“Ah, but what fun would that be?” Williams smiled widely.
“Sir?” Chaunders was taken aback by the flippant response.
“Of course, I could choose any number of metas to complete this assignment, and may eventually need to do so, but for now, I’m having too much fun playing with Creed Young. He betrayed me; whether he remembers the betrayal is irrelevant. He will be punished in a way that pleases me. I have all the time in the world, Mr. Chaunders. I find it exciting, nay exhilarating to shred the dreams of those who think they have any semblance of control over their lives.” Kenneth Williams stood, collecting his papers carefully lining the corners of each page perfectly and secured them with a black marbled clip.
“Personally, I couldn’t be happier with the way things are progressing with Creed. No matter what he chooses to do, I own him. If he runs, I’ll find him. If he agrees to go through with the assignment, I get to watch him tortured as he kills Margo and watches the others assimilate into our happy family at the Facility.” Williams began pacing the room, absently reaching into his front pocket retrieving his spheres, rolling them in his leather, gloved hand.
“If he tries to betray be, I’ll destroy everything he loves and make sure he knows it was because of him. If his decisions cause me to proceed with the plan to create his and Meg’s offspring, I’ll love every minute of the science that task will provide. Who knows, maybe those offspring may be even more powerful, more gifted, than their parents. Regardless, I’ll make sure Creed suffers with the knowledge that it was his decisions which caused all the pain and suffering.” Williams grinned as he walked. “We have hundreds of M57’s eggs still in cryogenic storage—and even more of Creed’s seed. If he betrays me, we get right to work. I am, after all Dr. Chaunders, a man of my word.”
Williams stopped pacing, but didn’t stop the metallic scraping of the spheres as they twirled against one another in his hand. “Checkmate.”
“Sir, if your need for my services have concluded for now, I must ask to be excused. A shipment of new recruits is scheduled to arrive within the hour and since Commander Oldham is no longer here to help with the paperwork, I really ought to be present.” Dr. Bjorn looked expectantly at the Director, truly anxious to see the terror in the eyes of the newest crop of children who would be the next metas—that is, if they survive. It was his favorite part of his work.
“Of course, Dr. Bjorn. I’ll look forward to visiting them myself sometime soon.” Williams found he couldn’t stop grinning and had to remove his trusty handkerchief to dab at the oozing cracks around his bloody mouth.
Dr. Bjorn nodded politely and stood from the conference table. Just as he was reaching for the door, Dr. Williams stopped him. “Dr. Bjorn, I believe it’s time to find a replacement for our former Commander Oldham. I want you to focus on your science and not worry about the tasks that had been a part of his job description.”
Gavil could hold his tongue no longer. Oldham had been here for as long as Gavil could remember and his absence over the last few months had been the source of many rumors. “Sir, what happened to the Commander?”
Williams’ beady black eyes of a shark swept toward Gavil. “Did you know, Mr. Young, that this compound has the most state-of-the-art surveillance technology? I have eyes and ears everywhere. Did you further know my precious daughter June was cared for here at the Research Hospital basement? No, of course you wouldn’t have known.” Williams stared pointedly at Gavil before continuing.
The grin that had taken up residence on Williams’ raw face moments before disappeared. Instead, his face dropped. His eyes began to seep bloody tears. The abrupt change in his sentiments had the whole room staring with weary fear.
“Well, Commander Oldham took it upon himself to try to manipulate me by murdering June. He saw my ill daughter as my weakness. I have watched the video of him killing her over and over. Oldham was terminated, but not before I was able to seek out every living relative of his, however distant. Each was killed in the most unpleasant way possible, every moment video recorded. I made sure Oldham watched their deaths before his own came.” Williams stared across the room as though replaying scenes himself before sighing deeply.
“Now that June is gone, I’ve decided, on a personal note, to return to basics. I have all the time in the world to exact the kind of revenge on whom I chose, as I see fit, just as I did with Oldham. One must find pleasure where one can.” The knowing dead eyes in the smallish bloody face of the scientist locked onto Gavil.
The soldier swallowed hard.
“Um, yes, sir,” Dr. Bjorn nodded. He felt a sense of awe at Williams’ power and madness.
“Yes, well,” Williams seemed to shake himself out of a daze, “go on with you, Fredrick. You have new recruits to welcome.”