The Last
Belen09
Set in the MU – This story about Major Reed is a blatant rip-off of a classic Icelandic Saga - But see the end for an interesting fact!
None, PG-13, AU
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The old man put his hand against the 'invisible fencing' that ringed the grounds of the retirement home; it was intended to keep the residents contained on the property – not as bad as a prison, but not much better either. The inmates were primarily allowed to eke out their remaining years as an example of the kindness of the emperor, and the general public was allowed to enter, to observe his gracious magnanimity.
This meant not a damn thing to Malcolm Reed. He was out on his twice daily circuit of the property, with the help of the 'resistance barrier' – his eyesight having gone some time ago – only being able to tell if something was blocking out the sun, and his hearing was beginning to fail, but he could still walk, and movement felt good, necessary . . . once he stopped moving that would truly be the end.
Reed contact with the world came primarily through touch, and his still agile mind supplied the memory of what should be . . . and was. The old soldier walked doggedly along the line of the barrier, following the property line. He was a visible reminder to the world beyond that even the most despised were given the grace of life, and while the public would often enter the facility, most avoided the old man as his body posture spoke of an intense determination and unfailing danger.
Except today, something seemed at one point to partially block out the sun, and spoke mockingly – "Hey old man!"
The major turned his head toward the sound, and uttered a reasonable question and request, "Is someone there? My hearing isn't what it used to be – you need to speak up!"
More of the sun was blocked as the first speaker came closer. "I'm speaking to you, old man – you're Major Reed. They say you're supposed to be 'a real killer'! Really hot stuff! You don't look so hot, old man . . ." And someone was laughing . . .
This didn't seem to bother Reed, who said, "Sorry, my hearing is really not very good today . . . what did you say? 'Fraid you're going to have to get quite close," and he leaned imperceptibly toward the visitor, "that's it, sir, talk right into my good ear . . ."
And the man, who was in reality an up-and-coming member of the nobility, got quite close and yelled right in the old man's ear, "You old senile fool! When I get just a little more power, I am going to have you gutted and flayed, and your body displayed on the city wall . . ."
At this point he was quite red-faced and screaming at the old soldier, who pulled out a very sharp knife from a pocket, and most expertly, unerringly plunged it into the man's heart. After all Reed did have a great deal of experience . . .
"I did hear you sonny," the Major gave a satisfied cackle, complete with grin. "I haven't lost my touch!" Reed passed away, a couple of days later in his sleep.
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Author's Note – So I'm studying the system that looks up information on people who have legal problems, and I find out that they 'purge' the records when the person reaches the age of ninety. I said, "Isn't that a little premature? Some people are dangerous, even if they are in their nineties." The trainer didn't think much of the question . . .
Hope she doesn't run into a 'Major Reed' . . .
