{[You once called me your prince…]}
"There he is." A woman with heavy Asian features, hair as black as ink, and a slim figure studied the children in the orphanage.
Wong glanced up at the woman. He was ten and had spent his entire life jumping from foster home to foster home. But finally, someone was willing to take him as their own.
"Come with me." The woman dressed modestly in a long summer dress, and her eyes and smile were the closest thing Wong had ever experienced to motherly love.
Wong grabbed her hand, and she led him away in a floating limo. The birds and bugs sang as Wong held back his tears. He was chosen.
I finally have a mom… And she's so beautiful…
The limo stopped, and a butler opened the door for Wong. His first steps toward his new home left the young boy with his jaw dropped.
This is my home? It's a mansion.
"Welcome." The woman tilted her head with a gentle movement. "From now on, we're a family."
Family?
*******
Wong's nights consisted of learning.
Books, tutors, television shows. Anything and everything was a means to learn.
Savannah entered Wong's room. She had spent her night drinking wine and exchanging pleasantries with board members.
"You drank too much." Wong glanced up at her. "Mom, how did everything go?"
"It went well." Savannah put her head on Wong's shoulder. "We made a deal, and my company is getting a huge cut… If things continue this way, we can buy the land around us and expand our home."
"Is that necessary?" Wong put down his book. He was reading a college-level philosophy publication. "It's just us and the servants."
"It is necessary." Savannah gently pulled on Wong's cheek. "Our home shows our status. I chose you because your intellect surprised me. You absorb information and retain it better than I ever could… And since I can't have my own children, I want you to push yourself, and in time, you'll work directly under me."
"Is that why you sent me to Ulian?" Wong was still wearing the school's uniform. It was similar to a suit with large buttons and a scarf for the winter. "You wanted to see if I could pass their entrance exam."
"I was." Savannah sat on the bed next to Wong. "Ulian only takes in the most gifted students, costing nearly five million dollars per class."
"A school designed for the elite." Wong closed his book down. "Mom, I don't mind these tests… In fact, I find them amusing."
"And that's exactly why I'm grooming you to take my place." Savannah hugged her son. "I hit the jackpot with you… You're smart, charming, and understand how the world works… Adults struggle with things you casually adapted to."
"I won't fail," Wong smirked. "I'm already in the top five of the school… By the end of the year, I will take the first place position."
"I have no doubt you will… You're my prince, after all." Savannah leaned in to try to kiss Wong's cheek. Her quick movement shocked the boy, and he turned his head. Her lips pecked his. "Oh, I'm sorry."
She's good at hiding it, but she's drunk. Usually, she's not this affectionate, but she's proud of me. And she taught me to be proud of my accomplishments without allowing egoism to overwhelm me. Lessons she carved into my mind. These are lessons I will master for her.
"It's time for bed." Savannah stood up. Her hair was messy, but she held an air of elegance. "Oh, you shouldn't focus entirely on your studies. I expect you to get yourself a girlfriend within two weeks."
"That's an unorthodox request." Wong raised his eyebrow. "Mom, I'm twelve. Dating isn't something that I want to do right now."
"It's not about your academics. It's about your status." Savannah lectured. "Choose an older woman, thirteen, maybe fourteen years old. Girls who are developing quicker than most, doing so will make the men who look down on you watch their mouths."
"I don't understand how a woman will make me better."
"A beautiful woman by the side of an intelligent man is ideal for anyone seeking power and fame." Savannah closed the door behind her gently. "Unless you think you can't fulfill my desires."
"… I'll date one."
"That's a good boy." Savannah closed the door and left Wong alone, leaving him with yet another challenge.
*******
"I don't mind." Lucy was an older girl. Fourteen but petite. She was only a few inches taller than Wong, but she had developed early and wore makeup. The girl was sought after by many boys. "I've never dated anyone, but you're really cute."
That was easier than I thought. Usually, mom gives me a challenge… Or maybe I'm improving.
And so the days passed. Wong grew closer to Lucy, even if he was distant, and some days, he preferred to be alone.
Savannah entered her mansion after a long day of work. That's when her eyes met Lucy's as she kissed Wong.
"Hello?" Savannah raised her eyebrow.
The young girl snapped back to reality and smiled. "Hello, ma'am."
"Who are you?"
"She's my girlfriend," Wong smirked from his seat. "We've been dating for about a while now."
"Really?" Savannah excused herself and went into her room.
That's an odd reaction… She must be waiting for Lucy to leave… I'm sure the next challenge she gives me will be more complex than this one.
