FORTY-EIGHT
Trigger stared at the ceiling of his ‘Cell’.
Though ‘Cell’ wasn’t an accurate word for his accommodations. A Cell was the room he had in Zapland, made of cold concrete, with a rock-hard mattress, stainless steel toilet and sink, a small desk, and a steel door that in Trigger’s opinion, really tied the room together.
The room Trigger found himself detained within could hardly be as luxurious. Hastily constructed following the end of the war, the Selatapura Air Base Detention Facility was held within one of the many Hangars in the airfield. Inside was three “multi-bed” cells and surrounding them was the individual solitary cells. Everything on the inside was made from hastily welded together steel beams and wire mesh, leading to almost no privacy inside the large hangar. Trigger wasn’t bothered however, most of the Prisoners of War held in the facility were repatriated shortly after the LRSSG had left, leaving the only inmates in the facility the Oseans serving at the base.
His check in the night prior had reminded him immensely of his time before the penal unit. He was first brought to intake where the Security Forces members confiscated the few personal effects, he had on him and checked for contraband. Afterword’s he was taken to the booking where the Airman took photos of his front and profile view, as well as taking his fingerprints and other personal information. HE was then met by one of the bases Flight surgeons to record his medical history and couldn’t help but smirk at the doctors visible surprise at the various scars that now adorned his body. Trigger was at least passingly familiar with many of the people he had seen, and from the looks on the Airman’s faces, he could tell they were aware who he was.
While going through classifications, Trigger felt conflicted about his own history. To the visible surprise of the Lieutenant checking him in, he could see his record following the Harling Rescue mission get displayed, as well as the follow up paperwork commuting his sentence and the formal pardon granted by the board of inquiry on the case. Almost every Osean was aware that the former president had been killed by one of their own. However, few if any knew that Harling’s Murderer, and the legendary Three Strikes were one in the same.
It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that he was finally processed into the detention center and quickly ordered to bed. His cloths being replaced with a dark brown utility uniform devoid of any insignia beyond a white nametape. It was almost refreshing to wear a ‘proper’ military garment after his months of jeans, t-shirts, flight suits and heavy body armor. Trigger paced his cell briefly before settling into bed. The foam mat providing little comfort, but he fell asleep rather quickly regardless.
***
Trigger wasn't sure if it was before or after midnight when the Frigate pulled into port, not that he cared much as it finally got him out of the cramped brig of the ship and back onto solid land.
Going topside on the ship Trigger could feel the oppressively hot and humid air immediately. His uniform felt tighter, and he could feel it get harder to breathe.
A slight panic set in as he glanced around to the pitch-black darkness around him, the moon was nearly a sliver in the sky and provided the prisoner with no comfort as he tried to regain his bearings.
He was told he was going to an Osean military prison in Usea, but beyond that he was unsure where exactly he was.
"Are you just turning me loose here or?" Trigger quipped. The Sailor scowled and hit him in the back with the butt of his shotgun to get Trigger moving.
With his hands cuffed behind his back, he uncomfortably walked down the gangway, His guard following steps behind him. Halfway down Trigger stopped. "Get moving" the guard barked. Trigger stared at him, squinting in the darkness, "I need to hold on to the handrail, its unsafe" he said defiantly. The guard scowled "You're a murderer, who cares. Now get moving" the guard ordered again.
"No" Trigger replied, Standing his ground. The guard sighed and took a step back, Trigger smirked for a moment before the Guards boot was sent violently into his ribs, Trigger collapsed Gasping before another kick to his sternum sent him rolling the rest of the way down to the hard concrete pier.
He laid on the ground groaning for a moment as he heard the steps of boots following down the gangway.
"There, you made it down. Now get up." The Sailor barked. Trigger coughed and spat out a glob that tasted like copper. "God whose dog did I fucking kick?" Trigger asked rhetorically.
"Get up" the sailor repeated, placing his boot next to Triggers face. "Fine, fine, just help me up" Trigger said surrendering. He was roughly brought to his feet and marched to the entrance of the pier. Closer to land he could see the faint outline of large buildings, but he couldn't see any lights outside of one or two at what he imagined was the rooftops.
Two figures stood waiting for him.
"You the 444?" The Sailor asked.
"One in the same, this the new piece of shit?" One of the men asked.
"Yep, he's also your problem now" the sailor said, shoving him forward.
The two men met Trigger halfway, shining a dull flashlight in his face. The man speaking smirked as he whispered something to his compatriot.
