07: "..Fill me from the crown to the toe top-full/Of direst cruelty..."

[armored_fruit]

[Pre "Operation Avenger]

[1] [Locked to Traitors Only]


Even from within the tunnels carved deep into the mesa, Isaac can still hear the wind howling outside.

Walking alongside his fellow traitor, he stares straight ahead without flinching, only stepping to the side as gas-masked soldiers and...other things pass by.

"Who are you taking me to?" He asks his superior quietly.

Comments

[armored_team]

My part in our little talks are finished Isaac. Its time you took your orders from the very highest authority of our organization...

After all, it wouldn't be good if anyone noticed I was missing.

[The pair would stand before a massive set of blast doors, one that looked that like it could take a nightmarishly heavy beating and not even show a dent. As they ground open Isaac would see a figure standing among several screens - his back to them.... but somehow the silhouette would clue in to the traitor just who this person was.]

[armored_fruit]

"..." Isaac stares dully at the silhouette as all the pieces fall into place...

...and then, he laughs.

"Of course it's him." He says with a chuckle and shake of his head, turning to look at the other traitor standing next to him. "Who else would you be serving?"

He takes a few steps forward, and then falls to his knee, bowing his head in fealty.

"I understand I have you to thank for saving my family fortunes...Sir."

[armored_team]

Yes, and I hope you understand that it was a price well paid for Isaac. The information that had been gathered because of your actions means that our plans can progress further.

[The Leader walks forward and puts a hand on Isaac's shoulder.]

I will need those with the capability to do what needs to be done and acknowledge the price they have to pay. The both of us are glad that you are here.

[armored_fruit]

"Indeed, I know the price I have paid for this." Isaac muses. "Betraying my comrades, not lifting a finger to save them...only my family's future could be worth it. "

He looks up to gaze at the Leader's face.

"All my efforts serving in the army, all my loyal service, was meant to earn me the influence to rescue my family's fortune. It was my life goal, almost. And now that I have achieved it..."

He clenches a fist. "It's not enough. I want more for them. I want...the Sinclair name to be as glorious and esteemed in Britannia as it ever was! And if you can lend your power to accomplish that...then I shall ever be your loyal servant."

[armored_team]

Then it will be done. But why stop there Isaac? Wouldn't we benefit if your family's name is known throughout the world?

[The leader motions for Isaac to rise to his feet and accompany him down a hallway.]

One should not be afraid to strive for more. You are not alone in wishing to become a rising star among humanity.

[And as they walk, the Leader motions to a surgical theater off to the side. Within, Isaac would see an abomination beyond anything that could be regarded as human being sundered and torn to pieces - organs harvested, material processed. And all of it transferred to the familiar face that lay upon the opposite table - infused into him.]

[armored_fruit]

Isaac smiles a small smile as he gets up to follow.

"It certainly sounds appealing, I will admit."

Isaac, upon seeing the grisly surgery blanches slightly. But what drops his mouth is, indeed, who is lying on that opposite table.

"Heavenly Jove–what are you doing to him?"

[armored_team]

There are no gods or devils Isaac, No heavens or hells waiting for us. Only beings that lay claim to power and do with it as they see fit.

He desired that kind of power, and was willing to do anything and everything he can to achieve it. Even going down a path that I chose not to. One would have to admire his single-minded determination.

[Within moments the figure on the table that wasn't a pile of gore was sealed up. His body moving ever so slightly... then his eyes flared open as he bolted up right - grasping the air towards one of the surgeons with the look of a wild animal eager to taste blood. The chosen victim was sent crashing into the window - large amounts of blood staining it from the impact. The other surgeons would fare no better, the newborn Ascended crushing bones and organs within their owner's bodies or otherwise breaking them into objects like ragdolls - a maniacal laughter echoing all the while throughout the corridor.]

Tch...

[The Leader just shook his head, not out of shock or disgust but merely from annoyance - as if this was a recurring matter.]

[armored_fruit]

Isaac takes a step back, not bothering to disguise his horror.

"I will do whatever it takes for my family to thrive, Sir: pay any price, commit any blasphemy, seize any power you ask me to..."

He holds a hand up to his mouth. "But I...would prefer you not ask me to become like that."

[armored_team]

I wasn't going to ask that of you Isaac. Rather... I knew you would be averse to such a thing. For men like us... we prefer to remain as we are should we see the end arrive, rather than to change ourselves so utterly. I suppose in a way... we are old fashioned like that.

[The Leader calmly taps the intercom to the theater.]

That was completely unnecessary Mongrel. I expect you to ensure the mess is cleaned up and their brains be stored correctly for a full cortex harvest. I don't want that knowledge wasted.



Grrrh... Right... Whatever you say Sir.