The Many Masks You Wear
by vez
***
It’s amazing what you know if you watched someone long enough.
I thought I knew you. It wasn’t pride or arrogance. At that moment I truly believed it. I thought it was fact. After all, I had your memories. I am your son. But then again, memories can only show you so much.
I started watching you subconsciously. It was just something I did. It was not for the Resistance or Renee. Rather, it was for myself, for curiosity’s sake.
I wanted to know my father. However, before that, I had to understand
you — the many roles you play, the many masks you wear.
The Special Agent.
Special Agent Ronald Sandoval played by the rules and followed regulations. He was a profiler. He had an uncanny gift of looking into people’s minds and understanding them. It was only too easy for him to manipulate them. That was how he became a skilled undercover agent.
He was able to convince people into believing his cover completely. When he became a trusted confidant, that was when he brought them (the crime lords) down.
The Protector
He was honored when he was chosen to be a Protector. He was loyal to Da’an. I believe he would have done anything for Da’an. Anything. That was then. Now, my father is Head Protector, assigned to Zo’or. Zo’or isn’t the easiest Taelon to work with but my father took it all in his stride. He is efficient and very good at his job. That efficiency caused the Resistance a lot of pain. But then ... Give credit where credit is due.
The Husband
I don’t really know him as a husband but I know he loved Dee Dee very much. He still wears her ring on his little finger as a testament to that fact.
I know the immense guilt he felt when he had her committed to the Institute. It was the ultimate betrayal between husband and wife and he still harbors that guilt.
The Colleague
Ah… this side of my father I see the most. I know he sees me as a fellow colleague (albeit an annoying one at times) and nothing more. I can’t really blame him. One thing about my father : he takes care of his own. Whether it be Volunteers or fellow Protectors. He sees them as his personal responsibility. One might think, he treats the Volunteers like dirt. Well, you’re wrong. He might be terse with them at times, but they trust and respect him. In short, you can trust him to watch your back.
The Father.
The very thought of calling him, ‘Father’ out loud tugs at my heartstrings. Perhaps, one day, my deepest, fondest wish will come true. I look forward to knowing Ronald Sandoval as a father, my father.
It’s amazing what you know if you watched someone long enough.
***
End