Ch. 1
Caba was twisting around as the dream reached its usual apex.He heard explosions and plasma fire."We found one!",screamed a strange voice."Is he alive?" "i think so...lets kill the little ***,""No,he may know something."
Then he awoke,drenched in sweat.It had happened twenty years ago yet the dream kept occuring.They had found him after a surprise attack that had left Caba with a projectile in his left hoof.He still wondered if their letting him live was a curse or a wisgh come true.After all it was lonely as a grunt on Earth...He sat up and went into his living room.He still marveled at the fact that the UNSC had kept him alive.Had even given him a home.He lived in the area he had learned was called Texas when the Earth had been separated.Not thar it mattered to him.Somedays he felt a deep home sickness for the Covenant.But,strangely he felt right at home.There was no freezing storms here as was common on his homeworld.
He shook himself from his day dreams and turned on the T.V."Oh great."he snarled as he saw yet another cartoon depicting the Covenant as blood thirsty heathens.The war had ended some twelve years ago but many still felt Covenant were the root of all evil.He was stared at and cursed at as he went out.Noone ever saw him as a living thing.Just another God damed Covenant.At first he had tried to distance himself from the Covies.But there was little that he could do.No surgery could help him and he still needed his methane tank where ever he went.Eventually became immune to the curses and Disrespect others gave him.
He turned off the T.V and walked to his methane closet.The government had made his house livable by pumping it with quality methane.But he still could not leave the house without his tank.He went on his usual route to get his "favorite" human food,chicken.It was one of the few human foods he could swallow without emptying his gullet.I never have privacy anymore he mused to himself as he felt squishwed by the bodyguards who kept people from blowing up his methane filled home.He still had a limp from the wound he had recieved on that night.His mind slowed as he went back to that fateful night...
Ch.2
He awoke in a small cell.At first he couldn't remeber a thing.The voices and the horrible pain in his...His hoof!He quickly said a prayer to the profet that his hoof was still there.He looked down to not only see it but see it was healing nicely.Strange ,he thought.A bruter would have simply killed him or left him for dead.
Yet these people,these humans,hwelped him when he was in pain.How strange these Humans were.A human walked into the room.He automatically flinched away with the enemy.He had heard stories of how the "troops from the skies"(ODST's)Would cook Grunt flesh with plasma and eat it off their hooves.But thuis one didn't look like it had been raised by brutes.He looked nervous."Why should he be nervous?" Caba asked himself.Perhaps he thinks i am terrifying he mused.He did a little chuckle that made the marine jump.Wow,he marveled.Theyre scared of me.A small grunt,locked in a cell who has no weapon and is wounded.He began to laugh with the sasd humour that was thick enough to eat.
All of a sudden he fealt his gullet wail.He couldnt get up so he simply emptied his gut in front of him.A human soldier walked in.He dropped a plate of what Caba could only describe as dafrago for him to eat.It looked as if it was alive but upon deeing it he couldn't help but devour it.Funny,I atevworse at camp.It began to dawn on him that his life in the covenant hadn't been a happy one.The blue death,the lack of any respect,the utter humiliationj he faced every day.And,a couple days before capture he had found his brother ,Dabab,had died in battle on the installation above a Human settlement called Harvest.
He awoke in a daze.He hadn't realized he'd fallen asleep.He looked around to find himself in the same cell.He sniffed.The smell of meat met his nostrils with a tight embrace.He looked at the door and saw that someone had given him a piece of meat.He lunged at it and stuffed it into his mouth.It tasted almost like his fvoritye meal from home,only less salty and less cold.He shivered at the thought of his home planet.
He heard a bang and looked to the door on his left.In came a soldier with a very colorful uniform.Perhaps he can tell me whats going on,he thought to himself.As he had fought he had picked up traces of the human dialect."Where am I?"he asked.The soldier,upon hearing this leveled his small arm at him."I mean you no harm,I have no weapon while you do.Now,where are we?"He spoke with confidence as he saw the human gaze horrified at him.That an alien spoke his language shocked him.He stammered"Well,you were found on a raid into the covi,ahem,Covenant camop just roughly 20 miles south of our base.We picked you up.Now your on a cruiser headed to Earth."
Ch.3
Caba realized that he was almost at the store.Many thought he was a funny little creature for having a cane.As time wore on he had almost not noticed the need for a cane.But as he walked he soon tired of hearing the snikers and jokes of passerbyes."If only i had a Needler"He mused under his breath.He had seen many soldiers do "interesting" things to humans with a Needler.He didn't really hate humans he just felt as if he wasn't a part of the scene.An outsider.
