Black Source #theWattys2016

DEREK V

                  

Frank picked up Derek's journal and thumbed through the pages, nodding at the entries written. "Angel" Frank said quizzically. He placed the journal off to the side, "We'll get to that later. For now, I need to talk to you about New America." Derek stared at him, repressing his growing anxiety. "You see...this city, with all its inhabitants, stands as the largest and most fortified safe haven in the country." Frank leaned back in his chair, seemingly satisfied with his statement.

          "But survivors don't just come here for protection;" he continued. "They come for the civilization, for the hope of living in a normal world free of war and the encroaching famine. How do you think the Daggermouths go about accomplishing that lofty goal? We forget about the struggle outside of our walls, and seek to restore civilization within them." Frank stood up and paced around the office, gesturing to Derek as he spoke.

          "What about the flesh eaters?" Derek asked.

          "Ah yes...the flesh eaters, not only them, but the factions also appear to be an unforeseen variable. Always pestering and agitating our plans. Take the Infidels for instance. They want to settle here because this mountain would make an excellent stronghold against the Mod Soldiers. They believe the only way to restore America is to destroy the old system and rebuild atop its ruins. I don't completely disagree with them. I would prefer we fight, but Gladstone has other plans."

          "Why doesn't Gladstone want to join sides with them?"

          "They'd destroy everything to create their new empire. And they're right. Gladstone's dream to create a utopia without defeating the Mod Army will never work. And as much as I want the families here to be safe and protected, I'd rather them fight the problem than ignore it."

          Frank stopped at the window and stared out at the passing birds. "Gladstone thinks we'll lose, that's why the citizens must be made to believe that the war between the Infidels and the Mod Army is ending. And that a cure is being made to reverse the effects of the virus. They need to put their hope in something, to believe in something. Even if that belief is based on a lie."

          "If that's what Gladstone believes in, then that's wrong."

          Frank turned to Derek, "which would you rather do: tell your people a lie that would give them hope, or tell them the truth, even if they couldn't handle it." Derek thought about the question, not daring to waver on his opinion. Gladstone's world resembled Arcana and its brainwashed patriots, only these people were being brainwashed with peace, not pills.

          "I know the number of flesh eaters is growing," Frank said. "And that the Mod Soldiers are moving through the conflict zone, drawing closer to our borders with every territory they capture. The Infidels aren't as strong as they use to be. It's only a matter of time before the Mod Army comes knocking at our door. And then we have these new things to worry about." He grabbed the journal and started for the office door then waved for Derek to follow. "There's something I want you to see." A knot formed in Derek's throat. He picked up Evey and followed.

          "Maybe it'll be something I want to see this time..." Derek said nervously.

          Walking through the province's rear gates, Derek saw mounds of flesh eater corpses. Frank walked on Derek's right side, followed by a band of armed guards for their protection.  Frank's black suit, dusty around the pants leg, looked odd with the contrast of the mountain. The back of the province was barricaded and had trenches dug into the dirt to catch the flesh eaters. Derek pinched his nose, smelling the overpowering stench of burnt flesh.