A Choice Among No Choices
by Roxanne Felix
“She’s one of those,” Scarface said. “It would be better if she was an atheist. Then, at least she’d be committed. But those who pick and choose – pick and choose! – the underlying foundations of life, those are the ones hardest to convince. It’s weak material for a soldier, Tobias. Those rules about the nectar of the Creators is ancient, a system of bestowing gifts that no longer applies to the current state of battle. It should have been abolished long ago.”
Gregg rose from his chair and his blue eyes brightened. Until Tobias placed one hand on his chest and pushed him down into his seat, an astonishing feat as Gregg was not a lightweight.
“Commander.” Tobias’ hand clenched around his hide-covered book.
“Dinah, you have been gifted with special powers,” Scarface said.
Dinah stood. “This is enough, what the hell do –”
“As your commanding officer, I have not given you permission to speak.”
Dinah’s retort died under the authority of Scarface’s voice. Its force beat against her chest and the man seemed to grow to eight feet tall. Suddenly, Dinah imagined hundreds of men, women, and beasts, all listening with devotion to every word he uttered. She shook the image out of her head. It was as if she had flashed into a renaissance painting. She sat down quickly.
“You said the Champion wasn’t an officer. You said he was equal to you.” Gregg measured Scarface with his stare. “A commander, not a soldier.”
“This isn’t about you, anymore, Gregg. It’s about her. Dinah must choose,” Scarface said.
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