1

 

"WE ARE NOT GODS!" The Being snaps, frustration and anger finally breaking through his impartial demeanour.

"But you are," Jeeval replies, a childish pleading underscoring his statement. "You came down from the heavens to free us from our bonds. You made us your chosen. You rescued us."

"Yes, we came down from the heavens, but we are not gods; we are your neighbours. So, of course, we gave you aid, but that is just what is required when one finds oppression."

"But we thought..."

"You thought?" The Being states, self-control struggling to hold his anger in check. "You thought our kindness somehow permitted you to become the evil we freed you from."

"But we have the right to defend ourselves."

"You have a right to nothing. What you have is an obligation to your fellows."

"He does not seem to be getting your point, brother." 

The words make Jeeval jump, and he strains to see who has entered the room. "It may be time for an explanation from me."

"No, Commander." The Being answers, one long-fingered hand held up in a warding fashion. "They are still under our protection and must first forfeit that protection before you can have your way with them."

The Commander bows while smiling at Jeeval. "As you wish. However, I do not believe them worthy of your attention. They know only aggression and war as a way to settle their differences, and I fear that that is the route we will end up having to take them. Otherwise, they will never learn."

The Being seems to consider this momentarily and then looks to Jeeval. "This will be the last chance for you and yours, Jeeval. If you do not take your place as a friend, I will leave you to face the Commander's teaching."

"But how can I be held responsible for the sins of everyone?" Jeeval says. "How can you judge me for the evil of others."

"Do you not judge the whole based on the deeds of the few?" The Being snaps back. "Do you not condemn an entire people because of your fear that one may attack you? Do you not intend to destroy an entire society to stop a perceived threat that may or may not come to pass in the future? Do you not condemn them to death for no other crime than existing!?"

The Being points to the wall, and as it opens to show the world below, the view within snaps into focus and Jeeval can see the shattered remains of an apartment block. Around the rubble are the shapes of people digging through the destruction, pulling bodies and survivors into the light. "Justify your actions. Justify the murder of innocents for the chance to destroy evil? An evil that you have no proof exists."

"But I have no say in what is done by governments," Jeeval says, sudden realization coming to his eyes. "I am just a simple man. I have no power to stop this."

The Commander barks a harsh laugh at Jeeval, shaking his head. "Brother, this is too much," he says. "Must we put up with this?"

"Then who has the power, Jeeval?" The Being continues his accusing tone, ignoring the Commander's comment. "Who commands and then sits back and watches all that is done in their name? Who accepts the praise from their leaders as they corral and steal from those too weak to defend themselves?"

"I don't know," Jeeval protests, looking from the Commander to the Being. 

"Enough," the Commander barks and turns Jeeval's head to face the screen.

Jeeval watches as the scene sharpens and shows the broken body of a young woman as she's pulled from the destruction. Then he turns as the woman's arms are jarred loose, and an infant falls to the ground, crushed by the weight of the attack.

The Being waits for Jeeval to recover, his dark face radiating sympathy and anger at the man's inability to accept his role in this crime against innocence. "Do not turn away, Jeeval. You cheer for those who carry out these attacks yet refuse to enjoy the reaping of your payment?"

"I did not want this!" Jeeval says. "This is not our fault. If they did not conspire..."

"Conspire?" The Being says. "With whom did that child conspire? To what end?"

Jeeval stammers as words fail him. "They try to stop us from living in peace. We've tried. We've tried to live with them, but they insist on fighting us. So why are they not on trial? Why are they the victims? Why are we always being persecuted!?"

"Enough of this farce," the Commander says. "Why do you think we chose you, Jeeval? Out of all those others, why you?"

"I don't know," Jeeval answers cautiously.

"Please, brother," the Being says. "This is not the time." 

"They have forgotten, brother," the Commander says, his eyes burning into Jeeval. "They have forgotten your gift. They have forgotten their salvation."

"What?" Jeeval asks, his head turning from one to the other.

"I fear that you are correct, Commander." The Being responds, ignoring Jeeval. "But I must try before I refer their future into your hands. Otherwise, we are no better than them."

The Commander smiles, takes Jeeval by the shoulder and leans in close. "You have forgotten. Soon my brother will realize that, and l will be your reminder." 

Then, as the Being leaves the room, the Commander lifts Jeeval from the chair and guides him closer to the view screen. "Let us take a closer look, shall we?" The Commander asks. "Let us witness the fruits of your labours."

2

Jeeval looks down on his home as flames lick and caresses screaming hulks that once housed hundreds. The Commander holds his head so he cannot look away, forcing him to watch as a new enemy enters the capital's streets.

"Why?" Jeeval asks, tears threatening at the corner of his eye. "Why blame everyone for the actions of a few?"

The Commander laughs cynically, mocking Jeeval. "Yes, why?"

An explosion brings Jeeval's attention back to the scene below. He watches as the Grand Barrier, erected to protect and exclude, comes crashing down like a serpent in the throes of death.

"Please," Jeeval says as the weapons of war pour over the wreckage of the wall. "Stop this. How can you let this happen?"

"I am not letting this happen," the Commander answers. "I am causing this to happen. I am what you get when your humanity fails. I am who my society sends when they have had enough of their kindness taken for granted and used as an excuse to cause suffering in others."

"How were we to know?" Jeeval snaps, tears replaced with rage. "You could have sent a warning. You could have told us."

"How were you to know?" The Commander asks calmly, watching another burst of fire tear through the scene below. "Even the lowest of life forms know how to be a neighbour. No one told the algae how to co-exist with the fungus. No one taught the wolf how to share the forest with the bear, but they exist without getting in each other's way. But you, a creature of knowledge, insight, understanding, and reason, cannot find a way to live with your brethren without trying to destroy them."

The Commander touches the glass separating space from Jeeval, a brilliant light flashes, and another building bursts like an overfilled balloon.

"You have gone from the oppressed to the oppressor. You have taken your gift of freedom and squandered it for what? A little extra land? A few more resources?" The Commander turns to face Jeeval, "No, none of that. You have done all this for, how do you humans put it, payback? You suffered, so now someone, anyone, will have to pay for that. You took our kindness, found weaker and lacking people, and began to force your will upon them." 

Two of the Commander's subordinates enter the room, and he waves them over. "I have stated repeatedly that your kind will never advance to a place where you can move past these petty differences. Therefore, I have argued that we must present ourselves to you to show how small you are. But, my brethren feel that your arrogance and inability to accept your minuteness will cause your society to crumble. So we try to keep things level."

"This is Mrax and Wree," the Commander says, motioning to the newcomers. "They will be sending you home, Jeeval, with the knowledge that you and your kind are larval, leaching insects trying to control the beast from which you feed. You are going home with the understanding that without change, you are all doomed to repeat this," the Commander waves at the destroyed city pictured below, "unfortunate outcome to your desires."

The Commander motions to the door, "Proceed."

"Yes, Commander," Mrax says, leading the small group from the observation room and moving them through the gleaming hallway. 

After a few minutes, Jeeval looks at Mrax and asks, "How many?"

