present. Instead of the Art Deco of the 1920s and 1930s that marked Neo Atlanta, it was the futurism of the 50s merged with the modernism of the current day for Vegas. At least from the inner belt and strip of the city. As the limit expanded outward to what remained of the old suburbs of the greater metro area, it became almost post-apocalyptic. The suburbs, once home to some of the richest enclaves carved out of the city, had been abandoned due to a mixture of COVID, economic collapse, crime, and the fact that it was just plain too hot to live out there.
The metroplex now acted as almost a wall, forcing people to take long-checked pointed highways into and out of the city or risk being lost, robbed, or worse by taking side roads.
That wasn't to say the inner city was all sunshine and rainbows, as if an American inner city has ever been. Outside of the strip, the city was becoming overcrowded by migrants in both economic, climate, and people who fled the comic sand shitstorm that was the Texas Crisis. The police had long since left, moving out to bigger cities that weren't melting under the hottest summer known to man or that at least paid well, like in Denver, or went private, or in the case of the Black cops of Vegas, joining the African Legion, along with almost the entire Black population of the city—nearly a quarter of a million people—packed up on flights paid for by the New Afrikan Government, which was all too happy to increase their so-called "core population," part of their open-secret demographic plan to consolidate the entire southeast under them. The more Black people on the edges of the New Afrikan border gave them more of a reason to expand. It was a tactic as old as time.
Needless to say, crime had gone up a tad bit, to understate things. In the void, a mixture of community militias, paramilitaries, street organizations, and business interests, alongside organized crime, began to carve out little chiefdoms for themselves, ones that would, if left unchecked, inevitably go to war and kill themselves and bring the attention of the Syndicate Of Heroes down on them. That was why Pyro was there: to make sure these little groups didn't start all-out war that would bring the heroes down on Vegas and, more importantly, down on the Crime League Of America.
"Gentlemen, it seems you are all at an impasse," said Pyro, trying to channel his inner coolness. "Lucky for you, for now, I am going to be solving your little disputes," he said with a wave of his hand, and the window of the casino tower turned into an AR map overlay of the city, showing an evenly divided city.
"You can't be serious?" said a woman, half pimp, half street mother Teresa. "That is half the turf we wanted."
"Yeah, and what's that bullshit about me and the illegal sharing of the profit for my casino?" shouted another "upstanding businessman."
"Or the fact you expect me to work with this racist fucker!" said a Hispanic man wearing a biker vest, his body covered in more tattoos than bare skin, as other members of the meeting started to start arguing before Jinx cut them off with a laugh as he walked in, followed by other members of the CLA. "Oh, we weren't asking," he said, with Pyro adding, "Though if you want to take the gamble and try to fight back by our guess, just remember in the end," as Oracle threw down the tarot cards that showed members of each one of the gang members' most important loved ones and family members as Jinx spoke up again. "The house always wins."
When the gangsters left, Pyro removed the tie he had on and unbuttoned the shirt, asking as Emilio walked in, "What brings you?"
"Him," Jinx said, gesturing to Emilio. "It's not too long a story, it started less than an hour ago."
"You gonna dress like that when you meet Polly's parents?" Emilio had asked Pyro teasingly.
"What's this all about?" Pyro asked, knowing by the smile on his face that he had something cooking, and whether that something was a prank or an act of terrorism. Well, he'd find out.
Jinx found out first, as he was the first person the green-haired Emilio Jackson told about it.
Emilio stood over that map of the Bank of France, showing it to Jinx with this sinister smirk. Neva was sitting atop the table the map was on, having actually helped in making the map for her lover and his little plan, that is one of the most dramatic heists in French history.
"So, what d'you think?" Emilio asked Jinx.
"Well… The safest option would be to teleport into the safe and steal the cash from inside," Jinx told Emilio. "But why do I have the feeling that you don't want to do this safely?" asking this knowingly to Jackson, who'd cracked a smile. "…I thought your girlfriend was the psychic."
Emilio would start, "A fine little birdie told me—"
Jinx interrupted, asking, "Was it The Comic?"
"…Told me that the heroes are plotting some kind of intervention in France… A big one."
"So they're gonna pull a Texas?" Jinx asked.
"Sounds like it… Which gives us the perfect cover strike, and kill two birds with one stone."
"Which 'Bird' are we talking about here?"
"Bird number one: Rob a bank and prove that we are still the mother-fucking Crime League," Emilio told him. "And bird number two: Cripple the French's excuse for a supervillain team."
"'Carte Blanche', right?" Jinx asked him. "'Fraternity Blanche' now, according to the Sentinel."
Emilio explained, "They've been deputized… And are based right next to the Bank of France."
"Well, if we were any normal team of bank robbers, this would seem like a suicide mission."
"Normal is overrated," Emilio said to Jinx.
"Okay… So, if we're gonna do this, we're gonna need the right people for the job," Jinx said.
"Which is exactly why I came to you first."
"Aw, how cute," Jinx said a bit sarcastically. "What's my job in all of this?" to which Emilio said, "Carrying the safe," putting a Rubik's cube on the table, with a posted note which read "Safe."
Jinx floated the cube up and began trying to solve it, all without laying a finger on the thing.
"That safe is gonna be a bitch to lift up, so unless you've got some dynamite to loosen it u—"
"I'm Irish, of course I can get you explosives," Emilio Jackson told him, before admitting that "Blowing it out of the wall is gonna be the hard part, floating the thing out should be easy."
"Alright, so you want me to fly the bad boy up to the Frat Blanche's window?" Jinx asked him.
"The bank has a courtyard… Perfect place to make a scene out of the worst day of their lives."
"You don't expect me to carry the safe the whole time I'm in Paris, do you?" Jinx asked him.
"Golem'll carry it if you get awfully tired."
"Lola could be our getaway driver… Teleporter, unless you want Neva to tag along with us."
"Things might get a little too bloody for Lola," Emilio said, showing a little bit of concern for the Crime League's youngest member, saying, "Neva'll be our getaway driver," asking them, "So, what do you say?" to this, she smiled.
"I'll go anywhere, just as long as it's by your side," Emilio seemed aroused by her words, and seemed to adjust himself beneath the table whilst Jinx diverted his eyes, before asking him, "Anybody else you want for this? Because the moment we start moving the safe, somebody is gonna notice, security for one thing, they'll sound the alarm if not immediately dial up the capes that Sentinel has working for him."
"Oracle'll knock out the security, that should buy time before the capes put on their tights."
"Okay, so that's me, you, your fishy friend, Golem and Oracle… I think we can take 'em on?"
"Well… We're gonna need raw, animal strength and we're gonna need some… Firepower."
"No," Pyro had said casually to them, it was almost like he was asked beforehand about this. "'No'?" Emilio asked him. "What do mean 'No'?"
"I don't wanna end up in some French prison, and or killed by the new regime," Pyro said as he went to get changed, their three coworkers staying outside the room he was changing in.
"Trust me, that little regime isn't gonna last a month and you can bet on that," quipped Jinx adding, "And like I said, the house always wins."
"You can assure that?" Pyro asked.
Jinx smiled, "Pyro, the game is rigged from the start."
"You gonna keep making New Vegas references or?"
"The supes they have in France are a backwater, we're talking they would barely be street level from the fight scans we managed to pick up from the aftermath of their battles. The best analogy I could make is to imagine a super from The Boys Show tried to cause shit in Marvel or DC. Trust me if they get involved it's gonna end like that one invincible panel,"
Pyro cracked a smile, now it was his turn to make a reference. "A bloody mess," he said before agreeing with a "I'm in let's go rob France."
---
She spent a good amount of time drifting in and out of consciousness, losing track of time but remembering glimpses of the other heroes, fellow team members. Some wished her luck and a speedy recovery, while others, like Skinwalker, couldn't exactly muster a normal reaction to most things. Liberty vaguely recalled Sammy saying something nice, though she struggled to remember it clearly. It all seemed to pass like a dream.
Desert mentioned fighting Tombstone and warding off a water-themed villain. Next thing she knew, Grey was telling her about a trip he and Heart took to the White House. Meanwhile, Uncle Sam reminisced over a mission he, Sammy, and the Red Calvary undertook, pausing for a moment to express, "I wish you were there with us."
Columbia remained by her side, recounting a mission she, Zeta-Man, Ricky, and Amanda went on. Rita did her best to describe the chaotic mess it devolved into and how she ended the night. Liberty remembered the gleam of Rita's ring in her fuzzy vision and wanted to shed a tear of joy for her, as Rita warmly invited her, "You wanna be my bridesmaid? Then get well soon."
Reeve was a lucky man, and Liberty certainly thought so… In fact, she was almost jealous...