As he entered the store,he immediately noticed a change in the enviroment.He walked down the aisle and picked up the usual chickens and fish and other little things."You'd think he'd be bigger with all he eats."snickered a bodyguard.Technically,Caba was the Humans superior but if he tried to report the man he would not be doing anything except make the guards angry at him.
He walked up into the checkout line.Their was one human however,that did treat him as an equal,a friend,a citizen.Suzan,the manager of the store,always treated him respectfully and sometimes even came over.It was interesting that in his house ,she was the one who had to where a suit.But he always made sure that she would be safe.He felt an over bearing affection for her.Humans clled it love.When he learned about what followed love he bust out in laughter."Me!?A grunt prisoner?!Doing that to a Human!Christ,why would i do that?"Strangely,Christianity had seemed actually much better than the Covenant.He felt an affection but he didn't believe in that way.He once again looked back on his days after his capture.
Ch.4
Caba,after being on the cruiser long enough, soon became more familiar with the crew.He was allowed to walk around the ship after it was seen he was no danger.Many of the crew regarded him with cold stares.But there were a few who were friendly to him and helped him when they could.He would ask them about Earth and what it was like.They told him it was a civilized place full of cities and and good times.Being adventourous,he was interested in Earth.He would explore the ship and try to learn how humans "worked".
After a month upon the ship he had gained the trust of almost every marine upon the ship.He learned how to play cards and soon becme close to the crew.And his Human vocabulary flourished.He soon believed that being captured was one of the best things that had ever happened to him.
He was content until one day when he was in the messhall.He was eating his now favorite food chicken when he heard a bit of conversation between a marine and ODST."That little alien shouldn't be alive.He's the enemy!We should be stickin him with a grenade and leave him.But we're feedin him!even being his friend!""I know.Its wrong but the brass said we needed to make him feel safe even like a family.What are you gunna do?Back talk the Admiral?""The ODST looked hatred into the marines eyes but did not dare say he would go against orders.
The conversation crushed Caba's faith in the Humans.He never quite looked at them the same.When a Marine offered him a seat the next day he screamed in fury"What was that an order to!?!?Go stick your seat up your grytarew!"The human didn't understand what he hadsaid.He giggled inside at his stupidity.He therew the ugliest curses he new and not one marine understood.He was content and then walked to get some fried chicken.
Ch.5
As Caba payed for the chicken,he saw Suzan in the corner speaking into a cell phone.Maybe I should invite her over,he though to himself.As he walked over to her she saw him coming and gave him a smile and told him to wait for a moment.As he waited his eyes were drawn to a man who seemed very calm,as if he had not a care in the world.He looked at Suzan then walked over to the man.As he got closer he thought he saw a small devise of some sort.He suddenly felt very uncomfortable.These humans were covered in gadgets but this seemed strangely different.He walked back to Suzan and motioned for her to come outside with him.She looked questioningly at him then finally hung up.He walked her outside,and as they turned the corner to discuss the strange man an explosion rocked the ground.
Being of a short hight he hardly ever fell or tripped and propped up Suzan as she stumbled.He walked back to see what had happened.The store,the exact store he and his only friend had been in not two minutes ago,was awash in smoke and flame. He stood there in shock and couldn't move.After a few moments he realized someone was pulling at his shoulder.He looked up to see a dazed Suzan.She murmured sometning but he didn't quite catch it.She said it again even louder and with a voice full of rage."URF!!!Those God dmned mother *** sonsabitches!!!!!"In all of his years that he had known Suzan he had never heard her speak with such utter anger and vehemence.Caba asked in true curiosity
"Who are the URF?"Her eyes changed and she realized that Caba was next to her."The URF are the people from the outer colonies who rose against Earth when they feel mistreated."Caba felt strange.Almost numb.He heard Suzan and everything around him,but time seemed to slow..."Are you all right?"Caba jerked awake to find himserlf in a white room with cabinets and a man all in white."Are you all right?"He asked again.Caba looked down to see that he was swaddled in blankets and then it finall registered.I'm in a hospital,he thought with relief.He relaxed on the bed and noticed someone outside his door."Who is that he asked the Doctor."Oh,she's the lady who brought you in after the market was bombed."So it wasn't been a dream.""Nope.You were lucky you hadn't been in there when it occured.Your lady friend said you asked her to leave before the explosion.You two are very lucky."With that he slowly fell asleep...
