Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Oct 15, 2010 11:19:53 GMT -5
[eD strides into Travis' apartment, and flaps his arms wildly in dismay]
eD – 'You've cancelled your media appointments, the week before a PPV? Don't you want to make the likes of Jet look stupid?'
[Travis looks up from the book he is reading and raises his eyebrows]
Travis – 'You can't have seen the Piercing Truth this week. Besides, 'The Blessed One' has some reading to catch up on before he hits the gym.'
eD – 'Well at least your training...'
Travis – ''The Blessed One' does it just to get affirmation from yourself, now scram, reading.'
[With that Travis turns back to his book, which is entitled; 'Battleground Z : Short Stories from the End of the World', and eD reluctantly leaves the apartment.]
The Planet Earth.
If you were a Space Lord sitting high upon his thrown in the outer reaches of the galaxy, looking down upon this spinning orb, you would see little out of place. The oceans remain blue, the landmass remains intact, and it continues to orbit consistently around the sun that gives it life. An idyllic nirvana in the void of the galaxy, a place where life thrives and cultures are born with each passing millennia. But if you decided to visit this beautiful lump of rock, and broke through it's atmosphere to the actual surface, this illusion would be shattered.
For the place that was once the playground of civilisation, containing wonders that never ceased to amaze, and tales of optimism, hope and millions of personal victories and achievements is no more. In it's place sit thousands upon thousands of bloody battlegrounds, hope and optimism are rare and futile resource, replaced with cynicism, mistrust and brutality. Civilisation has broken down, society exists in all but name in small pockets across the globe, but these shallow reminders of what once was are steadily diminishing.
The world has literally torn itself apart, and it's remaining inhabitants live each day avoiding the very same fate. Gone are dreams, replaced with night terrors, laughter is outnumbered by screams of anguish and pain, neither religion nor science can offer answers or salvation. Those that survive have nothing to live for but this miserable existence, yet some continue to fight, they do not cease to cling to their mortality with every breath in their bodies, despite the inevitable, unavoidable fate that will greet them all. If you were a Space Lord you would no doubt wonder, why?
Major Trent Rengreen is one of these people, and he honestly has no answer why he does it. If you asked him he'd probably say 'What option do I have?', but deep down, every day he thinks about ending it all, right there and then, and although he never does it, he couldn't tell you why.
He glanced across the oil-lamp lit room at what had become his purpose each and every day, five men who were the closest thing to family he had, these men fate had deemed he would spend what would probably be his final days on this ethereal plain with, his last memories of this world. When faced with such horror as this Major Rengreen astounds even himself with his ability to resist those suicidal tendencies.
These were the ones that made it, these men, logic would suggest, are the very best of human civilisation. Surely this was a damning indictment of the evolution of the species Trent had once been proud of being a part of, but was that an argument to say he should abandon all hope, and become like those outside these four sturdy walls, relieve himself of the pain and mental anguish those he is condemned to suffer place upon him?
This was not how he should be thinking, not now anyway, it's of no use to him, one thing Major Trent Rengreen does not do, is quit. There has to be hope somewhere, these men cannot be the only survivors, the only ones who made it, surely out there, beyond this self imposed prison, are people like him, with advanced cognitive abilities and capable of stimulating company. Of course it was possible he was deluding himself, but he's as good as dead if he succumbs to reality.
The Major's train of thought is broken by the stiff and 100% regulation salute that Captain Joseph Sublime snaps off inches from his face. Whilst the rest of the unit, the Major included, had wilfully let much of the pompous and ridiculously authoritarian rituals fall by the wayside, Captain Sublime had stuck rigidly to them. This was not strange, everyone clung to something to remind them of what was, but Trent considered Sublime must be deeply damaged if that was what he chose to hold dear. People this uptight had always worried Trent.
“General, I suspect the enemy may have breached our perimeter, sir!” Joseph barked whilst stood bolt upright, staring just to the right of Trent's face, Captain Sublime would dare not look a senior officer in the eyes, but Rengreen was convinced he would stab one in the back, after a long drawn out plot involving far too many co-conspirators.
“What makes you think that, Captain?”
Without shifting position, or emotion Sublime responds; “Major, I first became a keen observer of wildlife when I was a young boy, these skills I acquired at this early age served me well during recon missions during my early years in the forces, but before I enrolled it also...”.
Trent rolled his eyes, Captain Sublime had a tendency to overcomplicate the simplest of things, Rengreen was certain he could turn even the most simple instructions into some kind of Machiavellian ruse with his own interpretation and explanation of them. Over time the Major had come to the conclusion that the best course of action was to swiftly derail the train before it picked up speed.
“In simple terms Captain, before the enemy actually break in here and use the Privates face as a chew toy and a sexual aid...”
The youngest member of the unit, Private Milo turns round and just looks meekly towards his superiors. Trent was at odds regarding this young man, he was clearly in way over his head, and he'd had deep reservations when the unit had decided to take him in and train him up. But he had decided, ultimately, that it gave them something else to focus on other than the horrors that they have lived through. It also meant they bothered Trent far less.
“Erm, I'm pretty sure they don't have sex boss” Came a reply from across the room, it was the other Captain in the unit, Anthony Kiyoshi, a second generation Japanese American, who was always quick to point out flaws.
“They may well make an exception for young Milo, now lets get back to the impending breach shall we?”
“I got a visual on a number of digits from the left metacarpus of an enemy fragmenting the rear blockaded aperture, Sir!”
Trent had got masterful as translating that which spewed from his Captain's mouth, much to his own dismay; “They've got a hand through the boarded up window out back.”
“That's affirmative, Sir!”
Trent had noticed that Milo has got more and more agitated as the conversation has progressed, this was exactly what he had feared when they took him in, that he would be fine whilst they were in a relatively safe position, but once the pressure reached tipping point, he would be of no use to anyone. His voice croaked out a question, which was surprisingly decent in content, despite the quivering nature of the delivery.
