The story travels along the path of the mini series, but from the Visitors perspective. Let me know if something is confusing or something you would like to see more...I hope that you enjoy the story
Chapter 43
Brian
Always Manipulate
Brian strokes his brow as he awaits Victors response. It has been two hours since giving Victor his visual on his speech. Gordon thought it would do what they wanted for the Youth Corp. Brian did fear that just because the Corp saw it tomorrow morning they may not understand exactly what he was trying to say. Worse will they remember when they do come out of all of the bonding experience. His thought is that he will not be allowed to do the speech except the one time. However, Alfred is a great speech giver and also can go to the Dream World so he could reach out to ask him. If Alfred could give a speech later and include the needed words than maybe that would be a good safeguard. They must absolutely ensure that they do not give away that they are not under the influence of the Youth Corp bonding. He has reached out to Gailey again today; he loves this new way of conversing. He has been assigned the individuals that will be in his group to reach out to in order to keep information moving to each other. They still have to work out the details on how they will do this, but this is only the beginning. There could be no better way of clandestine communication then one that no one can monitor. He is nervous about how much he will be able to use this wonderful gift before his mind fixes whatever it is and he can't do it anymore. To think he can reach out to someone on another ship or even another world and speak to them without the devoted knowing. Now he needs to keep his anger buried within himself as it will do no good for the Corp. Do as commanded by your superiors and act the part of a devoted follower of the Great One.
He is drowsy and ready to take a nap when his device alerts him to a message. The message is from Victor which makes him very happy, but it is to attend a meeting in which Steven will also be attending. The hope that the speech would be released for the morning Corp meeting is now dashed. There must be something wrong with it or they have figured out that he is up to something. With a shrug he gets up and goes to the room the meeting is being held.
Once he enters the room his heart feels like it is racing. Diana is in the room and he has to check himself as he is now breathing faster with each breath. He watches her with each step he takes, she is so beautiful even with the human facade she wears. She is a woman of power who can direct almost anyone to do as requested, there is certainly no command he could refuse from her. Her eyes meet his and he can't help the look of longing he gives to her. She smiles and licks her lips with her forked tongue. This is when he realizes he has been holding his breath; the exotic forked tongue. How he would love to have that run across his face to his lips. Maybe she would enjoy the Whipelli flat tongue as he ran it across more intimate parts of her body. Then he jerks as he hears Victor asking if he is ever going to sit down. He sits, but finds it hard to take his eyes off of Diana.
She smiles, "Brian we watched the visual of your speech. I found it to be very inspiring. I am not always sure I understand it all, but I know it has to do with bonding to each Youth Corp member and even more to devotion to the cause. I must admit I wasn't sure about the music at first. Again very inspiring." Diana turns her head to both Steven and Victor who nod their heads in agreement. "So we have already sent it off to each of the ships, I know you really wanted to share and inspire the other members of the your division."
Brian takes a wavering breath, "Thank you so much. I wanted so much to give back. I must admit I am nervous that you might find it wasteful of time in our meeting. Especially, the music. The music is used to inspire. I understand if you want it to be removed. Please do not be offended, but people my age. I mean humans my age, they can be very inspired by music. Again I can remove it."
"Hardly, we believe in everything you said. Victor also was very good at explaining and you do offer an explanation when the song ends. He also explained how inspiring, even the odd music that you used," Steven remarks. "Now we must move on to your first assignment as a Leader in charge of the division of Visitor Friends Security. I know that you hardly had a chance to embrace this new promotion before being sent out on your first assignment. It is one I know that must have been difficult. Daniel Bernstein was your number one pick for further promotion in Visitor Friends. Then of course it is his family he betrays. . .Sorry, informs on his family that there are people of interest in hiding at his home."
He has lost his fascination in Diana as now he must deal with what may be a difficult discussion. "Daniel's belief was that his family would not be taken and yet we took his grandfather and later his parents. I told him to trust me, us; that they would be fine. To say I do not have fears that his faith in us will not dwindle somewhat, would be wrong."
For a moment Diana seems to be mulling over what to say as all eyes turn to her. "Yes, I totally understand. We do have a problem in that area. His grandfather did not do well in our new questioning procedure. Sadly, we had to take him to an emergency room setup for humans." She and Steven stare at each other for a moment. "I am sure he will be fine and be sent home in a few days. All will be good."
