“Given your treatment of prisoners thus far, let’s just say, your reputation precedes you.  My alleged commanding officer would be none too pleased to find out that one of his best men was cut down by an overzealous Major who liked to use his own blade.” Jim answered.  “My eyes are still irritated by the powdered soap, although, I’ll be honest, I do appreciate the bath.”

There was dead silence when Jim finished speaking.  The guard in the corner had clearly never heard anyone speak to his boss the way that Jim had.  The guard almost looked fearful at what Max’s reaction might be.  Father Edward stood where he was, a subtle look of surprise and horror was on his face. His hands were clutching his necklace with a cross on it.  Machete Max stared, processing what he had just heard.

Machete Max suddenly broke out in gut shaking laughter.  This prompted the guard to start laughing with nervousness as well.  The priest was no longer nervous, but maintained composure with a smile.

“I like you, Jim. You are a funny man.  As for the  accommodations, I cannot put you in with our guards.  I do have living quarters that would be suitable for someone such as yourself.  Let’s call you an ambassador.  An ambassador of secrets.” Machete Max chuckled at the concept.  “During your stay here, you will go unmolested by any of my guards.” He turned to look at the guard behind him. “Is that understood?”  The guard, very quickly, nodded in agreement.  Max turned back to Jim. “Seeing as I am the highest ranking official in this encampment, you will only ever answer to one person, and that person is me.  For how long do you intend on staying again?” Machete Max asked, appearing much much at ease again.

“Only for a few days.  A week at most.  My alleged superiors, that may or may not exist, tell me of an old custom from a time long ago.  A custom that originated in a place once known as Geneva.  In a country long ago called Switzerland.  A convention of sorts that would guarantee the humane treatment of prisoners.  I’m told violations of this treatment would result in consequences.  Without consequences, we are free to commit any act we please with impunity.  This is animalistic behavior.  Surely we are better than animals.” Jim said, knowing full well what he was saying would sit well with Machete Max.

“I couldn’t possibly agree with you more, Jim.  I too have heard of this Geneva convention you speak of.  A set of rules from a long time ago.  While we do not recognize this convention in today’s age.  We do observe the necessity for humane treatment of prisoners.  We can also drop the clandestine aspect of your job description.  You wouldn’t know of this Geneva convention if your superiors didn’t exist to tell you of such things.  No one in this room is going to say anything to anyone about your job.” Max turned to his guard again. “Right?”  The guard nodded vigorously.

“This conversation never took place!” the guard said loudly.

Machete Max then turned his attention to the priest.

“What do you know of this conversation, Father Edward?” Max asked.

“As far as I’m concerned this conversation happened only in witness between us and God.  It is no one else’s business what has been discussed here tonight.” Father Edward said, choosing his words carefully.

It may not have been the same response as the guard, but Machete Max heard what he expected to hear regardless.

“I suspect we have much to talk about over the next handful of days, Jim.  In the meantime, I will have my guards prepare the guest room for you, including a fresh set of clothes more suitable for a man of your stature.” Machete Max snapped his fingers. The guard immediately left the room. “Our priest, Father Edward, is very familiar with how things operate in our encampment.  He’s been with us for the past three months.  He offers a service every Sunday in accordance with his own dogma.  He only requires an hour, which I allow.  I believe the next service is in a few days.  Hopefully, you will be staying with us long enough to witness it.  It is truly something to behold.”

“Please, Jim, do stay.  All are welcome at my services.  God doesn’t discriminate, and neither do I.” Father Edward interjected.  “Any man that would use a cross as an attention grabbing symbol.  I can only imagine you would be thrilled to attend, as I would be thrilled to have you.”

“We’ll have to see how things go, but I'm certainly not opposed.  My curiosity has been sparked though.” Jim replied.

“It is settled then.” Max said, offering his hand to Jim.

Jim stood up and reluctantly, yet without hesitation took his hand to shake it.

“Welcome to the encampment Jim.  This is Outpost Echo.  Father Edward?” Machete Max said, turning to look at him.  “Will you show our guest to his living quarters?”

“Of course.” Father Edward replied.

“Oh, one more thing.” Jim said quickly.

Machete Max turned to look at him.

“Yes?”

“That last round of prisoners you found.  I’ve been tailing them.  We… I believe they may be connected to another active matter, and I would like to speak to them in my living quarters.” Jim said, continuing his bluff.

“Anything that I should be concerned about?” Machete Max asked. Curiosity sparked.

“No, no, nothing like that.  It has to do with a matter from a long way away from here.  I simply tracked them to this location.  I just need to speak with them.” Jim said with his best sense of false confidence.

“They weren’t very cooperative with me, what makes you so sure that you can get information from them?” Machete Max asked, genuine curiosity was on his face.

With a simple wink, Jim replied.

“We have our ways.  I’ll show you some of our ways sometime.  I think you’ll be pleasantly impressed.”

Jim outstretched his hand in an attempt to cap off his performance with a handshake.  Machete Max wasted no effort in accepting the gesture.  Jim turned to the priest.

“Father?” Jim asked, implying he was ready to go.

Jim stepped toward the door.  The priest moved around him to act as guide.

Jim gave himself a metaphoric pat on the back as he walked out of that room.  He had somehow, convincingly pulled off his deception, at least, that’s how it appeared.  Now Jim’s focus had to turn to why he was there in the first place.  To rescue his crew.  He told Sam to meet him in three days.  From the sound of it, it would be the same day as Father Edward was holding his service.  Perhaps Jim could use that as a distraction.  He wasn’t really sure of anything at the moment.  He was looking forward to seeing his crew again, face to face.  This could also mean that he’d be able to hold Veronica again, away from prying eyes.  Jim still couldn’t make their actual relationship known yet, but it was a start.

Jim walked out the door behind Father Edward, and into the belly of the beast, the very fortress that he had only seen from the outside.  He was about to learn the inner sanctum very intimately, hopefully make his self-sacrifice worth the effort, thus allowing the escape planning to begin.