Chapter One
It was morning and yet another sunny, beautiful day in Zaphias, the capital of the People's Republic, a large, peaceful country in Terca Lumireis. There, the workers, farmers, intellectuals all lived in harmony under the guidance of the Communist Party, which was responsible for the country's wise and benevolent government. It worked ever industriously to preserve and strengthen the socialist roots of society that grew into prosperity for everyone, regardless of walk in life.
It was here in Zaphias, Flynn Scifo, a young member of the Red Guard, was born, lived, and was stationed at. The Red Guard was a body of chivalrous soldiers whose duty was to serve and protect the people of the People's Republic in both times of peace and war. As a Red Guard, Flynn was required to diligently study swordsmanship, though secondary emphasis was placed on literature history as extracurricular activities.
Flynn strolled through the Lower Quarter of the city dressed in his polished blue and white armor where on the chest plate, an insignia of a simple red star hung. Here in the Lower Quarter, where he grew up, people were hard-working, honest, and kind. They didn't have much in terms of materiality, but their feeling of proletariat solidarity that kept them together as a viable community, and in that, Flynn saw a pleasant beauty and was very proud of belonging to such a group.
"Good morning, Flynn!" Hanks, the chairman of the Lower Quarter's People's Committee, an old man in his sixties, greeted him as walked by his house. As the local chairman, it was Hanks' responsibility to host and organize meetings concerning the people of the Lower Quarter which brought up topics including management of consumer and agricultural goods. Although the Lower Quarter didn't have much to go around, its denizens did their best to fairly share the modest supply of goods among themselves.
"Good morning, Hanks" Flynn returned with a smile and bowed with an arm crossed over his chest.
"Where are you off to, this morning?" Hanks asked.
"To the Great Hall of the People, Hanks. There's going to be a speech delivered by Commissar Alexei, this morning to congratulate and thank all of our services" Flynn explained. After chatting briefly, he bid Hank farewell and continued on.
He walked out of the Lower Quarter and to Star Square. In the center of the square was the iconic monument of a pristinely white marble tower. At its top, stood the ruby red jeweled star that gleamed so nicely against the daylight. Proudly up in the air, it was a symbol of the people's revolutionary spirit within their hearts.
There were other Red Guards assembling into their respective units. Flynn hurried over to his unit in the Schwann Brigade. His immediate commanding officer was Lieutenant Sodia, Captain Schwan's second-in-command. She was a strict, no nonsense woman who demanded nothing but the best from those under her command to ensure they performed their best in service to the people.
"Flynn, what took you so long?" Lt. Sodia questioned him, her eyes keen as if to look straight into him and see the truth behind it all, regardless of what he would say.
"Forgive me, Comrade Lieutenant. I was only trying to help keep myself calm by taking things slowly, yet timely this morning" Flynn replied, and for the second time today, bowed with a folded arm across his chest.
Because she didn't say anything else, Flynn assumed his response was grudgingly acceptable. Flynn and his fellow Red Guards got in a single-file horizontal line with the Lieutenant in front. For one of the first times, Flynn got to see his brigade's commanding officer, Captain Schwann, right in front of the Lieutenant. He was tan skinned man with unruly long hair braided at the back. He didn't know much about him other than circulating talk among the Red Guards that he was an easygoing, yet responsibly suited man and the most distinctive about him was his relaxed sense of humor. All the brigades were identically lined up like the Schwann Brigade, side by side.
All the brigades walked in their horizontal lines and side by side through Star Square. There were many townsfolk in the background who, as an audience, watched them. Although not a parade, everyone, knowing it was their duty to serve the people, still made every effort to demonstrate fine professionalism expected of them as they marched through the square and into the Great Hall of the People via the front gates.
They were now in the Great Hall. All the brigades were lined up and grouped with two brigades in front with another brigade in back of both. In front of them all was a set of stairs that led up to the path to the Palace of the People, a magnificently designed and constructed building to honor all the people and their devoted contribution to a harmonious, socialist society. It was where the Supreme Presidium of the People met to discuss how to create laws, pursue economic policy, and equally important, set goals for the Red Guard to follow. At the top of the stairs, was a dais. And there, Commissar Alexei appeared.
He was the very well respected head of the Red Guard and for many, an exemplary embodiment of duty, valor, and diligence. He was renowned as an outstandingly superb swordsman and his years of experience of service added to his character in being inspirational, compassionate, and organized. It was no surprise those qualities won him a seat on the Politburo, the Communist Party's wise executive-level body, as well as the Star of Socialist Merit medal. Comrade Alexei was a man who stood up tall and dignified and appeared to be in his mid forties and had neatly combed back-length silvery white hair. As always, the commissar wore his symbolized red armor and black cape.
He spoke to everyone before him. Although Flynn was located to the far right from his view from the commissar, he stood upright and gave his full, undivided attention.
"All of you, selfless and dutiful servants and protectors to the people of our great republic" Alexei began.
"I have come here today to personally congratulate all of you for your continued excellence in helping others live their everyday lives as you provide the people with security in the countryside, helping hands in times of natural disaster, and when times call for it, their prompt and effective defense from aggression. And not to mention by simply letting the people know there are caring soldiers there for them by being around. Always have, always are, and always will be."
