True American Patriots

## True American Patriots (TAP)

TAP's Official Logo has not been released.

*"We are doing this because in order to clean the system we must take out the trash first."*

-*The President, head of the True American Patriots*

The True American Patriots, or TAP, is a domestic paramilitary organization that surfaced in 2033 with the goal of destabilizing the government to rid it of corruption. They carried out many notable terrorist attacks, such as the assassination of many local government officials, the attempted assassination of several politicians, and a full-scale invasion of Washington D.C. that left 37 American servicemen dead.

## Sufacing in 2033

Starting in 2033, an unusually high number of local government officials were assassinated by an unknown terrorist group. This caught the attention o the FBI, who began investigating the assassinations, as well as then Governor of Freedonia Andre Copeland, who began to address them as well. Eventually, the FBI determined that the assassins were linked to a group known as the "True American Patriots". The TAP, while still relatively small back then, worried several high-ranking officials was Secretary of Defense Jacob Strickland.

### A Patriot's Choice

Strickland got President Cornelius "Corn Pop" Papinski to agree to let him give a speech at a US Navy harbor, convinced that he would be able to flip TAP members in the Navy, where he had served for many years. He also managed to convince Corn Pop to offer all TAP defectors, a pardon, an honorable discharge and new identities to live a new life.

Strickland subsequently gave his speech, titled "A Patriot's Choice" aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford off the coasts of Japan. He offered any conspirators full amnesty from the Government and the Military should they turn themselves in within 12 hours, but promised that those who failed to do so will be court-martialed under the law.

After his speech, 2 high-ranking members of the Navy, whom Strickland knew from his fleet, turned themselves in. As Strickland began to question them, Graves, who was guarding the room they were in, was approached by 3 sailors who asked him to head to the bridge immediately. Aware that these sailors were armed, Graves told Strickland to lock the door, flood the deck, and cut the power.

Meanwhile, the 2 defectors alerted Strickland that there were 3 other TAP members on board, all of them ranked higher than them, who chose not to turn themselves in. Just as they finished their sentences, those 3 sailors attempt to enter the interrogation room but failed. Graves, now alerted of the threat, manages to kill one of the traitors and critically wounds the other 2, but not without being shot twice in the plate and once in the shoulder.

One of the traitors that survived attempted to assassinate Strickland and everyone else with a grenade, but Graves acted quickly to ensure their safety, and the grenade ended up killing one of the sailors still alive. Subsequently, the military police arrived, detaining the surviving traitor and one of the defectors, and bringing Strickland back to America.

## Initial response by the Government

### Andre Copeland's address

Soon after the TAP began to show their devastating might to the US Government, Governor Copeland of Freedonia announced in an address to his state that the TAP had been responsible for the assassination of 3 local government officials in his state. He promised Freedonia that so long as he is Governor, he will not flinch in his response, and show the TAP that Freedonia would not be intimidated by them.

### Rumors of TAP infiltration in the Military

During a press conference held in the White House shortly after the emergence of the TAP, White House Press Secretary Kevin McCarthy announced that the Corn Pop Administration has increased security around high-priority targets, including the Capitol, and that the FBI has begun investigations into the TAP with the goal of eventually eliminating the threat. When pressed on whether or not TAP sympathizers have infiltrated the nation's military departments, McCarthy stated that the Administration cannot confirm this rumor, but insisted that the FBI would be conducting strenuous background checks for all government employees for potential connections with the TAP.

### Hacking of the FBI's main servers

Around April 2034, the FBI's main servers were hacked by an unknown perpetrator. The only files deleted or missing were those on the cases of the attempts on local government officials' lives and classified files on things like agents in other countries. As a result of this hack, the FBI now had nothing on the TAP except a recorded message from one of the members turning themselves in. To prevent another hack like this one, the FBI began to tighten security in all buildings.

### Executive Order #7

Governor Andre Copeland signed Executive Order #7, shortly after the TAP hacked the FBI. The order, which he compared to "the south declaring war on the [TAP], formally designated the group as a threat to the security of Freedonia, hired 50 thousand more police officers to combat the TAP, and granted the Department of Public Safety $30 million to be used to purchase ammunition, bulletproof vests and other logistics that would be useful in combating the TAP. The department would also work with the Southern Bureau of Investigation.

