Ayden was working her shift at the diner when a man in a black suit and sunglasses walked in. She'd never seen him before and he was too clean to be a resident or even a visitor. That should have been her first clue.  He sat down at one of her tables and put his sunglasses down on the table.

She grabbed her pad from  her pocket and approached him.  His eyes looked up and she could have sworn he recognized her as someone who he knew. But she didn't know this man.  She would remember him.  He smiled at her. "I'll have a coffee, cream, no sugar." He paused then his smile turned dark. "Anne."

Ayden's face went white. That was not her name -- it hadn't been her name for many years. It wasn't even close.  "I'm sorry, we are out of coffee." she said without letting him know she was panicking on the inside.  Someone found me.  Holy fuck!  We have to leave.

"That's alright. I'll take the #1 special and a chocolate milk shake. And then you'll come sit down and have a little chant with me. Chastity."

Fuck! He knew more than he should! 

"Right.  I'll get that right in." She said with a waiver in her voice.  This was going to go badly.  What the fuck!

Ayden put the order in and then went into the back room to call her husband... While still officially it still felt weird.  Her name was Nikki and she was married to Josh.   

Connor picked up and Ayden didn't even wait for him to say hello.  "Someone found me. Start packing, we need to go." She hung up quickly and made her way out to the front "I'm going to take a break." She told the girl up front and then went to sit down with the man who knew too much.

I was scrolling through youtube and I found this guy.  https://www.youtube.com/@JonSolo/videos

He does things all about the messed up stories in different myths and stories.

Leaving San Antonino had been easier than Nikki thought it would be. Getting used to the new name -- that was always a challenge.  She changed her stay at home look only slightly, adapting something more feminine and suburban housewife like.  She made sure to stay on top of the high fashions for her age bracket and hip with the kids.

Her and Josh eventually found a home in a small town just north of the New Mexico border and the Southern Ute Reservation.  It was quaint if you discounted the tent city that most of the town was made up of.  But they had a house of their own.  It was small, barely livable for the two of them, and now with a baby on the way -- things were about to get more crowded.

Nikki Haydensen was now three months pregnant with her first child -- it would be Josh's second, though they never told anyone that, it was their little secret.

Nikki was working at a local diner making very little money, but she wasn't worried about that. She had enough stored up as Ayden Hayes to work through whatever they needed going forward.

Her nightmares still plagued her.  The blood and the sacrifices still kept her awake at night.  And images of Connor, no Josh, dying were pulling at her restless nights more times than she could count.  And now images of the baby held up high in her hands all akuna matta style and then stabbed in the chest or thrown from the top of some Aztec temple or another plagued her nightmares.

That was when Nikki and Josh went on a sight seeing tour just south of the Colorado border to the Aztec Ruins National Monument.  Though her dreams resembled something from south of the border, Nikki called upon her ancient learning and knew some bits about the Aztecs.

Sadly the Monument was for the Pueblo Native Americans but it was still an interesting trip they took together.  They vowed to do that more -- see the things they never got to see before. 

It was a happy little life thought she did miss the job.  She made a trip out to a gun range once a month.  It was quite the drive to get there, but it was worth shooting the rifle in a safe environment. The loud pops and the feel of the trigger under her finger made her feel at home -- something Connor/Josh would never truly understand, but it wasn't her little secret.  He knew.  She told him it was just to stay sharp and not lose her edge.  But it felt good to watch the bullet smash into the target down range.  And she was good at it.

Massive riots have erupted across the United States in response to the recent annexation of Texas by the CCD. The “Keep America Free” movement, initially a series of peaceful protests, has turned into violent confrontations in major cities as citizens express their outrage and demand action from the federal government.

Nationwide Unrest

The announcement of Texas' secession and annexation ignited immediate and widespread unrest. In New York, thousands of protesters flooded Times Square, clashing with police as they demanded the reunification of Texas with the United States. Similar scenes unfolded in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and numerous other cities.

Protesters, chanting "Keep America Free," have set up barricades, overturned cars, and engaged in running battles with law enforcement. Reports indicate numerous injuries and arrests as authorities struggle to contain the escalating violence.
Washington D.C. Under Siege

In the nation’s capital, the situation is particularly dire. Thousands have gathered outside the Capitol and the White House, where tensions are at an all-time high. The National Guard has been deployed in an attempt to restore order, but the sheer scale of the protests has overwhelmed local law enforcement.

The President addressed the nation this morning, calling for calm and dialogue:

Quote:"I understand the deep emotions that this situation has stirred. We must remember our shared values and work towards peaceful solutions. Violence and destruction will only further divide us."

