The Junta’s Purge has pushed the military and population to the breaking point. Pattaban was called to deal with a riot outside the capitol building. Rather than firing on the crowd and dispersing them, his unit turned on central command and stormed the capital. After a day of heavy fighting between the central command and the presidential palace, Pattaban was declared president of the Federation.

Brinus was in the mess hall waiting to get some fresh ocean food similar to fried octopus from the planet they were orbiting. The food smelled succulent, and his empty stomach growled with anticipation. He ignored the news, which showed government officials in the Federation responsible for the great purge being rounded up and shot in the streets. A lone solider was going behind each man one by one, putting blaster bolts at the base of their skulls.

The police had the streets blocked, and the video of the public executions was leaked triquarter footage. There was commentary on the purges of all government officials involved in the great purge. However, he turned it out as he contemplated between fried octopus and Conti Ocean World crab legs.

A midshipman tapped him on the shoulder as he grabbed a few Fried octopus tentacles. They were greasy and crispy and smelled like fish. The friend asked, “Are you okay?”

Brinus jumped, and then it was Warp Bubble Calculus Two study buddy. “I’m not sure what to think Godfrick. I kind of enjoy watching the feds burn, but I am not the same person I was when I joined the Navy.”

They both paid for their food from the commissary and sat in the smoking section of the mess hall. The smoking section smelled like a hookah bar. It was thick and cloudy and over 100 midshipmen and cadets were eating there.

Godfrick ate his bluefish fish sticks and chips. “No one likes watching the social collapse unless something is wrong with that person. What did I say about looking at those clickbait sites?”

“Your’re right.”

After eating, the friend offered Brinus a cigarette from his pack, and they both started smoking together. Brinus said in a matter-of-fact tone, “Did you hear what happened at that Federation Military Academy?”

“I heard they rounded up ten professors and shot them in the square. They were showing the footage. They wrote papers on mass executions of the Elves in the Elfendor System, and were all for the old system.”

The friend blew some smoke off to the side, sighed, and rolled his eyes. “Really? Those news sites again?”

Brinus sighed. “You ever get the feeling the news is trying to distract us from something? I was on a clickbait site the other day and was reading about Operation Divide and Conquer.”

Godfrick snapped and rolled his eyes, “What did looking up information on Operation Divide and Conquer add to your life? Did it make your day better, or did it make you feel worse?”

Brinus said after sixty seconds of silence, “I guess it made me want to smoke despite trying to cut down.”

“Exactly! It’s upsetting! Why do you doomscroll knowing it will upset you?”

“I’ve been stressed lately with nicotine withdrawal and the big test comin’ up.”

The friend snapped and sighed, rolling his eyes. “There will always be stress. You can control the doomscrooling and the conspiracy theory hunting. Why don’t we discuss something else? Is Simmie cooking tonight for the study group?”

“Yes, he is. He is making his favorite fish dish.”

They both crushed their cigarette butts in the ashtray and disposed of their trays in the replicator.

After Supper

Brinus came home from supper. He removed his dress shoes, socks, and uniform shirt and put on gym shorts. Hearing voices, he went into the living room and saw his mother, Commander Tom, and Commander Theodore standing there.

Brinus stood at attention and saluted.

Commander Theodore: “At ease, Midshipman Stinkball. The Magi are giving us the use of their crystal temple at Aldoneen. You will be designated as a magi consultant.”

Marci coughed and sighed.

Commander Theodore looked at Marci, “What is wrong, madam duchess?”

“Why are you hazing my son?”

“He hasn’t complained about it.”

“You could dump Brinus in the woods without smokes, lighters, food, or water, and he still wouldn’t complain.”

The two officers laughed, and Commander Theodore said, “He would go through nicotine withdrawal, though.” Both commanders laughed again.

Marci held up her hand and made a shushing sound. “That isn’t the point. You will stop calling him a Midshipman Stinkball today, or I will audit this academy for hazing.”

The two commanders looked at each other and then at Marci. Commander Theodore said, “What about the Midshipman Smokestack?”

Marci shrugged. “Seems rude but whatever.”

Simmie came home and slapped Brinus on the butt and then kissed him on the neck in front of the two commanders and his mother. Brinus turned and slapped Simmie on the ass and smiled. “I will be with you in a little while.” Simmie and Brinus kissed, and Simmie went to cook the finger food.

