Involuntary Martyrdom (JP pt 2)

Township of Story, Wyoming.

Perrine didn’t like the sound of that ultimatum. It didn’t surprise that those that were grasping power were taking a tyrannical turn. This proclamation painted a target on not just the Gifted, but anyone helping them. It wouldn’t be long till nobody was safe, even law abiding human citizens. Basically what was being translated was if you do anything contrary to EAST’s desires, there would be dire consequences.

It was then that a few people, who weren’t as keen on watching the deaths, got a jump start at his wagon. He had to multitask, work his shop and try and keep tabs on what was going on in the square.

***

Dominic raised a stack of wanted posters, then passed them to the crowd. The poster had a photo of a young woman, the name read "Lydia Black." As he did so, the captives were corraled onto high stools, and the nooses were fastened to their necks. "This woman is a fugitive from justice. She is a terrorist mutant, and an enemy of the United States. She has recently abducted two elected officals, and this man," Dominic pointed to Duke, "Has been witnessed helping her in the past. This will not be tolerated. Robert Neal, I will ask you questions and you will answer swiftly and honestly. If you lie, I will know, and I will execute one of these people every time. But before you decide..." Dominic cut off and motioned toward his men. One of them then removed a hostages face covering. Duke immediately cried out, overwhelmed with despair. "NOOOOO! NOT MY BOY!!!! I SWEAR TO GOD I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!" Duke screamed.

One of the soldiers standing over Duke made a hand signal, then Dominic shook his head, "That's lie number one Robert. I'm disappointed. I haven't even asked you a question yet..."

A loud snap was heard as another operative kicked the stool from under the first hostage. He was a young man, no older than 20. His weight ensured the strangulation didn't drag on, but it wasn't quick either.

***

Sophia's blood boiled as she watched, the horror growing worse as she witnessed the suffering of the poor young man. Duke's son wouldn't last too long, but she'd seen this. It wasn't quick or slow, just painful and a constant reminder of the cruelty of humanity. She forced down the familiar bile that the evils of humanity caused inside of her and had to step closer to Honey. She needed to keep calm, keep her emotions under control.

If she lost herself here she might only cause more trouble. Closing her eyes, she tried to pretend she wasn't here.

Opening them again, she waited to see what was next.

***

What was it about horrific events that made people want to stop and look. Even the people at his wagon were distracted. Perrine didn’t want to look, he forced himself to focus on what was in front of him. Meanwhile his gut was in knots, but he had to compartmentalize his feelings for now. There would be time for tears and screams later.

***

Duke keeled over, sobbing. His son strangled to death in front him, but he was completely powerless. The next hostage was revealed, an older woman. Duke cried out, "NOOOOOOO! Baby it's gonna be alright." The woman was unable to respond due to a gag in her mouth.

"Robert, where can I find Lydia Black?" Dominic asked, the crowd still watching.

Duke might have made the choice to die for his beliefs, it was 60/40 for sure. He was not going to let his wife die for them. "She has a compound of sort near Sheridan. I've never been there myself, but it's about half a day's ride north from here. I don't know if she has Prescott or Conrad there, I swear to god."

This time, a different hand signal was provided by the operative.

"You told the truth that time, see you're learning Robert. I'm glad. I would have just tortured you relentlessly, but you heal too fucking fast so I'm told. My boss has a special request for you. Your family, however, is of no importance to me or my superiors. Next question, and remember Robert, no lying: Where can I find someone who knows more than you do?"

Duke could think of several people, but he didn't know which ones were easiest to be found. The vendor... yeah. Perrine came to town often enough he could be found. But... he doesn't talk well, that could anger the Lieutenant worse.

"There's a man, he's a trader. He may know where to find Lydia." Duke sang like a canary.

After the same gesture from the operative, Dominic continued, "Very good. Where is he?"

"I- I'm not sure, he-" before Duke could finish, that snap rang out again.

"NOOOOO! FUCK! GODDAMN YOU I'M NOT LYING! GLORIA!"

The next hostage was then revealed as Dominic shook his head an kneeled next to Duke. "Last chance Robert." This time, the hostage was a young girl, maybe 14. Duke could barely whimper at this point. He didn't have enough of a voice to even try and console his daughter. All he could do was stare. "Where is the trader, Robert? If you lie again, I will slit her Achilles tendon and you will watch as she fights against incomprehensible agony for every breath. I'll even give her slack so we can enjoy the show for as long as possible. Where is the trader Robert?"

Duke never had the chance to answer...