Chapter 29 The Harsh Reality 4 (1/2)
”That's the harsh reality, dear.” Esther made the chair approach John and gently patted his head, ”Nothing in this world is all good and nothing is all bad. Yes, the Terrene Protectorate obeyed orders coming from the Letheia Corporation and made a few terrible decisions, but this doesn't change the fact the Terrene Protectorate also brought a semblance of peace throughout the universe. We protected the innocent and weak from the criminal organizations, wars and even natural hazards. Don't let the harsh reality change your view over the Terrene Protectorate's image. People, from whichever race, need hope, they need something that bring them the sensation of security and the Terrene Protectorate was that. You was that.”
”I know...” John's eyes reddened, ”But it hurts... Having being lied for so many years. Seeing the the image of the organization that I treated like my home being so different from the reality. It... Hurts...”
He never got to know his parents, he never had a home until he was 5 years old and was adopted by the Terrene Protectorate to become a Protector. He spent most of life in the Terrene Protectorate. The Terrene Protectorate was like a home for him.
He admired Protectors and the Terrene Protectorate. Since the time he saw what was the job of the Protectors, he aspired to became a Protector himself.
He thought they were the symbol of justice and peace, but now, this image was torn apart by the reality. The organization had became corrupted and outdated. Exploiting from the young Protectors' beliefs and passions to send them to certain death or to become watchdogs for the Letheia Corporation.
John rested his head in Esther's shoulder and silently sobbed for a few minutes.
He felt like his heart was being teared apart by the sudden revelations. Each new information was like a knife stabbing in his heart.
His beliefs, will and determination were shaken to their core.
He felt lost. He didn't had the determination to fight against the Ruin and restore the Terrene Protectorate anymore.
...
”I'm fine now...” John lifted his head from Esther's shoulder.
”Really?” Esther concernedly asked.
”Yeah...” John cleaned his reddened eyes.
Esther took a careful look at John and was relieved that he really seemed to be okay now.
”What you plan to do now... That you the shameful truth of the Terrene Protectorate?” Esther hesitated, but still asked.
”What else can I do?” John's eyes burned with determination, ”I don't have to think about this for now. I must focus on the task that is ahead of me, right?”
Esther sighed in relief and gently smiled, ”Yes.”
”I don't remember if you said before, but may I ask, what is my first task?”
”Oh. The task is to find the Ancient Artifacts. We can started with any race, but since your ship is currently in the Gamma Sector I think is better to start with the Florans, there is a lot of Floran colonies around this particular sector.”
”So... How exactly I find this Artifact?”
”Your job is quite simple. You must use the scan mode of your Matter Manipulator to scan cultural objects from Floran cities and then I'll analyse them and search for clues about where the Artifact is located.”
”That simple?”
”That simple.”
”Alright...” John didn't thought the job would be so easy, ”Then... I be taking my leave.”
”You better get a few days of rest, dear.” Esther advised John, ”You're still completely bandaged with bandages covered in blood.”