Author's Note: I'm very sorry for the delay in this chapter's release. I absolutely love all the comments on the last one. Xcom-anders, would you believe I never saw that movie? To be honest I was inspired by declassified documents, SERE operations and books written about interrogation techniques. Your analogy of the Legion is exactly right! The comparison kind of leaves you uneasy - especially to all you who served the Legion. You know who you are! ;)
I'm sorry to kill off people you love. I don't do it easily ... actually I really struggled with a few and often changed my mind several times before following through with the plot I've laid out. The year is currently 2273 throughout this chapter. We're getting pretty close to the end. I can't speculate the exact amount I have left. It really all depends on how much I want to flush out the next few again for all your great comments and questions. I'll try to give out a few more chapters since so many of us are kept in confinement (though not me).
Chapter 55
The plan was simple. Hecate would return with Joshua and Athos while Wendigo remained in Ouroboros with his men and some of Gladius' too.
After the mission was complete, true to his word, Joshua had sent for a couple of Legionaries to retrieve a very battered, but alive Gladius and had ordered Hecate's healers to mend the man's wounds. When Joshua went to check on Gladius, he told the fallen leader that if he survived and overcame his injury, he'd be allowed to return to his position of Centurion. Joshua's reasoning behind this was simple, give the man something to fight for, and reward his triumph. In the end Gladius was a good Centurion and to train his replacement would not be a simple task. Joshua had already made an example of the him and demonstrated that even Centurions were not spared from God's wrath. Now it was time to teach the men a new lesson, one that showed them that when forgiveness was offered, which was exceedingly rare, it was as if the mercy was bestowed upon them by the Father himself … even if the men believed it was Caesar who acted in God's stead. This made them appreciative, that than bitter or resentful, and it worked.
So, Gladius would remain to recover and assist Wendigo. Hecate's people would remain as well. Joshua's plan was to bring Hecate back to Flagstaff so she could negotiate her terms with Caesar in person. This had been Caesar's demand after all. The whereabouts of most of Hecate's fighting force was still unknown. They needed her to cooperate so that her warriors would surrender as promised and most importantly, she needed to be alive for this to happen. Joshua knew that so long as he had Hecate, the warriors would concede.
The morning was cool, as was often the case when winter was around the corner. Autumn had come and gone so quickly. Spirits were high on account of success of the mission and most likely the depravities they took part in while they'd been confined to Ouroboros this last week. Could Joshua really cast so much judgement upon his men when he himself had been allowing Hecate into his bed the last three nights in a row? He felt immense shame for allowing himself to surrender his flesh to her insatiable appetite, but he told himself it was all a part of Caesar's plan, and Joshua had his part to play in it, even if it went against his morals.
As the men began to march out, Hecate found her place beside the Legate.
Hecate was allowed to move unrestrained, after all she was pregnant, and of very little risk to the men. The bump in her belly was just visible and Joshua wagered she was between twelve and fifteen weeks, though obstetrics was well beyond his expertise.
"You'll keep the pace slow for me, yes?" she asked, almost sweetly as she rubbed the small bump through the soft fabric that clung to her body.
A couple of Legionaries turned their heads to look at her and the Legate.
"It might be sunny now but we both know how quickly the dry canyonland narrows can turn into torrents of water. We've been lucky with these couple days of sunshine. We push on for as long as we have it," Joshua said firmly.
Suddenly Athos appeared at his side, the mutt known as Aries trailing beside his master. Joshua didn't think Aries liked him very much … come to think of it he never saw Aries do anything but growl or snap at anyone who wasn't Athos.
Athos didn't say anything, he just moved to the Legate's side and they all walked together. Joshua had to give the brute credit, he always seemed to have a sixth sense for when the Legate needed another body nearby for conversation, and to keep Hecate quiet about her and Joshua's relationship. Joshua wasn't in the mood for all her rhetoric.
"Athos, what do you think of the name Oshea for the baby? It's a play on his father's name." Hecate suddenly spoke up.
Joshua's jaw just about hit the ground as it gapped open in complete shock that she'd say this. He looked to Athos but thank God the man just looked puzzled, obviously not getting the biblical reference to Joshua's name.
"I don't like it," Athos said blatantly, not even dignifying her with eye contact.
"No? Hmmm. Well, I don't like calling men by their father's name. It's very unoriginal and Joshua Jr. lacks uniqueness," she taunted.
