Check Mate

How far would you go to stop a cruel dictator and his barbaric reality show?In the far distant future, President Aldrich struggles to maintain control of what little is left of the United States after World War III decimates most of the country. He has embarked on a cruel dictatorship as he rules over the township of San Tropolis, the former city of Los Angeles. Assisting Aldrich, his brother hosts Check Mate, a show that rewards assailants for killing people. The prize for successfully completing their kill? One million dollars!Aldrich and the High Council seem unstoppable. People must submit to their rules or face the consequences. That includes accepting the barbarism of Check Mate since even badmouthing the show can land them in trouble. Living in fear, most people follow the rules. However, Aldrich may have a fight on his hands when one small group of plotters set out to put an end to the show.When the leader of the plotters falls in love with their newest member, Maria, he worries that he won't be able to keep her safe. Can Darren protect her as their rebellion escalates and puts more of them in danger? Who will be the next casualty of Aldrich's regime?The plotters know they need more people. But will they accept the violent ways of their new members, or will their methods make them as bad as Aldrich? One thing is for certain. Things are changing. People are beginning to take a stand. In a township with growing hatred for the High Council, the plotters may get some unexpected help!

Could you forgive someone who had betrayed you?The American Townships aren't like they used to be, at least not in San Tropolis, the township where President Aldrich rules. Thanks to the plotters and their attempts to get people to rebel, there's a lot of civil unrest. Bombings and rioting are commonplace now. Such things were unheard of until recently. As more people become brave enough to stand up against Aldrich and the High Council, the president fears he is losing control of the township.Despite their efforts, Darren and the other plotters still haven't been able to put an end to Check Mate, the show that rewards assailants for killing people. To make matters worse, one of the plotters has betrayed their group. Can the remaining plotters ever be able to come up with a plan to end the lethal reality series? Will there be a way to take Aldrich and his brother, Frank Sommers, down? It at least helps that most people hate the president and the High Council. The plotters may get more help than they expected.Their group faces a daunting task, but they will never accept Aldrich's rules or his barbaric TV show. Will they be safe? Will they ever get over the betrayal from one of their own? Will they ever be able to put an end to Check Mate? Whatever happens, they know that they can't sit back and watch people be killed each week for the High Council's entertainment. No matter what, the plotters must do everything they can to stop Aldrich and the High Council!

Would you risk your life to help someone who had betrayed you? The leader of the plotters will have to answer that question soon.Their new president, Henry Parsythe, has a lot on his plate. There's still too much civil unrest in the township of San Tropolis. Even though Check Mate has ended, the public still wants more. In a desperate attempt to get people on his side, Parsythe creates a time of Retribution. During this time, assassins will be allowed to go after the former assailants who killed their loved ones on the cruel reality TV series.Darren's personal connection to the show inspired him to become the leader of the plotters. Years ago, his sister, Becky, was a victim of Check Mate. The idea of going after her assailant appeals to him, but there may be something more important for him to do.