Lucy kissed Wong, and they hugged each other.
But I admit this challenge is fun… And Lucy is a kind girl… Maybe Savannah is preparing me for marriage, but it's too soon… I'll trust her judgment…
*******
Wong's bed was large, and his room also had skylights to observe the stars. He had memorized all the constellations. A habit Savannah drilled into him.
His door opened. It was late at night.
Savannah stumbled onto the bed. Wearing a nightgown that doubled as a skirt.
She went under the covers and hugged Wong tightly.
She's drunk… But why? She wasn't meeting with anyone today… Did she get drunk in her room alone?
"I love you." She admitted and nudged Wong's head against her chest.
"I love you too, Mom?" Wong glanced up at the woman he admired most. "Is something bothering you?"
"I'm proud and envious of you." She admitted. "I've never found a man who lived up to my standards. They're either smart, attractive, or wealthy… But none of them ever have all three qualities… It's exhausting to seek perfection. That's why I decided that instead of finding a man worthy of me, I'd create one… It's why I took you from a little town in the middle of nowhere and brought you to America because you have the charms and talent I seek… But I can never replace my desires…"
"Your desires?"
"Yes." She put her hand on Wong's face. This confused him, and then she leaned in and stole a kiss.
Saliva and the harshness of wine bit into Wong's mouth and lungs.
"I can't hold back… As much as I try to resist it… Only you understand… Only you can give me everything I want… And I have every right to take it…"
Savannah slid her hand under Wong's shirt and caressed his small body, and then her hand went down. A jolt went up Wong's spine.
Savannah smiled. A charm that would entrap any man. But Wong was no man. Instead, confusion and conflict grew in him.
What is she doing? Why is she touching me?
Savannah moved the bothersome covers out of the way. Driven by a forbidden lust she hid inside her. Her hands removed Wong's pants, revealing all of him.
"So cute." Savannah helped herself and licked. She savored and sucked. Size didn't matter to her, his reactions shook her devious nature. Like an itch, she can't scratch. Her body burned, and her pussy dripped, a forbidden lust, a taboo for all. Ecstasy and passion for her. "Be a good boy for mommy."
I… I don't want this… I don't like this…
Savannah hovered over the boy, her pussy wet and ready. Wong was hard, and that confused him more. If he didn't like it, then why did his body react this way?
She slid inside him.
The woman he admired most. The one who pulled him out of poverty and gave him a life of luxury… And a future… But it came at a price, Savannah took something from him. A thing he wasn't aware was precious. A part of him faded as she thrust up and down.
I don't want this… I don't like this…
She fulfilled her cravings.
A single bite of the forbidden fruit is never enough to satisfy the desires of beasts.
These became Wong's nights, filled with sweat, moans, and confusion.
*******
"Basketball later?" Three of Wong's friends asked him a quick question. These were the guys that Wong spent most of his days with, guys he considered his closest friends.
"Sure, after school." The guys nodded and took off to their classes.
The walls lit up with holographic figures. They were accomplished students who became celebrities, doctors, and scientists. The school had a phenomenal record of creating successful figures and the school loved flaunting it.
"Hey?" Lucy shook Wong's shoulder. Snapping him back to reality. She was fifteen, and Wong was thirteen. "You're spacing out."
Lucy had grown beautifully. She developed quickly, and after hitting puberty, They started making out. Something Wong did to wash the foul aftertaste out of his mouth. And something Lucy did to relax herself from the school's harsh standards.
Wong was now taller than most students. He even passed Lucy's height.
"I heard you got first place in our grade again." Lucy smiled at her boyfriend.
"I have to," Wong admitted with a sigh. "I do it for Savannah."
"Your mom?"
"Adoptive mom." Wong corrected her quickly.
"It's easy to forget about your origins. They should make a movie about your past and how your awesome mom saved you. And how you became the best student in one of the most prestigious schools in the world just to thank her."
"She would be thrilled with the idea." Wong smiled at the only girl he held close to his heart.
"You've been a downer lately." Lucy poked on Wong's cheek. "Talk to me about your problems. It's why we're dating."
"I will… Soon…"
"Promise me." She put her hands on her hips and pouted.
"I promise."
"And if you can't tell me… Face your problems head-on." Lucy hugged him tightly. "I'll always be on your side."
*******
Wong always sensed his heart drop into his stomach and seep in its acid when he stepped out of his limo and walked towards his mansion.
He stepped into his large home. It echoed with each step. He recalled the first couple of months in this new house. It was a paradise, and he imagined himself as a prince. Now, it was empty and hollow.
