Mythic Warriors (MW) is a serialized, sci-fi novel. You can read it in the correct order by beginning with MW1, then MW2, MW3, and so on.
The Announcement
Worldwide communications were interrupted by Errico and his team. Regular programming was replaced by holographic news promoting a peaceful world. Images of a harmonious global society. The message of unity and cooperation through individual responsibility was broadcast in short form, in long-form and it was debated by pundits. More resilient than the cockroaches who survived war, pundits reappeared in communications as soon as life appeared safe. No one knew, or cared, where the self-appointed opinionators hid during the war. One key discussion point revolved around who was promoting this message. Technicians could not determine where the broadcasts originated.
The ”news” program was underway. Five opinionated stooges sat behind a desk, pontificating aloud.
“It’s the Homesteaders. They control the food supply and have the greatest leverage to ensure peace.”
“No. It’s the city dwellers. They are all power hungry. They’ll promise peace and freedom as they work to oppress the rest of us.”
“I can understand that the Homesteaders are likely candidates for this initiative, but I think the Warriors One are taking on a new initiative.”
“The Warriors One were created by the Allied States of Earth. The ASE is defunct.”
“Not defunct, but not effective for sure.”
“You are all wrong. I think there’s a new global player.”
“Who exactly would that be?”
“The Anarchists. It is rumored that they recently took their revenge on Brianna and Gambles. Removed from their prison to be executed. No doubt.”
Not everything the pundits declared was wrong. Five truths told with one lie makes the lie stronger. The ASE (Allied States of Earth) had been reduced to a small police force that attempted to stop the worst of the worst. The ASE force had imprisoned Gambles and Brianna. During the prison break, several powerful police officers had been killed. With insufficient numbers, the police force only made a random impact on the culture.
The city-states required the most assistance to maintain order. The old-school political leadership and legislature of the ASE tried to retain some relevance by funding the police. The pundits shared these truths about the dying government.
After two weeks of steady propaganda, an announcement was made. The world learned who was behind the messages promoting global peace.
Errico appeared in physical form in thousands of places simultaneously with Gambles on his right and Brianna on his left. They displayed a rare ability to manifest multiple physical forms concurrently. Errico had trained Gambles and Brianna on this power. Reports quickly spread about this “miracle of the trio”.
In full regalia, Gambles and Brianna flanked Errico. Gambles wore his red-colored armor with a sculptured metal chest plate and a two-part back shield, a tight, long-sleeved shirt beneath the armor and a demonic crown helmet with two horns. The horns had golden highlights added since their earlier iteration. There was also a gold leaf pentagram on his chest. His black and red metal crown had an added ring of gold stars. His devotees, the Gamblers, had added these flourishes during their ritualistic ceremonies.
Likewise, the Brainerds, who were the devotees of Brianna, had simplified her outfit. Brianna’s Earth mother robe with flower designs was replaced by a flowing white gown which placed an emphasis on her cleavage. Her long curly locks that previously tumbled over her shoulders, were now pulled back into a single braid. The tension on her scalp kept her face taunt and smooth. The leafy Olympiad-style golden wreath crown was replaced by a plain golden band. She resented that religion she had inspired positioned her as the consort to Gambles. Powerful beyond all human women but subservient to her man, Gambles.
Both Gambles and Brianna adopted the modifications made by their devotees. They needed the alliance and obedience of their worshippers. Meeting the appearance these sycophantic followers expected was a small accommodation.
Errico was dressed in unassuming, pre-war business casual attire – a blue shirt open at the collar with two of the top buttons unfastened. When Errico smiled his gaunt face appeared more full. The sudden appearance of all three in-person and simultaneously across the live broadcast on the hologram news surprised everyone. Many ran away. Errico calmed them.
“Please gather around. Please listen to my announcement. Please don’t fear us. Now is not the time for fear. Now is the time for joy and cooperation.”
As cautious minutes passed, people began to gather around to listen. Peopled gathered into crowds. Many gave the trio sharp stares. With flippant hand movements and clear thoughts the masses indicated that Gambles and Brianna were not trusted. They stepped behind Errico before he launched into his announcement.
Brianna thought, a little too strongly, “Great. I’m number three in this arrangement. The consort of small-dick Gambles and both of us standing behind Errico.”
Errico heard her thoughts and stared at her for a moment before visually surveying the crowds gathered before them in every location. He then announced. All of his bodies spoke in sync, no matter where they were located.
“Be at peace. I represent the Anarchist nation. We were a simple people, mostly small wandering groups who practiced a live and let live policy. Many of you met us as we passed from community to community. We exchanged goods and entertainment to support ourselves and to make your lives more interesting. Our way of life was ended by these two. The Force Five led by Gambles forced our independent groups to come together, forming an alliance. We quickly formed a nation and we now number in the millions.”
Errico looked at Brianna again, and at Gambles before he continued.
“These two demi-gods brought anarchists together and that is good for the world. Together, anarchists are the most powerful force in the world. We still practice live and let live towards all, but we also realize that structure is necessary to maintain peace.”
“Today, the Anarchist Nation becomes the Anarchist Earth. All global citizens must obey the minimal commandments I will elaborate. Gambles and Brianna will enforce these guidelines through temples and ritualistic practices.”