There it was. The clarity, washing over Athos' face like the goon just discovered his own brainpower. Joshua couldn't blame the man for breaking his stoic steadfast nature as he now shot Joshua a cold, cut eye. For a moment Joshua felt weak to him.
"Perhaps Gideon?" Hecate went on.
"That's better," Athos mumbled, his gaze never breaking from Joshua.
Joshua swallowed the lump in his throat. He didn't want to be having any conversation regarding Hecate's child, let alone its paternal options with her or anyone for that matter. If she was brazened to speak about this in front of the Legionaries, he knew this would make for a very long and awkward march back to Flagstaff.
"You'd be wise to keep the information regarding the child to yourself," Athos fussed up and Joshua found himself eying him with unease.
"Why is that?" Hecate asked as if humouring his candor.
"There might be those in Flagstaff who won't take kindly to you parading the alleged son of the Legate around," he said boldly.
Joshua knew whom Athos spoke of and it wasn't Caesar. Caesar wouldn't care about the child, nor see it as any threat. It would be taken away from its mother once weaned and put with the others and its lineage would have no merit, just like all the other children.
Athos was talking about Aramis. Joshua recalled the last conversation he had with her in the War Tent. He'd told her about Hecate and the baby. Initially, he gauged her reaction to the news as jealous, if not hostile but her demeanour shifted to that of insignificance and he wondered if Athos was correct, would Aramis really care? Aramis used everything to her benefit when it suited her. If Aramis felt that this child was a kind of weakness to gain the advantage over Hecate, she'd use it. That led him to the next big question. Would the child be in danger? And furthermore, did he care?
Joshua hadn't noticed that things had fallen silent for a few minutes. What Athos had said seemed to resonate with Hecate and she shut up. That was a blessing.
When they made camp for the night, the Legate put distance between himself and the other Legionaries. A twenty-four-hour picket was put on Hecate to ensure she remained, and she was tied up for further measures. He wouldn't entertain her in his tent, not while making the journey back to Flagstaff. He lay on his bedroll feeling exhausted, but sleep didn't come quickly. He tossed and turned all night, falling only into a light sleep at times, but being woken moments later by the thoughts racing in his head. When things began to brighten around him, he knew dawn was on the horizon. He'd barely slept and now he'd have to march on another full day.
Joshua was pleased that at least there'd not been any incident with Hecate throughout the night and her guard detail reported that she'd slept right through. He didn't expect the repercussion that she'd talk his ear off during the entire day's march. Even Athos had enough of her conversation halfway through the day and opted for the silent companionship of Aries at the very rear of the group. When she wasn't talking, telling stories of the Twisted Hairs and who knows what else, she chose to ask a myriad of questions regarding Legion life. Eventually, Joshua had to put a stop to her incessant badgering and tell her to shut up. Things were about to get physical when he saw her open her mouth but this time her words formed a melody. She was singing … and she was good.
Her voice carried throughout the ranks and Joshua was not surprised to see all the men looking back at some period to see the person this voice came from. He didn't know any of the songs, but they were soft ballads with lyrics that resonated with everyone. Songs of deceased loved ones, heartbreak and finding love. The murmuring amongst the men ceased entirely and everyone listened to the siren sing her song. The rest of the day flew by and Hecate never let up. She didn't ask another question or tell another story, she just sang and when the time came for them to camp for the night again, Joshua finally found sleep.
Aramis woke to a light that burned at her eyes, searing a path all the way to the deepest parts of her brain. The headache was almost unbearable. Like something was growing inside, pushing against her skull and about to break free at any moment.
She was alive.
In the moment she felt a tinge of relief that was quickly swallowed up by the ominous remembrance of the last moments before everything went dark. Her eyes failed to focus so she lay on her back squinting up, trying to capture her surroundings with any other sense she could call upon. The air smelled of something mildly caustic, like a powerful cleaning agent. It was unpleasantly fragrant. In the next moment, she realized she was laying on something soft. A bed? She hadn't felt a bed in ... she didn't know how long. She didn't even know how long she'd been unconscious for. Her hearing was the next sense to come online and she heard the audible pings, in a rhythmic cadence, beeping steadily. She knew that sound and her mind clutched at a memory from when she was in Doc Angela's office as she screened patients. Aramis, whose eyes were now able to make out simple shapes and faint colours canted her neck slightly to gaze at the white box next to the bed she lay on. Aramis recognized the box as some form of monitor, the same one Doc Angela had, confirming Aramis' earlier speculation of the familiar contraption's presence. Aramis' eyes moved now to her arm where she was able to make out the tubes that extended from her flesh like tendrils. One contained a clear substance while another housed crimson. Aramis knee these to be IV's and the one line was surely blood. Was she giving or receiving? She didn't know. So, Aramis was in some kind of medical care it seemed, but where was everyone else? Now she could see the walls that surrounded her. She was in a small room with no windows and a large ominous grey door that was the only access in and out. The artificial light reached every corner of the small space, illuminating and accentuating the whiteness that surrounded her. One thing did stand out and that was the small camera perched high in the corner of the room. The blinking of a single red light must have meant it was in working condition. Aramis' eyes scanned the room but there was no one. She was alone, theoretically. Who knew who was on the other end of that camera lens?
