Chapter 11: Sacrifice
Kyle woke up feeling more refreshed than usual. The previous day's events had been tiring but worth it. He had gone to bed early and it proved to be a wise decision. After showering and changing, he made his way to the command room whereas usual Dutch was waiting for him.
Dutch handed him a cup of coffee. "You and Jess did a hell of a job out there Kyle. Its going to take John a while to recover from the hurt you put on his operations."
Kyle took quick sips. "Hopefully he's weakened for a long time. Has there been any activity? Anything from the other regions?"
Dutch frowned. "No, nothing. It actually concerns be a bit. You'd think with this kind of setback there would be more activity but its strangely quiet, too quiet. It makes me think they're planning something big."
"Well, I guess we'll wait and see."
Jess soon appeared. She looked like she had just woken up as her eyes looked fatigued and her hair was a bit of a mess. "Morning." She said on her way to the kitchen. She soon reappeared with a cup of coffee as well.
"So anything yet?"
"Nothing for the moment."
"Ugh, I'll be the first to admit I'm not the most patient person. We should just go up north and put the same beating on Jacob that we put on John."
"You sure that's a good idea with what happened last time?" Kyle asked as he finished his coffee
"Of course! Last time they got the jump on us after luring us up there. This time we'll take the fight to them at our choosing. They might not be expecting another attack so soon."
"We might have the support we had in John's region." Kyle argued. "The terrain is more forest so it might be hard for Nick to get a decisive shot if the cult retreats through the woods like we did. Plus, the outposts seem further apart from each other which gives Jacob more time to set up a defense. I think we should wait and see how much damage we've actually done to John, then give him a chance to walk away, otherwise we'll wreck his remaining holdings."
Jess gritted her teeth. "Kyle, you don't seem to understand. These are not the sort of people you can reason with. They're fucking ruthless. If you give them any chance to strike back, they will and with a vengeance. We need to keep hitting them until they're all dead. That's the only way to guarantee that they won't come back."
Kyle scratched his chin "Maybe…"
"Hey you two, you might want to come see this." Dutch was over by the tv. Kyle and Jess went over to see what was going on.
The figure on the Tv was John Seed. He had his back to the screen. In front of him was someone sitting in a chair. But John was blocking them. After a few moments, he spoke.
"There's an individual out there who thinks he's doing the right thing. This individual thinks they are in the moral right. They are wrong. All they are doing is exposing their sin for the world to see. Their wrath, their pride. Sins that need to be punished." John Seed turned around. "Kyle Volker, know this, your efforts are wasted. All they have done is cause more harm. In your hubris, you fail to see the consequences of your actions. Allow me to show you." John Seed stepped to the side to reveal the person in the chair was Deputy Hudson. Her hands and legs were tied to the chair and her mouth was covered by tape. Kyle could see that she had been tortured. There were bruises all over her face along with a few cuts. Hudson's face was full of fear and she cried out through the tape. John soon moved to stand beside her.
"I believe you and the deputy are acquainted Kyle. She told me all about you. However, she's been very defiant and I feel her usefulness is nearing its end. So unless you want something unfortunate to happen to her, I suggest you meet me in the fields west of Falls End. Feel free to bring your companions. I want them to witness what happens. Be there at 4pm. I'll be waiting….and so will she." The broadcast then ended.
"That fucking motherfucker…." Jess was the first to speak. Her hands were clenched tightly into fists and she was gritting her teeth. "We should just fucking ambush him at that meet. Kill every last one of those fuckers there."
"No, we'll do as he says….for now."
Jess turned to him, her face flush with anger. "What the fuck do you mean Kyle? Why would you do anything that bastard says? Is it because of her? She's dead Kyle. I'm sorry to say it but its only a matter of time before he kills her. Hell, I'd bet that what he's going to do at this meet. Kill her to try to demoralize you or something."
"If he does anything more to her while we're there, we'll fucking kill them all on the spot. Unless he does, we're going to play along for now. He accuses me of being arrogant but he only needs to look in the mirror to see a bigger offender."
"Ugh, there's no talking sense to you is there?! Fine, we'll fucking do it your way. But I'm going to be ready with my bow as soon as the inevitable shitstorm hits the fan." Jess then stormed off. Kyle was about to follow when he was stopped by Dutch.
