Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Fulminant Demise

     William Sterling had walked Brian to the gates of the military camp, and tried his best to assure him everything would be alright. Brian just stood at the gate entrance, hesitant to walk through. He quickly looked back at William for a moment, and then straight ahead at what appeared to be a small gathering of other recruits. Brian took a deep sigh. "Well, here I am", he said. "At the gates of my own hell". William couldn't help but chuckle. "You'll be fine", he told him. "I was once in your shoes too you know?" Brian shook his head at him. "You weren't afraid though", he said. "Being a soldier is what you wanted to do, right?"

     "Actually, I was very afraid", William corrected him. "I didn't have a choice either".
-"Didn't have a choice?" Brian exclaimed. "All this time, I thought you did?"
William frowned at Brian. "I'll be totally honest with you, Brian", he said. "When I was your age I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life". Brian shrugged as he leaned up against the fence. "That usually happens to everyone at some point", he said. William nodded. "I know it does, but I haven't finished my story". - "Go on", Brian urged. William sighed and stared down at the ground. "There was a time when I didn't want to join the military either", he explained. "Believe it or not, I was once interested in being an actor".

     Brian looked back at him with a funny look on his face. "You, an actor?" he started to laugh. William's face turned red from the embarrassment. "Stupid, I know", he sighed. Brian shook his head. "No, I didn't mean it like that", he said. "It's just funny, that's all". William laughed a little too. "Yeah, I guess it is when you try to picture me as one", he said. "Well, believe or not, I was actually planning to major in acting, but I got turned down because of my race". Brian suddenly felt extremely bad for laughing. "Oh man", he exclaimed. "I am so sorry". -"It's fine", William said. "After being turned down because of that, I was so upset and didn't know what I wanted to do until I realized that me joining the AMF was just what I was meant to do".

-"You were meant to?" Brian asked.

     William nodded. "I'm a Sterling after all", he shrugged. "We're expected to follow the paths of our ancestors". -"I see", Brian said. "Well it wasn't all that bad", William continued. "In fact, when I first met Stan, I actually felt a lot better about it". Brian wasn't too enthralled about hearing that name, especially not after what had happened to him. "Too bad he has changed", Brian said. William sighed again. "Yeah, I don't know who he is anymore, I mean it's almost like the person that was once my best friend, has been replaced by something worse. Like something inhuman". Listening to these words reminded Brian of that night when Stan had looked up at him through the window. He remembered the creepy glare and the mysterious glow from his eyes. -"I'm sorry", Brian told him. "I hope things will work out with you two".

     William just shrugged in response. "If it doesn't, oh well", he said. "I'll still have good friends like you, Justin, and my lady". Brian was suddenly all ears. "Your lady?" he replied.
-"Yes", William nodded as he blushed a little again. "I didn't tell you the news did I? Miss Thompson and I are finally an item". Brian was happy for William, and not just because he was a friend to him, but because it seemed he used to live a very depressing life, and so he was glad that William finally got the girl of his dreams. "Well", Brian began to say. "I think it's that time", he said as looked back at William. "Before I go, I want to thank you for all you've done for me". William smiled a bit, and then he reached out to shake his hand and wish him luck.

     "It's just a week, Brian", he told him. "It will go by fast, and besides once you're finished, you'll be meeting back up with me for your simulation training, and then of course the real thing". -"The real thing", Brian murmured to himself. "I'll see you at the end of the week", William smiled. "And maybe after that, you and I and maybe Justin can all go to the arcade while you break in your new uniform. Sound like a plan?" -"Sure", Brian smiled back. "Take care", William added as he gave Brian a quick pat on the back as he began heading through the entrance. -"See you later", Brian waved back at him.

--AMF Airbase--

     Vice Admiral, Lynne Williams had just finished going over some paper work for the new recruits when she was suddenly interrupted as Lucy Ann burst through the door. "The girls and I are finished with our late night shift", she said. "We're going off duty now". -"Alright", Lynne replied from her desk. "Before I go", Lucy continued. "Did Stan ever get what he was looking for?" -"Come again?" Lynne replied as she looked up. "Stan Winston needed access to your office, and told me that it was under the orders of Captain Grant". Lynne quickly set down the papers. "But that makes no sense", she exclaimed. "Why would he send Stan, when he could just come to me?" -"I don't know", Lucy shrugged. "He didn't say".

