Ex animo, p.19
Ex/Animo, page 19
part #1 of Ex/Animo Series
“Looks like you’ve got something in store for me,” Aron said.
“Who knows?” Breaker smiled.
He walked back to the podium.
“Let’s go,” Roxxer said.
“I need to grab some stuff from the truck,”
Few hours passed by. Aron found himself lying on a bunk bed in the dormitory. He sulked.
“Worried about your friends?” Roxxer came by the dorms.
Roxxer jumped onto the bed next to Aron’s. Aron looked at him skeptically.
“Oh, this one’s mine,” Roxxer grinned. “Nobody wanted your spot, so you got it!”
“I can see now why no one wanted it,” Aron said.
“C’mon, I’m a nice guy!” Roxxer frowned. “Hey Jamie, am I not a nice guy?”
The girl across the room shook her head no.
“She’s just messing around!” Roxxer grinned.
“You’d be the last man on Earth I’d trust with something,” the girl walked over. “Way too irresponsible.”
“I ain’t irresponsible!” Roxxer said. “I just take my time!”
“Yeah, right,” Jamie rolled her eyes. “Hey, I’m Jamie, a fellow CRISPr.”
Aron introduced himself.
“Dude, just out of curiosity,” Roxxer began. “How did you lose your arm?”
“Roxxer,” Jamie glared at him.
“C’mon!” Roxxer said. “I found the whole thing in the car! It has to be-”
“My teammate did it,” Aron said. “To prevent the infection from spreading.”
Aron narrated the incident.
“Woah!” Roxxer’s eyes widened with awe. “That’s some serious gore material.”
“You are quite brave,” Jamie looked impressed.
“How do you feel now?” Roxxer asked. “You know, physically and mentally.”
“Getting used to it, I guess,” Aron said.
“That’s so sick, dude!” Roxxer said.
“Roxxer!” Jamie sounded stern. “That’s enough!”
“But he won a fight with the big guy!” Roxxer looked impressed.
“I wasn’t alone during that fight,” Aron pointed out.
“Yeah,” Roxxer said. “If only those church bastards didn’t fuck with our lives.”
Aron stared in silence.
“Isn’t it time for the meeting?” Jamie asked Roxxer.
“Oh crap,” Roxxer muttered. “Breaker sent me to fetch you! I forgot all about it!”
“See what I mean?” Jamie shook her head. “Irresponsible.”
Roxxer stuck out his tongue at her.
“Immature too,” she added.
The evening air greeted them as they exited the dorms. Aron found the hustle and bustle of the survivors had died down as the night approached. He followed Roxxer and Jamie to a large hall in the main building.
Excited murmurs rose among the members as Aron walked in alongside Roxxer and Jamie.
“I don’t see it,” a man who had a cap on said. “Except for the arm, maybe.”
“He can definitely pull this off,” another man said. “With a wig and some makeup!”
Aron looked at Roxxer and Jamie and found them as confused as he was.
“Finally!” Breaker exclaimed out loud. “Everyone, meet Aron. He joined the resistance this afternoon.”
Aron felt uncomfortable with all the eyes studying him. He had not expected many to be present at the meeting.
“Um, Mr. Breaker,” Roxxer called. “You didn’t mention it was a general body meeting,”
“Surprise, surprise,” Mr. Breaker beamed. “This meeting will determine the future of CRISP itself!”
Roxxer and Jamie looked confused.
“Huh?” Roxxer murmured. “I don’t understand.”
“Please, take your seats, everyone!” Breaker sounded excited. “Let’s get started!”
Roxxer, Jamie, and Aron found seats in the middle row. Breaker walked up to the front and waited for all to settle down.
“We’ll start from the top,” Breaker spoke. “As Aron is an outsider, it’s necessary that he’s brought up to speed with everything.”
Everyone nodded in compliance.
“A mysterious cult called the Church of Teneka showed up a month ago claiming to provide salvation to all those who joined them. They set up the church at Dawson, recruiting members by force and influence. The ‘miracles’ and ‘signs’ they produced remain undeniable and mysterious. They gained the faith of the masses in no time. And I was one such member of the church, clueless as everyone and their mother can be.
