Palinoia

Chapter 26

My madness keeps me sane.

I didn't realise it back then though. It took some time before I could truly accept myself. Accept who I was.

"I'll take my leave now."

I responded with a respectful nod as I watched my boss leave. I turned away and entered inside the jeep where the top five head commanders stayed. I being the third of course.

It still surprised me that I was granted such a position when I didn't even have any experience in the war. So to be boosted up to the third position really was something. Especially when I made a rough first impression.

Maybe it was because of my late father. He did serve TSN very well. However, if that was the case then they chose me out of pity...but why? Why would they show sympathy over his death when they found it so easy to kill and turn people into mutants?

Could they have been involved with his death?

My frown deepened at the thought and my fists slowly clenched. My mind suddenly went into a dark place and I began to imagine graphic images. If that was true...

I shook my head to rid of such thoughts, my breathing returning to normal. Ever since my first kill, I haven't been myself. I kept exploring different parts of my mind that I never thought I would before. It caused me to behave irrationally and want thing I didn't before.

"Hey, Turner."

I faced Thomas and he gave me a strange look before handing me a glass of champagne cocktail. I took it hesitantly.

"Loosen up. This isn't the training ground. You're a commander," he instructed.

I gritted my teeth. I could tell by his tone that he still treated me as an inferior. It wasn't as bad as before because he was trying to be social but old habits took time to let go.

I raised an eyebrow. "What's with the change of heart? Is it because we're now wearing the same suit?" I questioned.

He closed his eyes and took a sip of his own drink before giving me an answer. "I'm letting go of what's in the past now. The situation is now different."

Brandon, who was the second in command and older than both of us by a couple years, let out a chuckle. "Go on boys. Make up," he teased.

Thomas sent him a remark and the two began discussing away freely. I watched them carefully.

I found it strange how laid back and calm they were when we were just about to enter the battlefield. I had been fidgeting ever since I put on the suit and badge. They, on the other hand, were having the time of their life. I never even thought I'd Thomas loosen his professional demeanour. For once, he was showing signs that he was still young.

Nevertheless, I still couldn't stand his guts.

I took a sip of the drink, and lightly scrunched my nose. What? I wasn't a drinker. Sighing, I waited until we reached the destination.

We arrived in the plains of Levwood. A small town not too far from Seisamo. I met my troops who were waiting with the rest of the other armed troops. Thomas switched back to 'commander mode' as he made his way towards the first twenty-four. I watched as he set out instructions to them while they listened diligently.

I walked towards my troops who were busy discussing amongst themselves. Chase and Darius were the loudest of the bunch and they looked like they were involved in a conversation with Brie and a few other people who had not been in group six. Peter stood near Brie but was surprisingly quiet until he saw my face.