Cain Mask

Cain's Mask.

It was ironic. Even when i was a kid i had always been passing the blame onto someone else. No mom i didn't kiss Alice on the cheek. No dad i didn't hack into your computer. It was an innocent habit at the time. But, the older you get the more serious things are.
         I'm talking about the Mask. The blue steel-metal ornament with a diamond shaped face and industrial lining. Two eye holes, and nostrils. No mouth. It looked like the solemn face of some alien gorilla.
It had found me. The mask had dropped right onto the rooftop of my workplace. That is, after an explosion. In this down and dirty city, seeing explosions in the air wasn't uncommon. For those positive thinkers it was probably a meteorite striking the laser shield. For those who had lived here long enough it was most likely the violent end to a cops and thugs chase. Or a gang fight.
         So after this explosion i had looked up nonchalantly, the cigar i was smoking was particularly 'special' and I watched in slowed time as a block of a ship shot out of the explosion, whirling madly, then dissapear in a wall of white, violet and yellow as it exploded against the shield. The craft that had beein shooting flew off in another direction. It was a black unmarked craft, more jet than car, and that was strange.          But i was stoned, and as i said, explosions are nothing new.
         So i watched the debris as it fell down slowly. Blue metal rain, then i noticed one piece glinting in the air. High and all, the glinting piece seemed to trail lines of light. Seeing this probably saved my life. I dove out of the way. There was a deep thunk. I looked over at what it was, not expecting much. But it was much.
         The mask lay embedded in the concrete. It was smoking slightly but otherwise completely undamaged, i went up to it, picked it up, and saw magic.
         Right now i'm a multi-millionaire. Right now I know a lot about being a rich man, a soldier, a politician, and a painter. Because i've lived many lives, i've ruined many, and i've learnt with many.
         This mask is special. I don't know if you can call it technology, it's more like magic.
         Right now i'm running from the cops, i've just stolen some valuable tech. Didn't bother with a craft. Don't want to be yet another explosion in the sky. They corner me in front of some restruant. I glance to my right. A young police officer has a gun on me. I'm busted. No sudden movements, he says.
         I move suddenly. Two shots. The kid's a rookie. One bullet in my neck, the other my right lung. It's okay. I've been hit worse. My quick move is finished: I've stumbled forwards. I remove my mask, i put it on him, and the magic begins.
         There is nothing. Utterly nothing. An absence of special effects, and then the boogie begins. I have a blue ironed uniform, i have blonde hair, i'm young, i'm fast, i'm a rookie, and i smile a smile with the mask on my face. I yell out indiginantly, ripping off the mask. What the hell are you doing? I shout at the bleeding man in front of me. I have to keep up appearances. The bleeding 40 year old perp who has stolen technology looks up at me with confusion, shock, surprise. His neck and chest are bleeding. He reaches for me, i shoot him in the face.
         The others have arrived. They don't question my action, i had made sure to rack up a reputation with that body as a cold blooded killer. A shot in the face was quite appropriate. I lean over to the body. I pretend to check his pulse. I take back the tech. My veteran collueges walk up to me, looking concerned. I shake my head, acting shocked. Oh man, i just killed someone... I shot him...
         It's okay, rookie, you did a good job. It's okay...
         He doesn't have it on him though... the other checks the body... the bastard...
         It's expected... so long as he's down... the first responds... Can't believe this guy... He was at a charity last week at the art museum... Lately the city's been crazier than usual...
         ... Yeah... I agree, looking at the dead guy, who was until a few moments ago a rookie. I pocket the mask and the tech, and i walk away into the restraunt. I'll not be seen again, at least, until next time. The mask will come in handy then. Oh yes it will.