After the Fall [PG-13]

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

This is a new one I'm working on, set in the world in which Payrune's "Blind Destiny" series of comics is set in. My story is focusing more on the war between the two nations in the story rather than the rise of a single hero though, just so you know. I'll be posting chapters up as I complete them, although I'll have to ask right now that you keep your feedback to the designated thread as I want to keep this one free for me to post the story, thank you.

Nick "Shinobi-Iri"

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 1 – Fear knows no backing down…

The room was completely silent, like a blanket had been thrown over and isolation had taken hold. It was just the way Arlan Williamson liked it. As magistrate of the Turkamun region of Valkania, Arlan was responsible for the large factory districts and a huge military base that kept the region alive, as well as the dozen or so settlements that resided within it. As magistrate, it was his job to ensure everything was running up to scratch, and nobody had any complaints. Plus, he was also there to advise the military on any course of action they needed to take if invasion or attempted occupation occurred.

As one of the main regions lying adjacent to the neighboring nation of Falachia, this was looking more and more possible. Valkania and Falachia used to be united under the name of the East Payrune Empire, but now they were at war, and regular clashes on the Valkania/Falachia border meant that the Turkamun region was one of many under constant risk of invasion. But Arlan was not a military man, and so he tried to stay out of it. But if ever the military personnel stationed within the region wanted to make an attack run or a recon strike, he would be closely consulted with.

Arlan enjoyed his job, however being born and raised in Falachia didn’t really do anything for him. Many people viewed him as the enemy, despite taking Valkan citizenship as early as he could when the Empire fell apart. He was sometimes spat on in the streets of the Valkan capital as he made the short walk from his house to the Turkamun Administrative Center just off the main street. Everybody, it seemed, knew who he was.

There came a knock at his door, and Arlan sighed, it was probably somebody else come to tell him that his car had been found somewhere in the city, burnt-out and abandoned by Valkan loyalists.

“Come in!” Arlan called.

The double oak doors opened, and general Paran Strauss walked in, in his neatly pressed military uniform and hat under his arm. He looked very authoritive, although his hard face broke into a smile when he saw Arlan. The two were old friends, and often had time for each other.

“Magistrate, good morning to you…I trust you got my message?” he asked.

Arlan shook his head.

“I’m afraid not general, your visit is an albeit pleasant surprise for me.” Arlan replied, smiling.

General Strauss nodded once, and Arlan invited him to sit down. After he had done so, and Arlan had poured them both drinks from one of the bottles in his well-used liquor cabinet, they got right to the point.

“Well, the purpose of my meeting is very simple magistrate. As you may or may not know, the armies of the Republic of Falachia are attempting to make a move through Turkamun province in an effort to get to some of our more major ports on the other side of the country.” The general said grimly, before taking a deep drink of scotch.

Arlan frowned, more with concentration than anything.

“I did, but I wasn’t aware it was anytime soon.” He said, scratching his head.

“Well, a prominent Falachian warlord by the name of Randel Asimoto is preparing to launch a foothold for the rest of their army to move through,” the general says. “He intends to hold the Turkamun province indefinitely and that of course means taking over the capital.”

“Meaning Valkania will essentially be defeated?” Arlan said with much surprise in his voice. “This is lunacy!”

The general nodded again.

“This is something we intend to avoid, and we will be moving a large amount of troops and vehicles to the capital front as soon as possible. The Turkamun region will gain significantly more popularity, it seems.” The general said, saying this last bit with some humor, so as not to diminish the magistrate’s hope entirely.

Arlan tried to smile, but could not believe that the Falachians were taking this sort of action now. The war had been barely on for a month, and they were already getting ready to end it. He wanted the war over, but not like this. He sighed and leant back in his chair, his hand on his forehead.

“Do as you must general,” Arlan said finally. “Ensure the Falachians cannot take over Valkania so easily.”

He could not see General Strauss, but he assumed he was smiling.

“I knew you’d see right, magistrate…” he said, draining his glass and standing, holding out his hand. “The troops will arrive within days, I will make sure they behave themselves.”

After Strauss left, Arlan began to shake a little. This was all too much for him, perhaps retirement was in order. He went back to his paperwork, his hand shaking quite a bit.

* * * *

The barracks at Fort Lachlan, just outside the Valkan capital, housed some of the finest soldiers in the army. Rigorous training and drilling kept them at their peak, and it was after one such drill that Private’s Aiden Suvalio and Tom Peters were in the mess hall, taking an early lunch.

“Did you hear the news?” Tom asked Aiden, as they ate in the almost-empty hall.

Aiden glanced at his friend.

“No, should I have?” he asked.

Tom smiled and looked Aiden right in the eye.

“We’re moving out soon,” he said. “Tomorrow afternoon in fact…”

This was surprising.

“We’re being given the order to go?” Aiden wanted to know, and upon seeing Tom’s nod, he looked to the mess hall wall. “Seems almost surreal, to know we might be seeing real combat.”

“We will be seeing real combat,” Tom said. “The capital front is vicious; tanks spewing fire, swords clashing, machine guns spitting their foul ordinance everywhere. I think it’s pretty well safe to say we’re seeing some action.”

Aiden looked down at his food, a mix of baked beans and roast beef, then up at the ceiling.

“Shit,” he breathed. “Why didn’t I hear about this?”

“Oh that’s right, you weren’t at dinner last night.” Tom said, sudden realization coming to him. “You were running punishment laps for spray-painting that ‘rebellious and anarchistic slogan’ on the barrack-master’s toilet door.”

“I wrote ‘Gromley is a Falachian pig’ and I thought it was Gromley’s door…” Aiden said, snorting and going back to his food. “Seriously though, they could have told me though right?”

“Yeah you know what they’re like,” Tom said dismissively. “Anyway you’d better get ready and pack tonight, because I guarantee you we’re going to have to get some extra training in tomorrow morning before we go.”

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 2 – Into the Void

The soldiers of the Valkan army were extremely well trained, and were regarded all over the world as killing machines. They had the most sophisticated techniques in all of the military’s in regards to lethal and non-lethal neutralization, so needless to say their training was rough.

Each day began with a weighted run through the West Valkan mountain range, which was a 40 minute bus ride in often blistering heat, and then they were made to run back. After they had breakfast, they were sent out into the fields surrounding the fort for combat drills, in which they would sort into teams and duck in an out of trenches, firing less-than-lethal rounds at one another that still hurt like hell. Before lunch, they were made to do 150 push-ups in order to burn off the food they hadn’t even eaten yet, before filing in to have their 15 minute lunch break. After a hour and a half run through Valkania’s biggest assault course, which spanned dozens of kilometers. And the hardest part of all, before each soldier was allowed to go to bed, they must spar one-on-one with the fort’s resident martial-arts expert, Master Kim, who taught Ju-Jitsu as well as a special fighting style taught exclusively for Valkan soldiers. If they could not defeat him, they had to keep trying until they did, or at least until the Master was impressed.

Combine this with various marching and formation drills, and you had the basics of the Valkan training scheme, designed to turn even the biggest cowards into fighting machines. Military scientists often dreamed of deploying mechanized soldiers onto the battlefield, but many people said until this happened, the closest it got was the Valkan soldiers.

On this particular morning, the Valkan army was planning on sending four regiments of Valkan troops to the capital front, which was a stretch of land spanning a huge distance; from where Valkania and Falachia bordered the Filson ocean to the South, over to where they bpth met with the nation of West Payrune to the North-west. It was called the capital front because a majority of the fighting occurred in a large paddock called ‘The Void’ by the locals because of the amount of men lost fighting there.

A regiment of Valkan troops consisted of about one hundred and twenty soldiers, plus six fire tanks, two bombardiers; which were tanks fitted with mortar cannons and a few jeeps for reconnaissance. There were only two full regiments stationed at Ft. Lachlan, so they were bringing in more from the nearby Ft. Draconia. The soldiers had the whole morning to wait for the other regiments, so it was filled with training and last minute preparation.

The regiments were divided into four battalions of thirty, each one fronted by a battalion commander. It was the commander’s job to advise his or her own section of the regiment and make sure everybody knows what was going on. In Aiden and Tom’s case, their BC was a woman; lieutenant Eva Carrows, and they were scared of her. They were out in a corner of the field, with a map of The Void pinned to a blackboard and their standard issue load-out on the table. There was a broadsword, a smaller knife, a handgun and a small flash-grenade launcher for last-minute attempts at survival. The sword was steel and mass-produced, so while it was fairly reliable, it was prone to breaking. As for the handgun, it was chunky and inaccurate, but powerful.

“Listen up privates!” Lieutenant Carrows shouted as they all sat down to listen to her. “We move out as soon as the others get here so I’ll make this quick, who’s been to The Void before?”

There were a couple of hands up, but most looked uncertain.

“I’ve heard it’s like hell on earth…” one of the soldiers said bitterly.

“It’s not quite that bad, but we’ve lost a lot of men there the last couple of weeks, but that was through ill-advised attacks. There’s a lot of defense set up there now, and our job is to prevent the Falachians from breaking through our lines.” Lieutenant Carrows said.

Aiden looked around; he could tell some soldiers were visibly afraid. But he knew they’d march into conflict, just like any of the others would, and Aiden felt sure he was ready.

“The capital front is heavily fortified on both sides for most of its length, and it’s just our luck that one of the only weak points is so close to the capital.” Lieutenant Carrows continued. “If we are successful at driving the Falachians back, we will work on sealing this gap too.”

Tom glanced at Aiden, smiling a somewhat wicked smile. He’d always longed for real combat, perhaps he was going to get his chance now.

Lieutenant Carrows reached for her utility belt, where her pager seemed to be going off. She glanced at it momentarily, before replacing it and looking up to her soldiers, and odd glint in her eye.

“The soldiers are here, we’re to move to the marshalling area to get our packs and head onto the road, let’s move!”

