God's Will

Chapter 5: In the Name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit

July 8, 2224

Baki, Caspian Union

Mia had been nursed back to health by the garrison at Mosul, who filled her in on her new home. She had been so dehydrated and the air so hot that her body was unable to bleed for long. She was grateful. She was given bountiful meals, water, and new clothes. She worked to regain her strength, and within a week she was walking again.

She learned she was pregnant, formally, and was given an opportunity to... terminate it. Mia rejected this offer, believing the child had done nothing to earn such wrath. It was still her child, and while safe in the Union, she would raise it the right way.

She was then taken to Baki, which was the largest city she had ever seen. It had buildings that rose hundreds of feet into the air, bustling and filled with people. Women strolled the streets like there was no problem, men and women acted like normal human beings. Mia heard laughter, singing and the general atmosphere was one of happiness and freedom. The Union was a place unlike I could have ever imagined.

If this really was the 'Kingdom of Hell' as she had been taught, then maybe Hell was better than Heaven!

Mia had been brought to a giant palace in Baki to meet someone of importance. She didn't know who, but she was escorted by heavily armed guards, alongside her translator. A herald announced Mia's presence.

"All make way for his imperial majesty, the King!"

"King? I thought the North was a democracy? At least... that's what they promised..."

Mia stepped into the room and several soldiers were there, standing against the wall. On a throne was an older man, perhaps around the age of her father. He had short, jet black hair, a funny mustache and was decently attractive for a man of his stature.

I instinctively bowed and the man on the throne smiled.

"Hello there little one," He said, his voice rich and smooth with a very nice accent, "When I heard you were coming I was absolutely stunned,"

Mia nodded, "Thank you for accepting me into your country... the North has been very warm and welcoming so far,"

"Good, I am glad that our hospitality is impressing you. I hear you are a defector from Solomonia... we have not seen any of your people in over sixty years..." The King paused, "Apart from the frequent armed clashes, that is,"

"There was another defector before me?"

"One. In 1956, my grandfather had an encounter similar to this one. However, the defector then was an older man who had infuriated your 'Prophet' and he fled to us," The King replied, "Before that it was easier for them to flee. Nowadays it's almost impossible - which makes your defection that much more incredible,"

Mia nodded in understanding, but kept her eyes averted from the King. It was customary in her name to never stare authority in the face. It was like challenging it.

"May I ask you a question?"

The room fell quiet, "Yes, of course,"

"Why are you a King? I thought the Union was a democracy? At least... that is what your gift boxes say..." Mia's voice was just barely above a whisper.

"...Ah... My position is merely ceremonial. My grandfather conceded much of his power in the 1970s... now Congress controls much of everything though I remain a strong religious and cultural figure,"

Mia felt relieved that she hadn't been tricked into another cruel dictatorship.

"May I ask why you have brought me here?"