“H-h-how m-m-many?”
“I only saw the one metacarpus...”
Rengreen doesn't even need to say anything at this point, a brief glance in the Captains direction is enough.
“Sorry Sir, I only saw one hand, but my hearing, which I honed during night time hikes with a group of blind hunters making it far better than that of the average man, suggests there are numerous potential intruders”
It is at this point that the promising, by the standards of those around him, Corporal Trevor Point decides to move his focus from polishing his own rifle, an activity that takes up much of his time, to the actual conversation.
“So you're telling us multiple hostiles are feverishly trying to gain access through our rear? I don't know about you guys, but that definitely sounds like a job for Captain Kiyoshi doesn't it? Backdoor invaders are a particular speciality of his.”
Kiyoshi just shakes his head, he has become used to this kind of ribbing from those beneath him, Milo continues to look cautiously to the back of the darkened room, Captain Sublime won't allow himself to be lowered to the level of understanding the joke, and the so far silent Corporal Manabu Daiki just snorts his approval, whilst not taking his eyes of Kiyoshi.
“This isn't the time for that kind of thing Corporal, we need to get ready to defend ourselves, we all knew it was only a matter of time before they caught our scent.” Major Rengreen asserts with authority.
“The smell of dishonour is more pungent than death itself.” Came the voice of Corporal Daiki, he almost spits the words as he speaks and still does not take his eyes off of his fellow countryman. Trent wasn't surprised it had come to this, both Anthony and Manabu had initially started out as strong comrades, with common backgrounds from which they could share nostalgia and relief, but the battleground these men find themselves on tears friendships apart quicker than the enemy can tear your arm off.
Even without the backdrop of futility and hopelessness Major Rengreen suspects this friendship was always doomed to failure, there was never a way the fiercely proud Manabu could peacefully coexist in the same social circles as your self righteous Captain Kiyoshi. Anthony had quickly risen through the ranks, before everything went to hell in a hand basket, but once he had reached the position of Captain his progression had slowed, yet his own inflated self worth had not. Daiki's own misplaced pride was always going to clash fiercely with such an outlook, end of the world or not.
And then the sound that has been inevitable from the moment all six men barricaded themselves into this ramshackle building, causes them all to reach for their weapons. The slow creaking and then sudden explosion of splinters and wood cascading to the floor engulfs the room and echoes around the walls, and is then replaced by the blood curdling wailing. Through the rear window not one, but many bodies attempt to burst through, their arms struggling against one another, attempting to pull themselves through towards their targets. Luckily for the unit the enemy has no concept of cooperation or waiting ones turn, and their high numbers, at this point at least, give these six men the advantage. And each of them stare momentarily at the horrifying scene which resembles a decaying group of boy band groupies.
“Is that Darius Presley?” enquires Corporal Trevor Point.
Darius Presley, that's a name Trent hadn't heard, outside the restrictions of his own mind, for quite some time. General Presley, Rengreen's superior officer, the man who god knows how long ago left Trent, alone, with no munitions, knee deep in the enemy, and fled to preserve his own health. Rengreen has relived that moment many times, and knew all too well what he would do if he ever saw the General again But he knew that was no more than wishful thinking.
“That's not Presley?” The Major replies with a hint of disappointment.
“Then who is it, and why do I recognise him?”
“If you are talking about the enemy at the front of the pack, then that is because it is Oswald Blanchard, the farmer we found Milo with, who refused your offers of safe passage because he was too busy beating one out over his mutilated cattle”
Just as The Major ceases his reply, the aforementioned Private Milo runs towards the window, tossing his gun aside and pulling out a knife, the rest of the unit look on in amazement as he barrels head first at the farmer, flailing the knife and screaming, before rapidly jabbing the serrated knife into the eye sockets of the decaying Oswald until he has literally slices the top of his head off like you would a coconut if you were a blind sufferer of Attention Deficit Disorder. He turns back towards the group, his face covered in blood and lumps of brain.
“It wasn't...just...the cattle.” he explains between taking huge lungfuls of air.
Major Rengreen could not help but think they were pretty original last words, as one of the enemy breaks past the corpse of the farmer and manages to grab the Private by the scruff of his neck and drag him backwards through the window, and in under a minute Milo becomes no more than a blood splattered motif across the walls, and the floor.
Trent knew this was an important moment, no-one was particularly shocked at this turn of events, in fact if a pool had been set up to predict the first of the unit to meet their end, the smart money would have been on Private Milo. But the significance of this very moment was about more than the death of someone who was always going to struggle in this environment. Major Rengreen could see Captain Sublime straighten up and survey the rest of the guys, and he knew exactly what he was thinking, what they'd all been thinking. Trent wasn't up to this, he wasn't the man they had all known many months ago, they didn't believe in his ability to lead.
No-one felt this more than Joseph Sublime, Trent could tell. Underneath the layers of regulation perfection he displayed, Sublime was a seething mass of jealousy and confusion who could not contemplate how it was Rengreen had kept these men's loyalty despite his obvious lack of leadership skills. Sublime would no doubt concede Trent was once a great leader, but his star had well and truly fallen, the lack of discipline the unit showed each and every day was testament to that. Captain Sublime desperately wanted the respect Rengreen had earned in the past for himself, and Trent could sense he was going to use this moment to try and gain it.
Trent however, was more than aware that the respect of these men was not what he needed anymore, we had gone far beyond the usual limitations of war and battle, all he needed from these men was to stay alive for as long as possible, he couldn't care less what they thought of him. Sublime, as was often his main flaw, was too focused on his own personal progression and worries, that he could not see the big picture, whilst he wanted respect and a position of power, all Rengreen wanted to do was survive.