"How many?" Mrax replies.

"How many have been brought here like this?" Jeeval asks, his voice is soft and resigning. "How many chances have we had?"

"I'll only tell you that you are one of many," Mrax answers. "But your inability to understand anything greater than yourselves has always brought corruption to their message."

"So they have all failed?" Jeeval asks.

"Yes," Mrax says reflectively. "One came close, but in the end, his telling was twisted and manipulated into a path of control and oppression. We had all but given up on you and yours after that."

"Then why me?" Jeeval asks

"The council demands one last attempt before they consider further action," Mrax says as he guides Jeeval into another hallway, "though the time allotted has been drastically reduced. So, we chose you, Jeeval, because we know you," Mrax says accusingly. "We know how your mind works and how quickly. We have seen the knowledge that you hold and your ability to use it to your advantage. We ask that you leave your selfishness behind and use that ability to help your fellow man and try."

"Try?" Jeeval replies.

"We can ask no more," Mrax says with finality. "The rest is up to you."

The three continue until they reach a large glass door, where Wree waves her hand over a small panel, and the door slides open. In the new room's center, Jeeval sees a structure with a base similar to a small trampoline.

"Stand there, please," Wree says politely, pointing at the machine's base.

"What is it?" Jeeval asks as he moves to the pad.

"It is your transport home," Mrax responds. "You have a chance to stop these intervening visits, and this is how you start."

"They won't listen," Jeeval says as he steps onto the platform.

"They never do," Wree says as she manipulates the controls, punching a sequence of buttons and pulling the lever above the panel. "But you must try; your humanity requires you to do so."

Mrax and Wree watch as Jeeval starts to fade. "Will they ever listen, sister?" Mrax asks.

"Only time will tell," Wree responds. "But history is against them, brother. History is against them."

3

As the glistening light of the alien machine fades, Jeeval finds himself standing in the center of his city's central square. All around him, where there should be the sights and sounds of a vibrant, thriving bazaar, lay the bodies of his brethren. He makes his way through the burned, crushed, and dismembered ghosts; his mind already far too close to giving up his sanity.

The only word Jeeval can articulate as he crunches through the rubble is, "Why." He longs to look down and make his passing easier, but he is terrified that the crunching is not stone. He is terrified that the crunching will turn out to be the bones of the dead. Each footstep brings an odd, dry snap that reverberates through him like thunder. He has convinced himself that that is the sound that broken concrete makes as it rubs against itself, but he knows the lie for what it is.

Jeeval has been wandering, unaware of the passing time, when he realizes he has made his way to the defence wall. But the massive concrete and wire beast now lies limp on the ground, like a great worm, killed by those against whom it was meant to protect. Or was it the builder's arrogance that brought it down? Jeeval stands and surveys the wall for several minutes before giving voice to his observation. "A little of both, I think," he says absently. "Our arrogance and their hatred. That's what destroyed us." Then, looking around, he continues, "Am I the last? Is no one left?"

Jeeval walks along the wall's corpse and comes upon the burned and burning husks of those weapons used to batter and break. Their barrels protrude from their tortured hulks, slowly lowering as the heat of the flames takes its toll. Then, as if resigning itself to its future, one of the mighty beasts explodes one last time and goes silent. And, as if in response, a building behind him collapses. 

Then, he sees a shadow moving through the smoke from a wrecked helicopter and stops. Jeeval squints through the sun's glare to try to make it out, but it's gone as quickly as it had come.

"Am I losing my mind?" Jeeval whispers, approaching a crashed helicopter.

He sees the shadow again; this time, he knows what it is, almost before it emerges from the gloom. Jeeval has nowhere to hide and no time to run as fear freezes him to the spot. So he watches as an enemy patrol materializes from the smoke. The lead soldier and Jeeval look at each other; disbelief mirrored in each man's face. Then the soldier raises his rifle and screams, "Stay where you are!"

"Who are you?" The soldier asks.

"He asked you a question," another soldier demands.

"I am Jeeval."

"Why are you here?" The Lieutenant asks as he steps forward to grab Jeeval. "Are you a spy? A soldier?"

"No," Jeeval says, pulling back, unable to break free. "I live here."

"Where did you come from?"

"I walked here from the bazaar."

One of the soldiers lets a wicked smile creeps across his lips. "The bazaar is dead, my friend."

"I know," Jeeval says, "I saw the waste this war has brought."

"Waste?" The officer scoffs. "Your side has been wasting my people for decades," he barks, pushing Jeeval to the ground. "Don't talk to us about waste."

"I'm sorry," Jeeval whispers.

"Not yet," the Lieutenant says, "but you will be." Then, motioning for the Sergeant to take Jeeval into custody, he continues, "On your feet. You're under arrest."

4

Jeeval sits in his cell, the sounds of torture and pain surrounding him like a mouldy blanket. The patrol brought him here days ago, and since then, nothing—no contact with anyone other than his guards and the inmate that brings the meals around.

"LUNCH!" The guard barks as a tray of food slides under Jeeval's cell door.

"Thank you," Jeeval replies. 

After his meal, Jeeval sits and listens to the prison's sounds. His imagination works overtime, filling his mind with gruesome pictures of the worst things he can imagine. He believes he'll go mad at one point, but the screams cease, and a deathly silence covers the jail.

"Hello," a shallow voice comes from somewhere in the darkness, "Is there anyone there?"

Jeeval sits motionless, not trusting the sudden interruption to the silence. He can't help but think that this is some soft interrogation technique, and he is its target.

"Hello," the voice comes again. It is sadder than the first time it crept out of the dark. "Please, is there anyone else here?"

Jeeval fights the urge to speak, longing to hear his voice in a conversation with another, but trust is at a premium. Who is this person? He asks himself. Who is it, and what does the voice want?

"I'm here," a young woman's voice answers.

"I thought I was alone."

Jeeval hears someone moving nearby and finds he is holding his breath. "Is there someone else there?" The young woman's voice comes again. "Who are you? Are you one of them?"

"Are you sure there is someone else?" The first voice sneaks back into the darkness. "Who are you? Tell us. Tell us who you are!?"

Jeeval sits as still as a statue, his lungs burning as he doesn't dare breathe. He doesn't know why this fear has overtaken him, but he cannot break free.

"Okay," the young woman says quietly, "keep your secrets then. What does it matter? We're doomed already; what trouble could a spy cause us?"

Jeeval's breath vomits from his chest as explosions of white flashes strangle his vision with little stars. He tries to catch himself before collapsing but fails, and he falls backward, striking his head on the stone floor.

"Will you pretend you're not there now?" The young woman asks, barely audible against the pounding in his temples. "Will you insult us still by not speaking?"

Jeeval gasps as he sits up and slides to the wall of his cell. He leans his shoulder against the cold stone and waits for his lungs to fill his body's needs. Then, hesitant to give away too much, he says, "I am here."

"Thank you," the young woman says, "my name is Sharita; what is your name?"

Jeeval hesitates once again. He searches for a reason to keep his identity a secret, but after finding none, he replies, "I am Jeeval."

