World War IV: Empires Read Online Free Page A

entire body shook as the words left his mouth.
    “Manuel, my name is Delun Ren. I am emperor here in the east.” He waited for the man to say something, anything, but Delun’s only answer was more shakes and spasms, the engineer refusing to look him in the eye. “I am not President Ruiz, Manuel. There is no need to fear me.”
    Manuel looked up, his eyes bloodshot, underlined by dark circles. The sleep deprivation looked more akin to abuse than lack of rest. “M-my f-family. What h-happened to them?”
    Delun glanced over to Fung, who answered on cue. “We managed to bring some of their families with us. However, not everyone was as cooperative on the journey.”
    The engineers perked up, the first signs of life welling up in their eyes. They crawled on their hands and knees toward Fung, who shooed them away, then to Delun’s feet, where they bowed their heads. “Please, Emperor, please, let us see our families. We will do whatever you ask of us. Whatever you want.”
    Delun forced back a smile, retaining the stoic expression he’d mastered. “I know that you have suffered.” He reached down his hand and placed it gently at the top of Manuel’s head. “But know that your sacrifices have not been in vain. Unlike Ruiz, I do not treat those with such cruelty who serve me. But”—Delun removed his hand, and Manuel lifted his head—“I do demand willful acceptance.”
    Delun stepped away, and the engineers crawled forward a bit then stopped when Delun’s guard intercepted them and brought them to their feet. One of the crates that contained a prototype of the weaponry the engineers worked on rested nearby. Delun ran his hands over the cargo, the rough wood catching in the grooves of his palms. “What you have created will change the landscape of this earth. We can make it safer, better than the world we inherited. But to do that, others must understand the consequences of opposing us. Every man that fights for me, works for me, serves me, does so of their own will. I do not tolerate slaves. So, here and now I will give you a choice. Help me finish what you have built here, teach my men how to use this equipment, and you shall live like kings, and your families will become royalty. Choose not to serve me, and I will put you on a boat and return you to your homes in Brazil.”
    The engineers looked to each other, unsure of what type of tricks Delun was playing. They squirmed with uncertainty. “You will let us and our families go?”
    “I will.” Delun watched their expressions and the quiet murmurs they whispered to each other in their native tongue, deliberating on whether or not they could trust him. “If you need time to—”
    “No,” Manuel said, rising from his knees, his malnourished body struggling with the simple task. “I wish for me and my family to return home.”
    Delun nodded. “Very well, and the rest?”
    Slowly, one by one, the engineers stood then walked over to Delun and bowed. “We pledge you our service, Emperor.” Each of them took their turns bowing, offering their allegiance, and stepping aside.
    “A wise choice,” Delun said then turned to Manuel. “For all of you. Fung will take care of the necessary details for each of your wants and needs. I thank each of you for your honesty.”
    Fung led away those that had chosen to stay with Delun, leaving Manuel isolated. Delun dismissed the guards watching them, which left Delun and Manuel alone. The emperor walked over to the engineer and wrapped his fingers around Manuel’s thin arm, barely anything there but skin and bone. “You are married, Manuel?”
    “Yes,” Manuel answered, following Delun down the docks. “My wife was pregnant when Ruiz took me. It’s been nearly a year, and I have never seen my child.” A tear cut its way through the grime on his cheek. “A child should know their father.”
    “Yes, they should.” Delun nodded, agreeing. “It’s a hard life, never knowing the man that helped create you. It was a