Zeta-Man informed her about the coup in France, mentioning that the Syndicate and the French superheroes were plotting an intervention. Bishop also mentioned how Reaper and Shadow managed to take on the Crime League in Atlanta before abruptly leaving to handle an extraterrestrial threat. Liberty wanted to ask more, but she struggled to stay awake, drifting into unconsciousness once more. Her dreams was mixture of strange vision of her time fighting crimes her time with the Syndies, the good times, her early childhood and then there was the nightmares horrid dreams of the crimes of America visions of the camps that the first liberty grew up in, sometimes she would be her strapped down on a medical slabs looking back up at the doctors wearing her face their eyes shining and their mouths smiling like hungry coyotes as they brought down their knives, but before they did Liberty could hear Rora singing as she drifted back up into consciousness, sometimes she would catch the glimpse of Rora sitting by her bed holding her hand other time she wouldn't be there be Liberty could feel her presence like she was hugging her as she faded back to peaceful dreams…
The sound of phone snapped her back to reality, as she got up her legs feeling stronger than the days before.
"Liberty? Can you hear me?" Reaper asked.
"Loud and clear," she told him. "We're waiting for you upstairs," he said over her earpiece. "...Kay."
Liberty left her room and ascended the stairs to the Syndicate Conference room, noticing it looked different than she remembered.
"You guys remodel?" asked Liberty as Black Power helped her to the seat. "Yeah, we incorporated aspects of alien and Martian colony technology into the communication systems."
"Along with blending them with some magical elements with help from some of the team magic users."
"Martians? Colony? How long was I out for?"
"Not that long, but can you brief us on what happened to you or rather who this Black Death person is? I managed to go over your files and notes, but was she the one who put you in a coma?"
"Yes, but that's not all," said Liberty. "She was the original Liberty."
There was a collective look of confusion among the other heroes besides Uncle Sam, who explained, "Before WW2, the US government kidnapped a bunch of Black girls to experiment on to create a super soldier formula."
"I don't like where this is going," said Slaughter.
"They created the first American supersoldier under what they called Project Liberty, at the cost of over ten thousand lives for two super soldiers."
"Sounds on par for 20th-century America," Skin Walker remarked.
"I'm gonna take a quick guess and say the government didn't really want anyone to know that the world's first all-American super soldier was a Black woman," said Jade Javelin.
"I mean they did the same for Ace's grandmother, who helped develop the atomic bomb during the war. They didn't fully admit her role in the project until the Obama Administration," said Santell. "They still haven't given me my credit for the help too."
"I'm guessing this story doesn't have a happy ending."
"You would be correct. After the end of major operations, she was killed by the US government in 1946."
"What, now she is back from the dead?" asked Ms. Amerika.
"I saw some shit, but I have to agree with the kid that this would be out there. Some ex-soldier that has been dead for damn near a hundred years suddenly deciding now is the time to start fucking shit up," said Cap.
"You've been looking at the ass of a literal goddess for this whole conversation," said Black Bat.
"Good point—wait a fucking minute, how the hell would you even know that?" Slaughter asked the blind Black Bat.
"Lucky guess, but your reaction confirmed it," Bats quipped.
"I didn't bring my pet donkey with me today? How did you know I had one?" asked Rora.
"Rora, no, she meant, you know what never mind," said Ace before Jamie Van Helsing asked, "Do we know what the Black Death wants? Maybe we can try and talk her down."
"To overthrow the US government, as she believes she needs to bring the war home," said Uncle Sam.
"Sounds like shell shock," said Cap, with Rita interrupting him, "PTSD."
Slaughter rolled his eyes before going, "Whatever, she seems to still be operating in a state of war, meaning if she wanted to go after our government she would want a decapitation strike."
"Could explain why she waited so long. Taking out the president or even the vice president too is bad, but it wouldn't lead to a collapse of the US. But right now, in 2025, after everything that has happened in the last five years alone, it could lead to a civil war," said John Doe.
"In a nation with the second-largest nuclear arsenal in the world, it could be," stated Bishop.
"Apocalyptic," finished Ace, adding, "That is why it is important that we figure out where she is gonna strike at."
"I think I know," said Liberty. "Mount Rushmore, during Harris and Buttigieg's planned visit."
"Well, at least we know where to stop her," said Skin Walker.
"We?" asked Liberty.
Skin Walker laughed before quipping, "If anyone is going to put you in a coma, it's gonna be me."
"That's settled then," said Ace Of Spades. As Ace spoke up again, "A QRF task force of Liberty, Uncle Sam, and Skin Walker will head to Rushmore ahead of President Harris's visit. Another QRF team can handle the Haitian Crisis." Reaper focused on Liberty, "If you are up to the task, if you need more time to heal, I totally understand and we can—"
"I'm fine. This is something I need to be there for. In a way, I feel responsible for it. I wanted to do good as Liberty, but now knowing the history of the name and the identity of what I stole, I
don't know if I can or not. I think trying to talk down Black Death from the ledge might be able to help us both come to terms with what has happened."
"No good deed goes unpunished," said Blue Blur.
---
Notes:
So this took longer than I would have liked it to, but hey I did manage to try something new with a collection of shorter vignettes for the opener. I felt like trying out something a little different.
I love how the Spanish-speaking trooper appeared to lapse into some cursing. I don't really know that much Spanish, but I know a few words in French, and I noticed that one of the Spanish words the trooper used "mierda" is probably close to the French "merde".
I love how the Spanish-speaking trooper appeared to lapse into some cursing. I don't really know that much Spanish, but I know a few words in French, and I noticed that one of the Spanish words the trooper used "mierda" is probably close to the French "merde".
So I had some extra time on my hand and decided to prompt some images via of Rora from her latest story in the last chapter and after editing around in photoshop here they are.
This is how I imagined Rora looking during the first half of the fight. More inline with the type of superhero god you would see in Marvel or DC.
Rora prepared herself for battle. With lightning crackling around her, she faced Chernabog, her eyes filled with determination. As the ancient god lunged at her, she dodged his attack with lightning speed. The force of his blow was enough to create a storm, but Rora took control, directing bolts of lightning back at him. She leaped in the air, growing in size to almost match Chernabog as she flew between massive strikes of hellfire and ectoplasm.
This is her during the end of the fight when she finally has enough of Chernabog's bullshits and slays him. I wanted to make sure Rora looked extra otherworldly especially in the face with the glowing eyes and with her halo being more like fire or a portal than a solid physical object.
For I AM THE LORD THY GODDESS! QUEEN OF QUEENS! GODDESS OF GODDESSES AND THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS! FOR I AM GREATER! FOR I AM THE GOD MOTHER OF MANKIND!" she proclaimed, her voice echoing across the land.
While it is true that one can point out the appearance of Superheroes, placement, the Venan-Franco War exchanges, the Omega Ciris, and the nuclear winter that followed the Week War as pivotal roles in shaping our current World Order. There is another component often overlooked or absorbed into a concept by others. That was the rise of the new religion of the early to mid-21st century. From the Soulannic Church, Venanism, the rebirth of both Norse and Yoruba religions, Christian Identity, Omegaism^1. However, for this section, our topic will be that of Roraism, which played a significant role in helping to shape our world. From the rise of The Rora State in Afghanistan to the fall of Israel and the creation of the Palestine Reclamation State^2 to Roraist support among federal Colombian troops in their Second Civil War to its role in the British Anarchy, and the Omega Ciris, Roraism has deeply affected all four continents of North America, South America, Eurasia^3, and Africa.
Section One: West Asia:
Starting in the Middle East, the birthplace of some of the first and oldest religions, Roraism initially saw mild growth in the first few weeks of Rora's arrival. However, following the chaos of the placement that left much of the region shattered and their economy even worse off than before, combined with a changing climate, governmental incompetence, renewed fighting, and the start of the second pandemic of 2026, which happened alongside "The Long Winter," many people in the region, especially the youth, underwent a crisis of faith.
Some in the Arab world fled to the cold, historical materialist embrace of Marxism-Leninism, while others found solace in the Pan-Arabism of Neo-Baathism^4. For others, it was the Jamahiriya^5 that gained popularity across North Africa, while some turned to Pan-Islamic or Pan-Abrahamic faiths, others to the religious rule of Khomeinism^6, and some embraced Omegaism. Among these varied responses, some embraced Roraism.
Roraists began to set up temples as early as the spring of 2025 across the Middle East, especially in areas affected by water and food shortages, which saw them grow in support due to their public works. However, the biggest inspiration for the movement came not from within the Middle East but from Central Asia, specifically Afghanistan, with the creation of the Rora State. The group's propaganda was highly targeted at young people, leveraging another aspect of Roraism: the fact it was more tangible than other mainstream religions. Prayers were often answered, and in many cases, not in mysterious ways. Their Goddess was visible and 100% probable, and more importantly, her afterlife was provable.
However, this did inspire some major backlash from conservatives within the region. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Rump State^6, as well as in the Kingdom of Jordan^7, actions were taken against the Roraists, ultimately reigniting conflict between them and the Republic of Arabia, which resulted in the Mideast meltdown following the Alzurqa Roraist Revolution ^8. Similarly, shortly before the Great Gulf Slave Revolt, there was a crackdown on Roraism among the imported proletariat classes^9.
