Contest [Issue 76] Continue The Story - Final Chapter V

[Flexoo 6,980]

 

 

 

 

The time has come. The final chapter remains to be written. Are you up for it?

 

 

Four chapters has been written and we are coming to the story conclusion. There's only one last chapter remaining so take a look how the previous three authors shape the story in four chapters and write the grand conclusion.

 

The Chronicles of a Writer

 

Chapter 1: The Reveal by @Electron-9000

 

‘Meet me at my office at 2’ read the note. All kinds of emotions rushed through. “What does he want now?”, visibly confused, Gerald quickly glanced at the clock. “Half-an-hour left eh”. He reached out for his coffee mug. It was empty.  He moved towards the coffee machine to fill him up with some coffee. “Yo Stephanie, do you know what the boss wants to talk about today? Did he speak to you about anything?”. Stephanie just nodded a no and continued to converse on her phone.

 

This whole meeting thing was stressing Gerald out. He had never been called for a meeting before. Was he getting suspended? Even worse, fired? Gerald worked as a writer for a firm. He had been appointed to his role by his uncle, Oswald. He had done a few reports and that’s it. What the company did, or what their market was, was something Gerald has no clue about. Nevertheless, he waited for the hour to strike.

He knocked the boss’s cabin, asking permission to enter. The boss had his chair turned towards the fireplace, smoking a cigar, with his back towards Gerald. “Grab a chair young man”. His voice was cold. Gerald, not wanting to make things worse for himself, quietly pulled a chair and sat down. Every second passing seemed like an hour. At this point Gerald had begun to sweat.

 

The boss, back still turned against him, spoke: “Do you know why I called you here Gerald?” “Not really Sir!” Gerald replied. The boss turned around. He had large sunglasses on, which covered most of his face. A muffler was wrapped around his neck. He said, “Mr. Gerald, I know its been just 4 months that you have been working with us, I think now it’s time that I tell you what this company is all about” Gerald sat right up. Something wasn’t right. He could feel it. The boss let him have a few moments to sink it in.

 

Once Gerald regained his composure, the boss continued. He said, “We are a company that does ads for different clients, but we work as spies undercover for these clients. Blackmail, evidence collection, reports, etc. is all part of what we do here. And before you react or try to leave, let me tell you that once you are hired here, there is no turning back”. Gerald was shocked. Struggling to find some words to blurt out, he asked, “What.. What mm-makes you think I c-can’t run away?”. The boss smirked, and pulled out a paper which looked like the contract Gerald had once signed on. He continued, “Your uncle works for us as a talent recruitment officer. I must tell you, he does his job well, I mean look at you. Perfect talent”.

 

Gerald gulped. Memories were starting to strike back at him. Nearly 6 months ago, he had asked his uncle Oswald for a job. His uncle introduced him to this job. Even though the pay wasn’t all that good, Gerald had to take it because of his poor condition. After all, something is better than nothing right? He also remembered that in his state of desperation, he had forgotten to read the contract and just did whatever he was told at that time.

 

Back to the present, Gerald was furious. He had been played. But there was no other option at this point. With a heavy heart, Gerald asked the boss, “What do you want me to do?”. The boss laughed, and replied, “Now we talkin’, you have three objectives, each different from the other”. Saying this he threw three photographs in front of him. “The first photograph is of Joseph Carter, the second is Frank Callum, and the last one is of Kristi Elizer. Now here’s what you will be doing. Joseph Carter is an undercover spy for the G.E.N.E.X, an organization that collects ancient relics. You have to create a case against him, busting him with proof of his relation to the organization, and stuff like that… You get the point. Frank Callum, is a model who is rumored to be cheating on his wife. You have to prove this wrong, and support him with valid resources. Kristi Elizer is the daughter of the third richest man in the country. She has been missing for a few days now. You have to make a report on this event. Is that clear?”.

 

At this point, it was complete fade out for Gerald. Failure to accomplish these tasks would mean death. With no choice, Gerald picked up the three photos, and began to leave the cabin. As he left, the boss growled, “Oh yeah, one more thing, If you try to run away or call for help, my men will make sure you don’t stay alive to tell your tale”

Gerald closed the door behind him. He wasn’t hired for this. He went back home, set up his bulletin, and cleared his table. He was a different man now. His only hope and escape was if he finished these tasks. As darkness slowly took over the city, Gerald sat down, pen in hand, making notes as he surfed the internet. Progress had to made.. And Fast!

 

 

Chapter 2: The Betrayal by @GrandExecutioner

 

Gerald lifted his head up from the table where he had fallen asleep. He wiped his groggy eyes, letting out a loud yawn simultaneously. Eyes widening when he glanced at the clock, Gerald got up abruptly, causing his chair to fly back and clatter against the wall. It was 11.30am already! Gerald's natural body clock ensured he never slept in and was always up at 6.00am sharp- whether he liked it or not.

