A skinny man with a shaved head was hanging on the wall in a dark room.
He opened his left eye. The other one was inflamed and useless. He didn't remember where he was or what happened.
He looked over the dark place he's been kept for the last days. He saw blood spilt everywhere. His blood. His arms and legs had lots of incisions, some of them caused by various knifes, some of them by hot objects, some of them by needles.
Needles...
To strengthen his addiction they used to cut him on several places and let him bleed for a while before they injected the daily portion into his veins. He was trying to resist at first, even though they manacled him to the wall, but his effort was becoming weaker each next day and then his prostrated body gave it up.
However his will remained strong and silent during endless interrogations. The last one ended abruptly. He kept spiting in their faces and a metal bar hit his face and he lost consciousness as well as a few teeth.
Bastards...
Although they never provided him any food, after some time he started to feel the stronger and his mind was becoming as clear as it once was.
It didn't surprise him as it was inevitable. He knew the terrible power coursing his veins.
He woke up again and tried to remember what happened.
The first thing after the explosion he was able to recall was the dark cargo bay of an unknown mercenary vessel. His space suit was pulled down as soon as his uniform was spotted, the mercenary smiled, put handcuffs on his hands and legs and locked him in the cargo bay.
The route has been long and included several stops and jumps and then they ended at an orbit. The cargo bay had no windows so trying to guess where he's been taken was not possible. A few minutes later he heard the clapping that usually accompanies mounting of the docking tunnel. The mercenary came with a visitor, an Outcast. The worst fears became true...
The Outcast, looked at him and laughed. He looked satisfied and paid the mercenary the price he asked for without a single word. The mercenary looked surprised as he expected an exciting haggle and after this he was obviously sorry that he didn't ask for more.
After that it was simple. Outcasts placed him in an underground dungeon, most probably directly on Planet Malta, and started with interrogations and their disgusting procedures that, until now, have lasted for several weeks. During that time he had lots of various visitors, some of them were even of the highest ranks but he kept refusing to communicate for the whole period.
Whatever they planned to do with him, they didn't want to kill him. They probably counted with the power of Cardamine and wanted to use it to control him and maybe release him later.
The question remained, will he ever be able to resist it? Is a his will strong enough to fight back?
He haven't received his daily portion for some time. His body started to shake randomly, but he tried to focus his mind on something else...
Are they testing him? They still haven't killed him and it must be pretty obvious he's not going to tell them anything they want. Unless they use some different method.
What are they planning?
Are they trying to create a Cardamine addiction and then release him and use it? But Cardamine was obtainable almost everywhere. Even if they succeeded in their efforts to turn him into an addict, he wouldn't need them to get another dose. It would be a perfect punishment in their eyes but he felt there is more behind this.
Another shake crossed his body...
They must be observing him. Although he didn't know their precise plans, playing that he's already fully addicted could speed the process up now and that's just what he needed now. He knew he'd be probably able to resist it for the present, but this might change in the near future.
He fortified himself in his mind and loudly started begging for Cardamine...
A few minutes later, the door opened and an outcast in a white gown, holding a chair, came into the cell. He was looking amused and...satisfied.
"Screaming like a kid? About time, it lasted surprisingly long in your case. We need to talk, Mr. Silent, heh."
He approached closer and perused the body of the man hanging on the wall. Most of the wounds were almost healed up and although the subject was weak and most probably unable of some physical attack the way he moved showed he has no problems with muscle coordination, except the randomly coming shakes.
When he finished his observations he took out a hypodermic needle and injected the dose. Shortly after the shakes stopped and subject shoved a clear relief.
The Outcast released the man's handcuffs and let him fall on the ground.
"Sit there..." and he pointed out at the chair he brought.
The man didn't want to show any form of disrespect at this point so he did what he was asked for. He kept looking on the ground.
"You haven't showed us much cooperation, but you will, you'll see. You probably must think that the stuff we made you addicted to was Cardamine. You must be wondering, what are we planning to do with you."
He watched the poor man with disrespect for a while and continued.