A grave for the living.
He cherished the days Savannah wasn't there. When she worked late or stayed overseas. Empty was better. But this day, he wasn't so lucky.
"There's my man!" Savannah hugged Wong, her boobs pressed against his chest. "How was school?"
She was a few inches taller than Wong.
"It was fine. I'm still at the top of my class." Wong put his bag to his side, and the robotic butler took it. It was humanoid and did almost anything it was commanded to do. Savannah had fired all her human staff after the first night she spent with Wong.
"How's Lucy." Savannah's smile had never faded.
"We're doing better, and she's the same as always," Wong admitted.
"You should invite her to dinner," Savannah suggested with her long red nail grazing her lip. "I want to see how she's developed."
Here it comes, her jealousy.
"She gets more beautiful every day."
"Does she?" Savannah's eyes widened, and she smirked. Her hand grabbed Wong's cock, and as she did, he slowly got hard. "More beautiful than me?"
She's horny… Lucy is just there to reinforce her self-esteem.
"No." Wong's heart raced, but not with lust. "Never."
"What about her body? Is it better than mine?" Savannah undid her top, exposing her perky boobs. Something men would pay blood to get a peek at.
Play her game… This is her test…
"No." Wong gasped his words out. As he spoke, she led him to one of their many couches. That's when she sat him down and started licking his manhood. "You're more beautiful."
"Good boy." She smiled and gobbled him up.
Tell her what she wants to hear… Accept it, and she'll get off eventually… Then I can go…
"Your cock has grown so much." Savannah helped herself and slowly slid it inside her. "Do you love me more?"
Wong glanced away for a second.
That earned him a slap. The echo vibrated in the house.
I can't… I don't want this… I've never wanted this…
"I'll ask you again." Her eyes became vicious, but her thrusts continued. "Do you love me… More?"
This won't end… I have to face her… But my body is shaking… My head is spinning, and I'm struggling to breathe.
"Well?" Savannah went slowly. Wong's cock was hot with her juices.
I need this to stop… Find it in myself…Speak up, damn it!
"I…" Wong's words were broken. "I don't want to do this anymore."
"Oh?" Savannah raised an eyebrow, and she stopped fucking him. His cock was still inside her, and his face burned red. "I see… Is it the guilt of cheating on your girlfriend? If that's the case, just dump her, and we can keep our relationship a secret until you're old enough."
She's misdirecting… No… Fuck this…
"No!" Wong forced the word out. "Savannah, you've given me so much, but this isn't what I want… I don't want to be something you created just to fuck…"
Savannah's eyes narrowed.
She's disappointed.
"Mom… IT'S MOM!" Savannah roared.
"Yes… Mom…"
"Good boy." She started grinding again. "I want you to dump Lucy."
"What?"
"Yes, that girl is giving you counter-productive values…" She moaned with her words. "From now on, you're forbidden to date anyone."
"No…" Wong glared at Savannah. "I won't do that… I'm sick of this…"
"You will do what I say." Her tone became deeper and darker. "You are MINE!"
"I'll tell the police, I'll tell everyone… I'll expose what you've been doing to me for years."
Savannah scoffed. "And here I thought you were a smart boy…" She got off Wong and forced his face into her pussy.
"Lick." She demanded. This was something Wong had never done. Now Savannah was demanding it. "Eat me out."
No… I don't want this… I don't like this…
But his mouth widened, and he submitted once more.
Savannah moaned, satisfied that her toy was obeying again. She gave him some last-minute advice.
"Tell whoever you want." She smiled as her juices filled his mouth. "No one is ever going to believe you."
*******
"You're spacing out again?" Lucy smiled as Wong snapped back to reality. They were under a cherry blossom tree. "Or maybe I'm annoying you?"
"No… I have to break up with you."
"What?" Lucy raised her eyebrows. "Why?"
I can't tell her, but I know Savannah. If she finds out I disobeyed her, she'll start targeting Lucy…
"Did you cheat on me?" She glared.
"No… It's another reason."
"Then tell me the truth." She sighed heavily. "We've been dating for years. I've trusted you with everything… But I know you keep things from me… And lately, it's been overwhelming you…"
"I can't tell you!" Wong forced the words out.
"No matter what it is… We can face it together."
Can I tell her?
"It's not easy to talk about." Wong hesitated.
Lucy pulled him in and kissed him deeply. Her flavor, scent, and warmth put Wong at ease.
"Okay… I'll tell you everything."