"Let her go. She needs to cool off, then she'll be back at your side. You can't blame her for being upset Kyle. We've dealt with the cult longer than you have. These assholes lie through their smiles. They'll say one thing to put you at ease then the next moment they're banging down your door. John Seed is one of the worst. He's always had a chip on his soldier by virtue of being the youngest brother. John is always out to earn Joseph's praise no matter what lengths he has to go.He's always H
Kyle sighed. "I know. I guess I feel guilty. I feel like its my fault that Hudson is in the predicament that she's in."
"Not your fault kid. They should have known what they were getting themselves into. You got yourself out, they didn't. That's the truth of the matter. Now while I share Jess' sentiment on this, in the end its your decision."
Kyle didn't answer immediately. He thought for a few moments then spoke up. "Lets get Mary on the line and coordinate with her."
When they did get on the line with Mary, she sounded frantic. "Kyle? Man, it looks like you really got under John's skin. All of us saw it. I feel so bad for that deputy. Are you going to meet with John or tell him to fuck off?"
"I'm going to meet up with up with him. I need you to gather up everyone you can at meet me at the spot a little before the 4pm time. Also, could you tell Nick to be ready to go into the air if we need him? We have no idea if this might be a trap so in case it is, we'll need the air support."
"I'll be sure to pass along the message Kyle. See you in a few hours."
After that call, Kyle made another call to Adelaide. "Hey Adelaide, its Kyle."
"Kyle! Good to hear from you! Seems you've really pissed John off over there huh?"
"Yeah, looks like we got our reaction. Would you be able to fly over to Falls End and meet us over at the meeting spot? Bring the two boys if you could too. We're gonna have all hands on deck."
"You got it darling. We'll see you soon."
When the call ended, Kyle turned to Dutch. "I'm going to get ready. If you see Jess, tell her I'll wait for her in the truck." He then walked away without even giving Dutch a chance to respond. Kyle didn't really have much to do, just loading up on ammo for his guns. He soon made his way to Widowmaker and waited. It was not long before Jess joined him. She still looked a little pissed off.
"Are you alright?"
Jess continued to stare straight ahead. "I'm fine."
Kyle judged that she was still mad about before so he didn't press any further. Jess was silent the entire trip. Kyle would sometimes glance in her direction. She would either be looking out the side window or staring straight ahead. She would always have her serious expression. Kyle wanted to see if Jess would glance back at him but she never did. After the last one he sighed and stopped. They soon reached their destination about 15 minutes before 4pm. Everyone had gotten there before they arrived. Mary had gathered a fairly sizable force. She had about 30 people, all armed with weapons such as pistols, to sub-machine guns, and a few had assault rifles. Including his companions, they had around 35 people. Mary approached Kyle as he exited the truck.
"I'm glad you brought Widowmaker Kyle. I gathered up as many people as I could, but I'm not sure its enough. That truck should help even the odds though. Also, Nick and Adelaide are standing by with their aircraft if we need them…" She paused as Jess came around and stood by Kyle like a bodyguard. Mary was clearly intimidated by her scowl.
"Well, I guess we uh, just wait for John to show up then." Mary when quickly walked away to talk to others. Kyle took her quick exit in stride. There really wasn't much more to do other than wait for John. So Kyle leaned against the truck while Jess continued to stand next to him. Their wait was soon interrupted when the rest of the crew showed up, Grace, Hurk, and Sharky.
"Hey! It's the man himself!" Hurk yelled. "How are you doing amigo? We gonna kick John's ass today?"
Kyle couldn't help but smile at Hurk's antics. "We'll see Hurk. John's probably going to bring a lot of back-up."
"Bah, that aint no problem for you. Especially when you have your partner in crime here. Speaking of which….how ya doing Jess?"
He did not receive an answer. Jess didn't even give him one of her looks. She continued to just stare straight ahead like he wasn't even there.
"Silent and imposing as usual I see….."
Sharky jumped into the conversation. "I hope John shows up soon. I've been itching to test out this flamethrower I've been working on…." Sharky's comment did get a look from Jess but she still said nothing and went back to surveying the area. It was Grace's turn to enter the conversation.
"You are right Kyle. John is probably going to bring a lot of help with him. He might have more tricks for us too so we need to be on alert. I know we got air support if we need it buts its always best to be on guard."
Kyle nodded. "Just be ready if shit hits the fan. Hopefully it doesn't come to that but we'll see what happens."
Hurk and Sharky started walking away, talking about some sort of movie that was related to this situation. Grace saw them walk away, shrugged, then nodded at Kyle. Then she too joined the rest of the group. It was back to Kyle and Jess.
"Look, I'm sorry." Kyle said just loud enough for Jess to hear.
"About what?"