"I'll make it short. We're sending you back. You probably think why are we so sure you'll obey our commands, while you can get your Cardamine wherever you want and never come back and work for us, right? So here's the real surprise. It's not Cardamine, it's the successor we are developing for years. Much more addictive with less visible side effects. Not available on the market, of course, which means you'll have to come to a designated place in a few days to get your next dose."
The heart of the man started to beat quickly. He didn't expect this. Although he was trying to stay calm, the Outcast must have noticed...
"What, it doesn't fit your plans? Don't you believe? You can try Cardamine, you'll only make it worse! You think you can resist? Try it! One hell of a cold turkey awaits you at the end of a dark tunnel, accompanied by a massive heart attack. Your chance of survival according to our tests is below 0,3% which is a considerable risk for us especially after we prolonged your course."
"Good luck out there. You'll find all the instructions in the datapad we'll provide you. A team will arrive shortly to clean you up and get you some clothes, we don't want you to come back like ... this, do we?", and he turned around and left the room.
***
A few minutes later, the man was put into a poorly armed Sabre and the autopilot took of and headed to Omicron Eta. He never flew a Sabre before, but after a short while he managed to get familiarized with the basic controls. Shortly after he passed Pacifica Base, a wing of Corsairs went after him. Turning against them would be a certain death so he approached the minefield and used the passage he once accidentally found. Corsairs made a few comments about his suicidal tendencies and left him alone.
He had to get rid of that Sabre as soon as possible so he set the course to the Freeport 9. After he docked, he entered the bar, chose the most empty corner and sat there, trying to keep his head down.
'What now?' he thought for himself. He had to get home as secretly as possible and hide somewhere for some time. He had no credits, and selling an old Sabre wouldn't make enough to purchase a ship that wouldn't raise attention. Using a shuttle was out of the questions.
He was in the middle of his thoughts when he heard a voice he expected least...
Teresa couldn't believe her eyes. Her father (or what was left of him) was just sitting staring in front of him. He was somewhat different. She couldn't explain why.
"But...how...?", was all she was able to say.
She was still holding Julio's hand.
***
a few hours before...
Teresa woke up in her father's Villa, placed high in the mountains of Crete. She was having nightmares for some time now, but the last one...
Her body was still shaking when she decided to call Julio. It was very early in the morning and she must have waken him up. But he agreed to come as soon as possible and she gave him the coordinates. Be careful, these mountains are treacherous she said and he replied that she had no need to worry.
Julio arrived shortly after. She was crying.
"Teresa, what happened?", he sat next to her and put his hand around her shoulders...
It took her some time to calm down...
"I had that same nightmare again, Julio. But this time it was so long and detailed. The same man. I didn't see his face. He was being tortured in a dark cell. I think they were Outcasts and the man was one of ours. He wasn't screaming, when they were doing those cruel and nasty things with his body. He just looked them. And then I saw the same man sitting in the bar at Freeport 9, dressed as an Outcast."
She looked at Julio: "My dear, you must probably think I am crazy and I need help from a professional, but I really have the feeling I need to go there now."
Julio looked confused and replied: "Teresa, I don't know, are you sure this is what you want?"
She said: "Please let's go there. If we don't find anyone, I promise I'll see a psychiatrist, you have my word."
Julio said: "Okay, dress up, I'll wait for you outside..."
***
After a long time looking at each other, Pedro raised his sight and looked at both of them. Julio was a trustful man and so he decided to hide nothing from him.
"We have no time. I need your help... They have done something to me, the worst thing they could do to a Corsair. And I am not sure if I can make it. I need you to hide me somewhere, I'll tell you more details later. No corsairs who would be able to recognize me can see me in this...state. We need to hurry."
Teresa was so confused, that she just looked at Julio...
If I die, I forgive you, father. If I live we shall see.....Teresa Chavez
Julio was busy in his Titan with setting his navigation controls enroute Omicron Theta, as Teresa came out of the house and walked toward her Centurion with quick steps. Just as she grabbed the electronical command console she felt the warmness of human breath on her neck and turned back immediately. Julio was staring at her beautiful eyes. After a short pause they hugged each other..
Julio was still anxious about Teresa..
"Are you okay, amor?"
