The Gravediggers of Orpheus [21]
A Sci-fi flash fiction.
[21]
Nolan the Supreme Leader of the Rebels, stood marvelling over the sight of the bloated, decomposing corpses. Captain Derek observed Nolan’s perfectly white uniform reflecting on the glass surface, with the rotting corpses behind it.
“You see, Captain, we believe every death should benefit the living. Every death’s purpose is to sustain life. Isn’t it, as you said, noble?”
Derek saw a portal opening on the other side of the cylindric container - another batch of naked corpses was dumped into the pile. Derek swore he could hear the sound of meat chunks slapping on top of each other.
“Do you think this is just dead meat?” Derek asked with his voice trembling. A cocktail of terror, disgust and rage boiled inside his chest. The rest of the Gravediggers and Sophie had turned their backs on the windows, their faces pale from the nauseating sight.
“Oh, no! Of course not! Every single death has served us, providing warmth and light. Every death is meaningful. You see, Captain? It’s precious. It created home for the living.”
“Damn parasites!” Jimmy whispered just barely, for Derek to hear.
“I think every creature deserves to be buried with dignity,” Derek said sternly.
“Buried in the ground to feed the ungrateful soil of Orpheus? What a waste!” Nolan laughed. He beckoned Derek to walk down the white corridor with him, giving his own officers a short wave not to follow.
***
“I’ll cut to the chase, Captain Derek. Time wasted on useless words loses its functionality. I know you hold your crew in high esteem. I’m offering them to work as supervisors in decomposing centres, as we call places like this one. Since you are well acquainted with the specifics of the working material, I believe your crew will find the work easy and understandable.”
Derek didn’t answer. Nolan observed his face. Their quiet footsteps marked the pause.
“As for you, Captain, we’re always in need of good pilots to our ever-expanding forces.”
“How?” Derek’s question rang like a gunshot. “How come it’s ever-expanding? We were told the Rebels are barely sustaining their lives. Your resources and the technology make the Government’s Ghouls look pathetic.”
“You are observant, and you possess a sharp mind, qualities fit for one of my commanding officers. If you play your cards right, soon you could become one.” Nolan gave him the warmest smile.
“Let’s just say we, Rebels, have found some very wealthy and influential friends outside Orpheus. Friends whose vision about the future aligns with ours.”
“You could wipe out the Government’s forces with your technology anytime,” Derek remembered seeing many airships like Brutus flying above the city, when they arrived.
Nolan gave a quick laugh.
“Before building a new future, one must deal with the past. We believe the most effective way to get rid of the relics of the past, is letting them destroy themselves,” Nolan smiled again, “but now I believe you could use some sleep after your long journey. Your new workplaces will need well-functioning workers tomorrow.”
Nolan and his officers accompanied Derek, Sophie, and the Gravediggers into the elevator. Sophie grabbed his hand secretly and squeezed it tight. Derek stood deep in thought, while the elevator took them up and up. They were not given a choice.
Ouch! This is so disrespectful of the Rebels.
Yep, you were right, this IS getting worse.