What Captain Sublime didn't contemplate was that in the scenario they all found themselves in, the will to survive was the only skill anyone needed. It didn't matter if you were the perfect soldier way back when, before all this had started, what was truly important was that you and your men were still breathing ten minutes, an hour, a day and a week from now. All Captain Sublime considered was the immediate present, and ensuring he looked good during it. And Trent knew very well, that in this moment, Joseph would be more focused on how he was perceived, than the survival of the unit. And just as he assumed, Joseph was quick to open his mouth.
“Soldiers, take aim, and clear that window. Once we have dispersed of the initial wave, we will then continue to the second step of my plan, in which I will dress up in female clothing to act as a decoy to draw the enemy into a separate section of the woods, and then the rest of you can sneak up behind them and clear them out with a surprise ambush. I know this presents plenty of risks for myself, but I am willing to do that just for you guys.”
As the other three begin to raise their weapons and follow these instructions, it occurred to the Major that it might well be easier to let them follow this insane course of action, and unburden himself from the responsibility of their safety. After all, if they were naïve enough to follow the insane plans of this man, who had spent most of his career attempting to break from the rank of Captain, but failing in the most extravagant and convoluted ways possible, then did they really deserve to be saved?
“Let me get this clear Captain, currently we are taking great benefit from the fact the enemy have bottlenecked themselves into a small opening. Your suggestion is that we clear the way for them, and make it easier for the hostiles to gain entry to the one safe haven we have?”
“You're forgetting about the part where I draw them away in a dress.”
“Not overlooking, choosing to ignore it for your own well being. If your superior chose to acknowledge such a mindless plan, he would have no choice but to deem you unfit for service and confine you to the broom cupboard until we were in a position where you couldn't endanger yourself and others.”
“No, no...you are missing the point of the plan, let me explain....”
“We don't have an hour for you to go over the detailed and twisting back story to your latest unfathomable course of thinking, we need to act smart, not be turned into jibbering fools out of sheer confusion”
At this point Corproal Daiki chimes in; “It is a stupid plan, and a dishonourable one too. The idea of facing the enemy as a transvestite would bring great shame upon our unit”
“I don't see any other option, personally I understand and follow the plan.” Replies Captain Kiyoshi.
“Of course you do Captain, you're just hoping to find a mini skirt and some high heels so that you can join in on the frivolities.”Chuckled Trevor Point.
The divides in the unit were beginning to widen, which could only be expected under such pressure, but during this brief exchange these divisions could have cost the men dearly, as another enemy, dressed in full military uniform, falls through the window and into their space, and slowly gets to it's feet.
“See, if we'd have followed my plan we wouldn't be stuck with one of them inside” Captain Somers ascertains with a note of glee and satisfaction in his voice.
“Don't panic, it's only Micaleff Gormless, he was only ever a threat to himself before the incident, he won't pose us any problems.” States the Major calmly.
“He is an enemy, and he has breached our perimeter, and you will be held directly responsible for any consequences of your incompetence in command. “ States Joseph emphatically.
The enemy identified as Micaleff Gormless stares at the unit for a moment, and Trent raises his hand as a sign not to shoot, as both his captains glare at him with confusion and in one case contempt. The lumbering obstacle in front of them begins taking slow, uneasy steps towards the unit. But these men knew not to be fooled by the painstakingly dragged out speed of the enemy, they knew too well that they would continue to follow them as they had caught their scent. It may take days or even weeks, but the moment always came when it was inevitably kill, or be killed.
Major Trent Rengreen's confidence in the face of this individual was baffling to most of his unit, but with a few steps his calmness is justified as Micaleff Gormless stops abruptly and turns his head, with his eyes widening. His entire body then lurches away from the remaining five men and stumbles to the side of the room, his mouth drooling and his whole body quivering with what could be mistaken for excitement if the enemy could feel actual emotions. His target? The reason these five men have not had to make a single evasive manoeuvre? A tall, sturdy, oak wardrobe, which Micaleff grasps with both hands and begins to simultaneously ferociously bite and rapidly hump. Splinters shatter in his mouth, his mid section is thrusting with such speed and power that he blood can be seen spreading through his clothes.
The unit look on in confusion, as Trent merely chuckles at how events have unfolded exactly as he had expected, which was not a rare occurrence. However Captain Joseph Sublime is a picture of horror and humiliation, his face reddens and he reaches for his service revolver and without hesitation fires off two rounds into the head of Micaleff, who then falls to the floor in a bloodied heap.
The other four men slowly turn their heads to look at the Captain with a shared expression of confusion and shock.
“What? That's where I keep the dress!”
“The way he was going he'd have killed himself within a few minutes anyway, why waste the ammo? Or is blowing your load early a psychological problem?” enquires Corporal Trevor Point.
“The Captain was clearly protecting the only plan we have.” Responds Captain Kiyoshi sharply, shooting a stern glance in the direction of the Major whilst defending his fellow Captain.
At this point Corporal Daiki's pent up hatred for Kiyoshi explodes into full view. “It is purely shameful the way you continue to verbally suck Joseph's cock in plain view despite his clear deficiencies. His plan is bullshit and...”
Unfortunately Major Trent Rengreen had foreseen the following moments many, many times before. He'd always knew how the end of the unit would begin, it was always going to come from just one place. And as Joseph Sublime raised his side arm once more, and placed one single shell into the skull of Corporal Daiki his suspicions were confirmed. Trent could do nothing but frown, Corporal Point on the other hand quickly raises his own firearm...
“What the fuck did you just do that for? My god, you've completely lost the plot, you have no idea what is important anymore!” The Corporal screams.
Trent was unsure whether Sublime was ever aware of what was important, whether he was aware of anything other than his own needs and lusts. The rigid, by the book character had always been a mask, the true Joseph Sublime had been revealed in one stark act of brutality.
“What I am aware of Corporal is the significance of our ranks, and the fact we are at war, son! Daiki was clearly a mutineer, and without the luxury of a Court Martial the action was imperative for the greater good.” Barked Captain Sublime, his eyes wide and pupils dialated, as if on an incredible high.