     "Something isn't right", Lynne muttered as she stood up from her desk and began heading to Admiral Grant's office. "Captain?" she called out as she knocked on his door.
"Come in", he replied. As soon as she opened the door, she was in deep shock once she noticed how awful he looked. His face was very pale and his eyes were bloodshot, and he sat at his desk with a flask of whiskey in one hand and a lit cigar in the other. " You look terrible", she exclaimed. -"No, just ill", he replied as he took a drink. "I've been in here for twenty-four hours straight". -"You need to get some rest", she sighed. "I can't believe you've done this to yourself, you've really had us all worried".

     "So you came in here to complain about my well being?", he remarked. Lynne groaned in response to his attitude. "No, I've come here to ask you why you'd send Stan Winston into my office, without my knowledge or permission!" -"I did no such thing", Grant replied. "Besides, if I needed anything at all, I'd come to you for it". "I figured as much" Lynne replied as she crossed her arms. "It just doesn't make sense to me". Admiral Grant suddenly got up from his desk as he put out his cigar. "I didn't want to say anything at first", he said as he walked towards her. "But, I'm at the point where I've run out of options". Lynne could hear it in his voice, something sounded so doleful as if he were giving it away without even saying what it was. "I've got a cancerous disease", he told her. "Doctor has informed me that it is incurable and that he doesn't know how much time I have left". Lynne was suddenly feeling very choked up inside, and it felt as if someone had punched her right in the lungs. "I'm so sorry", she uttered in a sorrowful voice.

     This man she had come to love and admire just like her own father, was now on his death bed, and she didn't know what to say or how to react. All her life she had lost friends and family, so this was nothing new but yet another stab to the heart. -"I'm sorry", he told her. "I didn't want you or the others to feel sorry for me". Lynne was silent as she listened to his words. "To be honest, I wasn't going to say anything at all". She tried as hard as she could to suppress her emotions, but they somehow still managed to show. "But why?" she asked him.
"If you're dying, we have every right to know, this isn't something you can just hide!" -"I just don't want you letting your guard down", he snapped. "Miss Williams, you are a very strong and intelligent woman, and I want you to remain that way. Even when I am gone".

     -"I understand", she replied with her head down. "You've got your fathers strength, but you've also got his weaknesses too". She looked back up at him. "Weakness?" -"Your father cared too much", Grant replied. "Would sometimes let his emotions get in the way of his duty".
Lynne couldn't believe this. "So it's wrong to care?" she exclaimed. Admiral Grant just shook his head at her and sighed. "It's never wrong to care, but you should never let those feelings interfere with what's important". Lynne suddenly frowned at him. "I know what you're saying", she uttered. "You don't want us to care about you, is that it?" Without saying another word, he just nodded back.

--Later that night --

     It had been the middle of the month of November in Atlantis city, and since the winter season was drawing near, the temperature had been altered to mimic it as it had been on planet Earth. The men and women were now dressed in warmer clothing, but the two interlopers Khan and Ahtor had been completely unaware of this change as they were deep asleep in the alley. Their backs were against the brick wall of the building and their heads hung low. Once the cold air struck them, they immediately awoke and found themselves shivering and searching for warmth. "T-t-this location w-wasn't such a good idea", Khan trembled as he hugged his knees in attempt to keep warm. Ahtor was so cold, he was almost tempted to climb inside the dumpster, but then he remembered that awful odor from a few days ago and decided against it.

     "This temperature has become unbearable", frowned Khan. "We need to find heat". Ahtor walked forward and peered around the corner of the fence and noticed a small local coffee shop across the way. "That place has lights on", he told Khan. "Let's go inside there for now". He didn't have to tell Khan twice, he was already sprinting across the street and heading right for it. Once they got inside they were relieved to find that it was nice and warm, but also a little unnerved that it was also a bit crowded with the civilians. "Blue and purple hair dye must be the thing these days", one of the women commented as she observed them. "Ugly it is, but like all the fads in this city, it will die with the rest of them. Khan and Ahtor looked at one another. "I am confused", Ahtor said. "I wish I could better understand these humans".