Her mind lingered back to the moments before she woke, to when she tried to take her own life in the only way circumstance would allow. She'd been unsuccessful and it dawned on her that she was in just as much danger as she was before her attempt. No, not just her, everyone. She recalled Dex's threats as if they'd been uttered just moments ago. If she didn't cooperate, they'd reveal her to the Legion and everyone she cared about would be at risk for brutal execution by Caesar's hand.
"You're finally awake," a voice rang out and Aramis' eyes fell upon a figure standing where the large grey door had been opened. She didn't recognize this male's face. He was a tall man, with dark skin and an athletic frame. He wore simple black pants and a deep red polo T-shirt. "Sooner than any of us expected," he added.
Aramis didn't say a word.
He stepped into the room but kept the door open.
"My name is Calvin, I'm Dex's partner. I've been present for ... mmm ... most of your interviews though usually as a simple observer," he said as he gestured up to the camera.
Aramis remained silent still.
"That was quite the gesture," he said as he tapped on his own skull. "Must have a wicked headache."
He took another couple steps toward her until he stood over her bed. It was in that moment that Aramis realized she couldn't move her arms or legs, not because she was paralyzed but simply because she was restrained. She felt her entire body stiffen and go tense.
"Shh shh shh I'm not going to hurt you," he cooed. "No, I just offered to watch you while the Doc went out for a smoke. He'll be back soon enough. I didn't want you to lie there too long wondering what was happening. How frightening this all must be."
Aramis knew this game. He'd act kind and she'd trust him in this moment of weakness, but she was beyond such simple tricks.
"Can you talk?" He asked. "Do you have any questions?"
Thousands, she thought but she settled on one.
"How long was I out?" she asked.
"Three weeks," Calvin offered. "The doctors didn't know if you'd ever wake up. They had to operate three times on that head of yours. Honestly, I said it was a waste of valuable resources but Dex insisted you were valuable so ... here you are ... alive. Though you might not like the haircut."
Aramis didn't know what he was playing at, but she couldn't touch her head to verify on account of the restraints.
Another person now appeared in the doorway. Another man but this one in a white coat with the weird tube device around his neck, the same one Angela had. This man was much older than Calvin with deep lines in his skin and white hair.
The doctor moved across the room briskly and gazed at the monitors that surrounded Aramis. The screen must have made a lot more sense to him because he muttered "Good vitals" and turned to Calvin.
"When did she wake up?" The doctor asked.
"About a minute after you left," Calvin said.
She didn't like that they were speaking about her like this, as if she were just an object for observation.
"Dex know?" The doctor asked.
"Not yet, he should be in shortly ... though I suppose he'd want me to tell him so he can rush," Calvin answered, and Aramis watched as he left, leaving her with the doctor.
"Quite the fighter, you are," the doctor said casually as he shone a light in her eyes.
"Don't suppose you'll break me out of this place?" Aramis asked with a shred of arrogance.
To her surprise the doctor smirked. He continued to check a few more functions on the monitor, poked and prodded her in a few places then said,
"You're not out of the woods yet but you're on a good track for recovery."
Aramis wasn't sure if that was good news, after all, she'd tried to kill herself for good reasons.
Calvin stepped back into the room.
"Dex is on his way. He'll be here in a couple of minutes," he said.
"A word, Mr Finnes if you don't mind," the doctor asked as he returned his stethoscope around his neck.
Calvin followed the doctor out of the room and for quite some time there was peace in the room, apart from the cadence of the vital signs monitor.
Aramis wondered what they were discussing. Aramis recalled how Angela always spoke up for her patients in New Canaan. Her word was law, always overriding that of Ty's. Maybe the doctor would be on her side. Order Calvin and Dex to go easy on her from this point on. She could only hope.
A few minutes later Dex stepped into the room.