 

He peeled off a post-it note from his cheek, eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he read the content. Scribbled on were 3 names: Joseph Carter, Frank Callum, and Kristi Elizer. That's when yesterday's events hit him. The company! The tasks! Panic-stricken, Gerald gazed over the assortment of documents spread out on the table- finally taking it all in. Pictures, newspaper articles, biographies- everything to do with these 3 people- were scattered across the table covering the entire surface. Gerald recalled the hours of research he put in last night, finding out anything he could about his targets.

 

He was jolted out of his thoughts by someone banging on his front door. He quickly moved to the windows to check who it was. An audible sigh of relief escaped from his mouth when he realised it was the mailman.

 

“G'day mate!” As soon as he opened the door, Gerald was greeted with a thick Aussie accent.

 

“Hello, how can I help you?” Gerald spoke warily.

 

“I'm here to talk about some changes to the terms and conditions of your subscription to Girlz Fashion Monthly. Can I come in?” It took a while for Gerald to decipher what he was saying due to his accent.

 

“Err...but I'm not subscribed to-” Gerald was cut-off mid-sentence as the man barged in swiftly shutting the door.

 

“Right, I don't have much time so listen carefully.” To Gerald's surprise, the man had dropped his thick accent and started talking normally.

 

“Who are you? What do you want?” Gerald had started to back away.

 

“I know about the company you work for. I know about the jobs.” Gerald froze. He could remember his boss making it very clear that if he so much breathed about what the company did, he wouldn't live to see the next day.

 

“W-who are you? Do you work for the company?” Gerald asked slowly.

 

“Yes...no. It's a long story. The point is I used to be in your shoes. I can help but I don't have much time. I've disabled the bugs they've put inside your house so they can't watch or listen to you but it's only good for 2 minutes.” The man started talking rapidly.

 

“You used to be in my... hang on, they're watching me?” Gerald's tone was one of shock and fear.

 

“That doesn't matter now. Do you want to stay alive or not?” After some time, Gerald nodded.

 

“Then listen carefully. They're framing you. Your 3 targets. The company is an organization who are hired to kill people for clients. But they need someone to take the fall for each assassination. They've got you doing useless research because when an investigation is made of these murders, they'll need someone to blame. Someone who has recently been fixated on all 3 of these people. Someone who can close the case by going to prison in order for the organization to remain hidden. ” The man stopped to take a breath. “...Someone like you.”

 

Gerald's jaw dropped and he could only gape at the supposed mailman as the news washed over him.

 

“2 minutes are up. I need to go.”

 

“Wait! Stop! What should I do?” Gerald was finally able to get words out of his mouth.

 

The man stopped, his hand on the door handle. “Find Kristi Elizer. If you find the person who kidnapped her, you might be able to get some answers and get out of this hole...before it's too late.”
With that, he was gone and Gerald was left wondering whether he even existed.

 

 

 

It took 3 hours after the mailman's visit before Gerald knew what he had to do. He needed to pay the man who had gotten him this job a visit. His uncle.

 

After a short drive of constantly checking his mirror for the fear of being followed, Gerald found himself before his uncle Oswald's front door. Despite some very loud banging, nobody answered. It seemed to him that either nobody was in, or nobody wanted to answer. Gerald made his way round to the back of the house and climbed over the fence to find the shed door open. Puzzled he walked in, his nerves on edge.

 

Gerald gasped. Slumped on the floor in the far corner was a young woman who was unconscious. Her arms and legs were tied and duct tape was placed on her mouth. Gerald had never met this woman before in his life, but he instantly recognized her. Kristi Elizer. The kidnapped daughter.

 

“It's a shame you found her.” Gerald spun around to come face to face with the person that spoke. His uncle Oswald.

 

“B-but...wha-why...” Gerald for the second time that day was at a loss for words.

 

He only glimpsed the swing of the baseball bat before he felt it smash against the side of his head with the force of a wrecking ball. Darkness invaded Gerald's vision long before he hit the ground.

 

 

Chapter 3: The Shock by @C.O.N.Q.U.E.R.O.R

 

Gerald woke in a dimly lit room, with a desk adorned with pictures of a child that he recognised as himself. His vision was impeded by a crust of blood over his left eye, leaving him with blurred vision and a pair of broken spectacles that wouldn't fit properly over his swollen eye. He tasted the bitterness of his own blood in his mouth, which he quickly spit out onto what appeared to be a floor of solid concrete. Gerald could hear a vague whine in his ear. The next thing he knew, his eardrums were practically shattered by the sound of Oswald slamming open a dark door that Gerald hadn't noticed before. He quickly swiveled his head to the source of the noise and was immediately surprised by Oswald's appearance.

 

He was wearing a brown heavy-duty jacket with a fur hood and a pair of jeans that were ripped at the cuff. Oswald's face appeared to be bruised, and his eyes were sunken in, as if he had not gotten an hour of sleep. He walked with a distinct limp that Gerald noted was new. A cigarette was between his lips; odd, for his uncle had abandoned smoking ever since his childhood friend had died of lung cancer.

 

Oswald pulled a chair that had been in front of the desk out and seated himself. For more than a minute, an uncomfortable silence reigned between them.