"Nice to meet you, Jeeval," Sharita says. "And the other? Will you give us the honour of your name?"

"I am Rehto."

"Nice to meet you as well, Rehto."

"Do either of you know where we are?" Jeeval asks.

"I was blindfolded," Sharita says. "I was taken in the south, near the border. I know it took a day and a night to get here from my home. But what direction we took, I cannot say."

"How about you, Rehto?" Jeeval asks. "Did you see or hear anything that might tell us where we are?"

"Unfortunately, my friend, I know exactly where we are," Rehto says, a ring of sorrow and despair in his tone. "We are at the end of the world. We are at a place where life and death become interchangeable. And we are at the mercy of those who believe they have the power to decide which side of the coin your future will land on."

Javeel's blood goes cold as he realizes where they are. "Ragmantle," he says, the hollow sound of his dread travelling to his companions.

"Yes," Rehto answers. "The death house."

5

"Name?"

"What?"

"Name!?"

"Jeeval."

The Captain stares at Jeeval, waiting for him to continue. When he does not, the Captain stands and leans on the desk, his fists clenched. "Your entire name."

"I'm sorry," Jeeval stutters. "Jeeval Sapra."

"Thank you," the Captain says as he sits again. "Now, Jeeval, you were captured by the Lieutenants patrol as you tried to cross the wall and infiltrate our territory."

"I'm sorry," Jeeval replies. "I was not infiltrating anything. I'm a civilian, not a soldier."

"Really?" The Captain smiles. "And where did you come from?"

"I came," Jeeval starts, then pauses to think out his response. "I came from the capital's southern district," he says. "I was coming from the bazaar when your men took me."

"In future," the Captain says sternly, "you will state that my men captured you. Claiming that they took you makes it sound like you are accusing them of some wrongdoing. Someone like you has no grounds for accusations. Not after what you have done."

"Someone like me?" Jeeval asks incredulously. "What do you mean, someone like me? What have I done? What evil deeds did I visit on you or any of you?" He continues, waving his hand at the rest of the people in the small room. "I wasn't even in the city when you and your soldiers sacked it. I first knew of the battle when I arrived at the bazaar and saw what you'd left behind."

Jeeval snaps off the last word, praying that his audience can't see the lie on his face. He is terrified that he has gone too far, but the Captain says nothing. Instead, he sits there, a slight grin on his lips, seemingly turning Jeeval's outburst over in his thoughts.

"You're from the capital, you say?" The Captain begins, like a cat with a mouse. "The same capital as your people's government?"

Jeeval realizes what is happening, and the knowledge brings frustration as he also sees that he can do nothing to stop it. "Yes, the capital. Isn't that where most governments reside?"

"There is no need for hostilities, Jeeval. I am merely trying to ascertain the facts."

"The facts?" Jeeval asks with little regard for his tone. "What facts? The facts that make what you have done acceptable? The facts that show that you are not responsible for the death and destruction you've left behind? What facts exactly?"

"Enough," The Captain erupts. "What about you? What about you and your people? Hmmm? All you have done for a hundred years is slaughter my people in the streets, and you have the gall to sit there with your sanctimonious outrage and lecture me on what is right and just?"

"I did none of those things," Jeeval snaps back. "I did not order the death of anyone. Nor did I kill anyone!"

"No?" The Captain replies, rising. "Maybe you did not pull the trigger, but you are as responsible as those who did! You ignored the cries of those you would rather not hear. Women, children, and the elderly were gunned down in your name, and you did nothing. You never once raised your voice against your government's policies. You cheered them on. And then you praise the brave soldiers as they march back home having defeated an enemy of children."

"What about you?" Jeeval snaps back without thinking. "You are not innocent in all this. You've done your fair share of damage."

"Our fair share?" The Captain says, rising again and throwing Jeeval a menacing, gut-wrenching look of contempt. "You kill our children in the streets and say we've done our fair share? You destroy entire communities and never answer for it, and still, you accuse us of doing our fair share?"

The Captain rounds the desk and grabs Jeeval by the shoulders, glaring into his eyes. "Have we played the game? Yes. Have we tried to exact revenge for what you've done to us? Yes! Have we come close to the evil that you and yours have brought to us!? No!"

Jeeval feels the pressure of the other man's violence, and then he is flying through the air. He hits the wall and collapses to the floor, gasping for breath. "I'm sorry," he says, almost too quiet to hear. "I'm sorry."

"Not yet," the Captain says as he sits behind the desk. "But you will be." Then as the guards pick Jeeval up off the floor, the Captain says more calmly, "Take him back to his cell and bring me the girl."

"Why?" Jeeval asks. "What will you do to her?"

"I am not a savage," the Captain snaps. "But those being your first thoughts show more about you than me."

The Captain finishes the meeting with a wave of his hand. And after a moment, Jeeval is escorted from the room to become the plaything of his imagination.

6

Jeeval paces his cell like a caged beast, unable to get the vision of Sharita's torture out of his mind. Finally, he swears an oath under his breath, promising revenge for whatever the Captain is doing to the young woman. Then, hearing the cellblock door open, he runs to his barred window. He expects the worst, but Sharita has no visible sign of abuse.

"The bastard must have kept his abuses hidden," Jeeval whispers to himself. Then, not caring if the guards escorting her hear him, he asks, "Has he harmed you, Sharita?"

"Harmed me?" She replies. "No, why should he harm me? He asked me some questions. Nothing more."

Jeeval watches Sharita pass by with her escort and is confused. Isn't that how interrogations work? Torture? Intimidation? Pain?

"Come with us," the guard says, snapping Jeeval back. "The Captain has questions."

"Why me?" Rehto asks, fear peaking into his voice. "I don't know anything. I am no one. I am not even important enough to be missed."

"Yes, yes," the guard says while opening the cell. "All the same, the Captain has questions and wants you to answer them."

"It will be alright, Rehto." Jeeval calls. "Be brave, and he will not hurt you. Just answer with the truth, and you will be okay."

But does he believe that? Does he think that Rehto will be okay? Does he believe that Sharita was unchanged from her time with the Captain? No, he doesn't. He doesn't think that at all. Once the guards are gone, Jeeval gets as close to the bars as possible. He's trying to catch a glimpse of Sharita to see what happened in the Captain's office.

"Sharita?" Jeeval calls, not able to see her. "Sharita, are you there?"

Several moments pass, and he is about to call again when the young voice comes through the gloom of the darkening ward. "Yes, Jeeval. I am here."

"What did he ask you?" Jeeval asks carefully, not wanting to let her know that he suspects she is lying about her treatment at the hands of the Captain.

"He asked where I am from," she says matter-of-factly. "Then he asked why I was in the area they found me in." Then, she pauses, thinking, "He asked me if I know you and if I can tell him anything about you that may be important."

Jeeval's heart goes cold. "What did you say?"

"I said all that I could say, Nothing." Sharita's voice trails off momentarily, and then she asks, "Who are you, Jeeval?"

"What do you mean?"

"They seem to think that you are someone of some significance. The Captain doesn't know what to make of you."

"Why," Jeeval asks, genuinely intrigued.