Aramis had been ignoring the beeps of her monitor until this point. She found herself ashamed by the fact that the moment she saw his face, the intervals between the pings drastically reduced, alerting him to the increase in her heart rate. She hated how he had that effect on her and that it was uncomfortably apparent.
"I'm glad you're okay," he said, his voice calm and almost sympathetic … almost.
Aramis didn't respond but she was surprised when he sat on the edge of her bed.
"That was pretty stupid what you did," he carried on.
Aramis looked away.
"Thought you might like to know I got the approval of your release," he added.
That brought her attention back and she studied his face, trying to detect even the slightest tell that there was more to all this, but he was professional, far better trained than she was, and she saw nothing. She watched his gaze wander up to the corner where the camera was. She followed at and was surprised to see the red blinking light was no more. Was the camera off?
"I've learned a few things, Aramis," he began. "I've been talking to Angela and Ty."
Aramis wondered where he was going with this.
"I told them that you were here and what you'd done," he went on. "I thought they'd be angry with you, as I had been, but I was surprised to hear them stand up for you. I told them you tried to kill me … and they tried to defend your actions. These are people I've known for many years … people I would call close friends and they defended YOU," he said, adding the hyperbole to the last word.
Aramis was now glaring at him with an intense stare.
Dex went on.
"Of course, I had to ask them why and they told me … they told me about him."
Aramis felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle up and she could feel the tears well up in her eyes. No. She didn't want to hear Dex utter his name. She couldn't bear the thought of Dex knowing about him.
"They told me what you did and the truth as to why you were in New Canaan," he added.
A tear fell down her cheek and Aramis felt it cling to her chin. She wanted to wipe it away, but she was still restrained, and it infuriated her that it lingered in plain view for him to see how much she still hurt.
"Forget for a moment … if you can … everything that has occurred between us since you arrived in Shady Sands," Dex said. "I want to tell you that I'm sorry for the loss you felt … that you continue to feel."
"Stop!" Aramis cried out. "You have … just stop!" Aramis stumbled on her words. She didn't know what she was trying to say exactly. All she wanted was for this conversation to be over.
"Do you remember that night in New Canaan when you brought me dinner?" he asked
Aramis sniffled.
"It was the night I found out my brother had been murdered," he said.
Aramis remembered.
"You came to my room and I told you what happened," he carried on. "You told me you were sorry, and in that moment, you meant it. I've had years of training to be able to detect all emotion in a person's speech and I knew you meant it."
He paused for a bit and silence grew between them before he went on.
"While you've been in a coma these past few weeks I've had a lot of time to think about that night … about our time together in New Canaan and with the information I was given by Ty and Angela it's changed a lot of my earlier opinions of you … but it's also made me curious about your actions," he said as he rested his elbow on his knee while his thumb and index finger cradled his face.
"You knew all along who I was while we were in New Canaan. You knew I was your enemy. Why didn't you try to kill me then?"
"Angela told me not to," Aramis replied casually, almost surprised that she'd responded so easily and quickly.
Dex gave a slight chuckle.
"But, seriously…" he tried when Aramis cut him off.
"No, seriously. I had a good thing going in New Canaan. I wasn't going to disrespect those who'd been helping me recover by slaughtering their friend in their very own homestead," Aramis said clearly.
"I didn't think you Legion types were capable of sensible thought, even if other's' sentiments are in play," Dex said in an almost teasing manner.
Aramis just gave him a stern 'you're still a jerk and I hate you' look.
Dex's watch began to ping and Aramis looked questioningly to it.
"The doctor's said I could have 10 minutes of your time, but time is up, and I have to go," he told her as he stood up and moved to the door.
Aramis caught herself about to say something stupid like 'see you later,' but caught herself, and just watched hi exit without saying anything to her either.
A moment later the doctor returned and gave her another exam as if checking to see if Dex had done anything while the Doc was in the dark. Aramis also noticed the small red light of the camera had begun blinking again.
She gave a heavy sigh.
"Headache still bad?" the doctor asked.
Aramis hadn't really been thinking about it but when the doctor asked, it was like as if on cue, the drumming in her head continued.
Aramis gave a slight grunt and said, "Did you have to remind me?" She closed her eyes, but that only made it worse, gave her only the pain to think about.
"I'll give you something for it," the doctor said as he hooked up a small bag to her IV. Aramis watched in silence as he did so. "There, should help within a few minutes," he told her.
"Thank you," Aramis said politely. The doctor gave her an odd look but quickly changed it to a smile before departing, leaving Aramis with nothing but the company of monitors, lights and the secretive voyeurs on the other side of the camera.