“You're not the Superior officer here, you have no right to make that call, only the Major has that authority...” Corporal Point retorts, his hand shaking whilst he keeps his pistol aimed at Sublime.
“Him? In control? Are you insane, he's done nothing but drink himself into a stupor most nights. When was the last time he did anything that justified his position? I have clearly been our leader, our strength our only sense of focus and logic for god knows how long now. For Christ's sake he is the reason we are in this barn rather than with my second cousin once removed's, flatmate who owns a bunker in the desert. It was simple, all we needed to do was navigate the city to meet with my contact with the border control, who may or may not want to kill me, and that would have lead us to another three or four important meetings before we finally arrived at our goal. Instead we are in a Barn! If it wasn't forhim Milo and Daiki would not be dead”
Captain Kiyoshi has kept quiet throughout this confrontation, but as Joseph finishes his baffling condemnation of the Major, and inexplicable view of how things should be, he quietly steps between both men and lowers their guns with each hand. Clearly not wanting to get on the wrong side of Jospeh, something Kiyoshi had done well to do for many months now, he tries to play peacemaker.
“Now is the time for action, and I am afraid the Major has not offered a viable alternative, we have no other options than to follow the Captains plan. Corporal Daiki's death is unfortunate, but it was sadly necessary, we cannot waste anymore time!”
Trent was beginning to tire of his expectations being met. He'd always suspected Anthony had a unfathomable respect for Joseph Sublime, one that bordered on near hero worship, and that if he could have chosen, Captain Sublime would have been his superior. This was now exposed for all to see, as Kiyoshi is hurtling headlong into a suicide mission, purely so he doesn't cross his idol.
“You know this will be a huge waste of ammunition” Trent finally decides to advise.
“He's stalling, Captain Kiyoshi, open fire and clear the breach. I'm getting my dress!” Captain Sublime orders, as he stomps over to the wardrobe and kicks Gormless' body out of the way before opening the door.
“You know, fighting and dying isn't the only option.”The Major asserts just as Kiyoshi opens fire. Anthony Kiyoshi proves to be a crack shot under pressure, and he repeatedly hits head shots for a few moments, and then, suddenly the groaning stops, and the window is clear.
“What was that you were saying about dying, Major? You see Point? The Major has no idea, he is useless to us now. Now go and check the perimeter, and plot me a course for the distraction” Sublime smugly states as he slips the dress off its hanger and begins stripping down.
Point turns and walks towards the window, his knife brandished by his side, as he approaches the opening he replies; “Hey, I never said we should listen to him! Hell no! I am well aware of how insignificant Rengreen has become, all I thought was you should consult with myself before you chose to execute another officer...It all looks clear.”
The very moment Point turns back to the remaining members of the unit his lack of observational skills are clearly put on display, as the silence is broken by the moans and screams of the enemy, and multiple sets of arms plunge in from the darkness, and pull him clean through the window and into the dark forest beyond.
Joseph's face turns white as he observes this just as he finishes strapping his floral dress on, and places the sun hat over his head, but the Captain quickly recovers.
“Kiyoshi, get out their and clear a path, I'll be right behind you to create a distraction...”
Captain Kiyoshi obediently runs to the window and leaps out, all that can be heard is the sound of gunfire as he perches beyond the wall and fights for survival.
Major Trent Rengreen begins to calmly pack a bag full of weapons and suplies, showing no sign of rushing. Captain Sublime looks at him and shakes his head.
“If you want me to save your ass, you better hurry up.” Says the Captain as he begins running towards the window, a machete brandished in his right hand.
“Nah, the other option is more enticing...”
“There is no alternative other than death!”
“Well, while you all got lost your focus about the breach at the back...”
But before the Major can finish his sentence The Captains left foot gets caught up in his dress and he tumbles to the floor, and impales himself on his own machete with a maniacal scream. As he lies there dead, face first to the wooden planks, with blood literally squirting across the floor, the Major finishes his sentence.
“Did anyone think of checking...the front?”
Suddenly the gunfire stops outside, and Captain Anthony Kiyoshi's head appears in the window.
“What?”
As he sounds his surprise at the Major's revelation he looks down and is shocked to be greeted by the sight of his idol, fallen and bloody. His surprise at this is short lived however as he is swiftly grabbed from the side and an enemy plants it's jaws on his neck, before dragging him off out of view.
And then there was one, thought Trent. He picked up his bag and strode to the front doors of the barn, and looks through a slot, and just as he suspected the path is relatively clear. He looks back at the bodies that litter the floor, and the breached window as it slowly fills with more of the enemy.
The Major couldn't help but consider that despite the fact he knew the flaws and imperfections of his men, he still could not keep them alive, despite it being the only thing that kept him going. Was this what he had wanted, to be free of the burden of being responsible for their damaged and worthless lives? Because if that was true, that surely indicated a greater sense of suicidal tendencies than Trent had ever acknowledged before? What other purpose did he have now, except to die alone.
Just as this realisation hits him, the old service radio that sat silently upon the oak table in the middle of the room since they arrived suddenly springs to life, and a crackling voice can be heard. A voice Major Trent Rengreen hears most nights.
”To all survivors...there is a safe haven...the coordinates are 51° 28' 38" N...This is..general Darius Presley...wishing you luck and elongated life...”
Major Trent Rengreen still has a purpose, he always did. The unit were merely a distraction he knew that now, something to keep him alive, something to fill the days until this moment, this one perfect moment. Darius Presley had survived, and he had sent a message to Trent.
He swung open the doors to the barn, and surveyed the wooden landscape before him, and he heard the unmistakable sound of someone getting to their feet, pulling a machete from their chest and groaning. But Trent Rengreen did not care if what was left of Joseph Sublime attempted to pursue him, because as he strode out of the doors into the dark he knew his destiny was only a matter of weeks on the Horizon.
eD – 'You've cancelled your media appointments, the week before a PPV? Don't you want to make the likes of Jet look stupid?'
