Auxiliary

Chapter Two

Juan Santiago was an honorable man. Father of seven and married to his high school sweetheart. He works hard and tries his best. He thought the armed forces was a good way to provide for his large family he has made. He sent most of his money back home to his family and kept only a little to sustain himself of the Command Post in a small village in China, near the border of North Korea. He had no idea the name of the village because he could never pronounce it.

Living in the village with a small family that spoke English, Juan learned so much about another culture other than his own Hispanic origins. They were always grateful for whatever came their way. A drawback he always heard was an endless worry about what they could sell at the market though, something his grandmother always talked about in remembrance of her times in Mexico. This family he was with were fisherman and helped the village every day with food before they left for the market. Everyone seemed so connected and in touch with each other. On top of that, they all trusted and relied on each other for survival.

Something like this small village is what Juan wanted to bring back to his community in Nebraska. Connection, trust, co-dependance, appreciation. All of these seemed like good traits that this village had and his community didn't. How do people change like that?, Juan would always think to himself, How do people become so disconnected and spiteful? Money and greed is what he thought it was, the idea of doing better than what you have, in essence.

Marching behind Elijah in handcuffs, being prisoners of North Korea, was something he wished he could've had better outcome. He started at the ground in dismay, beating himself up mentally that he didn't run fast enough, that he should've not stared at the Koreans. He should've been the one to take action instead of standing in fear. Run and Elijah would've followed is what he kept thinking as an attempt to justify running sooner. He knew he was lying to himself, that he would've done the same thing Elijah did and attempted to save everyone he could. He would never forgive himself if he did such a selfish act, especially in such a dire situation.

They were stopped and told by a Korean solider that they would be a public example of what Korea will do to America when they counter invade. Everyone would be treated like this. No mercy would be shown. Juan stared at him with a plethora of hate and wonderment towards what would be done to them. Who would they be an example to? Where were they going? How would they be an example? These are all the questions he had but dared not utter in fear of resentful retaliation the Koreans might do.

"Where are we going, sir? My name is Elijah Underwood and I would appreciate to know yours as well.", said Elijah with what sounded like honest confidence.

Juan stole a look at Elijah and saw he had his head held up and looked brazen at the Korean. Elijah didn't seem to have an ounce of fear in him. No sweat beads appeared under his short, sandy blonde hair. No exasperated or elevated breathing could be seen or heard from Elijah. He appeared to have that American confidence, that not-giving-up attitude.

"Such respect from an American." The Korean let loose a conceited smile and continued, "I haven't been polite. I'm in Korean People's Army. My name is Major General Lu and I plan to take you to the Chinese border. Back to your American people."

"What for, sir?", Elijah said with the same tone.

"My. my such confidence. You do realize I don't need to answer anything you ask?" Lu held the same conceited smile.

This infuriated Juan had wished he could pummel Lu. The thought of destroying a man that wished to play with them and attempt to instill fear pleased Juan with what he thought was righteous pleasure. He dare not let anything show on his face though, not even an eye flutter. He realized it was working though, he feared Lu and what he would do. He resented that and became crestfallen. He returned his gaze back to the ground and thought, No hope.None at all.

"Sir, I do know this. I appreciate your time so far and insist on knowing what your plans for us are.", Elijah said.

Lu let out a demonic laugh. He stood there, laughing at the American who asked a question. His laugh came to an abrupt end as he began to study them. He looked at Elijah, who stared with a blank expression but holding his brazen posture. Lu looked at Juan who was blank as well, only looking at the ground instead. "I think your comrade doesn't want to know though. I'll tell you anyways, Mr. Underwood. I plan to take you into sight of your comrades and my own army to publicly eviscerate you and your comrade. We will be fair and flip a coin. Exactly like you American's do to start what you call football games."

Juan's heart dropped along with his posture, which looked as if a child was pouting. He started to sweat in fear and wanted to plead to Lu not to. Let me live, he thought, I have a family to care for. He began to fidget and felt the cuffs on his hands. Feeling the cuffs only reminded him of his helplessness in their situation. Lu only amplified his fear which become apparent to everyone. Juan hated himself for showing such fear in an uncontrollable situation. He knew thought was no hope and wanted to have it over with sooner than later.

Clearing his throat, Juan inquired, "Sir, is there anyway you could reconsider?" Juan smiled feebly as Lu's piercing gaze turned onto him. Juan stared right back, holding his smile, now out of sheer nervousness, he continued, "I have a family. I have seven kids. A wife. A life worth living, sir. I ask that you only take it into consideration, sir."

Lu pondered it, as if dumbfounded, then smiled and said, "Mr. Santiago, isn't that the point of terrorism? To bring dismay and fear? To crush all of those who see and hear about a public act? One that hasn't been seen since our first encounter with you Americans? No, no, Mr. Santiago. It must be shown your cowardice inside to the world. We could even make it scientific, compare you to Mr. Underwood? Is there any difference in a coward or one who stands brave? I think not, but let us see anyways."

They held eye contact for a few more moments. A few moments that took a tole on Juan, who began to tremble.Lu eyeballed him for another moment, feeling smug about his tactics against Juan. Lu turned around and Juan had a sudden urge to vomit. He projected it at Major General Lu and drenched his uniform. It was soup day, chicken noodle soup, which now covered Lu's entire back. Both Juan and Elijah let loose a smile and held in laughter.

Not even bothering to turn around, Lu eerily said, "I hope that wasn't you, Mr. Santiago." He turned around to show a dubious smile and continued, "I will not be disrespected as such. My uniform will be changed and the coin flipped."

He lunged forward and pulled Juan in close to whisper a secret to him. He paused a moment. Juan knew he was being manipulated and could no longer tell if it was affecting Elijah, who had gone quiet and blank. He began to tremble as Lu started to whisper, "Whatever you call. Heads. Tails. It doesn't matter anymore. You're up first."

He threw Juan to the ground, who fell back uninjured onto his back. Elijah glanced down to confirm Juan was okay. Juan stood, despite being cuffed, onto his own feet using his athleticism. He only rose to make eye contact with Lu hovering over him.

"Let Mr. Santiago be an example, Mr. Underwood.", Lu said, while continuing his loathful glare into Juan's eyes, " If you disrespect me, I will show no respect to you. Everyone, file up and move onwards. He have show to catch"

Juan looked over at Elijah to see a single tear dropping of his now sullen face. His heart melted for his fellow soldier in admiration and appreciation of Elijah's bravery. Not only for now but because he knew this was Elijah's second tour. He had heard he had a family too, through other solders. He only wondered now who was worse off, him or Elijah. Both situations were abysmal and gruesome, beyond the point of imagination. Be eviscerated or watching and knowing your next.