It is like the pages of a book turning in his mind. She is lying. Daniel's grandfather is not doing well. One of the boxes in his mind opens, 'Do as commanded. Appear faithful no matter how bad things seem. Never betray yourself for fear of betraying others.' He nods his head before speaking. "I understand we must do anything and everything to get the information we need. My faith in you, all of you is without question." Brian nods his head to the three of them. It is difficult, but he intends to be as complacent as possible or at least appear that way. "May I seek some advice on how to ensure that Daniel will stay faithful to us?"
Again their eyes turn to Diana who smiles, "I believe that we can do something about that. We did promise him that all would be good with his family and now we have taken his grandfather and his parents as well. His parents shall be aboard the ship shortly and will be undergoing questioning along with some other humans we have taken. I agree that he could be reluctant to work with us faithfully and without question." She turns to Victor with a smile. "I believe that Victor has good news for you."
"Yes, indeed," Victor smacks the desk and gives Brian a large smile. "How do you think he would react to a promotion as your second? Steven and I have discussed this and he fits what we are looking for. He is actually quite intelligent and he also likes power and appears to be willing to earn it any way that he possibly can. Just look at the way he turned in his family. We have very few of our own people who would do this."
Almost as though purring Steven says, "He is perfect candidate and I have no doubt you will train him to be exactly as we need him to be. Dedicated to our cause and inspiring other humans to join willingly."
"I just sent you permission on your device to go ahead and tell Daniel the good news tonight." Victor says with a nod. He is looking very pleased with himself.
"You want me to tell him tonight?" Brian feels a sudden chill, "I am the one who took his grandfather and told him all will be good with his parents. Do you not think this is to soon?"
"No, the sooner the better," Diana says. She then pushes a small box towards him, "What do you say to that."
The small box contains a gold ring with a diamond in it. He is not sure why a ring should make Daniel forget what was done to his parents and most certainly his grandfather. A ring certainly would not make him feel better if it was given to him. He can barely contain the anger he feels for what was done to his father and the the horrible bonding procedure done to himself. The bonding procedure which made him feel happy that his father had been taken, tortured and executed. What he must do now is rein in his anger and act as if he still quite delighted at what was done to his own family. Whatever he does he will always act the part, this means making sure that Daniel is excited by what he has done and is thrilled by his promotion. He ensures his tone is exactly as they expect and that his face shows the expected emotion. "I am not sure what to say Diana. I know that he will most certainly be pleased by this." He picks up the box and nods his head to Diana, "I am absolutely sure that I can make him believe and embrace what he has done. He will do this as it was the correct thing to do."
For a moment Steven seems to almost glare at him, but instead asks if there is anything else. With that they discuss what else needs to be done and dismiss him. He stands and leaves. Once the door shuts he walks quickly down the hall until finally feeling safe that no one is watching, bangs his head against the wall in frustration. All he has to do now is act, act the part, always act the part. With that he leaves for his destination where troopers are waiting to travel down to give Daniel his promotion.
…...
Walking up to Daniel's house it is like he can hear every step that he is taking. Brian notices that the door has not been totally closed, he knocks and awaits an answer. After a minute he knocks again, but then decides to just walk inside. First he motions the trooper who has accompanied him to the door to wait and hopes this is not a mistake. What if Daniel has hurt himself over his guilt or is looking for revenge due to the promise he made in regards to his family. He finds Daniel at the dining table looking very sad. He takes a deep breath and enters the room quietly telling himself that he must perform just as expected. Do not make more of it, do not try and read anything out of Daniel's reaction to what he says. All will be good.
"Daniel, I know you must be disappointed with me." He keeps his gaze on Daniel just to make sure that he doesn't raise his gun at him which is conveniently in reach. "My superiors decided that your family must be taken in for questioning, but they'll be home soon."
Daniel has a concerned look as he speaks, "They will?"
Now is the difficult part, but he must say it like it or not. Four simple words that he finds difficult to leave his mouth. "You have my word." Why were those words that hard to say. Well, maybe because he is not so sure that he can keep that promise.
"Grandfather too?" Daniel has a look of hopefulness on his face.
