Paradise

The bright fluorescent lights were blinding to the man, as he was dragged into the white room from his dark cell, down below. His captors had bound his hands and he was chained by the wrists to the far wall. Before him in the long, open room, stood a court- a mock justice system complete with judge, jury, and executioner. The man closed his eyes in resignation to his coming fate. He could do nothing for himself now, but simply await his sentencing.

“Prisoner number 0579- Harrison Libertas- Charged with treason and conspiring against his lordship and exalted ruler, Hax.” said a robotic voice. “How do you plead?”

Harrison smirked despite the dire circumstances. He was, after all, proud of what he had done for the rebellion in the name of freedom. The “exalted ruler” standing before him had once been a great man and a good friend. But power and greed had corrupted him and transformed him into the unrecognizable being that he had now became.

“Guilty.” Harrison replied, staring into the eyes of his former comrade.

The mock jury convened, speaking quietly amongst themselves, deciding his potential fate. Merely minutes later the verdict was in. The head juror stepped forward from the midst of the group, “Harrison Libertas, we find you guilty on all accounts and sentence you to...” he stopped abruptly when Hax raised his hand, motioning for silence.

Without a word spoken to the others, Hax stepped toward Harrison, not halting until they were mere inches apart and then he spoke, “Harry, you were once an great ally and friend.” he began.

“And you were once a decent person, Harding,” Harrison interrupted. “We both have changed...one of us for the worse, sadly.”

“I shall assume from that statement that you will not agree to join me then? Since you seem to think so lowly of me.”

“I'd rather you just kill me and get it over with.”

“What of your unborn child?”

“He or she will live, that's all that matters.”

“So be it then. Vim, continue the sentencing.” Hax said, as he returned to his place.

Vim glanced quickly toward his master, then spoke, “Harrison Libertas, we find you guilty on all accounts and sentence you to death via beheading.”

“Carry out the sentencing,” Hax commanded, unemotionally.

Harrison's bindings where loosened from the wall and he was forced to his knees by two cyborgs. The executioner stepped forward, blade in hand.

“Do you have any last sentiments, Harrison?” Hax asked, cruelly smiling.

Harrison gazed around the room, making eye contact with each person, ending with Hax,“You may kill me today, but even with my death, you will not blot out the rebellion. There are others out there, waiting to rise from the unending darkness that you have thrust upon us and awaken the means of freedom once more, regardless of the cost. The world will one day be free again. Liberty and justice shall prevail.” he finished.

He bowed his head in resigned silence, closing his eyes, picturing his family in his mind, and smiled.

The last sound that he would ever hear in this world, would be the swish of the blade as it sliced through the air.