"So, he give you a fight?" The man asked the sailor.
Trigger spoke up "Well, what had happened was-" Trigger was cut off with a blow to the stomach, sending him doubled over in pain. "Shut the fuck up. No one is talking to you." The man hissed.
The Sailor chuckled at the sight “Yeah, something like that.”
“I see, We’ll keep extra watch on him then.” The man replied, turning his attention back to Trigger. “Now you better not give us any more problems you hear? Come on, we’re still gonna put you to work tomorrow and we still gotta get you checked in.” he said walking into the dark void. The second man grabbed Trigger by the arm and guided him. Trigger tried to keep track of how far he was walking but quickly became lost in the void. The first man was guiding himself by the pale light of his flashlight, and to the best of what Trigger could tell, there was no discernable landmarks to navigate by otherwise.
Trigger’s legs were sore from the walk as they finally reached a set of chain-link fences. There was chatter over the lead mans walkie talkie before Trigger heard a buzz and the gate opened. He was led through narrow chain link corridors until reaching the decrepit concrete and steel prison itself.
The sally port was dimly lit by a handful of exposed fluorescent lights. Like with the handful of prisons and jails he had been through in the weeks prior, the guards took his information, checked him for contraband and then threw him into one of the empty cells of the prison.
Trigger rubbed his wrists as he heard the guards walk away.
“Home sweet home I guess.” He said to no one in particular. He walked over to the sink and ran the water. It sputtered before giving a few drops before stopping completely.
“Just great.” Trigger said as he scooped up the little puddle in the sink and splashed his face, He probed and could feel the cuts and bruising already. While not the first fight he had ever found himself in, He was still disappointed with how he performed.
There was a loud coughing noise from the cell next to him, Trigger chose to ignore it and sat down on the hard mattress. The coughing was constant and increasingly sounding acted as the time dragged on.
Trigger sighed and went to the door of his cell, the coughing then stopped “Yo buddy, still alive?” a voice from the other cell asked.
“Who starts a conversation like that?” Trigger groaned.
“Oh, you know, people I guess.” The stranger replied.
“People? You mean weirdos?”
“It’s a matter of perspective really. What they have you in here for?” the prisoner asked.
“Something I didn’t do.” Trigger replied.
The prisoner laughed “You and everyone else buddy. But seriously? What they through you in Casa del Zapland for?”
“Murder.” Trigger replied.
“Oh nice, well you’re in good company then, got a whole lot of those, and a whole assortment of other colorful folks here, I’m sure you’ll get by fine enough if your smart.”
“And if not?” Trigger asked.
“Well, if not? Your sentence won’t be for as long as you thought I guess.” The Prisoner replied.
***
A bang at his cell door roused him awake.
Trigger rubbed his face wearily shaking off the dream. “That’s funny, I could have swore I requested my wake up startle at zero nine hundred.” He said groggily, yawning and stretching out. Slowly he slid himself onto the mat and uneasily got to his feet, desperately missing his cane for stability as he stumbled over onto the wall.
He hissed and steadied himself onto his feet as the guard watched impatiently. "Come on, git up now. Gots someone waiting fer you." The Security forces Airman said in his thick drawl.
"Who now? That OSI Agent?"
The Airman shrugged. "Don't much know about that. Just gots to get you to the interview room right quick. Figure you'll find out there." The Airman replied.
Trigger rolled his eyes "Greeat" he groaned, he turned around and put his hands through the slot in his door, allowing the guard to put the cuffs on him.
The guard opened the door and gruffly took Triggers arm leading him out of the hangar and towards a collection of temporary trailers.
"Do I not get Breakfast first?" Trigger asked annoyed.
"Nah, I don't think you would want it anyway. Watery grits and moldy biscuits. I'll see if I can't sneak you a granola bar or something later." The guard offered.
“Thanks” Trigger said halfheartedly as he was forced up the metal steps into the trailer. The interior was bland, with a metal table bolted to the floor cheap office carpeting and two chairs. A security camera was in the corner of the room, and there was a pitcher of water and a set of glasses on the table. The guard sat Trigger down in one of the chairs and secured his handcuffs and shackles to metal poles bolted to the ground, effectively pinning him in place.
The guard stepped back once he was finished “All rights now, you just hold tight right there, and someone will be along to speak with ya’s.” before he exited the room.