"I don't think they can put you on trial or pass judgment on you if they don't know who you are, exactly. The Captain is very interested in you." Her words trail off into a whisper before going silent altogether.

"Sharita?" Jeeval calls again, anxious to change the subject. "What about you?"

"Me?" Sharita asks sadly. "I am a lost soul, my friend. I will probably end my days here."

"A lost soul?" Jeeval asks, confused. "What does that mean?"

"It means that I am one of the undesirables. I am the embodiment of what the enlightened have declared unnecessary.

"What does that mean?"

"I don't know," she says sadly, "maybe I represent how things were. And maybe they no longer want to be reminded." Sharita is silent for a long moment before continuing. "I think I would like to pray and meditate. I hope you understand."

"Yes," he says, knowing that her prayers will fall on deaf ears. "I won't bother you anymore."

Jeeval crosses his cell and falls onto his cot, a heaviness settling over him. "Are you even listening anymore?" He asks no one as sleep grabs hold. "Were you ever listening at all? "

7

Jeeval's dream is vague, and he can't remember much, but when he wakes, he feels he has just finished a meeting with the Being.

"Open one!" The shout comes from the hallway, and Jeeval rushes to his cell door to see what has happened to Rehto. "Close One!" The second command comes just as the cell door closes.

"Rehto?" Jeeval calls. "Rehto, are you alright?"

"No," comes the reply. "No, I am not alright. I am far from alright! I have just spent the last several hours in interrogation."

"I know," Jeeval responds more automatically than with sincerity. "But were you harmed?"

"Not physically, no. But the Captain has questions that he is very interested in getting answered, and he made it quite clear that he would have his answers one way or the other, " Rehto says coldly. "And you know what those questions are about, Jeeval?"

"No."

"You!" Rehto snaps as he kicks at his door. "You! It was all about you!"

"Me?" Jeeval says, confusion twisting his voice. "What about me?"

"Who are you? Did I know you before the incident? What have you said since being locked up." 

Rehto falls silent momentarily and continues, "Who are you, Jeeval!? Who are you, and why did you have to come here and cause this misery!?"

Jeeval stands dumbfounded. How can this all be about him? How can the Captain think any of these people could know him? "What are you talking about?" He asks. "What exactly did he ask you?"

Before Rehto can answer, the cellblock door opens, and the Captain enters the hallway. He looks from one to the other before settling his eyes on Jeeval. "It's time for you and me to have that in-depth conversation, Jeeval."

8

Jeeval sits in the dark, awaiting what he believes will be the end of his life. It is the torture that he fears most. The unknown lengths the Captain will go to find information that he is sure Jeeval has.

The dinner tray the soldier brought him earlier sits untouched in front of Jeeval. He knows that it is drugged — either the meal or coffee. One of them is drugged. He's sure of it. So he sits, his hunger kept at bay by the fear.

"Where is he?" Jeeval whispers to the room.

"I'm right here, Jeeval." 

Jeeval searches the shadows, but the light blazing above him prevents him from seeing more than a few feet. "Where?" He blurts out, unable to control himself. "Where are you?"

"Right in front of you," The Captain replies. "Can't you see me? Well, never mind. Shall we begin deciphering your existence?"

"My existence?" Jeeval asks, anxiety creeping into his already shaky voice. "What do you mean, my existence?"

"Well," the Captain continues, "I find it hard to believe your explanation for how you came to be where my men found you. Especially when I add a second patrol's report that saw you, how do I put this, appeared out of thin air."

The fact that the patrol had seen him arrive in the bazaar changes everything and makes Jeeval's blood run cold. All his explanations and reasons for who and what he is are gone. This development ruins everything.

"Shall I tell you what I know?" The Captain's voice comes again.

"No. I don't care what you think, you know. You're wrong; that's obvious. If you think that I'm anything other than what I have told you already, you're wrong. Or, you've been lied to."

Laughter fills the room, and Jeeval feels the slick tickle of sweat push through his skin. "Oh, my friend, you are a persistent liar; I'll give you that. But, as you and I both know, you are much more than you let on. So, now we find out why."

"There is nothing to find out," Jeeval says weekly.

"So you say. But I think you are mistaken. In fact, I know you are."

"Then ask your questions," Jeeval says, defiance edging into his voice. "Ask away, and let's see who is mistaken about what."

9

"Okay, Jeeval," The Captain says, his voice dripping with authority and malice. "The game is over."

"What game?" Jeeval asks.

"Name?"

"What?"

"Name!?"

"Jeeval Sapra." Jeeval answers, a touch of malice in his words now.

"Address?"

"469 Vessel Overwatch, Cisteryl."

"Job?"

"What?" Jeeval asks, knowing that he is playing with fire. "What has that to do with anything,"

"Mr. Sapra," the Captain growls. "Answer my questions, or I will pass you along to my associate. And maybe he can get you to answer."

Jeeval has no intention of discovering who or what his associate is, so he takes a deep breath, considers his options, and answers, "Clerk."

"Elaborate."

"Clerk in the Ministry is Defence." Jeeval states, hoping to hide the truth within the lie.

"Yes, Ministry of Defence," the Captain repeats. "But a clerk? I do not think so."

"It doesn't matter what you think or believe; the fact remains that I am a clerk with the Ministry of Defence."

"Okay, we'll leave that for now," the Captain says with a mocking tone in his voice. "How did you come to be in the area where my men found you?"

"As I have said, I walked there from the bazaar."

"And how did you come to be in the bazaar?" The Captain asks. "And be careful, Jeeval. I already know the answer to the question, so do not lie to me."

"I walked there from my home. After the fighting was over."

The Captain stares at Jeeval, and a slight grin crosses his lips. "I asked you not to lie to me."

The Captain's tone makes the hair on Jeeval's neck stand up. "What do you mean?" He responds, finally. "How did I get there then, if not by walking? The streets are full of burned-out cars, buildings everywhere have collapsed, so just how do you think I got there!?"

"Well, I'd say magic if I believed in such nonsense, but I don't. So, I'd have to say that your government has developed; how do I put this without sounding insane," the Captain says, eyeing Jeeval and dragging out the last syllable. "Teleportation?"

"Teleportation?" Jeeval asks, stunned at how close the Captain has come to the truth. "You are insane if you think that that is a thing. Who has been feeding you this fantasy? You need to have whomever it is, see a doctor because they have something very, very wrong with them."

"That is, exactly, what I first thought," the Captain chuckles in the darkness. "I was about to beat the stupidity out of the man when he showed me the video."

"Video?" Jeeval asks, scrambling to come up with a counter to this new evidence.

"Yes," the Captain says, stepping into the light with a laptop. "All of my men wear cameras, so I don't miss a thing. Punishment for disobeying my orders is swift, and when a soldier brings me a story like yours, it saves him a beating. Would you like to see it? Of course, you would."

