“No,” Laffat says bluntly. “Tell me, Marcus, what is your rank?”
“Uh, Sergeant?”
Laffat shakes his head.
“You’re a Sergeant? You’re not acting like one. How can you ever join the Krenma if you won’t consider others before yourself?”
Marcus shakes his head, not taking his eyes off the path ahead as they continue walking. Just as he expected, Laffat did have something to say to him. What surprises him, however, is his mentor’s hostility to his response, animosity that was lacking in his interrogation of the Gewerksol.
“Like how you consider the enemy over others? How can you show any form of decency to that man-”
“Because he’s a person too,” snaps Laffat. “Disparaging him and other Demokrists or Neo-Demokrists on the basis that they are scum is atrocious and appalling; it only further divides our great nation and empowers their quest for violence. Their ideology once adhered to the fundamentals of democracy, through peace, until some radical came along and convinced its followers that they were being oppressed, that peace isn’t the answer. What fueled this? The disgust and closemindedness of-”
“Our people? They’re right to do so; back then and now. Demokrism gives the people a false sense of hope, giving them motives that are unachievable, making them delusional and unproductive in our society. It’s a ridiculous ideology that spreads misery equally among us, misery shared by its followers.”
“Ideology is not enough to define one’s characteristics. Indeed, their ideology has almost no practicality. However, there are some that genuinely want peace, that want reforms without spilling blood. That’s why we must fight with our minds and use our strength to protect those that may fall victim or are unable to defend themselves in times of despair. Our government must take steps to encourage peace through cooperative solutions that erode the influence of any bad ideologs. That’ll require competent leaders, which we must create or influence to lead effectively.”
“Hmph! You’re assuming everyone has the intellect to lead, to see through the bullshit that has gripped society. And you’re willing to put trust in those that ideologically oppose us. Guess what. We don’t need them. If they want to prove themselves to society, they can undo their misdeeds and help, including those that sit by idly. Maybe then they’ll be important contributors, just like me, if you even see potential in me.”
The pace of the two men increases, their temper and adrenaline propelling them forward. Laffat is ashamed and disappointed that Marcus would make such despicable comments. While everyone can’t contribute the same way he and Marcus can, they play a role in building the Empire. To him, it seems Marcus relies on stereotypes and selfishness to guide him, something that will not fly with the Krenma. Marcus’ attitude is one of the reasons the Gewerksma are thriving again.
Yet, Laffat can’t approach Marcus aggressively, as he knows that hostility will further instill Marcus’ reactionary views. He has to remain calm, but firm in convincing Marcus on why he is wrong. I hope I can change you by then. He takes a deep breath.
“I do,” Laffat says with a smile. “You have potential.”
“I do,” Marcus says, surprised by his answer. “What potential can I bestow upon you, especially since you are willing to give the benefit of the doubt to those beneath us?”
Laffat chuckles, amused by Marcus’ obliviousness and egotistical manner. Despite his faults, he can see Marcus becoming the Empire’s next great leader, a position for which he would have to train for years. He also has a way to go to mature, but that’ll come with experience, which he hopes will straighten out the selfishness in him.
“I can just see it now: the reincarnation of Truskuis. His teachings have helped stabilize my life. He was a-”
“Great inspiration.”
“Well, I can see how you’ll annoy them with that.”
He pauses for a moment.
“Let me tell you something: we each possess a unique set of skills, skills that define us, and thus we should embrace them. Yet, if you don’t recognize your abilities or utilize them to their full potential, then what good can you do? Are you being spiteful to ignore others’ pleas? Are you being selfish because you only wish to benefit yourself? The words you speak only carry weight if you act to awaken your diligence as an individual. It’s not just about you; it’s about others and how we can help and protect them. When you understand that, you’ll then become stable.”
Laffat walks away, leaving Marcus baffled as he lingers behind.
“Hurry up now, the lives of millions are at stake here. I think I have lectured you enough.”
Marcus staggers along, trying to comprehend Laffat’s words. He’s confused as to why he should put others before himself, over his interests. His life matters to him more than anyone else’s, and everyone else would think the same way.
Also, he doesn’t consider himself selfish either. In fact, he finds those not serving his country are selfish, parasites that rely on him to protect them even though their taxes pay his salary. Yet, he despises this, believing that money isn’t enough, that they must be here physically, to build up their strength, to have a purpose in life. After all, a society cannot thrive or survive if its people don’t know how to fight.
But he doesn’t have time to ponder Laffat’s words. They’re on a mission and whether he likes it or not, he has to complete that mission. He runs, trying to catch up to Laffat.
In the distance, he can see Laffat standing still, staring into a large room. He appears to be examining something, something that has gotten his attention. As he approaches, he slows down, coming to a stop as he sees what Laffat is looking at.
In front of the computers sits a man slightly slouched over. In his right hand is a gun that dangles, his finger around the trigger. Both men look at each other.
“Stay right here. I’ll go and investigate.”
~
Laffat slowly creeps towards the figure. He is cautious as he looks around. When he reaches the individual, he slowly places his hand on the chair. He spins the chair around and steps back. He points his weapon and then slightly lowers it. He’s pointing his gun at a dead man, one who has taken his own life.
