Chapter 39: Cruelty Knows No Bounds
In the Downs Region, Tiberius had gone to visit Lily to watch her be whipped by his imperial guards again.
‘It’s amazing,’ chuckled Tiberius. ‘Every time I come back, your wounds are healed.’
‘The higher power heals me and curses you,’ said Lily angrily.
‘Even now you spout your garbage,’ said Tiberius as he slapped his leg. ‘I should up the brutality. Maybe I should tear off one of your limbs.’
‘Go ahead; I’ll be restored, and you’ll be cursed even more,’ replied Lily aggressively.
‘Well, I have some bad news,’ sighed Tiberius. ‘I’m leaving tomorrow. There’s a vile cult I need to eradicate.’
Lily scoffed.
‘I’d like you to pray for me and our glorious Empire,’ said Tiberius. ‘If you do that, I’ll spare you today’s whipping.’
‘Well, on that basis, I’ll gladly pray for you and our glorious Empire,’ said Lily in a slightly upbeat tone.
Tiberius and the two imperial guards dropped to one knee.
‘Dear Higher Power, please curse this bastard,’ said Lily aggressively. ‘Make him endure all the suffering he’s inflicting on others…’
‘Enough!’ shouted Tiberius as he returned to his feet. He turned to his imperial guards, who were still kneeling. ‘Get off your knees, you dumb shits!’ he shouted. The imperial guards rushed to their feet. ‘Whip her halfway to hell!’
The imperial guards began to whip Lily with as much force they could.
‘Again! Again! Again! Again!’ shouted Tiberius. The imperial guards continued whipping Lily as hard as they could. Her blood splattered over the walls of the trailer. They continued for several minutes. Unlike previous whippings, Lily did not scream in pain.
‘Enough,’ sighed Tiberius. He walked over to Lily. She was entirely covered in her own blood.
‘I’m not angry,’ whispered Tiberius. ‘Everything I do is out of love.’
Tiberius wrapped his arms around Lily and hugged her tight. He rubbed his face in her blood-drenched body. Blood poured from Lily’s mouth. She was unable to speak.
The next day, Tiberius called for a final executive council meeting in the hotel dining room before he headed to the West Camp.
‘I want our final meeting to be an informal one,’ said Tiberius in an upbeat tone. ‘You are more than just my executive council. You are my friends and family. I love all of you.’
‘Oh yeah!’ exclaimed Hermon, beaming in delight while the others lightly applauded. ‘I’ve been feeling it for some time.’
The restaurant manager reluctantly approached the table. ‘I’m sorry, Your Imperial Majesty,’ he said to Tiberius in a polite tone. ‘We have no meat to give you today.’
‘Why might that be?’ asked Tiberius while grimacing slightly.
‘The… the Sapes in the Downs Agriculture Zone have escaped,’ replied the restaurant manager in a nervous tone.
‘Nobody cared to inform me of this,’ said Tiberius angrily as he looked around the table.
Everyone remained silent. The mood had suddenly soured.
‘Don’t sweat it; I’m leaving today,’ sighed Tiberius. ‘Make sure we’re well stocked on meat when I return victoriously.’ Tiberius turned to look at Head Enforcer and said, ‘Find out who helped the Sapes escape and deal with them appropriately.’
‘I’ll make it my priority,’ replied Head Enforcer.
‘That’s what I want to hear,’ said Tiberius, nodding his head.
Duffo raised both his thumbs to Head Enforcer. The tension had now died down.
The waiters placed plates with stacks of pancakes on the table. Tiberius nodded in acknowledgement. Hermon licked his lips in excitement. Duffo looked at Hermon shaking his head.
‘I don’t ask for much in my absence,’ said Tiberius as he looked around the table. ‘Continue with routine meetings. Act in the case of emergencies. Don’t push any new initiatives. You can consult me when I return if you have an “idea”. Just focus on maintaining order and stability.’
‘I assure you, the Downs Region is in safe hands,’ replied Duffo.
‘Excellent,’ said Tiberius. ‘Now, eat up and enjoy. I want to savour your delightful company.’
Everyone eagerly tucked into their pancakes. Tiberius slowly ate just one pancake. He was thinking about the battle ahead and his triumphant return to the palace that he hoped would be completed by then.
After breakfast, Tiberius pulled Duffo to one side while the others headed to the town square.
‘I have another important task for you,’ said Tiberius as he and Duffo walked into a corridor off the main hotel lobby. ‘Lily is being held in a trailer in the former site outside the region.’
‘Accommodation fitting for a traitor,’ remarked Duffo in a smug tone.
