What Makes An Army

Chapter Seven: Enter Hannah, the Evil Queen

The next morning, Hannah and Phil were up early. 'So, what do we do now?' 'You tell me Hannah- never been in a proper relationship really. How long were you out of the spell for?' 'Flitted in and out for a couple of days. I think the machine's broke or something.' 'You sure you want to do this?'

Hannah then passed Phil her phone. 'What's this for?' 'Listen to it.' 'Only when you tell me what it is?' 'It's me and Megan speaking to each other a few days ago.' Phil then listened to the recording on the phone.

3 days before

'Right Hannah, there's something you ain't telling me and I don't like it.' 'Nothing gets past you, does it? You know I told you about Allyx being in that cult?' 'Yeah, well Allyx is weak, isn't she?' 'That's not a polite way to talk about our sister.' 'It's true, isn't it? What has Allyx ever done that resembles someone strong? She's 3 years older than me and I end up babysitting her- have done since I was about 5.'

'Allyx' 'Allyx has never had to fend for herself. Because you have always cleaned up her mess.' 'That's what an older sister should do isn't it?' 'What you should be doing is teaching her to fend for herself. Your weakness is you're too caring. You care too much for other people and not enough for what you want and need.'

'That's sort of what I wanted to talk to you about.' 'Wondered why you phoned me at 6 in the morning? Figured it would be important.' 'It's about the cult stuff.' 'I guessed that.' 'I'm… I'm thinking of joining it.' Stunned silence followed, as Hannah's younger sister digested the information.

'Seriously? You're going to join lunatics?' 'You remember Phil?' 'Yeah- he was a wierdo.' 'How many times- it's not his fault he's autistic. He probably thinks everyone else is weird.' 'You are literally out of your flaming mind Hannah- you really are. You do realise that the moment you walk into there, you'd be putting us both in danger?'

'Join him then- why not?' 'I can give you a lot of reasons. It is not, I repeat, not, happening. I am not doing it. No chance in hell' 'Listen, I know you're annoyed, but this is the only way I think. The only way to make him see. See what I've seen and he once saw.' 'Please don't tell me you're in love with that monster.'

'He's acting like a monster at the moment. I want to make him see again- I want to save him. I know the real Phil, and I know he's still in there somewhere.' 'This isn't Beauty and the Beast. Go on then- what's this version then?' 'He's desperate, he wants to prove a point against the world. It's a cry for help, and guess what- I'm listening.'

'So why are you telling me?' 'I wanted advice- I wanted to know what to do. I don't want to abandon you or put you in danger' 'Hannah, I'll be fine. Do whatever you need to do. But just to warn you, I'm not joining. If he tries to force me, I take no responsibility for what I do in my own self-defence.' 'Just like if I do fall under the spell, I hold no responsibility for what I do.'

'Just… make sure you're safe, ok?' 'Don't worry about me. He'll "force" us into a relationship probably, and after a couple of months, he'll probably release me from whatever it is.' 'And Allyx?' 'If I'm free, I'll get her released as well. I just want to know you'll be ok.' 'Do I have permission to defend myself.' 'If you're under physical threat, yes. And if someone's forcing you to join, yes. Otherwise, you're just going to make things worse for yourself.'

'Hannah.' 'Yes.' 'Before you go, I want you to promise me one thing.' 'If it's something I can promise you, I will do.' 'Promise me that you truly love him.' 'I do love him- Phil is… special. He's the man I always wanted to be with, I just didn't realise it beforehand.' At that point, the tape cut off.

Back to HQ

'There was a little more after that, but my phone ran out of memory.' 'Why though?' 'Why what?' 'Why do you seem so ok with what I did to you?' 'In case you forgot, I let you do it.' 'Why though?' 'Because I figured that if I did it, it might bring some peace back to you.' 'I forgot you could see how I feel.'

'I've always been able to, and not just because I'm a really strong empath. It's because we're so close.' 'In that case, can you see what I'm thinking right now?' 'Sure- you're thinking that you really want to fuck me. On something metal. Seriously- could your thoughts be a little less rude?'