Ch.6
He awoke to the feeling of loneliness.After hearing that conversation between the Marine and ODST yesterday he realized just how different he and the Humans were.He had no friends left in this world.I will not ever trust a Human again he vowed.As a Human walked in he sneared and turned around in his bunk to put hios back to the soldier.As the soldier passed,Caba,for the first time since capture,wondered how it would feel to massacre the little loptrew.It wouldn't be hard...Just run up kick in hs knee and tear out his little puny throat.But after a moment he stifled the urge.It would do nothing except make him die sooner.He slowly hobbled to the cafeteria to get his food.
As he walked in he was aware of the stares that were being aimed at him.He laughed on the inside.'They not have known what i said but it scared the iteraw out of them.As he walked to the slow moving line he indulged himself a small favor.As he had seen,most of these soldiers never kept their arms.He ran up to a Marine about his height and screamed"I LIKE YOU!!!!"in Unggoynese.He nearly voided himself right there.But,Caba soon found out,this was something marines did not let slide.
He felt a piercing pain in his stomach and looked down to see his stomach was pushed in about a foot along with the Marines hand.He fell to the ground in a heap.Marine from all over ran up and began kickin him.He started to lose concsiousness when he heard a sharp"Attention!"The blows stopped falling and he rolled over to see who had saved him.A man in all white walked up and gave him a big kick in the stomach."Get up",he man yelled.Caba struggled up and stood swaying.The man kicked him over and said"If you ever *** with a marine again you won't live to regret it."Caba got up slowly.Well,he said to himself,I got away with it.Even though his body hurt his heart sang a small song.
Another man in white walked up and carried him to the Sick Bay.He spent the rest of the trip in sick bay humming the song of the grunt revolution.Soon he thought,I'll be the first and only grunt on Earth,And he began to weep the sorrow of a Grunt without a friend.
CH.7
...Caba slowly opened his eyes to see a white sterile room.'Oh right,he said to himself,im in the hospital'.He sat up to see Suzan sleeping in a chair with a magazine on the floor.He still wondered why she always protected him and helped him without even Caba's asking.Perhaps she did 'love' him.Of course it could never be but it seemed that it was the truth.Why else had she helped him get started on Earth?As well as always defend him.
He struggled out of the bed and by ther time he got down she was stirring.He walked over to her and said"Hellooooooooo?Anyone home?".She nearly jumped out of her skin.She looked down at him and gave him a big hug,which was quite difficult as she tried to put her arms around his methane tank."I'm so glad your alright!"she said in delight."What about the store?"Caba asked.She said nothing and just started to crie.She rarely did this with Caba around.He did what so many hours of T.V said you should do.He hugged her and said"It's alright.Your safe.Hush,its alright.".As he said this he began to keckle loud enough for Suzan to look up to see Caba on the floor laughing."What are you laughing at?,she said with a small trace of fury."I used to be a soldier who killed off humans in waves and now,I'm here,comforting a female human."As he said this he realized she might dislike his bringing up the military past.To his astonishment she laughed and said it was a little funny she supposed.
As she was about say something the doctor walked in."Well',he said looking at Caba,'it seems like your well enough to go.If you would just sign out..."As Caba walked out he asked the Doctor"I have been here before but didn't ask.Why is it that you don't show some dislike towards me?".The Doctor looked at him and said"Well...We have a law in medicine.It says that whoever is in need of medical attention,no matter what race,stature or,in your case, species,deserves that attention.We feel all are the same in a hospital."Caba turned this over in his mind and felt it was a interesting and fair way to work.He thanked the Doctor and went outside with Suzan.
It was sunny and still day outside.He heard sirens in the distance and he realized it was still the same day as the explosion caused by the group called "URF".He looked up to see smoke."So the fire still rages?"he asked.Suzan looked down at him and said"Yes,it does.How is it that you knew?How did you know it was unsafe to stay in the store?"He looked up at the column of smoke and said almost to himself."While I was waiting for you,I walked around and noticed a man with a strange device.All humans,it seems to me anyway,have a technical advice.But this one was...different.It seemed familiar...as if I had used it before..."As Suzan heard this she felt confused by it.But,he had answered his question.Caba looked up at her and asked"Would you like to come over?"She thought it over and shook her head."I think I'm just gonna come home.Get a nice long nap.Maybe some tea.Bye."Suzan walked off,leaving Caba alone in front of trhe hospital.
He began walking home.15720,15721,15722 Fox Springs Drive.He still wondered where humans got these strange names for roads.Covenant roads just said"road 1-100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.Oh well.Humans were just more eccentric.He entered his home,grabbed a drink and went to dream the dream of his first day on Earth.