Under the cherry tree, as pink petals softly painted the earth, Wong confessed the truth of his life. From the day she adopted him to the day she took his virginity and how she had forced him to eat her out. As he spoke, a weight lifted off his chest.
The story of his life was spilled out in a few minutes.
Lucy stood still for a few seconds, digesting every word. Nausea on her face, and her hands trembled. Wong finished and she took over a minute to reply to him.
"You're a liar." Her face and eyes were disgusted.
What?
"You know that I was touched when I was younger, and you're going to give me this stupid sob story… Seriously?"
"I'm not lying." Wong reached his hand out.
"Your sexual fantasies disgust me, and frankly, I feel bad for your mom… She gave you everything… And you have me on top of that…" She glanced away from Wong. "You know what, we are done… After this talk, I realized that you and I will never be on the same page."
"Lucy." Wong grabbed her shoulder. "Please, believe me."
She smacked his hand away from her. "Don't fucking touch me!"
Wong pivoted his head down.
"Lose my number." She left Wong and never uttered a word to him again.
Why? Why didn't she believe me?
Wong dashed behind the bathroom, a place that was usually deserted. That's where he fell to his knees and fought back his tears. He had opened up to the only girl he trusted. And she dismissed his emotions. Dismissed his insecurities and fears like they were worth less than dirt… Wong gritted his teeth.
I trusted her… What happened to always having my back? Fuck this hurts… Fuck, I should've kept my mouth shut… If I had, we'd still be together… I'd still have someone who can help me wash away Savannah's darkness… And now… I can't… I can't… I lost her…
Wong wept bitterly, and he let the tears escape.
*******
Wong sat with his three friends. Aaron, Jeff, and Charlie. After Lucy broke up with him, he spent the next couple of years around them, playing basketball. Jeff had managed to bring them a bottle of alcohol.
The four sipped away happily.
"You fumbled that baddie?" Aaron sat on the polished floor. "I heard Lucy dropped out cause her grades didn't cut it."
I miss you… I should've never told you the truth… Maybe we'd still be together if I didn't say a thing…
"She was fine," Jeff added. "But quit rubbing salt on his wound."
"Yeah, yeah." Aaron rolled his eyes. "But for real, I'm sorry Wong."
"What's done is done." Wong held his head high. "There's other girls out there."
"You have more than half the girls in this school chasing you." Charlie bit his lip in jealousy. "I'd kill to be in your shoes."
"It's not like any of them interest me," Wong admitted honestly. "Lucy kind of spoiled the idea of dating for me."
"Did you two bang?" Jeff asked, clearly drunk.
Wong shook his head, took a sip, and then passed it to Aaron.
"Then why did you two break up?"
"It's because of my mom."
"Your mom?"
I'm buzzing. Even so, why did I tell them that? Lucy didn't believe me… And these guys won't either…
"Forget about it." Wong tried playing it off.
"No, no, no." Jeff shook his head. "Your mom is hot! She's the ideal milf."
"Dude?" Charlie elbowed Jeff. "That's his mom, that's not cool."
"It's his adoptive mom, so it's all good." Jeff winked at Wong. "Right?"
In the distance, the echoes of jets interrupted them.
"The war is getting worse." Charlie took a sip. "But we're good. Our school paid for every one of us… We won't get drafted even though we're juniors."
"I kind of want to go." Jeff was drunk. "I'll kick their asses."
"You'll get killed, you stupid dumb-ass." Charlie laughed at him and took the bottle.
"Nah, I'm a badass." Charlie stood up and then tumbled on his ass.
"Bad at dribbling and worse at walking." Jeff laughed.
"You're so lucky, Wong." Jeff half hiccuped. "You have women creaming at the thought of you, and your mom is fine as fuck. I'd kill to fuck her."
"I…" Wong snapped the bottle out of Charlie's hands and chugged it. "She's not perfect, she's a monster."
"What are you saying?" Jeff asked.
"Guys… She's… She's a…"
"Just tell us." Charlie insisted. "Every time we mention her, you freak… We won't judge you, bro… Open up."
Fuck it… If a girl won't listen to me… Maybe my bros will…
Wong inhaled. The alcohol was heavy in his lungs, but he told them everything. And the real reason Lucy had dumped him. A confession encouraged through alcohol. Shared among friends.
"You're full of shit." Charlie turned his head. "A woman like that won't sleep with a kid."
Seriously? Again?
"I'm not lying." Wong insisted.
Aaron shrugged Wong's shoulder. "It's obvious you fucked her. I mean, I've heard girls talking about fucking you… And honestly, I can see that happening… But come on, don't brag to us."