'You got it absolutely right.' 'I know I did. I can read you like a book.' 'Is it an interesting book?' 'Very interesting. Right now, you're wondering if I was out of the spell when we were at that tournament.' 'Were you?' 'Nope. That was before I started breaking out. Where are Sean and Mollie?'

'Sean's gone home- I'm going to contact him later.' 'And Mollie?' 'She's here, but not for long.' 'You're kicking her out?' 'She lied to me and I clearly cannot trust her anymore.' 'What about Sean?' 'I don't want him involved either.' 'Cut them some slack- they were trying to help me.'

'The fact they lied to me is enough of a reason. What do you think I should do?' 'I'm not going to say anything until you promise you'll listen.' 'I promise.' 'Good. I think you should call them both here, and explain to them just why you're annoyed, and hear their explanations in the cold light of day. Then you decide what's right to do.'

'You may be right.' 'By the way, something else I kinda wanted to discuss.' 'About the club?' 'Yeah. I was sort of wondering if I could help you run it?' 'Be leader if you want- my only condition is that nobody has superiority over me.' 'Sounds great.' 'I'd better phone Mollie and Sean.' Phil then left to phone them both.

Half an hour later, they'd both arrived. Mollie was silent, but Sean was a lot more agitated. 'Yo man, just tell us what's going on- are we cool or what?' 'I've been talking to Hannah.' 'Well that's me screwed then.' 'Thank you Mollie, I will now continue. I have been talking to her, and we have jointly decided to give you both a chance- I want both of you to explain your versions of what happened, and I want to hear if you would do it differently now. Don't interrupt each other though. Sean, you were here first, so you can go first.'

'I was up late the other night yeah, because I was watching the boxing as I occasionally do, and I heard a voice behind me. I turned around and Hannah was there, she was saying about me freeing her, she wanted to tell you exactly how she felt. I didn't wanna do it at first, but she persuaded me when she said it'd make you feel better inside and stuff. So, I kept the secret, but I told her yesterday after we'd been to snooker that I wasn't hiding it for her any longer. That's when Mollie attacked me because she thought lying to you was my fault. And would I do it differently? Hell no- for the first time in my entire life, I did the right thing.'

'Mollie.' 'I'd seen Sean sneaking around for a couple of days, but had no clue what was going on. Then when the power went off yesterday, he told me about his secret. I initially refused to help, but then agreed because he said he'd take responsibility if it went wrong. I attacked him last night because he told me that he was going to tell you what was going on, and blame it all on me. I wouldn't change anything, because I did what I felt was right.'

Phil then walked around both of them, before returning to Hannah. 'I'm not annoyed so much at you lying to my face as you putting this whole revolution in danger. What you both did was reckless and irresponsible, and yes, I know how that feels, because I've done that before. Sean, don't pull a stunt like this again. Now go please- I want to speak to Mollie on her own.' Sean then slunk away, leaving Mollie, with her trademark high ponytail.

'Phil, I' 'You don't need to justify yourself- you had a chance to do that. Hannah is becoming president, so you have two choices. Choice 1: you quit and move out. Choice 2: you stay, but you have to serve under Hannah.' 'Can I still lodge here?' 'Yes.' 'I don't want to abandon this now.' 'One more thing- never betray me like that again.' 'I won't do.' Phil then left, leaving Hannah and Mollie face-to-face. 'Hannah, can I just' 'Don't speak to me. You have my boyfriend fooled, but not me.'

'You're the one who has him fooled. Stop acting like you own him.' 'What, like you did back then? You broke his heart. I'm repairing it. He'd be better off with you not here.' Hannah then walked off leaving Mollie staring at her from behind.

About half an hour later, there was a knock on the door of the base, which Jodi answered. 'Who is this?' 'It's Lydia. We've brought the recruits you requested.' 'Conscious?' 'No, chloroform.' Hannah then walked over. 'Sean, dump them with the Dark Hangar. I'll deal with them later.' 'Sure thing Hannah.'