     Both Khan and Ahtor took a seat at one of the tables and watched as a young woman offered them free coffee. "As cold as it is, you fellas look like you could use some", she smiled.
"Steaming liquid?" Ahtor commented as he lifted up the cup and sniffed it. "irep?" Khan was also curious about this new drink, as they had never seen anything like it before. Ahtor took the first sip and quickly spat it out and wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt. "Too hot and bitter", he exclaimed.
At that moment, both of them witnessed a young blond man wearing a green uniform enter the shop. It was Justin Church stopping by to order his usual. "Good morning, Justin", the coffee shop owner greeted him. - "Morning, Ethel", Justin replied with a grin. "The usual?" she asked. Justin nodded at her and then out of the corner of his eye, noticed Khan and Ahtor sitting in the background.

     "He's looking at us", Ahtor said to Khan in a low voice. "You think he suspects something?" Khan didn't answer, he just watched as the young man in the uniform approached them. "I haven't seen you two here before", Justin commented. "And normally, I know everybody who comes in here". Khan and Ahtor were silent as they listened to him. -"The quiet type I see", Justin remarked as he took a seat at their table. "Well then, how about we start off with some introductions?"
"I'm Justin Church, so how goes it?" Surprising enough, Khan and Ahtor understood him that time, but were a tad hesitant to give their names. "I am Khan", Khan answered. "And that is my comrade, Ahtor". - "It is an honor to make your acquaintance", Ahtor said to Justin. "What is the purpose of such a uniform as yours?" Justin was surprised at him for asking such a question, but completely unaware that they were alien spies. "I assume you two don't get out much", Justin laughed. "Well any ways, it's my standard AMF uniform. I' guess you'd say, I'm a soldier".

     Khan and Ahtor kinda smirked at one another at the sound of this information. They hadn't expected to run into a human solider so soon, but now it was all becoming very clear. Now that they knew exactly what the uniforms looked like, they would have no problem in locating the official head quarters. -"So, what part of Atlantis are you guys from?" Justin asked. "You're obviously not from around this area, are you maybe from the North? -"Yes", Khan answered quickly. "We are from the North part of the city". "Well that explains it", Justin sighed. "Most of the people in that area are poor folks, so it's a rare occasion to see any here in the West." -"I see", Ahtor said. "However, you two don't seem to look very poor", Justin continued. "Your clothing looks expensive and those earrings do too". Khan and Ahtor glanced at one another quickly. "Unless", Justin started to say as he paused.

"You two aren't grifters are you?" Justin asked. Without knowing what it meant, Khan nodded. "We are indeed, these grifters you speak of", he said. -"Well that explains the fancy clothing then", Justin remarked. "Ever been to the arcade?"

     Victoria Thompson waited outside at the AMF gates, dressed in a green coat with dark brown fur trim and a matching hat and gloves. She saw a small group of soldiers passing by, but William didn't appear to be with them. She had felt bad about the way she acted the other night when William came to see her, and had hoped she could somehow make it up to him. She knew she was putting herself on the line by having a relationship with him, but she didn't care. For the first time in her life, she had someone that truly loved her and not because of what she looked like, but because of who she was. There were moments where she felt unsure of herself, unable to express these feelings as she had never really been in love before. This was all very new to her, and she was still adjusting to the changes, but she knew what she had for him was not all in her head, it was real.

     About ten minutes later, he finally came out and started heading to the gates. He was surprised to see her. She smiled at him and waved and as soon as the gates opened, she leaped into his arms and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I wasn't expecting to see you for a while", he said. "I thought you'd be at the film festival awards at this time". -"Bushwa", she remarked. "Maybe back in my days of stardom, but that's all in the past sweetie, now I am some body's gal". He blushed a little when he heard her say that. "No, the real reason I am here is to apologize for the other night", she said. "I know seeing Stan in my bedroom gave you the wrong impression, but sweetie I am not like that, well at least not anymore". William just kind of chuckled at her. "I know it wasn't that", he laughed. "So, there's really no need for an apology".