 

In a nervous attempt at conversation, Gerald croaked, 'I... I didn't know you smoked.' 

 

Oswald scoffed and spat the cigarette out of his mouth. 'There are many things you don't know about me, clearly.' He was rasping, as if someone had choked him recently.

 

Gerald recoiled and asked, 'What happened to you?'

 

Oswald laughed but his expression remained unamused. 'In the process of trying to preventing the higher-ups from forcibly waking you up, I was kicked and beaten for my insolence. Now I'm not so sure I should've even tried.'

 

Gerald contemplated Oswald's words, then replied, 'Mother would have wanted you to.'

 

Oswald, clearly taken by surprise, jumped up from his chair and walked over to Gerald. Oswald knelt and gripped Gerald's chin with his right hand, and moved Gerald's face only inches from his own. 'Your mother was a fool. I had told her to stay away from the man who became your father, but did she listen? Clearly not. Look where it landed her. She died with nothing to think of but a husband who left her and her good for nothing son!' 

 

Gerald, unnerved, continued. 'Mother was a kind, loving, and caring woman. She told me to always trust my family, that they would never let me down. She believed in her family. She trusted you!'

 

Oswald threw Gerald's head back against the wall and scowled. 'That's why she's dead. She trusted anyone and everyone. Her death was caused by her husband. He left her with nothing, yet he expected her to care for a child. If you were to ask me, you'd be better off if you had died begging in the streets like your fool of a mother.'

 

The lack of emotion in Oswald's voice shocked Gerald. 'Why are you with this company, uncle? You were a good man once. What happened?'

 

Ignoring Gerald, Oswald returned to his seat, rolled over to Gerald, and continued, 'But let us get to the point. Are you going to write the article or must I force you to? The former would be much preferred, by the way.'

 

Affronted by Oswald's casualty, Gerald spat out, 'Of course not, you little son of a -'

 

Oswald smacked him across the cheek, cutting him off abruptly. 'Language, child. Besides, you're in no position to speak to me in that manner. Last chance, Gerald... will you or will you not write?' When Gerald remained resolutely silent, Oswald sighed and raised a small, grey microphone to his mouth, saying, 'Guard, there is something I need from you; do you mind? Thanks - I'm In Room 203.' Oswald smirked, 'And now, we wait.'

 

Gerald was stricken when a man who bore a remarkable similarity to Kristi walked into the room and gave a tittering laugh at Gerald's expression, then turned to face Oswald. 'Alexis Elizer, at your service.'

 

 

Chapter 4: The Family Secrets by @GrandExecutioner

 

"Don't look so surprised Gerald!" Alexis swiftly pulled out a chair and sat down facing Gerald. He slid a hand into his jacket and revealed a gun. Emptying the bullets from the chamber, he placed them on the table. Finally, Alexis brandished a cloth from his pocket and started cleaning the weapon.

 

Why is Kristi's father here?

"Family is a complicated matter don't you think?" Alexis spoke calmly.

Gerald kept his gaze fixed on the gun.

"I think it's time someone told you about your family." Slowly he started wiping the empty chamber.

"Is this the part where you reveal all your evil plans before you tell me you're going to kill me?" Gerald remarked. He didn't care that the man was holding a gun. He had enough of people playing him.

"You should watch that mouth boy. It'll get you into serious trouble." Alexis smirked as he moved on to cleaning the bullets. "Many years ago your great-grandfather started an establishment- a spying agency shall we say."

Gerald was quiet. Having no parents for most of his life, he had no knowledge about his family history. Oswald used to always avoid the subject.

"But over the years, the legacy behind the establishment became morphed and it didn't take long until the company became a… hire-to-kill firm. These days to solve a problem, you don't spy. You kill. Your great-grandfather had astonishing skills allowing him to excel at his job. And that gene seemed to have been inherited by his children and their children after that. Every single member of your family worked for the organisation. Even when it became an assassin's firm- the firm you're now refusing to work for." Alexis finally paused to take a breath. He had moved on to wiping the barrel of his gun.

Gerald was speechless.

"Your blood has the 'perfect gene' for the work the company does. The organisation made it a tradition to recruit every family member when they reached a certain age. Natural talent they called it. Your uncle has incredible stats. A near spotless record. But it's your mother that has the faultless reputation."

Gerald couldn't believe what he was hearing. But he snapped out the trance.

"You're lying. My mother would never work for filth like you." Gerald snapped back, spitting on the floor.

"Fool. Your mother is no angel. She holds the record for most assassinations. Noone has gotten remotely close to her figures. Not even your uncle." Alexis started loading the bullets back into the gun. "Face it. Your family line has a lot of blood on their hands. It's what you were born to do."

Gerald's head was beginning to spin. He couldn't handle this.

"But then we have you. The biggest disappointment. You're the first to refuse to do the job...even when you know your life is at stake." Alexis flicked the safety catch off. "So now you know. This is your last chance."

Gerald took a deep breath and looked coldly into Alexis' eyes.

"I see." Alexis sounded disappointed. "In that case, any last words?"