The soldiers leapt up, determined and ready to be sent into The Void…

* * * *
The road leading to the capital was long, bordered by trees and mostly composed of dirt. The walk was only about forty-minutes, so the Valkans marched in formation down the road, either following or leading the numerous armored vehicles that were accompanying them. The army of Valkania used two types of tanks; the first were iron and diesel beasts fitted with a light machine gun and a kerosene-fuelled flamethrower designed to roast infantry and war-beasts. They were well feared on the battlefields, and were used by both sides extensively. The second was the Bombardier, a tank fitted with a heavy mortar gun used to destroy other tanks and buildings, and was only used by Valkania. The Falachian industry had been crippled early on in the war, and as a result they couldn’t afford to build many tanks, but they made up for this with ruthless guerilla tactics and psychological warfare; and despite their relative inferiority to the Valkans, they were still feared combatants.

After vigorous marching, they welcomed the sight of the city wall belonging to the capital of the Valkan nation. The guards on the wall used bows and bolt-action rifles to neutralize intruders, and Aiden caught sight of them saluting the soldiers as they moved through the city gates. The city was bustling, but most people paid them no mind as they moved through, quite used to having personnel from various bases moving through.

They got to the other side of the city relatively quickly and made their way to the capital front, where they would find The Void and possibly their destiny. Aiden began to wonder, would he die facing Falachian soldiers? Or would he live to travel, start a family and become an officer in the army. He began to become increasingly depressed as he examined the sky overhead; this was no way for a soldier to think. He was going to the front to defend his country, he would come out of it good and he would have plenty of stories to tell his children, when he eventually got them. He placed a hand to the hilt of his sword and gripped it tightly, knowing it might be his savior out there.

The sandbags, watch towers and barbed wire of the capital front came into view, and Aiden felt his throat close over with fear, he couldn’t believe he was actually here. The Void up close was surreal; a large field with a big oak tree and plenty of craters and trenches, where battles had taken place over the years. But Falachia and Valkania were used to fighting together here against a common enemy as part of an Empire; now irony saw them fighting each other here.

There was silence as the troops came to a halt, weapons drawn and just waiting for the first Falachian to appear on the horizon. The battlefield, which was shrouded in smoke, seemed lonely and desolate…even though soon it would succumb to the horrors of battle, like it had done many times before.

And then they heard it, the pounding of war drums and the distant battle cries and taunts of the approaching Falachian soldiers. Before long, they could actually see them; with their haggard-looking troops, junky vehicles and massive war-beasts ridden by soldiers, with huge mouths and jagged teeth that looked truly terrifying when the beast roared and looked set to trample anything in it’s path. The Valkans were looking uneasy, and Aiden heard Carrow’s reassuring her troops.

“Stand your ground, boys…” she said. “We’re not going down without a fight…”

Aiden swallowed, before looking at Tom with a smile on his face.

“Looks like we’re going into the void now, son…” he said, grinning madly.

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 3 – The Tail-end of Freedom

The silence between the two armies was broken only by the snorting of the war-beasts, which were stomping and dragging their feet impatiently. This was a bad sign; it meant they wanted blood. Lieutenant Carrows stood her ground, but even she looked apprehensive.

“Heed our words, forces of Valkania!” shouted a man from high atop the largest and most heavily armed of the war-beasts. “Your pitiful defenses shall fall here this day, and soon all of your land will be ours!”

There was cheering amongst the Falachian soldiers, and all of the Valkans seemed to look towards their leader, Paran Strauss, who was standing in amongst his troops wearing the same uniform and ready to fight for the nation’s freedom. He was looking straight up at the man to had to be Randel Asimoto, and Asimoto was staring right back at him, a smirk on his face.

“I think you find yourselves greatly mistaken, Randel!” General Strauss said. “You come here with your men and your beasts, but that is not enough to stand your ground against us! We are mighty defenders and we will defend our lands to the death, if we have to take you with us then we shall!”

Asimoto began laughing, looking around at some of his soldiers, who also began laughing.

“We have got the obligatory speech out of the way, it seems…” Asimoto said coolly and evenly, after he and his men had finished, he was still looking straight at Strauss. “There will be one more made by me when we are finished here, but it will be one of victory for the army of Falachia!”

With these last words, he pointed his sword at General Strauss, and the Falachian army lurched forward. Machine gun batteries behind them began firing at the clanking sound of fire tanks began and the Valkan army surged forward to meet their attackers head-on. There was the clashing of swords and the cries of pain as soldiers from both sides fell in all directions and grunted as they parried their attackers. Aiden squinted at the smoke of artillery fire began to fill the field, and he realized there was a good 20 meters of space between a Falachian soldier he’d just beheaded and a massive war-beast, ridden by a shirtless and bald Falachian covered in tattoos. He was screaming and firing a rifle as his beast swung it’s clawed front legs at any man, ally or not.

“You’ll not take these lands, filthy Falachian scum!” Aiden heard Lieutenant Carrows yell as she fought two soldiers by herself nearby. She darted away from the thrust of the first one, parried the swing of the second before booting the first in the stomach and driving her sword into his back. She then drew her pistol and fired into the second soldier, causing his to fly backwards with the force of the shot. She stood there panting before catching Aiden’s eye and grinning. “Come on Suvalio, make a game of it!” she called, before rushing into a clumped up group of battling soldiers.

But as Aiden stood there in a patch of deserted battlefield, listening to the screams, cries and roars of fighting, he realized he was not enjoying this as much as his comrades. He wanted to see his country free of threats, but he did not want to kill for it. He slid his sword into its sheath and moved over to the vast oak tree that stood growing just off the centre of the field. As he walked towards it, he noticed a figure leaning against it in Falachian uniform; he also noticed it was a girl.

He was about to draw his weapon, he thought she was bound to defend herself against her enemy and he was ready for her, but she turned his head to face his and smiled.

“Put your weapon away Valkan,” she said, almost wearily. “I mean you no harm…”

His hand fell loosely to his side, and he examined the girl’s face as she turned around. She was extremely young, no older that nineteen and she was extremely beautiful. Her long, dark brown hair was in a plait down her back and the lightly tanned skin of her chest and face was scarred in some places, but not repulsively so in any way. She was alert, but seemed sad, as though she was as disapproving of her people’s fighting as Aiden was, and she was looking out to the battle while cradling her waist. Aiden noticed her battle suit clung to her toned, athletic figure quite well, and he couldn’t help but feel attracted to her.

“Horrible, isn’t it?” she asked, as Aiden reached her side cautiously, she hadn’t looked at him again yet. “Our people must demonstrate their superiority to each other by fighting…it’s so sad.”

Aiden nodded slowly.

“It is,” he said. “But is there any other way?”

They were both silent for a moment, before she shrugged.

“I suppose not,” she said. “After all, our Empire made itself known by fighting when we were allies, it’s only fitting that we try to destroy ourselves this way now.”

“What’s your name?” Aiden wanted to know.

The girl glanced at him, looking amused.

“Do you really need to know?” she asked. “I am but a lone Falachian soldier you’re supposed to be fighting, yet you are here talking with me.”

“I do not want to fight,” Aiden replied.

The girl turned back to the battle, saying nothing.

“Neither do I…” she finally said. “I am Aryah Tankah, and you are?”

“Aiden Suvalio,” Aiden replied.

Aryah chuckled.

“’Aryah and Aiden’,” she repeated. “We could be a crime-fighting duo, or at least a pop group.”

Aiden laughed at this remark, as did she, before the topic of conversation got more serious.

“Do you know why my people seek to take over Valkania?” she wanted to know.

“No,” Aiden replied. “I have been told a reason, but I do not believe it to be the correct one.”

“And what have they told you?” Aryah asked.

Aiden didn’t say anything for a moment, before speaking.

“I was told it is because you are power-hungry, and the only way you can satiate your vicious lust is to break and destroy civilized society…” Aiden said, hating every word.

This made Aryah laugh.

“Wow, I wonder how long it took them to come up with that…” she said. “It’s actually because Falachia want things to be back the way they were, but they cannot do it through negotiation. So instead they invade, as only my people know how.”

Aiden was confused.

“They want it to be like the Empire again?” he asked.

Aryah nodded.

“We were strong then,” she said. “We are strong now, but any other nation on the earth could take us out individually. Falachia only seeks the former security it once had.”

“Why do they not negotiate?” Aiden asked, scandalized. “I have heard our politicians, they are sick of this fighting as much as the citizens are.”

“Yes, but do you realize how weak it would make us both look?” Aryah wanted to know, an amused expression crossing her face. “We have not yet been at war for even six months; we would look like pushovers if we stopped it all now.”

“So that’s what it’s all about?” Aiden asked, wiping his brow on his sleeve. “Our reputation amongst the nations…this is bullshit!”

Aryah laughed again, her knowing laugh.

“Indeed it is…” she said, wincing as one of the Valkan tanks exploded into flames as a war-beast stepped on it. “But bureaucracy and politics cloud the minds of our people, and they cannot see clearly the harmony that can exist between our people, not much we can do about it.”

“But people are dying in Valkania…” Aiden said. “I’m sure it is the same for Falachia, I only hope the government realizes this.”

Aryah shot a challenging glance at Aiden.

“You want to see how it is in Falachia?” she asked.

Aiden shrugged.

“I suppose so…” he said.

Aryah stepped away from the tree and turned to him.

“Follow me, and keep low…” she said.

* * * *

Aryah led Aiden away from the battlefield, over a couple of small foothills and through a gap in the barbed wire fence, thousands of kilometers long, which formed the border between Valkania and Falachia. All he could see around them was savannah-like grass hills, but Aryah seemed to know where she was going so he followed her obediently. After a while, he decided to have a crack at getting to know more about her.

“So, how long have you been a soldier?” he asked.

“As long as I can remember,” she replied. “I began my training as soon as I could walk…”

“I suppose training was easier when we were allied huh?” Aiden said.

Aryah looked back at him and smiled.

“Yeah, I guess…” she said. “Come and walk next to me, I feel like I’m taking you prisoner.”

Aiden jogged a bit to catch up with her and they began talking about their early lives, training and routines, before moving on to their families. Aryah was an orphan, and had only her brother left. They had travelled for a while before stopping at the crest of a ridge that ended in a sheer drop, with an area of clear grasslands and a sprinkling of dwellings far below.

“We have to walk down this?” Aiden asked Aryah warily.

She laughed.

“No, no…there’s a supply track nearby…” she said, pointing further down the ridge to where a bit of land was flatted down a few kilometers away. It was steep, but still trafficable.

