CHAPTER I

Warning

One week later...

"So, gentlemen, that's how it is. Unless action is taken against this threat, all life on Earth as we know it is at serious risk. Questions...?"

Major Jackson "Jax" Briggs stood at the head of the conference table. He took in each government representative standing before him, assured that he had captivated their attention, if nothing else. After all, it's not every day that you call a meeting with some of the top names in American security - Sanders, head of the CIA, Green, head of the FBI, Grant and Mandoz, two of the president's chief advisers - hell, just about every big name in military brass was here. Ordinarily, they'd never even consider attending a meeting by one of such insignificant rank (in comparison to theirs, at least), but the fact that he had stressed the matter as being one of global security caught their attention fast. Even then, Jax had been asked to send a report on his concerns, but the Major had insisted that a meeting be called - pronto - so that he could inform the generals and security chiefs, etc. of just what held the Earth in peril.

So the meeting was called.

And he'd told them, and they were all staring at him. Maybe - because they had no idea such a threat even existed, they were that surprised?

Yes, they were certainly staring at him because of what he'd said.

After an uncomfortable silence, Jax deduced quite correctly that it was for the wrong reason.

They were staring at him because they thought he was an ass.

Sanders removed his glasses, and massaged the bridge of his nose, shutting his eyes. "So...what you're telling us...Mr. Briggs...is that the Earth is in danger of being invaded by a warlord from a...dimension, another world...that we've never even heard of...?"

Jax didn't fail to notice the lack of the addition of rank to his name. He ran his hand across the back of his head, an open sign of nerves. Sweatbeads formed on his dark forehead. His moustache itched. "That is correct. The warlord's name is Shao Kahn. He holds enough power to make this world a living hell - given the opportunity, he will open a portal to this world, march on through, and suck the soul from every living being on the planet, sir."

"Answer me this, then, Major-" Green leaned forward in his chair slightly, his bald head shiny and reflective under the room's lights. "If he holds so much power, as you say, why has he not invaded already?"

This was going to be gooooood. He'd probably be heavily sedated before the hour was through. " In order to gain access to a world, Kahn's warriors - his martial arts champions - must win ten straight victories in a tournament of the gods called Mortal Kombat, sir."

Mandoz looked at him as if he'd just turned into a large lobster.

"And....they haven't won them here? Tell me, major - where are these tournaments held? And how do his servants get in, if he can't?"

Jax wondered silently just how tight the straitjacket would be. "The Tournaments are held on an island that does not show up on any map of the Earth. The Emperor, while unable to enter himself, is able to send servants of his through smaller portals in his stead. From my understanding, he sent one of his sorcerers through, some time ago, to compete in these tournaments in favor of Outworld. He won each time, until recently, when he was defeated by a former White Lotus Society member known as Liu Kang."

Green smiled too politely. "The Emperor must be a big fellow, then?"

Straightforward mockery. This was getting better by the second. "It is not a question of mass, but one of energy - I don't know the specifics myself, sir. However, I do believe that if we gather a team of scientists, we may be able to-"

Sanders cut him off, leaning back in his chair and scratching his small goatee.

"So tell us again, Major - exactly what were you doing there?"

"I went there without knowing what I was getting into. My friend and partner, Lieutenant Sonya Blade, was apparently forced into the tournament unwillingly. She and her unit never returned, so I went after h - them...I found her. Chained at the Emperor's side, along with the criminal she had chased to the tournament in the first place, the Black Dragon member, Kano."

"You freed her? What about the rest of the unit?"

"They were apparently killed. But I freed her, yes."

"So, where is she now? Surely, she can help to back up these...claims of yours."

"She is currently pursuing Kano across northern Illinois, sir."

"Wait, hold on a moment. Didn't you say he was imprisoned, too? Why didn't you take him in?"

"When I broke the chains that held Lieutenant Blade, Kano's mysteriously snapped as well. I don't know how. He fled through the portal, and we followed him."

"They were both prisoners of this Shao Kahn, weren't they? Why didn't he stop you?"

Green was chuckling. Jax tried to ignore him.

"He was temporarily weakened, sir. Liu Kang was there as well, and he beat him. Kahn wouldn't admit it, but Kang beat him to the point of near death. While he fell asleep on his throne, I freed the Lieutenant - and inadvertently, Kano as well."

"Near death? Well, from the looks of it, it doesn't sound like he's in much of a position to conquer Earth, now does it?" Grant smiled as he chomped his unlit cigar, adjusting his belt. Jax wondered if his gut wouldn't plop off of his body and roll down the hallway in search of a cheeseburger.

"Not at the moment, but it is my firm belief that Kahn will not take this lying down. I think that he will attempt an invasion of Earth through some other means, and that is why we must learn how to open a portal to Outworld ourselves, and go on the offensive in order to-"

"I've heard enough." Green got up, and smoothed out the wrinkles on his suit. "I'm not listening to this crock of a story a minute longer. I have better things to do. Maybe Spielberg would buy it, but I won't. Good day, gentlemen."

He walked to the door, and opened it. The others got up, too.

"Sirs, you MUST listen to me. This threat is REAL. I am aware that my report comes off as unseemly, but I can assure you-"

Sanders faced him, and waved him off. "Mr. Briggs, I'm sure that you believe this threat is real. But you lack hard proof. You have no evidence to back up your story. If I believed you in the slightest, I would already be calling for the national guard. But the fact is, I don't. You said it yourself: this whole thing sounds like a load of bullshit. Take my advice, Major - go home and get some rest. You look like you need it."

He walked out, following Green, who was already well down the corridor.

Just as he thought. They all thought he was mad as a VW stuffed full of hatters.

Grant said something derogatory, and left.

Mandoz followed him, but turned back halfway out the door. He looked at Jax, who now sat slumped over at the head of the table on which he rested his elbows, holding his head. "Question, Major."

Jax looked up, suddenly hopeful. "Yes...?"

"What does this...Kahn...look like?"

"Ah...well...he...well, he wears a skull, and..."

Mandoz gave him the lobster look again, shook his head, and followed Grant out.

The door creaked shut. Jax threw back his head, closed his eyes, and sighed.

Sonya, you'd better damn well be having better luck at whatever the hell you're doing then I am...

Author : Bob J Dole

Creation date: 2004-12-28-16-57

Modification date: 2004-12-28-16-57