"Not to you." Gerald looked up at the ceiling and made a silent prayer. Then he closed his eyes, waiting for the bullet that would take him out of this world.

But it never came.

Gerald opened his eyes. Alexis was still holding the gun but there was a slight smile on the corner of his mouth. Oswald emerged out of the shadows- a matching smile on his face.

"I told you he'd pass."

"Judging from the look on your face, you're probably wondering what's going on." Alexis leaned back in his chair as he placed the gun on the table.

"You mean you don't work for the company? You lied?" Gerald's head was throbbing.

"No. He lied about one part. He just didn't tell you the full story." Oswald spoke up as he took a seat himself. "He lied about you being the first to rebel. You aren't. Your mother was. Then it was me. Though the company doesn't know that yet."

 

"And your mother paid the price for it. They killed her." Alexis spoke softly. "Your father had to go on the run when Oswald warned they would come after him too. He feared his child's safety and so left him behind. Your father didn't betray you, Gerald. I hope you understand that."

"So, like we expected, the company recruited you and I managed to set up an assignment to see if you had the courage to act against them." Oswald had started speaking again. "But it was frustrating to watch. It looked like you were actually trying to complete the assignments."

"I-I didn't know." Gerald stammered.

"I know you didn't. But you're key in the case we've been building against the company. That's why I sent the postman. I hoped he would be able to plant a seed of doubt in your head. And it worked. You found your sis..." Oswald stopped abruptly.

"W-what did you say?" Gerald spoke slowly but Oswald remained quiet. "Kristi Elizer is my...sister? But that means..."

Gerald turned his gaze to Alexis Elizer. Suddenly everything clicked into place. It all made sense now. Why Alexis had been so sad about his mother. How he had known so much about his family...and his father.

"It's been a while...son." A tear made its way down Alexis' cheek.

 

 

 

To make things organized, we have a set of rules. Please read them before participating!

 

1. Each chapter should have its own title.

2. Word limit is 800 words. Slightly less or more is acceptable (+/- 100 words).

3. Note that this contest is called Continue The Story for a reason. Your plot must be interesting and

    have potential to be developed in further chapters.

4. Plagiarism is prohibited. We also won't accept entries from past installments. Come with something

    original, you will have enough time.

5. All entries should be posted in this topic. Only participants with low rank that doesn't allow them to

    post in forum are allowed to send their entries via Forum PM.

 

If you are stumbling in the dark, and you're unsure what to do or how to start, I advise you to check out the previous winners below;

 

[issue 30] The Grand Offensive - Completed! - Newspaper Archive - Tanki Online Forum

[issue 39] Inner Truths - Newspaper Archive - Tanki Online Forum

[issue 55] Bloodshed - Completed

 

Prizes

 

1st place:  50 000 crystals

2nd place: 40 000 crystals

3rd place:  30 000 crystals

4th place:  25 000 crystals

 

Consolation prizes for other worthy entries: 10 000 crystals.

 

Deadline: 27th July, 2018.

 

 

Good luck to all participants!

 

 

[Flexoo 6,980]

CONTINUE THE STORY IV - RESULTS OF CHAPTER 4

 

 

Only four entries were sent this month, but it's time to wrap the story up so let's take a look at the winners.

 

In the first place, winning 50,000  is @GrandExecutioner. He sovereignly dominated this chapter with high quality writing.

 

No one placed second as we deem the difference in quality was way apart from winner to award second place to another writer. 

 

In the third place, winning 30,000 crystals is @Person_Random. A good start from this new writer. Let's see where he/she gets.

 

Finally, placing fourth, winning 25,000 crystals is @thethiefofvictory. A good piece of writing that has potential to evolve with experience.

 

A consolation prizes of 10,000 crystals go to:

@GuidoFawkes

[C.O.N.Q.U.E.R.O.R 3,845]

Grand always wins :P

 

 

 

 

Except when I win :ph34r:

[You.Have.to.die 519]

Another win by Grand  :P

[GuidoFawkes 2,361]

 

CONTINUE THE STORY IV - RESULTS OF CHAPTER 4

 

 

Only four entries were sent this month, but it's time to wrap the story up so let's take a look at the winners.

 

In the first place, winning 50,000  is @GrandExecutioner. He sovereignly dominated this chapter with high quality writing.

 

No one placed second as we deem the difference in quality was way apart from winner to award second place to another writer. 

 

In the third place, winning 30,000 crystals is @Person_Random. A good start from this new writer. Let's see where he/she gets.

 

Finally, placing fourth, winning 25,000 crystals is @thethiefofvictory. A good piece of writing that has potential to evolve with experience.

 

A consolation prizes of 10,000 crystals go to:

@GuidoFawkes

 

how is this even possible?? only 4 people participated and i still didn't win 4th place?? :blink: :blink: :blink:

[Best_of_thunder_2015 1,354]

See, That's why he coming to final. 

only 4 people.

[Person_Random 4,991]

My plot had so many holes in it tho....
but still that's nice

 

P.S. Great Job Grand!