Ironically, the Islamic Republic of Iran was more accepting of Roraism, not out of moralism but for the sake of regime survival. A tactic that seemingly proved effective, as the regime still exists today. The Islamic regime judged it better not to risk angering what they considered a powerful metahuman^10 and found that cultivating cordial relationships with Roraists kept many of their proxies in the region from fighting and dying in unnecessary battles. Both the Syrian and Iranian regimes saw themselves as victors by the survival of the Mid-East Cold War^11, and they knew that a widespread crackdown on religion could alienate Songhai Pact support and agitate the delicate peace they had with their Kurdish population, which had begun to flirt with Roraism to various degrees.
In other parts of the Middle East, governments were too busy trying to maintain power, fighting off coups, and dealing with insurgents to fully persecute Roraists. Thus, most of the violence was communal, though this wasn't the case for Israel^12.
The nation formerly known as Israel, now part of Greater Palestine, saw the rise of Roraism as a national security issue. This logic made sense as it saw growth among Palestinians due to its liberationist and anti-colonialist themes. Palestine experienced a water crisis^13 that made temples popular gathering places, with Roraists helping to secure the post-placement gains of what would later become part of a Palestinian state following the Israeli Civil War and collapse. One such group was Atfal Rora, a militant Palestinian resistance group that aided in the total liberation of Palestine as part of the Reclamation state^14.
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^1 Smith, J. "The Omega War," Journal of Future Religions, 2027.
^2 Lopez, A. "The Fall of The State Of Israel and the Rise of the Palestine Reclamation State," Middle Eastern Studies, 2031.
^3 Chen, B. "Roraism's Influence Across Continents," Global Religions Review, 2030.
^4 Al-Mansur, K. "Neo-Baathism and Pan-Arabism in the 21st Century," Arab Political Science Quarterly, 2028.
^5 Diallo, M. "Jamahiriya: North Africa's Revolutionary Path," Africa's Star Studies Journal, 2029.
^6 Riaz, S. "Khomeinism in the Modern Middle East," The Spader Institute, 2032.
^7 Abdallah, T. "The Collapse Of The Kingdom of Jordan and Religious Movements," Jordanian Historical Review, 2033.
^8 Fahmy, Y. "Atomic Horrors A History Of Radioactive Weapons," The Martian Institute Of Technology, 2031.
^9 Rodriguez, P. "The Great Gulf Slave Revolt: Causes and Consequences," Human Rights Watch, 2027.
^10 Ahmed, R. "Metahumans and Middle Eastern Politics," Journal of Contemporary Politics, 2030.
^11 Khalil, M. "The Mid-East Cold War and Its Aftermath," Political Science Review, 2034.
^12 Weiss, D. "The Israeli Civil War: The Fall Of Apartheid and Its Aftermath," University of Tubman, 2028.
^13 Ibrahim, H. "Water Crisis In Palestine and Its Social Impact," Journal of Ward Institute Of Environmental Studies, 2030.
^14 Haddad, N. "Atfal Rora: A Case Study," Journal of Conflict and Security, 2029.
——
Section Two: The Eurasian Peninsula
In the Eurasian peninsula^1, many now defunct governments took the Israeli approach to handling Roraism, though to a much lesser extent than seen in the Middle East. One such method was "Curve, Contain, Monitor"^2. This strategy sought to achieve the following objectives.
Curve:
Through the use of government disinformation and the introduction of some basic social and economic reforms^3, many members of the European Union^4 attempted to rid themselves of the economic and social problems that Roraists seemed to offer solutions to. However, this approach failed for a multitude of reasons, coinciding with the collapse of the European Union as an entity. There were some moderate successes elsewhere in the eastern part of Eurasia, mainly in the former Russian Federation^5, now known as the Union Of The Holy Russian Empire and Soviet Republics (Rusoviet Union)^6.
Contain:
Containment was another strategy used by the governments in this part of Eurasia. This was primarily based on the Macronist-style French targeted "secularist" laws, which found major popularity in Western Europe for a short time. This approach was best highlighted and seen in the UK shortly before the British Anarchy, as well as in Italy, the Baltic, and Visegrad Unions^7. In places like Poland, Hungry, and Estonia, containment was harsher; some political scientists argued that their terms should be "combat"^8. The results of more aggressive combat policies tended to be far worse than the softer approaches and had possibly unintended consequences.
Monitor:
Many nations in the Eurasian peninsula responded similarly to Roraism, especially after the Mwanga Heresy^9 during the Omega Crisis, with extreme suspicion and concern for national security. Thus, it was only natural for them to deploy or attempt to deploy their national security apparatus to monitor Roraists, which resulted in mixed effects^10.
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^1 Johnson, L. "Eurasia: A Continent of Conflict and Cooperation," Eurasian Studies Journal, 2029.
^2 Smith, T. "Government Strategies Against Roraism: A Comparative Study," Political Science Quarterly, 2031.
^3 Müller, A. "Economic Reforms and Social Policies in Response to New Religious Movements," Journal of Euroasian Economic Studies, 2028.
^4 Weber, H. "The Death Of The West & The Role Of Religion In The Collapse Of The EU," Aztaln Center For International Policy & Review, 2030.
^5 Petrov, I. "The Death Of Russia: From Superpower To Protectorate " American Journal For European History Political Review, 2027.
^6 Ivanov, S. "The Rise of the Rusoviet Union," Journal of Post-Soviet Studies, 2032.
^7 Novak, M. "Containment Policies in Western Europe And Collapse Of The EU," Songhai Security Journal, 2029.
^8 Kowalski, P. "The Great Empty And The Collapse Of Demographics," Population Studies Quarterly, 2030.
^9 Adisa, O. "The Mwanga Heresy" International Anomalous and Memetic-Warfare Review, 2027.
^10 Rossi, F. "National Security and Religious Movements," International Security Studies, 2031.
——
Section Three: Southeast Asia:
In Southeast Asia, the response to the rise of Roraism was mixed. The region saw varying degrees of acceptance and resistance to the new religious movement. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, with their majority Muslim populations, initially viewed Roraism with skepticism and some animosity. Early and especially before the Week War there number of outbreaks of violence directed against Roraist with the government largely siding with the aggressors over Rora. However, due to climate change that followed the Week War the governments of these nations took a more pragmatic approach which governments led to a more nuanced response.
In Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, Roraists were allowed to practice their faith freely as long as they did not infringe upon the rights of others. The Indonesian government, facing economic and environmental challenges, saw an opportunity in the public works initiatives promoted by Roraist temples. These initiatives often based around the Rora temples and their memetic properties, which included water purification systems and aiding sustainable agriculture projects, were welcomed in rural and underserved areas as well as helping to secure coastal areas from rising flood waters.
In Malaysia, the government adopted a similar approach but with a stronger emphasis on ensuring that Roraist activities did not the multi-ethnic balance of its society. Roraist temples were monitored, but while government also engaged in dialogue with Roraist leaders to integrate their public service projects into national development plans in order to avoid many of the pitfalls that happened in the Western Eurasian peninsula. This cooperative relationship helped reduce potential conflicts and allowed Roraists to contribute positively to Malaysian society^2. As well as that Roraists tended to act as a mediator between different ethnic groups as most groups saw them as neutral. A similar response would be attempted by India though its ally Pakistan would have much more trouble with Roraism.
In contrast, countries like Thailand and reminds of the Myanmar Junta exhibited more resistance to Roraism as well as persecution against them in the case of the junta remnant . Thailand, with its deeply rooted Buddhist traditions, viewed Roraism as a threat to its cultural and religious identity and more importantly the Thai monarchy. The Thai government implemented strict regulations on religious practices, limiting the spread of Roraist temples and activities. There were reports of Roraists facing social ostracism and even violence in rural areas where Buddhist nationalism was strong.
Myanmar Junta Remnant's response was far more severe. The military junta, which had a history of repressing religious and ethnic minorities, saw Roraism as another challenge to what was left of its authority. Roraist communities under their control were often subjected to surveillance, and temples were frequently targeted by government crackdowns. The junta framed Roraism as a foreign influence aiming to destabilize the country, leading to widespread persecution of its followers which would eventually lead to its collapse and the death of its leadership.^4.
Vietnam and the Philippines showcased varied approaches based on their distinct political landscapes. Vietnam, a socialist republic, initially regarded Roraism with suspicion, associating it with Western influences. However, the Vietnamese government recognized the potential benefits of Roraist social programs, particularly in addressing rural poverty and environmental degradation. Over time, Roraist temples were allowed to operate under strict government oversight, and their community service initiatives were integrated into broader state development goals^5.
The Philippines, with its predominantly Catholic population, experienced internal divisions regarding Roraism. The Catholic Church, holding significant influence over the population, was wary of the new religion. However, in regions with less Church influence, particularly in Mindanao where there was a history of religious plurality, Roraism found a more receptive audience. The Filipino government took a neutral stance, allowing Roraist activities as long as they did not incite conflict or undermine public order^6.
Roraist initiatives in Southeast Asia often focused on addressing pressing economic and environmental issues. Their emphasis on sustainable development, church-based welfare, and direct intervention in public health crises resonated with many local populations. In Indonesia and the Philippines, Roraist projects on clean water access and agricultural sustainability garnered support from local communities and even some government sectors. These efforts demonstrated Roraism's practical benefits and helped mitigate initial suspicions^7.