The Captain sets the laptop in front of Jeeval and plays the video. Jeeval watches as the view of the bizarre comes to life. First, a video shot by a soldier's body cam moves slowly through the rubble toward the central fountain. Then, as the soldier rounds a collapsed building, the audio is filled with a high-pitched whine coming from somewhere or everywhere. It drowns out everything except the soldier's voice, who screams in pain as the sound gets louder. But after a strange shadow passes over him, the sound disappears. A moment later, a bright blue flash comes from the fountain's direction, and the soldier collapses. Jeeval's eyes shift from the screen to the Captain and back again. His mind spins, trying to find a reason for him to be standing by the fountain when the light fades.

"Explain," comes the Captain's voice.

Jeeval lets out a breath and whispers, "Explain what? You can't even see the fountain from where he was. If there is something you want to know about what your man saw, then ask him."

"All we have is this video," the Captain says. "The soldier was incapacitated by the event and only realized what had happened after watching it himself. So, the explaining is left to you."

And suddenly, there is defiance raging inside of Jeeval. A hatred he has not felt before. He fights it, not wanting the Captain to see. "Fine, I will, but you won't believe me."

"Try me."

10

"You're right, Jeeval," the Captain smiles. "I don't believe you."

"You don't believe my story?" Jeeval asks with a slight edge to his voice. "How is my story more far-fetched than you claiming that my government has developed teleportation?"

The Captain sits back in his chair, eyeing Jeeval closely. "Well, both stories are mad. But, you were seen and recorded appearing out of thin air," the Captain replies, leaning forward, clasping his hands on the table. "So, how did you do that?"

"No, I wasn't," Jeeval insists. "You have a flash of blue light from behind a pile of rubble. You are adding meaning to something that does not exist."

"Yes, a flash of blue light in an empty bazaar, and then you, by your admission, are there," the Captain says as frustration creeps into his voice. Then, changing direction, he continues, "You have told me a fantastic story where you represent everyone and stand to answer for all their sins. You, a man who claims to be an insignificant member of society."

"Our sins." Jeeval interrupts.

"Pardon?"

"Not everyone's sins," Jeeval continues. "Our sins. Mine and my people."

The Captain eyes Jeeval coldly before continuing. "Again, Jeeval, you claim to be the focus of this epic attempt to save humanity. Surely that is just your view of things. Surely these "aliens" meant everyone if they were the benevolent beings you claim them to be. Why would they try to save only you and yours when you claim that we are all at risk?"

"That is not what I meant, Captain," Jeeval says uncomfortably.

"Then what do you mean?" The Captain asks.

Jeeval exhales slowly, taking his time to find the words to explain his fantastic story. "As far as I can understand, the Being chose me because I represent the evil my people have done."

"You, alone?" The Captain asks.

"It would seem so," Jeeval responds and continues, "And now I have been tasked with convincing enemy and friend both to put aside our differences and unite our lives. Then I was introduced to the Commander, who seems to be the leader of the military wing of the expedition."

"And the Commander is the one claiming to have given my people the method and strength to defeat your much stronger force, correct?" The Captain asks.

"In its basic premise, yes."

"So, even now, you are insinuating that you are so superior to us that we would not be able to take back our lives without external assistance?"

Jeeval sees the trap too late and shakes his head sadly. "No, Captain. I am saying that they pushed you over the edge. You attacked because they pushed you to the point of violence. You and yours were on the precipice of war, and the Commander gave you a nudge."

"Well," the Captain says calmly. "It would appear that you are saying that our heathen society would never have taken power from you if not for some unseen assistance."

"Are you purposely misunderstanding me, Captain? Is this some game you play with your prisoners? Did you do this to Sharita and Rehto? Is this why they are so shaken when they come back from your questioning?"

"No, no, no," the Captain smiles naturally. "Miss Sharita and Rehto told me the truth. They experienced no pain or discomfort. I asked, and they responded. Honestly. They are already released and on their way to the southern peninsula."

"Southern peninsula?" Jeeval asks quickly. "Why? When?"

"Shortly after I came for you," the Captain says. "And they were sent to the Southern Peninsula because that is where we are resettling those not of my people."

Jeeval cannot suppress his horror. "A prison camp!?"

"We are not you, Jeeval. We are not savages. We have moved your people and those of smaller groups to the south. There are no guards, no bars, no doors. Just a settlement."

"Captain, you and I both know that it is not just a settlement. You can't do this. We have been punished for our actions. What makes you believe that you'll go unscathed repeating them?"

"Oh, I see, I see," the Captain says, "you are trying to save us from ourselves. Well, on behalf of all of my people, allow me to thank you for your sacrifice."

"That's not what I'm saying," Jeeval replies. "I only want to break this cycle. If we can't find a way to push past our differences, none of us will survive. I know it is a lot to ask, but can't you just see past what hs been done to you and opt for peace? If not for my benifit than for your own?"

The Captain stands and glares down at Jeeval. "Can't we all just live in peace? Strange how when we asked that question, you brushed us aside and made us pay for our insolence with our children's lives. And now that the shoe is on the other foot, you find merit in the idea. Or are you telling me that we should forgive your attacks? And that your oppression was a charity and for our own sake. Should we rise above our desire for our pound of flesh and wipe the slate clean?"

"I am only trying to help us all, Captain."

"You are only trying to help yourself, Jeeval," the Captain interrupts. "You are no longer the center of the universe, and you are trying to fall with as little damage as possible. But, as I have told you, we are not animals. You have treated us as such, but we are not monsters."

Jeeval lowers his eyes, knowing he has lost his chance to change the Captain's mind. "I meant no disrespect, Captain. I meant..."

"You meant to shield yourself from your punishment. That is all."

The Captain retakes his seat and sits silently, calming himself. Then he smiles at Jeeval and continues, "Very well, Jeeval. I will prove to you that just because your people find it easy to treat others with contempt and dehumanizing disdain, we do not."

"How?"

"We are going to take a little trip."

11

Jeeval stares through the plane's small window with a blank lost expression. He has been this way since the military transport lifted off en route to the settlement. The Captain and his entourage have not spoken to him since coming on board. And the feeling of hopelessness has been creeping in on him ever since.

"We will be landing shortly, Jeeval," the Captain remarks in passing. But when Jeeval doesn't reply, he continues, "Jeeval? Are you still with us?"

Jeeval turns his head dreamily and tries to focus on the Captain. "Yes. Yes, just a little tired, that's all."

"Well, wake up," the Captain smiles. "I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what we've done for your people."

Jeeval, knowing that arguing will achieve nothing, smiles and nods. The memories of what he did in his people's name come flooding into his mind's eye, and he shudders. "Please, not like we did," he whispers, the fear of the harshness of his legacy pounding in his chest.

"Did you say something, Jeeval?" The Captain asks.

"No," Jeeval lies. "Just a prayer for a safe landing."

"A prayer?" The Captain smiles. "To your alien friends?"

"Old habits, Captain," Jeeval says, smiling back. "Old habits."

The Captain laughs and settles back into his seat. "The habits of a lifetime are very hard to put behind us, aren't they? Well, hopefully, this time, we can. Hopefully, this time we can live together in peace."

"Live together?" Jeeval asks, more harshly than intended.