Ch.8
Caba woke up to find the movement of the ship to have changed.It was as if...The atmosphere!They must be landing!He struggled up from his bed.He was still in pretty bad shape from the beating.He got down from the bed and slowly hobbled to the door.He could hear humans running outside the room.Their bioots clacking on the floor with a sense of urgency.Just as he was about to exit a Medic entered with a strange chair.It was like a normal chair plus a pair of tires.The Medic told him"Get onto the wheelchair.We're about to land and the Captain wants you to be the first off."
The Captain,thought Caba,could kiss his esra for all Caba cared.He hopped up onto the 'wheelchair' and was moved to the unloading area.Well,Earth,here I am...The Bay opened up to show a ocean of people all screaming for their returning troops.As soon as Caba was off the ship,an awed silence filled the air.He felt an awe at the size of the crowd."Hello?"He said with little more than a whisper.The crowd broke the silence.Bottles blocks,shoes,anything that could be thrown was.He was given a berth of 20 ft.as he was wheeled through the crowd.He was still hurt fairly badly by the time him and the Medic got to the building he was to take refuge in.
Once they entered Caba immediatly noticed a man in grey behind a desk.He had a face as still as stone and didn't even flinch at Caba's appearance.The man stared at him with hatred."Why were you captered?""Why?Why?I got shot in my hoof!"Caba couldn't believe the stupidity of this.Who wanted to be captured?The officer looked at him and said calmly"If you raise your voice in here one more time you'll have wished you stayed outside."Caba shut his snout and answered each question without resistance."Why were you stationed in the area?""I was needed there because there was a lack of grunts.""Why do you need a wheelchair?"Caba wondered if he should lie but knew if the officer wanted to know he would find out eventually."I screamed at a marine.Then I was pummeled by surrounding soldiers."The officer looked at him with disgust."You are now property of the UNSC.We will not tolerate any bullshit.If need be will put a bullet in that tank of yours and see how you fare."Caba had heard stories of how grunts who's tanks got shot didn't die instantly but rather died from burning to death or suffocation."You will receive a small quarters in a neighborhood.You will have bodyguards.We will know your every movement."
As Caba took this all in he realized that capture really was bad.That his life was not better merely not worse."Dismissed."A soldier walked Caba out into the diminishing mob.
Ch.9
Caba awoke with a start.He still had that dream once a week.He got up and went to the bar.At his first try he had wondered why humans drank alcohol.It tasted like yulters and made you sick if you had too much.But,after some time of experimenting he had learned it was great for getting rid of a bad memory for a couple of hours.As he took out the bourbon and ice he wondered what the point was.It always ended the same.He would get one drink,then another,then one more.He would be in his happy place until he fell unconcious.He would wake up and feel like he should be dead.He would drink more.And more.He would waste a week being hung over and drinkin away his sadness.
As he was goin to start this cycle he heard a buzz.He sprang up from his chair.Suzan.This would brighten his day!He looked through the peep hole and saw her with all her gear neede to enter his abode.She ran in and he quickly closed the door.No point to letting out all the methane.He looked over out her and quickly gave her all his attention.She looked afraid,scared,panicked."What's wrong?"She looked at him in utter sadness."They think it was you.""What are you talkin' about?" he asked. "They think you planned the explosion..."She stared off into space."A man walked into my house and asked if i knew you.I said'Of course,he's a friend.'He looked at me like i was somethin he found under his boot.'We believe he assisted in the attack yetserday.Have you noticed anything strange Ms.Hamilton?'.I told him no and to leave my house."Caba was sweating.This can't be!Noooo!I didn't do it!"His blood was turning to ice.He looked up to Suzan."What should I do?"
Ch.10
Caba looked down the the dirty alley.He was still wondering why he had come."Because you have no other choice."he muttered to himself.It had been two days ago since he had left his home.One day since he had seen Suzan drive away from the Bus station.He had rode that monstrocity all the way to San Antonio.Once he had gotten there he checked into a hotel.It was disgusting how these people kept it.He went out to get food and came back to find a note on his bed.'You have problems.We have solutions.Come see us at the alley behind Stovers.'He had been afraid.How had someone got into his room.He had laughed,suddenly full of dark humor."This place is so full of holes anything short of a ship could get in."He took the note and walked out the door.Why be afraid?I'm running from a entire government,why not give it a shot?
He started walking into the alley and heard a garbage can fall over.He pulled out his small knife,the only thing the UNSC thought him harmless with.He had gotten it from Suzan,who had thought he would be hurt.These thoughts of Suzan made Caba feel full of sorrow.She had helped him so much in his stay on Earth.Now he would probabaly never see her again.He got to the end of the alley and waited.As Caba began to wonder if he should have stayed home he heard shuffling."Hello?""We have solutions.""And I have problems?"A man walked up to him carrying a knife of his own."Indeed you do my friend."He put away the knife and shook caba's claw. Come with me.