However, the success of these initiatives varied significantly across the region. In countries with strong central governments and stable political environments, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, Roraist projects were more successful and integrated into national development plans. In contrast, in countries experiencing political instability or strong nationalist sentiments, such as Myanmar and Thailand, these initiatives faced significant obstacles and resistance^8.
Cultural factors also played a crucial role in shaping the response to Roraism in Southeast Asia. In predominantly Buddhist countries like Thailand and Myanmar, Roraism's distinct theological and ritualistic practices clashed with established religious traditions. Efforts by Roraists to adapt their practices to local cultural norms were met with limited success, as many traditionalists viewed these adaptations as superficial and insincere^9.
In contrast, in more religiously diverse countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, Roraism's ability to incorporate elements from local traditions and its emphasis on tangible community benefits allowed it to gain a foothold. Roraist festivals and rituals that included local customs were better received, and their temples often became centers for broader community activities^10.
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^1 Hidayat, S. "Religious Pluralism and Roraism in Indonesia," Indonesian Journal of Religion and Society, 2029.
^2 Rahman, N. "Malaysia's Pragmatic Approach to New Religious Movements," Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 2030.
^3 Suwannarat, P. "Buddhist Nationalism and Religious Tensions in Thailand," Thai Cultural Review, 2028.
^4 Win, T. "Persecution of Roraists in Myanmar's Warlord Era," Journal of Human Rights, 2031.
^5 Nguyen, L. "Roraism and Socialist Policies in Vietnam," Vietnam Political Review, 2030.
^6 Santos, M. "Religious Diversity and New Movements in the Philippines," Philippine Studies Quarterly, 2029.
^7 Chandra, D. "Roraism's Environmental Initiatives in Southeast Asia," Martian Journal of Environmental Sustainability, 2031.
^8 Lee, K. "Political Instability and Religious Movements in Southeast Asia," Asian Political Science Journal, 2028.
^9 Chan, M. "Cultural Adaptation of Roraism in Buddhist Contexts," Journal of Comparative Religion, 2030.
^10 Ramos, J. "Community Engagement and Roraism in the Philippines," Journal of Southeast Asian Anthropology, 2029.
———-
Section Four: East Asia
In East Asia, the response to Roraism was shaped significantly by political and cultural dynamics, resulting in a mix of acceptance, resistance, and outright persecution depending on the nation.
North Korea and China approached Roraism with a strategy similar to Iran's, prioritizing regime survival over strict ideological conformity. Both nations recognized the tangible benefits of Roraism and the potential risks of antagonizing a powerful religious movement led by what they considered a formidable metahuman.
In North Korea, the government allowed Roraist temples to operate under strict state oversight. The regime leveraged the public works and social programs initiated by Roraist communities to address some of the country's severe infrastructure and public health issues. North Korea under Kim Yo Jong's leadership believed that maintaining a cooperative relationship with Roraists would help stabilize the regime and avoid unnecessary conflicts with a potentially disruptive force. As well they also scored a strategic propaganda victory as they could present themselves as religiously tolerant at least on paper.
Similarly, China adopted a cautiously pragmatic approach. While maintaining its official stance on state atheism, the Chinese government permitted Roraist activities, particularly those aligned with state development goals. Roraist temples were allowed to contribute to community welfare projects, such as environmental conservation and disaster relief. The Chinese government saw the benefits of these initiatives and judged that a non-confrontational approach would help maintain social harmony and prevent the rise of dissident movements which seemingly served them well as they entered their ongoing so-called "Era of Haromnous Grand Peace and People's Prosperity" ^2.
The tolerant stance of North Korea and China towards Roraism did not sit well with Japan and South Korea. Both countries viewed the acceptance of Roraism by their neighbors with deep suspicion. The fact that their historical adversaries, particularly North Korea and China, were open to the new religion made Japan and South Korea wary of Roraism's intentions and potential influence.
In Japan, the government implemented strict regulations to monitor and limit Roraist activities. The Japanese authorities were concerned about the potential for Roraism to destabilize the social order and viewed it as a possible conduit for foreign influence, particularly from China. However, despite the official stance, there was a growing fascination with Rora herself among Japanese youth, especially online. Many young Japanese men were intrigued by Rora herself. This fascination was often expressed in online forums and social media, where discussions about Rora's powers and her role in the world order became increasingly popular along with "Fan Art,".
South Korea's response was similarly cautious. The South Korean government, already dealing with significant political tensions with North Korea, saw Roraism as a potential threat to national security. Efforts were made to curb the spread of Roraist practices, and the government actively promoted traditional religious and cultural values to counteract Roraist influence. South Korean authorities were particularly vigilant in monitoring Roraist groups and preventing any form of political activism associated with the religion^4.
In stark contrast, the apartheid state of Mu, with its white-minority rule over a predominantly black and native population, viewed Roraism as a direct threat to its oppressive regime. The government of Mu perceived Roraist teachings, which emphasized liberation and anti-colonialism, as a serious challenge to their authority. Consequently, Roraist worship was strictly banned, and practicing the religion was made punishable by death.
The draconian measures in Mu led to widespread persecution of Roraists. Temples were destroyed, and followers were hunted down by state security forces. This brutal repression continued until the fall of the apartheid government in the late 2020s. The collapse of the regime marked a significant turning point, as Roraists emerged from the shadows and began to openly practice their faith, contributing to the rebuilding of the nation^5.
——
^1 Kim, H. "North Korea's Pragmatic Tolerance of New Religious Movements: And Its Effect On The Joint Re-Unification Process," Journal of Joint-Korean Studies, 2029.
^2 Zhang, W. "China's Approach to Roraism: Balancing Ideology and Pragmatism," American Pacific Review, 2030.
^3 Tanaka, R. "Fascination with Rora Among Japanese Male Youth," Journal of East Asian Popular Culture, 2028.
^4 Park, J. "South Korea's National Security and Religious Movements," Korean Journal of Security Studies, 2031.
^5 Ndlovu, S. "Religious Persecution in Mu and the Fall of Apartheid," Venan Center For Human Rights Journal, 2032.
——
Section Five: Central Asia
In Central Asia, the rise of Roraism encountered a backdrop of severe water shortages and water-based insurgencies and wars, which fueled radicalization and armed conflicts. These environmental and socio-political challenges provided highly fertile ground for the spread of Roraism, particularly in regions struggling with resource scarcity and political instability.
The Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—faced significant water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and outdated infrastructure. These shortages led to competition over water resources, sparking conflicts and insurgencies, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods depended on agriculture^1. As water became increasingly scarce, radical political and religious groups exploited the situation, promising solutions and garnering support from desperate populations.
In Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, for example, water-related disputes often escalated into a violent conflict, further destabilizing the region.
In Afghanistan failure of the authoritarian local governments to adequately address these issues led to widespread disenchantment, particularly among young men and marginalized communities, who were drawn to more radical movements that promised change as well as many female fighters being some of the available women after the start of Taliban marital collectivization policies^2. Against this backdrop, the Rora State in Afghanistan would become a very significant force. The movement grew primarily out of persecuted women and unemployed young men who were disenchanted and dissatisfied with the existing system and Taliban rule. The Rora State capitalized on the dire conditions—widespread food and water scarcity, economic hardship, and political oppression—to rally support^3.
The insurgency began with small-scale skirmishes but quickly gained momentum. Within a year of the first bullets being fired, the Rora State had expanded its control over much of Afghanistan, parts of Pakistan, and other areas in Central Asia, stretching out like a transnational spiderweb. The group's promise of tangible, immediate relief and a vision of a more equitable society resonated deeply with the oppressed populations and alongside the Taliban's increasingly insane policies that began to rival the likes of Pol Pot or Papa Doc in madness only served to funnel more and more fighter to the Rora State^4.
The geopolitical landscape of Central Asia was further destabilized by the aftermath of the "Week War," a brief but devastating conflict that resulted in a nuclear winter. This catastrophic event led to severe climatic disruptions, compounding the region's already critical food and water shortages. Crops failed, and food production plummeted, pushing more people towards radical movements that promised survival and stability^5.
The short-lived collapse of Russia during this period also played a crucial role. As a major supplier of both military aid and agricultural products, Russia's destabilization before reorganization left a vacuum in Central Asia. The sudden cessation of Russian support exacerbated the resource scarcity, creating a breeding ground for insurgencies and radical movements, including the Rora State^6.
The Rora State's rapid expansion was fueled by its ability to provide for basic needs where traditional governments failed. Roraist communities established efficient systems for water distribution, food production, and healthcare, attracting widespread support. The movement's leadership, predominantly composed of disenfranchised women and young men, leveraged their firsthand experiences of oppression to build a compelling narrative of resistance and hope^7.
Roraist propaganda was particularly effective in rural and economically deprived areas, where promises of a better future resonated most. The movement's emphasis on gender and economic equality also appealed to many, especially women who had suffered under Taliban rule and traditional patriarchal systems^8.
