Chernobyl’s Revenge

V

He opened his eyes suddenly, his breathing ragged. For now, he has no name… at least not until he’s identified, or he’ll join the growing list of Does accumulating over these days. A relentless gurgling sound echoed in the distance, the air was thick, and the penetrating humidity suggested he was underground. He tried to orient himself but had no idea where he was. Little did he know, this was his hell on Earth.

Fear quickly took hold of him as he tried to get up, but a pair of straps restrained his movement, tying him to a stretcher. His vision was limited, and the faint glow of a couple of bulbs offered little clarity. Moreover, he’d been drugged with an extremely potent substance that made it impossible to think clearly. He tried to recall how he had ended up in this place, tied to a stretcher in an unknown location.

Footsteps? Yes, footsteps echoed in the distance, though he couldn’t determine their source. He strained to focus. Behind? Yes, behind. They were heavy and deliberate, as though the person making them was savoring the fear they caused. A deep, somewhat hoarse voice addressed him.

“I see you’ve woken up. I was starting to worry. Perhaps I miscalculated the dose. After all, the other one is already awake.”

“W-Who are you?” His voice broke with fear, a lump forming in his throat, and he was on the verge of tears.

“Of course, you don’t remember me. It’s been so many years. Besides, you didn’t even bother to see the consequences of your ambition. After all, they were just the lives of filthy workers.”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything! Just tell me what you need—money, protection, anything—you name it, and I’ll give it to you.” At this point, the man began pleading through sobs.

“Do you think you can buy me? You hold a respectable position in the government now, but… allow me to refresh your memory, Commander.”

“C-Commander? No one’s called me that since…”

“Chernobyl. Oh, Commander, I remember it well.”

“I-I had nothing to do with it… They… they were the ones who planned everything. N-n-no… it wasn’t supposed to happen.” Fear completely consumed him, swallowing him like a savage wave. He recognized the voice’s owner.

“Oh, so you do remember me. Allow me to return the favor from all those years ago, Commander,” a muffled laugh escaped the man’s lips. As he approached the stretcher, his new victim trembled, falling into a desperate frenzy to free himself.

The last thing left of his victim were the screams, which brought deep pleasure to the killer. He relished every cut he made, every plea for mercy, every hateful cry hurled at him. It was his greatest ecstasy.

"All units, a body has been found at St. John’s Smith Square. Proceed with utmost urgency."