     "Oh, well then good", she laughed nervously. "Well, I just didn't want you having bad thoughts about me, lord knows everyone else in this city does, or has". -"You care way too much about what others think", William told her. "You need to realize something, and that is, I love you and I would never think badly about you because I am not those other people, I am me". She smiled at him when she heard these words. "You're such a sweetie" she told him. "But I have to be honest with you about something, and I hope you don't take offense". He got very quiet all of sudden. "Do you ever, feel scared?" she asked. "Or even awkward at times?" -"About what?" he wondered. "you mean us?"
She nodded at him. "Well, do you?" As much as he was afraid to admit it, he also nodded. "Yeah, it's new for me", he said. "I'm always worrying about doing or saying the wrong thing". Suddenly she started laughing. "Oh, heavens me too", she exclaimed. "You just don't want to feel like a darned fool".

     "So", he began to say as he walked past her. "I don't mean to invade your privacy, but what exactly was it like with those other men from your past?" -"Oh lord, do you have to ask?" she groaned.
"I'm just curious", he shrugged. She rolled her eyes at him. "Don't you know curiosity always kills the cat?" she joked. "Well if I'm going to get personal, we might as well take a stroll, do you care to?"
-"Sure", he replied as he took a hold of her hand and began walking along side of her on the walk way which overlooked the manmade lake. They talked a lot about their pasts, learning things they never knew about one another, and William even told her about Brian, but was careful not to reveal too much. "He sounds like a nice kid", she said to him as she looked into his eyes and then rested her head on his shoulder. -"He is", William replied. "I'm just happy I've been able to help him". -"I just hope he does okay in military camp. I still can't believe Morane and the AMF issued that draft in the first place".

     She looked up hoping to see the stars, but instead she saw the massive black alien ship blocking their view. "Brian is afraid of going to war, but I realize that I am too", William told her. "I just hope it never comes to that, and that these aliens will just get tired of watching us and leave". -"We can only hope for that, sweetie" she replied. -"And you want to know something?" William said in attempt to change the subject. -"Sure", she answered. "I knew there was nothing going on with you and Stan", he said. "Because for one, he is my best friend and knows how I feel about you, and second..." Victoria braced herself for this. "I've never seen him show any interest in women", he explained. "So, I've got a good reason to believe that Stan is most likely a homosexual". Victoria couldn't help but laugh at this, even though she knew the truth and couldn't tell him. -"Well it seems plausible don't you think?" he asked. "He's also been acting extremely weird as of late, maybe even more violent tempered than usual".

     "Perhaps, it's his frustration", she teased as she smiled at him. -"Well as much as I want to laugh about that, I just can't", he told her. "He nearly killed Brian yesterday". -"Oh my goodness", she gasped. "He wasn't injured too badly, was he?" William shook his head. "No, he got lucky there", he said. "But now I'm starting to believe that I should break off that friendship with Stan. He's no longer the person I thought he was". Victoria suddenly let out a deep sigh and turned away. "What is it?" he exclaimed. "Did I say something wrong?" She shook her head and looked back at him. "I shouldn't say anything about this, but I think it's best if you do stay away from Stan", she said. "From what I hear, he's nothing but trouble, a psychopath even". William didn't really know what to say in response to this. He had known Stan for a long time, long enough to believe he knew everything or so he thought. "He's never been like this before", William explained. "William, honey", she continued. "The man is bad news, please stay away from him", she pleaded.

     Khan and Ahtor had never seen anything like it before. This so-called arcade Justin had introduced them to had left them in complete awe. "Surprised you have never been here before", Justin said. Khan and Ahtor took a moment to observe everything around them. "What are these devices?" Ahtor asked Justin out of curiosity. -"Why, they are called games", Justin replied as he took a seat at one of them and inserted a coin. "What you do here is put in your token, wait for the loading screen, and hit the start button to begin", Justin explained as he showed them a quick demonstration.
"Some of these games can be quite a challenge, but trust me you'll get the hang of it". Khan's curiosity was still not satisfied and he proceeded to ask more questions. "What is the purpose for these games?" he asked Justin. "Are they training mechanisms?" Justin chortled a bit. "Training mechanisms? Nah, they're just for fun, though if you really want to brush up on your reflexes, then I guess it could work", he said.

     Khan and Ahtor took a moment to look at one another. "These things are for fun, he says", Ahtor noted. Khan shrugged at him. "We should try them out for ourselves", he said. "Just to see what the big deal is". Justin overheard them talking and decided to suggest the first machine for them to try. "If you really want to experience the fun, you should start with the DLD game over there", Justin pointed out. "It's a great game for anyone looking for a first time thrill, though I have to be honest, it can be quite challenging at times and not that I'm bragging or anything, but I do have the highest score right now!" Ahtor gave him a funny look, and Justin chuckled. "Okay, so I am bragging", he grinned.

