August 21st, 18:47. San Jose. PST
The city is following something unusual today, as a large crowd gathers around the city hall with a heavy Zlocan presence. The Knights see the actions of every citizen as they're put in a cue around a stage in the center of a plaza, with their rifles and swords giving them the power to keep them in line, with the walkers' presence as well. Most of the citizens look sullied, battered up and pale, likely from having spent some days in abject rule from the Zlocu for a week, some even looking distant from the Zlocans in contrast to the restrained fear of the others. With that and the seemingly impassable wall, it seems the citizens won't see a real light anymore. Everything from their lives taken away, now serving as prisoners for a peace-hating race, and even though they may have achieved similar things, they still wonder if they can really stomp that low for a living being.
Near the dome outside the main building, ten Zlocan knights are guarding up the entrance of the building, with some Zlocan banners hanging near the walls. They're likely waiting for someone as they stay put for a moment, usual for most soldiers on something important. Kedris walks nearby, reaching to the guards standing outside the dome. They respond by saluting him with their left hands near their chests, all in unison. Kedris then stops near a podium, which makes the Knights put their hands back in holding their rifles.
"Citizens of San Jose, it is the utmost...pleasure to bear witness to one of the rituals committed by the Zlocan race as of now. It is one of the biggest...steps to ensure that a living will become a stronger one, one able to thrive to survive for an eternity, one capable to survive all obstacles in their paths...and the ones who know their worth in existence. That is the way of the Zlocu. But to further prove...how Humanity will demonstrate the step and... to make sure how you will live with it to survive, allow me to present you one of the main men that is...to be thanked for this step of our culture. A man worthy...of many words. Let the Major, Abbie Perlman, deliver the way."
Another man walks by, one that is wearing a grey suit with a black tie. He has black short hair, cyan eyes, a medium stature that resembles like an average businessman and a face for it as well. Smiling highly from his own presence, he gets to the podium, where he gets ready to deliver a "pleasing" speech to the audience. Abbie Perlman may know the way.
"With warm and friendly greetings to you all, I'm pleased to announce that as the first Human to show the Zlocan ritual to greatness, we'll be seeing another great step for all of us. We know that Humanity has its own share of traditional rituals that could be enlightening, charming or just some show to entertain, which is the case a lot, even in America. And of course, by wondering if there's much more space for the tiny bunch at home. Yeah, it'll be great, that's for sure, we've wondered a lot. But well, to our embarrassment, we found the answer on the hard way, and oh boy, what to pay a lot for it you know. The Zlocu is just like that one stern teacher back in school, you know, always teaching us the hard way of things but only for something better for everybody, yeah, I'm pretty grateful compared to the donkey and elephant shitheads from before, but now a new age will come to America thanks to them. Oh, did I just get distracted? Sorry sorry, I always get carried over but it's just some small happy mistake, just like every innocent kid with the toys and the what, heh! Alright now, this last part of the ritual, simply known as "Warrior's Advent", will be done by the first Humans to do it, Inquisitors of course. American ladies and gentlemen, please a grand applause to the great men for this great ritual." he says while making some rapid applause with his hands. Some of the audience proceeded to do the same, albeit in very restrained and force way, even forcing smiles. They don't want anything with it, but as of Zlocan law, they have to.
Two persons walk by, all dressed in black vests and ammo-packs around it. One is a dark-skinned, bald woman with hazel eyes and puffy cheeks. The other is an Asian man, bald as well. Yet looks very familiar, perhaps the same one who "joined" Yamja back in Area 51?
"Here are the two great men for the ritual, Donna Winters from Arizona and Thomas Li from Oregon. Look at the brightest candidates today, future examples for all American children out there to look for. Well, maybe most won't remember much but their spirits will there for them. Hopefully enough. Yeah, these men managed to get through all the grueling tests worthy to make a being stronger, whether it's in the body, the brain and even the heart of, probably more than anyone else so the universe can properly prosper, at least when we all get out of our cute little blue dot for the stars. Yeah, they're pretty great, probably will make their mommas proud even in death. But you're wondering, will they be picked based on a simple choice? Well, I'd like to say yes because its more logical...but the Zlocu had different methods of evaluation for fellas. And they'll show you now, but please don't get too disturbed, it's their custom after all."
Two Zlocan guards who accompanied the two to the stand suddenly grab Donna from behind, holding her arms tight and almost to the point of not having any control of them. She tries to shake them off as hard as she can but it's useless. Thomas is shaky, almost avoiding eye contact with Donna while remaining continuously blinking. They put Donna near him while she growls at them, looking into his eyes as she looks narrow-eyes to him, probably knowing what to expect from it.