Trigger sat silently, staring at the blank beige walls for a few minutes until the door propped open again, He craned his head around towards the blinding morning light shining in through the doorway see an older woman step in, survey the room before whispering something that he could not hear. Silently she walked to the camera and with a quick and violent motion, pulled the cord from the back of the device. She stared for a moment at her handiwork before exiting the room, paying no attention to the still shackled Trigger.
Trigger’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the sudden onslaught of light when a smaller, younger figure filled the doorway and walked in. Her once long blond hair was cut short, down to above her shoulders. Her skin was still flawless and radiant, but the look on her face betrayed her weariness. Though he could tell she was trying to hide it, her steely blue eyes were that of someone who was slowly being broken down by circumstance rather than age. Instinctively, Trigger tried to stand up, but was pinned to the chair thanks to his shackles.
“Cossette, I-“ Trigger said dumbfounded. She held up her hand to stop him as she took the seat opposite of him. She nodded and the door closed firmly behind him.
She stared at him for what felt like an eternity. Trigger suddenly felt a pit of terror forming in his stomach as he waited for her to speak.
He could see a small smile form at the edge of her lip.
“You grew out a beard.” She finally spoke. Unconsciously Trigger reached up and rubbed his chin. He had hardly taken notice that he had stopped shaving once he woke up on the Milost. Trigger smiled back. “Yeah, figured I would try something new, ya know? I see you did your hair as well.” He replied. Cossette nodded “The long hair was fine for a princess but isn’t fit for a queen. This is what the royal stylist suggested.” She explained. “Royal stylist now? That’s a job title I’ve never heard.” Trigger quipped. Cossette shook her head dismissing the comment “Oh you’d be amazed how many staff I actually have Major.”
Trigger’s heart froze. Major. That one word told him everything of what he was fearing, this was not to be the reunion he had wanted or hoped for. Far from it. Trigger steeled himself and stood up straighter.
“With that being said your highness, I am glad to see you’re ok.” He replied sharply.
“Likewise major. After our separation at McKnight I was worried for you’re safety, When I received your letter I came down right away.” She replied, He could see her face become flush slightly as she finished her sentence.
“I’m glad it got through, wasn’t sure who would be going through your mail.” Trigger replied carefully, looking around the room. Getting the hint, she nodded. “I have been assured that our conversation is to be private. Your government owes me that much.”
Trigger nodded understanding, “Can’t be too careful.” He said sighing and relaxing slightly, the two sat in silence for a time.
“Where were you?” Cossette asked quietly.
“What?” Trigger responded
“I said, ‘Where were you?’ It’s a simple question.” She repeated, her tone was harsh and the same voice she used against her subordinates or the politicians who had interfered with her. Trigger had heard it countless times but had never been on the receiving end. He wasn’t a fan.
He took a moment to formulate his answer before replying. “I’m sorry, I can’t say.”
“Can’t say? Or wont.”
“I can’t.” Trigger replied.
“Why didn’t you contact me? Or anyone, to tell us you were safe? Why now?” Cossette asked.
Trigger thought back to his first talk with Bandog in Chopinburg.
You Trigger, will have to be a ghost. For all intents and purposes, you will have died on May 17th in the attack. You can’t have any contact with your past life while on the job. If you had anyone close, they’re just going to have to deal with an empty pinewood box and a folded flag.
The words stuck out in his mind. He hoped she would understand. He sighed “It was apart of the deal.”
“What deal?”
“The one I made to stay safe. After McKnight it was pretty clear that I was damaged goods to someone, these men, they helped me. In return I had to do some work for them and I had to stay off the radar. It was for everyone’s safety.” Trigger tried to explain.
“What does that even mean? ‘Everyone’s safety’? Who were you working with?” Cossette plied.
Trigger held up his hands defensively. “No one I swear! They just saw an opportunity to bring me on and I did some odd jobs for them, it was all above board.” Trigger replied, though he wasn’t sure how truthfully legitimate his work under Bandog was.
Cossette shook her head. “Trigger, you were gone almost seven months, where have you been?”
Trigger shook his head “I’m sorry, I really can’t say. But just know I was safe, and I was doing good work.” Again, lying about how safe he was, his leg throbbing incessantly.
“If this was good work, why couldn’t you at least tell me you were alive?” Cossette asked.
“I thought it would be better that way to agree to their terms. For your safety.”
“My safety? From what?” Cossette hissed insulted.