“The reinforcements came in; the soldiers made them invulnerable. Nobody dared question it–we believed it to be government aid as the church was known to have influence over politics. It was only when I heard about the assaults and kidnappings, I panicked. I asked around and received little to nothing in answers. They were either scared or had become too faithful to go up against the church. That’s when I decided to flee. They sent their dogs in black after me. I somehow made it out, losing a best friend and a leg in the process,”
Breaker showed the fake leg under his left pant leg. Aron looked around and found people nodding sympathetically to Breaker’s story.
“But I never let that slow me down,” Breaker continued. “I didn’t rest, I couldn’t–I found people I could trust, people who didn’t think I was crazy; people who lost their loved ones in the fight against the church. It was then I saw I had to fight back… we had to fight back. And then we came across the other major problem, the Demons–as if the church wasn’t enough pain in the arse. But, even in this living nightmare, we took an oath to never give up, and that’s how we still stand!”
The members looked proud. Aron grew restless.
“And you all are the very proof we can win this fight,” Breaker said. “After all, we did manage to capture their head.”
The members cheered and shouted in glee.
“The church’s head?” Aron murmured.
“Their supreme leader,” Shocker turned back to face them.
“Oh!” Roxxer realized. “You’re talking about the armless dude, the–what did he call himself again?”
“The Prophet,” Shocker said. “His actual name’s John.”
“Right,” Roxxer murmured.
“It was a tough job,” Breaker waved his hand to silence the crowd. “Our men sacrificed their lives for it. They radioed the information about the head’s visit, and we laid the trap. And like a rat that follows the stench of cheese, they fell right into it! The element of surprise worked well, and we overpowered them easily!”
“Interesting,” Aron rubbed his chin. “Where did you put this guy?”
“In a cell,” Shocker whispered.
“Okay, it all makes sense now,” Aron stood up from the seat. “You’re planning to disguise me as the Prophet to infiltrate the church, aren’t you?”
The excited murmurs rose again.
“Yes, that is correct,” Breaker looked surprised. “Did Roxxer tell you that?”
Roxxer shook his head no.
“You are an outsider,” Breaker explained. “We weren’t sure whether you’d do it for us. We wanted to give you some time to think it over. And go with the plan overmorrow in case you’d have agreed.”
“I see,” Aron nodded. “In that case, I refuse.”
The murmurs grew louder.
“Aron, please reconsider,” Breaker tried to convince him. “Hundreds of lives are on the line!”
“So are my friends’,” Aron nodded. “I’ll agree to this on one condition–we go with the plan tonight.”
The murmurs turned into shouts. Roxxer and Jamie stared at Aron, bewildered.
“But we are not ready!” Breaker pointed out. “A plan involving people takes time!”
“Don’t tell me you’re planning to riot!” Aron stared at Breaker in disbelief.
“Well-” Breaker was caught by surprise.
“Breaker, you’d be sending them to their deaths!” Aron shook his head. “Those soldiers are strong. Well trained, sharp. They hesitate at nothing and will take down thrice the size of your force with ease.”
“Well, aren’t you an underestimating bastard,” a man yelled.
“Underestimating?” Aron scoffed as he glared at the crowd. “Who says you are worth any estimation? You’re not trustworthy for any plans.”
The shouts turned into angry protests.
“Oh really, tough guy!” the man with the cap called Aron out. “Who died and made you the leader? For all we know, you could be working for them! A goddamn spy! Calling us untrustworthy!”
The others began to boo and yell in agreement.
“Get that asshole!” a woman from the back yelled.
“Silence!” Breaker shouted at the top of his lungs.
The crowd reluctantly obeyed Breaker.
“Aron,” Breaker turned to him, exasperated. “What makes you think these people aren’t trustworthy?”
“Hmph,” Aron stepped forward. “Firstly, I never used the word ‘spy’ when I said I don’t trust you.”