"Now you see, some felt that poor Donna just slagged a little bit in her tests even though she passed them, and when such blunder occurs, the one who performed excellently will have to make a painful yet ultimately necessary choice to his partner. And that is fellow American friends, death by choking. Dear Donna, you did well great girl, but you should have more control in the objectives the Zlocu gave to you, so please don't take it hard, and no hard feelings as well, please. Now Thomas my boy, carry out the deed please."
Thomas still avoids eye contact with either person while breathing heavily, perhaps he was trained well enough to keep himself and his soul alive, if barely. But sometimes, keeping up a facade is dire enough to taint someone's soul. After some moment of hesitation, he turns around to see Donna face to face, her fearful eyes making her want to see Thomas as just a man doing what needs to be done, but such severity cannot be contained enough to make such distinction.
He tries hard as well, but in the end, survival could override every other need for a Human being. Especially for Thomas, first by being falsely convinced of what his fate may hold and how the supposed final test will be. Even for all what he wanted, he only can feel nothing but sorrow in what's upon him.
Even Kedris feels the opposite of most Zlocans, simply having his eyes closed while letting out a quiet sigh.
"Come on Tommie, you don't wanna disappoint your new fellas, do ya? Just do it and feel free for once."
Some moment of hesitation passes on from him, still trembling for what he may do, all while Donna stared at him with a shaky face, narrow eyes and his lips being bitten. She really wants him to think otherwise, that hey may pass through.
Unfortunately, Thomas starts to extend his hands towards Donna's neck and starts to press it as hard as he can, all while he closed his eyes, ashamed of what he's doing. With her arms crossed, she can do nothing as she raggedly gasps for air, gulping as fast as she can to absorb more oxygen and tries to scream, but the force of the strangulation is so strong, she doesn't have enough oxygen for it.
Gagging violently, eyes wide enough with fear in them, her body pacing rapidly to take some oxygen back and heart beating too fast, Donna's suffering seem to extend for some time, her last moments filled with the fact that she was to be strangled all just to make sure someone else passes the test as she did. Survival may be a selective tool after all.
After a minute of violent choking from Thomas and struggle, Donna leaves her mouth wide open while letting out a small yet noticeable gasp for air, her now sullen eyes left wide open as the last bit of life from her now leaves. With nothing left to do with her, he releases his grip from her neck, making her lifeless head to hang down. Thomas then tries to put his hands near her head one more time, near the eyes, but his hand is slapped back by one of the guards that held Donna.
"Weaklings do not deserve respect, dead or alive," he says in a stern tone while he and the other guard drag Donna's lifeless body away.
Thomas, trying his best, attempts to put a face that could ensure a man could be seen a strong one over the one he killed. But even if he tried, it's no use as the citizens pretty much know of how he feels on the inside...but with the Zlocu with them, they can't do anything as they falsely applaud to Thomas' deed instead of showing opposing silence.
"Now everybody, give a well-deserved applause to our boy, Thomas! You have done well, son. Now let's hope you can put up these skills for good use in the Inquisition."
All what Thomas can do is to simply leave in silence, enough for him for today, and probably all days.
But far away from the hall, in an abandoned building, someone's aiming at Debbie's head with the sniper's scope, an AS50. The figure is wearing dark clothing all over it, armor vest, beret, mask, pants, and shoes. Even their eyes are covered with red visors. Some inspection later, the figure puts its hands near the ear.
"Target in sight, waiting for the next objective."
1 hour later. Fort Jefferson. 19:49
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
In the warriors' barracks, everything seems quiet yet a bit uncertain, most of the warriors are on a table checking a laptop, likely Seiner's computer on whatever they found. Could be a vital source or something else entirely.
"Some long distance turrets capable of firing at not just a long distance but also at high speed even at night, hmm, could be the reason why the UEF suckers were unlucky in trying to get one of their eggs in their basket," Eddie says, standing behind Malak.
"Well, could it be our chance for it?" Jackson asks.
"Just wait for more mate, just trying to spot a hole in the laser defenses...the more I work on it, the faster I may find out," Seiner says as he looks carefully on the computer while typing on the keyboard.
While this is going on, Logan is sitting alone in his bed, looking down with narrow eyes that look nearly watery with a frown on his face. Never did he expect to have a burden that could strike so much on the inside, something that he's been willing to try out for a living being to learn more. Whatever made him grow up like that, it's something strong enough to make the decisions he has done in the present...But even with good intentions, not having told Amira enough of Human nature led to the near-fatal test on the previous day. And now, she's in custody. Logan only believes that he himself is to be blamed for her situation, made her naive in her test. He wishes he can do more, wanting her to be happy in her new world. But now, he's unsure if she truly will be after what happened.
