“The hero of the Pluto colony massacre, savior of the faithful, defending the righteous from attacks of renegade, filthy Anthros, hired by evil, greedy corporations, and sughtering them all without a second thought. I’ve also been called the greatest tactician when I held my own against overwhelming odds during the reformation heresy, fighting off infidels en mass and defeating them before reinforcements arrived. The Prophet allowed me to execute all heretics and their families, which I did with glee, fulfilling the Prophets words and God’s expectations of the faithful. All former Gellicals, but they were led astray by chartans, and now they rest in hell.”

  I listened to his words, each one piling onto my shoulders a weight I couldn’t imagine. My mouth was dry and my nerves were sweeping across my body, nding in my stomach in a neat, nice not. I already knew his name, I knew what he was going to say, but I couldn’t help but listen.

  “I was called a hero, but to many, I was a demon, a vilin.”

  His words were remorseful, his voice quivered as he recalled his life events, his voice was low and rumbled like he was on the verge of tears.

  “The murderer of Alphis Prime, sughtering millions of Anthros, humans, men, women, and children alike. Killing every single one to do God’s will. I never once thought I was doing anything bad. It was all justified. My impnts gave me the iron will to purge worlds, colonies, and heretics alike. I thought I was going to be the herald for a new, faithful world. My deeds would bring in a new time for God to bring back decency for everyone. I found out I was wrong.”

  The ship groaned around his, shuttering a little. Loose wires swayed in their open holes.

  I could see some tears slowly dripping from his swollen eyes. He sniffled a few times. I stood back, slowly moving away from the man. His words still captivated me, but now they meant different than before. They were different now that I knew who he was. I stopped myself. I stepped forward. I was taking my life into my own hands now. There was no more taking punishment from God. I was doing what I wanted; what I felt was right.

  I wiped his tears from his face, “There’s a quote from a man I listened to out in the streets, back on Earth. He was haggard and beat down. Homeless, I think, but his words always stuck in my head after all these years. He said, ‘There is always room for forgiveness in our hearts. Those who seek to change their ways and redeem themselves should always be given the chance. The Lord is a merciful and loving Lord, he will always understand our faults, and we must strive to do the same.’ I think that applies to the Saint Admiral Gabriel the Messenger as well.”

  I pulled his face to look at mine, “You’re words freed me from my own prison, the least I could do is free you from yours.” I smiled at him and kissed his forehead. “You’ve done terrible things, but now you’re here, you’re free of your impnts, and you can do great things now. You can use this new life to help people.”

  Gabriel’s lips split as he smiled back, “You’d make a great preacher. Who knows, maybe you will start your own sect someday. Be a great Prophet.”

  “Fuck that.” I pyfully punched him in his arm, “I’m done with religion now.” I sat down on the cold metal floor. “I have a question for you. What did you see that made you rip out your impnts?”

  “That, I can’t tell you. Not that I don’t want to.” Gabriel shuffled his body around, “If I told you anything I know, it would put a huge target on your head. You’re the one good soul I’ve met since I left. I can’t do that to you.” Gabriel scoffed, “I’m ready for whatever life throws at me. I know you want to free me, but I can’t put you in that position either. Whatever you do, just promise me to get off this ship and find some good people to settle down with. Make a family with those who you love and who love you in return. I’m fine with whatever fate I meet. If I get returned to the Gellys, then so be it. I’ll die atoning for my sins.”

  “Fuck that too.” I stood and paced around the small storage area, my mind racing on what to do. I had free will, and I was going to use it to save this man. Even though he did terrible things, I didn’t want him turned over to the Gellys and be executed. I had to do something. I wanted to do something.

  “I got a proposition for you.” I squatted right in front of him, “I help you escape this shithole of a ship, and you help me escape to freedom. We both end up walking away. No more bullshit. We live our lives the way we want to. What do you say?” I held my hand out to him for a shake.

  He started to ugh, but coughs soon took over. “What makes you think I want that deal?”

  “I know you don’t want to be turned over to the Gellys, otherwise you would have done so yourself. This way, we can get out of here, and if we have to take out some of the crew, might as well. They’re a bunch of bastards anyway.” I grabbed his hand and shoved it into mine, shaking it furiously, “You probably can’t see right, so let me help you. Deal.”

  I scratched my chin as the ship shuddered again. I was out of time now. I needed to head back to my duties before they caught onto me. “I’ll figure something out. They won’t suspect me as long as I keep doing what I was doing before.”

  “What were you doing before?”

  I turned to Gabriel, “Being week, timid, raped, and abused. They won’t see it coming. The drop off is when we’re touching down next. Till then, you need your strength, you need to stay alive, and we can get out of here with our skin intact. I’ll find out where we meeting. I’ll make a pn and everything will be fine.” I had a fire in my heart now. Something was stirring inside of me.

  “I’m starting to think I can’t stop you.”

  “That’s right, Gabe. I got work to do.” I was excited now. I had to leave and figure out this pn. “Til next time.” I quickly stepped out of the door. Teksan was still snoring away. I slipped under him and out into the ship, my mind racing. What the hell was I doing now? Whatever it was, I was starting to like it. I was liking the new me.

  Now, I had to find out some information. Freedom was on the horizon, and I wanted it badly. So badly, I would do anything to get it.

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