“Me. I’m sure you saw the reports, they thought I was involved in those attacks. And whose to say they wouldn’t have tried to pin it on you!” Trigger shot back.
Cossette glared at Trigger, but instead of feeling small, he was livid. An anger was boiling up inside him that he had tried to drown in that bar in Chopinburg months prior.
“Trigger, there are many things I needed protection from. You were supposed to do that. But no, When I needed you most, you vanished. I tried looking for you but everyone said you were dead. No one told me that you were involved in those attacks, and even if they did, I wouldn’t have any of it. So frankly How dare you insinuate I needed protection by you when you’re the one who abandoned me!” She said leaning forward on the table, her voice rising in volume as each word stabbed him like a dagger.
“Well pretty goddamn clearly you found a replacement.” Trigger shot back.
“Excuse me?” Cossette replied incredulously.
Trigger stared her in the eyes “I saw the news you know. I know you and that prick Alex are engaged. When’s the wedding by the way? Do I get an invite as your ex?” He said caustically.
He could see the fury in her eyes, before he could react, his face felt hot as she slapped him. The sharp pain radiated from his cheek. “How dare you!” she hissed
“I have been stuck with that asshole for the past seven months! Where were you? Why didn’t you do something!” she shouted tears streaming down her cheeks.
Trigger focused on the carpeting, unable and unwilling to face her. He felt awful, and not because she struck him.
“I’m here now, aren’t I?” Trigger asked quietly.
“What?” Cossette said, wiping away the tears from her eyes, trying to compose herself.
“I’m here now. And you have no Idea how much I wanted to be with you while I was gone.” Trigger replied exhausted.
He could feel her gaze upon him as he awaited judgement. “Trigger, time has passed. I just don’t know if we can just go back to the way things were. Not now, and maybe not ever.” She replied.
Trigger nodded his head silently.
Cossette took a moment to compose herself and walked to the door.
“Major,” she spoke carefully “Thank you for talking with me.” She replied, knocking on the door to be let out.
Trigger stared at the wall “You know, I never did get an answer.” He said loudly.
“What?” Cossette said turning.
“An answer, you never gave me one that night. I guess now I can make assumptions on what it was all along, but I really wish you could have said something then.” He spoke.
Cossette said nothing and exited the room.
***
“Excuse me!?” Palmer shouted at the unimpressed looking sergeant.
“I’m sorry Agent, the Major is already in an interview with someone, you can speak to him afterword’s.” The Sergeant explained.
“Interview? With who? I’m the only one who he should have an interview with, unless did he retain a lawyer?” Palmer demanded.
The Sergeant shrugged “I’m not at liberty to say even if I knew sir. I just have orders and those orders say that Prisoner 7853 is in an interview from zero-seven-thirty until zero-eight hundred. When it comes from the general staff office, its certainly not my place to question orders.”
Palmer shook his head in defeat turning to Lieutenant McKay. “Can you believe this shit? Go call Oured and see if we can’t figure out who the hell he’s talking to.” He ordered. The young officer nodded and exited the room to make the calls.
Palmer buried his face in his hands in frustration, “Why does this guy have to be such a pain in the dick? I just ask for once can we not have this problem.” He groaned to no one before taking a seat in the waiting rooms uncomfortable plastic chairs.
He checked his watch, His planned interrogation would take them to lunch, then the extradition detail would arrive and Trigger and himself would be headed back to Oured for the investigation to finally conclude and for the court martials to take place. Jeff was quickly getting tired of Usea and the problems it seemed to attract.
There was a flurry of words spoken into the sergeants walkie talkie.
The Sergeant nodded and replied motioning for Palmer. “Agent, if you will come this way, I’ll take you to him now.”
Palmer checked his watch “That was quick.” He remarked
The sergeant shrugged “Guess his first talk of the day was short.” The NCO surmised.
It was a short walk from the duty hut to the interview room they had Trigger set up in. the sergeant Unlocked the door and walked in with Palmer. As Palmer took his seat, he could see the sergeant looking in frustration at the damaged camera in the corner.
“What happened there?” Palmer asked.
“I didn’t do it.” Trigger bantered.
“Shut up.” Palmer ordered.
The sergeant shook his head “Yeah, damn Camera is busted, someone pulled the coax connector clean off. Give me a sec and I’ll grab another camera.”
“No need.” Palmer dismissed. The airman shrugged and walked out of the room, Palmer pulled out his phone and opened an audio recording app, read Trigger his rights and steepled his fingers staring at the pilot.