Khan had decided he would be the first to experience the game, and once he took a seat Justin headed over and handed him a bunch of tokens. "Can't play without these", he said. "Also, if you lose and it's game over, you'll have to put another one in to continue". -"I see", Khan nodded. "Well, here goes nothing", he said as he hit the start button and tried to figure out how the controls worked. Both Khan and Ahtor were surprised at the nature of this video game. It featured a war between humans and alien beings, that ended in bloodshed. Playing such a game brought back a lot of memories from their past, including their first encounter with the humans in ancient times. "This is quite remarkable", Khan commented. "I can't believe this is used as a form of entertainment". Justin shrugged. "People like violent games, especially those of a realistic nature".

     "Are all games exactly like this one?" Ahtor asked. Justin shook his head. "No, of course not", he replied. "That's the beauty of the arcade, here you've got a variety to choose from".
"I see", Ahtor said as he glanced at the other games around him. "Watch out for the slot machines though", Justin warned. "Those will drain what moolah you've got pretty fast. Trust me I know well enough from experience".
Khan had been so distracted by the game that he didn't notice the signal coming from the magnite in his pocket. He didn't quite understand what fascinated him so much about this machine, but this simulation of war was bringing back a lot of memories. Ahtor had gotten bored of watching Khan, and so he decided to wander off and try one of the machines for himself. Justin noticed both of them seemed to be occupied with the games, so he figured now would be the best opportunity to sneak off and get back to his personal work.

     Meanwhile, Bhor was standing in front of the monitor, looking very agitated. He was beginning to wonder why Khan and Ahtor were ignoring his transmissions, and also began to worry that they might of been caught already. "I was a fool to believe they were reliable", he sighed. "Now it seems as though this plan has been a complete failure".
Lucky enough Ahtor noticed the blinking light coming from Khan's pants pocket and quickly rushed over and pulled it out. "It's Bhor", Ahtor exclaimed. "You're responsible for the magnite, why haven't you answered him!?" Khan felt like an idiot. "I had no intentions of ignoring him", he said. "I must of been too distracted by this so-called game". Without wasting anymore time Ahtor answered but felt very afraid when he saw an angry Bhor staring back at him. "I had almost given up hope with you two", Bhor scolded. "Tell me", he continued. "Why such a delayed response?"

     Ahtor's lip quivered a bit as he hesitated on what to say. "I'm waiting for an answer", Bhor snapped. Suddenly Khan swiped the magnite from Ahtor's hands and began to explain everything, excluding the details about the arcade and the games. "We've been doing just as you have instructed, my lord", he said. "Only, I have to say it has not been easy, but we have made a magnificent discovery in the process". -"And what is that discovery?" Bhor demanded to know. Both Khan and Ahtor quickly looked around to make sure they were completely alone before answering back. "We've found a soldier", Khan told him. "We now know the exact uniform these warriors wear, and with that knowledge, we can locate their headquarters and find out more about their technology and what they know of the Zergyx".

-"Excellent", Bhor nodded. "But do try to hurry, as you know lord Zoal is growing extremely impatient. It is becoming much harder to reassure him these days". "We understand", Khan replied.
"Well then, I have nothing else further to discuss", Bhor said. "Good luck, and please report back when you find out more". The screen went blank, and Khan looked over at Ahtor who was standing beside him. "That was a close call", he said. "If we had mentioned the truth, he would of believed we were betraying our people". Ahtor crossed his arms and sighed deeply. "We've only seen one soldier", he said. "We have to look for more, and find one that can lead us to their base". - "Right", Khan nodded. "But we can do that later, for I wish to continue my observations of this game". Suddenly Ahtor began bickering. "Khan", he groaned. "We're going to get in trouble if we keep this up!" "Lord Bhor has made it absolutely clear that if we fail, we will be murdered!"

     Khan shrugged in response and went back to playing the arcade game. "Perhaps it wouldn't be too much of a crime to indulge in their culture for the time being", Ahtor said to himself. "But only for a little longer".