From The Author: Trigger warning ahead! For those who are sensitive to the mention of the word rape; viewer discretion is advised.
Chapter 18
(US Army Base)
Goggle woke up from his sedation. As his vision cleared up, Goggle realized that he was a prisoner. His 'cell' was an olde bunk room for soldiers. However, The bunkbeds were removed. Only a cot and a small night stand table remained. There was a small bathroom; but it looked like it did not work. Goggle wondered his 'cell'. The nightstand had nothing in its drawer; but some blank paper, a pen, and a compact Bible. Goggle then looked outside his window. This part of the base he had been taken to looked abandoned. Clearly, this part of the base had not been used since the Nuclear Age. Goggle could even see where the bombs used to be kept; and just beyond that - were the hills. Goggle pressed his hand against the window. He was scared, but not for himself. He was scared that Vanessa was still lying injured in the hot sand. He thought about his son. Apollo still needed his mother. Goggle hoped that she was all right.
He was shaken from his thoughts, when he heard someone coming. Goggle sat on the cot, and tried to keep himself calm. The door slowly opened. Was it General Ryan? No. It was a female soldier; but she was also wearing a doctors coat. Goggle breathed a sigh of relief. He was glad it was not General Ryan.
"Hello there, Goggle. I am Private Marisol, but everyone calls me Missy." Said Missy.
Goggle nodded.
"How d'ya know my name?" He asked.
"I overheard one of your family say it a while back." She replied.
"Y'all ain't much of a soldier if you're just a Private Missy."
"That is because I don't intend to be a soldier for very long. I'm in the army to help further my education as a doctor. Currently, I am a nurse practitioner."
Goggle nodded in understanding. Missy then grabbed Goggle's hand and checked his pulse. She jotted something down on a small pad.
"Follow me Goggle. I want to examine you. We'll be just down the hall." She then said.
Goggle was lead out of his cell; and was cuffed by an MP officer. He was then escorted to the medical room.
(Test Village)
Vanessa woke up to hear Reaper talking to Papa Jupiter. Ruby had been tending to her cut; and was humming a tune softly.
"Goggle! Oh God, Goggle! They took Goggle!" She shouted.
Ruby placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I know. Reaper saw the whole thing. He's talking to Papa right now." She said.
"Ruby, help me up." Vanessa then replied.
"Why?"
"I have to go and find Goggle."
Ruby gently pushed Vanessa back down on the bed.
"I'm sorry Vanessa. Normally, I would agree with ya. However, you're too hurt to go anywhere. You also must think about the baby." Said Ruby.
Vanessa sighed.
"You're right Ruby. I'm in no condition to be of any help." She responded.
Ruby nodded in agreement; and continued to tend to Vanessa. That night, Ruby spent the night over at Vanessa's house. She helped take care of Apollo, and cooked dinner. As she helped Vanessa keep up with the housework and childcare; Hansel was attending a discussion headed by Papa Jupiter.
"That tin star general has taken my boy for a prisoner. I will not take that sittin' down! That pig General Ryan thinks he can stick his fingers in my pie!? He thinks he can tell me how to live my life!? Well he can't 'n' he ain't!" Jupiter ranted.
The hill people applauded and cheered at Jupiter's words.
"Now I know y'all are worried for your young leader. I am too. Goggle is my only boy; but don't you all worry. I'm planning to bring my boy home."
Again, the hill people erupted into cheers. Jupiter grinned as they chanted his name. However, deep inside; he felt sick with worry and fear for his son. Goggle could already be dead or dying. Jupiter felt his usually cold, black heart break at the thought of his only son lying dead.
Goggle my son. You are in trouble. I can feel it. Jupiter thought to himself.
(US Army Base)
Goggle was back in his cell. He hadn't enjoyed the physical examination. Despite the fact that Missy explained everything she was doing; it brought Goggle no comfort. She had him stripped down to his shorts; and she put her hands all over him. She felt around his stomach, arms, and legs. She listened to his heart and lungs. She also checked his temperature, blood pressure; and took some blood as well. Goggle didn't mind her examining him with her equipment; but being touched by her felt invasive. After all, Missy was not his wife. Goggle was glad that it was over, and that Missy hadn't touched him anywhere intimate.
Goggle laid on his cot. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine he was back home. He tried to put himself back in his bed; with Vanessa lying in his arms. He then heard someone else coming. This person was clearly masculine by the sound of their voice. When the door opened, Goggle felt his stomach churn. It was General Ryan.
"Crank, Delmar; I want you to restrain the prisoner. When you boys are done, follow me. I'll be outside." Ryan said.
