Resurrection

Chapter 31 : The Persecuted One

Breathe in. Breathe out. My world was enfolded by blackness as I attempted to pierce beyond the veil of the blindfold tightened across my eyelids. I used my other senses to get a feel for this new chamber. A few deep breaths cleared my mind and allowed the sense of excitement to wash over me. I was the master of chi- the Tibetan monk meditating calmly while his Chinese captors tried to torture him. They could not have underestimated me more as I awaited their 'religious indoctrination'.

I was 'forced' through a series of hallways and eventually led into a small, dank and fantastically claustrophobic space which someone called the education room. As part of their amateur dramatics, they kept the blindfold on and I continued to prepare myself for a series of epic moments. This was the green room before a star emerged on stage, ready to give the performance of their life. While I was alone in this dark chamber I could continue to be myself- relaxed, calm and comfortable. As soon as the next person set foot in the room I would have to be the method actor and put on my stage face. Torture and imprisonment would not work to frighten me normally. Due to the nature of my existence, this was normality and ultimately leisure for me. Sleep deprivation doesn't work for someone who doesn't need to sleep. Taking away a short fraction of time- a few days doesn't work for immortals and when most pain gives you pleasure, this is not the way. I drink coffee and I eat the odd morsel of food for amusement and not sustenance. So you can see the dilemma in trying to torture a dark traveller like myself. I shortly would have to express all level of human emotion or they would not believe I would willingly allow myself to be brainwashed by this cult of religious personality. My thoughts were interrupted as suddenly one of my captors emerged: Lights, camera, action!

"You are probably wondering where you are right now Brother Abraham. Try to understand that this is all a test and if you remain loyal, the best will come."

Not a bad delivery. He played the part well so I humbly responded with:
"Where am I? What am I doing here?"

"All answers will be provided in time Brother. But here let me enlighten you a little." He stated.

He quickly stripped the blindfold and I was greeted with a room similar to what I envisioned. This was the sort of chamber others were expected to be shocked by. I considered it foreplay.

Another captor entered the room. She was clad in military-style fatigues.

"Our accommodation needs are modest but you are our guest and we like you to feel comfortable. Have you eaten any food yet?"

"No and when can I eat? I'm hungry." I pathetically begged.

As if anticipating this question, my female captor slapped me as I mouthed the last syllable.

"You will eat when we allow you to eat."

Again I had to bite my lip to prevent any further arousal and resisted the urge to ask for a safety word.

The male counterpart in this semi-professional good cop-bad cop routine stepped forward.

"We believe in the power of fasting as a way of purification. You should thank the lord that you are provided for."

I breathed heavily, hoping my captors would see this as an anxiety attack but really I was masking my near sexual excitement by now and attempting not to burst into laughter every time I spoke. Trying not to crack the façade was the real torture here. Alas, I allowed them to keep going.

"I still don't know where I am."

"We call this the education room. In here you will receive illumination."

The female captor slapped me again.

"And physical education." She interjected abruptly.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Try to take a deep breath, bite your lip and definitely do not laugh in their face right now.

"Who is your master?" he asked.

"What?" I was greeted with a much firmer slap to the head.

"Not what. It is a simple question. Who is your master?" he continued to enquire.

"I have no master." I said.

Slap.

"We all have a master. The one true master." He said.

"The Father?" I meekly added.

She went to slap me again but this time her wrist was caught.

"Which father?" he asked.

"Father Brian?" I asked.

"Not quite. You're close, as he is the conduit for which we receive the word of our Father."

"God." I stated.

"Finally. The right answer. I don't know why you took so long to get there. I didn't think you were this obtuse Abraham."

"He is my maker. All glory to the maker."

I was hit again. This time a closed fist to the jaw greeted me.

"We will tell you when to speak. Right now you just answer our questions. Maybe you need some time to think about this."

At this statement, both my captors left the room and after a suitable amount of time had passed I finally allowed myself to burst out laughing.

"Hehehe We will tell you when to speak." I mocked.

I composed myself quickly, though I felt this was hardly necessary as they clearly wanted me to wait a long time. This was part of the game, and I was so fond of games.