Bragging? I'm not bragging… I don't like what's been happening… Why would he say that?
"Fuck you." Jeff was wasted. "You're… So… Fucking… Lucky…"
LUCKY! I'M LUCKY! NO, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND I'M NOT LUCKY! I'M THE MOST UNLUCKIEST IDIOT IN THE WORLD… WHY DON'T THEY SEE IT? WHY DON'T THEY TAKE ME SERIOUSLY? WHY?
"I don't want to hear this shit." Charlie tossed his basketball at Wong, and he caught it casually. "You just want attention, and your story is only going to hurt your mom's reputation… I'm going to pretend you're just bullshitting cause we're drunk… But don't lie to create drama… Especially when there are real victims out there."
It's the same as before. Lucy didn't believe me either… They're acting differently, but they aren't taking me seriously… Why don't they believe me? Why doesn't anyone believe me?
"I'm leaving." Wong stood up.
"Come on, we're just fucking around." Jeff waved his hand to tell Wong to sit back down.
"No… I need to go…"
Wong walked through the school. He was drunk, but he wasn't wasted.
I refuse to believe that Savannah was right… Someone, anyone, someone has to believe me… I'm not lying, I'm not bragging, and I'm sure as fuck not lucky!
Wong made his way to the school's therapist.
A woman with an air of femininity and a motherly charm.
"Hello, young man." She smiled at Wong.
"Can we…" Wong hesitated, but he needed to end his suffering. A professional was the best person to hear him out. "Can I confess something to you?"
"Of course." She opened the door for Wong.
Fuck it, I don't care if I lose my position in this school, I don't care that I lost the only girl I've ever loved, I don't care that my friends don't believe me… I don't care what will happen after the truth comes to light! Savannah can rot in jail! SOMEONE HAS TO BELIEVE ME!
The woman grabbed her clipboard and sat on a sofa facing Wong. "Whenever you're ready."
"Okay…" Wong took a few seconds to gather the courage to speak the words that needed to be said. "For the last couple of years, my adoptive mother has been raping me."
The therapist snorted. This made Wong shut up. Then she laughed like it was the punch line of a joke.
Why is she laughing?
"Honey, honey, honey." The woman wiped the tears that her laughter had created. "Women can't rape men."
Wong's soul tore from the inside out. His rage bubbled inside him, and his shift of women warped.
Fuck her… Fuck all of them… I understand now, women are all the same. Women will protect their predators as long as they have the same hole between their legs. And, they'll somehow convince everyone that those predators are the victims… If it wasn't for the way they think and act, then I could've avoided this pain inside me… But now I see… It's not my fault… It's their fault… I can't expect a woman to ever accept that I was raped by one of their own… Their ideals are thorns that weave into the skin of men… That's why none of my friends took it seriously… Because women are precious and men aren't? Fuck her! Fuck them! Fuck everyone! I'M SICK OF THIS! I'M SICK OF WOMEN! NO, THEY'RE NOT WOMEN. THEY'RE WHORES, SLUTS, BITCHES, TRAMPS, MANIPULATORS!
Wong stood up and ran out of the office. This time, he had to accept reality. He dashed past hallways and students until he ended up under the same tree where he had confessed to Lucy.
WHY! Why was Savannah right? Nobody… Nobody believes me… The pain in my chest… It's so sharp… I feel like I've been bleeding out in front of everyone, and they don't see it! I can scream it to the stars, but they'll laugh, belittle, and call me a liar…
Wong slammed his head against the tree, and that's when a piece of paper stuck to it fell.
I'm alone… Truly alone… Nobody believes me… Nobody… What do I do?
Wong glanced at the paper. It was faded, but it had the quote 'All hands on deck' on it.
Wong picked it up.
*******
"You don't talk much," Gio smirked at Wong. "And you're pretty… Too pretty…"
"Why are you talking to me?" Wong glared at Gio. "We're not friends."
"It's been a week." Ashner tilted his head towards Wong. "And it's already been decided that you'll be our medic. You have the mind for it… If we're going to war together, the least we can do is talk to each other."
"What's the point?" Wong glanced away. "The front lines have a survival rate of four hours."
"You're a fool if you think I'm going to let the best medic in our company die," Ashner smirked at him.
"Fuck yeah, you're our MILF now." Gio smiled.
"MILF?" Wong raised his eyebrow.
"Yeah, medic, I'd, like to, fuck." Gio prolonged the words.
