Capítulo 72: First recruit

A middle-aged man was sitting in a wheelchair while eating rice porridge. This time he was fortunate enough to get some lemon pickle on the side; usually, the attendants just gave him plain rice porridge. However, Vishnu was not paying any attention to the dinner; he was still thinking about the events that happened earlier in the morning.

The visit from Michael riled up Vishnu's hidden memories. He looked around his room. The room was sparse; It had a cot, a dilapidated desk, and a bookshelf. This is what a soldier who sacrificed his legs for his country received. In reality, he did get some compensation from the Indian Military; however, Vishnu's wife took it and dumped him in this Assisted living center. He had an arranged marriage and married the woman his parents found for him. His wife did not appreciate his military lifestyle and frequently cheated on him.

After he was dismissed from the military, she left him to live with her secret lover. Honestly, Vishnu was glad that she was gone; if she was around then his life would only be more miserable. Currently, he still had some peace of mind in this center; although it was hard to ignore the depression that came with this lifestyle.

Vishnu opened the file that Michael gave him. Vishnu was skeptical of Michael's claim that his leg will be healed; however, it wasn't impossible. There are many experimental treatments in developed countries like America that can help disabled veterans. The treatments were expensive and risky; If it was a success Vishnu expected to be forced to serve as a mercenary for the rest of his life in order to pay off the debt. Vishnu wasn't really optimistic about sacrificing his freedom but what was the point of having freedom if you were a cripple?

It took Vishnu nearly an hour to go through the entire package and he was pleasantly surprised. There weren't any details about the treatment other than the fact that it was complimentary. In exchange Michael expected Vishnu to join the security company he was forming. The salary was ten times what he made in the Indian army and there would be annual raises based on performance. The benefits package was overwhelming; One month paid vacation every year, Complete medical coverage, paid accommodation, paid meals, paid transportation, and a lavish retirement plan.

The offer was clearly too good to be true; no sane person would consider it. However, as Vishnu glanced around the room and remembered his life situation, he realized that Michael was right. He really had nothing to lose.

Vishnu dialed the number on Michael's card.

" Michael, It's me Vishnu Raj. I want to accept your offer. What's the next step?"

" I assume you have looked at the information package. There will be a final interview where we can ask each other questions and then you will be treated. I will come to get you tomorrow morning." Michael replied over the phone.

" Alright, I will be waiting." Vishnu replied and hung up.

On the other end, Michael hung up and jumped in joy. He finally recruited his first soldier. Of course, he still had some more procedures to do. First, Michael needed to have a thorough interview to verify Vishnu's character. To do that he had to upgrade a skill that he had been ignoring for some time.

[ Congratulations, You have upgraded a skill:

Advanced Deception Detection (100 million credits): You can detect all lies, deceit, and frauds that you encounter in person. Allows you to detect simple lies and fraud over instant communication devices (Phone calls, Video Chats).

Deducting 100,000,000 credits. Remaining Credits: 338,130,000 ]

With this skill, Michael could detect any lies during a face to face interview. Michael had a good impression of Vishnu but there was no reason to take a risk when he had the ability to make sure. Michael also needed to pick a place to interview Vishnu and heal him once he was hired. He booked a private room in a luxury hotel because of the privacy.

The next morning, Michael hailed a taxi to the Living Center. Vishnu was already waiting for Michael at the front gate with a suitcase.

Vishnu actually impressed Michael by getting in the car without any help.

" How are you feeling?" Michael asked.

" Better than ever" Vishnu replied. He finally had some color on his face. His back was straight and his shoulders were no longer drooped.

Michael and Vishnu chatted for a bit until they arrived at the hotel. Michael had already arranged for the manager to meet them at the back door so he could sneak in with Vishnu. The manager had no complaints since Michael paid the asking price for the two most expensive rooms.

Vishnu and Michael settled into their rooms. Then Michael called over Vishnu for the final interview. First, Michael answered any doubts Vishnu had. After that, It was Michael's turn. He was mostly trying to verify everything on the military profile. Although some aspects of Vishnu's character had changed since retirement; he was still more or less the same man.

" Are you comfortable with serving a private military force? Don't you consider yourself an Indian soldier? How can you fight for money?" Michael asked.

" Well, the way I see it. I already served my country for two decades. I even gave up my legs to my country. So I think I have done my duty. It is alright for me to join a private force and aim for a better life." Vishnu replied. Perhaps the 18-year-old Vishnu that first joined the military would not agree with what he said, but time and experiences change people.

Michael liked Vishnu's response. He moved on to another question. " What will you do if one day you have to fight an Indian Soldier on behalf of me?"

Vishnu did not immediately give an answer. He contemplated for a while before responding. " I will still fight. Ultimately no soldier can claim to have a higher moral ground. Whether we are fighting for money or our country; it doesn't change the fact that we are murderers. Modern countries can easily solve conflicts in a peaceful manner, but we still kill. Because violence is the fastest way to end conflicts. I have no one left to fight for. If you can give me new legs then I will fight for you."

Michael was delighted by Vishnu's response. He appreciated the fact that Vishnu understood the harsh realities of life. He did not want to hire someone that was blinded by devotion. Michael continued the interview and finally stopped after he thoroughly understood Vishnu.

" Ok, Now that the interview is over. We can move on to the healing." Michael commented.

" Great, When are we going to the airport?" Vishnu asked.

" Why would we go to the airport?" Michael was confused.

" Aren't we going to America so that I could participate in an experimental program and get prosthetic legs?" Vishnu asked curiously. How else was he going to get new legs?

Michael smiled at Vishnu's naivety. Why would he give Vishnu prosthetics when he could heal his real legs? " Nope, I am going to heal you right here." He declared.

" Oh god, You really are a mental patient." Vishnu cried out loud. He had been duped.