The Establishment; Retold (Completed)

The Death Panel

       On the other side of the door, Mallam Iliya whispered into Moe's ears the full extent of his escape plan. Moe tried to protest but the old man put his hands over the boy's mouth to quench his disapproval.

"It’s your best bet of leaving this place alive. Take it and be glad. If you survive this place, lead a good life and don't forget to pray for my soul." He finished calmly.

Just as he picked up the keys to Moe's chains, Danliti kicked the door open. If his physical frame wasn't scary enough, his face was covered in a murderous rage.

"You have both been made". He yelled.

"It’s not what you think".  Mallam Iliya replied nonplussed.

"Iliya truth be told I never really trusted you. But I swallowed whatever command you gave me as my superior for years. I asked the supreme head about Alhaji Jatau's supposed request and her reply contradicted your statement. She ordered me to investigate you further. I had to eavesdrop because you were taking too long with the boy." He said wryly.

"Danliti, you went against protocol and challenged my instruction. I always knew you were after my position." Mallam Iliya said with disdain.

"You never fully gave your life to us and I wondered why the establishment offered you the position I had been pinning for. This betrayal you are guilty of; will be the end of you. There will be no happy endings for the boy and you, old man."

While both men continued their verbal wrangling, Moe was too paralysed to move. He just lay there and for the second time in the space of an hour, he was staring down the barrel.

"Guards...get in here!!!" yelled Danlitti.

The four men with clubs that previously left the room appeared in an instant behind
the giant.

"Mallam Iliya is guilty of aiding and abetting the escape of livestock."
The giant proceeded to explain all what he had heard and witnessed to the four men.

"Ismo tell the supreme leader about all this...come back with further instructions from her." He added.

One of the men disappeared into the darker recesses of the slaughterhouse.

"Mallam Iliya you are past it. Don't try to act smart with me. We are going to take it from here". Danliti said curtly.

Two of the guards grabbed the old man while the giant dragged Moe off the table into an upright position. As they were being led outside, Mallam Iliya yelled;

"Danlitti, hell awaits you."

To which the giant replied laughing;

"Save a room for me when you get there."

The two captives were led back to the cells and both chained to the floor to await the guillotine. As soon as Danliti and the men left the cell; the old man whispered to Moe urging him to remain calm and pray for the best. Moe didn't know what to think. He forced his eyes and mind shut to block out the chasm of fear that was threatening to swallow his sanity. In contrast, the old man didn't sleep. He needed to be awake and alert for what was to come next. An hour later, the sound of the cell door opening caught Mallam Iliya's attention and one of the four guards came in. He dropped his lamp in the middle of the room, walked towards the old man and bent down to unlock the chains holding him to the ground. Not that Mallam Iliya could put up a fight...he wouldn't
stand a chance against Isiya who was the strongest of the four guards. The old man's frame was similar to that of Moe...average height and a lean figure to go with their similar complexion.

"Isiya, thank you. These cuffs have been biting away at my wrists." Mallam Iliya said gratefully.

"Anything to make you feel better." He replied politely.