Reed was walking back from the firing line of the small arms range when a yell came from the sentry atop the wall that surrounded Flagstaff.
"I SEE THE BATTLEGROUP!" the sentry yelled.
This only meant one thing, the Legate was returning.
Reed hurried up the stairs that took him to the top of the wall and peered out into the wasteland. Sure enough, hundreds of men appeared on the horizon. When he looked through the sentry's binoculars, he could make out the form of the Legate at the front with a female beside him. Her ebony skin was a stark contrast to the yellow hue of the sand all around them. They did it! Reed thought.
As the large group drew closer, Reed was surprised to see that it was only Hecate that had joined them for the journey back. Where was the rest of the Sons and Daughters? he wondered. When the gate opened, Reed was there to meet them. Athos pushed his way through the men and embraced his friend in a big hug. Aries barked, eying his master and Reed with contempt, as if not so subtly telling Athos that it was not okay to pay anyone else any attention. Reed ignored the mutt.
"Things went well?" Reed asked.
"Better than expected," Athos said as he stroked his dog on the head but kept eye contact with Reed. "Hecate surrendered and soon her so-called fighters will be here to surrender to Caesar too."
Reed's eyes flashed to the lone female standing next to the Legate. She was taller than he first noticed and there was no mistaking the bump in her abdomen. Reed's attention turned back to Athos.
"Wendigo and Gladius remained?" he asked.
Athos' expression turned wary as he scratched behind his neck.
"Yeah … but I got something to tell you about Gladius. Not here though," Athos said. He turned to his Decanii and ordered them to ensure the men cleaned their kit before going to ground, then he and Reed began to make their way to Reed's cabin.
"Actually, let's talk in the War Tent," Reed suggested.
Athos raised a brow.
"It's Tahnee. With the baby due in a few months she's … kind of moody. Best we just keep a distance. You may want to do the same with Seekra. I swear it's like all women are connected. If one is expecting, they all turn nuts," Reed said.
Athos laughed.
In the War Tent, they were allowed to speak freely.
"Before I tell you about Gladius, I should mention the Legate … since we're on the topic of kids," Athos began. He poked his head out of the tent just to be sure they were alone. Athos told Reed everything about Hecate and her allegations of paternity towards the Legate.
"I told you, man, when it comes to babies, women are crazy," Reed affirmed.
"You don't have to tell me," Athos agreed.
"So, what of Gladius and Wendigo?" Reed pressed. Athos went on to share how Gladius had been caught with the slave boy and castrated before the men. Now he was with Wendigo back in Ouroboros. Reed felt a tinge of nausea in the pit of his stomach just thinking about the Legate's actions. Athos continued with everything else that had happened, catching Reed up with the entire operation.
"So now Hecate is here, possibly carrying the Legate's child," Reed said as he stroked his chin.
"What do you think Caesar will make of all this? You think he'll care?" Athos asked.
"I honestly don't know. What's the Legate's stance on all this? Does he seem to give a shit about the possibility it's his?" Reed returned.
"It's hard to get a read off him. If I know the Legate, he'll appear as if he doesn't, but his actions will give him away. I guess we'll see," Athos said.
Suddenly the flap of the tent opened, and the Legate's head popped in.
"Here you two are!" he exclaimed.
Both Athos and Reed shot to attention.
"Glad you've returned, my Legate," Reed got out.
"Yeah, thanks," the Legate mumbled. "Athos, get Aramis here. I have a delicate mission for the Commander."
Athos crossed his arm over his chest and went to step forward when Reed interjected.
"Sir, Aramis isn't here," Reed began. "I mean … the Commander hasn't returned yet."
"What do you mean? Where is she?!" he said in a sharp whisper.
"She hasn't come back from Shady Sands," Reed said.
Now both Athos and the Legate were homed in on him and Reed felt their eyes paralyzing him.
"What is she doing there?!" the Legate asked, his tone getting more and more aggressive.
"It was between the Commander and Caesar. That's all I know," Reed tried.
"Fuck!" the Legate roared as he stepped into the tent. "I told her specifically to stay here!"
There was a moment of silence as the Legate appeared deep in thought. When his eyes flashed up to Reed, it was like the man was studying him.
"He knows?" the Legate asked.
"Uuuuuh," Athos mumbled.
"About the kid!" the Legate barked.
"Uuuh, yeah," Athos admitted.