"Fuck you." Wong retaliated.
"Can't. I got my baby waiting for me back home." Gio smiled brightly, removing some of the armor from Wong's heart. "That's why I want you to know that I've got your back, no matter what."
Ashner nodded.
"I'm Gio."
"Wong… And you?"
"I'm Ashner, and it's a pleasure to meet you."
*******
"What are you suggesting?" The Captain glared at Ashner.
"Sir, I believe we're walking into a trap," Ashner argued with his superior.
Wong and Gio were at attention. Both of them glanced at each other and then at Ashner.
What does he think he's doing? Captain Peck won't listen to him. He's just going to piss him off, and we're all going to pay for it later.
"Why do you think we're stepping into a trap?" The Captain rolled his eyes. The 3-7-3 company was already a few miles into unknown territory, and they hadn't engaged the enemy in several days. "Other companies have been sweeping the front line."
The young soldiers had a caravan of armored vehicles, Several anti-gravity Abram tanks, and a handful of drones. Around them remained several destroyed homes. They were scattered at least half a mile from each other.
"Sir, the enemy hasn't used any anti-armor rounds… But we decimated their previous bases with our Abrams… Once falls under a surprise attack, twice falls under good luck, but thrice? No, if we attempt the same strategy, our tanks will be destroyed." Peck rolled his eyes. To the older man, Ashner was just a boy who played video games too much. "Plus, we're in an open field with a handful of destroyed anti-drone towers."
Wong glanced around them. Every three hundred feet or so, a tall white pole with an umbrella-like top served as a protective net against surprise drone attacks. The technology wasn't American, but it had served its purpose when they touched down on their enemy's land. Those poles jam the drone's signal, often hacking or turning the tech against NATO.
"What's wrong with the towers? Private?" The Captain prolonged the word private as a way to both insult and remind Ashner of his place. "Our troops fought here. Of course, some of them would be destroyed."
Quit arguing with the Captain. Ashner, we're fine… I can already see it. You're going to be stuck on bathroom details for the next couple of weeks…
"Yes, Sir… Some of them have been destroyed… But why not all of them?" Ashner glanced around the open field they were in. Only the towers near the road they were driving were destroyed. The ones out in the field weren't. "Why wouldn't our battles finish the job and destroy every bit of tech our enemies put out here?"
Wait… He's making a good point…
"They were obviously in a rush." The Captain glanced at his phone. He was waiting for his orders, and part of him was tired of arguing with Ashner. "Same as us. If we had the time, we'd destroy all those towers."
"Sir, what if the enemy manipulated their own tech? And they made it look like they were sabotaged?" Ashner pointed at the nearest destroyed tower. The umbrella top was popped off, and then he pointed at another one further down the road. It had the same issues. "None of them were damaged with bullets or explosions, and they're fifteen feet in the air."
"We got the order." The Captain smirked at his phone. "We're moving out!"
"Sir." Ashner kept pushing.
"I heard you." Peck pointed at his rank on his chest. "But you're just a snotty kid who wants to feel like a hero… I actually went to college and Officer school to earn my position… So get in your truck… You're the lead vehicle."
Wong and Gio were in a Sapphire-T, the army's latest armored vehicle. They were fast and great for scouting but often the first vehicle in a company to get targeted.
"Sir, I am giving you my input." Ashner kept a calm tone. "I believe the enemy created this situation, so we would use this exact road. Those towers only have an effective distance of about three hundred meters. Don't you find it odd that only the poles next to the road are damaged?"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Peck lost his cool, not just because his tactics were being questioned, but because Ashner didn't idolize him like most of the other soldiers.
Now he did it…
"There are no traps, this is just a road… If the enemy were advancing with drones or on foot, then Command would've informed us by now… So get in your truck and drive."
"Sir, I refuse to obey your order... The first truck that exposes themselves will be blown to bits." Ashner was monotone with his voice. "Let's destroy more of these towers and create another path."
"I gave you an order, and it's lawful… If I tell you to run, then you run. If I tell you to die rushing our enemies, then you do it with a FUCKING SMILE!" Peck glared at Ashner. "I'm sick of your disobedience!"
"Then lead the way, Sir." Ashner challenged him. "Take your own vehicle and prove to me how wrong I am."
"The Captain never rides in the lead vehicle."
Ashner tilted his head up. "Sir, I've proven my worth over and over again... Just trust me..."
Peck glanced at his soldiers. Throughout the war, Ashner made the right call time and time again. It got to the point where Peck imagined his position being stolen out from under him... By a minor, no less...
