The Fate of Elizabeth (Bioshock Infinite)

Chapter 9: Decision

Always prisoners and escorted by the soldiers of the Vox Populi, Mathias and Elizabeth cross the immense shanty town, refuge of the poor and the oppressed only wanting to live a life of peace and freedom just and equal. A tent larger than the others, proudly carrying the red banner of the rebellion, stand in the middle, and the duo is took inside by force. Cigarette smoke floats inside and there is a strong tobacco smell. A hammock is suspended in a corner, and the only visible light is that of an old dusty lantern. Seated behind a small office, an old man of robust appearance, bald, with a blind eye and a large white mustache, smokes a cigarette in his mercenary outfit. Seeing his men, he raises his head, and opens wide eyes at the sight of the two prisoners, especially Mathias, who also seems to recognize him.

(Cornelius): "I do not dream ....... Mathias Booker? Is it really you?"

(Mathias): "Yes, Slate, I'm glad to see you again. So, that's how you treat an old friend?" He said with a certain irony.

(Cornelius): "Untie him immediately." He ordered his men, who obeyed immediately, but did not release Elizabeth, who remained with her hands tied in her back, puzzled. Cornelius stared at her evilly, reconizing her too. The young woman is not reassured.

(Cornelius): " I recognize you too...... Mrs. Elizabeth Comstock, daughter of Zachary Comstock and future lady of Columbia. You've grown since the last time I saw you. "

(Elizabeth): "Listen to me, Mr. Slate .... I assure you, I'm not your enemy ..."

Cornelius, taken by a moment's anger, seized her by the throat, taking the pistol at his belt, and threatening to shoot her in the forehead. Elizabeth had a muffled scream, seeing the gun barrel at one centimeter from her head, and closed her eyes in tears, praying to die without pain. Mathias wants to intervene, but is again seized by two men. Tears in eyes but trying to stay calm, Elizabeth looks at Cornelius' angry look.

(Cornelius): "I'm really tempted to do that, just to make Zachary pay for all the miseries he made us suffer."

(Elizabeth): "If I have to die for the faults committed by my father, let it be so."

The men, Cornelius the first, seem rather puzzled by this answer.

(Mathias): "Slate, please, release her! She helped me to escape, and without her I'd already be dead in the hands of Zachary's men. She's not like her father. "

The old soldier seems hesitant, but seeing Mathias sincere glance, he decides to trust his friend and signals that Elizabeth's bonds are withdrawn. Once free, Elizabeth returns to Mathias, feeling more secure with him. Cornelius asks his men out of the tent, to talk with the duo. Once alone, all three begin to speak, Cornelius sitting behind his desk. The old captain passes his face in his hands, exhausted and blowing loudly. Mathias glances quickly into Cornelius' tent. Elizabeth prefers to keep a little distance between her and the old soldier, even though she can not really blame him for having reacted like this, for on seeing his current state, as well as the state of his army and this camp, she can understand that they are living in difficult conditions through the fault of her father.

(Mathias): "I see that you no longer have your battle medals of Wounded Knee, and all your medals of war hero."

(Cornelius): "These medals belonged to the murderer I was, but this man died long ago, and another took his place........Hmmmmm..... As I know you, Mathias, this is the last place I expected to see you."

(Mathias): "But, and you, Slate? What are you doing here? Since several years, everyone think you're dead."

(Cornelius): "So much the better, because I realized that my real place is here. After the atrocities I committed to the war, I wanted to repent, so I went to see Zachary, who hired me in his personal security team. But on seeing what the prophet was doing to the minorities in the city, I decided to not be an accomplice once more in monstrosities, and I fled to join the Vox Populi. After the death of Daisy Fitzroy, I took the lead. These people need me, that's why I'm here. They needed a leader who could overthrow this unjust and racist regime, and this is what I intend to do."