"Yes," the Captain responds evenly. "In the end, that's what I hope to achieve."

"I wish I could believe that, Captain."

"You will."

Jeeval looks out the window at the rapidly approaching ground. "I guess that I just don't have that much faith in the human race right now."

"That's not surprising," the Captain says, a serious tone edging into his voice. "Having lived in a society of oppression our entire lives can make peace seem like a mountain we can not climb. Now, you believe you are on the receiving end of that oppression. And with the knowledge you claim you now have, you fear for both of our people. Though, I believe it's your own that you fear for, and you are using your fear for us as a way to secure proper treatment for yours." The Captain turns to look at Jeeval. "I do not begrudge you that, my friend. I understand it. But your fear is misplaced. We have no desire to bring back the past. We want to move forward. We want to be better than you were. We will be better than you were."

"I fear, Captain, that the past will infiltrate your plans disguised as some humanitarian desire," Jeeval says, turning from the window as the plane touches down. "I fear that your desire to be our betters will make you just as bad or worse than we ever were."

The Captain smiles at Jeeval, pity in his eyes. "You will come to understand, Jeeval. Once you can forgive yourself for your past, you will come to understand and accept that not every society has to go the route of the oppressor."

"Power corrupts, my friend," Jeeval says as he unbuckles his seat belt. "Remember that."

12

Jeeval watches the settlement's gates come into view as the Captain's car speeds across the desert. He was offered the front seat where he could watch as it climbed over the horizon, but he knew it was not an offer of goodwill. Instead, he knows it was an offer to prove that the definition of settlement and prison is now the Captain's to dictate.

The fencing stretches away from the gated entrance for miles, and Jeeval shudders slightly at the thought of what he will see upon entering his people's new home. "I thought you said that this was not a prison," he says, looking over the expanse of familiar fortifications.

"A prison?" The Captain responds, a mocking, hurt tone to his voice. "These fences are not to keep your people in, my friend. These fences are to keep those of my people who would harm you out. It is for your protection."

"So, then they can leave?"

The Captain laughs as if talking to a child. "No, Jeeval, they would be at risk. I cannot have that on my conscience."

"Right," Jeeval says, almost too quiet to hear.

"You doubt me?" The Captain returns. "Do you not realize how many of my people would rather see a genocide than a settlement? No? Most. Their treatment under your laws has made them into something that they should not be. Indifferent to death."

"Then they would be continuing where we left off, Captain," Jeeval says matter-of-factly. "And eventually, you'll be in the same situation as we are now."

"Is your memory so short," the Captain smirks. "We have just left the situation that you are in now. Only we, a people of legal and moral laws, are not treating you with the same disdain. We are not killing you or allowing you to be killed. We are holding those who commit injustices against you to stand for those crimes. Like you, Jeeval? No. Never like you."

Jeeval looks away, knowing that the Captain is mostly correct in his description. Still, he also knows a few will start and carry on future atrocities. "So how can I get the Captain, and his people, to understand that I am trying to help?" Jeeval ponders. "Yes, I want to save my people, but if saving the Captain's people is the route I must take to do that, I will."

Jeeval is jarred from his thoughts as the car stops at the settlement gates. He sits, waiting for one of the guards to open his door and then moves toward the entrance, followed by the Captain and his men. "You seem to think you can control everything, Captain," Jeeval says over his shoulder. "How can you be sure?"

"Ah, now that is a good question, Jeeval," the Captain replies, coming up to walk beside him. "The short answer is, we will police ourselves. We will make sure that people know and obey the rules, and we will have the assistance of those true to our social ideals to assist in ferreting out those who are not." The Captain signals to the guard, and the gate begins to open. "Then, even if someone is feeling the need for revenge, the knowledge that their neighbours are watching will, we hope, be enough to stop them from carrying out their plans."

Jeeval's heart sinks. It's the same as so many other revolutions. Those who lead quickly look for a way to control the people they fought to free. He knows how this ends. One will rise to the top, the Captain perhaps, and he will take an iron grip on his people and not let go until someone cuts off his hand.

"Take a look, Jeeval," the Captain says, bringing him back from his thoughts. "Look at what we are doing here."

Jeeval stops and looks around. He sees a sea of tents stretching out as far as the eye can see. Not shabby tents. Not small cramped canvas shells, but large family-sized tents. And laying beside the closest few, Jeeval sees lumber, pipes and roofing material.

"You see," the Captain prods, "we are already preparing for the first of the permanent homes to go up. Like I said, Jeeval, this is a settlement, not a prison."

"Jeeval?" A familiar voice comes to him from somewhere off to his right. Jeeval turns, looking for its owner, and sees Sharita coming through the crowd.

"Jeeval," Sharita says, "have you come to join us?"

Jeeval doesn't answer her at first. He just stands there looking from Sharita to the tents and back. "Is this real?" He asks, more to himself than anyone else.

"Of course, it is real. Not even you are worth an illusion of this magnitude, my friend," the Captain laughs and slaps him on the shoulder. But Jeeval sees the truth in the man's eyes. And the truth is vicious, singular, and unrelenting. Jeeval sees what he knows to be the real meaning behind that laugh. This illusion is real, for a price.

13

"Are you hungry, Jeeval?" Sharita asks as she leads him to her food stall in the small bazaar.

"I am, a little," Jeeval answers, following close behind. "What have you got?"

"Well," she begins as she steps behind the stall, "we have goat, rabbit, chicken, and pigeon for the meat course. And a mix of vegetables, potatoes or rice."

Jeeval looks at her offerings with amazement. How could all this be here, he wonders. What is going on?

"Cat got your tongue, Jeeval?" The Captain asks.

"No, I'm just a little surprised at the abundance of things that should be in short supply."

"Really?" The Captain responds, a little too insulted. "Why should anything be in short supply? We have taken what you and yours were hoarding and shared it out to those who needed it."

"For a price, no doubt," Jeeval says coldly.

Sharita looks from the Captain to Jeeval. "This has all been given, Jeeval. I have had to pay for none of it."

Jeeval pushes his hands into his pockets, glaring at the meat sizzling on the grill. "Maybe you didn't have to pay in money, but hear me, Sharita, you are going to have to bear the weight of this eventually."

"Then, if I am meant to pay, won't you accept a gift of a little rabbit and rice?" Sharita asks, almost pleading. "For me, Jeeval? You look thin, and you've gone pale." She scoops rice into a bowl and lays a large piece of rabbit across the top. "Take it," she says with a mother's tone. "Please?"

Jeeval bends to her expression, smiles, and takes the bowl. "Thank you, Sharita. And I do hope that I am wrong about all this, but I do not see how."

"Have faith, Jeeval." The Captain says. "If you no longer have faith in your God, try to have faith in mine. We are not here to harm you or any of these people." The Captain pauses just long enough to push a piece of gravy-covered bread into his mouth. You'll understand if you see more of what we have done here.

"Not likely," Jeeval says under his breath, aware that the Captain is pretending not to have heard him.

The Captain guides him through the little bazaar, and Jeeval is amazed at what he sees there. There are stalls filled with linens, fruits and vegetables, dried meat, tobacco, books, games, and at the far end, a water station.