Don't say something stupid… We may follow you due to your rank, but Ashner earned his stripes by continuously taking suicide missions that you assigned to a handful of your soldiers…
Peck wasn't stupid enough to push his luck against Ashner. Even if the young man made the Officer want to rip his ears off.
"What if you're wrong?" Peck adjusted his jaw. "We need to move our company fifteen miles east from this position… We'll end up wasting several hours destroying these towers… And it's not like it'll matter. Our reinforcements will take this area."
"If I'm wrong, then demote me." Ashner kept his eyes directly on the Officer. Most soldiers were intimidated by the Captain, but not Ashner. "Or ship me off to another company."
That's an offer Peck won't refuse. Ashner, what are you doing? He'll move you to the worst unit possible.
"Fine."
The Captain's truck drove ahead of the whole battalion. Ashner, Gio, and Wong took the Captain's position in the caravan.
"What were you thinking?" Wong lectured Ashner.
"Just watch, and guys… Be prepared to shoot the towers closest to us… I don't believe they're destroyed."
Wong readied his under-mount grenade launcher.
Is he serious? He's so confident I loaded my weapon without second-guessing him.
Ashner sat on the passenger's side and reached for the radio that spoke to all the trucks. "Peck, you never could see the whole picture… And no, I don't regret this…" Ashner spoke to himself, but Wong tuned into his conversation.
Peck's vehicle exploded. His truck lifted fifty feet into the air in a ball of fire and smoke.
"Contact East!" The radio came to life. "That was a suicide drone!"
"Defensive drones didn't activate. What hit us!" Another desperate voice came from another truck. "Where is the enemy!"
"Break, break, break!" Ashner spoke to all 3-7-3. "All enemy anti-drone towers are still active! Engage and destroy them! Suicide drones are inbound. If the towers stay up, we'll all die."
Every vehicle and tank turned their guns on the thin towers and fired their rounds.
Just as Ashner predicted. In the sky, suicide drones dove towards the unsuspecting battalion.
Wong and Ashner jumped out and destroyed the nearest towers. Sure enough, they were all active. As soon as they fell, the anti-suicide drone bots that latched to their vehicles lit up and lifted quickly into the sky.
The little bots were no larger than a baseball, but they collided with drones and destroyed them up in the sky.
Hundreds of anti-suicide drones blew up.
The sky lit up in flames, but their battalion was safe.
Ashner sighed heavily, and then he smiled.
He was right… Ashner had the radio. He was prepared to give us instructions before our Captain got hit… How? How did he know?
"Wong… Your hands are shaking…" Ashner smiled at his friend. "Our defensive drones are up. Their suicide bots won't touch us… No need to be afraid of them…"
It's not them that I'm afraid of…
"You knew this would happen… How? The probabilities of this being a trap were slim to none…"
"I trusted my gut… Plus, Peck was more interested in getting promoted than anything else, which means he was bending the rules to make himself look better… You can't always trust the intel and equations... People's desires tend to ruin a perfect structure. Instead, add their inconsistencies and aspirations, then make an assessment."
"I… Wait… Is that why you manipulated Peck into moving ahead of everyone else?"
"Yes… Don't get me wrong... I told him the first vehicle was going to get hit… He can only blame himself for his demise…" Ashner's eyes were cold. "A man who values his ego more than the opinions of his soldiers will always get his men killed… A quality Officer or NCO earns the respect of their soldiers through their actions... They never demand it because a little logo on their chests feeds their narcissism..."
Wong was speechless.
"I won't follow the orders of idiots who let a little boost in rank shift their mindset... I will do whatever it takes to survive... If it means letting our weak-linked superiors die so the rest of us can live... Then so be it..."
*******
Wong read every page of Ashner's record of trial.
This whole thing is bullshit… And they put my friend in jail… How did this come to be?
Wong wrote yet another letter to Ashner. He wrote to him once a week.
I know you're innocent. We fought side by side for years. I'll find a way to get you out of there.
Wong spent months in his new home, in a floating city. He spent months going over the paperwork. He had memorized it, but it was an open-and-shut case.
I can't get you out…
Wong sighed heavily. In the German record of trial, the acid that burned Ashner's face was listed by name.
Finally, a clue… But I'll need Crow's help…
"No, I can't trust him… I can do this alone. I can save my friend."
*******
"Suicide attempt?" Wong squeezed his cell phone. "When? Where?"