Copeland also placed the State Troopers on high alert for crimes committed by the TAP, and ordered all public departments to tighten security, with the police force providing the manpower needed. This "unofficial declaration of war" led Copeland to become a prime target for the TAP.

## Growth of the TAP

### Attempted assassination of Governor Copeland

Not long after Executive Order #7 came into effect, Governor Copeland was the target of an assassination by the TAP. While spending time in Gibson Bar, 6 men affiliated with the TAP opened fire on the crowd with illegal, military-grade weapons, intending to assassinate Copeland. Copeland survived, though 2 of his bodyguards were severely injured and 3 civillians were killed in the shooting.

### Public Message by the TAP

The TAP hacked into both ABC and CNN to play a message to the American public, the first ever such message played. The speaker of the message identified himself as "The President", who was the leader of the TAP. He publicly admitted that the TAP had been assassinating government officials, before accusing the Federal Government of doing the same.

The President first addressed President Corn Pop, whom he accused of working in tandem with the Senate Minority Leader Kanye East to kidnap another senator, then had his attorney general drop all charges upon becoming president. He also attacked Corn Pop for allowing the rail strikes to occur, causing massive damage to the US economy.

Subsequently, The President called Congress "filled with corrupt politicians" and gave two examples to prove his point. First, he criticized Congress for not impeaching Kanye East for his attempted kidnapping of another senator. Second, he attacked theHouse of Representatives for allowing Ohio Final Boss to be allowed back into the chambers, knowing full well he was dangerous, which eventually resulted in Ohio Final Boss attempting to assassinate fellow representative Winston Copeland, who was put into a permanent coma. Following these examples, he accused Congress of spending way too much time debating small, unimportant issues, while ignoring far more important ones. After his rant about Congress, The President turned to the Judiciary. He claimed that the Supreme Court was "corrupt" for dismissing court and criminal cases on several politicians and called Justice Sophia Kennedy a "b\*tch".

The President used the claims of corruption as a casus belli for the TAP to declare war on the US Government and called upon every government official to either resign or be killed. Following this message, the TAP ballooned in terms of membership and support, gaining anywhere between 1,000 to 10,000 new members, 570 of which were added to the FBI's watchlist. As a result of the threat of assassination, politicians continued to increase their security, and limit their public appearances.

### Encounter with the Van Der Linde Gang

The TAP would conduct a meeting with the Van Der Linde Gang soon after the message, but negotiations soon fell apart as the Gang gunned down many TAP members who were attending the meeting. This soon devolved into a full-scale battle, with both the TAP and the Van Der Linde Gang using many illegally acquired weapons, such as rocket launchers. It was soon revealed that the gang had bought many different military items, such as tanks and planes.

### Second Press Conference on the TAP

After reports emerged of a balloon in the TAP's membership, McCarthy, on the advice of President Corn Pop, held another press conference in the White House. He stated that the TAP would forever be designated as an extremist organization and that the FBI has worked closely with the Department of Justice and the United States Marshall Service to help bring the group to justice.

The highlight of the conference was when a reporter asked McCarthy, in a furious and explicit manner, why there has been no statement released from President Corn Pop himself regarding the TAP, despite there being so many assassination attempts on government officials. McCarthy replied that Corn Pop had been extremely busy dealing with the TAP threat and thus had no time to make an address, though he would release one shortly.

### Strickland's encounter with Representative Falling

Secretary of Defence Strickland met up with Representative Falling, having gained enough evidence to determine he was a member of the Freedom Fighters, a group whose motives were still unknown. Strickland initially believed that the Freedom Fighters, and Falling, had intel on the TAP that could be useful for the federal government, but he did not know if they were allied with the TAP or not. Falling eventually stated that the Freedom Fighters were working against the TAP, and that the Government was wasting its time pursuing them instead of the TAP.