Lydia then walked over. 'Lydia, get everything set up, we've got a meeting coming up soon.' 'Understand.' Sean then walked past with the two potential recruits. The guy was wearing a green shirt and an orange throw above it, , and the other one was wearing a blue vest, looking like she'd just gotten back from the gym.

Hannah then walked over to Mollie again. 'Make yourself useful and notify everyone about the meeting will you?' 'No need to have attitude with me.' Hannah then got in her face. 'I'm the damn queen hun, I'll do what I want.' She then walked off and Mollie went to inform everyone about the meeting.

20 minutes after, everyone was gathered. Phil and Hannah then stood in front of them. 'Club members, revolutionaries, I have great news. I have chosen my queen. She stands before you- Queen Hannah. We rule together, but she is not automatically greater than yourselves. There is a term called first amongst equals. She is exactly that- she is the nominated one amongst equal beings.'

'I am the queen, yet I am also one of you. We were all brought in with the same goal in mind. That goal was to convert the world, one puppet at a time. Our goal has not changed. Moreover, we have an additional objective. We don't just convert, we educate. Educate the world about our ways and our power. Make them believe.'

'She is absolutely right. But the most important thing to remember is that' 'I am one amongst equals. You are not mere subjects, you are allies, every single one of you.' The new queen then glared at her blonde rival while finishing off her statement. 'Even those who can't follow basic instructions. Now you all decide- either you see our vision, or you're stripped of every memory you ever had. Your choice. Now I have to deal with a couple of visitors.' She then left to deal with the new recruits, Mollie watching her.

Shortly afterwards, Hannah's sworn enemy collared Phil to stir things. 'Phil, I need a word with you.' 'I have paperwork to do, can this wait a couple of hours?' 'No, it can't. Because your "girlfriend" is out of control.' 'Don't even go there.' 'What?' 'I know she's done nothing wrong, don't even try it. You're annoyed at her because she grassed'

'I didn't even do that stuff. Literally the first I knew about it was when Sean told me just before you found out.' 'Really? And what reason would Hannah have to lie?' 'She thinks I betrayed you when we broke up.' 'I'll talk to her about that.' 'Also, you told me that I was going to be pres when things were set up.'

'No, I told you that Hannah was going to be president, and you were going to be her deputy. I'm starting to wonder if I made the right decision.' 'Please listen to me.' 'I am doing. I just don't believe you. You know I love Hannah. Stop making things so difficult for us.'

Meanwhile, in the Dark Hangar

As Hannah walked in, the victims were both in cages. The girl was awake, but the guy was still out. 'Well look who we have here- if it isn't Natalie Anderson.' Hannah, get me out of here.' 'Who do you think ordered you to be brought here?' 'It… was you?' 'No, it was my boyfriend. But I rather like seeing you caged.'

'Why though? I thought we were friends?' 'Friends? Where were you when I needed you? Whenever I'm having a difficult day, you're busy at the gym. If I need someone to look after me because my back's playing up, you're halfway across the country. But you're always there whenever I'm speaking to a guy, making sure I don't get too close, because it might take their attention away from your toned body and your plastic breasts. Guess what though, you're not the only toned one darling. Difference is, I'm a real person. No fakery on me.'

'But why is it people only like me and not you?' 'You're a right cow, you know that?' 'Moo. I know- the reason people like me is I'm actually a nice person. Behind that façade, I am a real human being. You're a great friend while you benefit from it.' 'What happened when my cat died? You weren't there for me then.'

'I was having back surgery. They don't allow phones to be on in hospitals.' 'More like you don't care.' 'I had evidence that I spent the entire week in hospital. Why am I even justifying myself to you?' 'So what happens now?' 'We're going to convert you both into mindless soldiers. But, I might leave you for a while first.'

'Because you're struggling with the decision.' 'No, because I want to make you suffer. Suffer to the point where being controlled by me is preferable to being in control of your own actions.' 'That'll never happen.' 'We'll see.' Phil then walked in, and bent Hannah over his knee, before kissing her.