“Lead the way,” Aiden replied, smiling. He couldn’t explain it, but he really was beginning to like Aryah.

After a bit of a walk, they came to the supply track, and began to carefully navigate their way down it. Ahead of them, the village was closer, and Aiden could see a faint pillar of smoke from a communal fire burning in the centre of a group of huts. Most of the dwellings were fairly modern, but building materials seemed to have been scavenged from them to reinforce long, low buildings with thatched roofs and wooden planks for walls.

“What’s happened there?” Aiden wanted to know, pointing out the damaged buildings.

“There are too many sick and not enough hospitals, so the barns have been repaired and improved to accommodate those that have fallen ill.”

“Fallen ill?” Aiden said, feeling a little confused.

Aryah looked grim.

“You will see…” she said.

They made their way into the village, and Aiden was startled by the appearance of the people. They were all so skinny and malnourished, and some had a greenish tinge that was sickly. They were far beyond hungry here, they were starving. Aside from that, there were people in the village square, screaming at the sky and warning of impending doom for the people. There was a sense of hopelessness in this village that Aiden could not help but share.

Aryah led Aiden through the village, under an archway carved in the opposite ridge and to the banks of a vast river that had been previously hidden from their view over the village from the opposite side. There were mounds of dead fish on the shore, and the smell of death hung in the air, Aiden could tell something was very wrong.

“You think this war is all noble and fair?” Aryah asked. “Do not go near the water, it has been poisoned.”

“Poisoned…by Valkania?” Aiden asked, confused.

Aryah nodded, before shaking her head in disgust.

“This is the only freshwater river in all of Falachia,” Aryah continued. “It services dozens of villages and towns arranged on its banks, and the Valkans have poisoned it. They throw dead animals and rat poisons into the river, so now its water is toxic even to touch.”

“So these people linger at the fringes of life, dying because of what my people have done?” Aiden said slowly, shaking his own head as he stared out into the water. “That is horrible; I would never have believed it of my own country.”

“It’s hard, isn’t it?” Aryah asked, placing a hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “I am not angry at you, for you are merely a Valkan soldier, forced to do the bidding of your government who kills and pillages like there is no tomorrow.”

They went back into the village, and Aryah led Aiden into one of the makeshift hospitals. The stench was horrible, as the patients were unable to control their bodily functions because of sickness, and the floor drains were clogged. They lay on sheets and mattresses on the floor, groaning in agony as the few that were not sick cared for them. But even though there were a few standing and helping the people, they too looked horrible, deprived of food and fresh water. Soon, they too would die.

“You see what this war is doing to people?” Aryah asked with a note of anxiety in her voice. “Things are like this all over Falachia, whereas Valkania, with its industry and healthcare and research, they continually perform atrocities without a second thought. They do not want peace, they want to punish us!”

Aiden stared around at all of these people, destined to die in agony because of his people. He realized the armies weren’t fighting for freedom at all, they were fighting to take away what little freedom the Falachians had left.

“This isn’t right…” Aiden finally said, looking into Aryah’s eyes. “I cannot associate myself with a nation that does these things to people.”

“You can be saved Aiden,” Aryah said, placing her warm hand on Aiden’s shoulder once more. “I can take you to our capital; you can join the fight against the Valkans.”

Aiden nodded once, looking down at the ground before looking back up at Aryah.

“Ok,” he said finally. “Let’s do it…”

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 4: Until the sun burns out…

Aryah told Aiden that they would stay in the village for a couple of days, as there was a chance they would meet the aftermath of the battle if they left too early. Aiden agreed with her, Valkania was hard on traitors, and there was a good chance he’d be put against a wall and shot for fraternizing with a Falachian during wartime. Aiden was, however, prepared to die for his new cause, and was not afraid either way. He just did not want to die before he could make a difference.

On the morning of the second day of their stay, they packed up what little equipment they had and set off, with Aryah informing him they had a big day of walking ahead of them. The village had no vehicles they could use, as they’d all been taken by the Falachian military, so they would have to rough it at least for now. Aiden was sure he’d made the right decision, how could he remain loyal to a nation so low as to poison innocent people to get back at their former allies? Surely their was potential warcrime tribunals floating around, there was no way they’d be able to get away with this.

“Sun is hot today…” Aryah said breathlessly as they walked along the seemingly endless grasslands that made up a majority of Falachia’s geography. “Do you think we should stop for a rest?”

Aiden squinted ahead of them.

“Is that a road?” he asked, pointing out to a flat bit of red dirt on the horizon.

“Yes,” said Aryah. “But it is used frequently by the military, we don’t know the outcome of the battle so there is a danger your people could be on it.”

They sat down on their packs, and licked their dry mouths. Aryah said they would get to the capital before dying of thirst, but Aiden wasn’t so sure. He was craving water and was convinced his thirst would outlast him.

“You’ll be fine,” Aryah said, touching Aiden’s arm after noticing his worried expression, she too was licking cracked, dry lips. “Besides, the capital has an excellent water supply, so you’ll be able to quench a thousand thirsts once we get there.”

She finished talking a looked up to the sky over Aiden’s shoulder, before frowning.

“What is it?” Aiden asked.

“A plume of smoke on the horizon…” she said. “I know there’s a village near here, but it should not be like that.”

Aiden turned to see a thick pillar of black smoke in the sky, west of where they were headed. It was so vivid, Aiden couldn’t figure out how they had not noticed it before. It had to be burning; communal fires did not get like that.

“Come on,” Aryah said resolutely, getting to her feet and slinging her pack over her back. “We need to go there, find out what is wrong.”

“But what about the capital?” Aiden asked.

“This will take us no farther from our destination,” Aryah said, setting off. “Come on, we must hurry.”

It took them a considerable amount of time to reach the village, and when they did they were confronted with another ridge. It was actually possible to hear the crackling of flames down below. They lay down on it at its crest and peered over the edge to see a horrifying sight, the buildings of the villages all in flames as groups of what were undoubtedly Valkan soldiers standing around, laughing or holding what was left of the village’s population at sword point.

“Prisoners…” Aiden muttered, watching a Valkan herd a small child into the group of people standing surrounded by soldiers at the edge of their burning homes. “This is insane; I can’t believe my people have done this.”

“You see now why this war is happening,” Aryah replied. “This is not about freedom at all.”

“I know, it seems overwhelming to me…” Aiden said, before being cut off by a shout.

“Hey, you there…Falachian whore! Put your hands on your head right now!”

They turned to find two Valkan soldiers, neither of whom Aiden recognized. They were standing a few meters away, pistols drawn; they must not have heard them thanks to their hurried conversation.

“And you, what do you think you’re doing with scum like her?” the other one asked, the look on his ugly face even uglier. “You’re a filthy sympathizer, aren’t you?”

“You’ll never take us alive!” Aiden shouted, jumping up and drawing his sword. Aryah jumped up beside him, drawing her own sword and they stood off against the two Valkans.

The one with the gun seemed hesitant to shoot; he looked barely eighteen and didn’t seem to know what he was doing. But the older, uglier one had his sword out and he was looking at the young one as if anticipating the shot that had not yet occurred.

“You don’t have to do this…” Aiden said to the young one, his voice softening. “You don’t know what Valkania is doing to the Falachians, you don’t have to be a part of this madness.”

The boys face hardened up.

“Shut your mouth!” he yelled. “I am a Valkan, and you cannot talk me into less. You will die for your treachery!”

“Wait,” the older one said, turning to his companion. “We’ll take them in; I think General Strauss will be happy to have a couple of prisoners to add to the collection. And one of our traitorous own is just icing on the cake…”

The boy nodded and lowered his gun, and instead pulled a blowpipe from his belt. Before Aiden could react he put it to his lips and blew hard, and the next thing Aiden knew he was falling into the black, deep into unconsciousness.

* * * *
Aiden opened his eyes to complete darkness, his head was spinning and there was a dull ache in his neck. He worked out that this must have been where the dart hit him, and eventually his eyes adjusted to the dim light. The way the whole of the walls seemed to be illuminated, he guessed he was in a tent, and it must be early evening, as the sun was just going down. He was lying on his back on some hard ground, his chest bare, with ragged shorts on and no shoes.

He turned his head slightly to see Aryah lying on the ground next to him, also on her back, which her head slightly to the side. She was still unconscious, and he could see a small trickle of blood on her neck where a dart must have hit her. She was clothed similarly to Aiden, although she had a second ragged garment covering her chest that stopped just below her bust line. This revealed a large, complex tribal-style tattoo on her toned stomach, with a glittering jewel in her navel. Aiden wondered foggily why they hadn’t taken this, but he heard the sound of the tent unzipping.

“Well, well, well…our captives awake,” said a familiar voice mockingly, well-audible in the small space. “One of them anyway, how are you feeling Aiden?”

“What have to done to her?” Aiden wheezed through his parched throat, coughing afterwards.

“No different to what has been done to you,” the voice continued. “Although she truly is a fine specimen…perhaps later on I will do something more interesting with her.”

The tent was penetrated by the man’s harsh laugh and Aiden felt disgusted. From his prone position, Aiden realized his limbs were feeling heavy, and although effort would have to be taken to move them, he was not paralyzed. He stayed where he was for the moment, however, and let the figure of General Strauss move into his line of sight by himself. He was grinning madly, and by the looks of the blood on his uniform, he had won his fight with Asimoto.

“You’ve really made a bad decision, Aiden…” General Strauss said with a note of pity in his voice. “From what Lieutentant Carrows told me, you were a good soldier. It’s a shame you must meet the same fate as everyone else who opposes the Valkan Empire.”

The way he said ‘Empire’ sickened Aiden, as if Valkania was ruled by one dictator, and it was Strauss. Aiden shook his head, and this made General Strauss laugh even harder.

“You think the puny Falachian resistance can win?” he asked. “It’s been crushed Aiden, there’s nothing left. This girl thinks she’s leading you to a glorious stint with the rebels? It’s not going to happen, we’ve made sure of that.”

Aiden said nothing.

“I suppose you think you’ve got it all worked out, hm?” Strauss wanted to know, leaning down to be closer to Aiden’s face.

Aiden, again, kept his mouth shut. He could hear his own heart quite clearly, that’s how the silence was.

