Sacred Ground

"Sacred Ground" is the eleventh chapter of Converge.

Sacred Ground
Peter Cach sat in an abandoned church in Darla, surrounded by Diverge members. They had stockpiled weapons in the church and were taking inventory. Peter was looking at a map of the city when Diverge's strategist, Daniel Jacobs, came to talk to him.

"What's the situation?" Peter asked.

"Our forces have set up a strong perimeter around Darla. Nobody's getting in or out."

"Good, and what about in Neta?"

"The military was quick to respond there." Daniel said, "Diverge fought them to a standstill. Our forces there are currently regrouping, and will be ready to fight again in a few hours."

"And the military response here?"

"They have not been able to breach our perimeter, and Darla's police force was quickly defeated. Most of its officers have been killed or captured."

"So if the military can't get into the city, what have they been doing?" Daniel asked.

"They appear to be biding their time, hiding out in Fort King, probably awaiting reinforcements. However, I believe we don't currently have the firepower to attack the fort." Daniel said.

Peter thought for a moment, "We need to keep the perimeter how it is, that leaves us with just over 1000 soldiers that can attack the fort. However, we have several thousand more in Lon. We'll order them to travel to Darla and assist in attacking Fort King. That should be enough to take it."

"I don't think that's a good idea sir." Daniel said, "If you order Diverge to pull out of Lon, we will lose control over most of the rural land in Azla."

"If we take that base, we will get enough weapons and supplies to take over the entire country. It's a risk we have to take." Peter said.

"I will send the message, but it will take several days for them to get here."

Daniel left. Peter looked back at the map, contemplating the next move. He then heard a voice behind him.

"Have you found her yet?" Peter turned around to see Emily Aaronson standing there.

"Unfortunately, Martinis still in the wind." Peter said, "But don't worry, she'll turn up eventually."

"I'm sick of waiting." Emily said, "I've done everything you've said, and you still haven't brought me her."

"You have certainly been a huge help, and I am thankful for that. We're doing everything we can, just be patient."

"I'll find her myself." Emily said, and turned towards the exit.

"In that case, you might want this." Peter was holding up a briefcase. Emily opened it up, revealing a flashy rifle.

"It's an experimental weapon" Peter explained, "It's an assault rifle with a faster rate of fire and minimal recoil. It's light, accurate, and comes with a scope, so you can use it at long and short range."

Emily picked it up, "I'll put this to good use."

She walked out of the church.