Creatures of desires

Erick Griffin, unlike his privileged peers, built his fortune from nothing. Somewhere along the climb to wealth and power, he lost the empathy he once had. Now, with riches at his command, he sought one final push to cement his family's legacy. Marrying his son, Lameck, into a wealthy lineage had become his primary goal.

But before he could solidify his plans, a dire matter loomed: the survival of his people. Having sacrificed so much to achieve his current status, the thought of dying in this forsaken era filled him with dread. He had two paths forward: resolve the issues with the cryonic chambers or sabotage the Major General's project to divert resources toward constructing deep-water bunkers.

Luckily, Erick found an ally who shared his ambitions.

“Erick, I got your message. What’s up?” Flisk asked.

Erick responded with a weary sigh. “I wanted to talk, Flisk. These so-called leaders—the Major General and his lackeys—act like kings. But you, of all people, understand how precarious life is here.”

Flisk shrugged. “Minor flaws in our nature drive us to prioritize survival, mistaking greed for necessity. I'm just a businessman. If a venture enriches me, who am I to question it?”

Erick's tone grew sharp. “Look around, Flisk. This nation is crumbling. The wealthy indulge in excess while the rest starve. Violence festers everywhere. None of them care enough to help the Major General with his project—they're too absorbed in their vices. I’m not against using resources for gain, but we must question our purpose here.”

“I thought you opposed the project,” Flisk said, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m no fool. I know the project is our best shot at going home. But as businessmen, we both know desired outcomes aren’t guaranteed. It’s been 35 years. Putting all our faith in that project is as foolish as letting these people continue to exist.”

Flisk nodded thoughtfully. “True enough. But without them, we wouldn’t have enough Chronotite to keep the engines running.”

Erick leaned in. “I suspect the queen and the Major General are hiding something. I need your help to locate some individuals for me.”

Flisk’s interest piqued. “Who?”

“The rebels who caused the disturbance at the Major General’s estate,” Erick said. “One was captured today, but the others are hiding in the city. Can you find them?”

Flisk smirked. “That’s what I wanted to discuss. They’re holed up in the teahouse, plotting a rebellion.”

“What? Why haven’t you reported this?” Erick asked, his voice low but tense.

“One of them is favored by the princess. But supporting them further jeopardizes my business. Do you have a plan for handling them?”

Erick grinned slyly. “Perfect tools for my plans. I’ll arm them, let them fight my battles, and let their rebellion eliminate my problems.”

Later, Flisk relayed Erick’s proposal to the rebels. Initially eager, Darius and his group hesitated when they heard the full scope of the plan.

“So, you’re offering us weapons to destroy the Major General’s residence?” Peter asked, skeptical.

“Specifically, the underground basement,” Erick clarified. “Destroy everything, and the weapons are yours.”

Darius frowned. “And why should we trust you?”

“If I wanted to capture you, wouldn’t I have brought guards? This is a mutually beneficial arrangement,” Erick reasoned.

“Why do you want this?” Darius pressed. “Aren’t they your people?”

Erick chuckled darkly. “My wealth is my allegiance. People lie, cheat, and kill, all under the guise of family or loyalty. But at the heart of it, greed and self-interest rule everyone.”

Darius’s voice hardened. “So, those who fight for their families are wrong? People are starving, Mr. Griffin! Is it a sin for a mother to steal to feed her children?”

Erick replied coldly, “Protecting one’s own is an instinct, not a virtue. I’m no judge. I’ll do whatever it takes to secure my son’s future. That’s why the rulers of this palace are no different to me than strangers like you.”

Furious, Darius retorted, “You claim neutrality, yet you enslave others to your will. You’re no better than the oppressors we fight against.”

Erick sighed. “The mistreatment is unjust, I agree. But it’s not about skin color—it’s desperation.”

Peter interjected, “Desperation or not, you enable oppression. It’s only a matter of time before they turn on you, too.”

Flisk interrupted to refocus the discussion. “Gentlemen, the terms are clear. Weapons for the destruction of the underground facility. Let’s keep to the agenda.”

After Flisk left, Erick reassured him. “Even armed, they won’t stand a chance against General Sterling.”

“They should pray never to meet him,” Flisk muttered, shivering at the thought.

Unbeknownst to Erick, Darius and his group distrusted him. They devised their own plan—to infiltrate the palace, steal the weapons, and fight for their freedom on their terms. What they didn’t know was that their trump card Annie, was the queen’s daughter, and their fate rested in her hands.