General Strauss straightened up and walked around Aiden’s prone form, and Aiden’s head followed him. He stopped by Aryah’s side and bent down, caressing her face with his hand.

“So beautiful…” he sighed. “It’s hard to believe she came from a Falachian womb…”

Aiden gritted his teeth, but he kept his mouth shut.

General Strauss looked up at Aiden, a mad glint in his eye.

“What would you do if things happened to her, here in this tent Aiden?” he asked. “How would you take it, I assume you think you love her, no?”

By the look on General Strauss’s face, he knew exactly what he was doing. How many times had he done this to prisoners before? Aiden couldn’t tell, all he knew was he would get extremely violent if anything happened to Aryah, but he couldn’t overrule the possibility that Strauss was bluffing.

“All I want to know is information, Aiden…” Strauss said, straightening up again. “All I want to know is what you know, and nothing has to happen to your girl.”

Aiden still said nothing, he could not rat his new cause out to somebody like General Strauss, the man seemed insane after all. He was certainly not the Valkan hero he made himself out to be.

“Very well,” Strauss said, looking down at Aryah’s unconscious form. “I think you know what must happen now…”

For the next few minutes, Aiden was in such shock with Strauss’s actions that he could not move. He bore witness to one of the most brutal beatings he had ever witnessed, and although the sight of Aryah’s body being relentless pummeled by General Strauss’s various limbs, it was the look on Strauss’s face that shocked him the most. It was one of the purest hatred, Strauss truly hated his enemy.

And then the rage began to boil up inside him, not the kind that hits you suddenly, but a hot, thick ball of intense anger that rose up from the very bowels of him, up through his chest and into his throat to the point where Aiden thought he was going to spew hot lava all over General Strauss. He could not beat witness to seeing his love beaten up any longer; he leapt to his bare feet, clawing at his own naked chest as he let out a roar so animalistic that Strauss stopped in his tracks.

Aiden launched himself at Strauss and tackled him to the floor, before laying into him with punch after punch right to his face, putting his full strength behind every one. Strauss’s face soon became bloody and bruised, as his nose, cheeks and jaw was broken by Aiden’s furious attacks. After a while, his eyes began to droop as he fell into unconsciousness himself. Aiden, still blinded by his own anger, pulled a knife from Strauss’s own belt, raised it above his head and plunged it into the General’s chest, causing Aiden to be sprayed with warm blood and Strauss gasped and twitched into death.

His guards ran into the tent, horrified by the violence which Aiden just exhibited, but they raised their swords just the same. Aiden lashed out, not caring whether or not he hit them. They were not the ones that had beaten Aryah, but they were trying to stop him carrying out his revenge.

Aiden was breathing heavily as he looked over the bodies of those he’d killed. He’d never really killed out of anger before, and he was scared. But he was more scared for Aryah, and he knelt down beside her and kissed her forehead. She was bad, and Aiden could already see bruising on her side and face, but she opened her eyes and smiled weakly.

“I’m glad you’re here for me…” she said softly, her voice wheezing slightly.

“Until the sun burns out…” Aiden replied, smiling back at her, before he leapt up at the sound of running footsteps outside the tent.

He readied himself for a wave of Valkan soldiers, and he stood protectively over Aryah, but when the tent flap burst open, he was met with three Falachian soldiers evidently looking for prisoners. Over their shoulders, Aiden could see Falachians clashing with Valkans, and it seemed the camp was being liberated.

“Who are you?” the first one demanded, a well-built man with a scar on his face. “And what has happened to Aryah?”

“She was beaten,” Aiden said defiantly. “By General Strauss, but I’ve taken care of him.”

The scarred man looked past Aiden to the dead body of Strauss and his guards, and his expression softened.

“You’re not looking so good,” he said. “Come on, we need to get you both to the truck.”

Aiden gently took one of Aryah’s arms, and the scarred man took the other, and between them they gently lifted her off the floor and began to carry her out of the tent.

“I’m Major Ramirez,” the scarred man said. “I’m Asimoto’s second in command, you know him?”

“I know of him,” Aiden said. “Aren’t you going to ask more about me?”

“You seem to be with Aryah, and you protected her from that psycho general…” Ramirez said. “I think I can trust you, plus I’ll leave the questioning to our General, I assume that’s where you’re headed?”

Aiden nodded.

“I can’t take the tyranny of my nation anymore…” Aiden replied. “It’s too much…”

“Well, if you’re looking to make a difference, Kail City is the place to go,” Ramirez said as they reached a waiting troop transport. “It’s the Falachian capital, and the safest place for anybody looking to form resistance, careful of her wounds as you help her in…”

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 5: Injustice is our true enemy

The hospital, located at the heart of the fortified metropolis of Kail City was an old office building converted into a modern medical facility, and it was old but very clean. Aiden didn’t have time to be impressed however, he was not allowed inside the examination room where Aryah was being patched up so he passed the time by worrying about her wellbeing. The doctor had said he would not be long, but the hour mark had been well and truly past. He had been given a Falachian army uniform just after he’d gotten off the truck and he was glad, he couldn’t stand those rags any longer.

Finally, the door opened and Aiden turned to see the doctor in the doorframe, smiling and beginning to walk towards him.

“Mr. Suvalio, Aryah will be fine…” he informed him, much to Aiden’s relief. “She has however suffered extensive trauma as a result of her beating, and I must implore that you do not cause her any unnecessary stress, as this can impede the healing process.”

“What is the extent of her injuries?” Aiden wanted to know.

The doctor consulted the clipboard Aiden now saw that he carried and read off a list.

“Broken ribs, a broken leg and arm, plus numerous injuries to her face, nose and hands…” the doctor reported more grimly. “At this stage, I don’t think surgery will have to happen. But we cannot rule it out at this stage, needless to say she should not be going anywhere or doing anything for a while.”

“My thanks to you doctor,” Aiden said, shaking his hand. “May I see her?”

“You may, but do not strain her,” the doctor said. “It’s the last thing she needs, good day to you.”

He nodded and strode off, leaving Aiden to push the door open quietly and enter the room. The examination room was small, and Aryah was lying on the bed, clad in a clean hospital gown. She had numerous dressings on her face, and her leg and arm were in the beginning stages of a plaster cast. Aiden hoped she would be moved up to a ward soon, as the former office room was small. She was asleep however, so Aiden sat in the chair by her bed and watched over her, examining her chest rise and fall with every solid but shallow breath.

After a while, the door opened a crack and an eye peered through it, before it opened more and a man who looked to be in his mid-thirties struck his head through, smiling at Aiden and beckoning for him to come outside. Aiden stood up and followed him out into the hallway, where an even younger advisor was waiting. The man offered his hand.

“Aiden Suvalio, isn’t it?” he asked, in a cool and confident tone which suggested he’d made plenty of awkward introductions before.

Aiden nodded and took it.

“It is,” he replied. “I feel really out of place here in Kail City, like I have ‘Valkan’ written over my head or something.”

The man laughed.

“Sometimes I feel that way too,” he told him. “The name is General Astonbury, but you can call me Lars for now, you’re not in the Falachian army yet.”

The two men laughed again, before Astonbury continued.

“Corporal Tankah is one of our finest soldiers, I have to thank you for keeping her alive out there,” he said. “You’re extremely brave, and you seem to know what you want, I like that in a soldier.”

“I don’t know what I want,” Aiden replied. “I mean, I don’t want to be a Valkan anymore. If I’m going to fight, I want to fight for something that matters, not just some stupid punishment shit.”

“It may seem confusing to you,” Astonbury said seriously. “But I guarantee you that, if that’s the way you truly feel, then joining the Falachian army will be the right choice for you. We do not judge here, we need more soldiers and those willing to adopt our cause are more than welcome to do so, you’ll have something to believe in and fight for.”

Astonbury was right; joining the Falachian army may indeed be the right choice. From what he saw of Kail City, people were desperate, living out on the streets and suffering because of what the Valkans were doing.

“I know us Falachians are portrayed as brutal, even barbaric guerilla fighters. But in reality we do what we must to survive, and protect our livelihood and our people.” Astonbury continued. “If that is guerilla fighting, then I suppose we are guerillas. But we are guerillas for a cause we believe right, and it’s the only cause we shall support.”

Aiden was deep in thought for a moment, occasionally glancing to General Astonbury and even to his advisor, who was listening in to the exchange politely.

“What happened back at the camp?” Aiden wanted to know. “How did you find us so quickly?”

“We knew about that camp since its birth…” Astonbury told him. “Taking prisoners of war is against the doctrines of war the East Payrune Empire set out all those years ago, the Valkans are just breaking rules they helped to write. We were planning on moving in on that camp ever since it was set up a couple of days ago, and it’s a coincidence that you were inside.”

Aiden nodded slowly, and continued to think about his options. It basically boiled down to returning to Valkania and being shot, or fighting in an army that just seemed to want to do right by its people. It really wasn’t a choice at all; he looked up at General Astonbury, a determined look on his face.

“Well, I’ve already got the uniform on; I suppose that saves time…” Aiden said, and General Astonbury beamed and clapped him on the shoulder.

“Excellent, I’ll inform recruitment of your decision,” he said. “You’ll have to report to the barracks in the city, but you can return here to visit Aryah whenever you want. I trust she’ll want to see you when she awakens.”

Aiden inclined his head and turned to enter the room, but Astonbury called him back.

“Remember Aiden…” he began, smiling. “Injustice is our true enemy…”

Aiden nodded, bade the General goodbye and went back inside Aryah’s room, where she was just beginning to stir. He greeted her with a kiss on each eyelid…

* * * *

Kail City was quite peaceful and bustling, but you could tell it was very poor. The war had taken its toll, and people were begging on the streets or trying to sell their possessions unsuccessfully. Aiden spent one afternoon listening to a radio program broadcast from the other side of the city. An economic analyst was on, talking to the presenter and explaining that Kail City’s problem was a lack of money circulating; nobody had any so it didn’t change hands.

“We need some kind of pick up to get this city moving,” he was saying. “We need to divert more government funds into industry, and get this war working for us.”

Aiden couldn’t see how this would help, but he didn’t try to work it out for himself. After all, he was a soldier, not an economic analyst.

