"In fact, you are just the lad I was after." "Oh, C-Commander Wagner," he stammered, tugging at the thick green scarf wrapped around his neck. On the other side stood a trembling young man, his fist held poised as though ready to knock. The commander crossed the room and opened the door. Taking my cue, I rose as well, eager to get out of the small, cluttered office, away from the commander's searching gaze and probing questions. For now, I think you are ready to meet the rest of the squad." "You have not lost your sense of humour, at least. "There's plenty of things I'd like to inform you about, sir, if only I could remember them." Did he suspect something? Did he know? I forced a smile, a chuckle. "Now," the commander continued, "before I dismiss you, is there anything else of which I ought to be informed?" I didn't share his optimism, but nevertheless answered with a polite, "Thank you, sir." "I believe you will prove to be an asset to the squad, Nemo, despite your current affliction." Each one of them a talented fighter, uniquely skilled." The smile grew wider, warmer. My squad, as you will soon come to learn, is a special one. Besides, I believe you may still be of use to us. "If I have been rendered unfit for the army, why not just send me home?"Ī small, grim smile played on the commander's weathered face. "Why was I transferred, then?" I asked, avoiding the commander's eye. I am going to be honest with you, Nemo, the army has little use for a soldier whose mind has been so affected." The commander pressed his lips together into a firm line. "The rest of my memory, at best, is hazy." ![]() "I cannot remember anything of the past five years." I paused, collecting my thoughts, recalling the necessary information. From where I was sitting, the words were upside down, but I knew what they said. ![]() "Quite severe, sir." I glanced at the papers. The paper rustled as he released the page. "It says here you are suffering from retrograde amnesia." He continued to stare at me a moment longer, before lowering his eyes to the papers on the desk. He leaned forward, the gold embellishments on his stark white uniform gleaming in the filtered sunlight. ![]() I tried to keep my gaze steady, my breathing calm, as the commander continued his evaluation, his eyes flicking from the papers lying on the desk in front of him to my face, as though searching for discrepancies between the soldier depicted in the documents and the one now seated before him.
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