Gardens of Destruction
CHAPTER 23

Captain Davidson strode towards his superior’s office with a resolute step. General Patterson had finally summoned him. He had been anticipating this meeting since last night. Fear of punishment didn’t faze him; he knew there would be consequences. Davidson was acutely aware that last night was not a moment of weakness but one of supreme strength. He had shown mercy, ending the suffering of a fellow soul. He hoped for the same compassion if ever he found himself in a similar plight. But he doubted the General would understand. As a veteran in the system, he was used to narrow-mindedness blocking his superior’s vision. Mark had long since stopped being an unquestioning follower. His tasks usually afforded him significant autonomy, rarely interfered with. Accustomed to setting his own orders, he was now ready to face the repercussions.

Reaching the door, an outside guard reported his arrival. He didn’t wait long before being admitted.

“Ah, Captain, there you are!” the General exclaimed, as if surprised to see him.

“Reporting as ordered, Sir!” Davidson responded.

“Sit down, Davidson, sit down,” his chief beckoned, eyes briefly returning to the papers on his desk.

Mark was taken aback, not expecting such civility. He tensed, knowing that kindness often preceded a crushing blow - a classic tactic in these situations.

“So,” the General set aside his files. “I suppose you know why I’ve called you here?”

“Yes, Sir, I am at fault, Sir!” Davidson replied, sticking to protocol.

“Drop the formalities, Captain,” the General waved dismissively. “We all know you’ve broken the rules.”

A brief silence ensued as Patterson seemed to search for the right words.

“Your action was correct, Captain,” he finally said, locking eyes with him. “We have no right to let people suffer like that.”

Mark was stunned, this wasn’t how he expected the conversation to begin.

“Surprised, aren’t you?” the General’s gaze was stern.

“Yes, Sir!”

“You see, I truly mean what I say, but to set things right, there will be a punishment!”

Now Mark relaxed slightly, things were returning to familiar territory.

“I understand, Sir, and am prepared to face the consequences of my actions!”

“You know, Davidson, for a man in the services, you’re quite likable,” the General said with a smile.

Mark tensed inwardly, but his stoic face betrayed no emotion. He hadn’t expected the General to know his true identity.

“No need to feign surprise. Did you really think I’d appoint someone to head base security without knowing everything about them? The agency’s long arms wouldn’t pass up a juicy target like the asteroid. You’ve always liked to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. I haven’t relieved you because I like your style. Obviously, you were military, not like those pompous desk rats from the administration.”

“I am merely following orders, Sir!” Mark dropped his pretense of surprise.

“Since you’re trained to follow them, why didn’t you obey mine last night?” the General’s tone now held anger.

“Nothing personal, Sir. I acted on instinct, which told me to end the man’s suffering.”

“So, you’re a maverick, acting on the spur of the moment depending on the task?” Patterson quickly sized him up.

“What if we could have saved him? Might he not have told us something about the enemy?”

“Don’t be mistaken, Sir. There was nothing we could do; the man was a goner. I simply did what I would want someone to do for me... when the time comes.”

“Brave. I like that. And quite experienced, judging by your file,” he tapped a folder on his desk.

“Just trying to stay alive, Sir!” Mark smiled. “Long experience

doesn’t mean I possess any extraordinary combat skills, except one: not being utterly foolish!”

Patterson shook his head slightly, lips pressed together, listening to the captain.

“Davidson, sometimes arrogance isn’t a sign of bravery, but of folly. You, however, are no fool, which makes me believe you’re indeed a seasoned warrior. And that’s precisely what I need now.”

“General, since we’re being frank, just tell me why I’m here. You surely didn’t call me to reminisce over past missions over a glass of whiskey. I’m well aware that I’m due for the brig, and yet here you are, having a friendly chat? Just tell me what you want and let’s get this over with.”

“Don’t be so impatient, young man. You’ll learn your fate soon enough.”

He stood and began pacing his office, a habit when he was agitated.

“You’re right, this conversation has become too friendly. Now, it’s time to hear your punishment,” Patterson pondered again.

But before the General could pronounce his verdict, Davidson interrupted, clearing his throat:

“Sir, I request to lead the mission to rescue the child. She must be inside there. I’m sure of it!”

Mark swallowed silently and took a deep breath. He had said it, committed to what was essentially a suicide mission. Nobody knew what lay inside or what they would face.

“Do you realize what you’re asking of me, Davidson?”

“Sir, I’ve always known that the Mission with a capital ‘M’, the one with no return, would come. I’m past my expiration date, General. Death doesn’t scare me as much as the unknown of what awaits us in there. No human can frighten me, but there are no humans inside!”

Understanding filled Patterson’s face.

“I too can’t sleep because of this inner fear consuming us all. We can’t afford to wait any longer. We must act decisively and immediately.”

With a deep sigh, Patterson gazed at him.

“Look at this!” he added, pulling out photos from a folder.

Mark took and scrutinized the aerial photos, probably taken from a plane. One, zoomed in, revealed the interior of the object. Little light penetrated through the crack, but what captured his attention were silhouettes resembling humans, seemingly bound to glowing structures.

The General waited for his subordinate to finish examining the photos before speaking:

“I’m to blame for her not being far from here. Now, I’m asking you to correct my mistake. Professor Bernstein is convinced the little girl is alive in there. Assemble a team, try to find her and bring her back to her mother!”

“Yes, Sir, I’ll try, even if it’s the last thing I do in life!” Mark replied professionally.

After a moment’s hesitation, he dared to ask his chief.

“Why send the others to certain death, General? Am I the only guilty one? Send just me; I’ve earned it!”

Patterson looked at him with a vacant gaze, his eyes drifting over Mark’s figure.

“I know your personal reasons for going there, your file is quite detailed, but you must realize something. It’s not just about the child. We desperately need information about that thing... Captain, if we can’t find a way to defeat them, we’re all dead. This is war, do you understand? And the worst part is, we might not be the victors!”

***

The others were many. That was good, but was it? The garden needed them. Many, beautiful, strong. They wanted, they could, they dreamed they would make it. The art of creation fascinated them, or did it? They didn’t know yet, but they were about to find out. The Garden awaited them!

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