There was a knock at Aiden’s door, and he went over and opened it. Aryah was standing there, clad in a Falachian army uniform, looking tired but happy. She and Aiden hugged before he insisted she sit down. After he’d made tea for them both, they got to talking about her recovery and her future.

“How are you able to walk on that leg?” Aiden wanted to know, eyeing her no-longer-plastered leg and arm in awe.

Aryah smiled.

“It is thanks to the Tarnan people to the southeast,” she replied. “They are expert healers, as well as weapon-makers and astronomers. They supply Falachia with a special healing balm and weapons in exchange for protection, as they do not fight themselves.”

Aiden nodded, impressed.

“So this healing balm cured your broken leg?” he wanted to know. “Does it, seep in or anything?”

“Something like that…” Aryah replied, nodding and grinning. “They don’t tell us the secret, all we know is it works. And who are we to question success?”

After they had talked about Aryah for a while, the talk moved on to Aiden, as he knew it would. Aryah laid a hand on his arm and spoke honestly about his decision, and he appreciated this.

“I think you’ve made the right one,” Aryah told him. “I mean, you’re a good person, and good people can’t live in an environment like Valkania.”

“But not everyone in Valkania wants to serve the government,” Aiden replied. “There are good people there too.”

“That could be our best weapon,” Aryah said thoughtfully, wincing slightly and she adjusted herself on the couch in Aiden’s visitor’s room.

“Balm doesn’t take away the pain entirely…” Aryah explained, after Aiden began eyeing her leg again. “I still had broken ribs and things, and they’re serious injuries…the bones may be healed but the pain still remains…”

“When are you being released from here?” Aiden wanted to know.

“Couple of days,” she replied. “Why is that?”

“Because as long as you’re here, I don’t have to use the lumpy, uncomfortable bed at the barracks…” Aiden explained, starting to laugh, which caused Aryah to laugh, playfully punch him and then wince in pain again.

“Ok, I should stop moving,” she said. “I think I need to sleep awhile, I’m so tired.”

“Should I walk you up to your ward?” Aiden wanted to know.

Aryah lay down on the couch, with her head in Aiden’s lap and closed her eyes.

“No,” she replied, smiling. “Here will be just fine…”

They sat there for a while, with Aiden watching over a sleeping Aryah until there was another knock on the door, and a nurse poked her head in.

“There’s a phone call for you down at the nurse’s station, Mr. Suvalio.” She replied.

Aiden nodded once, before gently moving from his position, replacing his lap with a pillow for Aryah’s head before heading out of his room and following the nurse down the hall to the nurses’ station.

“Hello?” he spoke into the receiver.

“Mr. Suvalio, how are you!” came a jovial voice from the other end of the line. His voice was gravelly, and Aiden imagined him as some sort of seedy businessman. After a slight pause, Aiden spoke…

“I’m fine,” he replied. “Who is this?”

“You don’t know me, but I’m an old friend of General Astonbury’s. He told me you were staying at the hospital while your friend is ill and he said you might be interested in some work.”

Aiden was confused.

“What kind of work?” he asked.

“Nothing too strenuous, you’d want to be in tip-top shape for your tenure in the army now wouldn’t you…?” the man replied, laughing again.

“Where do you want me to meet you?” Aiden asked, keeping his voice down.

“Head to the café down the street from the hospital, heading north…it’s on the corner…” the man went on. “You won’t be meeting me, but one of my associates will be happy to direct you.”

“Why are you doing this?” Aiden asked.

“Your new in Kail City, I figured you needed some money…” the man replied. “Besides, Astonbury sees a lot in you, and that’s an accolade any man would accept happily. General Astonbury is greatly respected amongst Falachians, and you’d do well to get on his good side.”

Aiden looked over his shoulder, where he could see Aryah standing in the doorway to his room, rubbing her eyes sleepily. He turned back to the receiver.

“I have to go…” Aiden said abruptly.

The man laughed.

“Good, give it some time to think…but not too long, my man is waiting!”

And with that, he hung up. Aiden put the phone down, quite suspicious but certain in what he should do. He was going to take the job…

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 6: Factories of death…

Tom opened his eyes and immediately panicked, he could see nothing. But he soon realized his face was covered by a thin blindfold, and he could see a dull light in the corner of his eye. He was shirtless, and was wearing only a pair of tattered shorts, and he could feel the floor was cold and wet with his bare feet. He started shaking, not from fear but from cold, and he could hear echoing footsteps from outside wherever he was.

“Who are you?” a deep and cold voice said from outside the room.

“I am General Alkanson, I have replaced General Strauss thanks to his…accident, with a prisoner up at the camps.” Came the even colder reply.

“Ah yes, you were Strauss’s lieutenant for a long time,” the other voice said. “I’m sorry to hear of the General’s demise.”

“Well I am a General now, and I expect nothing but discipline from my officers,” Alkanson said. “Now, who is in this cell?”

“One of ours, a Valkin named Thomas Peters; he was caught trying to desert the battlefield…” the voice became bitter. “He’s a filthy traitor!”

“I will deal with him…” said Alkanson simply, before what sounded like a heavy metal door creaked open.

Tom wondered to himself, what was going on here? He’d been captured by his own people, how was this possible? He’d only wandered away from the fighting for a minute, to find his friend who’d disappeared…the next thing he knew he was being bundled to the ground and tied up.

He heard footsteps, much closer this time, moving towards him. And a voice rang out, echoing throughout the tiny room, gravelly and chilling.

“So, a deserter eh…” Alkanson said, “Of all the war crimes you could commit, disloyalty has got to be at the top of the list.”

There was silence, and Alkanson laughed and began to pace the room. When he spoke again, his tone was lighter, but mocking.

“So how are you Tom, feeling ok? I do hope they’re feeding you enough here, you should be getting a crumb a day for all you’re worth now…”

He began laughing again, and Tom felt sick. How could the General of his army be speaking this way?

“Perhaps you’re going the way of your friend Aiden,” Alkanson said. “I know you two were close, you shared a room at your garrison, and you often congregated together when you had the time. Perhaps you’re keen on swapping sides, like him…”

Swapping sides, so this is what his friend had done? Tom shook his head furiously, but Alkanson laughed and continued on.

“It might seem glamorous or righteous to join the underdogs, to run away and join a rebel group just for the hell of it…” Alkanson suddenly was very close to Tom’s ear, and he began roaring. “BUT IT’S NOT, YOU IGNORANT BASTARD, BEING A FALACHIAN IS THE WORST THING YOU COULD EVER BE!”

There was a stony silence, before Alkanson drew away and began pacing again, Tom was getting extremely nervous.

“So your father was a war hero, hm?” Alkanson asked. “Major Gerald Peters of the East Payrune Royal Military, the pride of the Empire; fought in three major battles and was awarded medals of courage on several occasions…”

“He died protecting your Empire…” Tom said as his voice started shaking and became hoarse. “He died protecting something you smashed apart!”

“We smashed nothing!” Alkanson retorted sharply. “Falachian ignorance and stupidity broke apart the Empire, and forced our two nations apart. They were scared of the power, they could not take the fact that we were capable of genocide!” his voice dropped at this last word, and he continued on very softly. “So they broke it apart, and now they must be punished for letting such a glorious opportunity go by.”

“Genocide…” Tom said, speaking the word like it was a curse. “What race do you plan on exterminating with your genocide?”

“Not a race group, Tom, race doesn’t matter…I do not discriminate based on race, for that is foolish.” Alkanson replied. “This genocide will concern the people that do not agree with our views. For those who are too weak to realize the truth of the Valkan nation, and those too cowardly to stand up and face their enemies! There are things worse than death Tom, and I believe those that a part of something they do not truly believe in to be one of those things.”

“So you’ll crush the non-believers too…” Tom asked. “You’re turning the Valkans into a cult!”

“Cults are misguided and unofficial, but we are as official as it gets!” Alkanson said proudly. “One nation, united under one man, destined to rule over the world as a mighty Empire, strong as one as East Payrune was as many…and stronger still, for we will control it all!”

Tom couldn’t believe what this man was saying, he was mad…he’d have to be. Tom didn’t know who the leader he was referring to was, but he sounded like a tyrant, and it was the last thing Valkania needed.

“Your role is simple Tom,” Alkanson spoke again, quietly…but loud enough so that Tom could hear every word. “You’re going to be a big part of this plan, even though you do not know it.”

This chilled Tom, far more than Alkanson’s voice.

“You are going to be the test subject for a very potent gas that we will use to kill off those that do not follow us en masse…” Alkanson announced, and Tom’s throat clenched up with fear. “It is made in special plants to the north of Valkania we like to call Factories of Death,it will soon be pumped into this room, and you will know what it truly feels like to be in pain. It will punish those who did us wrong and bring justice to all that deserve it. You think it is wise to desert your people and join a group of misguided fools, but you will learn from your mistakes…”

“No, please!” Tom began to cry. “I was not deserting, I was looking for my friend…I wanted to know where he was! Please, you cannot do this to me, and you cannot do this to others, it’s inhumane!”

“As inhumane as those Falachian’s dictating lies to their people about what is right and just?” Alkanson wanted to know. “As inhumane as going into battle, and killing those you used to be aligned with simply because they have made a mistake? No, this is not inhumane, this is justice.”

Alkanson’s footsteps headed towards the door.

“You have the honour of being the first to meet this fate,” Alkanson said. “There will be more like you, and they will all meet their deaths at the hands of us, by means of this gas.”

The door opened, and then slammed shut, before being bolted closed.

“Enjoy your death, Tom Peters!” Alkanson shouted, before the hiss of gas valves being opened could be heard.

All throughout the facility, the agonizing dying screams of Tom Peters could be heard.

To Alkanson at least, they were the sounds of justice prevailing.

* * * *

The café the voice spoke of wasn’t hard to find, as most of the café’s in Kail City were bombed out or abandoned. This one was a charming little establishment however, on the corner not too far from the hospital. Aiden had gone alone, but left Aryah a note for when she woke up. He urged her not to follow him, but assured her of his safety.