‘I want you to visit her every couple of days,’ said Tiberius. ‘I’ve got into a routine I think you might enjoy. Something a future Emperor needs to understand.’
‘I’m honoured to carry on this work in your absence, Your Imperial Majesty,’ replied Duffo, nodding his head confidently.
‘We must love our enemies,’ said Tiberius, smiling slightly as he reached up to rub Duffo’s broad shoulders. ‘It is our moral duty to help cleanse them of evil.’
‘There is no one who understands morality like you,’ said Duffo as he smiled at Tiberius.
‘True, very true,’ said Tiberius as he moved his hands down Duffo’s shoulders and onto his arms. ‘Look at you. You were born from trash, and I sculpted you into something. No wonder everyone mistakes you for noble blood.’
Duffo smiled and nodded.
Tiberius patted Duffo on the arm and said, ‘I’ll see you in the town square.’ He walked back into the hotel lobby. Duffo stared at him as he left.
Hundreds of technicians had gathered in the town square. They were singing and dancing to bid farewell to their Emperor and Grand Vizier. In front of the statue, there were two small flying vehicles and a larger vehicle for the imperial guards.
Tiberius entered the town square. He was riding in his chariot. This time it was pulled by four imperial guards. Miro followed behind in another but smaller chariot pulled by two imperial guards.
Both Tiberius and Miro jumped off their chariots. Benny handed Tiberius a microphone.
’Thank you, my beautiful citizens,’ called out Tiberius.
The technicians cheered jubilantly.
‘Today, I leave to take on our greatest enemy,’ said Tiberius as he positioned himself between the two flying vehicles. ‘I will fight alongside our courageous warriors. I will ensure we’re victorious. I’ll ensure the security and prosperity of our Empire!’
The technicians cheered loudly while waving their arms in the air.
‘I will not leave you unprotected,’ shouted Tiberius as he gestured towards Duffo, who had now made his way to the front of the crowd. ‘My son, Prince Duffo, will lead and govern you in my stead. He has my strong will and determination; trust in him.’
The technicians began to chant ‘Duffo’ loudly. Duffo waved back at them in delight.
Tiberius climbed into a flying vehicle and Miro into the other. Both took off at the same time. A dozen imperial guards climbed into the ground vehicle. The flying vehicles headed towards the Down Region’s gates, and the vehicle with the imperial guards followed. The technicians began to sing and dance again.
Meanwhile in the West Camp, Walter was being held in a trailer. He was tied to a chair and gagged. Revals had told him it was part of his mentoring programme. Walter was furious, but there was little he could do about it. In front of Walter were several screens showing him what was happening in the camp and the construction site.
On one of the screens, Walter could see Big Burt being dragged from his cabin by his left leg by an enforcer. Walter desperately tried to break free from his restraints.
‘If you behave yourself, I’ll remove the gag and even untie you,’ said Revals, who was bending forward and grinning at Walter.
Walter nodded in response, and Revals pulled the gag off him.
‘That’s Big Burt, you piece of shit,’ shouted Walter in a frantic rage.
‘Your language!’ gasped Revals. ‘I’ve told you about this before.’
‘He has bad legs and a bad back,’ shouted Walter as he watched an enforcer kick Big Burt as he was dragged across the ground. ‘You can’t treat him like that.’
‘He doesn’t work enough hours and eats too much food to pay his rent,’ said Revals. ‘He gets a nice soft hay bale.’
‘I command you to give him back his cabin, you piece of shit!’ shouted Walter aggressively as his eyes started to become increasingly bloodshot.
‘No, no, your father was very clear, Your Imperial Highness,’ chuckled Revals. ‘I run the camp and construction site. You are to learn from my example.’
‘I want to speak to the head of the Economic Institute,’ demanded Walter. ‘Last I heard, you didn’t control my finances.’
‘Well, yes, I suppose you’re right,’ replied Revals, shrugging his shoulders. ‘I’ll set up a call for you.’
‘Put him on now, you piece of shit!’ shouted Walter. ‘This is a financial emergency.’
‘Sure, but… but please stop calling me that,’ said Revals, sounding frustrated.
‘It’s your name; get used to it,’ said Walter as he raised his eyebrows as he watched Revals type into the computer.
Two minutes later, Hermon appeared on one of the screens in front of Walter.
‘Who the hell are you, idiot!’ shouted Walter at the screen.
‘Oh yes, sorry, Your Imperial Highness,’ replied Hermon as he frantically combined his hair.
‘You’re not Colin,’ said Walter as he shook on his chair.