"For not listening to you."
Jess sighed. "Look, I know your heart is the right place. It's nice that you actually give a shit able people. I just don't want someone to talk advantage of that bleeding heart of yours and hurt you over it."
"I hear you Jess; and I want to thank you for sticking by me even when I sometimes make illogical decisions like this one."
"There you go again. Fuck, your sentimental shit has even gotten to me."
Kyle chuckled. "Don't let the others know about that, they think that you're less of a badass."
Jess snorted. "Ha, you're the only one so consider yourself lucky."
Before the conversation could go on any further, John Seed finally arrived. As expected, he was accompanied by a lot of Eden's Gate members. There were 12 Eden's Gate trucks in all plus one van. Half of the trucks had mounted guns on the back of them while the other half were carrying armed cultists. John Seed stepped out of the passenger side of one of those trucks and was escorted to the van by two men. Out of the back of the van came Deputy Hudson, still tied at the hands and her mouth covered. Her and her guard soon met up with John's party. They then proceeded towards Kyle's side. He motioned for everyone to stay back while Jess and him went forward. John did the same thing; being escorted by one guard while also pushing Hudson forward in front of him. The two groups met at the center.
"Well Kyle, I had my doubts that you would actually show. But I'm very glad you did."
"What do you want John?"
"When I was younger, I always tried to seek my adopted parents' approval, but it seems that I never could. They would beat me and constantly ask me if I understood what I did wrong. That's when I started learning about the power of 'yes.' Yes I would say, and the beatings would stop. I soon started saying yes to all of their requests. Yes,yes,yes. Its amazing the power that one word can give. I soon started using it as motivation. Yes I could do this, yes I could make this happen, and eventually I became successful. Yes is what drove me to become who I am today.
"What's your point John?"
John moved closer to Kyle but kept Hudson in front of him. "The whole point Kyle, is that this whole situation can be solved in just one word, yes."
"How do you figure that?"
"I'm offering you a proposition. I will let the deputy here go. She is of no further use to me. However, what I ask in return is that you give yourself up to me. All you have to say is 'yes'."
Jess was furious and was about to take out her bow but Kyle put a hand on her arm to stop her. "And if I refuse?"
John smiled maliciously. "Then I'm afraid that the deputy's time on this earth will be over. But you don't want that on your conscious, do you? I'm a merciful man. I'll give you two hours to come up with a decision. We'll meet right back and you can tell me your answer. I look forward to it Kyle."
John then walked away with both Hudson and his guard. Jess continued to stare him down, contemplating whether to use her bow to put an arrow in the back of John's head. After some prodding from Kyle though, she eventually turned around and followed him to meet up with their group. Kyle's companions gathered around him.
"So, what did John Seed have to say?" asked Mary.
Kyle didn't answer at first. He surveyed the area, watching Mary's group of fighters anxiously milling about. Then he looked at each of his companions' faces, trying a gauge their emotional state. Finally, he spoke.
"We'll discuss it in the bar, just us. Mary, if you people need to get back to take care of things, tell them we'll need them again in 2 hours. Also, if you could, get Nick and Adelaide to meet us at the bar please."
Mary ran off to carry out the instructions. Kyle didn't speak any more than that. He motioned everyone to follow him to the bar. They all took a seat at a large round table, Jess sitting next to Kyle. After a few minutes, Mary, Nick and Adelaide joined them at the table.
"Good, everyone's here. So John Seed's presented me with a deal, or more appropriately, an ultimatum. He will allow deputy Hudson to go free. In exchange, he wants me to hand myself over to him."
There were murmurs among the table.
"He's fucking crazy." Nick exclaimed.
"He can't be serious." Mary said.
"It does sound like something he would do." Grace suggested.
Kyle raised his hands to ask for silence. "I know this is a big deal. So we're going to go around the table and ask each of you for your input. Mary, you're up first."
"With all due respect Kyle, there is no way I would exchange anyone, let alone you for that deputy. What has she done for us? If anything, that little raid of theirs was what sent the fucking peggies into overdrive with this reaping and shit."
"I was a part of that operation too Mary." Kyle reminded her.
"I know that! But you managed to get yourself out of there right? They got themselves caught. I'm sorry to say, but there's nothing we can do for them. I suggest you tell John to fuck right off. We'll pay him back soon."
Kyle nodded. "Nick?"
"I wouldn't trust that bastard at all partner. He'll probably try to lure you over then backstab us. I agree with Mary. The deputy is probably as good as dead. But with you on our side, we'll give John Seed such a whooping that he'll regret his action to his grave."