They walked until they got to a small bar.The large man talked to the bar-keep,mentioning something about business.He gave the man a folded bill and walked Caba to the back of the bar and pulled a switch.A small panel popped out of the wall.The man typed in some code and a seam Caba hadn't before noticed appeared in the wall.They went through and pulled the door in behind them.Caba was led to a small room with another man across a table.He felt a vague feeling of fear and apprehension.Why am I nervous?And then he remebered this was similar to his meeting with that damed officer.The man offered his hand"Welcome to the Friends of the Friends."
Ch.11
Caba woke up from his horrible nightmare.The dream of his capture.He looked up to the ceiling.Wait.Where am i?He looked over to his side and saw a wall.His memory woke up.The landing,the officer,the new house...A house!He got up and looked around.It was a large room room.He had a feeling of wonder.My own house!he thought.He took a tour and found he had a house of his own.He felt lighter than air.Hr felt faster less bulky...why was that?He felt his back to find...NOTHING!Where was his pack!He could...n't...breathe?Caba took a deep breath and noticed the bluish look of methane.How wonderful!Perhaps capture wasn't bad.
He walked around and explored the house.He found the methane tanks and put one on to go out side.He gingerly stepped outside and saw a small group of body guards.They looked over at him and asked"Where do you wanna go?"He didn't know where but he knew he was hungry."To a cafeteria?"He asked meekly as he remebered his still sore limbs."Sure.What ya want?"Chicken please.""All right goons let's get his Majesty some chicken."The men got up to leave and Caba was about to go with them but the leader named ,Jennen,said it would be much safer for him to stay home.
So he waited for them.He looked at some of the famous T.V.and found what he understood crude and the rest ridiculous.The Covenant cowards?Evil?What kind of ertyuth had humans gotten a hold of?The Covenant was fearless and pure.He finally went to sleep and was rudely awoken by a ringing sound.He wondered what it was till he saw his "goons" outside.Hwe ate his chicken and wondered what his life could be like as the only grunt on Earth.
Ch.12
Caba felt safe with this man.He had a large,imposing figure.The man was walking him to "the boss".Who ever this man was,he was a beloved man it seemed.He asked the man why he liked the the boss."I was 17."The man said slowly as he recalled the reason."I was a kid.A punk.I was with a crowd that was bad for me and my family.I was out one night.Drunk.When a man walked up to me."Wait.I need to talk to ya.""I slowed down and told him to *** off.Then the guy belted me.I fell back and passed out.I awoke to some interesting news.It seems that,at the meeting my group,there had been a drive bye.I had wondered why I was alive.Then my mind wirred back to last night.That guy had told me to stop..."He stopped walking and looked down to Caba."The boss saved me that night.He got someone to hold me up so i would live.He allowed me into The Friends of the Friends.I owe him my life.I owe him my soul."The man was shivering.A tear slid down his cheek."He has kept my family safe.That is why I like,no,love the boss.I would do anything to keep him safe!"He slammed his fist into a wall.He stood silent then looked down with a crooked grin."Hope I didn't scare ya friend."Caba followed in silence."What is your name?"he asked as they neared a door.The man stopped and looked down at Caba."I'll tell you when you leave this room."
He shooed Caba into the sparsely decorated room.There was a large man who looked at Caba with the a jeweler's eye as he sat in the chair.Picking out every possible flaw that Caba may hide."My friend.Let me be clear.If you enter the Friends of the Friends,there is but one way you'll ever leave...through death.My ancestors had a saying'You come in kickin and you go out dead',and that will stay true.We are your shield.If we cast you out,You have a day,two at most until you are dead.But,if you should stay with us you will work with us.Do you accept us as Family?As loved ones?""Yes.I feel as if we are a family.""Then,my brother,Welcome to the Friends of the Friends."Caba was overwhelmed.He felt safe.He felt secure.These men would keep him safe!Caba walked around the table and bowed before his protector."I lay my life at your feet.Sir".The man looked down at him and smiled a cool smile."Very good.Now go out and meet your Family."
Caba walked outside into a large group of men lead by the man who had lead Caba here."Welcome to the Friends!!!!"A cheer rang out and the group surged towards Caba.Men picked him up and gave him bear hugs and slipped bills into his pockts.He felt a euphoria of love,belonging that he had lost the day he heard the ODST on the ship.After the group dispersed,Caba's friend walked over."My name is Bineto Hondurez,but call me HB."Caba ran at Bineto and rapped his arms around him."Thank you."Caba finally belonged.