He motioned for Gambles to step forward.
“Humans are worshipful creatures. Combined with a government structure, worship becomes destructive. Today, I’m also announcing the only two world religions that are allowed. Men will practice Gamblism, which is worship of this demi-god. All men will bow to his power in both loving respect and fearful obeisance.”
He motioned for Brianna to step forward.
“All women will practice Briannity. Women will also love her and obey her implicitly or face negative consequences.”
Gambles and Brianna raised their hands above their heads. Lightning bolts flashed from their hands and struck known criminals in the crowds. The crowds jumped away from the fallen individuals. After releasing deadly lightning bolts from their hands, Brianna and Gambles stepped behind Errico.
“Your communities don’t have to adopt anarchist governance, but you cannot violate the religious and other overarching global principles that will be elaborated shortly. All residents of every community will be required to become Gamblers and Brainerds. No random religion will be allowed to destroy the global peace that Anarchists are establishing for humanity.”
Errico paused while several holograms introduced the principles of global anarchy, and the worshipful practices of Gamblism and Briannity.
While the announcements continued, the realignment of regional social and political groups began. Homesteaders, City Dwellers, Wandering Anarchists (there were still independent groups), practicing Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Gurus with their disciples, and independent preachers who had been forming new cults, even the powerless, old-school humans who supported the Allied States of Earth realized they needed to form new alliances. Errico was an unknown leader. Gambles and Briana had already proven that they could not be trusted. The anarchist governance would not protect their current way of life.
Gamblers & Brainerds
For the devotees who already worshipped Gambles and Brianna, the announcement of global religions was a promotion. Not only were their priests immediately elevated to regional experts of the new religion, but also all current devotees became leaders by default. They were the only ones who knew how to worship the demi-gods.
The scheming began immediately. Disciples plotted how to amass personal wealth and how to achieve the leadership lifestyle they desired.
Allied States of Earth
The world president and political leadership of the ASE decided to issue a statement. The old school thought leaders, few of whom had developed any of the new human powers, offered the former structure of government as an alternative. They promised elected leadership both regional and global that would represent the interests of the people. They also promised to protect a short list of freedoms that included freedom of religion and self-expression.
Gambles and Brianna responded to this announcement swiftly and silently. The entire membership of the ASE not just the formal political leaders were quietly executed. Any who attempted to reach the ASE after the announcement were met with education about the Anarchist global framework and the tenants of Gamblism and Briannity. The ASE ceased to exist overnight.
The genocide of ASE members chilled open discussions around the globe. Few even dared to ask the obvious which was “Peace but at what cost?”
The Homesteaders
Food was power in the new world order. Independent Homesteading groups controlled the global food supply. Overall, they were not interested in either politics or religion. Family was their priority. Family communities embraced Errico’s announcement. They welcomed a more stable earth and assumed that their food-centric communities would be protected from outside intrusion and conquerors. Leave us alone, they thought, and we’ll be fine.
Putting statues of Gambles and Brianna in a central garden and feigning obeisance to a broad framework of behaviors seemed simple enough in the short term.
City State Citizens
The broad political framework of the Anarchist Earth allowed local organizations more leeway than the Allied States of Earth had allowed. City-States quickly became Bully-States controlled by local tyrants. Religious practices didn’t matter to those obsessed with power in the here and now. Daily religious rituals also helped to prevent the average citizen from having time to rebel.
Local tyrants built temples to the demi-gods and soon it became a competition as to which city-state built the most glorious temples. Stone images of Gambles and Brianna rose on the highest point in every city.
Warriors One
Beyond the Warriors One Training Academy, few had seen any of the Warriors One members for months. One of the first acts of Gambles and Brianna was to close the training center which might challenge their own phenomenal powers as well as the abilities of the Anarchists.
As the pain of average citizens grew under the new world order, they cried out for Warriors One to rebalance the power across humanity. The squad remained out of public view and hidden from Errico, Gambles and Brianna while they formulated a plan.
Justice called a group meeting in the amphitheater. As he spoke about the need to find weaknesses to exploit, a second body of Justice walked into the room.
Pierce let out a whistle. “So we’ve figured this double-body phenomena out.”
“Five of us have the potential for multiple concurrent bodies.” A third body of Justice spoke as he entered the room.
The first image of Justice resumed, “This is the weakness, we’ve been seeking.”
Pasco chuckled and a second Pasco form entered the room. “I see what you mean.”
Darren stood up. “I don’t see. I don’t understand.”
Kelly, Darren, Prophet, Canter and Hope gasped when a second body of Pierce entered. Prophet spoke aloud, “Please explain.”
Pierce took over, “It takes great concentration to maintain multiple identical bodies. Creation is essentially consciousness and energy. However, even the enlightened have limitations on expression. The laws of creation must be fulfilled even for a simple demonstration like this.”
Justice continued Pierce’s thoughts, “When maintaining multiple forms, all become weaker. If we can find the original form, the prime body while multiples are manifest, we can capture or kill that demi-god.”
Prophet nodded in understanding. “It’s the age old problem facing every imperialistic government. Become over extended and you’ve become weak enough to fail.”