The Collective Read Online Free

His lack of patience or empathy for the rank
and file was an attribute that the community was painfully aware throughout his
tenure. A potent mix of cruelty and intelligence guided him in his rise to his
position of status. Stepping out of the helicopter, he surveyed the dismal
town.  His pets lived better than these people, yet they refused to die. Rarely
were any of them of use, lest for entertainment. Now he had learned there was
access to an illegal water source, which would undoubtedly cut into the House
of Vancrew water supply. This could upset the power generation for the Xonox
family. Every drop of water was precious in his bid to become a member of the
House. His goal was the unlimited access gained by inclusion into the
Collective. Once a member, mere thoughts frequently became reality. He would
make an example of these peasants and halt any future insolence. As he strode
towards his Captain, with two guards in step, he could hear the reading of the
Distribution Protocol. To his left were two Hummer trucks with nine guards
standing in a half circle. The sunglasses on their faces shielded their eyes,
but Distor was sure they were unblinking. These men were the lucky few, pulled
from the depths of poverty and given a station in life. They were not among the
elite, but lived a life of comfort none would forfeit. The small army was more
for show. The townspeople would not defy him or water would be the least of
their concerns. Distor interrupted his Captain as he continued to read Loun’s
crimes. “Thank you Captain. I think this man fully understands his crime. What
is your defense?”
    The Water Facility leader spoke calmly as he glared
intently at the criminal sizing him up. Loun’s age and clothes seemed to shield
an inner power. Taut arms and legs told Distor that this man had served the old
country, killed for it and was not to be taken lightly. His aggressive stance
was tempered by a void in his eyes that he could not place. It was haunting.
    “Sir, my wife is dying. She has been ill for a while.” Loun
fumbled over his words looking from the armed men back to his home. “I only
hoped to get her stronger again before I reported the well. We need medical
supplies...”
    Distor raised his hand to silence Loun’s pleas. “You test
my intelligence with your lies.  You have stolen from the Xonox Family and
therefore the House of Vancrew. Do you have anything that I can consider in a
trade for your life?”
    Reaching to his waist, Distor unholstered the small pistol
at his side. The gun shone as he removed it, catching the glint of the sun. It
looked fresh off the manufacturing line for good reason; Distor rarely used the
weapon. When he did, people died. Normally he would let his guard beat and
dispose of the culprit, but the charge was too grievous. This situation called
for a public execution, fired by a single bullet, the way only he could
administer. The atmosphere was deathly silent. The whirring of the helicopter
propellers cut thru Loun’s plea for leniency. Suddenly running out of the
woods, half out of breath, Abel appeared. The scene was disturbing to behold;
thirteen soldiers, two armed vehicles and a dark helicopter swirling the dust
in front of his home, his father surrounded and begging for mercy. Abel could
see the two straddled ‘XX’s’ which was the crest of the Xonox Family. All the
guards, equipment and vehicles bore the mark. He heard stories about Xonox and
his so-called kindness. Some teenagers from the village had broken into a Water
Mediation area for a bath and a few sips, but were discovered. They were
supposed to be killed, but Xonox showed kindness. He employed them as slaves in
his House until the debt was paid. But all the townspeople knew the payment
would be too steep for the unlucky pair to gain freedom. Concern was etched
across his face as he imagined the penalty for his family. Repayment did not
seem to be an option. Half the guards spun around to face Abel, locking