Why Do You Do It

David was not sure what to make of the man behind the wheel of his car. He had stopped him, told him to follow where he lead, and he would have his revenge and make the world better.

He was not sure if he should fear this man. That he could kill David without a thought he knew without a doubt, some instinct told him this. But the same instinct told him that he would not kill him, that he had plans for him. After a long silence, the street lights flashing on the slick windshield, David finally asked, "What would you ask of me? What would you have me do?"

The man spared a glance at the teenager in the passenger seat, not speaking at first. He looked so young, so innocent, excpt for his eyes. His eyes were blank, no inner light was there anymore.

"I would have you become one of us. I ask that you follow my lead to whatever end."

"Who is us?" David sounded only mildly curious, as if asking were a reflex rather than a true desire to know.

"In time you will know. I am asking you to give up your old life, all your connections, all your past. I am asking you to become what we need you to be."

"And what is that?" The same resigned voice asked.

"Mercenary, thief, commander, anything that we need."

David shrugged. "I have nothing left, no reason to stay. I guess I might as well go with you." David looked at the man, the first glimmer of life sparking in his deadpan face. "Did you give up who you were? Why do you do it? If I do well what happens?"

The man smiled, "all information in its time. As you see yourself, I once saw myself; as you see me now, you will be seen."

David settled back on the seat, thinking over what he had been told. He would become like this man. Strong, capable, someone people could look up to.