"Yes sir." They replied in unison.
Goggle was handcuffed again; and blindfolded. He was then lead out by Crank and Delmar. General Ryan lead them down a different hallway. This hallway lead to an old room that was larger than the abandoned bunk room Goggle was quartered in. When the blindfold was removed Goggle took in his surroundings. The room was large; and like every part of this section of the base - looked like it hadn't been used in decades. General Ryan then wheeled out an old gurney. Goggle could feel his blood chill. This did not look good.
"Delmar, Crank; bring the prisoner over." General Ryan said.
Goggle was lead towards the gurney. Goggle knew he had to sit down on it, at least. So, he complied. Perhaps, if he did what he was told; Ryan would go easier on him. General Ryan stared at Goggle.
"God, you're even uglier up close." He said.
"What do ya want Slaughter?" Goggle asked.
"General Slaughter? Is that what they call me in the hills?"
Goggle didn't respond. General Ryan circled Goggle; like a hungry shark circles whale carrion. He then hauled Goggle back on to his feet.
"Crank, come here; and bring the slugger." He then said.
The soldier named Crank, stepped forward. In his hand, was a metal baseball bat. Delmar also had a metal rod, and Ryan had a crowbar. Goggle felt his panic rising. However, he steeled himself against the fear. He wasn't going to let these freaks know he was scared.
"You Goggle Sawney Bean are a murderer; and a cannibal. For such heinous crimes; you will pay back your societal debt with your life. However, before I can have the pleasure of ending you and your family's pathetic existence. I must find out about the recently disappeared youths from New York. Where are they?" Said the General.
"Two are dead. The third is still alive." Goggle answered.
"Where is the third one? Who are the dead ones?" Crank the asked.
"The girl called Carly 'n' her partner, Josh. They are dead. Vanessa is the third one. She is alive."
"Then where is she!?"
"With my family of course. She 'n' I were put together by my Papa. I asked my Papa to make us partners 'n' he did."
Crank had heard enough, and was the first to strike. His bat connected with Goggle's stomach. Goggle went down; doubled over in pain.
"You sick bastard! Fucking rapist prick! I'll kill you!" Crank shouted.
Goggle coughed and tried to catch his breath; but Delmar was next to strike. His metal rod got Goggle across the back. Goggle bit back the pained yelp that nearly came out. General Ryan then smashed his crow bar against Goggle's side. Goggle couldn't fight back, because he was unarmed; and his hands were still cuffed. All he could do was brace himself for the pain. Blow after blow came down upon Goggle. Already, he could feel himself slipping out of consciousness. He heard the all too familiar sound of his ribs cracking. Finally, he felt the pain of some of his ribs break. Suddenly, through the fog; he heard the metal being tossed aside. Goggle smiled inwardly. He would be kept alive, for now. He then felt the shock of ice cold water being thrown on him.
"Wake up! We aren't done yet!" Delmar shouted.
"Fuck, we ain't even started." General Ryan chimed in.
Goggle slowly sat up. He was then hauled back up to his feet.
"How long have you been raping Vanessa?" General Ryan then asked.
"Joke's on you, ya tin star puke eater. I ain't raped no one. I took Vanessa to be my partner, for her protection." Goggle replied.
"Protection?" Asked Delmar.
Goggle nodded. He then gave a quick recap of everything that happened. When he was done, Crank and Delmar exchanged questioning glances.
"So saved her from your own kind by keeping her as your partner?" Crank then asked.
"Yes." Goggle replied.
"And it was two sons of some fella named Hades that killed the other two right?" Delmar then said.
"Yessir."
"And you swear you never 'forced yourself' on Vanessa?"
"Nope. I would never even dream of it."
The two soldiers then pulled their general aside to talk to him.
"General Ryan, may we speak freely?" Crank asked.
"Permission granted." General Ryan said.
"Sir, I think that freak is telling the truth." Delmar then said.
"I agree." Replied Crank.
"After all, he's still technically innocent until proven guilty."
General Ryan gave a nod of understanding.
"Thank you for your input gentlemen. Now, strap the prisoner down." He said.
The soldiers looked at their general questioningly.
"Sir, are you sure we should?" Asked Delmar.
"Yes! I need a confession; and I won't be satisfied until I get it!" General Ryan said.
Delmar and Crank then nodded; and strapped Goggle to the gurney. General Ryan then approached Goggle with a very sharp; and wicked looking knife. Goggle's eyes widened in fear. He once again braced himself for the pain. Only one name came to his mind to help him through the ordeal: Vanessa.
Enjoy Chapter 18. Reviews are love!