The rise of the Rora State had significant geopolitical ramifications. Its expansion into Pakistan and other parts of Central Asia alarmed neighboring countries and global powers. Efforts to contain the movement have led to further conflicts and instability, drawing international attention to the region. The Rora State's success also inspired other radical groups, leading to a proliferation of insurgencies across the world with many groups pledging their loyalty to the state ^9.
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^1 Akhmetova, G. "Water Scarcity and Conflict in Central Asia," Central Asian Journal of Environmental Studies, 2030.
^2 Abdullaev, I. "Radicalization and Resource Conflicts in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan," Journal of Central Asian Affairs, 2029.
^3 Rahimi, M. "The Rise of the Rora State in Afghanistan," Afghan Political Review, 2031.
^4 Khan, Z. "Insurgency and Expansion of the Rora State," South Asian Security Journal, 2032.
^5 Ivanov, S. "Nuclear Winter and Its Impact on Central Asia," Russian Journal of Geopolitical Studies, 2028.
^6 Petrov, I. "The Death Of Russian and Central Asian Instability," Journal of Post-Russian Studies, 2027.
^7 Nuri, F. "Social Justice and Gender Equality in the Rora State," Journal of Nova Amerikan Women's Studies, 2030.
^8 Qureshi, A. "Roraism's Appeal to Marginalized Communities," Central Asian Social Review, 2031.
^9 Lee, K. "Geopolitical Implications of the Rora State's Expansion," International Security Studies, 2032.
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Section Six: South America
In South America, the response to Roraism varied widely, reflecting the region's diverse cultural and political landscape. In urban areas, Roraism was generally treated as just another religion [Although one with a deity that a person could watch fight a giant monster/supervillain on TV on a weekly basis or follow on Ward+], integrating into the eclectic religious makeup of cities. However, there were significant exceptions and unique developments in rural areas and conflict zones.
In major South American cities, Roraism was largely accepted as part of the broader religious diversity. Metropolitan areas in countries like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia saw Roraist temples operating alongside Christian churches, synagogues, and other places of worship. The urban populace, accustomed to a wide array of religious practices, typically viewed Roraism as a benign addition to the existing religious landscape^1 though Rora would cause some major controversy when stating that the " Christ Redeemer" Statue didn't look anything like him stating "Why isn't Jesus Black?".
Argentina however presented a stark contrast to the relative acceptance found in other urban centers. The country was already embroiled in a brutal civil war between the extreme libertarian government, backed by the notorious DeathWatch PMC, and a coalition of left-wing groups, Revolutionary Garveyists, and indigenous militias. In this chaotic environment, Roraists became just another faction, but with a distinct mission: to render aid to the helpless and defend civilians rather than seek political power.
Roraist groups in Argentina focused on humanitarian efforts, setting up clinics, distributing food and water, and protecting vulnerable communities from the ravages of war. Their neutrality and dedication to humanitarian principles garnered them significant support from the civilian population, though they often found themselves in the crossfire between warring factions^2.
In the rural hinterlands of South America, Roraism often blended with indigenous beliefs and Christianity, creating a unique syncretic faith. This fusion of traditions helped Roraists gain acceptance among indigenous communities, who saw Rora's teachings as a continuation of their own spiritual practices^3.
However, these rural Roraist communities faced significant threats from both organized crime and illegal enterprises. Cartels, illegal miners, and loggers frequently clashed with Roraists, who opposed their destructive activities and defended local ecosystems and populations. These conflicts were marked by violence and intimidation, with Roraists often finding themselves outgunned but determined to protect their communities^4.
In Brazil and Columbia, far-right groups viewed Roraism with hostility, perceiving it as a threat to their conservative values and social order. These groups frequently attempted to attack Roraist temples and communities. However, Roraists, often better organized and more disciplined, managed to defend themselves effectively. The resulting clashes were typically lopsided, with far-right attackers frequently facing defeat at the hands of determined Roraist defenders^5.
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^1 Silva, M. "Religious Pluralism in South American Cities," Urban Religious Studies, 2031.
^2 Fernandez, J. "Humanitarianism in the Midst of Civil War: The Role of Roraists in Argentina," Journal of Conflict Resolution, 2032.
^3 Martinez, L. "Syncretism and Spirituality: Roraism and Indigenous Beliefs in Rural South America," Latin American Religious Studies, 2029.
^4 Gomez, P. "Roraists vs. Cartels: The Struggle for Rural South America," Journal of Latin American Studies, 2030.
^5 Almeida, R. "Far-Right Hostility and Roraist Resilience in Brazil," Brazilian Journal of Sociology, 2031.
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Section Seven: North America (Patriot Party and Republican States)
In The United States Of America, reaction to Roraism was based along political and ethnic lines. Views on and laws for and against Roraism changed not just on a regional level but on the state level.
In white majority right-wing states of the United States, Roraism faced a harsh and multifaceted repression, reflecting the divergent approaches of the Republican and Patriot parties. The largely white Republican states employed legal frameworks to restrict Roraism, while Patriot party states resorted to authoritarian measures, often involving extra-legal violence.
In states governed by the Republican Party, repression of Roraism was primarily enacted through legislative measures and legal frameworks. State and city ordinances were introduced to limit the construction of Roraist temples and to restrict the practice of Roraism in public spaces. Efforts included zoning laws specifically designed to prevent Roraist establishments from obtaining permits, and regulations that targeted Roraist gatherings under the guise of maintaining public order.
These legal constraints often led to prolonged legal battles, with Roraist communities fighting to assert their religious rights. Despite these challenges, many Roraist groups managed to navigate the legal system, finding ways to practice their faith within the restrictive confines imposed by Republican-led governments^1.
In contrast, states controlled by the Neo-fascist Patriot Party saw more overt and violent repression of Roraism. The Patriot Party's approach was openly authoritarian, often bypassing legal channels in favor of vigilante actions. These states witnessed frequent attacks on Roraist communities by Patriot-aligned militias and vigilante groups. These aggressors targeted Roraist temples, disrupted religious gatherings, and intimidated Roraist followers.
In response to these threats, Roraist communities in Patriot Party states formed self-defense groups to protect themselves. These self-defense units were well-organized and prepared to defend their communities from violent attacks. Despite their efforts, clashes with vigilante forces were often brutal and deadly^2.
In many of the larger and more violent incidents, Rora herself intervened. Her involvement invariably turned the tide against the anti-Roraist vigilante forces. Accounts of these encounters describe Rora's presence as decisive, always resulting in the complete rout of the attacking forces. Her intervention not only provided immediate protection to her followers but struck fear into the hearts of the right-wingers^3.
The federal government, spread thin by the ongoing war in the Congo and the need to maintain order across the rest of the United States, often did not prioritize investigating acts of discrimination against Roraists. Some critics alleged that this inaction was intentional, driven by elements within the federal government who viewed Roraism as a threat to national security. The so-called "Gang of Four," influential figures within the government, were particularly noted for their antagonism towards Roraism, seeing it as a destabilizing force within American society^4.
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^1 Johnson, H. "Legislative Repression of Minority Religions in Republican States," Journal of American Legal Studies, 2032.
^2 Clark, M. "Authoritarian Measures and Vigilantism In The United States," North American Union For Political Review, 2033.
^3 Ramirez, L. "Divine Intervention: Rora's Role in Defending Her Followers," Journal of Contemporary Religion, 2034.
^4 Mitchell, K. "Federal Inaction and Internal Opposition to Roraism," National Security Studies, 2032.
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Section Seven: North America (Democratic States)
In the Democratic states of the United States, the response to Roraism was shaped by a blend of European influences and historical precedents in national security policy. While avoiding overt actions that might provoke scandal or confrontation with Rora herself, these states implemented unofficial measures reminiscent of post-9/11 policies towards Muslim populations.
Democratic states looked to Europe for guidance in managing the rise of Roraism. European nations had already developed a nuanced approach to integrating and monitoring new religious movements, balancing the prescription and farce of tolerance with security concerns. Inspired by these strategies, Democratic-led states adopted a similarly cautious stance towards Roraism, focusing on integration/attempted assimilation while maintaining a watchful eye on what they saw as another powerful potential national security risk.
Policies in these states on the surface included promoting interfaith dialogue and incorporating Roraist leaders into broader community initiatives to foster understanding and cooperation. However, beneath this surface of acceptance lay a series of unofficial measures aimed at monitoring and containing the spread of Roraism^1.
Drawing from the playbook of post-9/11 national security strategies, Democratic states enacted unofficial policies towards Roraists that mirrored those previously applied to Muslim communities. These measures included increased surveillance of Roraist places of worship, community centers, and gatherings. Law enforcement agencies quietly expanded their intelligence operations, focusing on Roraist activities under the pretext of preventing extremism and ensuring public safety.
To avoid public backlash and potential legal challenges, these measures were often implemented covertly. Government agencies used existing legal frameworks to justify surveillance and monitoring, ensuring that official records did not explicitly target Roraists. This approach allowed Democratic states to maintain whatever thin veneer of tolerance and inclusion they had left while discreetly addressing their security concerns^2.