"When it's born, Aramis will take it to New Canaan. I will arrange for it to be cared for by the New Canaanites," the Legate said, almost like an announcement.
Reed thought about this for a moment.
"If I may speak freely…" Reed began.
The Legate, who appeared quite frazzled nodded vigorously.
"You want Aramis to take your kid …" Reed began.
"Alleged kid!" the Legate cut in.
"Alleged kid," Reed corrected before going on. "To Doc Angela?"
"Yes," the Legate muttered.
"And … you don't see a problem with this?" Reed asked.
Athos started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" the Legate snapped.
"You really have a death wish," Athos mocked.
"I'm not following," the Legate said, appearing oblivious.
"Who taught you about women?!" Athos teased. Reed was surprised at Athos' boldness, but the man had a point.
"Asking Aramis," Reed began as his voice went very soft. "A woman you had … sorry, Athos … relations with … to take your child by another woman to another woman … whom you also had an affair with … to be raised by that woman," Reed's head hurt at the very thought of this mess.
Athos burst out laughing again.
The Legate's face turned a bright shade of red, but Reed couldn't tell if this was from embarrassment or rage, maybe both.
"I may be able to offer a solution if you'd be willing to assist me too," Reed said. Now it was his turn to be bold. He'd never asked the Legate for a favour before. "I could take the child to New Canaan … but mine would have to go with it."
Athos stopped laughing.
The Legate raised a brow.
"Tahnee too," Reed finalized.
There was silence again.
The plan seemed to come swiftly to Reed's mind.
"Tahnee is just as far along as Hecate from what I could tell. When they are born, we can call them siblings. Both children will be of mixed race so fooling the New Canaanites won't be difficult. They will believe Tahnee and I are the parents of both children. She's the daughter of Bill Calhoun, a Follower of the Apocalypse. That should carry some weight. The New Canaanites will be able to protect us all," Reed said.
Athos scoffed and shook his head before saying,
"Caesar will never allow the daughter of Bill Calhoun to leave, especially with two children."
"It would be an escape," Reed added.
"She wouldn't get far," Athos said callously.
"She could have help," Reed defended. He knew this plan would work.
"Who?" Athos retorted. "The more people we bring into this the worse it could be for all of us!"
"I don't know. But it's a good plan!" Reed tried.
The Legate, whom up until this point had been silent suddenly spoke up.
"You wish to defy Caesar, sneak you, two children and your wife out of this camp … out of the Legion?"
When said like that, Reed could feel the Legate's scrutiny. Everything Reed had said had been treasonous to their leader and master. Feeling brazen, Reed pushed on.
"Haven't we all defied Caesar at some point? I've put my neck out time and time again for you both. I've kept quiet when it mattered, even assisted in antics that would have gotten us all put on a stake! Now I need something … please," Reed begged.
Silence again.
The Legate put a hand on Reed's shoulder.
"For this to work we'd have to change one major detail," the Legate said in a voice that didn't try to hide its grief. "You would have to be taken out of the equation."
Reed raised a brow.
"You mean I can't go with them?" he asked.
"You said it yourself, this would be an escape. That means an escape from you too. If you were to leave, Caesar would take it as a great insult from one of his most trusted Centuraie, not to mention it would cause unrest amongst the men, which would only fuel Caesar's wrath. He would spare no resource to find you and Tahnee," the Legate warned.
Reed knew he was right, but this now meant that he could potentially have to say goodbye to his wife and child with a likelihood he'd never see them again. If he were to even try and contact them, he'd be putting everyone at risk.
"I see your point," Reed uttered.
The Legate went on.
"It is a good plan, Reed. A very good plan … but you need to ask yourself if this outcome is not only worth all the risk, but if you can live with the decision to send them away … without you."
Reed felt a tear in his eye. He'd grown to love Tahnee, more than anything and his desire to protect her was far greater than his selfishness to keep her and their child as prisoners here.
"Can you get them out?" Reed asked.
"Yes," the Legate said.
Athos was nodding now and eyed both men before saying,
"I'll take them myself."
The small white room had become Aramis' home for the last week while she recovered. Each day the doctor told her that she wasn't out of the woods yet as he continued to draw blood, give her more medication and complete more exams. After some time, she was permitted to walk down the hallway back and forth, though she needed assistance. It was all eerily familiar to how she had to be nurtured back in New Canaan but back then it was her mind that needed healing, now it was her body … though her mind was not in great shape at this point either.
Both Calvin and Dex came to check on her progress daily but they only stayed to have a quick chat with the doctor before leaving.