“So, before we begin, do you have anything to say for yourself?” Palmer asked.
Trigger shrugged before shaking his head.
Palmer raised an eyebrow “Not saying much.”
“Well you did tell me to shut up. Said I even had a right to.” Trigger replied.
Palmer rolled his eyes “I see you’re just as much of the smartass as you were when we met.”
“Ooh language!” Trigger shot back, Palmer ignored the comment and continued “You know Major, you’re not an easy man to find.”
Trigger smirked “Yeah, I’ve been told that.”
“Mind telling me where you’ve been since May?”
“Like I said to the last girl, I’m not at liberty to say-“ he said before leaning close “You know, ‘If I told you I’d have to kill you.’ Sorta deal.” He whispered.
Palmer stared unamused at the joke “You know threatening a federal agent is a crime.” He said flatly.
“Is being a buzzkill also a crime? Because if so, you’re a guilty man.” Trigger said relaxing back into his chair
Palmer noticed a red mark across Trigger’s face. He motioned towards it
“What about that mark there, where’d you get it.” Palmer asked.
“I slipped and fell into a door. Honest.” Trigger lied.
“Really? Sure no one hit you?” Palmer pressed. Trigger held up his right hand with his Index, middle and ring fingers straight out and his thumb and pinky folded “Scouts honor.”
Palmer glanced at the report he was given about Trigger’s intake. The medical examiner had detailed notes about the various scars that now crossed the pilots body that were not there at the beginning of the year. The doctor remarking at the varying quality of the work and surmised its origins, leading to more questions than answers for the agent.
“What about the surgeries?” Palmer asked.
Trigger thought for a moment “Ya know, I always wanted to have work done, and I just came by some deals that were too hard to pass up.”
Palmer didn’t react, instead steepling his fingers and leaning forward. “Ok Major, It’s time to stop the Bullshit. I’m here for only one reason and I will not, have you wasting any more of my time.” He growled.
Trigger leaned forward, his face getting close to the Agents own. “That goes both ways there buddy.” Trigger growled before leaning back.
Palmer took a moment to quell his growing frustration before leaning back in his chair.
“I should have you know that I’ve pulled some strings given your service record Major. I have a plea deal here, endorsed by the prosecution for your court martial. Max of twenty-five but parolable at ten with good behavior. Death penalty is off the table obviously.” Palmer explained.
Trigger leaned back in his chair and tried to fold his arms; an effort made impossible by his shackles. “Tempting; Do I get to choose which club fed I go to this time? The last one you assholes sent me to kind a sucked. Or maybe can I get a letter of recommendation from the judge and opposing council?” Trigger asked sarcastically, a smile forming across his face.
Palmer frowned. “Trigger, I don’t think you understand the gravity of your situation. I have evidence here implicating you with terrorism, sedition, murder, treason, desertion, and aiding and abetting the enemy. That’s just the stuff we have from your adventure on May seventeenth. After that we know you have had contacts with wanted criminals and fugitives, as well as going on the run yourself. Theres enough here to have you put to death.”
The smile fell from Trigger’s face. He leaned in towards Palmer again, his voice dropping to a low growl.
“Agent. Believe me when I say that I’m probably the only one who understands the gravity of my situation. My fiancé has left me. While I didn’t have much of a family, the ones I do have as well as my only friends think I betrayed them. With my injuries, I will never fly again; And Oh yeah! Even if by some miracle I could be found ‘not guilty’, my career is over regardless, and my life is effectively ruined. So yes Agent, I am more than well aware of the gravity of my situation.” Trigger said before he sighed, shaking his head and leaning back into his chair. “You want the truth Agent?” Trigger asked.
Palmer opened his hands and splayed them out. “Enlighten me Major.”
“The truth is I simply just don’t care anymore. Not about Osea, Not about Usea, Not about my career, where I was for the past seven months – All of it. I simply do not give a shit. So, Agent, you can take your deal and shove it up your ass.” Trigger spat.
Palmer leaned back in his chair, his face showing no expression. “I see” he said simply. He slowly stood up and collected his things.
“Major, I’m not going to lie. I’m disappointed in you. For everything I’ve read in your file, the one thing I took you for was smart. I’m sad to see that is not the case.” He said walking to the door. He rested his hand on the knob and turned over his shoulder to Trigger.
“I’m still going to forward this to your JAG Officer. You have about two days to make your choice.” He said exiting the room.