Aron approached the man with the cap.
“Second of all, you’re recording this meeting on your phone,” Aron stood in front of him.
“Wha-” he stammered.
He reached for his phone in the breast pocket.
“And finally,” Aron stared beside the man’s feet. “You dropped something.”
The man bent forward to look.
THWOOM!
Aron swung his knee into his face as hard as he could. The man collapsed to the floor. The members sprang from their seats; a few raised their guns at Aron.
“Hey!” Breaker looked furious. “What’s the meaning of all of this?!”
“I took out a spy,” Aron spoke nonchalantly.
“What?” Breaker looked confused. “He isn’t a spy!”
“What’s his name?” Aron looked at Breaker. “Where did he come from? You know any of that?”
“New people join every day,” Breaker said. “It’s hard to keep track of each and every one!”
Aron took the man’s phone from his pocket. He turned off the recording and raised it up for everyone to see.
“Fine, then tell me,” Aron said. “Anyone recognize the brand?”
The murmurs grew louder again. A few yelled out some names, but none of them were sure.
“I take it nobody has seen it or him before,” Aron said.
The members grew silent.
“And that means?” Roxxer asked.
“This device belongs to the soldiers,” Aron said.
“What?!” a man yelled. “That’s bullshit!”
“Well, if that doesn’t convince you,” Aron said. “Take his clothes off– check if he has a tattoo of a bird,” Aron said.
A few members came forward and did as Aron told. There were murmurs of surprise from the group when they found a tattoo that resembled a bird on the man’s chest.
“I’ve come across similar tech before,” Aron approached Breaker. “This isn’t the first time my team had a run in the soldiers. We escaped because we caught them off-guard.”
“Your team?” a man asked.
“Kidnapped by the soldiers,” Aron said.
“Wait,” Roxxer said. “You are an outsider, and you came across these soldiers before! That would mean-”
“There is nowhere you can run to,” Aron shook his head. “They’re everywhere.”
“Oh God almighty,” Breaker sat down heavily. “What are we going to do?! This is much severe than I thought!”
“This is no time to crack up, Breaker,” Aron said. “I’ll help you, provided things go as I say. Starting with the spies.”
“But,” Breaker said. “Isn’t it a bit too late?”
“It would be if we sit around for another two days,” Aron unbuttoned his shirt.
He exposed his torso to all. Jamie whistled; she received a nudge from Roxxer.
“I don’t expect you to trust me,” Aron spoke out loud. “But let me you tell you this, I’m in it only for my people. And I’ll walk out tomorrow, no matter what the outcome is.”
The crowd spoke among themselves.
“I know this isn’t how we do things here, but he’s right,” Breaker spoke up. “CRISP class 1!”
A group of fifteen people, including Roxxer, Shocker, and Jamie, stepped forward. Aron looked at Breaker.
“I trust them with my life,” Breaker said.
Aron nodded.
“You know what to do,” Aron turned toward the group. “Check for the bird tattoo–go through their stuff. You can ask help from those who get cleared OK.”
“Yessir,” Roxxer nodded.
“Not you, Roxxer,” Breaker shook his head.
“Huh?” Roxxer frowned. “Is this about last time? Gimme a break, old man!”
The others chuckled.
“No, I trust you, kid,” Breaker said.
“I’m twenty-three,” Roxxer sighed.
“Which is why you’re gonna be helping Aron with the preparations,” Breaker said.
“Huh?” Roxxer murmured.
“I’d have asked for someone more capable,” Aron nodded. “But he’ll do.”
“Dude, what’s that supposed to mean?!” Roxxer crossed his arms.
“The time we cowered in fear has come to an end!” Breaker yelled to the crowd. “We strike back–tonight!”
The group cheered at Breaker’s words.
“I hope you will comply with the inspection,” Breaker added.
“Yessir!” the group yelled back.
“You are good with words,” Aron walked over to Breaker.
“No, kid,” Breaker placed his hand on Aron’s shoulder. “Sometimes… people want to hear emotions–not facts and figures. It proves we’re human beings, not machines.”