Aramis half hoped she never got better so she wouldn't have to go back to the other place again.
A day came when Dex showed up but this time he carried a box under his arm.
"The doctor tells me you're ready for a bit of mental stimulation," he said as he set the box down on her bed. She eyed it wearily. Was this some tool for interrogation? She felt her body tense. As he moved towards her and reached out, she closed her eyes and let out a wince as he touched her arm.
"Easy now … there that's better," he said.
She felt her arm become lighter and she realized her right hand was free from the restraint.
"You'll need that if we're to play," he said.
Now she was curious. What were they playing?
He opened the box and took out a square flat board with red and black squares.
"What is this?" she asked.
"You've never played Checkers?!" he asked, seeming stunned.
Aramis wondered once again if Checkers was some kind of strategy used to gain information, so she just eyed him scrupulously.
"Relax, it's only a game. Come on I'll teach you," he said as he set up the board for them. "You'll be red. I'll be black," he added.
"I want to be black," Aramis interjected.
"Legion colours are red, so you're red," he said, not skipping a beat.
Aramis smirked.
Once the board was set up, he explained the rules.
"You can only move on diagonals … and all pieces must be on the black squares," he began but Aramis cut him off.
"I thought you said I'm red. Don't I move on red squares?" she asked.
"Are you explaining the game to me? We both play on the black squares. Shut up and listen," he said in a snarky tone.
"So, you can only move one space at a time but if the opposing team's piece is in your way, you can hop it, so long as the space beyond it available. Oh, and you can't go backwards," he explained.
"This sounds complicated," Aramis whined.
"It's easy, even you can grasp it. I'll help you come on … you go first," he said.
Aramis eyed the board.
"We're not deciding the fate of our two factions here, just move," he teased.
Aramis picked up a red disc and placed it on the diagonal as he said.
"See it's not that hard," he said as he moved his own piece.
Aramis followed, then it was his turn. Eventually, there were several pieces throughout the board.
"All right I'll help you out here," he said as he moved his piece. "Now you can jump me."
Aramis wasn't sure what he meant.
"Like this," he said as he picked up her piece and jumped over his. "Now my piece is yours. Winner is declared when all the pieces have been captured by one player."
Aramis was thrilled. She had one of his, he had none of hers. She was winning.
The moment came to a sharp end when he picked up one of his pieces and moved around the board. He scooped up five of her pieces and placed them on the side.
"Whoa whoa, what was that? You went backwards and jumped more than one piece!" Aramis contested.
"It's allowed," he said with a cocky grin. She eyed that smile, how his cheeks dimpled, making him appear almost handsome.
"No, it's not!" she argued.
"Stop telling me how to play my own game!" he jeered. "Quit bitching, learn to play and maybe one day you'll beat me."
Aramis frowned as he eyes turned back to the board.
One day was not today. She'd only managed to get two additional pieces and she assumed it was only on account of him taking pity on her and letting her see the obvious move.
It didn't take him long to outmanoeuvre her and collect all her pieces.
"Again?" he asked.
She wanted to win, beat him at his own game.
"Sure," she said.
Three rounds later and she'd lost everyone, but she got the concept and no longer needed his explanations.
"Well, that's it for me," he said when he destroyed her one more time.
"Tomorrow?" she asked casually.
He gave a smirk and said,
"We'll see."
He went to put her hand back in the restraint.
"Wait," she spoke up.
He paused.
She'd purposely avoided doing this for the entire week. She didn't want to know how bad it was, but she knew she'd see it sooner than later. Her hand slowly moved up and felt her scalp. She ran it along the grain of her head feeling the stubble where everything had been shaved now one month ago. Her fingers found the ridge of a large scar and traced it along the left side of her temple to the back of her head.
She bit her upper lip. Had it been that bad? Such a scar. How would she hide this?
"The surgeons couldn't do much about the scar. They had to go in three times," Dex said, his voice heavy with empathy.
She lowered her hand and placed it beside the restraint, now allowing him to put her it back in the restraint, even if her mind was reluctant to do so.
"Can I ask for something else?" she tried. It was worth a shot. She was going crazy with boredom in this place. "Just a book."
The expression on his face told her that her question had caught him by surprise.
"I won't use the pages to slit my throat or anything. Just gives me something to do when the doctor isn't making me walk back and forth down the hall for an hour each day," she said truthfully. "It doesn't have to be a good book."
"What's your favourite book?" Dex asked in a simple tone.
Aramis wondered if she'd opened herself back up to interrogation. What harm could honesty bring? It was just a book.