A significant factor in the Democratic states' cautious approach was the desire to avoid a direct confrontation with Rora herself. Given her reputation for direct intervention in defense of her followers, authorities were wary of actions that might provoke her involvement. This fear of potential escalation led to a strategy of indirect pressure and containment rather than overt repression.
State officials often engaged in back-channel communications with Roraist leaders, seeking to address security concerns through dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation. This approach aimed to mitigate the risk of triggering Rora's intervention while still addressing the perceived threat posed by the growing influence of Roraism^3.
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^1 Thompson, A. "European Influence on American Religious Policy: The Case of Roraism," Transatlantic Policy Journal, 2033.
^2 Harris, J. "Unseen Measures: National Security Policies and Religious Communities," American Security Review, 2032.
^3 Evans, M. "Dialogue and Diplomacy: Managing Religious Diversity in Democratic States," Journal of Interfaith Studies, 2034.
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Section Seven: North America (New Afrikan Autonomous Zone )
In the New Afrikan Autonomous Zone (NAZ), the rise of Roraism was met with a unique response that reflected the region's distinct socio-political landscape. As within the New Afrikan Autonomous Zone, Roraism was largely integrated into the cultural and religious of the region though it was relatively small due to the larger influence of the Soulannic Church. Rora was seen as a God a nice one even, but just not "their god,". Still given the NAZ's emphasis on Black cultural expression and autonomy, Roraism found a receptive environment where its principles resonated with some local aspirations for empowerment. The Roraist temples, often located in urban centers, operated alongside traditional Black churches, mosques, and other places of worship^1.
Some of Roraism's emphasis on community support and self-defense did align well with the NAZ's existing structures, such as the African Legion and sufficiency groups. The NOAAU government was however smart enough to take inspiration from China to encourage and work with Roraists on mutual aid projects, community gardens, and educational initiatives.
Despite the general acceptance, some NAZ leadership remained suspicious about potential security risks associated with the rapid growth of Roraism. Drawing lessons from historical precedents and the broader context of the Neo-Cold War, the New Afrikan Department of Internal Security (NA-DIS) under Director Kurger monitored Roraist activities to ensure they did not undermine the stability and security of the autonomous zone^2.
The NA-DIS employed a nuanced approach, focusing on intelligence gathering and community engagement rather than overt repression. This strategy was intended to balance the need for security with respect for religious freedom and cultural diversity. Informants within the Roraist community provided regular updates, and any signs of radicalization or external manipulation were swiftly addressed through discreet interventions.
In cases where Roraist communities faced threats from external actors, such as far-right militias or Neo-Confederate groups, Rora herself often intervened. Her involvement was a powerful deterrent to those who sought to harm Roraist followers, as her direct actions elsewhere across the globe resulted in invariably decisive defeats for anti-Roraist forces.
These interventions further solidified the standing of Roraist communities within the NAZ, as they demonstrated Rora's commitment to protecting her followers. However, there was still some cold blood between Jake Jagger and Rora herself. This can be expressed in a statement by Jagger himself when he asked Rora "Where the hell were you doing god damn slavery?"
The federal government of the United States for its part as already previously mentioned was already stretched thin by international conflicts such as the Congo War and maintaining order domestically, often lacking the capacity to investigate acts of discrimination against Roraists within the NAZ. Some analysts suggested this was a deliberate strategy by elements within the federal government, particularly the "Gang of Four," who viewed Roraism as a potential threat to national security^4. By allowing the NAZ to handle its internal affairs, the federal government could ostensibly limit the spread of Roraism within a region that already was more like a rival to the federal government than a subordinate without direct involvement.
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^1 Johnson, L. "Cultural Resurgence and Religious Diversity in the New Afrikan Autonomous Zone," Journal of Afrikan Studies, 2033.
^2 Davis, R. "Security and Surveillance in the NAZ: Balancing Freedom and Vigilance," New Afrikan Review, 2032.
^3 Thompson, J. "Rora's Role in Protecting Her Followers: A Case Study," Journal of Religious Interventions, 2034.
^4 Williams, M. "Federal Policies and Religious Movements: The Case of Roraism," American Political Review, 2033.
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Section Seven: North America (Atzlàn Autonomist Authority)
In the Hispanic regions of the Southwest, the rise of Roraism intersected with a complex tapestry of cultural, political, and social dynamics. The region's unique challenges, from border violence to resource scarcity, shaped the response to this growing religious movement.
In the areas that would later be governed by the Atzlàn Autonomist Authority, Roraism found a supportive environment. As many of the future Atzlàn future leaders who were community leaders at the time, focused on cultural revival along with achieving regional autonomy inspired by the NAZ. Thus they viewed Roraism's principles as complementary to their goals. However even before the establishment of the A.A.A Roraist temples and community centers were being established in cities with large Hispanic American populations such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Santa Fe, where they integrated into the local religious landscape alongside Catholic churches and Indigenous spiritual practices though much to the protest of the worded church^1.
The Southwest's proximity to the US-Mexico border and its history of conflict with far-right white groups created a volatile environment. Roraists often found themselves at the forefront of these tensions, particularly in border towns plagued by violence. Much like their role in Argentina, Roraists in the Southwest prioritized humanitarian efforts, establishing clinics, food distribution centers, and shelters for displaced civilians caught in the crossfire between cartels, militias, and law enforcement^2.
These efforts were not without risk. Roraist groups frequently clashed with far-right militias and organized crime syndicates, defending their communities and providing aid to those affected by violence. Rora herself occasionally intervened in these conflicts, her presence serving as a powerful deterrent and ensuring the protection of Roraist followers and civilians alike^3.
The violence along the border often spilled into Mexico, further complicating the situation. Roraists operated on both sides of the border, maintaining their neutral stance and focusing on humanitarian aid. They worked with local communities in Mexico, providing support to those affected by the ongoing violence and fostering cross-border solidarity^4.
The Southwest, much like Central Asia, faced significant challenges related to resource scarcity, particularly water. The arid climate and strained water supplies created a context where Roraist teachings about sustainability and communal resource management resonated deeply. Roraist communities in the region developed innovative water conservation projects and sustainable agriculture initiatives, often partnering with local indigenous groups to implement traditional water management techniques^5.
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^1 Garcia, A. "Cultural Revival and Religious Integration in the Atzlàn Autonomist Authority," Journal of North American Union Hispanic Studies Department, 2033.
^2 Hernandez, M. "Humanitarian Efforts and Neutrality: Roraists in the Southwest Borderlands," Journal of Borderland Studies, 2032.
^3 Martinez, L. "Rora's Interventions in the American Border Conflicts," Journal of Religious Interventions, 2034.
^4 Sanchez, R. "Cross-Border Solidarity: Roraists in the US and Mexico," America, Canada and Mexico American Journal of Social Studies, 2031.
^5 Cruz, J. "Water Scarcity and Religious Growth: The Case of Roraism in the Southwest," Environmental Sociology, 2033.
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Section Eight: Mexico
In Mexico, the rise of Roraism occurred amidst significant environmental and social upheaval, driven by climate change and escalating violence. As the country grappled with these challenges, Roraists found themselves increasingly drawn into the fray.
Climate change significantly impacted northern Mexico, exacerbating water scarcity and leading to severe destabilization. Prolonged droughts and dwindling water supplies forced many communities to seek alternative means of survival. Simultaneously, cartel violence surged as criminal organizations exploited the region's vulnerabilities, tightening their grip on local populations^1.
Roraists initially focused on humanitarian efforts, much as they had in other conflict zones. They established water distribution points, medical clinics, and food relief programs in the most affected areas. These initiatives were aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by both environmental and man-made crises^2.
However, the brutal tactics employed by cartels against civilians and humanitarian workers forced a shift in the Roraist strategy. Facing relentless violence, Roraist groups began to adopt a more militant stance, forming self-defense units to protect themselves and the communities they served. This escalation culminated in their declaration of allegiance to the Rora State in the Americas (RSITA), signaling a significant evolution in their role in the region^3.
Southern Mexico was not spared from turmoil. The aftermath of the "Long Winter," was triggered by atomic exchanges that ended the week-long war, which plunged the region into chaos. Communist factions, predominantly composed of indigenous groups, clashed with right-wing Mexican forces and federal authorities. This multisided conflict further strained the already fragile social fabric of the country.
In the south, Roraists found themselves navigating the landscape of ideological and military conflict. They attempted to maintain their humanitarian focus, providing aid to those caught in the crossfire. However, the intensity of the fighting often forced them to defend their operations, leading to occasional engagements with right-wing militias^5.
Despite these challenges, Roraists played a crucial role in the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the 2030s. Their expertise in community organization, sustainable practices, and conflict resolution became invaluable in the broader effort to stabilize and develop the region. Collaborating with local and international partners, Roraists worked to establish resilient communities capable of withstanding both environmental and social pressures^6.