Brian feels like he is reading from a script, but then again he is. He practiced exactly what he was going to say. "He isn't well…he's with our doctors though." The words don't feel like his, but in a way it is good. Always do as asked, never let his superiors know he is returning to himself. He will not allow another bonding procedure. "They're very, very good, they'll have him feeling better quickly." Now he looks at Daniel trying to read him, the human is most certainly very sad and likely feeling the guilt of what he has done. He struggles for a moment on what to say to him, "How about you?" Brian's eyes do not leave Daniel for he still has some fear about being shot out of vengeance. Daniel doesn't say anything so he tries again, "You feeling better now?"
Daniel's voice carries a mournful tone, "I guess so, yes." His eyes look away from Brian and he seems to have lost focus.
He removes his hat and sits across from Daniel at the table. Now is the moment he finds out if Daniel is everything they hope for. "Well, I've some other news that ought to help; you're getting a promotion." Suddenly Daniel looks up looking stunned. Brian takes a breath and continues, "To my second in command."
"What?!" Daniel is glowing and the look of depression is totally gone.
He finds himself smiling this is working out very well. There appears to be nothing to worry about. His tone is as happy as Daniel's. "Yes, congratulations."
Daniel is clearly struggling to find the words he wants to say as he stutters. "Well, I. . ." He looks altogether stunned.
Now Brian finds himself fighting a smirk that wishes to grace his own face. Just acting as expected really works out well. He is going to remember this for the rest of his life. Always act as they expect of you. He decides to use a tone to his voice that sounds very supportive to the human. "That's not all." He is amazed at how Daniel is truly allowing himself to be manipulated. "When I informed Diana of your loyalty," He removes the box from his small pouch, "She gave me this reward for you." He then gives the box to Daniel.
Daniel opens it and a look of joy comes to him as he looks at the ring. He can barely speak, "Brian!"
Brian can hardly believe all of this, as he had expected more disappointment from Daniel. "Glad you like it. I'm proud to have you in my unit." Brian extends his hand to him; Daniel still looks stunned at Diana having given him the ring. He watches as he glances down at the diamond again in his hand and there is a beaming smile as he laughs in disbelief at his gift. He gives Brian a firm handshake.
Now Brian can't help it as the smirk comes to his face. This is exactly what he was asked to do and everything came out as everyone wanted and oddly enough Daniel has gotten what he wanted as well. He finds he is not regretting anything that has happened to Daniel and his family. All he wants is to play the game and concentrate on what he truly wants. What he truly wants is to be himself, not who everyone else wants him to be. Just one day to be himself, such a small wish that seems so hard to obtain.
He keeps his eyes focused on Daniel as they discuss what he should anticipate from his new promotion. He is careful not to tell the human that this is his first day as well. Still Brian finds his brain just seems to refuse to believe that Daniel is so happy to push away thoughts of his family and what peril they may be facing currently.
Brian stands and wishes Daniel a good evening. All appears good, but as he begins to turn Daniel's face takes on an odd look. The tone in his voice seems strange. "Do you still miss Robin? I bet you do."
It is if he can see lightning flashing and sirens going off in his head. Why he suddenly feels fear bothers him, is Daniel trying to now manipulate him. He takes a moment before answering, "She is a good friend, but that is all. Her love for you. . .I know is everything for her." He now awaits Daniel to say something so he can literally run out of this room.
"Good night Brian. Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." Daniel says with a happy smile and a chuckle. Then immediately his face takes on a stern look.
He has no idea what that is supposed to mean, it is some human phrase to relax most likely, so he simply nods his head. "Good night." As he begins to leave the room he is sure he can hear Daniel whisper in a very disturbing tone, 'I bet she misses you too.'
Brian hesitates for a moment, but does not turn. All he can tell himself is don't question any of this, but there is a nagging thought that Daniel would love to have some revenge on him. Once outside he and the trooper waiting at the door return to the shuttle. The thought of what Daniel has just said bothers him. It is likely nothing, why would Daniel ruin the promotion that he appears to have embraced. Still the chilling way he said, 'Do you still miss Robin,' and 'I bet she misses you too.' The bed bug comment was more than a human phrase to relax, it was almost a threat. He shakes his head, what was Daniel insinuating?