"Furthermore, I also would like to-"
An arrow suddenly appeared and shot through Alexei's armor to everyone's surprise.
Reacting quickly with adrenaline rushing through his veins, Flynn turned over to the right where he caught a glimpse of dark robed figure with a bow just by the gated perimeter of the Hall. In the ensuing instability of the situation, Flynn dashed as fast as he could to the assassin. Of course, the assassin was trying to run away as fast as possible too, but he was still within Flynn's sight. He jumped over the gate and did his best so that he could lock down on his target. Flynn didn't care that he had to bump into people or their stands in Star Square. He just charged through. The assassin didn't seem to have any trouble as he sped along the square and now street. Flynn managed to keep up, though just barely and he really was running out of breath. Finally, the robed assassin decided to stop when it was just the two of them alone in a neighborhood. The mysterious figure took out a short sword and without warning, dashed over to attack him. Luckily, Flynn unsheathed his own sword just in time to parry the strike and then attempted to slash back several times, but sloppily and to no avail. The assassin easily dodged and blocked his swings and strikes. As if to humiliate Flynn, the assassin proceeded to attack him with his hands. Straight and flat, the assassin's hands chopped down on his arms and then legs. Flynn was stunned with pain and just couldn't believe it.
And then the last thing he could remember was a kick to the face.
Nothing but blackness followed.
_
Flynn awoke to the sound of a familiar voice of a woman and saw he was in bed, most likely a barrack somewhere.
And standing to the side from his bed was none other than Lt. Sodia.
"It's about time, Flynn. You've got a lot to answer for" she said and looked as though she were stressed out from business.
Just then, the door opened and Captain Schwann entered.
"Hey, how're you doing, kid?" he asked.
"Captain? W-what happened?" Flynn said after making sure to salute to him.
"If you remember correctly, the commissar was shot by an assassin, this morning. But no one knows how he's doing at the moment. You spotted him, didn't you? Can you tell us what happened?" the lieutenant said. It was the first time Flynn saw her show any slight touch of softness.
"Yes, it was a dark robed figure. I couldn't get a clear look and it all happened so fast… It's my fault he got away…" Flynn answered apologetically and looked down.
"Damn right you are!" Lt. Sodia said, now back to her normal self. "Do you know we've received reports of you running around the city crashing into people and making a mess? You're a disgrace to the Red Guards" she stated.
Flynn could only apologize even more.
"Easy now, lieutenant. The boy's had a rough day and everyone makes mistakes" Captain Schwann said.
"Anyway, I just went to see the commissar myself. He's alive and they say there's a good chance he'll recover eventually. Thank goodness that arrow wasn't dipped with poison. And the reason I've come is to tell you that the commissar wants you to come see him."
Flynn couldn't refuse. Commissar Alexei was such a respectable man and it would be an honor to get to meet him. The captain told him it wasn't necessary to dress up in his armor, especially now, so Flynn wore the trousers and shirt he was already wearing. From the looks of it, Flynn was still at the Great Hall. Or rather, inside the Palace of the People. Through the window of the palatial surroundings, he could still see the tower standing at Star Square. Come to think of it, he'd never set foot inside the Great Hall as entering required demonstration of exemplary service to the Republic or if not that, invitation from the Politburo or even more luckily, the president.
There was a Guard in front of the door leading to the commissar's room. He was dressed in similar red armor to the commissar, though it bore no insignia. The commissar had a special elite brigade called the Special Guards at his command who were known to be among the finest and most disciplined of the Red Guards and had a reputation for great swordsmanship and battle-readiness.
"You, state your business" the Special Guard said.
"My name is Flynn Scifo of the Schwann Brigade. I believe Commissar Alexei would like to see me."
"Very well, proceed."
Flynn entered the room and saw the commissar lying in a bed, his chest and body wrapped in bandages. Though he was sorry to see him in such a state, he didn't forget to bow humbly.
"Thank you for coming, Flynn isn't it? I must ask you something" Commissar Alexei said.
"Please Comrade Commissar, speak and I will listen."
"Flynn, you're the only one who got a look at the assassin. Is there anything you can tell me?"
Regretfully, there wasn't much to say.
"The assassin escaped due to my failure of apprehending him. I was close, but you see, commissar, my skill with the blade is…less than acceptable. I can only offer my sincerest apologies" Flynn said a little painfully. If only he'd been a better swordsman, then maybe…
"Don't blame yourself for this. You only did what you could. With time, I know you can become a better Guard. Have patience. Believe in yourself. Trust others around you. Always know even the most ordinary of people can perform the most extraordinary of things if they can do those" Alexei said to him wisely. "Anyway, now is the perfect time for you to begin your trial" he continued.
"Trial?"
"Yes, I'm requesting you go on a task to find out who committed this act of cowardice and why. If possible, arrest him, but don't hesitate to kill him if you deem it necessary" he explained. "Do you accept?"
Flynn thought for a good minute. This was the time when the people needed answers and justice. As a Red Guard, it would be his duty to bring them truth. And furthermore, he had to go on a journey of self-discovery and prove to himself he was worthy of serving his country.
Flynn's bold eyes met Alexei.
"Yes, Commissar Alexei, I do."
To be continued...