"We're using machines to keep him alive." A soldier spoke to Wong. He had gotten out of the military and started studying medicine. "From what his neighbors said, his wife pushed him over the edge… The army cut all his benefits cause he attempted suicide, and his wife divorced him... They'll pull the plug on his life support in three months."
Of course, it's always a bitch that ruins things.
"I can't have that." Wong gritted his teeth. "I'll find a hospital. And I'll work for them on the condition that Gio can stay there."
"You're not going to find any hospital that'll purposely take that burden, at least not in the floating cities."
"What about on the surface?"
"Wong… Are you out of your mind? The surface is radiated. Sure, we have means to push back the effects of radiation, but it will kill you eventually."
"So they're desperate…" Wong smiled. "I think it's time for me to relocate."
*******
Dozens of guns were aimed at Wong. He held his hands up.
"I'm here to see Crow."
A man with long black hair jumped towards Wong. He was fit and wore a leather top that exposed his abs. "Wong, is that you?"
"Yes, it's been a while Crow… I heard you built yourself an empire… Full of criminals and cutthroats."
"All lies." Crow half lied. He pulled a woman by a chain. She was wearing leather with her chest and holes exposed. "Why are you here?"
The girl studied Wong's beauty and started humping Crow's leg.
"I just want to catch up with an old war buddy."
"No, you don't." Crow smiled brightly, then tugged on the chain of his sub. Forcing her to stop humping him. "You want something, and I'm not against helping you if it benefits me too."
"It's hard to talk with this many guns pointed at my head."
"Yeah, yeah." Crow waved, and his thugs lowered their weapons. "Talk to me. What do you need?"
"An experimental acid. I only know its name. Not who created it or where it's located."
"That's a tall order," Crow smirked devilishly. "Ten thousand."
"That's… That's a lot…"
"I know you're good for it… After all, you went to Ulian."
"How do you know that?"
"It's my job to know everything…" Crow glanced at Wong. "I know you haven't slept well in months, that you've exhausted yourself and moved down to the surface."
"Can you get the acid?" Wong glared at Crow.
"Yes…" Crow stood up quickly and paced around his former battle buddy. "But you're obsessed over a man who raped and killed a minor… And a short king who tried to off himself cause his old 'ball and chain' wasn't acting right… Why don't you drop them and come work for me?"
A blade kissed Crow's neck. Wong had it hidden in his sleeve.
Crow's guards aimed their weapons at Wong.
"Don't insult them." The knife cut Crow's skin, making a thin red line. "They're all I have."
Crow lifted his hands, and his guards lowered their weapons once more.
"Ashner got out of prison three months ago, and he hasn't bothered visiting you, and Gio's wife is in one of the floating cities, living it up like a queen… Why are you so obsessed with these two?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Wong moved his blade away from Crow. "They're my friends… And they're both lost… I will do everything possible to bring them back to the light…"
Wong reached into his backpack and pulled out a suitcase. Inside it was millions of dollars worth of jewelry, all items Wong had stolen from Savannah before he joined the army. He had kept them in a safety deposit box that was lucky enough not to get hit by a nuke.
"Is this enough?"
Crow glanced at it, dabbed his lips with his tongue, and smiled. "I'll get you a sample by the end of the month." He took the suitcase.
"For what it's worth." Wong continued. "I tried being your friend… You're just…"
"Don't flatter me." Crow smiled brightly. "We both know I'm missing a few screws."
"You're insane." Wong solidified his claim.
"And there you go with the flattery." Crow winked. "You know, you're cute when you're angry. I'll give you a discount if you join me and my girls in an orgy… I'll bottom for you…"
"I'll pass." Wong turned around.
"I'll send a courier once I get the acid." Crow was a little disappointed, but he had multiple male and female subs at his feet, each held by chains that became wristbands. They wore full leather suits with holes around their mouths and other areas. "You two will do."
Wong left before Crow's orgy started.
*******
Violet's soft sobs scarred Wong. They kept repeating in his mind, regardless of how much he drank.
I can't trust her… I can't trust Gio or Ashner with my past either… This is a burden I must carry alone… If I tell them the truth and they don't… If they don't believe me…
Wong glanced at his sidearm. It was on the table. Then he shook his head.
"I worked too hard to get my friends back… I have no right to burden them with my issues… Stay strong… Remember that women break everything… They pretend to care, only to throw you to the wolves at their convenience." Violet's face came into Wong's mind. "Even her… She'll betray me too… That's why I have to keep her away… That's why she has to hate me… And that's why I have to hate her…"
Wong's eyes watered.
"I'm strong…" Wong's hand shook. "I'm not afraid…"