“Yeah,” Aron thought for a while. “You’re right. Thanks.”
“For what?” Breaker looked surprised.
“For believing in me,” Aron looked away.
“I don’t fully trust you yet, kid,” Breaker guffawed.
“I can inspect him for you, Breaker,” Jamie smirked.
Roxxer shook his head slowly.
“Ah-ahem, you can now proceed to the main hall,” Breaker concluded the meeting. “I’ll have someone announce it over PA.”
“Cool,” Aron muttered.
“I want you both to swing by the slammer,” Breaker turned to Aron and Roxxer. “And ask the man there about John’s interrogation. Also, drop the spy off while you’re there.”
“Yessir,” Roxxer hoisted the spy onto his shoulder. “He’s heavy!”
“Breaker?” Aron called.
“Yeah, kid?” Breaker nodded.
“Do you mind if I ask Prophet a few questions?” Aron asked.
“Sure,” Breaker shrugged. “Don’t get your hopes up, though. We had a hard time getting anything out of him.”
“Aight, peace!” Roxxer threw a peace symbol as he carried the spy away.
Aron followed him close behind.
“You really trust that guy?” Shocker turned to Breaker.
“I trust in miracles,” Breaker stared after the new recruit.
The crowd exited the main building. Aron and Roxxer marched toward the prison block; Aron checked his nail gun.
“What are you gonna do with that?” Roxxer smirked. “Build chairs?”
“Maybe,” Aron shrugged. “Did this base come with any guns or explosives?”
“You bet it did,” Roxxer nodded. “But everything’s under lock and key by the boss. There is free access to the vehicles as long as you state the purpose. Mainly us scouts use them for the sweeps.”
“I see,” Aron observed his surroundings.
“Here we are,” Roxxer stopped in front of the building with a massive steel door.
He banged at the door three times. The panel on the door slid open, and a pair of eyes peered at them.
“Breaker sent you?” the man behind the door had a gruff voice.
Roxxer nodded. The viewer shut close, and they heard the clang of locks and chains from the other side.
The door slid open. Roxxer and Aron stepped inside. They turned around to find a hulk of a man tower over them. He looked like he could crush skulls with his bare hands. Roxxer shuddered.
“Hey,” the man had a guttural voice.
He lifted his tank top and spun around.
“Whoa, dude!” Roxxer exclaimed. “What are you doing?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “Boss told me to show my chest and back to you.”
“Oh, right!” Roxxer looked relieved.
“The name’s Max,” he rolled his eyes. “Breaker insisted I take up the name ‘Berserker.’”
“Were you always this built?” Aron asked curiously. “Or could you have evolved after he named you?”
“Huh?” Berserker looked puzzled.
“Sorry, that was a strange thing to ask,” Aron nodded.
“Here, let me,” Berserker turned toward Roxxer.
He reached and grabbed the spy off Roxxer’s shoulder and threw him over his own.
“Follow me,” Berserker muttered.
Roxxer and Aron looked at each other wide-eyed by his strength. They followed him down the stairs to a basement. The hallway appeared dull and poorly maintained in the dim lights.
“How’d you find this base anyway?” Aron asked Roxxer.
“Breaker knew about this place,” Roxxer said. “Been here a couple of times when the base was still active. It came to his mind when he realized we were gonna need shelter, away from the church.”
“Not half bad, I must say,” Aron stared into the empty cells as they walked past. “People seem–cooperative.”
“It’s all Mr. Breaker,” Roxxer said.
“He’s got this strange charisma,” Berserker said. “The ability to lead people. They listen to him without questions.”
“What he said,” Roxxer nodded in agreement.
“A born leader, huh,” Aron muttered.
Berserker stopped at the end of the hallway. The cell was lit by a bulb, hung by a wire. Aron’s eyes fell on the man tied to the chair in the center of the cell. He studied the prisoner and realized why Breaker mistook him for the man.
“One is zero, and two is one,” the man chanted in low tones.