“Sir! Permission to help Simmie in the kitchen!”

Commander Theodore Sighed and snapped, “Permission denied. You can love on your boy toy after we are done.”

Marci smirked but said nothing. After getting his assignment, he walked into the kitchen and then slapped Simmie hard on them butt, and kissed him excessively on the neck.

Simmie laughed as he set the frier. “Cut the shit Brinus. I know you’re happy about the news today.”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Brinus realized he could finally drop his act. He wrapped his arms around Simmie’s chest and whispered but in his ear. “I am not gonna lie. Hearing about the public executions of those sheep makes my day. They should have disobeyed orders to kill those innocents.” Brinus kissed Simmie’s ear and then ruffled his hair, stepping back with an evil grin.

“You’re saying they brought this on themselves?”

Brinus nodded.

Simmie swallowed and looked at his fish. “Sometimes you scare me, bro, but I am glad you are on our side.”

Brinus realized he went too far and said, “I’m gonna go dungeon crawling on my RPG. My gaming buddies will be on in thirty minutes. See you in the morning.” Brinus left the kitchen.

The Robotics Lab the Next Day

Brinus was listening to more news of the executions of revolutionary elites in the Federation Government. He was singing his favorite gangster rap song while working on a programming problem for a droid. Brinus was so engrossed in his work that he forgot that it was his Monday session with Dr. Calnori.

She coughed and cleared her throat. Brinus looked up and saw the doctor.

“Computer! Cut podcast!”

Clanori sighed, “Listening to the news?”

Brinus tried his best to act sad. he said with his eyes tearing up, “Yeah, it is really sad, isn’t it? Just a tragedy.” The way Brinus said this statement bordered on sarcasm. Dr. Calnori watched Brinus for five minutes before the session, singing and dancing to the news. Her strategy was to get Brinus to dig a hole for himself, and she would call him on it.

Calnori leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “What is your opinion on what happened at the Fed Military Academy?”

“It is so sad. I just want to cry.” Brinus’s eyes watered even more, and he teared up.

Dr. Calnori was impressed Brinus could cry on cue. She crossed her arms, trying not to laugh. “You know, I can only certify you for duty if you’re honest with me. Therapy is a place of no judgment.

After rising from his workstation, Brinus wiped his eyes and flicked his head. “Fine. What do you wonna know?”

“You tell me? Why do you enjoy the news?”

Brinus put a cigarette in his mouth and lit the other end.

Dr. Calnori came up and picked up the pack of cigarettes Brinus opened. “I see you are smoking in therapy. We discussed this. You don’t smoke in therapy. Are you distracting yourself?”

Brinus shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah, I have been more anxious lately. It’s getting harder to cut back. I am back up to 72 a day from 69 a day.”

The therapist sat down next to Brinus. “Why don’t I walk you through an exercise? I want you to close your eyes and visualize emotions, right? What Are They?”

Brinus took a draw from his cigarette and then closed his eyes.

It took him a moment, but then he started talking with his eyes closed. “I guess I feel revolted by the images of murder. Angry that the people killed put themselves in that position to be killed. Happy they are getting justice, and sad about the entire situation in the federation.”

“Right? So, is the news affecting you in a positive way or a negative way.”

Brinus blew smoke into Dr. Calnori’s face. “I hate this exercise.”

Dr. Calnori coughed and scowled. She said calmly, “What is with you today? You’re smoking in therapy again. You seem more edgy than usual, and you’re dancing at the deaths of people. What is going on?”

“Long Ho was fired for poor performance a week ago, and I got a card from the syndicate saying they were severing ties with me and that there was no beef between me and them.”

Dr. Calnori blinked. “Is that a bad thing?”

Brinus blew more smoke into Calnori’s face and then said, “It depends on how you left the syndicate. In my case, it is not a good thing. I am a fire mage, so they may not want to deal with a mage.”

Calnori waved her hand in front of her face. She snapped, “You know this smoke screen isn’t going to work. Why don’t we put out that cigarette and get to your session today?”

Brinus blew more smoke into the therapist’s face and laughed.