 

P.P.S. Now that I have a better idea of the story, I can probably do better.

 

 

 

lol my writing teacher would be proud

 

i never won anything before

 

I'll probably not do well as I suck at endings. :unsure: ^_^ B)

Edited June 2, 2018 by KillerGnat
posts merged. cg on 3rd prize :)

[C.O.N.Q.U.E.R.O.R 3,845]

Oh wait, RIP, I still have to do the Anniversary contest... probably won't have time for this...

[Person_Random 4,991]

See, That's why he coming to final. 

only 4 people.

But then Grand also reached a turning point in the story too.

[Magenta 5,165]

Grand is getting rich... and famous. Not gonna say no more.

[pringerfinger 934]

I think its time to dethrone grand.........

 

I am coming for you Grand .-.

[You.Have.to.die 519]

I think grand is not entering, so good news! I might be wrong though

[Person_Random 4,991]

how is this even possible?? only 4 people participated and i still didn't win 4th place?? :blink: :blink: :blink:

Sorry I should have written better. :P

[Sid2910 48]

You've typed Chapter 4 as chapter 3  :ph34r:

Edited June 10, 2018 by Sid2910
Quote edited.

[You.Have.to.die 519]

^nice spot but don't quote the entire post. Also, I finally read the actual story and I found it very interesting.

[Flexoo 6,980]

^ Corrected. Thanks.

[JAGMAN2468 104]

The Escape

This is my first time writing for a contest so I hope it's ok :P. Whole story is 896 words (Excluding title), hope you enjoy!

 

Gerald couldn’t believe his ears. This was his father sitting before him, the same father that had left him all those years ago.
 

Alexis looked at him “So now you know” he nodded up to Oswald.

Oswald walked over to a desk in the room and drew out a pistol. He placed it in Gerald's hands “Careful, it’s loaded”

Gerald looked down at the gun and shoved it back into Oswald's hands “I don’t want this, I don’t want any of this” he looked coolly at his father.  

Alexis sighed and stood up “You don’t have much of a choice, they will hunt you down, just as they have stalked me over these past years.” He walked over to the pictures of Gerald’s youth and picked one up, his face bore a sad expression. “I already lost your mother, I couldn’t bare to lose another one”

Suddenly all three of them heard a noise outside the room… The sound of a gun being loaded.

“No… no no no! Not now!” Alexis whispered, exasperated. He grabbed the gun from the table.
 

Oswald quickly placed the gun into Gerald's hands and drew his own pistol from his pocket. “Pop the safety and take aim”

Gerald had no choice, he shakily held up the gun to the wall where he heard the sound. He waited and listened, but could hear no sound. “Maybe it was a false alarm?” he whispered over to Oswald..

Suddenly the wall burst open and Gerald heard the sound of a gun being fired, he quickly took aim at the sound of the blast and fired.

A man’s scream cried out for a moment and then all was silent. Gerald searched through the dust and to his horror seen the man whom he had just shot, no killed.

Alexis chuckled softly behind him “Pretty good for a first kill. like I said. It’s in our family's blood.” then he turned stern “But they will send more, we must move out quickly.”

Oswald quickly searched the dead man. After a moment he held up a small device “They've got the place bugged.”

Alexis took the device and placed it on the table. He stepped over the man and motioned Gerald to follow. He and Oswald walked out of the blasted wall into a dimly lit hall.

After they were a ways away Alexis started explaining to Gerald what they were going to do “We will get out of here and go to a safe house where we will regroup with the rest of our rebels.”

They traveled through a door and started walking up a fleet of stairs. Gerald counted the floor numbers 2...3...4…

“Ah here we are” Alexis opened the door to floor 9 and entered in.

Gerald was just about to enter when a gunshot rang out and Alexis dropped to the floor.

Oswald immediately jumped into action, he grabbed his gun and fired through the door’s window. A groan emitted from the direction of the wall.

Gerald suddenly returning to his senses took out his gun and fired. His shot hit the wall and ricochetted off into the hall of floor 9, missing the target entirely. Then remembering Alexis, he ran to his side.

Alexis looked at Gerald passionately “Go on… Do great things with your life” he croaked

Gerald resisted the urge to cry “Alexis… Dad… No… Please don’t die!”

Alexis gasped and strained to look at Oswald “Take good care of him” then looking back at Gerald. He lifted his hand and touched Geralds cheek “I love you… Son” his eyes glazed over and he fell silent.

Oswald shook his head sadly “We must hurry, after we make it to the safe house we can arrange the things for your new life.”

Gerald took one last look at his father and wiped his eyes “Let's go... for Alexis.”

They finally made it out of the building, down the fire route. And they rushed to a nearby parking lot, Oswald took out a car key and jumped into a Ford that was there.

Gerald joined him in the passenger's seat and silently waited for Oswald to start the car. After they started driving Gerald asked Oswald “So… What did you mean by giving me a new life?”

Oswald turned down the lane, “Well, now since your father is… dead. Uh well, he left you a good deal of money that he had accumulated.”

