Children of the Spear (Novella): Origin

by Gervais, Rhett

  “None of this is true,” said Bobby, reading the words from the holoprojector as they floated in front of him.

  The producer adjusted his head piece, his attention focused on the tablet in his hands. “Doesn’t matter if it's true, kid; if you repeat a story often enough people will believe it,” he said, scratching the stubble on his jaw.

  Bobby blinked in confusion, reading the words again. “But…they all died,” he whispered, a chill running through him. “How are—”

  The producer looked up from what he was reading, a look of annoyance crossing his features. “What, are you deaf! Just do as you're told. Trudy is gonna ask you a couple of questions, so just read off the answers in front of you. Try and look natural, okay?”

  Clearing his throat, he adjusted the top of the new uniform, scrubbing a hand through his hair. The producer counted down, and on cue the holoprojector transformed the inside of the van to the street in front of Blackwood Church. The cramped interior was magically a wide-open space filled with thousands of survivors milling about, mothers and fathers hugging one another, children finding their parents, all looking grateful to be alive.

  “So, Bobby, they're calling you the hero of Blackwood,” began Trudy, flashing a thousand-watt smile. “You must be so proud of all the good you’ve done today.”

  “It was a team effort, and we did our best. I wish we could have saved everyone,” said Bobby, hesitating only for a moment before going on. “I just have to say that I’m so proud to have the chance serve my country…”

  The questions went on for what seemed forever, a feeling of revulsion boiling in his gut with each time he was forced to nod and smile about all the good they had accomplished. When it was over, he stormed out of the van, wanting nothing more except to hide in shame for the blood on his hands. Fighting back tears he pushed his way through the lines of reporters and media personalities giving accounts and repeating the official story they had been given, repeating the lie Bobby had just told, the lie everyone had told. He arrived at the command center to find Michael, along with the others, Elizabeth and Andrew in the corner with their heads bowed speaking in whispers, glancing up at him for only an instant when he entered before returning to their hushed conversation.

  Bobby made a beeline for Michael, chewing the inside of his cheek with worry. He still couldn’t sense him, like he was invisible, like he didn’t exist. “We need to talk,” he said, almost screaming. “I need to know wha—”

  Michael stopped him with a look, drawing Bobby’s attention to a small device held tightly in his hand. “I know you saw Bobby,” he began, his tone cold like a deep winter storm. “If you want to keep your head on your shoulders, you’ll keep your mouth shut and be a good soldier,” he continued, swiping a finger across the screen, sending waves of pain through Bobby’s skull. “I’m sure you remember the devices they inserted in the base of your skull the day they took you out of the tube.”

  Looking into Michael’s eyes, Bobby felt like he had been hit with a sledgehammer, all trace of warmth and kindness was gone from the tall man’s eyes, replaced by smoldering anger and hate just below the surface. His hand drifted to the back of his neck, touching the scar there, and he nodded wordlessly, waiting.

  “You're going to help me change the world, Bobby: you and the rest…or you’ll lose your head,” he said, tapping the device against his thigh, the meaning clear.

  Bobby looked around the command tent, taking a deep breath. No one would meet his eyes. Finally, Elizabeth looked up for an instant only to give him the smallest shake of her head. They knew. They all knew.

  Michael cleared his throat, drawing his attention. “Don’t look to them, Bobby. They know they can’t help you. There's only me, and from now on, it will be only me. Understood?”

  Bobby ground his teeth, his mind racing, looking for a way out, only to find nothing. He was trapped in the wake of another man’s power once again, with death being his only escape. He stared at Michael for a long time before nodding his head in submission, having no other choice. He would play the game for now. He would find a way out, an opening he could slip through to take back control one day. Until that day, he would be patient…and serve.

  The End

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  ALSO BY RHETT GERVAIS

  Anarchy

  Children of The Spear: Book Two

  Continue the adventure.

  Gwen is the most powerful Ascended ever created, a near invincible hero sworn to defend America against all threats. She is also responsible for the destruction of Washington D.C. and the loss of countless innocent lives.

  Branded a monster by the public, betrayed by her closest friend, and given a sentence of death by her superiors. All hope seems lost until Gwen is given one last chance at redemption, hunting down a traitor with secrets that could throw a fragile nation into chaos.

  With her fate hanging in the balance, Gwen must make the impossible choice between right and wrong, good or evil.

  Buy it today:

  https://www.amazon.com/Anarchy-Children-Spear-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B07KYTPSLF/

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  About The Author

  Rhett’s love for all things science fiction grew out of a Sunday morning family tradition of watching Star Trek re-runs on the CBC. His love of storytelling is the result of too many hours as a dungeon master trying to murder his players! He lives in Pincourt Canada with his wife, daughter, and a crazy calico named Maggie.