"To Kill a Mockingbird," she answered honestly.
"You read that?" he asked, seeming surprised again.
"Yes."
"What else have you read?"
"Whatever I could find. The wastes aren't exactly a library."
"Caesar permits you to read?"
Aramis frowned and said,
"I was encouraged by a mentor."
"In the Legion?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"A centurion," she lied.
"Hmmm," he grumbled.
"So, can I have one?" Aramis asked.
"I'll see," he said as he exited out the door.
XXX
Two days went by with only Calvin popping in to check on her progress.
Aramis wondered if she'd overstepped by asking about the book but on day three Dex returned, bringing with him the Checkers box.
"A game?" he asked when he came to her room.
Aramis smirked.
He moved into her room, sat on the bed and released her arm once more. Another five games, another five losses for Aramis. She was getting good at losing. They didn't speak while they played the first four games, though the added focus didn't seem to do her any favours. When they started on the fifth, Aramis asked the question.
"What's going to happen to me?"
Dex looked up.
"That's entirely up to you," he said.
"What do you mean?"
"The deal is simple Aramis, we let you go, but you report on Legion activity to me."
"And I told you, I won't compromise my men," she snapped back.
"The same men who would rape and murder you if they knew who you really were," he pointed out.
"Not all of them," Aramis grumbled.
"Look, I can't promise your intel won't result in the death of some Legionaries, but I can also help you," he offered.
"How could any of this result in something positive for me?" Aramis bit back.
"I can offer you a way out. You don't have to end your days as a slave. Eventually, your luck will run out and what then? Where will you go? What will you do? I'm offering you a full amnesty and a place where you can live as you want to live," he proposed.
Aramis listened to every word he spoke. He was offering her the deal of a lifetime, but at what cost? What if her actions brought about the death of her men, of Athos, Reed and even the Legate? How could she possibly live out her days with that on her conscience?
"Could you do it?" she asked. "Turn on your men like how you want me to?"
"The NCR doesn't answer to a psycho who turns everyone into slaves and has them killed for speaking out or just being a female," Dex affirmed.
"You're quick to judge but I've known these men my entire life. I was a small child when the Legion took me. It's all I know … they are all I know," Aramis said, trying to keep her voice from trembling.
"What if I could help others?" Dex tried. "When you and those closest to you have had enough, I can get you all out."
"Full amnesty? For everyone?" she negotiated.
"Not the whole bloody Legion obviously, but those you're closest with. I could manage a few," he confirmed.
Aramis wondered what choice she had. Her enemy held all the cards. If she didn't cooperate, things would be disastrous for everyone she cared about. At least with this plan she held onto some control.
"And you wouldn't be alone," Dex added, interrupting her thought.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"We have our sources already deeply rooted in the Legion. I won't tell you who they are but know they'd be keeping an eye on you for me. Their courier lines are far better established and secure. If I felt you were in any bit of danger, they'd come forward to you," he said.
Aramis wasn't sure if this was good news or not. Were his spies anyone she knew? She ran everyone by in her mind, but she couldn't fathom one of hers being loyal to the NCR.
"Look, take time to think about it," Dex said. "You're in here while you heal up anyways."
Aramis eyed the board before them. It was his move. He picked up his piece and wiped her out again before standing up.
"I can't stand to see you lose again. I'm done," he mocked as he packed up the game.
"Good game," was all Aramis could muster.
Dex gave her a smooth smirk. As he turned for the door he stopped, reached into his cargo pocket and pulled out a small book, tossing it on the bed.
Aramis read the title.
I, Claudius
"One from my personal library. Thought you may like it," Dex said. "You get one hand free. Don't make me regret it."
Aramis felt the pages in her fingers, brought the book up to her nose and smelt the must from the pages.
She opened the novel to chapter one.
I, TIBERIUS CLAUDIUS DRUSUS NERO GERMANICUS This-that-and-the-other (for I shall not trouble you yet with all my titles), who was once, and not so long ago either, known to my friends and relatives and associates as 'Claudius the Idiot' or 'That Claudius', or 'Claudius the Stammerer', or 'Clau-Clau-Claudius', or at best as 'Poor Uncle Claudius', am now about to write this strange history of my life; starting from my earliest childhood and continuing year by year until I reach the fateful point of change where, some eight years ago, at the age of fifty-one, I suddenly found myself caught in what I may call the 'golden predicament' from which I have never since become disentangled.
Dex was seriously … an asshole.
END