"Adelaide?"
"I wouldn't go along with it darling. That John Seed is one mean piece of work. If he gets his hands on you, you will not be getting out alive. I very much doubt that deputy will know what to do if she's freed to us. You'll be handling the cult a victory on a platter if you go along with this. I think I'd be the best for all of us if you refuse John and keep fighting."
"Grace?"
"I've dealt with a few hostage situations back in the war. What I've learned is that no matter how much you want to save them, some of them just can't be saved. Sure, you can tell yourself that if you did this or that, they might have come out alive. But you can only do so much Kyle. This deal will actively hurt us. I advise against it."
"Hurk?"
"This sound like a bad idea dude. We really need you on our team. We're fucked without you."
"I'm with Hurk on this one." Blurted out Sharky.
"Well, it looks like you're all in agreement. We've still got a little bit. So why don't you guys grab some food, take care of any business you need to take care of, and I'll see you all at the meeting spot."
Everyone but Jess rose up and left. Kyle waited until they were all gone before he spoke.
"So what is your opinion Jess?"
"My opinion doesn't matter."
"Of course it does, why would you say that?"
"Because you have already decided what you were going to do. You had made that decision before we even came in here, before anyone spoke. They weren't going to change your mind."
"You think so?"
"I know so Kyle. Being around you long enough, its easier to predict what you're going to do."
"Are you upset about my choice?"
"I normally would be." She sighed. "But like I said, I think I know you well enough to guess you would make that choice."
Kyle was silent for a time. He felt bad for the what he was going to do. He didn't want to leave everyone behind. He especially didn't want to leave Jess behind. They had bonded so well together and Kyle felt he could trust with anything. Which is why he was confident about what he'd tell her next.
"Jess, I need you to promise me something." He stood up from his chair.
Jess turned and saw him rise and did the same. "What?"
Kyle looked straight into her face. "I need you to promise me that you'll keep up the fight and keep that deputy safe."
She had a puzzled look on her face. "I can try for the deputy but you know that I would fight those peggies no matter what.
"Its not just fighting. I need you to take my place. These people need someone to guide them. The attacks need to be coordinated. Like you've said, you've got to know me well. So you know how I plan and can continue what I started."
Jess frowned. "Kyle, you know that I'm not much of a talker. I only talk to you because I've grown comfortable around you. With everyone else, its going to be awkward, even with Dutch. Plus I'm sure as hell won't have the patience to put up with Hurk or Sharky."
Kyle smiled. "I believe in you Jess. I know you can do it. You've grown much since I first met you at that lumberyard. If I have confidence in anyone to get it done, its you."
Jess was silent as she looked away from Kyle. Then after a few moments, she looked back into his face. "Then I need you to promise me something as well."
"What's that?"
"Promise me that you'll stay alive. I'll come find you. Then we will fucking kill all of those bastards."
"Jess I can't….."
"Promise me."
"Fine. I promise I'll stay alive."
"Good otherwise I'll have to kick your ass." The embraced in a hug that seemed to them to last an eternity. After some time, Kyle broke the hug and moved to turn to go but was stopped by Jess. To his surprise, she gave him a quick, but firm kiss on the lips. It caught him so off guard that he almost didn't kiss back. Jess then broke it and gave a sad smile. "Let's be off."
Like before, everyone was already gathered at the spot. Kyle nodded to his companions before he and Jess went ahead of the group to wait for John. The youngest Seed brother arrived a short time later in much the same fashion as before. When he came forward this time, he came with two guards along with himself and Hudson.
"So Kyle, have you made your decision?"
"Let her go John."
"Ah ah ah, you know the magic word."
"Please."
"Hah, funny. But let's not waste time. So I'll ask you once more, are you going to exchange yourself for the deputy here, yes or no?"
" Yes."
John had a brief bout of shock. "What was that?"
"Yes, I'm giving myself over. So release her."
After recovering from his surprise, John smiled. "Wonderful! Then here's how its going work. You both will walk forward and pass by each other. No fucking funny business or I'll gun you all down."
"Let's do this then." Kyle handed his guns to Jess while John cut Hudson's ropes and ripped off the tape on her mouth. He then nudged her to go forward. Kyle then also began walking. The two glanced at each other when they passed. Hudson said nothing. Her eyes were full of guilt but also mixed with a sense of happiness that she was free. Kyle showed no expression but simply nodded to confirm that this was happening. They finally reached their respective ends.