[Travis looks up from the book he is reading and raises his eyebrows]
Travis – 'You can't have seen the Piercing Truth this week. Besides, 'The Blessed One' has some reading to catch up on before he hits the gym.'
eD – 'Well at least your training...'
Travis – ''The Blessed One' does it just to get affirmation from yourself, now scram, reading.'
[With that Travis turns back to his book, which is entitled; 'Battleground Z : Short Stories from the End of the World', and eD reluctantly leaves the apartment.]
Story 23
The Planet Earth.
If you were a Space Lord sitting high upon his thrown in the outer reaches of the galaxy, looking down upon this spinning orb, you would see little out of place. The oceans remain blue, the landmass remains intact, and it continues to orbit consistently around the sun that gives it life. An idyllic nirvana in the void of the galaxy, a place where life thrives and cultures are born with each passing millennia. But if you decided to visit this beautiful lump of rock, and broke through it's atmosphere to the actual surface, this illusion would be shattered.
For the place that was once the playground of civilisation, containing wonders that never ceased to amaze, and tales of optimism, hope and millions of personal victories and achievements is no more. In it's place sit thousands upon thousands of bloody battlegrounds, hope and optimism are rare and futile resource, replaced with cynicism, mistrust and brutality. Civilisation has broken down, society exists in all but name in small pockets across the globe, but these shallow reminders of what once was are steadily diminishing.
The world has literally torn itself apart, and it's remaining inhabitants live each day avoiding the very same fate. Gone are dreams, replaced with night terrors, laughter is outnumbered by screams of anguish and pain, neither religion nor science can offer answers or salvation. Those that survive have nothing to live for but this miserable existence, yet some continue to fight, they do not cease to cling to their mortality with every breath in their bodies, despite the inevitable, unavoidable fate that will greet them all. If you were a Space Lord you would no doubt wonder, why?
Major Trent Rengreen is one of these people, and he honestly has no answer why he does it. If you asked him he'd probably say 'What option do I have?', but deep down, every day he thinks about ending it all, right there and then, and although he never does it, he couldn't tell you why.
He glanced across the oil-lamp lit room at what had become his purpose each and every day, five men who were the closest thing to family he had, these men fate had deemed he would spend what would probably be his final days on this ethereal plain with, his last memories of this world. When faced with such horror as this Major Rengreen astounds even himself with his ability to resist those suicidal tendencies.
These were the ones that made it, these men, logic would suggest, are the very best of human civilisation. Surely this was a damning indictment of the evolution of the species Trent had once been proud of being a part of, but was that an argument to say he should abandon all hope, and become like those outside these four sturdy walls, relieve himself of the pain and mental anguish those he is condemned to suffer place upon him?
This was not how he should be thinking, not now anyway, it's of no use to him, one thing Major Trent Rengreen does not do, is quit. There has to be hope somewhere, these men cannot be the only survivors, the only ones who made it, surely out there, beyond this self imposed prison, are people like him, with advanced cognitive abilities and capable of stimulating company. Of course it was possible he was deluding himself, but he's as good as dead if he succumbs to reality.
The Major's train of thought is broken by the stiff and 100% regulation salute that Captain Joseph Sublime snaps off inches from his face. Whilst the rest of the unit, the Major included, had wilfully let much of the pompous and ridiculously authoritarian rituals fall by the wayside, Captain Sublime had stuck rigidly to them. This was not strange, everyone clung to something to remind them of what was, but Trent considered Sublime must be deeply damaged if that was what he chose to hold dear. People this uptight had always worried Trent.
“General, I suspect the enemy may have breached our perimeter, sir!” Joseph barked whilst stood bolt upright, staring just to the right of Trent's face, Captain Sublime would dare not look a senior officer in the eyes, but Rengreen was convinced he would stab one in the back, after a long drawn out plot involving far too many co-conspirators.
“What makes you think that, Captain?”
Without shifting position, or emotion Sublime responds; “Major, I first became a keen observer of wildlife when I was a young boy, these skills I acquired at this early age served me well during recon missions during my early years in the forces, but before I enrolled it also...”.
Trent rolled his eyes, Captain Sublime had a tendency to overcomplicate the simplest of things, Rengreen was certain he could turn even the most simple instructions into some kind of Machiavellian ruse with his own interpretation and explanation of them. Over time the Major had come to the conclusion that the best course of action was to swiftly derail the train before it picked up speed.
“In simple terms Captain, before the enemy actually break in here and use the Privates face as a chew toy and a sexual aid...”
The youngest member of the unit, Private Milo turns round and just looks meekly towards his superiors. Trent was at odds regarding this young man, he was clearly in way over his head, and he'd had deep reservations when the unit had decided to take him in and train him up. But he had decided, ultimately, that it gave them something else to focus on other than the horrors that they have lived through. It also meant they bothered Trent far less.
“Erm, I'm pretty sure they don't have sex boss” Came a reply from across the room, it was the other Captain in the unit, Anthony Kiyoshi, a second generation Japanese American, who was always quick to point out flaws.
“They may well make an exception for young Milo, now lets get back to the impending breach shall we?”
“I got a visual on a number of digits from the left metacarpus of an enemy fragmenting the rear blockaded aperture, Sir!”
Trent had got masterful as translating that which spewed from his Captain's mouth, much to his own dismay; “They've got a hand through the boarded up window out back.”
“That's affirmative, Sir!”
Trent had noticed that Milo has got more and more agitated as the conversation has progressed, this was exactly what he had feared when they took him in, that he would be fine whilst they were in a relatively safe position, but once the pressure reached tipping point, he would be of no use to anyone. His voice croaked out a question, which was surprisingly decent in content, despite the quivering nature of the delivery.
