Episode 38 : Recollections
Zawaq searched for his name in the audit file storage room. He came across a file bearing his name and an official portrait. He pulled out the document and opened it to read.
Whenever there was a break from work or after work hours, Zawaq would visit the audit office to read health reports and his past records.
Early in the morning, Zawaq diligently read the reports about himself and what he had done.
"Zawaq, if you keep coming to the audit office, I'm going to be in big trouble if the higher-ups find out," said a soldier guarding outside the audit office, yawning as he sat on a chair.
"Don't worry. I've devised a thorough plan that allows me time to read these old reports," Zawaq replied while holding a flashlight to read documents in the early morning darkness.
Four months passed. After work in the evening, Zawaq headed toward the audit office.
"How was work? Aren't you tired of spending time reading before heading home?" asked the soldier guarding the now-empty office, which was closed for the day.
"Not tired at all," Zawaq replied, handing the soldier $100 as usual.
"Alright. Enjoy reading those classified reports. I don't want to know anything, or I'll be killed. You? Well, you seem ready to die anyway," the soldier remarked.
"Does anyone know or suspect my frequent visits to the audit office?" Zawaq asked.
"Not so far," the soldier answered.
"Okay," Zawaq nodded.
As usual, Zawaq sat at the office desk surrounded by stacks of documents. He carefully read every picture, illustration, and description.
Super soldier, experimental soldier, and defect soldier—these were all produced through research conducted by Zawaq and Alen. Zawaq was classified as a defect soldier, a failed outcome of their technological experiments and Alen's intelligence.
However, a strange development occurred: Zawaq gradually transformed into a super soldier, though it took an exceptionally long time. His label was changed from defect soldier to Super Soldier First Class.
Zawaq read Alen's file. Alen, the man he knew, had attended a wedding a few months ago. Alen initially had only white hair but now sported a beard.
Regarding Zawaq, his memory had been erased twice. The second attempt was recorded as successful, but Zawaq had actually falsified the results. He could never forget the moment when a hot pistol bullet pressed against his forehead.
Zawaq continued reading the files about himself and Alen. Alen was his close friend in research and development, modifying and enhancing ordinary humans to become super soldiers.
Zawaq turned the pages. Failed experimental soldiers were called defect soldiers but were still sent to the battlefield, such as the "blade men," who could grow sharp metal blades from their bodies.
Some could not generate blades at will, while others could control the blades growing from their bodies and were classified as experimental soldiers.
Zawaq was intrigued by a report on Sergeant David. Sergeant David had been promoted to Lieutenant and was the most powerful, skilled, and fastest super soldier in Israhell.
"Sergeant David is still alive," Zawaq said, reading David's health report status.
Zawaq focused on something regarding Alen's modifications. Alen had betrayed Israhell by modifying Zawaq without authorization but failed. Alen was reclassified as a defect soldier and suffered from schizophrenia, PTSD, and dissociative identity disorder.
Alen had to be killed immediately if detected because he could not control himself. Zawaq shifted his attention away from the secret file and pondered briefly.
One day, Zawaq cradled a baby in a hospital ward. Vera lay on the bed, watching her husband care for their newborn.
At Zawaq's parents' house, they played with the baby boy, who laughed joyfully in his cradle.
At work, Zawaq was in the audit office copying classified documents. He loaded boxes filled with copies into his car.
"Are you taking them home? Your family will be in danger if they find out national secrets. They might even be killed," warned the soldier guarding the office at night.
"I'll keep them in my private room for research purposes," Zawaq confidently replied.
"Take care," the soldier advised.
"You too. Thanks a lot for helping me," Zawaq responded.
"I'm just taking your money so you can get national military secrets. I might flee and move to another country—probably safer after collaborating with you," the soldier said.
"Here's the last payment," Zawaq handed him $500.
"Thanks," the soldier accepted the money.
Zawaq nodded and drove away from the military base at the border. He, Vera, and his family had dinner together. Vera was busy preparing drinks and serving them.
At ten at night, Vera sat in the living room. The front door was knocked. Zawaq's parents and he were still asleep. Vera opened the door, and three men dressed in black entered.
Vera sat on the sofa, and the three men sat opposite her.
"How's Zawaq? Any memories return?" one of them asked.
"No, but he's very dedicated to studying his past," Vera replied.
"What's the story?" another asked.
"He has stored many copies of classified military research documents in his private room," Vera answered.
"You know that our country's military research information is highly classified. We've eliminated anyone not involved in military secrets," one of the men warned.
Zawaq observed the conversation from the second floor of the house. Vera and the three men exchanged glances.
"But I'm not an ordinary person. I'm involved in my husband's development as a super soldier. This makes me part of the country's military secrets," Vera argued.
"Mrs. Vera, you are not involved in creating super soldiers. You merely monitor Zawaq's development and memory," one of the men stated firmly.