Read Online THE PRIZE: BOOK TWO - RETRIBUTION by Rob Buckman - Free Book Online Page B

that matter.”
    “Not to worry, the test is simple. All you have to do is walk through that doorway.”
    “That’s all?” Another asked. “And we become cops?” Penn nodded.
    “Used to be a SEAL one time, long ago, and I might be a bit old, but I think I can still cut it. “ One gray haired oldster put in. Penn shook his head.
    “No matter what age you are, you take the test and pass, you get the job. It’s as simple as that.”
    “Don’t know how much good I’d be in the field, but I sure could use a job behind a desk, or something like that.” The guy that spoke had to be in his seventies.
    “As I said when I put the call out, any age, any sex, any color. If you want the job, one at a time walk through the doorway.”
    A few looked at each other, others squinted as if thinking there had to be a trick, but at last, one stepped boldly across the room and through the archway. As the last one passed through, Penn sat by the table drinking his morning coffee, smiling slightly. He remembered what Michael had said about his creators using the pyramid to test anyone who wanted a position of authority within their society. Without knowing it, he and Ellis had taken the ultimate test and passed through the rite of passage. What winning the ‘Prize’ actually meant wasn’t what he'd expected at all. He sure as hell didn’t want to run planet Earth, but what he wanted didn’t seem to matter. He was the de facto ruler of this world now. Just as he was finishing his coffee, one of the applicants walked back out of the doorway. Looking a little worse for wear.
    “And you are?” Penn asked.
    “Simpson, sir.” Simpson shook his head and looked back at the doorway. Richard could only guess what he was thinking, or what trials he’d been through.
    “And, do you still want the job?” Simpson drew himself up and came to attention. At that moment, Penn realized he was the really old guy in the group, or had been. “You might want to take a look in the mirror over there before you say anything else.” He did, and stood there for a long time looking at himself.
    “You knew this was going to happen didn’t you?” He asked at last.
    “Yes. If you pass the test, you get the benefits.”
    “I haven’t looked and felt this good in a very long time, well, before… you know.”
    “I do.
    “Shit! I used to think SEAL training was hard, but shit...” He looked over at the doorway.
    “So, the question still is, do you want the job or not?”
    “Yes, sir.” He answered in a firm voice. “My duties?”
    “Then as of this moment, you are Chief Ranger. The data pad with your uniform and other equipment will give you your assigned district. There’s a fully equipped all-terrain rover waiting outside for you for your use.”
    “And my instructions, sir?”
    “As you are the first, I’m going to put you in charge and take care of the rest as they come back out. Once you have them all dressed, you and the others will unload every bit of equipment in the vehicle and check out each item to familiarize yourself with it. Then you check out the vehicles from front to back, as you’ll be responsible for maintaining it.
    “Just like back in the service.” He smiled and flexed his shoulders, as if getting used to his new body.
    “Within your district, you will be the supreme authority. In fact, you will be the only authority. You’ll be judge, jury and if necessary the executioner. Like the Royal Mounted Police and the Texas Rangers in the old days. It will be your job to start organizing the people in your district by any means you deem necessary and start rebuilding.” Simpson blew out his cheeks.
    “That’s a tall order, sir.”
    “I know. You might like to review the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and that of the Texas Rangers. Both had similar duties and responsibilities over a wide area. Unlike them, you do not have to report back to any higher authority for a decision. You’re it.” Simpson