"Why?" Jeeval asks.

"Hmmm?" The Captain returns. "Did you say something?"

"I asked you why."

"I assume you are asking why we are so humane to the people who were; how should I put this without being rude, less than hospitable to me and mine."

Jeeval glowers at the water station, trying not to show the Captain how far under his skin he has gotten. "Yes, Captain, that is exactly what I am asking."

"It is simple," the Captain says, tossing his paper bowl into a trash bin. "We understand that the best way to prevent a revolt is to care for all people equally. Keep the people happy, and there is no reason for rebellion."

"There is always a reason for a rebellion," Jeeval comments casually. "You can not control everyone. Paint a prison as a palace, the prisoners as kings, and there will still be a joker in your deck."

The Captain stares over at Jeeval for a moment and then laughs again. "My god, Jeeval, I do love the way that you put your words together."

Jeeval smiles despite himself, and the two continue, followed closely by the Captain's bodyguards. As they move further into the settlement, Jeeval is repeatedly amazed at the conditions. He must give himself a self-reproaching mental kick for not thinking of this. If he had, his people would still be in charge. "Stop it, Jeeval!" He barks to himself a little too loudly.

The Captain starts and looks over at him, confused.

"Sorry," Jeeval says quickly. "My thoughts went to a place I need to avoid."

"No apologies necessary," the Captain says, nodding, "I understand your position; truly, I do. I will try to make this process as quick and painless as I can."

It is not what the Captain says but how he says it that gives Jeeval a chill. He can not help but feel his process has nothing to do with this settlement. Neither does he believe he has a place here. But he does get the impression that his people's continued comfort is based entirely on how much help he is to the Captain and his need for power.

"I would thank you, Captain, but it is hard to believe any of this is for more than a show." Jeeval stops and turns to face the other man before continuing, "I believe that this is exactly that. A show for others to see, so that they do not intervene."

"Think what you will," the Captain returns coldly. "Our reasons and methods are true and for no one's benefit but our own. We are tired of all the conflict, Jeeval. We are tired of our peopel dying and we are tired of living under the thumb of others. If giving your people everything that you denied mine is the way to get that peace, then so be it."

"Wait," Jeeval says, waving his hand for emphasis. "Now you want peace? What changed, Captain? When I spoke of peace you almost put me through a wall."

"Yes," The Captain replies with a smile, "but peace on your terms is much different than peace on our terms. You see, peace given by us is beneficial to all, while your peace serves only yourself. And, in reality, only a small group of your society truly benefits, do they not?"

Jeeval is about to fire back when an old woman starts moving in their direction, a gleam in her eyes. "No!" Jeeval screams silently to himself as he recognizes her.

"Minister?" Jeeval's house-made, Zaniela asks. "Minister Sapra, is that really you?"

14

"You have known this whole time?" Jeeval asks, trying to hide his annoyance.

"Of course," the Captain replies. "You are not the most unknown of your people, Jeeval. Most of us know the upper members of your government by description if not by sight."

"Why, then? Why put me through all this if you already knew me? Why play these games?"

The Captain stands, looking at Jeeval, searching for the correct words. "I was hoping you would tell me who you are as a gesture of common need. I was hoping you would realize the opportunity you and I have been given. I hoped you would become a part of the solution and turn your back on the past." The Captain frowns and continues, "I was hoping that you would see it to your advantage to be our friend."

"Advantage?" Jeeval asks, incredulous. "What sort of advantage do I gain from becoming your toy?"

The Captain smiles, only slightly mocking the other man this time. He then stretches out his arms as if presenting the settlement for the first time. "The advantages that my people never had. A peaceful, clean, and safe life. A place where you can wake up and not worry about how many friends and family members died during the night. A place where you do not have to worry about whether or not you will be waking up the next day. A place where you do not have to say your goodbyes to your children as you tuck them in because one of those missiles that come at night may come for you. A place where you can live without fear. Without loss. Without contempt. And without threat."

The old woman pulls at Jeeval's sleeve. "Do not listen to him, Minister. Do not bow to him. Your people stand with you. We will fight, and God will fight with us."

Jeeval looks down at her. "No, the fighting has to end."

The old woman looks at Jeeval in disbelief. "You propose that we bow to these," she spits the word, "vermin!?"

"Zaniela, please. This conflict has gone on for long enough. These vermin, as you call them, have given you this," Jeeval says, waving at the settlement, "and promised you safety and security."

"Lies," she says, eyes burning at the Captain. "They intend to weaken and then destroy us."

Jeeval looks at the Captain, who shrugs. "It is understandable, my friend. Your people are having a hard time believing this all comes with no strings attached. I believe the memories of their complicity in our treatment are at the heart of it." He smiles at the old woman, "They will come around, eventually."

"What is wrong with you, Minister?" Zaniela pushes. "What have they promised you for your help in keeping us in line? What have they given you!? Traitor!"

"They have given me your safety," Jeeval answers calmly, despite her charge. "And we have to trust that they will continue to be what they claim, our protectors and not our jailers."

"You are a disgrace," Zaniela spits, "leaving us in the hands of the heathens. You are a coward!"

The Captain's bodyguards step forward to move the old woman away. "Gently," the Captain says, "she is no threat. She merely misunderstands our motivations."

Then, as the bodyguards move the woman away, the Captain turns to Jeeval and sighs. "Don't worry, my friend, she is in the minority. There will always be those who will not accept change if they are not the ones to benefit from them. She may never come around to see us as equals, but she will learn that we are not as bad as she believes us to be."

Jeeval shakes his head. "She will never give up her God or the belief that he will save her. She'll never understand that we are the only ones responsible for what turns our lives take."

"How very philosophical."

"I mean all of us, Captain," Jeeval says, turning. "Whatever comes of this, it will be on both of our heads. Are you prepared for that?"

The Captain surveys the settlement and nods. "Yes, my friend. Fully."

15

The Being stands in front of the massive view screen where he once tried to make Jeeval see the errors of his ways. He has been watching the settlement for hours, making notes and deciphering movements. Something down there has been bothering him, but he just can't put his finger on it.

"How goes your research, brother?" The Commander asks, entering the room.

"It is too soon to be sure, but Jeeval seems to be keeping true to his task," the Being responds as he waves a hand across the screen, and the view closes in on the new construction.

The Commander stands beside the Being and watches the image for a moment. "And what of our people?"

"They remain hidden," the Being says, making another note. "No one should notice them in their current roles."

The Commander nods and turns so he is facing away from the Being. "What of the Captain?"

"He seems to be angling for something," the Being says noncommittally.

The Commander perks up slightly and turns back to the viewscreen. "Really, how so?"

"It is hard to say. Throughout the Captain's engagement with Jeeval, his underlings have been moving through the cities, arresting everyone, not of his people."

"Interesting." The Commander purrs.

"Calm yourself, brother. It is not to the point where we intervene. It is merely of interest. As long as those they remove are being cared for, then there is no real issue."