Teresa replied, still feeling Julio's breath, apparently aiming to console him for the moment..
"Si amor, I do feel better now.."
She was trusting Julio more than any other Corsair around. This was because she knew how Julio was caring for her..
Julio responded..
"Lets get going then.."
The villa was located at one of the highest summits on the White Mountains of Crete. It was not accessible via mountain paths and built on a rocky ground. The chilly weather outside cut the speech short and Julio gave his coat to Teresa before running to his Titan. It was Julio's favourite, the one having the glorious Brotherhood symbol on the back.
Without wasting more time, they set course to Omicron Theta jump hole and were escorted by a pair of Titan squads through the Malvada Cloud. Fortunately, they did not encounter any bounty hunter on the way but only some Corsair patrols around. After a successful jump, Teresa formed on Julio and the two directly headed to Freeport 9.
On the way to Freeport, Julio broke the silence..
"I know a guy working for Cryer Pharmaceuticals. He has been staying in Freeport 9 for a long time. I don't know his exact job though, but he could help us with things and stuff once we arrive there."
Teresa was still anxious, deeply thinking different things. But she could not keep herself from asking..
"Interesting to hear really. What is his name?"
"Lloyd Johnston if I remember the bud's name correct. We had some rounds with that guy in the bar there. He never seemed to be a talkative guy though. Only thing I can tell, he has been quite helpful with finding people when I visited the Freeport for a few times. Anyhow, you made me wonder about the outcome of our visit to Freeport 9. Heh, we will probably have a round of Frankfurt Beer and return to Crete.."
Teresa interrupted..
"Julio, we are reaching the Freeport.."
At the same moment, Zoners were heard on comms asking for identity clarification from the couple..
Teresa replied them quickly..
"This is Brotherhood Gamma 6, we are requesting permission to dock at Freeport 9.."
After a cargo scan, they were granted to move their ships to the docking bays.
Teresa dived into the entrance hall, Julio following her. She was walking incredibly fast. Being both anxious and curious, something was strangely making her crave for entering the bar as soon as possible.
In contrast to their expectation, the bar was not too crowded. Teresa moved in, took a few steps and recognized a strange silhouette in the darkest corner..
She moved on, and suddenly started to tremble. Julio followed her and there they faced a great surprise, the stunning bastion of their destiny..
Teresa lost her control and screamed.. Some faces turning toward her..
"Father!?.."
Julio felt cold and struck for a moment. He couldn't move nor could speak. Eyes wide open, he examined the motionless man, kneeled down, looked in his dark eyes and barely tried to spell some words..
The three silently looked at each other for a long time, until Pedro disturbed the silence. Julio slowly stood up, still amazed, held Teresa's trembling cold hand and started to listen to the ... changed man.
"We have no time. I need your help... They have done something to me, the worst thing they could do to a Corsair. And I am not sure if I can make it. I need you to hide me somewhere, I'll tell you more details later. No corsairs who would be able to recognize me can see me in this...state. We need to hurry."
Pedro looked different indeed. His face seemed to have been carrying a terrible burden of being exhausted somehow, and the apparent weary face lines were almost indicating the torture he was tested with. He was thin, looking quite feeble compared to his last conditional state. Even his sound tone was changed. There was apparently something wrong with him, Julio thought for a moment. One side of Julio was happy though, since Pedro was alive but on the other side, seeing this man entirely changed was making Julio more uneasy and curious every passing minute.
Julio slowly reached the dark corner Pedro was sitting. Teresa was busy with touching the man's hair to make sure he was Pedro, her real father or not. She was still in a shock as Julio..
Yet, the moment was grave enough, and the man clearly needed help..
After a slight pause, Julio summoned up his breath and will to answer Pedro..
"Father.. You look.. You just look so different.. What has happened to you after the destruction of.. the flag ship?.. We all thought.."
Teresa interrupted, tears in her eyes, moving her hands away from Pedro's hair..
"Julio, he needs our help, he said we need to hurry.."
She then turned to Pedro..
"Do you remember the villa on the White Mountains? That is where I am staying for now.. Do you think that the place would be.."