Ch.13
Caba had been on Earth for a year.He hated Earth.People.Whenever he left his home he was abused.He learned just what liquor truly was for.He drank more than he ate.He only left the house when necesary.He had no friends.Only goons.Why not die?It would be quick,easy and be less of a hassle than living.
But one day,while outside on a necessary errand, a group confronted him.Why did I tell those ylugfdigs to stay home?he thought in fear.He was 4 ft.He had a scarred hoof.He wasnt goin anywhere.The group surrounded him.He saw a knife a tire bar and a crowbar.So this is it?I'm gonna die by the hands of some angry bastards?He looked around and thoughtOh well.He lunged at the closest man and tore at his face with his claws.Theothers started screaming and ran at him.He jumped off and ran through the broken circle.He went through alleys and streets without thought.He ran into a woman as he ran out of an alley."Help ME!!!!!"He screamed.She looked afraid but nodded.She grabbed him and ran to her car.She through him in and drove off
Caba stayed low and shivered as he took account of what just happened.He had gotten away...He had gotten away from 10 armed humans.He'd even left his "mark".He slowly started laughing until he was bellowing with glee."Those stupid ***.They didn't get me!"He looked up to see the person who had saved him.She was a tall female with blonde hair and white skin.By human standards,she was gorgeous.He touched her arm and she jerked.She turned her head and asked,"What did I just do?"."You just saved my life!"They drove on in silence."Could you take me home?",Caba asked."Where do you live?""15722 Fox Springs""Alright,but who did I just save?Your a grunt,so your not hard to kiss but whats your name?""Caba,Caba Sengyl.And yours?""Suzan Harvey.I work at that grocery store.Actually I believe you go there once a week."He nodded and got out of the car as they neared his home."Bye"Suzan said.She furrowed her brow and asked"Can I come in?I would love to see how a grunt lives.""Well...OK.Wait here."
Caba went inside past the questioning guards and rummaged in a closet.Aha!He held up the Oxygen suit.This was so his guards could live in his house.His body guards lived in the houses to the other sides and hung out around his house usually.He brought back the oxygen suit and told Suzan to put it on.She quickly put on the suit consisting of a helmet encompassing down to her sholders.She quickly walked into the house,Caba in hot pirsuit.They walked around the house,Caba showing her all his house.After a few minutes they had seen the whole house.
She looked down at him and asked"What is it like to be a grunt?""What is it like to be a human?I am proud to be an Unggoy.You humans hate me but then again I don't care much for you all either.""She stared at him."And me?"Caba was surprised."You...You saved my life and haven't threatened me.You are a friend.My only friend."He started to cry.This was,since nearly two years ago,was his only friend.His only good friend.Now he had one.Somone to rely on.He showed her the door and went over to the sofa.He got drunk that night.But celebration is a thing best served with a spirit or two.
Ch.14
Caba,upon being allowed into the Family,was moved into the Family mall.He had his own house.It was quite luxurious.He had waiters who waited on him hand and foot.He had become a close friend of both the Don and HB,who,Caba had found out not long ago,was the Don's now adopted son.His only quarrel was the fact that he had to wear his suit.The Don felt it was accident prone to have a house full of methane and said that it wouldn't really work.But methane was still attainable for Caba's tank.In other words,he had a near perfect life.
A knock came at his door as he began sipping his bourbon.He sat it down and opened the door.Caba knew this man well.He saw him at his little acceptance party and he had been a enthusiastic person.Ban Hammerson,that was his name!"Time to earn our keep."he said.There was no happiness in his face.It was sallow but eager."What do you mean?""We have to have someone clipped.""Clipped?""Murdered."Oh."Caba was shocked."Well?"Caba nodded and followed Ban to the small warehouse.Thoughts raced through his head.A human!A human was to die tonight!He heard clicks and clangs from deep in the warehouse.
They walked in and walked to the small man cleaning a gun."Hey,Hunter,you got the piece ready?""Of course you little pandejo."They both grinned and exchanged knowing glances."This yer first job?"asked Hunter.Caba nodded and pointed at the lupara.Is that the 'piece' I'm gonna be using?""Yes,sir.This here is a lupara.Sawed of shotgun.Five feet away and there ain't a thing left of yuh."Caba looked at it.He had never shot a human gun before.He voiced his concern."Don't worry,just get real close and BAM give em a hole the size of my head!"Caba snickered.This might be fun,he though."Now,first off,you understand there'll be a kick right?A recoil?""Of course.""Good luck."Caba and Ban walked outside and got into the car out front.
