GALAXY AT WAR - Book 4 - A Dark Time

CHAPTER SIX - January 2173 - Moon

CHAPTER SIX

January 2173

Moon

Sean was sitting on the edge of his bed with his chin against his chest. His eyes were closed and his voices were in full flow. His breathing was slow and steady and his fingers were interlocked in his lap. He didn't move, not even so much as a twitch, when the sudden, and loud, clinking of his cell door being unlocked reverberated around his room. He didn't look up as his father entered and stood before him.

"Hello son," said General Bolgon. "We need to talk."

Sean remained silent and still.

"You're in here because you failed my test son. Do you understand?"

Sean remained silent.

Jim looked towards the doorway, "What's wrong with him?"

The doctor, who was waiting outside, answered, "Nothing medical – well apart from being slightly loopy. He's just not speaking to anyone."

Jim refocused his attention on Sean, "You are lucky in a way. If you had killed anyone then we wouldn't be here now. Even I couldn't interfere with due process." Jim paused – hoping for any sign of a response, "The fact that you chose minimal force in the medical bay proves to me that we can still work with you. But you have to be willing. I'll no longer force you to forget your past."

"I didn't kill them because they were not my targets. We only kill our targets unless left no other choice. That's what you taught us sir," Sean hadn't lifted his head and still remained motionless.

"I am sending you for a memory wipe. We'll only take away anything that relates to your hostility towards Suzanne and the others."

"You promise not to touch the memories of mother."

"Absolutely. They were only taken last time because you struggled to function properly."

"I will remember my name?"

"Yes."

"Then let's get it done," Sean looked up. "I will continue to pursue them if you don't remove the memory relating to the loss of my manhood. What will you replace them with?"

"You will remember Peter Brellio being responsible for your loss but you'll think we sent you there. Suzanne will be completely removed from your memory. The next time you see either Suzanne, Steve or Ben it will be like you're meeting them for the first time."

Sean rose, "Now?"

Jim stood to the side and allowed the two security guards to handcuff Sean.

"It'll be safer for everyone until you've completed your treatment Sean. Are the voices still active?"

"Yes father. They're arguing about whether or not to kill you and escape. But I'm resisting them."

"We'll remove them as well Sean. I'm going to make it better."

Sean allowed himself to be led out of his cell. It would all soon be over.

                                                                * * *

Jim looked at the lights shining off of unit 17's shiny metal body as she lay, at rest, in her console. He waved a hand over her face, "Is she aware of us?"

"No sir. She is receiving information while her body rests. Only a direct attack would wake her."

"Can we see her in action?"