He was not like the others, never had been. A substantial stock of a gentleman living in a desert wasteland amongst the many peers and acquaintances he had not been too fond to know. His associates had once seemed healthy to keep around, but had, in time become a nuisance as his life began to stand still day to day. He did not once envision a future for himself or his comrades that he knew for many years but did enjoy the small tokens of the company after the daily rounds and chores around camp. For many years, after moving from place to place, he finally settled in a small campsite built near Memphis, Egypt. It was not the Ritz by any means, it was consistently hot and blistering but was comfortable enough to call it home. There were very few civilians and outsiders who made their way around the campsite, mostly to take photos in front of the agriculture and pose in front of every piece of artwork they came across. The campsite included makeshift tents, an outside kitchen, and small office spaces that included bars in front for the residents to go through security to keep from prying eyes that wrapped around the outer banks of the camp.
He rode his camel, Naala through the campsite entrance, showing his disty badge to the guard as he saluted him before being let through. Wiping his face with his handkerchief, he took notice of the busy atmosphere and shook his head in annoyance. It had not taken him too long after he arrived at the site to realize he no longer wanted to be a part of it. His entire life he had been running and making plans to better his life, but had never taken the initiative to ask for their blessing as he knew that the group needed him. He had wanted to move on with his life and began new opportunities, but intended to live the simple life for as long as possible for the time being. Stopping at his tent, he hopped off Naala into the hot and beating sand beneath him. He once again wiped his forehead which was drenched in sweat from the blazing sun, pulling his satchel over his shoulder. Walking into his tent, he threw his bag on the bed as a presence behind him loomed quietly and he turned around in a swift;
"General Cario." He said proudly, saluting him with respect.
"At ease! Don't stop what you're doing on my account. I'm not here to stop you, by any means. You do need to get me a drink though, I am parched out here", he demanded.
He pulled two scotch glasses from his mini freezer that was next to his half-empty bottle of monkey shoulder scotch. "What are you doing here, Sir?", he questioned with a smirk across his face, pouring the beverage slowly in both glasses, filling it to the brim. The general took the glass from him, lifting it to toast him, leaning against the outside post, crossing his feet, and taking a gulp.
"What gives you the privilege to question me? If you must know, I am not going to stop you from leaving, but you need to get your blessing from Infinity and I want to know where you plan on heading to. I approve of you wanting to do new things and get out of business, but you don't get to just up and abandon your project. You have obligations to hold."
He took a sip of his own drink and shrugged his shoulders. Infinity had become a family and home that he has only known over the last few years. He had become a part of something that he never had before as far as having a stable job and income and providing ideas to others just like himself that helped paved a better future for himself. "Do not mind me, General. I am a grown man, I can take care of myself and as you know, you have been a great father to me better than my own." With a swift motion, he downed the rest of his drink before setting the now-empty glass on the table by his cot which had been plagued by many books and papers that included evidence of his travel plans and work-related issues.
His general took a final swig himself and gave him the empty glass. "Son, I am not just your General. You remember that now."
He picked up his favorite navy blue switchblade that was hidden within papers of uncertainty, twirling it in and out of his fingers. "I know what I'm doing. I appreciate everything you and Infinity have done to keep me sane over the years." He said with a grin as he pulled his suitcase onto the bed and began to pack up his belongings. "With all due respect, General, I don't need a babysitter. I will finish what we started here as my project is nearly finished."
The General crossed his arms, staring him down. "Nearly? Do you mean it's not done yet? You have a deadline. You won't be able to leave until it's done, do you plan on taking it with you wherever you plan on going?", he asked as he placed a strong hand on his shoulder. "You have done great things here, Son. You should be very proud of yourself. I am sure your parents would be, too."
Smiling, he shut his suitcase with a slam and slung his satchel over his shoulder, and grabbed the last of the scotch from the table. "General, I will take my work with me, no matter where I go. I will be fine, I promise. Thank you for your concern." He looked into his eyes with a smirk on his face and plunged the blade into the General's neck, twisting clockwise. He stumbled back, holding the blade as blood dripped down his arm and into the hot sand.
"W-why…?" He stumbled before he fell, hitting his head on the table before he landed on his back, still holding the blade.
Tilting his head, he laughed at the pool of blood beginning to fill the empty spaces in the sand. He felt powerful. He stood over him, crouching over him, ripping the stained blade from his neck and placing it in his handkerchief. "Stay out of my way." He got back up to his feet and turned to leave before looking back to the man bleeding out on the ground, saluting him. "At ease, General." Wiping his blade with a grin, he walked into his new life.