Reacquainted
Jacob’s Log, Entry 15866
“How can you’ve known someone for so long and don’t even remember him? The same way you can love someone whom you’ve never known before…”
Jacob entered his modest homestead. It was almost what he had expected: a small one-storey house with four rooms and a long corridor stretching from the entrance to the backdoor. Most of the houses in Aegis were the same. It was part of the Overmind’s plan of bringing equality and equilibrium to the whole Morningstar system. And that plan was the cause for the birth of the Resistance.
Jacob searched the rooms one by one. Finally in the bedroom he found what he was looking for. Under the bed he came across a wooden container. He opened it. It was full of old black-and-white pictures and a CD. He examined the pictures. He saw himself on most of them with some strange men in military uniforms. On one picture he saw himself holding a flag on a long handle. The flag resembled a sun surrounded by four stars on a black background. The words “We Shall Prevail!” were embroidered beneath the sun. The flag seemed vaguely familiar and brought a smile to Jacob’s face even though he had no idea why. He them turned to the CD. He closed the box and hid it under the bed. He went into one of the rooms with a Receiver and inserted the disc.
The same words on the flag flashed from the big screen: “We Shall Prevail!”. A group of men in uniforms like those on the pictures were running through a training course in what seemed a dense jungle. Jacob got suspicious.
“These men, valiant and noble, have abandoned their lives to fight the ultimate evil threatening their home system – The Overmind! They will train long and hard until they feel they are ready. But no matter how ready they are they will still be outnumbered. That’s why we need you! If you are watching this tape, then you know where to go. The Resistance needs you! Morningstar needs you!”
With that the video material ended. Jacob was confused but starting to get a grip on what’s going on. He now knew that whoever he really was his fate was tied with that of this so-called Resistance. He had so many questions. Who was this Overmind? Why is the Resistance fighting him? How did this tape come into Jacob’s possession? . He had no idea where to continue his search. Then he heard the buzzer. Quick as lightning he hid the CD under the couch and cautiously headed for the door.
* * *
Romulus was still smiling when he got to Jacob’s door. He pressed the buzzer and waited. No answer. He pressed it again but there was still no one. He got nervous.
“He’s fine…I hope. Maybe he’s still sleeping”, he thought.
Finally he heard a noise coming from inside. He was relieved. Jacob opened the door and stared at the man at his doorstep. Romulus was looking at him with a big smile on his face.
“Hey, Jake! What’s up?”
“Who are you?”
Romulus’ smile froze. He looked into Jacob’s cold and lifeless eyes and got worried.
“You don’t remember, do you?”
Jacob was still as hostile.
“I am Romulus. Last night you and I got drunk with beer and now you don’t remember even who you are”
Romulus couldn’t hold his laughter. Jacob seemed startled by his giggle. He didn’t remember this man but something inside him assured his mind that it’s ok.
“Come in”, said Jacob. “ I have so much to ask.”
Romulus was still worried. His friend didn’t seem to remember anything. It was unusual for beer effects to last that long. He stepped inside. They sat down on the couch.
“Now tell me who you are and how do you know me”, Jacob begun asking questions.
“Ok. I am Romulus. We’ve known each other since we were kids. And as far as I’m concerned you are my best friend.”
“Romulus…”, Jacob mumbled as if he was in a trance. He knew that name. That convinced him.
“I…I remember!”
Jacob began his story. He told Romulus everything except the box and the CD. He was still unsure. When the story ended Romulus’ eyes were wide open.
“That’s unheard of! Something very wrong is going on! I drank bear last night! I remember just fine now! Damn! We have to notify HQ”
Jacob sharply turned to him.
“HQ”, he thought. “Maybe I should tell him everything.”
“Listen to me Jake! You and I are both of the Resistance. There is a box under your bed containing pictures of its leaders and a propaganda CD. You mustn’t talk with anyone about it! We are going to Morningstar II and straight to HQ! You’re going to tell them everything you remember and we’ll find a way out of this. Pack your stuff. We’re leaving…”
Romulus’ voice was cold and decisive. Jacob took the box from under his bed. He put the CD inside. They headed for the door. Jake turned and took a last glance of his home. He was sure he won’t see it again soon…
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