Birth of Malice, It started before the destruction came

[Holger Hemmingway]

It seems I've finally been caught. Good, I was long tired of running. Was it the enemy or one of our own? Either one should have killed me on the spot so the real mystery is why am I still alive. What use could anyone possibly have with a murderer? Yes, that's what I am. And who would deny it? Certainly not my pursuers, whom I left dead back in the woods were they caught me. There was no helping it, I doubt they wanted to discuss over tea why my entire squad was missing and why oh why was I covered in blood... What could I say....my hand slipped.

They had captured him like a wild animal and imprisoned him in a cell. He was not alone although he'd rather be than having to sit with this bad company. It was a small chamber were they kept war prisoners. They all had separate cubicles made of iron bars and despite the rust, the place wasn't to shabby...for a cell. There was a corridor in the middle of the chamber with a door at each end. The strangest thing was that on said corridor there was an odd red carpet that ran from one door to the other. Though no one said anything, the question lingered in all their minds. When the door opened, who would walk that path?

[Mr. T]

It was a damp and dark. And though his slowly adjusting eyes couldn’t tell the exact dimension, he knew the place was small. Then he saw the rusted iron bars and he understood it was a prison. Startled he tried to move, but the pain rippled through his bandaged body. He was hurt. Yes, he remembered.

He was a military pilot, who led an attack squad to bomb Roger Beams’ main sanctuary. However his plane dropped out of the sky. He remembered how the escape mechanism was jammed and his chutes destroyed. Quick thinking saved him, but the freefall into the ocean battered his body. Afterwards he remembered a woman soldier that found him and a male doctor that treated him. Though both faces were foggy and the scenes only revealed seconds at most of what happened to him.

Then a door at the end shifted open, the light flooded the prison. There was a man, about the age of fifty, festooned in great robes. Behind him were several soldiers, all heavily armed. The soldiers quickly opened up the cells and began dragging the prisoners out and against a wall, Terrence was amongst them. Once everyone was out of their cells, the guns were pointed at them. ‘A firing range, they were going to be executed’, thought Terrence.

“Welcome. I have a proposal for you. The world has gone awry and god has turned to men once more to fix what has grown out of control. Think of me as Noah and this, your sole chance at getting in by ark,” he said emphatically.

“Screw you, you’re crazy!!” shouted one of the prisoners, before he was swiftly killed by the soldiers.

“All those that are not with me are against me and will meet our merciless leader short after,” he said pointing towards the heaven. “So, will you join me?” he said addressing a sole man of blonde hair and pale blue eyes.

[Holger Hemmingway]

To kill one is to warn a hundred. An old Chinese proverb that stills remains ever so true for our fellow convicts. No Holger was no fool, having thrown away his loyalty for his country long ago, the choice was clear.

Well that guy doesn't seem very happy with his selection. Im going with door number two.

"My own people want to end me. My life is yours."

As cliche as it may have seemed, he knelled in front of what looked like some sort of king. If submission would keep him alive and well, then pride was for the dead. Those who where smart among the prisoners quickly followed his example. Those who were not still gaped at the dismembered victim fearing the same fate. One thing was clear, the room now had the stench of fear.

[Mr. T]

Terrence watched baffled as the other prisoners kneeled before the leader. There was no doubt in his mind. That man was none other than Roger Beams. His mission had been to terminate the very man, but instead he was held at gunpoint and the only thing that could save him was loyalty.

“American soldiers… real American soldiers are trained to die for their nation,” he said facing Beams’ quizzical eyes. His tempered flared when the man laughed at his comment. But this only jerked a reaction from the bodyguards behind.

“Hold,” ordered Roger, at which the men behind him lowered their guns. “You’re Terrence Jay Phillip. Yes, I’m familiar with your background. I find it so puzzling how perfectly working jets just drop out of the sky. Then that very nation that you protect so much tries to blame it all on me. Next thing you know you’ve got the world lining up for another war. To them you’re nothing but a scapegoat. What can they do for you? For your family?” asked Beams placing his hand over Terrence shoulder.

The speech only increased Terrence confusion. But he did remember the crash and had wondered tampering himself. His country had done things like this before. He would have died for his country proudly, but not like that. To protect his family, it was the only logical choice. Reluctantly he chose to submit, at least until a better opportunity came along.

“I will serve, under the understanding that you will protect my family.”

“Very well. These men are now my guests. Show them their quarters,” he ordered before heading out of the room.

[Holger Hemmingway]

Well going from prisoner to guest wasn't a bad start. For the moment he was alive, he had lost his freedom but at the very least he had escaped his death sentence. It was a second chance but he had sold his soul to the devil for it.


So...that was it? That was the interview for the job? No test? No form with little black dots to fill? Somehow it doesn't feel right...

The soldiers at Beams command guided the prisoners to the opposite door where Beams had made his exit. Passed that door, they were taken to another hallway with seemingly endless quarters in both sides of the walls. One by one, they were located into separate rooms that electronically looked themselves once they were placed inside. The rooms were plain, identical and more importantly not that much different from a cell. For the exception of course of the comfortable beds and the trays of decent food. Holger having spent the last few weeks surviving on what little he could find appreciated the jest. He ate the steak in a matter of minutes and drank the hearty broth in less. After that he looked at the watch that marked 10:30. Time for bed.

[Mr. T]

Terrence was taken to a plain room. His quarters though small, had enough luxury for his simple taste. It had a clean bed and a tray of food. As he ate, he consciously left a hefty portion for later. After all he was still a prisoner, and couldn’t guarantee that another ration would be given.

Several minutes passed, before an armed guard entered the premises and escorted Terrence into the hall. Before taking Terrence up a few floor and into a plain room that had maps draped over the walls, he ordered another guard to fetch the other soldiers. The guard complied and opened up the door and stepped into Holger’s room.

“Wake up sleeping beauty. The boss wants to see ya,” said the guard.