He pulled the brakes to a red light, Oswald sighed “Your father was a noble man, he would have given anything to spend more time with you and Kristi.”

They pulled up to a large building labeled “Al’s Gas Station Maintenance”

Walking to the back of the building they entered into the basement.

There were a bunch of people all dressed in dark colours whispering to one another. They hushed when they saw him coming.

Oswald walked over a man who looked liked the leader and discussed some things. After a while they walked over to Gerald.

The man started “Since your father has passed away, he has left you and your uncle his entire fortune.” He handed over a bank card to each of them. "Oswald will continue in the service, but Gerald may start elsewhere."

Gerald smiled for the first time in a long while. Maybe he actually had a chance at a new life...

Edited June 12, 2018 by JAGMAN2468

[pringerfinger 934]

Operation Reboot

 

Word count: 900

 

 

" Ehh, don't start crying." Alexis stated with a tear running down his face. " If you start crying I wont be able to stop."

Gerald just sat there, reliving his past trying to fit Alexis into it.

" Well, that's enough reminiscing, lets cut you out of those hand ties." Oswald said as he pulls out a switchblade.

" B-but where were you all my life? Couldn't you do something to at least tell me your there? Or were you even there?  You know how hard it was growing up without parents? Without a father?" Gerald blurted out.

" Calm down son calm down" Alexis said trying to ease the thick tension the room. "Who do you think payed for all your expenses growing up? All your education,food, living expenses. You thought your Uncle paid for all that? You know the company doesn't pay well. Why would they treat Oswald any different than you?"

"So you were there?" Gerald was surprised.

"Of Course!" Oswald blurted in. " He was always there, in the shadows, watching you from a distance. He just couldn't ever contact you in any way. The Company watches over all of us like a hawk, even before your recruited."

"That's right. Alexis jumped back into the conversation. "It would have all been over the second I contacted you."

" What do you mean 'it'?" Gerald questioned

Alexis answered with delight " Well, I am glad you asked. This so called 'it' you are questioning is simply what we call 'Operation Reboot'. And phase 1 of 3 is now complete."

"Phas-" Oswald cuts him off: "Yes, phase one! You, you are phase one! Now that we have you; we can finally start phase two: The Choke."

"The Choke!" Exclaimed Alex. " The Choke is exactly what it sounds like. You and Oswald, along with me in the shadows, have to choke out all those in power. One by one. The Methods used will be manipulation, intimidation, and blackmail."

Oswald explained further with excitement in his tone: "The goal of this phase is to place you and I at the top. Once we are at the top of the food chain there is no taking us down. In this phase, the hunted become the hunters."

"But non of this happens today or tomorrow." Stated Alexis. " For now you regain your strength and poseur. You rest for the rest of the week while things cool down."

" Ah! Sounds fine to me....but wait! The Task I was assigned! What about that? He said I had no choice or I would be killed!" Gerald started to freak.

"Relax son relax!" Alexis a little annoyed at the boy's lack of common sense: "Don't you remember who gave you that assignment? Don't you think that the guy who told your boss to give you that assignment  can reassign you to a different task too?"

"Oh ok, yeah that makes sense" Gerald was relieved he didn't have to go through another beating. "But how will you do that without raising any eyebrows?"

" Wow your so..." Oswald stopped himself from insulting the boy. " Let me put it to you as simple as I can. I am your boss's boss. And I tell him what is important and what is not."

"But non of this is your concern. We will take care of everything. Now, its time for you to get your rest. We have a long road ahead of us." Alexis ended the conversation there.

   The next morning I woke up with both excitement and fear. Excitement because I met my long lost father, plus the fact that I am helping take back my family business was thrilling. Then with fear because of exactly that; I am helping take back my family business from the wicked evil men and women who currently run it. I also still didn't know how Oswald and Alexis planned to get me out of that deadly assignment, which also made me a little nervous.

That day turned out just as Alexis and Oswald had planed. It all started that morning when I was called into my boss's office, and there he was again. Sitting in his chair, back facing me, smoking his cigar:

"Grab a chair young man." He said with that cold, cold voice of his. He then turned his chair towards me and put out his cigar before starting the conversation.
"Do you know why I called you here Gerald?" He asked.

I tried to act much more calmer than before, yet I answered with the same words: "Not really Sir."

"Well then let me tell you why." He said with a little tone of regret. "I don't know who you are, or what you do or what you will do. But I have received- Uhh how would you say - 'instruction" to give you a promotion. So, from know on you will no longer be reporting to me. Mr. Oswald is your new boss, and as for me....it is time to retire. This is the last time you will ever see me."
 He then picks up his prepacked suitcase and said " After you."  pointing to the door.

It wasn't but a few months until Oswald and I manipulated, intimated, and blackmailed our way to the top, and Alexis did all the dirty work. Finally, we were at phase three. And what is phase three you might ask? Phase three is the most important part: 'The Reboot'.

 

 

 

 

.... :mellow:

[C.O.N.Q.U.E.R.O.R 3,845]

 

Operation Reboot

 

Word count: 900

 

 

" Ehh, don't start crying." Alexis stated with a tear running down his face. " If you start crying I wont be able to stop."