“H-h-how m-m-many?”
“I only saw the one metacarpus...”
Rengreen doesn't even need to say anything at this point, a brief glance in the Captains direction is enough.
“Sorry Sir, I only saw one hand, but my hearing, which I honed during night time hikes with a group of blind hunters making it far better than that of the average man, suggests there are numerous potential intruders”
It is at this point that the promising, by the standards of those around him, Corporal Trevor Point decides to move his focus from polishing his own rifle, an activity that takes up much of his time, to the actual conversation.
“So you're telling us multiple hostiles are feverishly trying to gain access through our rear? I don't know about you guys, but that definitely sounds like a job for Captain Kiyoshi doesn't it? Backdoor invaders are a particular speciality of his.”
Kiyoshi just shakes his head, he has become used to this kind of ribbing from those beneath him, Milo continues to look cautiously to the back of the darkened room, Captain Sublime won't allow himself to be lowered to the level of understanding the joke, and the so far silent Corporal Manabu Daiki just snorts his approval, whilst not taking his eyes of Kiyoshi.
“This isn't the time for that kind of thing Corporal, we need to get ready to defend ourselves, we all knew it was only a matter of time before they caught our scent.” Major Rengreen asserts with authority.
“The smell of dishonour is more pungent than death itself.” Came the voice of Corporal Daiki, he almost spits the words as he speaks and still does not take his eyes off of his fellow countryman. Trent wasn't surprised it had come to this, both Anthony and Manabu had initially started out as strong comrades, with common backgrounds from which they could share nostalgia and relief, but the battleground these men find themselves on tears friendships apart quicker than the enemy can tear your arm off.
Even without the backdrop of futility and hopelessness Major Rengreen suspects this friendship was always doomed to failure, there was never a way the fiercely proud Manabu could peacefully coexist in the same social circles as your self righteous Captain Kiyoshi. Anthony had quickly risen through the ranks, before everything went to hell in a hand basket, but once he had reached the position of Captain his progression had slowed, yet his own inflated self worth had not. Daiki's own misplaced pride was always going to clash fiercely with such an outlook, end of the world or not.
And then the sound that has been inevitable from the moment all six men barricaded themselves into this ramshackle building, causes them all to reach for their weapons. The slow creaking and then sudden explosion of splinters and wood cascading to the floor engulfs the room and echoes around the walls, and is then replaced by the blood curdling wailing. Through the rear window not one, but many bodies attempt to burst through, their arms struggling against one another, attempting to pull themselves through towards their targets. Luckily for the unit the enemy has no concept of cooperation or waiting ones turn, and their high numbers, at this point at least, give these six men the advantage. And each of them stare momentarily at the horrifying scene which resembles a decaying group of boy band groupies.
“Is that Darius Presley?” enquires Corporal Trevor Point.
Darius Presley, that's a name Trent hadn't heard, outside the restrictions of his own mind, for quite some time. General Presley, Rengreen's superior officer, the man who god knows how long ago left Trent, alone, with no munitions, knee deep in the enemy, and fled to preserve his own health. Rengreen has relived that moment many times, and knew all too well what he would do if he ever saw the General again But he knew that was no more than wishful thinking.
“That's not Presley?” The Major replies with a hint of disappointment.
“Then who is it, and why do I recognise him?”
“If you are talking about the enemy at the front of the pack, then that is because it is Oswald Blanchard, the farmer we found Milo with, who refused your offers of safe passage because he was too busy beating one out over his mutilated cattle”
Just as The Major ceases his reply, the aforementioned Private Milo runs towards the window, tossing his gun aside and pulling out a knife, the rest of the unit look on in amazement as he barrels head first at the farmer, flailing the knife and screaming, before rapidly jabbing the serrated knife into the eye sockets of the decaying Oswald until he has literally slices the top of his head off like you would a coconut if you were a blind sufferer of Attention Deficit Disorder. He turns back towards the group, his face covered in blood and lumps of brain.
“It wasn't...just...the cattle.” he explains between taking huge lungfuls of air.
Major Rengreen could not help but think they were pretty original last words, as one of the enemy breaks past the corpse of the farmer and manages to grab the Private by the scruff of his neck and drag him backwards through the window, and in under a minute Milo becomes no more than a blood splattered motif across the walls, and the floor.
Trent knew this was an important moment, no-one was particularly shocked at this turn of events, in fact if a pool had been set up to predict the first of the unit to meet their end, the smart money would have been on Private Milo. But the significance of this very moment was about more than the death of someone who was always going to struggle in this environment. Major Rengreen could see Captain Sublime straighten up and survey the rest of the guys, and he knew exactly what he was thinking, what they'd all been thinking. Trent wasn't up to this, he wasn't the man they had all known many months ago, they didn't believe in his ability to lead.
No-one felt this more than Joseph Sublime, Trent could tell. Underneath the layers of regulation perfection he displayed, Sublime was a seething mass of jealousy and confusion who could not contemplate how it was Rengreen had kept these men's loyalty despite his obvious lack of leadership skills. Sublime would no doubt concede Trent was once a great leader, but his star had well and truly fallen, the lack of discipline the unit showed each and every day was testament to that. Captain Sublime desperately wanted the respect Rengreen had earned in the past for himself, and Trent could sense he was going to use this moment to try and gain it.
Trent however, was more than aware that the respect of these men was not what he needed anymore, we had gone far beyond the usual limitations of war and battle, all he needed from these men was to stay alive for as long as possible, he couldn't care less what they thought of him. Sublime, as was often his main flaw, was too focused on his own personal progression and worries, that he could not see the big picture, whilst he wanted respect and a position of power, all Rengreen wanted to do was survive.
