The Trap of the Past

[Val]

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Lewis: But of course, I cannot join you. But I can give you useful information. After that, you'll have to fend for yourself.

Yann: Go ahead. What do you know?

Lewis: I was recently transferred to New Hampshire in order to rest a bit after long months on the Gallic front. I was assigned to the Taskforce 21, which was tasked with patrolling New Hampshire after your attack on a Navy depot. The flagship of this very small fleet is the LNS-Ontario, one of the newest battleships in the Navy.

Yann: Interesting. It is true that New Hampshire is itself poorly guarded since it is a peripheral system and that all attention is now focused on Texas or California.

Lewis: That's why this battleship is escorted only very weakly. Only a few fighters or more. And then I know it has a decent cloaking device.

Yann: I see. But I have to find a way to capture it. It is true that New Hampshire is really a stroke of luck. The shipyards of Puerto Rico are at a sufficient distance to bring the ship to be repaired.

Lewis: Take that. This is its patrol route. A last thing, LNS-Ontario was assigned to this mission for three months. The mission started middle of September. So you have only two months left.

Yann: That should do it. Thank you for agreeing to see me again.

Lewis: It was a pleasure. Haha, how could I refuse?

The two men got up and left the bar. With valuable information, Yann headed for his ship. Lewis insisted to escorted him to the block. They entered a narrow passage poorly lit by old lights. A gun that Lewis carried fell to the ground and hastened to pick it up. Yann was now in front of him. The two men smiled at each other and continued to cross the corridor. But against all odds, Lewis pointed his gun at Yann.

Lewis: Oh, but it's too early to say goodbye. Hands in the air.

Yann turned and found that his friend was only two meters away from him threatening him with a weapon. Trapped, Yann obeys. He didn’t seem to be disturbed at all as if he expected this outcome.

Yann: So you made your decision. Why this one?

Lewis: Why? You ask why? Would you have forgotten who you are? You are only a traitor! You betrayed us to serve your small ambitions. Basically, they took over your feelings and you left us.

Yann: Oh, I see. A little revenge to settle isn’t it?

Lewis began to be agitated and angry.

Lewis: Not only. Your head is bountied you know? When I received your communication, it was like a blessing for me. I could capture you or kill you and get the money and then save my wife and make sure I have a social life afterwards.

Yann: What a noble cause to save and protect your family. So you have not changed.

Lewis: I made a choice. It was you or my wife. I have a family and you don’t. It is a right action that you are able to understand.

Yann: So this whole story about LNS-Ontario is wrong?

Lewis: Of course not. It is true. Same for its patrol route that I gave you. But it didn’t matter if I told you the truth because you wouldn’t do anything with it anyway. Your fate was already sealed. And then it avoided me possible contradictions that could put you on the track.

Yann: Your little plan is well done.

Lewis: You're really pathetic. You really thought that I was going to be impassive in front of you. In order to find answers, you turned to the past. So you only could be naive. Your past with me just trapped you. And in the end, you did not even think about this possible betrayal. Come on now. I want to offer a gift in good condition to my superiors. Especially since you must have a lot of information to give us, right?

Blackwings suddenly laughed.

Yann: You're wrong.

Lewis: What?! He got angry.

Yann: I knew you would betray me one day or the other. That's why I discreetly placed this little object in your back, hanging on your belt when we met at the bar.

Caught in a cold sweat, Lewis turned and saw the object behind his back. He took it in his hand. At the same moment Yann lowered his arms, took a small trigger in his pocket and his gun. Seeing him do it, Lewis pointed his weapon on Yann again while having still the small object in his hand. Yann pressed the trigger and the sphere in Lewis's hands electrocuted him. Then he shot his old friend at close range. Lewis collapsed. Yann approached him

Lewis: Ah ... .you ... why? he said with a weak voice.

Yann: Your reasoning was good. But I was aware of it. You thought I would not suspect anything because of our past together. Basically, you trapped yourself.

Lewis: Ahh ... ghhhh.

Yann: I'm sorry.

Blackwings gave him a slight smile. Lewis stopped breathing. The Captain turned and rejoined his ship. While leaving the station he questioned himself:

Yann: The Past ... And what does the future hold for us now?