Original X-roads-2003

In the Present…
 
    Casandra had agreed to work for Mark on the condition that the troops would no longer misbehave. There had been no more incidents, and she had been placed on a distant world called Fead. Mark had captured Fead almost a decade earlier, his troops were stationed in every major city but he had no interest in ruling there. Mark had decided it was the perfect place to test Casandra’s loyalty.
    The group of militia escorted Casandra as she walked through the tiny market.
    A small boy ran up handed her something small wrapped in paper and tied with string.
    The commander grabbed the present from her and the guards surrounded her immediately.
    He barked loudly at the child and scared everyone who surrounded them now watching the spectacle. “What is the meaning of this?” he commanded of the boy.
    The young boy cowered in fear and was unable to speak.
    “Well what is it?” Casandra queried.
    The commander removed the paper and string to reveal a rock.
    The soldiers crowded in further to protect Casandra. The were so tight around her she could not see what the commander held in his hands.
    The tone of voice the commander used now changed into accusation, “What is the meaning of this?”
    “What did he give me?” Casandra asked urgently.
    “It is a stone.” The commander still sounded accusatory.
    “A stone or a rock?” Casandra began to push against the men so she could get out of their tight circle of protection. “I like rocks. Maybe it’s something interesting.”
    “It is a rock.” the commander said.