He sat down at the grouping of tables outside, and waited for the waiter and the associate at the same time. The waiter came, and Aiden ordered a coffee, but after fifteen minutes the associate hadn’t shown up. He was beginning to think he’d been set up…

“Sorry I am late,” came a voice from behind, and Aiden turned to see a man in a neat suit with dark sunglasses walking around to the other side of the table and sitting down. He had an accent, and was about 45.

“It’s ok…” Aiden replied, even though it really wasn’t. He was nervous about what this work could be, and he didn’t want to waste time.

“General Astonbury thinks you are worth more that simply just a mindless soldier,” the man said, leaving his glasses on but leaning forward to see Aiden better. “He thinks you are an intelligent young man, and wants to give you the opportunity to make a difference.”

“Why doesn’t he tell me this himself?” Aiden wanted to know.

The man looked around, to make sure nobody was listening in, and then turned back to Aiden, speaking in a low voice.

“I am a member of the Purple Syndicate; we’re a group of spies employed by the Falachian government. We carry out espionage operations and gather intelligence for use in making attacks, and we have proved ourselves to be very useful these last couple of months.” The man explained. “The person you spoke to on the phone is very secretive, he is the leader of the PS and an old friend of the General’s, but I cannot tell you either of our names, for obvious reasons.”

“So what does this mean for me?” Aiden inquired.

“We are saying, we are giving you the opportunity to join us, if you can complete an assignment that is virtually no risk, just some scouting duties.”

Aiden wasn’t convinced yet.

“Go on…” he said.

“We have suspicions about the Valkan military…” the man went on. “We think they might be involved in some sort of biological weapon’s dealings.”

This was bad; it would definitely coincide with the Valkan’s poisoning the rivers. This mysterious figure wasn’t done yet, it seemed.

“There’s a small outpost not far from Kail City, located in a natural cave system,” the man said. “We think it might be being used as a storage location for some of these weapons, and we need somebody to check it out. General Astonbury believes this to be a perfect opportunity for you to make a difference.”

“So I have to go in there and find out if it’s true?” Aiden asked.

“That is correct,” the man replied. “You will be armed, and we have means of getting you in undetected. It’s usually fairly lightly guarded in order to decrease suspicion perhaps, but in this case it would work to our advantage.”

“And I will be paid for this endeavor?” Aiden wanted to know.

“Quite well in fact,” the man said. “Money is no issue, we have our ways.”

Aiden nodded, smiling.

“I think we have a deal then,” he said. “When do I start?”

“You will be picked up from your place of residence at midnight…” the man said, standing up and handing Aiden a piece of paper with a number on it. “This number can only be used once, as we destroy phones regularly. Use it to inform us of any change in your location.”

Aiden nodded, and the man inclined his head and moved away. Aiden was left sitting at the table, staring at the number and a little confused about his situation. But he was keen to make an impact, and this seemed to be the perfect way to do it.

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 7: And the hills will echo their cries…

At midnight exactly, a black van with no hubcaps pulled up to the curb just behind the hospital, where Aiden had left a sleeping Aryah and a note again telling her not to follow him. A man in a balaclava leant out, handed one to Aiden, and motioned for him to step inside the van. As soon as Aiden got a foot in, the masked man banged on the side of the van wordlessly and it began to move.

Inside, there were three others; a bald man of about 40, the man who had met Aiden at the café, and the man who had pulled him inside the van. All of them were wearing black jumpsuits, and Aiden felt a little out of place in his Falachian army uniform.

“Hello Aiden, it’s nice to finally meet you…” said the bald man, and Aiden recognized his voice from the phone. He was smiling, and felt better. “You are aware of your job here tonight, I trust?”

“I am…” Aiden replied. “I’m a little nervous though, I’ve never attempted any of this recon stuff.”

“It’s simple really,” said the bald man. “You look around, take some photos, maybe make a few notes and tracking devices along the way.”

Aiden nodded, staring at the man suspiciously for a moment, before speaking.

“So what should I call you?” he wanted to know.

The bald man laughed.

“Oh my apologies,” he said. “You can call me Ashley, although that’s not my real name. And my protégés are Quelore and Orion…” he said, indicating the masked man at the man who’s met Aiden at the café respectively, and both inclined their heads in Aiden’s direction.

“You really are secretive aren’t you?” Aiden wanted to know, and Ashley chuckled.

“Of course, when you do this line of work you have to be.” He replied.

“And if you wish to join us, then you shall be too…” Orion spoke.

“Aiden, your mission tonight will be very straightforward…” Ashley began. “You’re going to be inserted in a forest clearing not too far from the depot we’re heading to. You simply need to head in undetected, which won’t be too hard considering their level of security, and gain as much information as you can about these biological weapons.”

“You’ll be armed…” said Quelore from under his mask, in a remarkably soft and young-sounding voice as he withdrew a silenced pistol that looked a lot different from the Valkan standard issue ones.

“But only use it if you have you,” Orion replied. “If you get into trouble, you can call us over the radio and we’ll come and help you out.”

“That’s why we’re here…” Ashley said smiling, as he handed over a small radio transmitter.

Aiden took the gun and the radio, feeling his apprehension grow with every passing moment. He had no idea what to expect from this Valkan outpost, and for the first time since making his decision, he felt like a true traitor. On the other hand, what he was doing had to be right; he was trying to stop the Valkans from murdering millions of innocent people, and isn’t that all worth it?

He shook these thoughts from his head and gave Ashley the most determined stare he could muster.

“I’m ready…” he said.

“T-minus five!” the driver shouted from behind a black curtain that divided the passenger section from the cabin, and Ashley nodded.

“Right,” he said. “You can pull out at any time Aiden, but we pray you’ll make the right decision. You’re doing the Falachian government a great service, and we’ll be honoured if you carry this through until the end.”

“I told you, I’m ready…” Aiden repeated.

“Ok, we’re almost at the insertion zone…” Orion said, glancing through one of the curtained windows. “We have to leave quickly, otherwise we may be spotted, but we won’t be far away.”

The van juttered to a halt, and Ashley held out a hand, which Aiden shook.

“Do us proud, son…” he said.

Aiden nodded and burst out into the chilly night, following the path that cut through the trees…

* * * *

Deep within a valley in the north of Valkania, hidden amongst the steep and jagged mountains, a vast facility stood. Only a few knew of its existence, and those that worked within it were slaves, destined to die as soon as their work was done. From inside the caves that had been carved into the mountains, hundreds of men in ragged clothes hacked at the rocks with axes and picks, working until they were exhausted. And this was not enough for Valkan shock troops, who forced them to work harder still with blades at the ready…and so they toiled on.

They were mining the glowing green rocks, riddled amongst the mountains that stood out like clouds in the sky, and once they were found they would be transported back to the facility and mixed with a myriad of chemicals and substances to make a potent nerve gas. It was this that the Valkans planned to use to wipe out everybody that did not believe in them…

In one of the cavernous storage areas, a shadowy figure flanked by Valkan soldiers walked across the tiled floor in the centre of the room, surrounded by colossal tanks full of nerve gas. He stared up at them from beneath his hood, and if one were to stare hard enough, he could see the look of satisfaction upon his face.

At the very centre, stood General Alkanson, looking proud and a little nervous in the prescence of the Valkan Emperor. And indeed, Emperor Perengrad was an intimidating figure; standing 6’7 and well built. But he was intelligent and cunning, and would go to any lengths to achieve his ends. Alkanson knew this, and that is why he both feared and looked up to him as a mentor.

“Emperor Perengrad, good evening to you…” Alkanson said, saluting the Emperor as respectfully as he could. “I trust your flight out here was to your satisfaction?”

The Emperor grunted, before nodding.

“It was…” he said. “You have some expert pilots at your disposal, Alkanson…”

Alkanson nodded in agreement.

“Only the best for you sir,” Alkanson said. “As you can see, we have a fine facility here in the mountains. Soon your grand plan can come into effect, and we shall show that rebellious scum what they are dealing with.”

“Excellent,” Emperor Perengrad said. “I trust the gas is being stored inconspicuously?”

“Indeed, we have top quality storage areas all over Valkania, and even a couple in Falachia.” Alkanson replied earnestly.

“As long as they cannot be penetrated, then you have done well Alkanson…” Perengrad replied. “The hills will echo with their cries?”

“Of course Emperor,” Alkanson said gleefully. “There is absolutely no way those foolish Falachian mutts will ever come across the grand horde we have stashed even in their own nation…”

* * * *

Aiden stood with his back to the rocky cave wall as he moved through the main entrance chamber. He ducked into a shadowy alcove as a guard moved past, before stepping out and moving as quietly as he could. They’d been right; it was lightly guarded and easy to get into, and Aiden’s apprehension was gone.

He glanced around a corner to see a larger cavern used for storage, but it was empty. There was a network of catwalks high above him, and he could see a guard right at the top, looking down across the open space. He quickly retracted his head and moved down a darkened passageway before taking the first left; this one yielded more results.

There were metal barrels stacked up high against one wall, and a large tank against the other wall. It was all marked with hazard symbols and Aiden thought this had to be it. He pulled a small camera from his pocket and put it to his masked eye, snapping a few pictures of the gas canisters and of the tank, before moving on to find more.

He stopped at the sign of voices in the next corridor and he paused in some shadows, listening intently.

“…making sure the east storage room is secure?” the first voice said.

“That’s right, and he’s doing a damn good job too.” Said the second.

“I still don’t like him…” the first voice said. “He’s arrogant, and he thinks he has power around here when he doesn’t. I was put in charge of this place, you heard the commander.”

“Nevertheless, he’s a Corporal too, so go easy on him,” the second voice replied. “And try not to rip his head off.”

There was the sound of boots echoing off stone as one of the soldiers moved off and then there was silence. Aiden waited for a moment then peered around the corner; he saw one of the soldiers standing in the corridor, back towards Aiden, guarding a door. There was a crackle of static over the radio…

“Corporal Jones, are you there?” a voice asked.

“Affirmative…” the soldier in the hall said. “Go ahead…”

“Moresby thinks he heard something in the storage room in the west, do you think you could come and check it out?” asked the voice.

The guard let out a sigh.

“I have duties to attend you as well you know, private!” he said sharply.

“Its procedure sir, the one in charge has to respond to possible disturbances…” the soldier said over the radio. “That would be you, no?”

The soldier let out a grumble.