What Captain Sublime didn't contemplate was that in the scenario they all found themselves in, the will to survive was the only skill anyone needed. It didn't matter if you were the perfect soldier way back when, before all this had started, what was truly important was that you and your men were still breathing ten minutes, an hour, a day and a week from now. All Captain Sublime considered was the immediate present, and ensuring he looked good during it. And Trent knew very well, that in this moment, Joseph would be more focused on how he was perceived, than the survival of the unit. And just as he assumed, Joseph was quick to open his mouth.
“Soldiers, take aim, and clear that window. Once we have dispersed of the initial wave, we will then continue to the second step of my plan, in which I will dress up in female clothing to act as a decoy to draw the enemy into a separate section of the woods, and then the rest of you can sneak up behind them and clear them out with a surprise ambush. I know this presents plenty of risks for myself, but I am willing to do that just for you guys.”
As the other three begin to raise their weapons and follow these instructions, it occurred to the Major that it might well be easier to let them follow this insane course of action, and unburden himself from the responsibility of their safety. After all, if they were naïve enough to follow the insane plans of this man, who had spent most of his career attempting to break from the rank of Captain, but failing in the most extravagant and convoluted ways possible, then did they really deserve to be saved?
“Let me get this clear Captain, currently we are taking great benefit from the fact the enemy have bottlenecked themselves into a small opening. Your suggestion is that we clear the way for them, and make it easier for the hostiles to gain entry to the one safe haven we have?”
“You're forgetting about the part where I draw them away in a dress.”
“Not overlooking, choosing to ignore it for your own well being. If your superior chose to acknowledge such a mindless plan, he would have no choice but to deem you unfit for service and confine you to the broom cupboard until we were in a position where you couldn't endanger yourself and others.”
“No, no...you are missing the point of the plan, let me explain....”
“We don't have an hour for you to go over the detailed and twisting back story to your latest unfathomable course of thinking, we need to act smart, not be turned into jibbering fools out of sheer confusion”
At this point Corproal Daiki chimes in; “It is a stupid plan, and a dishonourable one too. The idea of facing the enemy as a transvestite would bring great shame upon our unit”
“I don't see any other option, personally I understand and follow the plan.” Replies Captain Kiyoshi.
“Of course you do Captain, you're just hoping to find a mini skirt and some high heels so that you can join in on the frivolities.”Chuckled Trevor Point.
The divides in the unit were beginning to widen, which could only be expected under such pressure, but during this brief exchange these divisions could have cost the men dearly, as another enemy, dressed in full military uniform, falls through the window and into their space, and slowly gets to it's feet.
“See, if we'd have followed my plan we wouldn't be stuck with one of them inside” Captain Somers ascertains with a note of glee and satisfaction in his voice.
“Don't panic, it's only Micaleff Gormless, he was only ever a threat to himself before the incident, he won't pose us any problems.” States the Major calmly.
“He is an enemy, and he has breached our perimeter, and you will be held directly responsible for any consequences of your incompetence in command. “ States Joseph emphatically.
The enemy identified as Micaleff Gormless stares at the unit for a moment, and Trent raises his hand as a sign not to shoot, as both his captains glare at him with confusion and in one case contempt. The lumbering obstacle in front of them begins taking slow, uneasy steps towards the unit. But these men knew not to be fooled by the painstakingly dragged out speed of the enemy, they knew too well that they would continue to follow them as they had caught their scent. It may take days or even weeks, but the moment always came when it was inevitably kill, or be killed.
Major Trent Rengreen's confidence in the face of this individual was baffling to most of his unit, but with a few steps his calmness is justified as Micaleff Gormless stops abruptly and turns his head, with his eyes widening. His entire body then lurches away from the remaining five men and stumbles to the side of the room, his mouth drooling and his whole body quivering with what could be mistaken for excitement if the enemy could feel actual emotions. His target? The reason these five men have not had to make a single evasive manoeuvre? A tall, sturdy, oak wardrobe, which Micaleff grasps with both hands and begins to simultaneously ferociously bite and rapidly hump. Splinters shatter in his mouth, his mid section is thrusting with such speed and power that he blood can be seen spreading through his clothes.
The unit look on in confusion, as Trent merely chuckles at how events have unfolded exactly as he had expected, which was not a rare occurrence. However Captain Joseph Sublime is a picture of horror and humiliation, his face reddens and he reaches for his service revolver and without hesitation fires off two rounds into the head of Micaleff, who then falls to the floor in a bloodied heap.
The other four men slowly turn their heads to look at the Captain with a shared expression of confusion and shock.
“What? That's where I keep the dress!”
“The way he was going he'd have killed himself within a few minutes anyway, why waste the ammo? Or is blowing your load early a psychological problem?” enquires Corporal Trevor Point.
“The Captain was clearly protecting the only plan we have.” Responds Captain Kiyoshi sharply, shooting a stern glance in the direction of the Major whilst defending his fellow Captain.
At this point Corporal Daiki's pent up hatred for Kiyoshi explodes into full view. “It is purely shameful the way you continue to verbally suck Joseph's cock in plain view despite his clear deficiencies. His plan is bullshit and...”
Unfortunately Major Trent Rengreen had foreseen the following moments many, many times before. He'd always knew how the end of the unit would begin, it was always going to come from just one place. And as Joseph Sublime raised his side arm once more, and placed one single shell into the skull of Corporal Daiki his suspicions were confirmed. Trent could do nothing but frown, Corporal Point on the other hand quickly raises his own firearm...
“What the fuck did you just do that for? My god, you've completely lost the plot, you have no idea what is important anymore!” The Corporal screams.
Trent was unsure whether Sublime was ever aware of what was important, whether he was aware of anything other than his own needs and lusts. The rigid, by the book character had always been a mask, the true Joseph Sublime had been revealed in one stark act of brutality.
“What I am aware of Corporal is the significance of our ranks, and the fact we are at war, son! Daiki was clearly a mutineer, and without the luxury of a Court Martial the action was imperative for the greater good.” Barked Captain Sublime, his eyes wide and pupils dialated, as if on an incredible high.