“I think the smoking, the doomscrooling, and the definite behavior is an expression of your fear of the syndicate coming after you. Oh, one more thing. You’re not mentally fit for duty this week, and I am ending today’s session early. You know, by now, smoking in therapy is not allowed. Hell, we discussed this! Multiple times!”

Brinus cussed and slammed his hand on the table. “Seriously?! I have my unit test in calculus on Wednesday!!”

“Actions have consequences. Think about that next time you smoke in a therapy session. I don’t feel like anything of value can be gained while you’re in this state, and I have homework for you. I will send it to you tomorrow when you calm down.”

The End of the Week

Brinus stood by the door, waiting for his therapist to arrive. His heart pounded from nerves, and he chewed on his nails. He made sure Simmie was gone so he could have some privacy. Having just seen his professor, he felt better about the whole situation. He was on medical leave, not disciplinary leave. Standing by the door while chewing a piece of nicotine gum, he paced back and forth. The doorbell rang.

Brinus put on his uniform shirt, walked up to the door, and opened it. It was Dr. Calnori.

“Oh, hello. Welcome to my home. Why don’t you come in?”

She took off her shoes and socks as she came in. He had a rule about being barefoot in his home. Brinus wondered why she wanted to do a home visit, but whatever, she was the professional.

“Sorry if I am early. I finished another session and was doing paperwork at the Dalla. We had to cancel their parole. We are shipping them out now. You were pretty upset about something at the last session. Are you ready to talk about it?”

“Uh yeah? I guess?” Brinus’s heart pounded in his ears, and his pupils dilated as he guided her to the game room. Could he really have his parole revoked?

“Did you do the homework I sent you?”

Brinus nodded as he sat her down on the chair across from the couch. He shook his leg and started biting his nails.

“I see you have the latest game console. Is that the Mx Box 1050?”

“It is the Mc Box 1020. It has the same case but a different processing chip. You’re a gamer?”

Dr. Calnori smiled and crossed her legs. “I play a little. Mainly FPSs and Indie Space Fantasy Games.”

Brinus smiled. He began clicking a cigarette lighter from his pocket in front of him. He was craving a cigarette but knew not to smoke.

“I heard the magi will start magic training soon.”

Brinus tapped the lighter on his leg. He said, “They think I’m a dark fire mage. They want me to go to a crystal temple, to be sure, but they think my magic is corrupted.”

“Right, let’s get to the point. Do you know why I suspended you from duty and ended the session early?”

Brinus nodded and then said, “Yes, ma’am. I behaved like a Hoothie Raverger in our last session.”

A Hoothie Ravager was a group of scavengers known for farting at the table, eating with their hands, wiping their mouths with their clothes, and not bathing for weeks at a time. They were also pirates engaged in extreme acts of violence.

Dr. Calnori leaned forward in her chair, she snapped, “It is more than that. Did you identify the core cause of your behavior?”

Brinus looked at the doctor and then stated, “They said in the letter that Long Ho was my father. It impacted me more than I thought. That was when I started doomscrooling and excessive smoking.”

“What else? I need you to say it, or I will suspend you for another week.”

He shrugged and then relaxed his seat. He said, “I also think I was responding to the news the way I did because, on some level, I enjoy watching evil people suffer.”

“And why do you enjoy watching evil people suffer?”

“Because of what she did to me in foster care and how the syndicate killed Harper.”

Dr. Calnori tilted her head and asked, “How much do you smoke? You seem antsy.”

Brinus was shaking his leg and biting his nails. “About 40 to 70 a day. I am having a lot of withdrawal symptoms, but I don’t feel the same desire to smoke as before.”

Dr. Calnori pulled out a prescription pad from her pocket and wrote down a chemical formula. “Put this in your food replicator, ” she said, handing him the prescription. “It is for some meds that should help with the cravings and the withdrawal symptoms. You can do it now if you’re having trouble focusing. It will only take a minute. I assume you know how to give yourself an IM injection with a pen if you used Bliss.”

Brinus nodded, he put the prescription off to the said and then said, “It is on the hip or the horseshoe of the stomach area. I should use an alcohol swab.”

“Do you want to use the medicine now?”

Mental Health Resources Below

If you are struggling with mental health issues and need help, here are some resources below. Remember, there is no shame in getting help:

US Suicide Helpline: 988

Other mental health hotlines:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Quitting Smoking Resources:

smokefree.gov