Chapter 22: The Badlands

Time: 0600 Location: Bad Lands, South Dakota

Have you ever seen the images of the London Underground during World War II? Pictures of people bandaged and huddled together. Others, trying to provide comfort. Still more with weapons providing security or at least a sense of security. Men, women, children, trying to figure out their role in this nightmare scenario. Wondering if they'll survive to see the next day. Questioning if today is the day the enemy wins. Well, it's no longer the 1940's, yet that scene is playing out again. Only it's not in the London Underground. These are not citizens of the United Kingdom. It's happening right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. The citizens belong to the Sioux Nation.

For nearly two weeks, the Badlands of South Dakota have been earning their name. An "altercation" between a group of Sioux and the U.S. government in the form of the National Guard, F.B.I., and several "other" agencies has been ongoing. As of late, however, another combatant has entered the field. THEM. THEY came in ones and twos at first. The Sioux killed THEM. They always succeeded. The government tried capturing THEM. They weren't always successful. On multiple occasions, some poor grunt found teeth buried in his flesh. Several times those who were to running tests on THEM found out that the straps holding THEM down was not enough and ended up in a pool of blood. That's how THEY multiply. An enemy that adds to their ranks with each attack. Unlike any enemy ever fought.

The government has tried to keep the existence of THEM a secret. Thus far, they've been able to. They blame the injuries and deaths of men and women under their command on attacks by the Sioux, who've they labeled "domestic terrorists." The media runs with it. Men in black suits ensure that the right message is broadcast. No one is the wiser, for now. That will change. But for now…

Barricaded in the small building that once served as the meeting hall for the Elders of the Sioux Nation, a group of Warriors is busy checking and rechecking windows and doors. Outside, a growing number of things surround the group. The Sioux leader stands proud. Taking in everything around him. Reflecting upon the many events that have led them to this current moment in time. Around a large fire, the Elders sit. In all their combined years, they have never faced an enemy like this.

When this began, the Warriors were strong and courageous. They defended their lands from the attacks by the White Man. Many fell. It is true, they lost a great number of brave souls, but they never lost focus. Their cause was just. They would win the day or die trying. When THEY showed up, the Warriors treated THEM like any enemy. THEY were quickly dispatched. The Elders said it was the Army's doing. Some weapon that they were using to take Sioux land. For the first week, which felt like an eternity, the men and women held strong. The last week has challenged them all in new ways.

Charlie "Spirit" Iron-Knife and Jimmy "Dart" Tall Elk found themselves on the government's Most Wanted list. They had been responsible for killing a dozen Agents. After their altercation with Snake Eyes and Agent Rogers, the two knew there was no turning back. They knew too much. Had seen too much. Even their ties to the Joes couldn't help them now. They were in far too deep. If this realization worried them, neither showed it. They were stalwart in appearance. They led the Warriors in defending the lives of their brothers even though neither was Sioux.

"Spirit, all the doors and windows have been secured. We are, however, completely surrounded and running out of ammunition and morale quickly. Not to mention food and water."

"Yes. No doubt, the military is finding itself in a similar circumstance with relation to morale. Ammunition is in no short supply for them."

"What are we going to do?"

"The Elders say we are to die."

"What about you? What do you think?"

"I think we will fight on. I am not ready to resign myself to the ground yet. You and I could very easily slip past these things and disappear into the foothills. But we must think of the others. They are depending on us whether they admit it or not."

"So, what's the next step?"

"We need to get our people out of here. We need as, Duke would call it, an exit strategy."

"We are surrounded by those things."

"Then let us get above them and look for a way out. If we can lead our people to the foothills, then I foresee our success. If we fail, then I pray that our souls will escape."