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^1 Lopez, J. "Climate Change and Water Scarcity in Northern Mexico," Environmental Journal of Latin America, 2033.
^2 Morales, P. "Humanitarian Efforts in Conflict Zones: The Roraist Approach," Journal of Humanitarian Studies, 2032.
^3 Castillo, F. "Militancy and Allegiance: The Evolution of Roraists in Northern Mexico," Conflict Studies Review, 2034.
^4 Ramirez, E. "The Long Winter and Its Aftermath in Southern Mexico," Journal of Post-War Studies, 2032.
^5 Hernandez, M. "Navigating Ideological Conflicts: Roraists in Southern Mexico," Latin American Political Review, 2033.
^6 Gonzalez, R. "Rebuilding Resilient Communities: The Role of Roraists," Journal of Development and Sustainability, 2034.
^7 Sanchez, R. "Cartel Violence and Community Defense: Roraists in Mexico," Journal of Latin American Security Studies, 2032.
^8 Cruz, L. "Water Scarcity and Religious Responses: The Case of Roraism," Environmental Sociology, 2033.
^9 Martinez, L. "Roraists and the RSITA: A New Alliance," Journal of Religious Movements, 2033.
^10 Diaz, A. "Roraism's Role in Post-Conflict Reconstruction," International Journal of Peace Studies, 2034.
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Section 9: Canada
In Canada, Roraism initially found acceptance as part of the country's diverse religious landscape. However, its growing integration into Indigenous belief systems and the subsequent rise in calls for native rights and self-governance led to increased scrutiny and crackdowns by the Canadian government.
Roraism was initially met with a generally positive reception in Canada. The country's multicultural ethos and commitment to religious freedom allowed Roraist temples to operate without significant interference. In urban areas, Roraism blended seamlessly into the mosaic of religious practices, and many Canadians viewed it as a benign addition to the nation's spiritual diversity^1.
The dynamics changed as Roraism began to be embraced by more rural Indigenous communities. Many Indigenous people found resonance between Rora's teachings and their own spiritual practices, leading to a syncretic fusion of Roraism with traditional Indigenous beliefs^2. This blend often emphasized environmental stewardship, community solidarity, and resistance to colonial legacies, themes that resonated deeply within Indigenous cultures.
Inspired by Imani V. Clair's New Afrikan Revolutionary Garveyism and the establishment of self-governing autonomous zones in the New Afrikan Autonomous Zone, Indigenous communities in Canada began to assert their rights more vocally. Calls for "land back" and increased self-governance grew louder, challenging the federal and provincial authorities' control over traditional Indigenous territories^3.
The Canadian government's response intensified during the onset of the Canadian Emergency, a period marked by heightened security concerns, civil conflicts, and political instability. In this climate, the growing influence of Roraism among Indigenous activists was perceived as a threat. The government began to crack down on Roraism alongside broader Indigenous rights movements, framing their actions as necessary to maintain national security and public order^4.
Many Indigenous revolts and protests were fueled by environmental and economic grievances. Indigenous communities, disproportionately affected by economic inequality and environmental degradation, became focal points of resistance. Protests often centered around issues such as land rights, resource extraction, and the protection of natural environments from industrial encroachment^5.
Indigenous Roraists played a significant role in these movements, advocating for sustainable practices and the protection of sacred lands. However, their activism was met with harsh responses from authorities. Environmental protests were frequently suppressed under the pretext of maintaining economic stability and preventing disruptions to resource-based industries.
The government's repressive measures had profound effects on Indigenous communities. Increased surveillance, legal actions, and police crackdowns created an atmosphere of tension and mistrust. Despite these challenges, Indigenous Roraists ultimately became one of the key players in the Treaty Of Toronto ^7.
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^1 Wilson, K. "Religious Diversity in Canada," Canadian Religious Studies Review, 2029.
^2 Johnson, L. "Syncretic Faiths: Indigenous Beliefs and Roraism," Journal of Indigenous Spirituality, 2030.
^3 Martin, A. "Influences of New Afrikan Garveyism on Indigenous Movements," Journal of Revolutionary Studies, 2031.
^4 Richards, P. "The Canadian Emergency and National Security Policies," Canadian Journal of Political Science, 2032.
^5 Thompson, E. "Environmental Justice and Indigenous Rights in Canada," Environmental Politics, 2033.
^6 Clarke, R. "Suppression of Environmental Protests in Canada," Journal of Environmental Law, 2033.
^7 Murphy, J. "Land Back: Establishment Of The Confederation Of Turtle Island " Canadian Sociological Review, 2032.
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Section Ten: North Africa
In North Africa, the emergence and spread of Roraism encountered significant resistance, much like the situation in the Middle East. The region's complex socio-political landscape, compounded by racial and environmental factors, contributed to a volatile reception of the new faith.
Roraism's introduction to North Africa was met with considerable hostility. Predominantly Muslim societies in countries like Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia viewed Roraism with suspicion and often outright opposition. The presence of a new and foreign religion was seen as a threat to the established religious order, leading to tensions and conflicts between Roraists and the local population.
Adding to the religious tensions was the racial animosity directed toward Black African migrants who formed a significant portion of the Roraist community. These migrants, fleeing worsening climate conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, moved to North Africa in search of better living conditions. Their presence exacerbated existing xenophobic and racial prejudices, leading to further social friction^2. However, this would later backfire as the region became less habitable, and North African refugees were met with a great deal of animosity when attempting to flee to Central and West Africa.
Climate change played a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of conflict in North Africa. Increasing temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns severely impacted water availability, a critical resource in the already arid region. Competition over dwindling water supplies intensified, leading to violent clashes between local communities and migrant groups, including Roraists^3.
The combination of religious intolerance, racial animosity, and resource scarcity resulted in numerous conflicts across North Africa. Roraist communities, often marginalized and facing discrimination, found themselves in the midst of violent confrontations. In many cases, these conflicts were exacerbated by competition over water resources, which had become increasingly scarce due to the effects of climate change^4.
In response to the hostility and violence, Roraists in North Africa initially sought to follow their traditional approach of humanitarian aid and support for vulnerable populations. They established clinics, provided food and water, and worked to mediate conflicts. However, the severity of the threats they faced eventually led to the formation of self-defense groups to protect their communities^5.
Facing continuous violence and discrimination, many Roraists in North Africa declared their allegiance to the Rora State. This declaration was a significant shift from their initial position of neutrality and humanitarianism, marking a more militant stance in response to the existential threats they encountered^6.
The governments of North African countries responded to the rise of Roraism and the associated conflicts with varying degrees of repression. In many cases, state authorities viewed Roraist communities as destabilizing elements and employed measures to limit their influence. These measures ranged from legal restrictions on religious practices to outright violence and persecution^7.
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^1 Al-Azhar, H. "Religious Intolerance and New Faiths in North Africa," Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 2031.
^2 Diop, M. "Migration and Racial Tensions in North Africa," African Sociological Review, 2030.
^3 El-Gohary, R. "Climate Change and Water Scarcity in North Africa," Journal of Environmental Science, 2029.
^4 Ben-Abbes, F. "Conflict and Resource Competition in North Africa," Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 2032.
^5 Adamu, A. "Roraist Humanitarian Efforts in Hostile Environments," International Journal of Humanitarian Studies, 2031.
^6 Salah, M. "Militancy and Allegiance to the Rora State," Journal of Modern African Studies, 2033.
^7 Toumi, A. "State Responses to New Religious Movements in North Africa," North African Political Review, 2032.
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Section Eleven: East Africa:
In East Africa, the reception of Roraism varied widely in both regions of Africa, with the religion finding both acceptance and resistance in different areas.
Roraism initially found a receptive audience among some East African communities, particularly those already engaged in humanitarian work. Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda saw pockets of Roraist followers who integrated the teachings into their existing cultural practices, focusing on communal support and environmental stewardship^1.
However, the rise of Roraism also sparked tensions, particularly in regions where religious and ethnic identities are deeply entrenched. Predominantly Christian and Muslim communities viewed the new faith with suspicion, leading to conflicts and social friction. In Ethiopia, for instance, the longstanding tensions between different religious groups were exacerbated by the emergence of Roraist communities^2.
Climate change has significantly affected East Africa, with prolonged droughts and erratic weather patterns leading to food and water scarcity. These environmental challenges have intensified competition over resources, contributing to conflicts between different communities, including Roraists^3.
True to their principles, Roraists in East Africa focused on humanitarian efforts, providing essential services such as medical care, food distribution, and education. In areas affected by drought and famine, Roraist groups worked tirelessly to support vulnerable populations. This humanitarian focus helped Roraists gain respect and support from local communities, although it also made them targets for armed groups and local militias^4.
In regions where violence and persecution against Roraists intensified, some communities took up arms in self-defense. These self-defense groups sought to protect Roraist communities from attacks by local militias and hostile government forces. Over time, many of these groups pledged their allegiance to the Rora State, aligning themselves with the broader Roraist movement globally^5.
