The Trial

Chapter 17 - Edited

I've decided to put the wait to good use and start going through what's on the computer. I'm tempted to check the database to see what lies within the dust covered boxes, but that'll have to wait. If something catches my eye, I know there won't be anything stopping myself from going out to investigate.

There's a few emails from those who have become my spies, and I'm reminded of the system I used at the camp. I see some information useful to me, but don't dare hold anything back. There are a few from within the city I called home for most of my life, but most are places I've never heard of. Everything is forwarded on to the Keeper without a single alteration being made.

There's a few messages from him and nothing stands out about the inquiries. The responses are kept brief, since nothing more is needed and it's too difficult to think of anything that doesn't involve the burning sensation on my back. My hands are throbbing, but it's a minor irritation compared to what I feel from my robe pressing against the wound.

Waking nightmares press to the front of my mind, and pressure's placed on my throbbing hands. It may not be a pleasant way to deal with the horrors I've seen, but it's effective. Between the pain in my hands and the pain in my back, the images are sent to the recesses of my mind to haunt me later.

If only it were always that easy. I won't tell you what's to come. Not that I've got a voice to say anything.

My eyes glance to the window and see state driver twelve walking towards my office alone, which enables me to breathe a little easier. I open the door for him, since his are full and owe him far more than this. Black robes are pressing out of the top of one of the bags, but I've no idea what the others hold.

The scent of dust follows him and I'm tempted to leave the door open, but fear she may be hiding out there. It closes with little protest and he doesn't make eye contact. His muscles are starting to strain from the weight and open the only other door in my office. I would've taken at least one of the bags to lighten his burden, but the state is watching and I'm not expected to be concerned about such things.

I follow my silent driver, since I've no idea what's waiting for me on the other side. I'm a little shocked to find the mostly open area cleaner than the office I gave up to come here. Dust continues to work my nostrils, but catch a hint of something akin to pine in the air. My mask almost slips as I take in the large space with a bed in one of the corners and the one other door, which must lead to the bathroom.

My driver makes a noise behind me, which causes me to give a purposeful turn. He's handing me a fresh robe without a word being spoken, and secretly enjoy the sensation of the new robe in my fingers. Burning grows to a small fire as I take off my blood soaked robe, but manage to stifle the groan.

He checks the bandages as I place a new robe onto my body, and can't stop myself from hissing out. I was tempted to let out far more, but hold my ground. There can be no weakness shown to the state and can keep my mask in place no matter how much the fire spreads.