Heathen Series - Changed

Chapter 2

General Pov...

I stand at his door waiting to be acknowledged, but he is so drawn into his work that he doesn't notice me. Oh where are the days where we were young, innocent and free. Now we are trapped like this... but not for long. I took a breath and forced myself to remain calm at all times. I have to play my cards right with him.

"Hello... old friend. It's so good to see you..."

"Spencer! It's so good to see you! I didn't realise that you were here. My apologies.
Oh wait! I meant to address you as General Reed now, sorry." corrected Dr Harper as he awkwardly hugged me after trying to salute.

Pathetic.

"Ha! Ha!
Yes, we both have new names to call each other now. First teacher and now Headmaster. Dr Liam Harper. I'll never get used to that. Headmaster of one of the best schools in the country with students from around the world.
Very impressive.
I'm very... happy for you.
How have you been?" I asked, trying to sound as casual and interested as I possibly could.

My urgers were starting to get the best of me. I had to keep them in check. She was here...

"I've been good thanks, just very busy.
Running a school isn't as easy as it sounds but it is something that I love doing. I'm glad to see that you are still alive and kicking, the last time I saw you, you were leaving to fight some war, dropping out of college completely."

"And we won didn't we?"

"I guess we did... And we have YOU to thank for that. I'm still so shocked. We always thought that you would blow the whole place up."

His jokes were the same. He hadn't really changed much.

"You still look the same...
Wow.
So, what's with the surprise visit?" he asked a little suspicious of me - he must remember that one way or another, I always have an agenda.

"I'm here to collect payment on a small debt that you owe ME." I half-lied.

My mind drifted to how delicious she looked in her uniform. How I wanted to tear it off for a taste of what lied underneath. I had seen her as she passed by on her way to one of her classes. She didn't even know how special she was.

'I'm here for her.'

"Oh, right. What do you need?"

"I need... some of your students."

"What?
ARE YOU MAD!
I can't just give you some of my students!
They're humans for crying out loud not things to be used as capital!" spat Dr Harper furiously.

I could feel my anger peeking out. Just needed to breathe. 

"Whow, calm down old friend. That's not what I meant. What I am proposing will benefit us both. I need some advertisement, and I am willing to take some of your students on and have them study under my program... for free.
Obviously only one student will be offered the... reward at the end of their training but it's good publicity for both you and me. And it will teach some of your kids some discipline; I heard that you have had some issues with that recently...
You can add it into your brochure as an extra offered course for those less creatively, academically or athletically inclined.  At least they would have an option suited for them and would have a chance at a future.

So, what do you think?"

I watched and waited as Dr Harper thought for a long minute before answering me. How difficult could this be for him.

"Well, it is a good idea. And it can better our reputation for future enrolments... alright."

"But I can only take students of 18 years and older. You know how it is with the law and such." 

I waved his hands unimpressed. But, again, that would soon change.

"Uhm... I guess that's perfect then... We can announce it... "

"Tomorrow."

"Right, tomorrow. I can call a meeting with my staff and inform them of the offer. Once you send me the program, I can send it to them to go over should any parents enquire about it."

"I thought that parents had no say here?"

"They don't but with changes like this we do keep them informed. They are well aware that it all lies in the choices their kids make. Still, we inform them so that they are not... surprised."

"Very well. Tomorrow I'll give your kids all the information on how it works then I'll leave a form for them to put their names on and send emails out to the students that have been accepted. I'll send you all the communication you will need shortly." 

I explained eagerly hoping that She would be one of those that signed up, if not, I would have to make other arrangements to get Her.

"That's great, just keep me updated and I will sort everything else out from my side. Thank you for the visit and don't be a stranger anymore; try to keep in touch..."

"Of course."

I walked out with my head held high, another victory. I beckoned for my Sergeant to approach. He was still sulking at my choice to come here and at the decision i made to decline his offer of his team. He is starting to cross lines, but he is one of the few that see things my way. I need him, for now.

He saluted before he approached me.

"Sir. Did he take the bait?"

"Yes, I think he did. Tell everyone Operation... Capricorn is a go.
Oh, and tell Dr Roushkav to be ready. I will have a new test-soldier for him soon... and it will be a female."

"Yes, Sir. But how do you know?" 

I could see the uncertainty in his face. I have no time to explain it to him nor do I have the patience to dee with him right now.

"That's because we will make sure it is a female. That is what will be needed for... the team, Sergeant. Let's go. This is our last soldier to take, and our plan is nearly complete."

I grabbed the Sergeant's shoulder with a proud look in my eyes. We are almost done.

"We can finally end it all, Sergeant!"

"Yes Sir!"

That brought back the bounce in his step.

We walked over to the helicopter and flew back to a nearby temporary base. We had set it up to make it easier for us to move around and monitor the school in case anything should change.

All the while I couldn't help but smile. My plan was nearly complete; I almost had her in my grasps. Now all that was left was to visit was the arena and inform the others; I would need my spies for this. It's time to prepare the others and perfect everything for my future plans - my future with HER.

To a brand-new Empire.