Julio interrupted this time..
"How could we bring him there though, without being recognized by the Corsairs in Gamma?"
Pedro looked as if he was willing to speak.. He looked really tired..
Pedro cleared his throat and said: "Yes, the Villa is a good hiding place and it can be accessed directly from space on the other side of the docking ring, but it's dangerous even for a good pilot."
He closed his eyes and Teresa wasn't sure whether he didn't fall asleep. He really looked exhausted so she answered quickly: "I once did it in my Centurion, and I can do it again. Hope the weather there doesn't fail us, though."
Julio nodded: "After we jump we'll avoid the main patrol routes and then we'll split, I'll head for the docking ring while you'll land in the mountains directly from space and join you as soon as possible."
They helped Pedro into Teresa's Centurion and took off, heading to Gamma.
***
All was going well and they all met in the Villa a few hours later. They left Pedro in his bedroom and went to living-room.
"I don't like it, at all, Julio. He's still hiding something from us." Teresa started.
"Yes, he was treated in the worst manner, an most probably tortured, if your nightmares were true.", Julio answered.
"I know, but this all doesn't make sense to me. Why would they let him go, just like that?", she left the question in the air for a moment and continued: "Did you see his eyes? They used to be dark brown, and now they're almost blue. This is wrong, could they brainwash him or something like that?"
Julio had no answers, so he just suggested: "It's best to sleep on it, for now... We'll get some answers tomorrow, when he feels better. You go to your bedroom and I'll use this couch over here."
"You're my guardian angel, do you know?" and she kissed him and headed to her room.
If I die, I forgive you, father. If I live we shall see.....Teresa Chavez
His mind was clear although he already started to feel that his body was lacking the drug Outcasts were giving him. He must remain strong and resist... Resist or kill himself. In his life he killed so many people. Outcasts, Blood Dragons, stubborn traders, members of house militaries and police, Nomads, mercenaries and lots of others. Is he able to commit suicide? Is he strong enough?
He dressed his old Corsair uniform, which must have been prepared by Teresa, looked out from the window and enjoyed the beauty of the Crete's sunrise. The sun, orange even from space, was flooding the Valley with pure gold. He loved this view, he loved mountains, he loved Crete. He would love to spend a few more years there, but...
If Outcasts really won and he became a puppet in their hands, it would be a real disaster for the Corsairs. Not only because all the information and access codes he could give them, but they could also force him to create traps in order to assassinate vital Corsair Elders which would strike the Corsair Nation deadly. He was a living nuclear bomb. And if there is any chance for him to get out alive, he should take it, but after the first signs of failure he must be stopped. Without mercy.
Dark thoughts were occupying his mind when he was going down the stairs into the living room. Teresa was already serving the breakfast and he registered a few of amorous looks she gave to Julio. These two cared for each other and Pedro was glad. Teresa definitely deserved someone like Julio. After he greeted them both they all sat down and started with the breakfast.
Pedro hasn't eaten for ages yet he wasn't hungry at all. Not to raise any more attention he forced himself to eat something and drank some water. He senced the tension in the air, but nobody wanted to start talking. It was obvious that they wanted to know what really happened, but he wasn't sure whether ot not to tell them the full truth. Maybe later...
Julio was trying to manage short glances at Pedro, while they were both busy with the breakfast. Teresa served them rolls halved and toasted, garlic cloves, fresh tomatoes pureed and some olive oil. And also her favourite Cafe con Leche which she couldn't do without. The two men were looking at each other more frequently near the end of the breakfast as Teresa ended the silence..
"So father.. How do you feel today?"
"Not bad dear.. I am.. I'm fine.."
"Well..."
"A good sleep could do wonders father, you looked terrible yesterday.."
There was a brief silence. Julio felt shy for a moment as if he had done something displeasing like a naughty kid..
Teresa went on..
"Well father, I thought you would have something to tell us.. I mean after all these.. This just makes me way too nervous.."
Julio bashfully, with his usual inquisitiveness
"Me too.."
Pedro slowly staggered upon, moving on to the wildly patterned couch and sat down. After a half breath, he started to speak..