A Number, Not a Name

Seeing Red

The henchmen paraded Tasha and Jason into the center of the room, then released their hold on them. Dalmar stood from his vinyl chair. He inched closer to Tasha and Jason, shoes scuffing on the floor. His jacket was ruffled and caked with dirt. Blood splattered the side of his face - Elias' blood. The stench and thickness of cigar smoke were nearly overwhelming. A cloud of smoke swirled around Dalmar and a glass of whiskey rested on his desktop. Logs crackled in the fireplace in front of his desk.

An amused expression was etched on his face. Seeing Dalmar now, eerily calm, it would be hard to imagine the hysteria and panic that had enveloped him only hours before.

Dalmar laid his cigar on an ashtray and stalked over to the front of the desk, leaning back against its wooden surface. He folded his arms and focused his attention on Jason and Tasha, one foot tapping an irregular rhythm. "You know I have to give you two credit. For a while, you had even me fooled. But the truth always comes to light. It's a shame though." Dalmar took a swig from his glass and walked closer to Jason and Tasha. "The two of you could have been a vital part of my operation. You've shown yourselves to be quite useful." He took another sip of whiskey and cleared his throat. "It's such a shame to kill such skilled agents" He glanced at Tasha, "more so you...for nothing."

"I'd choose my funeral any day of the week rather than be part of this pathetic puppeteer act of yours" Tasha fired back.

"This pathetic puppeteer act as you call it has enabled me to have the world at my fingertips." He placed his glass down on the desk. "Your greatest mistake is underestimating me and my power." His voice was hard and emotionless.

Dalmar strolled over to his chair and sat down, the chair squeaking underneath his weight. He brought his cigar to his mouth and took another puff. "In time everyone will come to see and appreciate the scope of my work. Soon the world will answer to me and the KLF."

"You seem desperate to impress us," Tasha said.

"I don't need to impress you or anyone" Dalmar hissed.

"Really?" Tasha responded, unconvinced by Dalmar's words.

He angrily crumpled his cigar and threw it into the fireplace behind her. "I have thousands of armaments at my disposal. Enough to wipe out-"

"Oh stop it" Tasha replied. "You'd be just a helpless little boy without these brainwashed 'followers' of yours to carry out your every wish."

"Real power comes from concealing one's strength."

"Please, the only one you're convincing is yourself." Tasha walked steadily closer to him. "You know what bothers you? You know you're nothing."

Dalmar's fist collided with Tasha's face causing Jason to lurch forward. Adrian and Raphael grabbed his arms, holding him back, and forcing him to his knees. Tasha showed no response. "Is that all you got?" she chuckled. "What? Think I can't take a punch?"

Dalmar struck her again, this time with more force. Tasha staggered backward. A small grunt came from her but she showed no strong reaction. Dalmar hit her again, this time with as much force as he could. Tasha laughed, "You're even more pathetic than I thought."

At that moment Jason saw him reaching for something around his waist. He pulled out his knife and held it to the base of Tasha's neck.

"Stop!" Jason yelled, "Leave her alone!"

Dalmar walked over to Jason. How wonderful it felt for the balance of power to be restored. "So, you can't bear to see her punished for her betrayal? Would you rather it be you than her, is that right?"