‘I’m a brilliant upgrade appointed by the Emperor himself,’ replied Hermon as he pumped his fists.
‘Good for you,’ sighed Walter. ‘I want you to transfer all my money to the Downs workers in West and East Camps.’
‘Oh, are you sure, Your Imperial Highness?’ stammered Hermon. ‘That’s a lot of money.’
‘Of course I’m sure,’ shouted Walter. ‘I’m not an idiot like you, who spouts random nonsense.’
‘This request is not cohesive with my economic plan, Your Imperial Highness,’ said Hermon as he raised his arms, pushing his palms towards the screen.
‘Your economic plan involves everyone sleeping in the dirt, idiot,’ shouted Walter.
‘That’s a wild conspiracy theory spread by that filthy weasel Benny,’ replied Hermon in an angry tone. ‘He’s jealous because I’m a genius and he’s a juice-addicted loser.’
‘How dare you say that about me?' called out a voice near Hermon. ‘After all I’ve done for you, that really hurts my feelings.’
‘You know what?’ whispered Hermon, leaning forward. ‘I suspect he’s tapped into this conversation.’
‘You know I’m sitting opposite you,’ called out the voice again.
‘Sort it out now or I’ll order some nutter to chop off your dick and barbeque it like a sausage, idiot,’ shouted Walter as rage grew in his eyes.
'Yes, absolutely, Your Imperial Highness,’ gasped Hermon. ‘I’ll get on it immediately.’
‘Make sure Big Burt is the first to get the money,’ said Walter as he glanced at Revals.
‘Hey, wait a second,’ said Revals, sounding a little surprised.
‘No problem,’ said Hermon confidently. ‘His account will be topped up in seconds.’
‘That’ll be all for today,’ said Walter as a smile came over his face. The call ended.
‘He’s got plenty of money now,’ said Walter as he looked up at Revals, who was scratching his head. ‘Get those nutters off him.’
‘You gave up all your wealth for them,’ said Revals, squinting his eyes slightly.
‘They’re my family; I love them,’ sighed Walter. ‘They mean so much more to me than some stupid numbers on a screen.’
Revals picked up a radio and briefly spoke with an enforcer. A few seconds later, the enforcers left Big Burt, who was lying hurt on the ground. Two Downs workers helped Big Burt to his feet and assisted him to his cabin.
‘I hope one day you’ll understand,’ said Walter as he looked at Revals again.
‘Oh, I understand,’ said Revals in a snarky tone. ‘You’re weak.’
‘And you’re a piece of shit,’ said Walter, shaking his head.
Meanwhile in the Downs Region, Hermon had just sent a list of all the Downs workers that Walter had decided to split his entire wealth with to his employees. Benny, who was sitting opposite him, was staring at him angrily.
‘How may I help you?’ asked Hermon in an upbeat tone.
‘You’re not fit to be the head of the Economic Institute,’ said Benny angrily as he slammed his juice packet down on the table.
‘You’ve been spreading crazy lies, rumours, conspiracies, and other rude things about me for years,’ responded Hermon angrily.
‘I haven’t done any of that,’ sighed Benny as he picked up his juice packet again.
‘Then why am I hearing your words coming out of the mouths of everyone, huh,’ said Hermon as he raised his eyebrows.
‘We’re all observing the same things,’ said Benny. ‘I’m sorry, it’s just reality.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said Hermon, shaking his head. ‘If it’s not you, it’s somebody else out to get me. When you’re this smart, jealousy is bound to follow.’
‘One day you’ll have to leave this fantasy behind,’ said Benny as he rubbed Hermon’s hand.
‘I… I invented the cryogenic pods,’ said Hermon in a stressed tone. ‘No one can take that away from me.’
‘That was mostly Yvonne, but you played an important part,’ replied Benny as he squeezed his juice packet again.
‘Well, if you’re so smart, you can do all my work,’ snapped Hermon as he stood up abruptly.
‘Great, that’ll save me time fixing all your mistakes,’ replied Benny chirpily.
‘You’re really pushing it now,’ said Hermon as he pressed down hard on the table. ‘I’m going to the hotel to enjoy more grateful company and drink fresh juice.’
‘Could you ask them to save me a piece of chocolate cake?’ asked Benny.
‘Haha, sure,’ chuckled Hermon as he exited the office.
In the lobby of the hotel, Hermon encountered Duffo, who was carrying an apple pie.
‘A nice treat on the go, eh?’ chuckled Hermon as he looked at the large lattice-crusted pie.
‘I’m showing kindness to someone in spite of their bad behaviour,’ said Duffo calmly.
