New Eden

by Michael Watson

  There was an immediate reaction with the people scattering in all directions like someone stepping on an anthill. Some ran to the trees, some to underneath the wagons outside the fence, and others fought each other to get safely through the hole.

  “What the …?” exclaimed Uncle Don. He’d heard the gunfire and saw his people diving through the hole. Those outside had been showered with concrete dust and fragments. “What’s going on out there?” he asked no one in particular. He didn’t need an answer. Now he knew Ryder hadn’t been lying about help coming, and apparently it had arrived.

  Ryder and Jeremy heard the shots too. They exchanged a look and both smiled. “Our help is here.” Ryder expected Uncle Don to realize they were whipped with no choice except to retreat and go home. Instead, a stick of dynamite, fuse sparking, came sailing toward them.

  “Get down!” Ryder screamed to the others.

  There was a deafening explosion on the other side of the steel security door, shaking the walls around them. Ryder was relieved to see that the heavy door was unaffected, still intact. He scooted over to a rifle port. “You’re not getting past us!” he yelled. “Leave while you still can!”

  Uncle Don was frustrated and furious. Nothing had gone as expected, but giving in wasn’t in his nature. This time, however, he had underestimated the resistance they would encounter. His thoughts drifted to Chris and Amy. They were to blame. According to them there had only been two guards, one in the tower and one in the lower level with the supplies. And everyone else they met had been very friendly and complacent, like lambs, with no sign of aggression.

  Access to the compound had been harder than expected. He had counted on a surprise attack, but their warning system had ruined that. Ryder had been more difficult to get to than expected too.

  Not only did Uncle Don not want to fail, he didn’t want to lose face in front of his people.

  His thoughts were interrupted by Ryder, “What’s it going to be? If you don’t leave, our friends out there will cut the rest of your people to ribbons.”

  “The door may not be able to take another explosion,” speculated Jeremy.

  “I know. And if they do get through, it won’t matter if Charles is out there or not. Unless we can stop them here, Don will have a chance of taking all the prisoners he wants. Jeremy, can you go to the tower and signal Charles that we’re alright and see what the others are doing?” He pulled out the dynamite that Amy had given him.

  “And what are you going to do?” asked Jeremy.

  “A little extra incentive for them to leave, if I have to use it. But I’ll wait until you report back. ” He set the stick of dynamite on the ground within easy reach.

  Jeremy nodded and took off in a run. The foyer and staircase were clear now.

  Ryder placed the barrel of his rifle into the port. He knew where Uncle Don should show himself if he made another attempt. He would be ready this time. He just didn’t know if he could react fast enough to stop him from throwing dynamite in their direction again. Timing would be critical. He kept the scope aimed at the cell side of the corridor where he anticipated Uncle Don would appear. He tried not to blink. “Darby, I hope this works.” He took a deep breath and held it, ready to pull the trigger.

  In an instant, a stick of dynamite flew towards the door, fuse lit. It had been too quick. He had fooled himself into thinking he could prevent it. He never saw Uncle Don’s arm. The throw this time didn’t quite reach the door, exploding without causing any real damage, but close enough to give them a good scare.

  Jeremy, out of breath, ran back to Ryder’s side. “He tried again?”

  “Unsuccessfully. I wish I knew if he has more of those things.”

  “His people outside have scattered into the trees,” reported Jeremy. “I don’t think we need to worry anymore about them. And I got the pilot’s attention. They’re still hovering with their fifty-caliber facing the breach. I don’t think Uncle Don’s people will be back.”

  “So, now all we have to do is get rid of this lunatic,” stated Ryder. He picked up the dynamite next to his leg and readied a match. “When I tell you, slide the door open.” Jeremy nodded.

  Jeremy unlocked the door and cracked it open, just enough to see into the cell block. There was still smoke and dust hanging in the air.

  Ryder lit a match and held it near the fuse. “Okay…now!”

  Jeremy slid the heavy metal door open as quickly as he could.

  Ryder lit the fuse, reared back, and threw the dynamite as near as he could to the cell where he believed Uncle Don had taken cover. “Quick! Shut it!” He grabbed the door, helping Jeremy slide it closed. “Everyone! Get Down!”