 

Gerald just sat there, reliving his past trying to fit Alexis into it.

 

" Well, that's enough reminiscing, lets cut you out of those hand ties." Oswald said as he pulls out a switchblade.

 

" B-but where were you all my life? Couldn't you do something to at least tell me your there? Or were you even there?  You know how hard it was growing up without parents? Without a father?" Gerald blurted out.

 

" Calm down son calm down" Alexis said trying to ease the thick tension the room. "Who do you think payed for all your expenses growing up? All your education,food, living expenses. You thought your Uncle paid for all that? You know the company doesn't pay well. Why would they treat Oswald any different than you?"

 

"So you were there?" Gerald was surprised.

 

"Of Course!" Oswald blurted in. " He was always there, in the shadows, watching you from a distance. He just couldn't ever contact you in any way. The Company watches over all of us like a hawk, even before your recruited."

 

"That's right. Alexis jumped back into the conversation. "It would have all been over the second I contacted you."

 

" What do you mean 'it'?" Gerald questioned

 

Alexis answered with delight " Well, I am glad you asked. This so called 'it' you are questioning is simply what we call 'Operation Reboot'. And phase 1 of 3 is now complete."

 

"Phas-" Oswald cuts him off: "Yes, phase one! You, you are phase one! Now that we have you; we can finally start phase two: The Choke."

 

"The Choke!" Exclaimed Alex. " The Choke is exactly what it sounds like. You and Oswald, along with me in the shadows, have to choke out all those in power. One by one. The Methods used will be manipulation, intimidation, and blackmail."

 

Oswald explained further with excitement in his tone: "The goal of this phase is to place you and I at the top. Once we are at the top of the food chain there is no taking us down. In this phase, the hunted become the hunters."

 

"But non of this happens today or tomorrow." Stated Alexis. " For now you regain your strength and poseur. You rest for the rest of the week while things cool down."

 

" Ah! Sounds fine to me....but wait! The Task I was assigned! What about that? He said I had no choice or I would be killed!" Gerald started to freak.

 

"Relax son relax!" Alexis a little annoyed at the boy's lack of common sense: "Don't you remember who gave you that assignment? Don't you think that the guy who told your boss to give you that assignment  can reassign you to a different task too?"

 

"Oh ok, yeah that makes sense" Gerald was relieved he didn't have to go through another beating. "But how will you do that without raising any eyebrows?"

 

" Wow your so..." Oswald stopped himself from insulting the boy. " Let me put it to you as simple as I can. I am your boss's boss. And I tell him what is important and what is not."

 

"But non of this is your concern. We will take care of everything. Now, its time for you to get your rest. We have a long road ahead of us." Alexis ended the conversation there.

 

   The next morning I woke up with both excitement and fear. Excitement because I met my long lost father, plus the fact that I am helping take back my family business was thrilling. Then with fear because of exactly that; I am helping take back my family business from the wicked evil men and women who currently run it. I also still didn't know how Oswald and Alexis planned to get me out of that deadly assignment, which also made me a little nervous.

 

That day turned out just as Alexis and Oswald had planed. It all started that morning when I was called into my boss's office, and there he was again. Sitting in his chair, back facing me, smoking his cigar:

 

"Grab a chair young man." He said with that cold, cold voice of his. He then turned his chair towards me and put out his cigar before starting the conversation.

"Do you know why I called you here Gerald?" He asked.

 

I tried to act much more calmer than before, yet I answered with the same words: "Not really Sir."

 

"Well then let me tell you why." He said with a little tone of regret. "I don't know who you are, or what you do or what you will do. But I have received- Uhh how would you say - 'instruction" to give you a promotion. So, from know on you will no longer be reporting to me. Mr. Oswald is your new boss, and as for me....it is time to retire. This is the last time you will ever see me."

 He then picks up his prepacked suitcase and said " After you."  pointing to the door.

 

It wasn't but a few months until Oswald and I manipulated, intimated, and blackmailed our way to the top, and Alexis did all the dirty work. Finally, we were at phase three. And what is phase three you might ask? Phase three is the most important part: 'The Reboot'.

 

 

 

 

.... :mellow:

 

You were supposed to end the story  :mellow: 

[pringerfinger 934]

You were supposed to end the story  :mellow: 

I kinda did..... :mellow: what...did you need more?  :P 

[pringerfinger 934]

Some stories leave you craving for more.....That's what makes them better.....

[C.O.N.Q.U.E.R.O.R 3,845]

NGL, your story felt empty.

[Person_Random 4,991]

" Ehh, don't start crying." Alexis stated with a tear running down his face. " If you start crying I wont be able to stop."

Lol

 

I think there was a change in POV (Point of View), so you might want to fix that.

Edited June 15, 2018 by Person_Random

[Person_Random 4,991]

Ok this is my entry.  898 words as of now (not including chapter title.  Please forgive weird formatting from Libre Office.