"Search him, make sure he has no weapons hidden!" John ordered his guards. They gave Kyle a pat down.
"He's clean."
"Good, lets get back to the bunker then." The guards started leading Kyle towards the van. John Seed gave one last threatening look towards Jess and Hudson. Jess was defiant but kept herself in check. She would keep her promise and knew that Kyle would keep his.
The trip to the bunker was not a long one. Once Kyle was there, the guards put a bag over his head. Even though John Seed had his prize in his grasp, he was taking no chances. He did not want Kyle to see the layout of the bunker. Despite the bag, Kyle could hear screams and shouts as he was being led through. Screams from people pleading to be let out. They finally reached a room where Kyle was led upstairs then tied to a chair. When the bag was finally lifted from his head, John Seed was in front of him back to him, playing with some sort of tattoo tool.
"I honestly didn't think you would do it." He began. "I expected you to be selfish, to refuse my offer. Then the deputy would die right in front of you and everyone would see the sin that they had harbored. But you didn't do that did you? You had to play the hero, didn't you?" John turned around to face him. 'But even heroes have their sins. I have sinned, The Father had sinned. But where we differ from you is that we have repented by serving God's will. We have striven to prepare ourselves for the coming apocalypse. We strove to save those who were deemed worthy, to join us at Eden's Gate. But then you had to come along and destroy what we had created didn't you? To cause suffering, for what, because you don't believe in what we're doing?"
John moved close to Kyle who was strapped to the chair. "I swear I will make you confess. You will confess all of your sins, tell me all of your misdeeds. Then I'll ask you if you wish to repent and you know what you'll say? Yes. Because the weight of your sins will be too much for you to handle. So prepare yourself Kyle, it's time to see what you've hidden from the world."
As John was about to use his tool on Kyle, a guard appeared from the stairs to interrupt.
"Sorry to interrupt sir but I have a message from The Father. The sinner is to be sent to the Henbene region where Faith will deal with him."
John scoffed. "Tell The Father that I must make the sinner confess all of his crimes and beg for forgiveness. Then maybe, just maybe, I'll consider sending him to Faith."
John turned back to resume his task but then a new voice was heard.
"John, your anger will deny you to the gates of Eden."
John froze in his tracks. From behind the guard, Joseph Seed appeared. He still looked the same as when Kyle last saw him only he was dressed this time. The guard nervously stood in place while Joseph continued his walk towards John.
"I have reminded you many times John, that your anger will cause you grief. Here you were, ignoring my instructions all so you could what, indulge in your revenge? And don't tell me that its not revenge because we both know it is. You must soothe your anger and remember the greater work that is to be done."
John still said nothing. Joseph had made him as meek as a mouse. He turned towards his brother and looked at him like a kid who had been caught stealing by his parents.
"The sinner will be sent to Faith where she will apply the proper measures that are appropriate. Do you understand me John?"
"Yes Joseph."
Joseph put his head to John's to console him. "Good. Go make the arrangements. I wish to have a few minutes with the sinner here."
John nodded and made his way towards the stairs and had the guard follow him. Kyle could saw on John's face that eh was not happy but he was unwilling to defy The Father. Kyle's attention was drawn towards Joseph who made his way towards him. He still had that 'look" The same look that Kyle saw when he put the cuffs on him. Joseph stopped a few feet in front of Kyle.
"Why do you continue to fight us?"
"Because I have no choice."
The side of Joseph's mouth lifted up. "Oh, but you did have a choice. You had the choice to not join that raid. You had the choice to not put those handcuffs on me. You had the choice to offer yourself in surrender to us. But every time you had a choice, you chose to fight us, chose to resist us. Do you want to know why?"
Kyle was silent when suddenly Joseph knelt down and cradle Kyle's face with his hands.
"Its because your are the final obstacle. Ever since I began my journey that the voice has led me to, we have met opposition. Whether it would be from the government, the police, those who didn't like us, those that thought we were crazy, we suffered through their scorn at every turn. We endured their insults and their attempts to break us. Not only have we survived, but we have grown stronger. The collapse is fast approaching. But before God can complete his plan, I was told there would be one final test. One final obstacle that needed to be overcome for God to fully trust us with His vision. 'He would arrive behind a white horse….he will be the greatest challenge you will ever face. But you if you can overcome him, then I will deem you worthy.'
Joseph closed his eyes briefly then opened them again. "That obstacle has now been conquered. So now you have two choices. You can submit to God's plan willingly, or subject yourself to His judgment. The collapse will come, now its your choice whether you want to see it."