After a couple minutes Caba asked,"Who's gonna be clipped?""Little fucker who won't leave well enough alone.He made insulted the Boss and made fun of our Family.The Boss sdent him a warning"If I catch you again doing these things,I'll expand your mind across the wall.So everything is quiet,right?Until yesterday.That little fucker spit on the Boss' shoes.What impotence!So here we are.His name is Max Riley,but most people call him Playboy."
Ch.15
The car came to a stop outside an alley way."He's here?"Caba questioned."Yeah.The sonofabitch is a fuckin bum.He tries to act big but he ain't got no claim to fame."Caba looked down the alley but couldn't see anything through the downpour.Caba picked up the lupara and said"Well...we gonna do this or no?"Ban looked at him and grinned"Eager aren't we?Lets go.
"They walked down the alley.Now I'm soaked,Caba though to himself.They came upon a man sleeping under a crawl space.Ban got down and took a close look at him."Its him alright."He fished into his pocket and came out with a piece of metal across his knuckles."Wake up sweety.We got some warm breakfast for yah."The man slowly rose up in a haze.Ban nailed him in the jaw with his knuckles."Get up."The man struggled and got up with anger in his eyes."Who do you think you are?A big guy?*** off!I'm Playboy!I ain't gotta take this ***!"Ban gave a low blow to Playboys gut.Playboy crumbled into a heap."Yeah,you are Playboy.And your a little,disrespectful ***!Say it!""No."Whispered Playboy.Ban kicked Playboy in the nose.Caba heard a loud crack and saw Playboys head snap back."Caba,you wanna say anything?"Caba swallowed and shook his head."Then finish the *** off."
Ban walked away,leaving Playboy and Caba alone.Caba walked up to Playboy and said"Good bye,Playboy.He pulled the trigger and took the kick with ease.Nothing like what i used to shoot,he thought later.But things went into slow motion.He saw the bullet penetrate Playboys head.Saw the gore slowly float to the ground,and saw it wash away.Ban walked yup behind him."Good Job.Your a true meber of the Family now."Caba's head spun.He was powerful,almighty.He could do anything!But as sonn as he felt the euphoria,it drained away.He trembled from the cold rain."Lets go home,Brother."Caba nodded his head and headed to his towards the car.He was feeling slow,encumbered with unseen weight.He hopped into the car and turned to Ban."Well,lets head home."
They got home to a darkened mansion.They walked in and turned on the lights.The Boss sat in the middle of the room and stared at Caba with cold eyes."Wsa it done?""Yes,Boss.This guys a natural."Caba bowed to the Boss and murmured"It was nothing for the Boss.My loyalty is with you."The Boss stood up and walked over to Caba.Ban walked outside."Stand."He ordered Caba.Caba obeyed with speed."You have proven yourself...to an extent.If you wish to no longer take part in our 'business' say the word and you'll be free of blood and will help in other ways."Caba studied on this.He looked up at The Boss and whispered."I shall serve your enemies to you,Boss.?"The Boss' lips flashed a smile and he patted Caba affectionately."Good night ,Caba"Caba felt woozy.He fell over and slept on the floor.The murder became his prominant dream.
Ch.16
Caba woke up in surprise.Then he remebered what happened last night.He got up and walked outside.A beautiful day.He walked over to HB's house to talk and play what he called'Videogames'.They were as addictive as sloter.He couldn't wait to play HB's new game.He walked up to the door and knocked."It's Open!"Cried somone from within.He entered to the fresh smell of coffee.At first,Caba had disliked coffee,but if he added some sugar and creamer,he found it very acceptable.HB's wife walked over and asked if he wanted anything."Oh...just a cup of coffee with sugar and creamer please.""Sure." she said and hustled into the kitchen.Caba walked into the main room of HB's house to see him in his morning uniform.A pair of bixers and a wife beater.Caba couldn't help but give out a yipping laugh.HB looked over his shoulder and just stared in mock anger.Caba walked over and sat on the adjoining bean bag.HB tilted his green alcohol.A margarita.Caba had tried ity and found that,with enough salt,they can lead you to a great place,whether others knew it or not.
HB got up and walked over to the PX26 unit and put in a small chip.A title flashed across the screen."Left Behind"Interesting'Caba thought to himself.It looked like lots of fun.He sooned learned controls and really got into it until he noticed something.Those demons...they resembled Elites alarmingly well.And those scary little creatures...Caba gulped down a gasp.Grunts.They looked just like grunts.He silently kept playing and noticed more and more resemblances to his Covenant origins.After he had played to level 3 he was outraged.He sat down the controller and started leaving.
