Carpathia III: Episode 34 - Dissent
Nekramentia
With Jaze was taking over Pestilence's duties, he was determined not to be like him. It wasn't hard to be less harsh than Pestilence was. Indeed, it would be nearly impossible to be worse. He was finding it difficult to strike a balance between being a nice guy and getting results. The kids and teenagers at the compound were wholly unaccustomed to polite requests, so a certain level of authoritarian assertiveness was required.
It was not a persona with which he was comfortable and he was not doing well in his new role. His first instinct to make things more tolerable by being polite was met with derision. Though he quickly determined that polite requests made him appear weak, it was already too late to backtrack with his authority intact. There was no open rebellion against him, but there was a distinct lack of respect. Those under him would sneak off to nap in some obscure corner or stand around chatting, which were things that would have been absolutely unthinkable when Pestilence was in charge. Jaze made the conscious effort to be more authoritative, but he knew he'd probably have to make an example out of someone eventually and he dreaded the thought.
Worse, Mitani was also working in the undersea farm while he was in charge and had nothing but contempt for his new status. Jaze knew that he'd have to give him a direct order eventually and wasn't sure what would happen when he did. There finally came a time when there was a problem and Mitani was the only one available to take care of it.
Jaze: Mita... er... Ladybug! There's a blockage in section twelve! Go check it out!
Mitani glared at Jaze from his station at one of the pressure valves. After a few tense moments, he sat down on the floor and continued to look at him with utter contempt in his eyes.
Mitani: Do it yourself.
A surge of frustration welled up in the pit of Jaze's stomach. Now, he decided, was as good a time as any to make an example of someone. He could explain to Mitani why he did what he was going to do. He might understand, he thought. He might not. Regardless, he couldn't let that slide. He affixed upon his face what he thought was a sufficiently menacing grimace, hoping he didn't look ridiculous, and stomped over to where Mitani sat. Mitani did not break his gaze.
Mitani was clearly caught unaware as Jaze grabbed the hair on his head and shoved him to the floor.
Jaze: I gave you an order!
Mitani: Screw you!
By now, everyone was looking towards them, trying to get a better view of the commotion. Jaze knew he would have to do something now or he would never earn their respect. Jaze pulled out his pistol and pointed it at his head, praying the old thing didn't go off accidentally.
Jaze: Move!
Reluctantly, Mitani arose and marched slowly in the direction Jaze pointed. It was to a door to a small room, well known as a place where those in charge dished out severe punishments. As Mitani approached the door, Jaze shoved him inside.
Jaze: Back to work, everyone!
Then Jaze ducked into the room and shut the door. Now, it was just him and Mitani. Jaze holstered his weapon.
Kitty: Meow!
Jaze: What the...
Jaze looked over his shoulder to see the compound's cat sitting in the corner. He walked over to the cat, which did not attempt to run away. He picked it up and took it to the door, and set it outside.
Kitty: Hiss!
Jaze closed the door and turned his attention back to Mitani.
Jaze: What the hell is wrong with you? Are you trying to make things more difficult?
Mitani: Go screw yourself! Or do you like it here now?
Jaze: Of course not! I had a chance to move up, so I took it!
Mitani: A lot of good that's done! You should be finding a way out of here!
Jaze: I am! I'm already getting more access privileges! This is not a problem that can be solved in a day!
Mitani rolled his eyes.
Mitani: A day? We've been here months at least! Maybe more than a year! I think you just like your new cat toy!
Jaze: Cat toy... What are you talking about?
Mitani: What's his name... Mirage? That little twerp you're using to sleep your way to the top!
Jaze felt a surge of anger well up inside him when Mitani mentioned Mirage's name.
Jaze: Don't talk about Mirage that way!
A few moments of silence went by as Mitani looked at him with a shocked expression.
Mitani: You're in love with him!
Jaze: I am not!
Mitani: Have you forgotten about Toma already?
Jaze: No!
Mitani: Then why are you defending him?
Jaze: It's... I'm just... Okay, okay. I like him. I don't love him. He's made the best of a bad situation and I respect him for that.
Mitani: Is that what you're doing? Making the best of a bad situation?
Jaze: Yes! I mean, no! Look, I want to get out of here just as much as you do!
Mitani: Well, it sure doesn't seem like it.
Jaze: This is stupid. We both want the same thing. Have you found out anything?
Mitani: Not much. There is a network of ducts that run under the compound, but they seem to be sealed off. I'm not sure how we could use them.
Mitani paused for a moment before he spoke again.
Mitani: Look, I can see where you're coming from. It's a good plan to gather information like that. I just don't have the patience for it. I'm getting out of here, one way or another, soon. I just can't take it here anymore.
Jaze raised his eyebrows, surprised at Mitani's sudden conciliatory attitude.
Jaze: You have to do what you have to do, I guess. I'm no good at quick decisions. At least one of them nearly got me killed.
Mitani: I know I've been a jerk to you and Adell and a lot of people. I'm sorry about that. Do your best and, with any luck, we can meet up again someday.
Now Jaze was really shocked. For lack of anything better to say, he decided to offer an expression of luck.
Jaze: Good luck. I hope you make it. Now, I'm sorry, but when we go back out, I'm going to have to be rough with you. I gotta make a good show for my image.
Mitani: Fair enough.
Mitani walked over to the door.
Mitani: You're going to enjoy this part, aren't you?
Jaze: Maybe a little.
Jaze opened the door and rammed his foot as hard as he could into Mitani's ass, sending him tumbling back out onto the floor.
Jaze: And don't do it again!
Commissioned art in this episode from:
Miyumon
Catnappe143
Jenova87
All city pictures from SimCity 4