“I’ll be there in five…” he finally said, before switching off his radio, hitching his rifle up higher and moving off.

After waiting a moment, Aiden darted forward to the door and tried it, finding it mercifully unlocked; he couldn’t believe how stupid these Valkans were.

He found himself in a small office, furnished only with a metal desk and chair, a filing cabinet and a weapons rack filled with swords and handguns. There was also a rifle, which was rare for a soldier to have, they were too expensive to be mass-produced, and were usually only given to sharpshooters or guards of important installations. If a soldier needed something with a longer range than a pistol, they were given a bow.

Aiden pulled open the drawers of the cabinet, but found nothing instresting. The light on the desk was on, and Aiden checked out some of the papers on it. There was an ‘order for gas’ form that looked like it could be useful, it showed where the gas was coming from and how much it was. This was important, so he snapped a couple of photos, and that’s when he heard the footsteps of the guard outside the room. He looked around quickly, before finding a vent. He pulled the grille off, clambered up into it and pulled the covering over just in time to see the office door open.

The filing cabinet was still open, and Aiden’s heart was pounding as the soldier looked around the room suspiciously.

“How could he be so stupid…?” the soldier muttered, closing the drawer and exiting the office in a huff. Aiden let out a breath, he was still undetected.

Aiden figured the soldier would be back at his post outside the door, so he crawled through the vents. They were metal, inserted into passages carved into the rock, so they did not make any noise. But what amazed Aiden was how such a facility could be built in so little time, and how the Falachian’s could not notice.

He got to another grill covering and peered down into a large room, where out of the corners of his eyes he could see gas canisters stacked up. He pulled the grill up into the vent, leaning out so his arms and camera were dangling high above the floor and snapped a couple of photos. He withdrew back into the vent and replaced the covering, before moving on. He eventually came to a sort of mess hall for the guards, and after checking no one was about, he removed the grill and dropped onto a table, disturbing the pepper, salt and ketchup that was sitting there. He darted down a corridor and opened the first door he came to; a storeroom, where he found even more gas canisters. There was also a label, it read;

WARNING! DANGEROUS GAS! This storage container carries a strong nerve agent under the trade name ‘Epsilon S’ and must not be opened by anybody but a qualified technician. Exposure will cause slow, painful death and must be avoided at all costs. Manufactured at ‘the mountain citadel’ by the Valkan Biological Authority.

Aiden photographed this label, it was really all the evidence they needed. As silently as he could, he made his way back to the van.

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 8: Even the most courageous of rats run for cover…

Aryah got out of hospital the day after, and wanted to know where Aiden had got to. He filled her in on everything, and she made it clear she wasn’t the least bit worried. She was actually glad that Aiden was doing something positive for the movement, and he felt better about that, and even though he’d never aspired to be anything but a soldier; he felt proud to be going that much further.

And so Aiden and Aryah were driven, along with a dozen other soldiers, in a beaten-up truck towards the outskirts of the city where the barracks were located. Unlike Aryah and Aiden, however, their fellow soldiers in the truck were fresh, green recruits straight out of middle school and knew nothing about the terrors of the battlefield…they would learn what that was all about soon enough.

The Falachian military did not have the space to give female soldier their own separate sleeping quarters, but couples and prospective couples were separated into different areas and sexual intercourse on the base was prohibited under pain of prolonged imprisonment. As was expected, Aiden and Aryah were taken apart upon arrival at the base and led to their respective quarters by two different Sergeants.

“I’m your battalion commander; Sergeant Riechler…” said the man who’d led Aiden away; a young man no older than Aiden himself, with a stern crewcut and discipline that shone through his grey eyes as clear as his retinas. “You’ll be reporting to me on every aspect of military service. If you have any problems, you come to me, is that understood?”

“Yes sir, of course, sir…” Aiden said, remembering to salute just in time.

Sergeant Riechler actually smiled a little bit.

“The General has told me about you, private…” he said. “You did good work up at the storage facility, and he’s asked me to excuse you from all regular training drills to instead attend a series of meetings with him and his advisors.”

This was a surprise to Aiden; he’d been expecting nothing but hard training from the moment he got to the base.

“My thanks to you, sir…” Aiden replied, saluting Riechler again.

They got to the door of the sleeping quarters and Riechler unlocked it.

“The rest of the battalion is all out doing a run around the games pitch, so you’re free to make yourself at home here. There’s a bed down the end for you, and I’d suggest a visit to the mess hall if you’re hungry. You’ll have to excuse the state of the food though, we’re running out of money and there’s only a megre salary to feed the troops, you understand I hope?”

Aiden laughed.

“Of course,” he replied. “Although I’m so tired, I’ll probably be here when you get back…”

* * * *

Meanwhile, the Ambassadors from both Valkania and Falachia were meeting on some neutral ground; the chamber of commerce in East Payrune. The meeting room was packed full of representatives from both sides, sitting on opposite sides of the long table with the Ambassadors in between them. Tensions were high, and there were peacekeepers from East Payrune standing outside the meeting room just in case things broke out. But inside, it was all politics, as the men rambled and argued with each other. Ironically, the two men who were paid to keep relations strong between countries were silent, keeping their gaze on anything and anyone except each other. The most they’d done since they entered the room five minutes earlier was shake hands.

After a while, the delegate from Valkania stood up and shouted at the top of his lungs;

“ENOUGH…!”

The room fell silent, and everybody was looking up at him. He straightened his neat suit a little sheepishly and took a deep breath.

“You call this diplomacy?” he asked those in attendance. “We have been graciously asked to end this peacefully and we spend all this time arguing? What is wrong with us?”

Several of the men nodded, looking a little embarrassed, and one of the men on the Falachian side spoke.

“On behalf of all the Falachians, I am sorry for our actions so far. Perhaps we can get down to some serious discussion?”

“That sounds excellent,” the Valkan Ambassador replied. “Who wants to begin, and where should we begin?”

“We’re here to resolve our conflict…” one of the men on the Falachian side said. “So I think we should go back to where it all started.”

“That would be the break-up of our Empire,” a man on the Valkan side said. “We didn’t have to lose what we had; we were strong and well-defended together!”

There were shouts of agreement and a flurry of conversation, but the Valkan Ambassador calmed them down again.

“But what went wrong?” he wanted to know.

There was silence as the men all began to think, it seemed none of them truly knew what they were here for.

“Indecision…” somebody said. “We couldn’t agree on which way to take our country.”

“What is there to decide on, the reason our Empire existed was to protect its citizens…so they could live life without worrying about invasion!”

“But you wanted to expand…” a Falachian minister said. “The power-hungry Valkans do not stop!”

There were more angry outbursts, and the Valkan Ambassador was about to stop the men from going too far, but suddenly the Falachian Ambassador stood up, and he was not looking happy.

“How can you be here, trying to negotiate peace when you know full well that it is not going to happen…?” he asked, his voice was pure venom and everybody went silent at his words.

The Valkan Ambassador was looking confused and, if possible, a little hurt by what his Falachian counterpart was saying, but he stood his ground.

“What are you on about…?”

“You know full well what I am on about!” the Falachian shouted. “You and your biological warfare, you’re trying to wipe out a group of people that just want to be free! A group of people who are not afraid to fight for what’s right for them!”

There were more angry outbursts as the ministers turned on each other once again, with accusations being thrown left and right. The Valkan Ambassador sat down slowly, evidently not sure how to handle all these attacks on his country’s motives. But another man stood up in his place; angry and defiant.

“You are a politician…” he said, pointing his finger at the now seething Falachian Ambassador. “You know better than to make accusations like that without evidence…what proof do you have?”

“We have all the proof we need,” the Falachian Ambassador replied quietly. “While you all are swimming in your sea of lies and deception; your government and military formulate plans to kill in the most inhumane way imaginable! Do you really want to be a part of that?”

There were no angry outbursts this time; the man’s words seemed so passionate and true that every Valkan began to think about what their country might be thinking. But the Valkan Ambassador was having none of it, he stood up.

“We came here expecting peace and respectful diplomacy…but all we are greeted with are lies and falsehoods!” he spat. “This war will continue, and you will see just how misguided you Falachians are!”

He got up and left, and many of the Valkans followed him. However, some got out of their seats and joined the Falachians, unable to comprehend the volume of what they’d been told.

“I’m returning to Valkania to get my family, then I am moving to Kail City…” one of the men said to a Falachian minister quietly as the meeting room door slammed shut.

* * * *

The base at Kail City had a fully operational command centre, and it was here that Aiden and Aryah found General Astonbury and Quelore, who was still wearing his mask even though there was no obvious reason to. After they’d all shaken hands, Aiden inquired about this.

“Years ago, I suffered a grievous injury to my face as the result of an enemy soldier who thought he could mess with me…” Quelore said from beneath his mask, presumably smiling although his eyes remained hard as they bored into Aiden’s. “I don’t like showing it off, mainly because it looks bad but also because I don’t like to wear my scars as trophies.”

“Basically what he’s saying is, Quelore is not a vain man in the slightest…” General Astonbury said, smiling. “Welcome, you’re standing in our new command centre. The war hasn’t been going on for that long, so we’re still getting used to the equipment, and there’s nobody that knows how to use it except for me and Quelore.”

As Aiden looked around, he realized there were no technicians sitting in front of the computer monitors and radar screens, and he found this to be quite conspicuous. Or he would have, had General Astonbury not explained the reasoning for this to him. He shrugged and turned back to the others.

“So this is where it’s all going down?” Aiden asked. “Planning the attack on Valkania I mean…”

General Astonbury nodded.

“Some things went down at the East Payrune chamber of commerce this morning,” he continued. “There was a diplomatic meeting there between members of both of our governments. Apparently, the Valkans had no knowledge their government was in possession of biological weapons, but they still reacted in a hostile fashion…can’t say I blame them really.”

“Why do you say that…?” Aryah asked.

“It’s like me accusing you of shooting somebody right now, after you were under hypnotic or hallucinogenic influence,” Quelore said. “You’d have done it, but you would have no idea because you were drugged or brainwashed. It would be like somebody trying to accuse you of something you were sure you hadn’t done.”

“So they’re completely oblivious?” Aiden wanted to know.