 

Vengeance

 

Surprised and more than a little bit miffed, Gerald began to tear away from his father as Alexis reached over for an embrace. As he started to head out of the room, someone stopped him. His uncle.

 

“Gerald, we couldn’t tell you.” Oswald tried to console him. “I thought you’d understand.”

 

“Understand what?” Gerald shot back. “First you tell me to work for a corrupted news company, and now this?”

 

Oswald sighed in resignation. “I already told you. I was trying to get you to rebel against them, but you listened to them instead of us. Just this time, do it for your father.”

 

After Gerald contemplated this silently, he made a decision, “Fine, I’ll do it. But for you, not him,”, he said, glancing over at his father. As they sat down to make a plan, the doorbell rang.

 

“I’ll get it,” Alexis yelled across the room and rushed to answer the doorbell. Meanwhile, Oswald and Gerald followed behind, wondering who could be calling at this time of day. Once the door opened, Gerald stood, shocked as he watched his boss step inside, grinning strangely.

 

“Can I get some coffee?” the boss queried, “Oh, and make it black. No sugar, but get me two of those Splenda packets.” As Oswald hurried out of the room, the boss sat down on a leather chair and tried to look comfortable and intimidating at the same time. “Gerald, I was looking for you. After two days, I couldn’t find you. So we searched your house. No one was home. So I decided to ask your uncle Oswald if he had seen you, and there you were when I knocked on the door. Besides, your assignments were due a while ago. Hand them in.”

 

Gerald went to retrieve his nonexistent articles but bumped into Oswald on the way. “Don’t try to hide,” Oswald directed. Gerald protested, but before he could do anything about it, his uncle nudged him and commanded him to go back. Quickly, he returned with empty hands.

 

“I must have left my work at home,” Gerald fibbed, hoping for a chance to get away.

 

“Nonsense!” his boss retorted. “Just a few days ago I had been looking for you. So I called the police and asked for a search warrant to enter your house. I thought that even if you were gone, I could at least find your articles. We found nothing. Not even the three photos that I gave you. Now hand them in. This is the last time I’ll tell you.”

 

To Gerald's surprise, Alexis stood up. Walking to a file cabinet, he extracted a folder full of papers. As he came back into the room, he handed the file to the boss. “Here’s Gerald’s work.”

 

Only uttering a grunt of appreciation, the boss opened the folder, fingering through the papers. They were all blank. Becoming increasingly frustrated as he flipped through endless reams of blank paper, he yelled, “This isn’t a joke! I need the news!”

 

Gerald hastened to reply, but Alexis beat him to it. “You’re not getting a single page of the assignments,” he growled, then unsheathed a dagger from under his belt. “You’re going down.”

 

However, the boss seemed unnerved. Once Alexis came within ten feet of him, the boss took out his gun. “Noooooo!” Oswald cried. BANG! The sound of the gunshot seemed to last for ages, but Alexis instantaneously keeled over, dagger clutched tightly in hand.

 

As Oswald examined Alexis’s body, looking for signs of life, a strange feeling entered Gerald. “We’ve lost him,” Oswald whispered quietly. Ever since his father had been known to him, Gerald had shunned Alexis for leaving him in childhood. This time was different. Gerald burned with anger, agitated at his boss for what he had done.

 

Knowing nothing, he just did what came to mind first. Grabbing the coffee mug, he flung it as his boss. The clay shattered, cutting through the boss’s face. Groaning, the boss struggled to sit up but managed.

 

Once he had partially recovered from his wounds, the boss mustered up the remainder of his strength to point the pistol at Gerald. Gerald stepped back and shut his eyes, waiting for the light from heaven. Strangely, nothing happened, just the sound of the gun. I’m alive?, Gerald wondered. A plan formed in his head as he made sure it wasn’t an illusion.

 

Seizing the opportunity, Gerald pried the dagger from Alexis’s hand and took aim at the boss. However, as he was going to throw, his eyes came in contact with his boss’s. Though the boss was begging for forgiveness, for the first time, Gerald didn’t care. Throwing the knife, he watched as it landed in the boss’s body with a satisfying thunk.

 

A loud shriek emanated in the distance, followed by rapid footsteps.  Not long after, the sound of a siren sent Oswald running to the window.

 

Pale-faced, Oswald turned to Gerald. "It's the police," he gasped.

 

***

 

As Gerald stepped out of his uncle’s house, he noticed something in Oswald’s hands. “Gerald, your father wanted you to have this,” he muttered, then walked away. Opening the package, he found a pistol. His name engraved on it. A reminder of the life he never had. He sighed.

Instead, Gerald had decided to start a company of his own: a newspaper company. To do what he loved to do. Write.

 

 

Fun Fact: this story leads back to the title.

Edited July 6, 2018 by Person_Random

[pringerfinger 934]

NGL, your story felt empty.

It probably is....I am not a writer.

 

 

Lol

 

I think there was a change in POV (Point of View), so you might want to fix that.

Could be.

 

I was never a story teller, but a story creator......

 

In other words I would much rather be the person who you write about over being the person writing about someone else.....