The response from East African governments varied. Some governments, like those of Kenya and Tanzania, attempted to maintain control through legal and administrative measures, imposing restrictions on Roraist activities and monitoring their gatherings. In contrast, countries with weaker central governments or ongoing conflicts, such as Somalia and South Sudan, saw more violent confrontations between Roraists and armed groups^6.
Much of the conflict involving Roraists in East Africa was linked to environmental and economic issues. The severe impact of climate change on agriculture and water resources heightened existing socio-economic inequalities. Many Roraist communities, often located in rural and marginalized areas, became focal points for struggles over land and resources^7.
In the aftermath of conflicts, Roraist groups played a significant role in rebuilding efforts. They helped to reconstruct schools, clinics, and community centers and worked to foster reconciliation between conflicting groups. This contribution to peacebuilding and development further cemented their presence in the region^8.
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^1 Karanja, M. "Cultural Integration and the Spread of Roraism in East Africa," African Cultural Studies, 2031.
^2 Alemu, D. "Religious Tensions and New Faith Movements in Ethiopia," Journal of Ethiopian Studies, 2032.
^3 Ndegwa, J. "Climate Change and Resource Competition in East Africa," Environmental Impact Review, 2030.
^4 Mwangi, L. "Roraist Humanitarian Efforts in East Africa," Journal of Humanitarian Affairs, 2031.
^5 Ochieng, P. "Militancy and Self-Defense Among Roraists," African Security Studies, 2033.
^6 Abdi, S. "Government Responses to Roraism in East Africa," East African Political Review, 2032.
^7 Kamau, N. "Environmental and Economic Drivers of Conflict," African Economic Studies, 2030.
^8 Wanjiru, F. "Roraism and Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict East Africa," Journal of Peace and Development, 2031.
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Section Twelve: Southern Africa
In Southern Africa, the spread of Roraism was met with a complex mix of acceptance and strategic control, particularly in nations like South Africa and Zimbabwe. Unlike other regions that reacted with outright repression, these countries adopted a more pragmatic approach similar to that of China and North Korea, prioritizing regime stability and leveraging the potential benefits of Roraism.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa, a Marxist Black Nationalist party, rose to power with an agenda centered on economic redistributing justice. Initially wary of Roraism due to its potential to disrupt their ideological control, the EFF government soon recognized the strategic advantages of co-opting the movement.
The EFF allowed Roraist temples to operate with semi-state sponsorship, recognizing the movement's social influence and the formidable presence of Rora herself. Roraism's emphasis on community welfare and environmental stewardship aligned with some of the EFF's public rhetoric, providing a platform for pragmatic cooperation.^1.
In Zimbabwe, the government adopted a similar strategy, seeing the benefits of leveraging Roraism's grassroots support to stabilize regions prone to unrest. By allowing Roraist activities to proceed with minimal interference, the state could present an apprance of tolerance that often ran against the reaction of Roraism by many anti-Songhai Pact Nations while at the same time benefiting from the many passive benefits, that came with the Roraists^2.
Zimbabwe's government integrated Roraist social programs into their own initiatives, particularly in rural areas where the state's presence was weaker. Roraist-run clinics, schools, and agricultural projects received state support, creating what could be called a symbiotic relationship that bolstered the regime's legitimacy while allowing Roraists to operate relatively freely^3.
Other Southern African nations, observing the approaches of South Africa and Zimbabwe, adopted varied strategies ranging from outright repression to cautious co-option. The shared goal across these governments was to ensure that Roraism did not become a destabilizing force as they prescribed it in another part of the worldn't and while extracting potential benefits from its social initiatives.
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^1 Dlamini, P. "Religion and State Control: The Case of Roraism in South Africa," Journal of Southern African Studies, 2034.
^2 Ndlovu, M. "Strategic Tolerance: Zimbabwe's Approach to Roraism," African Political Review, 2033.
^3 Chigwedere, T. "Grassroots Movements and State Integration: Roraism in Zimbabwe," Journal of African Religious Studies, 2032.
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Section Thirteen: West and Central Africa
The spread of Roraism in West and Central Africa met with varying responses, reflecting the region's political diversity and existing religious dynamics. In many countries, particularly those aligned with the Songhai Pact, governments adopted a pragmatic approach similar to that of South Africa and Zimbabwe. However, in ECOWAS nations, the reaction was significantly harsher, driven by the influence of right-wing American-sponsored Evangelicalism and Christian fundamentalism.
The Union of Socialist Sahel Republics (USSR), Chad, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Senegal, and later East Nigeria, all members of the Songhai Pact [Both within and outside of Africa], took a strategic approach to Roraism. These countries recognized the practical benefits of the religion while ensuring it did not destabilize their regimes.
In these nations, Roraist temples and social initiatives were allowed to operate under
state supervision. The Marxist Governments attempted to integrate Roraist community programs into wider state initiatives, particularly in rural areas where state presence was weaker. This approach ensured that Roraist activities complemented state efforts, especially in health, education, and environmental protection^1.
Vena, the leader of the Songhai Pact, remained largely unphased by the rise of Roraism. Vena's society, deeply religious and polytheistic, viewed Rora as another deity whose power was debated rather than her legitimacy as Goddess with the priest attempting to Power Scale her. However, the Vena God Emperor made it clear that Roraism would not integrate into the established pantheon, maintaining a distinct separation between traditional beliefs and the new religion^2.
In contrast, ECOWAS nations, particularly West Nigeria and Ghana, reacted harshly to Roraism. Influenced by a surge of right-wing American-sponsored Evangelicalism and Christian fundamentalism as well as the CIA, these countries outright banned the practice of Roraism. This led to significant tension and conflict, especially in rural areas where Roraist communities took up arms to defend their right to worship^3.
Roraist militancy grew in rural regions of ECOWAS nations as communities faced increasing repression. These areas became hotspots for conflict, with Roraist groups clashing with state forces and right-wing militias with some pledging their allegiance to the Rora State. The federal governments of these nations, strained by other conflicts and resource issues, struggled to maintain control^4.
Liberia being more so influenced by the New Afrikan Autonomous Zone than by other ECOWAS members, refused to ban Roraism after the coup that brought Americo-Liberians back into power. The New Afrikans' directives ensured that Roraism was protected, allowing the religion to flourish in Liberia. This created a unique enclave of religious tolerance in an otherwise hostile region^5.
In Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Roraism played a significant role during the civil war and subsequent American intervention. Many communist rebels, especially female fighters backed by the Songhai Pact, followed Roraism. Their adherence to Roraism added a spiritual dimension to their struggle, emphasizing themes of protection and community welfare amidst the chaos^6.
Roraist fighters in the DRC were known for their resilience and humanitarian efforts. They provided medical aid, education, and environmental protection in conflict zones, often under dire conditions. This garnered them support from local populations and made them formidable opponents against both state and foreign intervention forces and a favorite of General Bango even though he exposed state atheism.
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^1 Diallo, M. "Religious Integration and State Control in the Songhai Pact Nations," Journal of African Political Studies, 2034.
^2 Kouyaté, B. "The Religious Landscape of Vena and Roraism," West African Religious Review, 2033.
^3 Mensah, J. "Religious Repression in ECOWAS: The Case of Roraism," Ghanaian Journal of Sociology, 2032.
^4 Okeke, C. "Militancy and Religion: Roraist Resistance in West Africa," Nigerian Journal of Conflict Studies, 2034.
^5 Johnson, L. "New Afrikan Influence in Liberia: Protecting Roraism," Journal of Liberian Studies, 2033.
^6 N'Golo, F. "Roraist Fighters in the DRC: Spirituality and Struggle," Central African Review, 2032.
^7 Mbemba, J. "Humanitarian Efforts of Roraist Fighters in the Congo," Journal of African Conflict Resolution, 2034.
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Section 14: Conclusion/Overview
The rise of Roraism has had a profound impact on global challenges such as resource shortages, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts. The destabilization wrought by The Placement, the Week War, the Nuclear Winter, and the ongoing Venan-American Cold War created fertile ground for new belief systems. These events upended social orders, exacerbated resource scarcity, and triggered mass migrations, all of which contributed to the widespread adoption of Roraism.
The tangible nature of Roraism played a crucial role in its appeal. Unlike traditional religions where deities are abstract and faith is based on doctrine, Roraism offers a god who is not only real and verified but actively intervenes in the lives of people. This direct interaction and approachability set Rora apart, making her an accessible and relatable deity for many people facing unprecedented hardships.
Roraism's ability to adapt to local contexts and integrate with existing cultural and spiritual practices further facilitated its spread. Whether through humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, blending with indigenous beliefs, or offering spiritual and material support in times of crisis, Roraist communities provided tangible benefits that resonated deeply with those in need.
Ultimately, the rise of Roraism reflects a broader trend toward seeking immediate, tangible, and interactive forms of spirituality in a world beset by uncertainty. As one follower aptly put it, "It's much easier to believe in God when you can follow her on Ward+."
-The Early Years Of Roraism On Earth Submitted By Candice Harrier And Downloaded From The Martian NetWorked Intelligence Transcribed Into Terran Standard American English And Posted On REM.NET 20XX
