Shadows of Reform (Probably being edited)

Chapter Sixteen

So it was that two days after their attack on the fishing town, Julius Dragger was sent by his fellow veterans to oversee the transformation of Shifting into the largest Order installation ever created. It was a long journey, longer than his trek from Redford to the main base where they planned their operations. But this time he had the luxury of a singular vehicle instead of several different people who often questioned him about his activities. No one understood how important it was to have this method of transportation, because most of them dealt with it daily. Julius remembered when they were new, and a valuable commodity. Many a man was killed for such a device, an engine and a few bars of metal that melded into a masterpiece of agility and speed with wheels. 

Jason stood idly by as he rolled in, a glazed look over his eyes even as Julius stepped off the transport to greet him. 

"What is wrong boy? Are you discouraged? We captured a whole city!" 

"Too many had to die sir. There were so many inside that base, not a single one actually got to fight back..." 

"Is that not a good thing?" 

"Not when we could have recruited more than half of them!" Jason shoved a paper in Julius's face. "Look! This man knew how to read and write! We could have used him! And he was even talking of defecting!" There was no way to comfort his friend. 

"The violence will end. But not unless we defend ourselves." 

"With more death?" 

"Melody wants to live, yes?" 

Jason drove cold daggers at him with a look of rage. "You have no right to say that name anymore. I swear, after all you have done... I could murder you right now if I hadn't known you my whole life." 

"Then we must continue to fight. You yourself said you were born for war. Now prove it." Julius shoved past him into the main building. 

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Jason knew Dragger's words rang true, and he did say he was a warrior. There was nothing for him to do other than kill and fight. Rage filled him at everything he saw, yet Jason was unsure of the origin of such anger. So many people were dying for a few ideals, yet he also knew that men and women held on to such ideals with vigor. So he would continue. All he really cared for at this point was securing Melody and making sure that he could give her a safe place. And that meant taking Victor down. 

Mellisa sauntered up to him, and failing to notice his sour mood, made a cheery comment. "What a battle eh? I wouldn't know. What happened?" 

"I killed them all. Even the Agents. If anyone got away, Victor may be wary of our forces now." 

"Don't be so solemn! You did good!"  

"I already went off on Julius. Please don't make me do it again. Not to you." 

"Fine. So what do you want to do? We have all day until our next meeting." 

"I'm not sure. I don't have many bullets left. Perhaps we could go shopping?" 

Despite some slight disappointment, she smiled anyways. "Sure!" 

"Let's go then." Aaron was off into a dash, sprinting across the sandy ground towards the marketplace. Mellisa was close behind.  

"You didn't say what happened back there..." 

"I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I didn't think of it during the fight, but afterwards I watched from the side as they walked off the bodies. There were so many. I inspected a few and found that letter." 

"You didn't tell me what it had though." 

"Doesn't matter. There was nothing for me to do anyways. He was dead, like the others." 

"You said he could read?" 

"Yes, I did. He could definitely write as well. A rare commodity for men here. I know only a small amount." 

"I wish I could read..." Mellisa sulked, somewhat unhappy with herself. 

"Perhaps I will teach you what I know. Or maybe you can spend some time with the teachers once we end this?" 

"I would greatly enjoy that. Do you know any?" 

"I became good friends with the man who taught Melody. He could surely assist you." 

"That's... wonderful! I can't wait for that!" 

Jason chuckled a bit. "That is a bit better I guess. I would enjoy getting a better education too." 

"Like you don't know enough?" Mellisa laughed hysterically. 

"I know enough, but it doesn't hurt to know a bit more, so they underestimate you."  

"More analysis? Is that your life?" 

"I guess so. I haven't done anything other than fight. But I was never around to see the aftermath. But now, sitting around to watch as my destruction is cleaned up, it makes me think. This is horrible." 

"It goes with the territory, as one man once told me. You now need to be able to accompany your combat with the remnants of your wrath. I... He will explain. I'm having a hard time trying to find the right words." 

"'He'? Who is 'he'?" 

"The man you saw before the assault. Our leader." 

"I wish I could talk to him." 

"And you will. But you wanted to restock first, right? The market is just up ahead. Go on! I'll meet you with Mr. Dragger at the camp." 

Jason left her standing there, walking off to a resupplying trip and his thoughts, which always caught up to him.