'That's disgusting- you two are' 'Yep. Turns out there's one person who was never turned off by you talking about all my bad points.' 'Seriously? You're talking about all the stuff I did wrong? How about all the' 'Here you go again, bringing me down, nobody's more important than you.'

'You realise I'm going to get out of here, right? And I'll tell Megan and Allyx about this.' 'Allyx, come here please.' Allyx then walked over, still mindless after her conversion. 'Allyx already joined. As for Megan, she knows what's going on. Well, apart from the bit about me not being controlled. But I've said too much already.' Just then, the other victim woke up, groggily.

'Woah, where am I?' 'Jackson, we're trapped by Hannah. You know, Hannah that smells like horse dung?' 'Oh yeah, I liked her until you told me about that. I can't be doing with someone like that- might just order one from Russia. Hang on, trapped?' 'Yeah, trapped's what I said. What's so difficult to understand about that?'

'As we were saying, you're not escaping. These cages are made from thick titanium. We'll let you go, but only if you give us your purse and wallet.' 'Anything to get outta here.' They then both handed them over, leaving the new couple to look through them. 'Hmmm- must be several hundred quid in here.'

'See, money. Let us go now.' 'Not a chance.' Hannah then gagged Natalie, and pulled a thick red cloth over the cages. 'See you in about 12 hours. I'll bring some water with me, so you can drink like dogs.' Phil and Hannah then stood talking outside the room. 'So how long are you keeping them there?'

'Him, I'll brainwash him in the morning. As for her, I'll leave her to go mad. I'm thinking minimum of a week. Just wait a moment.' Hannah then went back into the room, and after a lot of muffled shouting, she came back with a pair of mobile phones. 'Wouldn't want anybody finding out what's going on now, would we?'

'Not too early at least.' 'Exactly. I think we've done rather well there.' 'I think so. Is the scanner working?' 'Yeah, it's not 100%, but it's functioning well enough.' 'Can I ask you something, girlfriend to boyfriend?' 'Could you say that again?' 'Can' 'No, the other bit.' 'What- girlfriend to boyfriend?'

'Yeah. Sounds good doesn't it.' 'You really haven't had much, have you? That's not the question though.' 'Go on.' 'Does it bother you? You know, me not being able to conceive?' 'All I want is you. If you later decide to adopt or foster or something, we can talk about it, but no, it doesn't bother me. I love you just the same. I've loved you for over 25 years. And I'll love you in another 25. And the next 25. I just needed you to want me.'

'I wanted you, I just… didn't know what to do with that. I just wanted to fit in.' 'I understand that. Can't say it didn't hurt, but the hurt was worth it.' 'I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make our relationship work.' They then kissed, while Natalie thumped the bars of the cage.

When they went back into the main hall, Freja and Lydia were stood there. 'Girls, what's up?' 'We made you the posters.' 'They show what we're about' Lydia added, looking proud. Hannah immediately took one of the posters. 'This is brilliant. You two are brilliant. What we'll do is neaten your ideas up a bit on a computer, and then hang them up on the walls. You two can keep the original copies to be proud of.' Phil then stroked the top of Freja's head, before doing the same to Lydia.

'You two are amazing. Absolutely amazing. I'm proud to call myself your master. Our recruitment is now in full swing. All of us have a purpose.' Lydia then looked up at him, eyes nearly lifeless, as if she was waiting for a purpose to fill her soul with. 'Master, if we all have a purpose, what is ours?'

'We all have a purpose. It isn't always obvious. With some of us, like both of you, the purpose isn't obvious. Rather, it will reveal itself to us within appropriate time. And when it is revealed, you will know it's there, no matter what it is.' Lydia and Freja then walked off, leaving Phil and Hannah to talk through the plans for the revolution which was about to take place.

What revolution is about to unfold? What will happen to Natalie and Adelard? And who will witness the ascension of evil in What Makes an Army Chapter Eight: EVIL: THE FINAL FRONTIER