The encampment is filled with hulking machinery. He does not know their exact functions with their varied sizes and shapes, but the large wheels and long cannons are common enough fixtures that he can guess their general purpose.
The largest tent in the encampment belongs to Dozer. It is spacious and furnished like a rather plain bedroom, excepting the far corner, which is littered with metal and computer parts.
“Tell me why you are alive,” says Dozer. The way he presents himself is suddenly very different. His attire is featureless and unassuming, but his expression is sharp and clear. He seems somehow larger than before, more imposing. The air in the room is heavier. Breathing is harder. It felt strange before, why a monster like Gohvis should be subservient to this person. It does not feel that way now.
Mira speaks for their group, though her voice shakes. “What do you mean?”
“Why do you want to live?” says Dozer.
Everyone hesitates.
“Answer me.”
It is Loren who speaks this time. “Why do we need a reason?”
Dozer stares at him again. “Because only insects do not have a reason.”
“Then maybe we are insects,” says Loren.
The old man smiles faintly. “Insects do not have your willpower, boy.” He steps closer.
Loren pulls back, but Gohvis is suddenly there behind him, holding him in place.
Dozer places a hand on Loren’s shoulder. “You have a reason. A very simple one.” He reaches back. “You want to live only because you fear death. There is no shame in this. In fact, you are very wise to think so.” His arm flashes and cuts into Loren’s chest. Blood splatters against the old man.
Loren crumples to the ground. Dead.
The four of them stare at the body. Then at one another. The young man sees horror on all of their faces, but after a moment, their expressions slowly change. Silent agreement runs between everyone. Collectively, they leap to attack the old man.
Dozer catches Mira by the throat. Gohvis pins the other three down instantly, a limb for each.
“Calm yourselves,” says Dozer. “Your friend will be reborn.”
A dark serial novel. Set in a modern fantasy world called Eleg. Mature language. Updates every night at midnight PST by ~400 words.
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Oh dear--he just had that shirt cleaned!
ReplyDeleteWow I'm really starting to empathize with Stoke- OH WAIT. HE'S ALREADY DEAD. :|
ReplyDeleteOR IS HE?
ReplyDeletespoiler: yes he is.
Dozer is actually running a very complex dry cleaning scam.
ReplyDeleteA dry cleaning scam? He gets people to think he's going to clean their clothes, whereas actually he's just pocketing their money? That's terrible!
ReplyDeleteI imagined it more as all the wars he starts are actually just to get people to make their clothes dirty. Thus, they are forced to employ his dry cleaning services, which he maintains a secret monopoly on. But your version works, too. Either way, he is truly an evil mastermind.
ReplyDeleteGohvis pins the other three down instantly, a limb for each
ReplyDeleteIs Ghovis super flexible? Or does he have like 4 arms that you didn't mention?
Also what is dozers power? Blade shaped destruction?
ReplyDeleteTwo hands, one knee. All held against the ground. Doesn't require much flexibility.
ReplyDeleteDon't expect an answer to this question anytime soon. :)
ReplyDeleteOh!
ReplyDeleteHeh, i thought he had them all in the air and had grasped one with his foot.
Also, most regard the mutation servants as less useful, why is the whole camp scared of him?
Also do mutation powers vary from user to user?
*poker face*
ReplyDelete"'Why do you want to live?' says Dozer."
ReplyDeleteVery nit-picky of me, but isn't there supposed to be a comma after the direct speech?
Nope. The question mark is filling that purpose. If I were to add in a comma, it'd become:
ReplyDelete"Why do you want to live?," says Dozer.
Which is perhaps more clearly incorrect.
Appreciate the check, though. Thanks.
Ah I thought this would happen...
ReplyDeleteTypo: It is spacious and furnished like a rather plain bedroom, [excepting] the far corner, which is littered with metal and computer parts.
ReplyDeleteI love you story so damn much! ^^
Oh! I made my own typo too, lol.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, except and excepting are both usable here. :)
ReplyDelete