"What's wrong?"Asked HB with true concern."You wouldn't notice it but those "evil demons" are modeled after covenant.HB looked at the game and looked back at Caba."I'm sorry?I hate it?Is that what you want me to say?Well I am sorry that Covenant are portrayed as Demons and all that is evil.But what can i do?"He got up and walked over to Caba."It can't be helped,Caba."Caba wouldn't listen.He didn't care at this point.He walked out the door and over to his house.He slammed the door.He had seen movies where rich men destroyed thier houses in anger.Now it made perfect sense.He smashed the mirror in his hallway.He kicked in the wall.He destroyed everything he could get his hands on.He took out his knife to...his knife.The knife Suzan had given him those many years ago.He sat down on the floor and sobbed.He hadn't thought of her for so long.What had he become?He never used to act like this.He usually kept his emotions in check.He pondered on this as he drank his fifth margarita and hummed a little tune."Just wastin away,in Margarita Ville..."
Ch.17
HB walked up to Caba's door.He sighed deeply and knocked.No answer.He tried the door and found it umlocked.He pushed it open and walked in.What a mess.HB smelled liquor,strong and thick.It had been 3 days since Caba's scene at his house.He walked down the hallway.Broken mirror,torn painting,wall full of holes.HB shook his head in disgust.He couldn't believe that Caba was this upset over a game.
He walked into the living room and kicked simething.He looked down to see a bottle,and another,and another.HB cursed under his breath.This is unfucking believable.He walked through the house to Caba's bedroom.He heard a rambling murmer and a loud ubnoxious song.He opened up the door and saw Caba on the floor,swaddled in covers,screeching out the lines to Margarita Ville.HB walked over to the stereo and turned it off.Weird.He put his hand on it."Mutherfucker!"That thing had been playing all night.He walked over to Caba and kicked him,not to lightly."Get up."Caba blinked repeatedly,as if coming out of a trance."Spluzan..."He tried again."Suzlan.""What are you babbling about?""Suzan."Caba just sat there and repeated it."Suzan."HB saw a tear slide down his face."Suzan."He let out with a high pitched cry.Suhuhuhuhuzan!!!!I need to see Suzan!"HB frowned.
Who is he talking a...Suzan.He had heard that name before...The Boss had said something about a Suzan and getting Caba here...He'd have to ask about that later."Caba.Get up.Get sober."Caba struggled up into a wobbly stand."Yes sir!"He gave off a weak mock salute.HB hated it but it had to be done.He gave Caba a hard smack on the head."Caba.You can't do this anymore.You have to stay sober.You can't break apart at the seams like this at every turn!If you do,you can leave here and get in a 6ft. hole."This sobered Caba...to a point.He looke dup at HB."I'm sorry.I don't know what happened to me."He got up and sat on his bed.He just stared down at the floor.
"I'll keep strait.I'll keep strong.I pledge to The Boss,I shall steel myself for the Family."He looked up at HB."Brother?"Hb walked over and slapped his back."I'll tell Boss.Now get up and clean yourself up.You got a small job to do."
Ch.18
Caba got up and staggered to his bathroom.He cleaned up and sobered himself up with cup of coffee and a handful of aspirin.He walked outside to a blazingly bright.His head started to pound.He walked behind HB towards the old warehouse."So it's that kind of job?"HB looked over his shoulder and nodded.
They walked in and saw Hunter hunter speaking with Ban.They both turned to HB and Caba and waved."Caba,how are yah?Heard you did the job up right."Hunter hollered across the warehouse."He did it better than some.He handled it well."Said Ban.Caba barely took all this in.His head was ready to fall off.This was why he hardly let himself do that.He looked up bleakly to Hunter."Yep.But my head hurts more than Playboy's ever will.Hunter chuckled and said,"Gotta take it easy on the sauce Caba.It'll get you killed.And Boss has always disliked a slush."Caba was still too hungover to realize this was a warning.
Ban looked at Caba"Anyway,we got us a wise guy.We're gonna need to use you as bait Caba..."Caba stiffened.He broke into a cold sweat."What?!?!?""Calm down.Your as safe as anyone of us.What we're gonna need from you is to be pitiful.We are going to put a small bug on you to find where a certain friend of ours is."Caba's head bounced on his shoulders,his pulse was racing.
He calmed himself.I have to do this."When?Where?"Ban grinned."I knew you'd handle it.Well your gonna do it at a park on the west side of town,Fauntry Park,in two days."Suddenly,Caba heard footsteps.He turned around to see The Boss."I have a gift Caba.Guess who you get to meet?...
The Great WarCh.5 is up
Caba's JourneyDone