The Deviants

Chapter 1

Out of instinct, Niko tried lifting a hand to wipe the blood out of his eyes but of course with the cuffs that was impossible. His wrists had been chained to the table in front of him to prevent him from escaping, or fighting back. There were two men, both agents of the Morality Enforcement Coalition, standing at his sides. The knob on the door began to turn and Niko dreaded thinking about who might be entering. The two agents with him now weren't very chatty but at least they didn't hit him.

When the door opened, Niko recognized the man on the other side. Everyone in Yorgistov knew Yuri Kusneska. Even if they didn't recognize his deflated and withered face, they recognized the symbol of authority that adorned his neck. A red silk scarf stitched with gold thread, the mark of the highest office in the town council, the proxy leader who was sent by the capital and spoke with the voice of the republic and President Braska. It was also the most brightly colored garment Niko had ever seen and he had always coveted it.

"Mister Kusneska." Niko smiled even though it hurt his face. "How nice of you to drop in like this. I must be quite the high profile prisoner indeed if you'll be overseeing my trial yourself. I figured graffiti would be a councilor's jurisdiction, or maybe even just one of the mine overseers. Not that I did it, of course."

"The son of my first councilor is accused of defaming official republic propaganda, this is a sensitive case and I'm hear to ensure it runs smoothly."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Niko managed to maintain a stoic expression, even though Yuri's words hit him like a fist to the chest. The weight of Niko's secrets had always been difficult to bear but he was sure that he'd been diligent enough to keep them secret.

The old man smiled. He tossed a folder down on the table between them before pulling up a chair opposite Niko. He reached forward and opened the folder, then fanned out a series of photos for Niko to see. They were all pictures of posters depicting images of President Braska with make up and dresses painted on them. Niko hoped he had successfully hidden his grin from Yuri. "Who ever did this was very talented," Niko said. "It's a shame such creativity is immoral and deviant."

"Don't play dumb, Niko. We know it was you, a loyal citizen reported you."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm loyal to President Braska, and the republic of Borrylea."

"Yes, well, that's what we're here to determine."

"So, if you're gonna oversee my trial, who'll be my witnesses?"

Yuri leafed through some papers, silently reading with an expression that told Niko nothing of what was happening inside that narrow skull. "We will get to that in good time. First I must ask you why you would commit such a heinous crime against the republic? You know that when I find you guilty you'll be relocated to a Patriot Camp, or worse."

Niko couldn't help but consider Yuri's word's carefully. "I didn't do it," he said, knowing it wouldn't do any good.

"There's no sense in denying it, I've got two witnesses who will come in here in a moment and they will confirm that you're a criminal."

"Only two, huh?"

"It's all I need." Yuri nodded to one of the MEC agents standing over Niko and the agent left the room. "First, I'll be calling on Leo Sirminov, son of Abram Sirminov the first councilor of the town of Yorgistov." The agent returned with another man and showed him to a chair next to the proxy. Yuri smiled at Leo but while most people would smile to let someone know that everything was okay, the Proxy of Yorgistov only smiled to reinforce his authority. It was a cold, unnatural expression on the man's wrinkled old face. "Good evening, Leo, thank you for joining us today."