The Commander turns again, this time facing the Being. "How long do you think it will be before he gets tired of caring for those he removes? How long before he declares them a waste of time and takes the path that we both know he must?"

"Come now," the Being replies, "we know nothing of the sort. They haven't all gone down the wrong path."

"Oh, I admire your belief in the good," the Commander says sincerely. "But it will be your downfall. It always is. Humanity will disappoint you now as it has in the past. Eventually, they will be mine."

"Be that as it may, they are not yours yet. And we must give them every chance to right their ship before we intervene again."

The Commander nods and lays his hand on the Being's shoulder. "Very well. I will wait until you have had enough of their choices," he says as he starts to leave, stops, and turns. "Believe me, brother. I do not enjoy what I do. I do it to protect those who, without our intervention, would fall victim to the human inability to co-exist when they finally leave their small piece of space."

The Being looks at his comrade, searching for what the Commander has seen that he has missed. "I know, brother," the Being replies, still taking notes. "I do not envy your task. But I appreciate you doing it."

The Commander nods and exits as the Being switches the view again. "Your time is not infinite, Jeeval. You and yours are at a fork in the road with two destinations. One is to continue, and the other is to end. Which path will you choose?"

The Being shifts the view again and focuses on a thin, grey whisk of smoke rising from somewhere over the horizon. He sighs, jots down a note, and sits behind a computer terminal. "And, so it begins," the Being says. "Again."

Outside, a sensor array emerges from the ship's hull, antenna perpendicular to the vessel. It spins and comes down horizontally, swings toward the wisp of smoke, and settles on the horizon. "What is it that you have seen, my brother? What is it that causes your patients to burn so short?"

16

The Captain is standing with one of his bodyguards near the new school's framework, with one bodyguard relaying a conversation between the Captain and Command. The Captain nods, turns toward Jeeval, waves him over, and walks toward the gate.

"What is it?" Jeeval asks as he catches up to the Captain.

"Nothing, my friend. Just a little skirmish to the east. Not too far from here, so we are taking you back."

"What kind of skirmish?"

"Some rebels attacked a patrol of my men," the Captain answers. "They have been arrested and are on their way to prison.

"How many dead?" Jeeval asks.

"Several on both sides, but that is to be expected in a war."

"So they're off to a military prison?" Jeeval asks. "Where?"

"Not too far from where I have been keeping you," the Captain replies, opening the car door for Jeeval. "Get in please, we must hurry."

Jeeval climbs into the car and slides to the middle seat between his two guards. The Captain says something to one of the gate guards and then gets into the seat in front of him.

"Drive," the Captain says briskly, and Jeeval catches a quick hard look from him in the mirror as he does. "Do you know Major D'fyal, Jeeval?"

Jeeval does his best to hide his shock at hearing his old military liaison's name and fails. "Yes, I know him well," he answers, knowing he's already given it away.

"Thank you for not insulting me with a lie, my friend. It is so much easier when we speak truthfully." The Captain turns in his seat to face Jeeval. "What kind of man is he?"

"He is a very proud man," Jeeval says. "He loves his country and his duty. He is a fighter, Captain. He is not the type to surrender."

"I was afraid that you would say that," the Captain says, turning to look out his window. In the distance, Jeeval sees three helicopters; one troop transport and two attack craft. "Those are for us, Jeeval," the Captain continues. "It seems that I, and by proximity, you have been made a target by the Major's forces."

"Then he is counter-attacking?" Jeeval asks gravely.

"Yes," the Captain says irritably. "Quite ferociously, I am told. I will need your help with this, Jeeval. For all our sakes, I hope you will agree to try."

"Try what?" Jeeval asks, already knowing the answer.

"To get him to see reason," the Captain says matter-of-factly, "and stop this senseless campaign. I need you to convince him to call off his forces before they are all dead."

"Except for them, it is not senseless," Jeeval remarks, trying to maintain an impartial tone. "They, like you, believe they are doing the right thing. They only want to defend themselves."

"We did not attack him, my friend. He attacked us," the Captain comments as he watches their helicopter descend as the gunships circle above. 

"I'm only trying to guess his thinking, Captain. I meant no accusation."

"I know, but I am so very tired of the killing. It needs to end. And it needs to end with us."

17

Jeeval follows the Captain back into the holding facility, the memory of the past day fading into the reality of his situation. The trip back from the settlement was silent and felt longer than it was. Whatever happened to the Captain's men was not going over very well with the powers that be.

"I'll leave you here," the Captain says, indicating the door to Jeeval's cell block. "I have to go pick up the prisoners for interrogation. I will, hopefully, be able to count on your assistance, my friend?"

"I'll do what I can," Jeeval answers as the door opens. "But I will not betray them. Nor will I force them to do something that they regard as shameful."

The Captain smiles and nods. "I would expect no less from you, Jeeval."

Jeeval enters the hallway leading to his new home, the door closing behind him. He follows the jailer to his cell door, waits as the keys rattle, and steps over the threshold. "Strange," he says as the door is locked behind him. "What are you up to, Captain? I still can't see it, and that makes me uneasy. Hopefully, now that I can watch your work, I'll see what I'm missing."

"Lunch!" The word echoes through the hall as a tray slides through the slot in the door. Jeeval can see that it is a new, younger jailer, hard-faced and emotionally void this time. The man looks through at him for a moment and then turns to leave. As he does, Jeeval hears another prisoner entering the cellblock. He quickly gets up and goes to the door, getting there in time to see a hooded figure in his army uniform entering the cell across from his.

"Take the hood off of him," the young jailer commands. "You'll stay quiet, prisoner. I don't want to hear a peep. Understand?" The young jailer slams the door shut and locks it. He turns, looks at Jeeval and then exits the cell block purposefully.

Jeeval stands in silence until the outer door closes, and he's sure the guards are gone. "Hello?" He calls, trying to keep his voice calm. "Hello, my friend, what is your name?" He waits for an answer, but all he hears is the sound of ragged breathing. "What have they done to you? Why won't you talk to me?"

The breathing gets louder as it mirrors the strain of the other prisoner's attempt to speak. "Are you gaged?" Jeeval asks. And after a moment, with no more sound from the opposite cell, he yells, "Kick the door, once for yes, twice for no."

He waits again, but no sound interrupts the wheezing gasps. "What is going on? Why won't you answer me!"

"Because he cannot, my friend."

Jeeval almost screams at the sound of the Captain's voice. "Where did you come from?" Jeeval asks, shaken.

"Oh, my apologies," the Captain says with a grin. "There are other entrances to this wing, and I merely came through one of those."

"Why can't he speak?" Jeeval asks of the other prisoner.

The Captain looks at the other door and then back to Jeeval. As he does, a sinister smile spreads across his face. "Because he has nothing to say, my friend. Nothing to say to me, and evidently, nothing to say to you either." The Captain steps closer to Jeeval's cell door. "I do not think that he'll have anything to say to anyone ever again."

The Captain turns and strides away, leaving Jeeval staring after him. "What does that mean, Captain?"

"Captain!" Jeeval screams as the other man exits the cell block. "What does that mean!?"

 

END OF PART ONE