“You're not the Superior officer here, you have no right to make that call, only the Major has that authority...” Corporal Point retorts, his hand shaking whilst he keeps his pistol aimed at Sublime.
“Him? In control? Are you insane, he's done nothing but drink himself into a stupor most nights. When was the last time he did anything that justified his position? I have clearly been our leader, our strength our only sense of focus and logic for god knows how long now. For Christ's sake he is the reason we are in this barn rather than with my second cousin once removed's, flatmate who owns a bunker in the desert. It was simple, all we needed to do was navigate the city to meet with my contact with the border control, who may or may not want to kill me, and that would have lead us to another three or four important meetings before we finally arrived at our goal. Instead we are in a Barn! If it wasn't forhim Milo and Daiki would not be dead”
Captain Kiyoshi has kept quiet throughout this confrontation, but as Joseph finishes his baffling condemnation of the Major, and inexplicable view of how things should be, he quietly steps between both men and lowers their guns with each hand. Clearly not wanting to get on the wrong side of Jospeh, something Kiyoshi had done well to do for many months now, he tries to play peacemaker.
“Now is the time for action, and I am afraid the Major has not offered a viable alternative, we have no other options than to follow the Captains plan. Corporal Daiki's death is unfortunate, but it was sadly necessary, we cannot waste anymore time!”
Trent was beginning to tire of his expectations being met. He'd always suspected Anthony had a unfathomable respect for Joseph Sublime, one that bordered on near hero worship, and that if he could have chosen, Captain Sublime would have been his superior. This was now exposed for all to see, as Kiyoshi is hurtling headlong into a suicide mission, purely so he doesn't cross his idol.
“You know this will be a huge waste of ammunition” Trent finally decides to advise.
“He's stalling, Captain Kiyoshi, open fire and clear the breach. I'm getting my dress!” Captain Sublime orders, as he stomps over to the wardrobe and kicks Gormless' body out of the way before opening the door.
“You know, fighting and dying isn't the only option.”The Major asserts just as Kiyoshi opens fire. Anthony Kiyoshi proves to be a crack shot under pressure, and he repeatedly hits head shots for a few moments, and then, suddenly the groaning stops, and the window is clear.
“What was that you were saying about dying, Major? You see Point? The Major has no idea, he is useless to us now. Now go and check the perimeter, and plot me a course for the distraction” Sublime smugly states as he slips the dress off its hanger and begins stripping down.
Point turns and walks towards the window, his knife brandished by his side, as he approaches the opening he replies; “Hey, I never said we should listen to him! Hell no! I am well aware of how insignificant Rengreen has become, all I thought was you should consult with myself before you chose to execute another officer...It all looks clear.”
The very moment Point turns back to the remaining members of the unit his lack of observational skills are clearly put on display, as the silence is broken by the moans and screams of the enemy, and multiple sets of arms plunge in from the darkness, and pull him clean through the window and into the dark forest beyond.
Joseph's face turns white as he observes this just as he finishes strapping his floral dress on, and places the sun hat over his head, but the Captain quickly recovers.
“Kiyoshi, get out their and clear a path, I'll be right behind you to create a distraction...”
Captain Kiyoshi obediently runs to the window and leaps out, all that can be heard is the sound of gunfire as he perches beyond the wall and fights for survival.
Major Trent Rengreen begins to calmly pack a bag full of weapons and suplies, showing no sign of rushing. Captain Sublime looks at him and shakes his head.
“If you want me to save your ass, you better hurry up.” Says the Captain as he begins running towards the window, a machete brandished in his right hand.
“Nah, the other option is more enticing...”
“There is no alternative other than death!”
“Well, while you all got lost your focus about the breach at the back...”
But before the Major can finish his sentence The Captains left foot gets caught up in his dress and he tumbles to the floor, and impales himself on his own machete with a maniacal scream. As he lies there dead, face first to the wooden planks, with blood literally squirting across the floor, the Major finishes his sentence.
“Did anyone think of checking...the front?”
Suddenly the gunfire stops outside, and Captain Anthony Kiyoshi's head appears in the window.
“What?”
As he sounds his surprise at the Major's revelation he looks down and is shocked to be greeted by the sight of his idol, fallen and bloody. His surprise at this is short lived however as he is swiftly grabbed from the side and an enemy plants it's jaws on his neck, before dragging him off out of view.
And then there was one, thought Trent. He picked up his bag and strode to the front doors of the barn, and looks through a slot, and just as he suspected the path is relatively clear. He looks back at the bodies that litter the floor, and the breached window as it slowly fills with more of the enemy.
The Major couldn't help but consider that despite the fact he knew the flaws and imperfections of his men, he still could not keep them alive, despite it being the only thing that kept him going. Was this what he had wanted, to be free of the burden of being responsible for their damaged and worthless lives? Because if that was true, that surely indicated a greater sense of suicidal tendencies than Trent had ever acknowledged before? What other purpose did he have now, except to die alone.
Just as this realisation hits him, the old service radio that sat silently upon the oak table in the middle of the room since they arrived suddenly springs to life, and a crackling voice can be heard. A voice Major Trent Rengreen hears most nights.
”To all survivors...there is a safe haven...the coordinates are 51° 28' 38" N...This is..general Darius Presley...wishing you luck and elongated life...”
Major Trent Rengreen still has a purpose, he always did. The unit were merely a distraction he knew that now, something to keep him alive, something to fill the days until this moment, this one perfect moment. Darius Presley had survived, and he had sent a message to Trent.
He swung open the doors to the barn, and surveyed the wooden landscape before him, and he heard the unmistakable sound of someone getting to their feet, pulling a machete from their chest and groaning. But Trent Rengreen did not care if what was left of Joseph Sublime attempted to pursue him, because as he strode out of the doors into the dark he knew his destiny was only a matter of weeks on the Horizon.