“Seems this is a military thing, yes, which would suggest to me dictatorship…” General Astonbury said gravely. “That means we need to act fast; I can practically guarantee you the people at the meeting will demand answers from their government, and the government will not react favorably. They might even commit acts of violence against their people, and that’s something we don’t want.”

“Valkania is doing something illegal, as the doctrines dictate…” Quelore added.

“So we need to find out where this gas is being made and destroy it!” Aiden said.

“That’s true, but it will be hard…it’s concealed somewhere in Valkania and they will expect somebody to come looking for it eventually.” General Astonbury said. “For them to even attempt something like this, their facility would have to be totally secret, and I’m sure it would be one of their largest and most well-guarded of places.”

“So you must be sending an experienced army in there…” Aiden began. “Specialists, guerilla fighters, that sort of thing…”

“Aiden, we didn’t bring you into this for nothing,” Quelore said. “We’ll only be sending a couple of people into that base, that’s all it will take. We want you to be a part of this mission; we think you’re destined for more than just a life in the army.”

“So you’re saying I’m going in there…” Aiden asked, not quite believing it.

“That’s correct,” General Astonbury said. “You are well-trained and vigilant, I think you’re just what we’re looking for to be honest.”

“When is this going down?” Aiden wanted to know.

“Tonight, if we can manage it…” Quelore said. “You’ve seen what we’re up against, the sooner it’s shut down the better.”

Aiden thought about it, could he really go into a factory owned by his former people and destroy it? Millions of people would die if he didn’t, and the leaders of Falachia believed him to be capable, he decided he didn’t have a choice.

“I’ll do it,” Aiden replied. “But only if Aryah can help me…”

General Astonbury glanced to Quelore.

“I think we can make it happen…” Quelore finally said, presumably grinning.

“You’re forgetting,” General Astonbury said gravely. “We still don’t know where this facility is, and even if we did, we don’t know how well guarded it is.”

There came a knock on the door, as if by chance, and Quelore moved and opened it. A soldier stood in the doorway, and he entered and made a salute to General Astonbury before speaking quickly in a disciplined, military tone.

“Sir, we have information that could prove vital in the liberation of the Falachian people,” he began. “A defector from Valkania, who is willing to divulge plans and locations in exchange for asylum…”

Astonbury glanced to Quelore and Aiden in turn.

“Ok, I think we’ve got what we need,” he said. “Let’s get this person talking…”

[Shinobi-Iri (nick)]

Chapter 9: Everything comes down to one, small thing…

Arlan Williamson sat in his office, doing his paperwork as he often did. The conflict between Falachia and Valkania was escalating, and Arlan heard rumors from all over the Turkamun region about kidnappings, assassinations and even horrific medical experiments performed by both sides. But Arlan didn’t know what to believe, so he stuck to his administrative duties and tried to stay out of military affairs as much as he could.

The door to his office burst open, and a man he didn’t recognize stood in the doorway, sporting a neat military haircut and a uniform full of credentials that suggested great power and authority. It was the man’s glare that got to Arlan the most, however; it was piercing and knowing yet somehow vacant and non-descript. As Arlan looked up from his desk, he place both hands heavily and got close to Arlan, flanked by two soldiers clad in black combat suits and masks wielding their swords expertly.

“My name is General Jiro Alkanson,” the man said shortly. “And you are Arlan Williamson?”

“I am the magistrate of the Turkamun region…” Arlan replied, swallowing hard.

“Alright I’m going to be frank with you,” Alkanson said. “There is a facility in the mountains to the north of Turkamun that would cause great civil uprising if ever the existence was discovered. I know I must contact you on any decisions made, and I’ll have you know that we are increasing military prescence tenfold in the region.”

“But, military is already at its peak,” Arlan said. “How many more battalions will you be able to fit in here?”

“As many as I like,” Alkanson spat, “I know you are a reasonable man, Williamson, Strauss told me many a story about you, so I know you will have no problem with this…” after saying these last few words, Alkanson pulled a knife from inside his clothes.

Arlan swallowed hard again.

“What authority do you have?” Arlan wanted to know. “I have not met you until today, and General Strauss handled most of the military matters within this region.”

Alkanson’s lip curled.

“Men, could you kindly leave us?” Alkanson said, more of a statement than a request.

As soon as the masked men turned and moved through the doorway, Alkanson closed the door, and quickly grabbed Williamson’s left hand before he could do anything about it. Arlan struggled a little, but Alkanson had a strong grip, and he was not letting go.

“Is there something else you’d like to ask me, Williamson?” Alkanson asked with his tone pure venom. “Because there are certain things you do not say to me, and questioning my authority is one of them!”

“I am within my rights to do so,” Williamson said through gritted teeth. “I am the administrator within this region, and I have the authority to ask the motives of any General or military officer before they do things.”

Alkanson held the knife against Williamson’s thumb and pressed down slightly, Arlan winced as blood began to trickle out of the cut.

“I think you’ll find your rights as magistrate of Turkamun quite overruled in this situation Williamson,” Alkanson said. “Allow me to demonstrate to you just how serious about this issue I really am…”

With one clench of the knife handle between his fingers, he cut Williamson’s index finger clean off. He simply sat there in disbelief for a moment, watching his severed digit roll across the wood of the desk, trailing a little blood, before Alkanson calmly picked it up between his own fingers. He held it up in front of him, making sure Williamson could see it.

“I’m a very reasonable man, but sometimes people push me too far,” Alkanson said. “Everything that I have done to anybody has been well-deserved, and you are no exception.”

Williamson just sat there, staring at the stump of his finger, far too scared to even touch it or cradle it. He looked up just in time to see Alkanson bite into the flesh of his finger, and when he drew away, there was a chunk missing, and he was chewing.

“I love the taste of justice,” was all he said, grinning as he licked his lips and threw Arlan’s finger back at him. “I trust you’re fine with me moving more troops in then?”

Arlan nodded slowly, not quite hearing the question.

“Excellent,” said Alkanson, turning on his heel to leave. “Oh, and if anybody finds out about this, I will hunt down and kill every member of your family, and make you watch me do it…”

And then he was gone, and Arlan just collapsed onto the office floor, terrified.

****

The Falachian government barely had any money to spend on making the soldier’s living quarters more lavish, so it wasn’t surprising that the interrogation rooms weren’t of the best quality. It consisted of a room constructed from solid grey bricks with a naked bulb hanging from a chain as the only source of light. The reinforced wooden door was closed, and Quelore, General Astonbury and Aiden sat opposite a man who was clearly nervous.

He brushed his long, black hair out of his eyes as he sat with his eyes on the table in front of him, shivering with fear and reluctant to make any sounds, even his breathing was silent. Quelore got to his feet and walked around to the back of the chair, his eyes moving to the top of the man’s head as the rest of his face remained obscured by his balaclava. He let out a sigh and spoke.

“Perhaps we should start by having you state your name…” he said, as calmly as he could.

The man didn’t speak for a moment, before replying in a hoarse voice.

“Sharakan,” he said. “My name is Udo Sharakan…”

“Sharakan eh…? General Astonbury said, a look of amusement crossing his weathered face. “You’re not related to the East Payrune hero Taran Sharakan are you?”

Udo nodded silently, and Quelore laughed.

“Killed many people, as I understand,” Quelore said, seeming to try his best at intimidating the defector. “Funny, there’s not much difference between a murderer and a hero is there?”

The room remained silent, and Astonbury decided to get down to business. He leant across the table and clapped the man on the shoulder in a friendly fashion, trying to gain his trust.

“Tell me, Udo,” he began. “Why have you decided to come forward with this information?”

Udo breathed deeply, trying not to let fear show in his face. He did not look at any of the people in the room, and when he spoke his tone was shaky.

“They are to do…horrible things to people,” he replied. “Things I cannot be a part of, that I will not be a part of.”

“Does anybody know you’re here?” Quelore wanted to know.

Udo shook his head.

“Nobody,” he said. “But I am a soldier, and I am supposed to show up for duty. When I do not arrive, they will track me down.”

“What are they planning to do?” Astonbury asked.

“They are planning to commit genocide,” he said, cringing as he did so. “The entire Falachian race, wiped out in one foul swoop, our General, Alkanson, he believes you to be impure…”

“And what does Alkanson know about us?” Quelore suddenly spat. “That we do not follow his ways? That we are not brutal and corrupt? How is this a crime?”

“Calm yourself, Quelore,” Astonbury said coolly. “This is not a time to be overreacting. We know what Alkanson thinks of us, we do not need it confirmed anymore.”

“Do you think I am a coward?” Udo asked, his voice suddenly determined, although the question seemed to be aimed at Quelore. “For leaving my home and coming to you about my people…”

“This man here-“ Astonbury said, indicating Aiden. “-is a former Valkan who has seen the light. He has heard of what Alkanson plans to do and wants to stop it, he is not a coward, but a hero!”

Udo looked up at Aiden, but he was not glad or relieved. His face was filled with contempt, and his words edged with anger.

“I do not feel proud in what I am doing,” he said. “I am giving you information to lay my own conscious to rest, nothing more.”

“That is all we ask,” Astonbury replied. “Can you tell us the location of where the gas is being produced?”

“Oh you know of that, do you?” Udo asked sarcastically. “Then what was the point of me coming here?”

“Because you seek asylum,” Astonbury replied. “You do not want to assist Alkanson in achieving his goal, and because of this you are neither a monster nor a monster’s puppet. We know of what Alkanson wants to do, but we need to know where his means to do it are being produced.”

“Give me a piece of paper,” Udo said. “I will write the co-ordinates upon it…”

After he was done scribbling a series of numbers, he pushed the paper and pencil back across the table to Astonbury, and stood up. He was quite tall, and had the muscular build of a soldier. He was wearing the black uniform of the Valkan army, and Aiden remembered when he donned the mask and jumpsuit he did not miss.

“Quelore, direct Udo Sharakan to the relocation centre,” Astonbury said. “Afterwards, meet us in the command centre, we have much to do before tonight.”

As Udo was leaving, he turned back to Astonbury.

“Beware of what you will find in the gas factory,” he said. “It may cause you to give up hope altogether…”

He turned and left. Quelore glanced at Aiden, his expression unreadable, before following him.