OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 1.12: NEW MISSION

22 March 2033, 9:00am

Daniel and I were sitting on the couch in the base's lounge. After returning from the mission, we showered and changed into fresh clothes. Giovanni took care of the Other's dead body. Daniel was watching TV, and I was lost in my thoughts. I had killed an Other. The scene replayed in my mind—the moment he drove his neck into my sword. I had taken a life. I never want to do that again. I was feeling remorse. And what about his daughter? Where is she? Where could she have gone? How will I be able to look her in the eyes when she grows up and tell her I killed her father? I'm a monster. Worse than the Other. I never want to experience this again. I'll fight to make the world a better place. I don't want people to suffer. Maybe the world would be a better place without killing, without hatred. But how to achieve that? It’s an unattainable utopia. As long as we humans exist, evil will persist in the world. Maybe we humans aren't that different from the Others. We used to kill, steal, and lie before. And we still do. But the focus seems to be on the Others. We've just shifted from one problem to another.

But still, how do we explain the Others? Where did they come from? What happened that led to their appearance? Maybe the World Safety Organization knows something. And White Ghost told me that I would soon discover some truth. What was he talking about? What truth? Is something being hidden from the public? Who can I trust? I realized I can't trust anyone except August. I’ve spent over a year with him. He’s become like a father figure to me. My own parents are still alive, living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After I lost Mary, I had to leave. Everything reminded me of her. When I heard about the Others and the founding of the World Safety Organization, along with their recruitment of soldiers, I enlisted immediately. I needed a distraction. I threw myself into physical training, learning to handle guns, rifles, and swords. I trained relentlessly, sometimes for entire days. My performance and potential earned me a mentor—August. It was a privilege to work with him. He values discipline and hard work. He also likes to unwind now and then, to go out and have a drink. I, on the other hand, avoided socializing. I wasn’t ready. I wanted to focus entirely on self-improvement. While my colleagues went out, I stayed behind, working and training. Maybe I overdid it; people say I’ve bulked up significantly.

I don’t have anyone right now. I feel lonely. Even though I get along well with my colleagues and have Daniel, I still feel lonely. There’s a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. I don’t remember the last time I went on a date, felt the warmth of a hug, the tenderness of a kiss, or shared a bed with someone. I spend my nights alone. Just me and my thoughts. Thoughts that kill me until I fall asleep. And yet, part of the blame is on me. I don't want to move on. I don't want to forget Mary. She was my first true love. I wanted to build a life with her, have a house, raise children, and create memories. I will never love anyone as I loved her. But everything was taken from me. She left. I’m still waiting for her return. You know what they say—hope dies last.

And here I am, an overthinker. I started off thinking about the Others, my job, and ended up thinking about Mary. The brain truly is a wonder and a mystery. My thoughts were interrupted by August, who had just entered the base.

- "Soldier, come with me to the office. We need to talk," August said.

I followed him without saying a word. He must have noticed the change in my mood. When we got to the office, we sat at his desk.

- "First, let me congratulate you. You successfully completed the mission. Well done! I’m proud of you!"

- "It’s an honor to hear that from you. I intended to capture the Other, but there was a problem, and he killed himself."

- "Killed himself?"

- "Yes. He was lying on the ground, and I had my sword under his neck. At one point, he just moved his head toward the sword and pierced his own neck."

- "Was this your first kill?"

- "Yes. I’ve never killed anyone before..."

August noticed the sorrow on my face. I wanted to cry. Normally, I’m cold and serious around my colleagues, but not with him. He knows me well, deep down. For the next few minutes, August comforted me.

- "In life, sometimes we do things we didn’t intend to. It’s not your fault. He killed himself. Don’t be hard on yourself. Besides, he was an Other – a monster."

- "But still, he used to be a human, and murder is a murder..."

- "Yes, he was once human. His name was Zefir, he was Polish. His wife died, presumed murdered. He has a daughter, but her whereabouts are unknown. As for the guilt, that feeling will stay with you for a while. But don’t worry, it’ll pass. I have a new assignment for you."

- "What is it?"

- "Tonight, you're going out with me. And I don't want to hear 'no' as an answer. I know it's a work week, but you're going out. And I’m giving you tomorrow off. I expect to see you at the pub at 9:00pm tonight."

- "Alright, boss. I'll be there."

- "Great! I know exactly what drink will help you forget what happened. See you tonight!"

I left August’s office and I saw Daniel waiting for me. I just greeted him and went to my apartment. I don't care what Lyam will say. Screw him. I have to sleep. I need rest...