Quote:"The annexation of Texas is a betrayal of the American people. We must act decisively to bring Texas back and restore our nation’s unity."

Quote:"I understand why people are angry, but the destruction isn’t helping anyone. We need solutions, not more chaos."

Austin, Texas / Mexico City, Mexico– In a historic and unprecedented move, Texas and Mexico have officially joined forces under the auspices of the Central Custody of Dominion (CCD).

Jessika Thrice, Governor of Texas:

"Today marks a new era for Texas. After months of strategic planning and steadfast negotiation, we are proud to announce our alliance with the Central Custody of Dominion. This partnership will secure Texas’s prosperity and enhance our influence on the global stage. As Privilege of the new Dominance IX, I am committed to ensuring that this transition benefits every Texan, providing unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, security, and innovation, and will represent the state well in Moscow. Together, with our allies in Mexico and beyond, we will build a future rooted in strength and unity."

Damien Oakland, Mexico:

"Mexico stands at the threshold of a transformative journey. By aligning with the CCD, we are not only solidifying our position as a regional power but also paving the way for a prosperous future for all our citizens. I am honored and humbled to adopt the position of Patron of Dominance IX, my foremost duty is to uphold the principles of this new union, ensuring stability, growth, and enhanced cooperation across our borders. This alliance signifies a commitment to progress, a promise of prosperity, and a pledge to our shared vision of a unified, thriving continent, and Mexico City, as capital of the Dominance, will become a beacon of combined strength for the continent that will lead us into a new dawn of regional dominance and global relevance."

Nikolai Brandon, Ascendancy of the CCD:

"Today, we witness a monumental step towards unity and strength within our Custody. I warmly welcome and applaud both Texas and Mexico, and the leadership of Governor Thrice and Damien Oakland for their wisdom and vision. Their commitment to progress and stability sets a powerful example for others to follow. I am confident that this alliance will bring unparalleled opportunities and security to all our citizens. It is my sincere hope that other states and nations will recognize the benefits of this union and join us in building a future of prosperity and shared success."

Details about the upcoming transition to Dominance IX and what that means for the citizens of the region is forthcoming. President Dawson of the USA has yet to issue a statement.

[[ A gossip rag mag written by AI ]]

In bizarre twist of fate, Sheng Ch'en, a prominent Chinese government official, and Robert Read, a high-profile foreign diplomat, have both been found dead from heart failure within weeks of each other. These two influential figures were notably vocal in the recent annexation of Texas by the CCD. Coincidence? This author thinks not.

The Sudden Demises

Sheng Ch'en, known for his pivotal role in China’s foreign policy and his outspoken dissention for the CCD’s expansion, was discovered lifeless in his Beijing residence. Initial reports suggest he died of heart failure, but whispers of foul play are circulating in the corridors of power.

Before that, Robert Read, a celebrated diplomat from the United Kingdom and an ardent opposer for Texas’ annexation, was found dead under similar circumstances on a a train heading to where?  You guessed it, Bejing, China. The official cause of death: heart failure.

A Pattern Too Strange to Ignore

While officials are quick to dismiss these deaths as unfortunate coincidences, the timing raises eyebrows. Both men were key players in the controversial geopolitical shift that saw Texas leave the United States to join the CCD. Their sudden deaths leave a void in the narrative they so passionately supported.
Suspicious Circumstances?

Insiders hint at possible connections. Could these deaths be linked to their involvement in the annexation? Some suggest that powerful adversaries, unhappy with the changing global dynamics, might have orchestrated these high-profile demises. Sheng Ch'en’s influence in Beijing and Read’s diplomatic reach in the West made them formidable allies – and potential targets.

Political Intrigue or Natural Causes?

Sheng Ch'en’s demise has already sparked speculation in Chinese social media circles. Did he know too much? Was his death a silencing maneuver by those within his own government who opposed his views? Or is the CCD to blame?

Similarly, Robert Read’s death is shrouded in mystery. Friends and colleagues describe him as being in excellent health. Was his heart failure truly natural, or did someone see him as a threat to their interests?

Theories Abound

Conspiracy theorists are having a field day. Some believe these deaths are part of a larger, sinister plot to destabilize the CCD’s growing influence. Others think it’s a retaliatory move by factions within the United States, aiming to weaken the forces that were unsupportive of Texas' controversial departure.

What’s Next?

The world watches with bated breath as investigations unfold. Will we ever learn the truth behind these deaths? Were they mere coincidences, or pieces of a grander, more nefarious puzzle?

As always, dear readers, we promise to keep you informed. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story – and remember, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.