Author’s Note: Here is a very short little look at the psyche of one of the main characters in a new story I’m formulating. The character’s name is Colonel Baryn Sabir. I don’t know if this will be part of the story or if it will just stand alone, this is just to give you all a taste of what’s coming. When the full story is posted, the title will be changed and probably the summary too. I need to sort some things out first. Also, I’m doing this so you can all let me know if you like the character this way or if you’d like to change him before I begin writing more in depth on the subject. The actual story this precedes will be a romance, but it will not be like my other one “Prison of Desire”. Expect something different here folks, I’m hoping to tackle some racy issues with this so be prepared. I’ll make sure I warn you later on. Have fun and let me know what you all think.

“The Enemy”

The human body is a frail thing, is it not? So easily broken, so quick to decay. But what of the human mind? How much pressure can be applied before it snaps, leaving the body which it occupies to wander aimlessly through corruption until it succumbs to the uncivilized desire it has released? Does one’s upbringing influence the behavior of later years, or are one’s actions merely preordained, laid out plans for one’s course in life? Can one change their behavioral pattern if the proper circumstances arise? Or are they destined to walk the same path on which they currently tread?

            So many questions, so little time to seek the answers. Those are just a few of many which have nagged at my mind for quite some time, leaving me more disturbed each time they arise. I wonder if I’ll get another chance to solve the many mysteries of life, I wonder if this is the only life I’ll live. If so, I wonder what they will say I have accomplished when it’s over. I have worked for so long that I have never stepped back to view my handiwork from another’s perspective. That realization depresses me. When this all started I was overwhelmed with the demands made of me and the task I was asked to take on. But over time that overwhelming feeling just…numbed. Just faded away into a total oblivion until my actions became almost robotic in nature, unfeeling and unrelenting. My mind came close to snapping a few times, myself. The only thing that kept me sane was the enemy’s screams that accompanied the duties of my occupation. They begged sometimes, and sometimes I would listen to them in all their despair as they asked why them? Why were they the ones being punished? I always gave them the same answer. “Because you’re the enemy,” I would say. “You’re the traitor.”

            So, they deserved to be punished, right? Of course they did. Anyone who stands against you and your cause deserves whatever punishment they get. They should all be subject to a penalty of death, if anyone cared to ask my opinion on the subject. But then, my opinion doesn’t seem to matter much in this war, nor the opinions of most others. We’re just pawns and the land is a giant chessboard as we’re maneuvered by hands of the “wise”. My job is to protect the queen, keep out the opposing forces. Seem to be quite good at it, too. Nobody has beaten me yet, and I don’t plan on surrendering any time soon. Of course as in all battles, there is one who stands in my way, or gets in the way is the better term for it. A captain who remains nameless, on the opposing side. A woman, no less.  A smart little cookie that one is. Always seems to step on my toes, and seems damn proud of it as well. Keeps me from being promoted, which is an immense thorn in my side. But she is a formidable adversary and possesses steel nerves and quick wit while on the field, a trait I have come to admire even in her. It’s too bad she’s on the wrong side, we could make quite a team, unbeatable. One day I shall put a name to that face and we will wage one more battle before I put her out of her misery once and for all. I’ll emerge victorious along with my fellow men and our side will reign over the land we fight for with righteous authority and proper conduct. Not like it’s run today, it’s far too lenient, allowing murderers and rapists to walk the street. True, those things occur during times of war such as this. But the destruction of human lives during battle is warranted, it’s inevitable. I accept that. And yes, rape does occur. But only by those weak enough to succumb to the temptation of power and lust it suggests. Not by one such as me, for I am beyond that. Personally, I think a man who forces a female to have sexual relations is in need of some serious self-esteem and respect. I, on the other hand, need not worry about that. I gain respect wherever I go, and my self-esteem is as high as anyone’s. I have never been present at a carnal violation of that sort, nor do I know anyone who has admitted to committing such an act. Certainly none of my men have committed such an atrocity, why would they? They shouldn’t feel that need. As a soldier, there should be no lust for physical pleasure. It would only serve to impede your mission. Nothing should get in the way of your cause, least of all the ridiculous desire for passion. And if you do desire anything, it should be victory and advancement. At least those things will get you somewhere, unlike passion. To destroy the enemy, that is what should drive you. I don’t mind destruction and carnage, as long as it helps me get to where I’m going. And that is to the top of the heap, where I can rest easy knowing that all of my efforts will be rewarded and acknowledged. But I know that the enemy will not be far behind. There is always someone who stands in opposition, always someone to fight. But I’ll always be ready for them. That’s my job. It’s what I’ve been living for. To destroy the rebellion. Extinguish the enemies fire, break their barricades, capture the weak, win the war. But first, I have to deal with a slight annoyance first and the worst kind, an enemy who keeps fanning my flame.