## Invasion of Washington DC

One day, prior to the State of the Union, attack drones from the TAP were released from a hotel window, and the TAP fried DC's power grids, leaving the capital in a state of blackout. Black motorcades began to head toward the motorcade President Corn Pop was in at the time, and one of them crashed into a police car, blowing up upon impact. Anti-air missiles were being fired at any planes in the air, including passenger airplanes. Thus, the TAP invasion of Washington DC commenced.

### The invasion, in detail

#### Main Battle

Corn Pop is immediately threatened with an attack from the TAP, and thus hits the panic button, despite not knowing its use. His motorcade has already lost 3 cars, and his limo speeds along to safety, leaving much of his motorcade behind. One of the limos will eventually be hit by a TAP car, and the rest of the motorcade, now reduced to 4 cars, is under heavy fire by TAP soldiers.

The panic button had alerted all law enforcement and military personnel of the attack on Corn Pop. Despite this, most were at least 1 hour away. In the meantime, helicopters flying above the air, as well as law enforcement on the ground, were tasked with protecting the President. As the motorcade opens fire on the TAP, they return in kind with bullets, drones, and grenades. The President also receives support from Nicholas King XX and his army of bodyguards, but Corn Pop is still injured in the attack in his leg.

Eventually, the pinned-down defenders receive backup from Warhammer, who has brought in F-16's and other reinforcements, turning the tide of the battle. Despite this, cars continue to ram themselves into the motorcade, causing significant damage. The Strykers fighting TAP begin to disperse, with heavy urban combat turning against the TAP soldiers. King continues to fend off the attackers although he encounters heavy fire.

Another van's backdoor opens blowing up the gate, and letting a total amount of 30 vans pull into the pentagon parking lot, though they soon pull out to support the attacks in the White House and Capitol

As the tide of the battle turns, the President manages to make it to the Capitol without sustaining too many injuries, though King is shot in the back by a sniper. TAP reinforcements arrive, and together with the group attacking the motorcade, they go on and attack the Capitol.

After an hour or so, the local police and military arrive and begin fighting the TAP.

#### Battle of the Capitol

A van at the back of the Capitol blows the gates of the Capitol open, and garbage trucks full of soldiers enter the premises and start opening fire. Explosions are heard outside the Senate and House, followed by gunfire, and an RPG is launched at the west side of the Capitol. The Capitol soon comes under fire from TAP reinforcements who were previously attacking the Motorcade, and the TAP forces now number 700. They soon separate out to go to different entrances in the Capitol.

While in the Capitol, a representative provides medical aid to the President, and Capitol Police hide at choke points to prevent the TAP from advancing any further. Despite this, the choke points are detected, and the TAP soldiers throw grenades at the police. By this time the TAP forces have increased to 800. While all this is going, the evacuation of Senators and Representatives is well underway, and most are brought to safety.

RPGs continue to be fired at the Capitol, though the Capitol Police fight back fiercely, with grenades and bullets. Despite their efforts, more TAP members push into the Capitol. 5 drones enter the capital through the open door, 2 at the house chamber, 2 at the senate chamber, and one at the Speaker's office. Capitol Police throw a few grenades to cause the collapse of the entrance that TAP was trying to use and crushing a dozen TAP members, and use EMPs to disable the remaining TAP drones, though they miss one drone that explodes and destroys the Senate chamber.

As the TAP forces fight fiercely, the Strykers begin encircling them, turning the tide of the battle. The TAP are outgunned and fight a losing battle. One of King's bodyguards, Seth, rigged several bombs that explode, killing 50. However, the TAP plants 16 C4 bombs in the Capitol, all of which go off. They then go on to find President Corn Pop, who is still safe save for the bullet in his leg, and has 4 secret service members with him.

One TAP fighter finds a secret passageway, and the others follow into it. As they walk down the passageway, however, bombs throughout the Capitol explode, killing all the TAP forces, including those at the secret passageway. The remaining forces all start withdrawing from the battle.

#### Attack on the White House

As the invasion of DC unfolds, a white van and an armored truck enter the White House, and someone launches a rocket at the White House South Gate. After the gate is blown up, 300 men enter the white house premises and start opening fire. The south door is attacked by a soldier with an RPG, and soon the TAP starts making concerted efforts to enter the White House, though they have to contend with secret service riflemen. Drones blow up the oval office, the residence and the kitchen, leaving the place in ruins.

