Collar and Leash

Jackson CadeJackson Cade, Promo

“As a cadet, I used to want to be a member of the APD’s K9 unit.”

“Their hounds weren’t just intimidating, they were vicious. Biting, snarling, and clawing at the snap of your fingers. These were beasts bred for war and it showed.”

“Yet, as I kept training, I noticed something.”

“As powerful as these creatures were, all of their dominance, theirĀ  fire? It was extinguished the moment that their handlers yanked back on that leash. In an instant the anger in their eyes flickered not to neutrality… But to anxiety.”

“To fear.”

“Because they knew, no matter how ferocious they were, they knew deep down that without their handler they had nothing. No food, no place to sleep, no life left to live.”

“And that fear? It killed me.”

“Disobedience, to them, meant pain, suffering. Their lives weren’t truly theirs to live and the doctrine that trained them enforced that. The dogs were a weapon to be wielded without regard for their well-being. To rebel was to be harmed. You can’t bite the hand that feeds you when that same hand holds your leash.”

“Knuckles white as they yank and drag you from one target to the next.”

“In a way, Drewitt, I feel sorry for you. Because behind those fiery eyes and unshakeable exterior I can see the real you. I can see the scalded dog cowering at his owner’s side, the mere thought of disobeying sending shivers up your spine.”

“Ares has his hand wrapped tightly around that leash of yours, doesn’t he? You could yank away, but what comes next? Do you disappear into Arcadia? Do you bite at his palm and draw blood on your teeth?”

“Or do you simply put your tail between your legs and beg him for mercy?”

“After all, without him and his reach there’s no Colt. There’s no freedom.”

“But that same freedom is the collar around your neck, isn’t it? The leash that Ares keeps so close. One little slip up and he’ll take away everything you have. He has all the power to lock you up in a kennel and throw away the key.”

“You could fight back, you could sink your teeth into his flesh and reclaim your autonomy… But you won’t.”

“Because you’re scared.”

“Terrified of just what comes next. Cowering in comfort at your master’s side rather than braving the misery ahead.”

“Do you know why you’ll never beat me, Drewitt?”

“It’s because unlike you, I learned to die on my feet rather than live on my knees.”

“I didn’t become a K9 officer because I saw myself in those dogs.”

“I saw the need to do more, the need to fight back even if it means I suffer.”

“I’ve bitten the hand that feeds, I’ve chewed off my collar.”

“And now? I’m going to put you down.”

“One kick between the eyes, a single shell to the brain.”

“There’s no pride in it, no joy.”

“If you won’t remove your collar… Then I’ll just have to remove you.”

“No one is above the Law, Drewitt.”

“And I am the Law.”