All he can do now is to look down in shame, knowing that only John has the power in what to decide for her, whether they like it or not.
Luckily, a bit company for him may be needed now, as Tany approaches him, slightly crouching and leaning her face in front of him to get something out of him while she slightly smiles. Logan doesn't react to it, but he still knows she's there.
"Still sad, dear Loggie?"
"Not sad...just disappointed with myself...I wish I could just..."
"Ahh. I know why you feel like that...she's been a good friend for most of us in all these days. I'm too saddened by what happened to her, and if only I can give those meanies a spanking for messing her up!"
"I wish I could...but it wouldn't make any difference in what happened...all of this..."
"Oh, Loggie..."
"Maybe we may not be suited for the galactic community if we win after all..."
Tany frowns for a bit, knowing well of how hard it must be for him. A lonely outlook coming from him, one in which even with new Humans to met, it may not be enough to quell his deep desire to help another living being. He truly wants to try.
Tany then leans back while putting her hand on Logan's hair while she locks her eyebrows. Even if she's sad, she would do anything to make her friends feel relieved and alive once more. That's her job after all.
"Just tell me, do you think she may hate you now?"
Logan quickly raises his head in response, his tone suddenly changing into a surprised one.
"W-what? Why would she?"
"Just wondering...with all that blue mood of yours, it's likely that you're wishing for a whole lot more for her, and probably she expected more of you, which sucks a lot, but it can't be helped when you feel it...but let me tell ya, she may know it was a mistake, but still try to learn more from you. You know true friends do that, right?"
Logan's eyes grow wide, not having realized sooner in thinking about that. He grew too accustomed to giving near-perfect lectures to people he meets, almost to the point he may have forgotten for second chances. And yet, he knows well in what perfection can mean for them, and it's better to not put it to use.
"You're right...I've let this burden get the best of me, almost making me give up on her...but I know that I shouldn't...because of second chances to make someone better than it was...thank you Tany."
"Anything for my dear friends, Loggie."
Logan smiles in response, whether he's with Amira or not, he'll still have his friends on his side, willing to do anything for each other and to ensure they're happy.
"Calling to Barracks 12, any of the warriors that are available report to me on the second floor. We need urgent help in regards to the outsider," John says on the megaphone which can be heard across many parts of the bases.
Knowing what it means, Logan quickly gets up and starts approaching the door, with Tany following suit. The rest, however, aren't doing the same, perhaps too focused on studying the defenses of the wall. Lucy is the only one to notice and leaves the team for a moment.
"Logan, Tania...before you go, keep this in mind...tell her that if she wants to be with us, laddies...then she should grow up properly instead of keeping up on being a bairn. That way, she'll be properly part of us, understood."
"We will...but we won't do it like that."
"Eh? What do ye mean?"
"She already had enough time being given a cold lecture from these two already...we will not worsen it."
"But don't you see how she works?!"
"We do, but you know pretty well in that not everyone will accept such method for their betterment. Not even Aliens...she'll be given as she needs to."
"Do ye even have the experience for it, laddie?"
"Did you had one in feeling for others?"
Lucy falls silent for a moment, being taken-aback from Logan's question as she staggers for a bit. Maybe it's really the time where she knows that her method won't work out, even in her emotional state. The other stare in confusion over the brief scuffle between Logan and Lucy, wondering if the rift will continue.
But in the end, she simply lowers her head and waves her hand away, indicating that they may go in peace in which they do so. She approaches back to the others, all looking surprised yet a bit angry at her actions.
"Now you know in what you're dealing with, dear Luce...but you'll know it may work out," Jackson says while trying to reassure her, but she simply focuses on looking at the computer for more details from Seiner. She's not in the mood to continue after all, because if she reveals more, it will be stressing for her to do so, so a rest may be needed.
Walking down on a straight-lined corridor, Logan and Tany are following the path leading up to John's location. Logan, in particular, looks a bit concerned. His narrow eyes and rapid walking mean that he really wants to gain the chance to teach her once more and needs to be done quickly. Perhaps he really needs it, as the cold around inside is too much for him to bear and needs something to thaw it. Tany looks worryingly at him, unaware if Amira may do the right thing that she thinks once they arrive. Logan has a lot to explain after all.