‘Haha, Benny again,’ chuckled Hermon.
Duffo sighed and shook his head, and then he walked towards Head Enforcer, who was standing at the other side of the lobby.
‘I’m ready,’ said Duffo confidently. ‘Take me to the traitor.’
Head Enforcer glared at the pie for a moment, and then he looked up at Duffo and said, ‘Follow me, Your Imperial Highness.’
Duffo followed Head Enforcer down the main road and then out through the main gate. They soon reached the trailer Lily was kept in.
An enforcer opened the trailer door for Duffo. Duffo walked in. Lily was still strung up and still covered in blood.
‘Oh geez!’ gasped Duffo. ‘What’s happened to her?’
‘She is being cleansed of evil,’ said Tiberius through a speaker in the trailer.
‘I… I thought you were flying,’ replied Duffo, shuddering at the sound of Tiberius’ voice.
‘Head Enforcer informed me you were on your way,’ replied Tiberius. ‘I couldn’t miss my son’s coming of glory.’
Tiberius burst out laughing. Duffo was breathing heavily. He looked at Lily, who was staring at him. One of the enforcers was holding a camera, which provided a live feed to Tiberius’ flying vehicle.
‘Hand him a whip,’ said Tiberius.
Head Enforcer grabbed a whip and offered it to Duffo.
‘Yes, thank you,’ replied Duffo nervously as he took the whip from him.
‘Give her a good lashing,’ said Tiberius as intensity grew in his voice.
Duffo handed his apple pie to an enforcer. Then he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
‘Come on, son, don’t keep her waiting,’ chuckled Tiberius. ‘That’s rude.’
Duffo cracked the whip a few times in the air. ‘I’m going to whip you so hard, you dumb bitch,’ gloated Duffo.
He continued to crack the whip in the air and laughed nervously.
‘Nice showmanship,’ said Tiberius. ‘Now get on with it. Embrace this moment. There’s no going back.’
‘Argh!’ shouted Duffo as he struck Lily with the whip. He was aiming for her torso, but he struck her face instead. This caused a huge laceration across her cheeks and nose, splattering blood across the wall of the trailer. The tip of the whip had caught her ear, taking a piece of it off. Lily dropped her head but did not scream.
‘What a hit!’ shouted Tiberius. ‘See if you can take out an eye next time.’
Duffo was in shock at the damage he had done. He dropped his head and began to pace.
After a few seconds he stopped. He stared at Lily, who was now looking at him again.
‘Take a good look!’ shouted Duffo. ‘This will be the last time you’ll ever see me, bitch.’
Duffo cracked the whip and struck Lily in the mouth. Blood spurted from her mouth. Her lips were badly split. This time Lily did not look away. She stared at Duffo with intense anger in her eyes.
‘Now that’s a look of love, son,’ chuckled Tiberius as an enforcer zoomed in on Lily’s face. ‘I’m disappointed you didn’t take out those beautiful pearly whites.’
‘I think that’s enough for today,’ gasped Duffo as he looked at the camera lens.
‘No!’ spluttered Lily. ‘Hit me again, you ball-less bastard.’
Tiberius burst out laughing. ‘Are you going to let her boss you around?’ shouted Tiberius.
Duffo chucked the whip on the ground. ‘You don’t tell me what to do!’ he shouted as he grabbed Lily by the chin.
‘Yeah!’ said Tiberius, sounding a little disappointed.
‘I want to do things to you with my hands,’ shouted Duffo as he moved his hand down to her throat. ‘I find a whip too impersonal.’
‘You’ve captured my essence in ways I couldn’t imagine,’ said Tiberius in excitement.
‘Now get out!’ shouted Duffo at the enforcers. ‘This is not for your poorly bred eyes.’
Head Enforcer nodded, and the two other enforcers left with him. To Tiberius’ frustration, they left with the camera.
Duffo smashed the speaker and microphone off the wall.
'Ah, damn it!’ shouted Tiberius as he thumped the dashboard of his flying vehicle.
Duffo looked at Lily, shook his head, and said, ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t expect this.’
Lily stared back at him.
Duffo sat down in a chair opposite Lily. He put his face in his hands and began to sob.
Sapien Loop: Worlds Collide
Sapien Loop: Worlds Collide is the final book in the Sapien Loop trilogy. It continues directly after the events of the second book. The world above and the world below merge into one world. The conflicts in the underground world are brought to the surface. The new ruling elite attempt to crush any resistance from above and below in an attempt to create a new global empire.
Currently, three books from the series have been published on Amazon; see the links below:
All individual chapters can be found on my 