He sighs and walks towards the computers. He looks at them and sees a green card inserted in one of the slots. It appears to be a key card, one that controls the functions of something. Laffat grabs it and looks at it, and sees a seven-number code on it: 2667259.
“This is going to be important, I have a feeling,” he says softly as he slips the card into his pocket. “It’s clear, come on in.”
~
Marcus slowly walks in. He approaches Laffat as the man pushes the chair with the dead guy away. Laffat approaches the mainframe and plugs in his flash drive, collecting any data on it. While the flash drive collects the data, he navigates the server, searching for any information on the WMD and when it’ll be released. He swipes through file after file, finding little information on what he’s looking for. He isn’t sure how much time is left, but he believes he only has minutes left and with each passing second, his time is getting shorter.
Then he comes across a filename called Xern. Intrigued by the name, he clicks on it. The screen becomes cluttered with pictures, videos, graphs, and analytical data, telling him what Xern is. He clicks on one of the videos, revealing a cage of rats being exposed to the gas. They twitch for seconds before stiffening up, dead from the gas.
Xern, a poisonous greenish odorless gas made of chlorine, Tabun, and sulfur, bonded together by hydrogen, is designed to suffocate its intended victims. The side effects include nausea, tightening muscles and joints, numbing, and burning of the eyes. Based on the compounds it’s made of, it’s a nerve agent that paralyzes its victims, suffocating them until they die. It’s a painful death, one meant to include suffering in the final seconds of their life.
As he continues to read the devastating information, a message box pops up, telling him that all the information has been loaded onto the
flash drive. He taps Ok and removes the flash drive, giving it to Marcus, who slips it into his pocket. Laffat then exits the file and suddenly, a countdown clock appears. 15:19. 15:18. There appears to be roughly fifteen minutes left until something happens, likely the release of the Xern gas. The men look at each other, concerned about the changing circumstances.
“This is not good,” Laffat says with dread.
“Can’t you disable it or something?”
“It doesn’t look like it. Perhaps I can-”
The screen turns fuzzy. Laffat taps it, trying to get out, but it has a mind of its own. Then the fuzziness of the screen gives way to a dark figure, at first unrecognizable.
“So, I see you have found our little weapon,” says the dark figure with an automated voice that sounds familiar.
“Dennis,” Laffat says as he slowly rises.
“If you have found this room, consider yourself lucky and unlucky for those outside, for they are about to die a painful, but liberating death. You get to witness their demise as we remake society, ushering in Paradise. If you wish to stop such unjustified deaths from your perspective, there’s a switch on the other side of this building you can flip. But I doubt you will find it in time. Let this be the beginning of the fall of the Empire.”
The video ends and the countdown time of 14:01 appears. Each passing second brings them closer and closer to the release of the gas, putting the lives of millions at risk. Marcus puts his hands on his head and paces back and forth.
“We’ve got to find that switch,” he says, hyperventilating.
“There is no switch.”
He stops and looks at Laffat as if the general has two heads.
“But there must be a way to stop this and that is the switch- screw it! I’m going to go look!”
Marcus takes off running. The lives of millions are at risk and yet, Laffat appears to be calm, unconcerned about the potential death that will come. Marcus is determined to find it, with or without Laffat’s help.
~
Laffat gets up and follows the easily manipulated man. His ignorance is showing yet again, telling him that Marcus has a long way to go before he’s on par with military leaders across Zentari. He knows there’s only one way to stop the release of the gas, and that’s the card he found earlier. That’s the switch Dennis is talking about.
However, he senses that the card will lock him in. He believes that the gas will be redirected to this room as well, killing anyone in it. He knows this is a game Dennis likes to play: either be selfish and let millions die or be selfless and sacrifice yourself to ensure they live another day. It’s a moral basis he finds screwed up, a decision that would force most into an uncomfortable situation. But he won’t let this dilemma halt him, as he knows that the choice he makes will have an everlasting impact.
“The games you play, Dennis. You may win the battle, but you’ll never win the war. Erasing me won’t stop future leaders from destroying the Gewerksma.”
He places his hand over his right ear.
“Baron-Two, this is General Constantime.”
“General. What is it?”
“I need you to immediately take off. I need you to follow a Code Blue.”
“Where’s my target?”
“The Chalres Research Facility. There’s a chemical weapon they are developing that we cannot have them release.”
“Understood. We’ll be there ETA 10 minutes.”
“Copy that.”
He lowers his hand and looks at the clock. 11:12. He’s aware that his act of heroism will cost him his life, mindful of the fact that millions will be saved, thoughtful of his family’s future. He knows his family will be devastated, especially their son. He’s also aware that this will be the perfect lesson to teach a naive Marcus. It will be the last lesson he teaches Marcus, a parting gift of wisdom. He has made his choice.
“I guess my time has come,” he whispers to himself. “A bit early, but I know I have faith that you will carry the torch, Marcus.”
He stops in front of the exit and looks at the green neon keypad. Pressing any button will seal the sliding door in front of him, locking him in.