Reaching to particular corner with two standing guards and John near a large window and a door with many locks to it, metallic ones in fact. John notices the incoming duo, all with a concerned look on his face.
"So you've arrived. Good timing in fact, given that we've tried to use all methods to get Amira to talk but in every one of them, she's been reduced in the corner of the room and being unresponsive to everything we ask or tell her. Not to me, or the soldiers, or even psychologists. Also, where are the rest?"
"Just with their usual chitty-chat, only I and Loggie have the time for it and in a good one as well! And If these two meanies arrive, then I will give them-" Tany says in a furious tone until he gets interrupted by John himself.
"Walter and Ae Gang were simply doing what they needed to do. I know it's not what you wanted to see, or what you wanted for her to endure, but it's their job, and they should carry it out. No exceptions whatsoever."
Tany glares at John silently while clenching her fists in anger, she doesn't care in what excuse he may give for condoning their behavior, she won't take it lightly at all.
"As I was saying, I guess you came here because of Amira, right?"
"Yes, Mister Johnny. I really don't want to see a sad friend in a moment like this, I don't like to see my friends in a blue mood at all..." Tany says in a sudden sad tone. Even if she's angry at John, comforting Amira is the main priority at the moment.
Logan simply nods slowly as well while looking down.
"Indeed. Knowing you, it may be the way we'll get to know more about her. You can take your time as you like, she may surely need it from you." John then passes a card to the hole near the locks, a light turns green, indicating it's been unlocked as the sound of the locks separating quickly can be heard. The door then opens, revealing a grey colored room with nothing but Amira inside unless they bring in something more. Amira's near the corner on the right side of the room, curled up with while covering her eyes away. She also lacks the armor that she has, only having the cyan tube top and skirt. Logan and Tany quietly enter the room as they feel every bit of cold in the room and from themselves as well, something they never wanted but happened.
The sight of Amira makes Logan's eyes almost watery while frowning, with Tany simply trying to keep up a smile on her face. No matter what, she keeps up with it, it's the best trait of her.
"Amira..." Logan quietly says, all while keeping her space between themselves and her. His voice in a shaky tone almost sounds like he'll cry.
"Ammi..." Tany says as well.
These calls, in fact, make Amira slowly lifts her head up, now being able to see the ones that can truly warm her heart from the sadness inside of her. Looking at them, her once formerly empty expression begins to warm up, her eyes widening from the sight she's seeing, culminating with a smile on her face, and eventually gets up to properly see them.
"Logan...Tany...you're here."
"Yes, my dear friend!" Tany says happily as she runs towards Amira and hugs her tightly while laughing with joy at seeing that her friend is fine now. Logan too starts to smile while approaching her, trying his best to hold back his tears.
"These meanies aren't here now, only me and Loggie! The best for you!"
"Maybe...just maybe, but the others?"
"Ah, just busy with their shticks and such, but don't worry, they still think for you, perhaps even Seiny-boy!"
Amira can only giggle quietly yet happily from such words, and surprisingly, smiles a bit more when seeing Logan. This surprises Logan for a bit, as his eyes widen from the fact that she didn't react angrily at him for not teaching him enough. But it seems that she really knows when to understand someone. Especially for a Human.
Logan approaches her while trying to keep his face straight, a bit nervous but confident enough to face her. He then holds her near his arms
"Amira...I'm really sorry if I didn't teach you enough for Humanity...I got carried away from my positive thoughts and told you about Human potential...I should have told you more on when to know from identifying Humans to form bonds with and those who don't...yet you don't seem to be mad..."
"Why should I? I know that you just wanted me the best of me...I felt afraid...I didn't want to talk to everybody because I was afraid...and yet I'm not angry...a mistake is simply a mistake...and even though it lead to all this, I'm still willing to listen..."
"Yeah...hear me out...if necessary, try to strike back at the attacking Human, but later on, the chance to know the Human's goodness can still be there...just use it in the appropriate moment...the ones visiting you will bring you no harm unless shown, but don't get too drastic with it...will you try?"
"Anything for a dear Human...I will..."
Logan simply smiles from such response as he moves her head near his chest, caressing her hair while still keeping her in his arms. Tany follows suit by caressing her hair as well. Amira couldn't feel anymore happier for it. Even if they may leave later, she'll know that they'll be there for her, her warm heart, her warm vision.
A true smile comes when someone who truly cares about such person comes.
And like a flower who can only bloom beautifully in the sun, such persons can bring the being to its fullest potential in life.
And with every try, comes the potential to grow more.
And with every potential, comes the future in what the person will eventually become.