Prologue Part 1 - Torture

It should have ended with that gunshot. Two inches to the left and even if I did survive i'd be a vegetable. But they're too vindictive for that.

It should have ended with that gunshot.

But now it looks like i'm in for a long day.

They asked the easy questions first, but even easy questions tax a man when he's been shot in the head. She had good aim too. Grazed the skull. If I could move my hands i'm dead sure I could probably trace an almost straight line of bone that cuts across the side of head.

If I could move my hands.

But I can't.

Truth be told i'm surprised that I can put a coherent sentence in my head, let alone speak out loud. Every inch of me hurts, and I mean every inch. Blood and sweat blur my already failing vision. More than a few of my teeth are knocked loose. Another blow comes and I feel more than hear the crunch of breaking bones. My nose wasn't broken before.

It is now.

With more effort than it should take I spit blood, teeth and my name, rank and unit.
I realize now that i've been muttering the same thing over and over again. People say that you should try to repeat only those 3 pieces of information under torture. I'm sure I don't cut a striking figure mumbling like a lunatic. But it works.

They ask.
I give them the same answer.

They ask again. Politely.
Name. Rank. Unit.

They stop asking questions and use their hands instead.
Good. It means i've beat them this time.

A solid blow lands neatly across my bandaged head and the world I know explodes into a mass of strobing lights and pain. I feel light, like I can fly. If only I could spread my wings I could leave this place behind.

But that's only the pain and blood loss talking. After what seems like a lifetime later, I crash onto the floor and all of a sudden all the lights are gone. No stars, no light, no feeling, nothing.

I pass out, hoping to wake in a place where I keep no secrets.

But I won't.