50 TAP fighters eventually enter the White House and start shooting everyone they see, but special forces manage to sneak behind them and open fire. After some time, military forces arrive at the White House and begin firing at the massive TAP crowd, they are backed up by Stryker 4 , who eliminates half the TAP forces.

Another 50 fighters enter the white house and open fire on everyone, though the airborne infantry is sent to deal with them. As they enter, they find the place empty. There are only around 500 TAP forces left fighting in the White House, and they start withdrawing, having been significantly weakened.

#### The spy

As the President makes it out to safety, after the TAP forces start to leave the Capitol, one of his secret service agents assigned to him shoots Corn Pop in the chest. It is revealed that he was a spy, and King immediately fires at the traitor, who is killed instantly. Unbeknownst to everyone, Corn Pop knew that the secret service agent was a spy, and made sure to wear a bulletproof vest prior to ensure his survival.

### Aftermath

Through superior numbers, technology, and firepower, the US forces have defeated TAP at both the capitol and white house. This is not to say it was easy. 37 American soldiers have lost their lives, and hundreds have been wounded. Add onto that dozens of police casualties and others wounded, and it is a bittersweet victory. However, as the cloudy sky breaks, a single ray of sunshine shines down upon the capitol, now cloaked in silence. A brave marine runs through the silence, attaching a bullet-pierced American flag to the Capitol's bent flag pole, and raising it up high. At the Pentagon and the white house, other marines do the same, following his example.

Scars will remain. The white house, pentagon, and capitol will need intense repairs and renovations, however, survival is enough for now.

From his office in the pentagon, Strickland looks out on the ruined city, in horror at what his own actions have caused. Was waiting for the list really worth it? No matter, he will not tarry any longer. He sends Ulysses S. Grant the list to every alphabet agency in the country, a full list of every TAP member in the US.

#### State of the Union

Later that day, to a battered audience, President Corn Pop gives his State of the Union address under extra security. When addressing the TAP assassinations, he addresses every single government official assassinated by TAP by name. He promised the American public that the TAP will be swiftly brought to justice and dealt with sufficiently.

#### Subpoena of Strickland

Strickland was subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee, which was investigating the invasion. He was ordered by the chair Francis Durant to appear before the Committee for questioning. He stated that he had known about TAP for a year prior to the invasion, placed a mole within the organization that provided a full list of TAP members, and deployed military forces in DC to prepare for an attack. It was revealed that there were several moles close to the President that were purged prior to the State of the Union.

When Durant pressed Strickland into why no preventive measures were taken, Strickland replied that it was because they had very little intel that would be useful. They only started receiving intel before the state of the Union and did not want to act on it immediately lest their mole was captured. However, they still removed spies from DC and tried to set up barricades, fences, and security checkpoints around the capital.

Strickland noted that, in retrospect, the recon scheme was poorly conducted. The military's overreliance on naval-trained soldiers and marines who fought in urban warfare instilled loyalty among troops, but allowed enemy forces to get close and engage their forces with minimal losses.

## Decline of TAP

TAP was greatly weakened by the invasion, which had wiped out most of its forces. They no longer posed much of a threat anymore, and its members were rounded up and sentenced in a court of law. However, some rogue members continued to cause trouble. Despite its decline into obscurity, TAP has remained potent in the American psyche, and its legacy may be seen for decades to come.

### Subsequent attacks

#### Assassination attempt on Justice Kennedy

Justice Sophia Kennedy was the target of an assassination attempt shortly after the invasion. While she survived, five secret service agents were killed. Kennedy blamed far-right militant groups for the attempt on her life, which was condemned by several Republicans, most notably Vice President Jim Handle, who insisted it was members of the TAP and accused the Justice of playing a partisan game. When asked about the incident, President Corn Pop called on people to remember that both sides were affected due to TAP's attacks, and that anyone who claims that the attackers had any political affiliation is "simply making a political statement and taking away...the seriousness of the situation".