Chapter Three - Empty Space

Drip, drip, drip. The only sound he heard. The real sound has ceased hours ago, but in his mind it was all the sound that could ever exist. But it had stopped and he couldn't accept it. It meant one thing, one of his men was dead.

Drip, drip, drip.

He sat up, gasping. Three days ago he had lost his newest subordinate. A soldier more innocent than any other. A soldier seeing his first time in real combat. A soldier not stained by any blood, but his own.

Today was when he would be receiving his punishment. He expected to be discharged. He made the solemn walk to his superiors office, shivering with fearful anticipation. The empty space around him only served to enforce his solitude.

As he entered the office he noted the two officers who would be informing him of his punishment. He gasped as he recognise them. General Cobb and Colonel Reynolds sat at the desk. They regarded him gravely.

General Cobb was a man that everybody liked, but no-one really trusted. Colonel Reynolds was respected and trusted, but there were a lot of bitter feelings for him, due to his sternness.
"Sirs, if I may, I'd like to ask what men of your stature are doing at the announcement of my punishment. I'd also like to ask why I didn't have a hearing."
"It is not your place to ask." Reynolds snapped
"Colonel," Cobb spoke in placating manner "We're here due to the nature of your punishment."
"What of it, sir?"
"You'll be checking up on him." Reynolds barked
"Who, sir?"
"Forgive the colonel for being so vague. He means the psychic."

...

Later, as he headed towards the room of his charge, he mulled over the warnings about the so-called psychic. His girlfriend had demanded he phone her afterwards. He didn't mind, it reassured him that she cared.

He stopped outside the door for a moment. Patrick tapped on the door. The boy started to sob uncontrollably. "I don't want that boy in my class! His eyes are scary!"