He Was Almost Absorbed By The System - Part Two

Chapter One Hundred And Ninety - Losing Heart And Hope

"What is up with you these days?!"

These were the words that greeting Dominic as he was 'guided' into his brother's office by the men sent to find him.  Dominic glanced up at the man.  Even though his brother was his senior by five years, there were not too many differences between them.  They both sported deep brown eyes and had a wealth of dark hair, though at this moment Artem's was trimmed neat and styled as one might expect of a serious business man, while his was untamed, just combed and left to do as it will.  There was not much difference in their height, maybe Dominic had an inch extra upon his brother and their physiques were also similar. 

However right at this time, Dominic's skin was a beautiful shade of gold while Artem's was pasty, having spent too much time in doors, behind a desk.  The other man difference was the hard lines of their face, Artem's facial shape was much like their father's; he sported a long jawline and nose, his brow was heavier as well.  Dominic's facial shape was more square, balanced, with none of his features more heavily prominent than the others.  Artem could be considered classically handsome, while Dominic more ruggedly so, especially with the rough line of stubble upon his jaw.

"I have no idea what you mean," Dominic lied as he flopped down in a chair and turned on his camera to scan through the shots he had managed to take this time.

"This disappearing habit of yours, you are worrying the family sick!" His brother scolded.  "And what of your poor wife, have you know consideration for how she feels?!"

"Oh, I know how she feels," Dominic muttered beneath his breath.  "And as for the family, I don't think they really give a shit."

"How can you say that, of course they do!" Artem retorted, completely exasperated by his little brother.  Where was the kid that used to toddle towards him, seeking his attention?  Admittedly the family had been hard on him, during his teens, but that had been for his own good.  And then he had to go and rebel, falling into the entertainment business of all things!  At least his choice of bride had been a good one, the connections with the Canterbury family had brought much wealth and prosperity to both sides.

"Yeah right," Dominic just rolled his eyes.  It was not as if he hadn't had this type of conversation with his older brother before.  The guy was a carbon copy of their old man.  "Dad's just worried about our reputation, always has been.  Probably worried about word getting out that his second son is a nut job or something.  And as for Great Grandfather, well he's probably just pissy that I'm not 'doing my duty' and providing the family with another generation of tools."

Dominic's eyes settled upon the last image he had taken, the one of the ship in the desert.  The image of a white haired child flashed running along side an older boy with a mess of curls flashed before his eyes briefly, the pair glanced back at him as he ran with them....

"Dominic, stop with all this nonsense!" Artem broke into his musings and he was forced to glance upward at the man, who seemed to be begging him to conform.  A sneer appeared upon his face and he switched off the camera as he rose to his feet.

"I'll be in my office," was all he had to say as he made his retreat.

"Dominic!" His brother called after him.  "What is it we have to do to get you to understand how important you are to the family?  How we care about you?"

"Am I so important that you'll let me live my life the way I want?" He glanced back over his shoulder and saw the hesitation in his brother's eyes.  "Yeah, I thought not."  The automatic door swished open, allowing for his escape.

A stood staring at the door for a while, his heart sinking in his chest.  He knew Dominic was unhappy, but he hadn't realised just how much.  Maybe it truly was depression like Destiny claimed?  Yet some how, deep inside of him, he felt as if this label simply did not fit.  He had entered his younger brother's office when the man was not around, as was his right as his superior.  He had seen the two dimensional images scattered about, some just the size of a hand, others blown up to larger sizes, and lesser still hung mounted upon he walls.  These images were all so different, taken in jungles and forests, taken in space or in cities, one had been a simple house that was a few centuries old, a terrace house, the total inside space could probably fit in the living room of his apartment alone.