~
Marcus stops and turns around. He sees Laffat standing there, contemplating something, his face riddled with sadness.
“Why are you just standing there? Lives are at stake! Don’t you care about them?”
Laffat reaches for something in his pocket. He pulls out a golden locket and opens it. Inside is a picture of him, his wife, and their son. He does indeed care for the lives of his people, the people he has protected for years. However, his family’s safety is just as important and if it means he must sacrifice himself to save them, then he’s ready to do so. Gently, he places the locket on the ground, on the other side of the door. A bewildered Marcus looks at him, unsure what to make of Laffat’s strange behavior. He looks at the keypad and puts his finger on it.
“I’m sorry, Marcus.”
He presses a button and the door slides shut, locking into place.
“No!”
Marcus runs to the thick reinforced steel door as he tries to pry it open. While robust and committed, he’s unable to pry it open. Frantically, he tries typing in multiple codes to unlock the door, the keypad denying him each time. Frustrated, he pounds on the door, hoping to knock it down. Realizing that his attempts are futile, he looks through the small window on the door and sees Laffat.
“What the hell are you doing??” he shouts in anguish. “Why are you-”
“Doing this,” he says with a smile as he pulls out the key card.
Marcus’ eyes widen as his heart comes to a stop. His eyes tear up as he recognizes it’s the switch that’ll save everyone.
“No, no, no! There must be another way! Please, I beg you. The Empire needs you! I need you!”
“Marcus, they don’t need me anymore and you don’t need me. No, they need you now.”
Marcus takes a step back, astounded by his comments. It is true that the Empire needs a brilliant individual like Laffat. In fact, he was recently offered the position of Supreme Commander by President Rechemec. Of all the people the President was looking at, Laffat was his first pick. His diligence, brilliance, and commitment to help the Empire by serving his country were only some of the reasons to choose him.
However, he turned down the job, believing someone else would be better suited for the position, someone the Empire could have full faith in. Many were surprised by this and were confused by his reasoning. Everyone believed no one could surpass him or fill his shoes. Yet, to Laffat now, there is one person who can and will surpass him, and that’s the person he’s currently staring at.
“Marcus,” he says gently. “Do you remember what I said to you earlier?”
Marcus’ lip shrivels up, his tears flowing like a river.
“Ye-yes.”
Laffat smiles.
“We each possess a unique set of skills, skills that define us, and thus we should embrace them. Yet, if you don’t recognize your abilities or utilize them to their full potential, then what good can you do? Are you being spiteful to ignore others’ pleas? Are you being selfish because you only wish to benefit yourself? The words you speak only carry weight if you act to awaken your diligence as an individual. It’s not just about you; it’s about others and how we can help and protect them. When you understand that, you’ll then-”
“Become stable.”
Marcus wipes the tears away. He finally understands Laffat’s words, his wisdom. He realizes now that his selfishness has made him arrogant and ignorant of others. By refusing to recognize others, he has forgotten how to regulate his self-consciousness. While it’s important to protect yourself, if you cannot protect others, then you cannot protect yourself, and that inability leads to instability in your life.
“I understand now, General Constantime.”
Laffat’s smile widens. He now believes that Marcus can lead the nation’s military and one day may even become the P
resident.
“Marcus,” he says firmly now. “There is a pendant at your feet. It holds a picture of my family in there. Can you give it to them?”
Marcus looks down and sees a golden object on the floor. He bends down and picks it up and looks at it for a brief second.
“I will,” he says, slipping the pendant into his pocket.
“Good. Now Marcus,” he says with apprehension. “The Empire has just begun to enter into a Golden Era, which you’ll find yourself overseeing in the future. You must work to develop the Empire’s military to meet the new threats that likely lie ahead, to contemplate the enemy’s next move.”
He pauses for a second.
“You will learn this from the teachings of Truskuis and Einzgu. But let me tell you what I fear: I fear that dark times are approaching.”
Marcus stares blankly at Laffat, somewhat confused by what he’s rambling on about.
“The Gewerksma are a threat, yes, but the real threats are ones you cannot see, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. Zentari may be stable and at peace; however, that doesn’t mean we should let down our guard. You, among others, must bring Zentari together to defeat any foes that dare show themselves. The fate of this region; our nation, rests on you and a select few to save and protect the great lands in this region.”
He stops and turns his head. 6:22. He doesn’t have much time before the military levels the place or the gas is released. He knows he must quickly stop this or risk losing millions and the future. He turns towards Marcus, knowing this will be the last time he sees him.
“I wish I could have taught you more,” he says with a regret-ridden face. “I wish I could see where you’ll be. I wish I could see how Argus will grow. I wish there was a better way. But when you only have one option, it becomes the obvious choice. But always try to find another, there may be one you don’t see. That’s my final lecture to you, my final teaching. Now… go.”
Marcus doesn’t move, still refusing to leave Laffat behind.
“Go Marcus Huns! I entrust my family and the people into your hands now. Go and become the protégé that will protect them.”
Zurkerx- The Empire Shall Grow Page 31