  Two seconds passed and there was another explosion. This one Uncle Don hadn’t expected. He was trapped. Ryder, evidently, also had explosives, and armed men, blocking his way from leaving the cell block, and a helicopter with a Gatling gun just outside. He had run out of options. It appeared he was going to have to swallow his pride and admit failure. “Okay, we give up!” shouted Uncle Don. “Just let us out of here.”

  Ryder had the upper hand now. He could either make it difficult on them and take them prisoner or just wipe them out. But, he didn’t want to do either. He just wanted them gone. So far, they’d been lucky. None of the New Eden people had been killed and the only two to be injured were Jenny and Levi. All the casualties had been from Don’s group.

  “Throw your weapons into the corridor!” demanded Ryder. “Then I’ll have the chopper let you pass.”

  “Jeremy, watch them. I’m going to the radio room and talk to Charles.”

  After a few silent moments, Jeremy wondered if Uncle Don was preparing to try something else, but then their weapons started to be tossed outside the cells. He stayed on his guard though, not sure if it was a trick or if there was still dynamite to contend with.

  Ryder rushed into the radio room and dialed to the frequency of the chopper’s radio. “Charles, come in Charles.”

  “This is Charles Grayson. Who am I talking to?”

  “Ryder. Glad to see you guys.”

  “Is everyone alright?”

  “You got here just in time.”

  “We were concerned when we saw the people entering through the hole in the wall.”

  “If I can get you to back off a little, I think I can get these people to leave without any more trouble.”

  “Aren’t you worried they’ll come back after we’ve left?”

  “I’m willing to give them a chance. There’s no need for a blood bath.”

  “Okay. We’ll be close by in case you need us.”

  “Thanks. I’ll talk to you more after they’re gone.”

  Ryder rushed back down to where Jeremy and the others had established a line of defense behind the security door to Cell Block A. “Any more trouble from Uncle Don?”

  “None. It’s been real quiet. They’ve placed their weapons in the corridor, but who knows whether they held some back.”

  Coming to know Uncle Don, Ryder understood his concern. “Donny!” yelled Ryder. “You and your people can leave through that hole you made. The people in the helicopter know you’re coming out, so don’t do anything stupid! They’ll give you a free pass so you can leave and go home! As long as you never come back!”

  There was silence and stillness from the cells and corridor. After a few moments, Uncle Don stepped out and showed himself, his hands in the air. Briefly, Ryder considered it to be the perfect time to eliminate this lunatic and be done with him once and for all. With great difficulty he placed the thought into the back of his mind. He could always take that step if Uncle Don tried something.

  “How do we know they won’t open fire and shoot us down once we’re outside?”

  “You don’t, but what choice do you have?”

  Uncle Don stood motionless for a few seconds staring at Ryder. There was always a choice. He faced the hole and stepped through.

  Jeremy sighed relief, exchanging a smile of satisfaction
with Ryder. The corridor gradually filled with the others as they came out of the cells. There was some hesitation before the first stepped through to follow their leader, and then a steady flow began to leave the building.

  Ryder turned to Jeremy. “Stay here and make sure they all leave and that no one comes back inside. I’m going up to the tower to watch from there. I hope they keep on going, but I don’t trust Don. I won’t believe they’re actually gone until I see it with my own eyes.”

  From the tower, Ryder watched the people coming outside one at a time, and then file towards the wagons. Uncle Don was having their remaining wagons turned around while the rest of his people headed into the trees.

  Charles and his helicopter hovered along the road leading south away from the compound, still close enough to watch the fleeing people, but far enough away to not be too threatening. It appeared their retreat was going as expected.

  Uncle Don mounted his horse and slowly led the procession down the road. The helicopter turned to keep its nose pointed in Uncle Don’s direction. Nick, the pilot, was ready with the Gatling gun targeting system if there was any problem.

  Word had reached Cell Block C that the worst was over. New Eden’s people had begun to migrate back to the foyer, crowding around the windows. The tension was melting away and nervous smiles were returning, still not sure whether it was safe to go outside.

  Uncle Don rode past the helicopter, making a crude gesture the occupants couldn’t miss. He kept going, looking over his shoulder. “Now!” he shouted as the two wagons passed in front of the helicopter. Three men in each wagon jumped up blazing away at the helicopter. Evidently, all the weapons had not been placed in the corridor.

  Ryder, witnessing the assault, was shocked and caught completely off-guard. Multiple shots struck the helicopter. It happened so quickly, the pilot reacted instinctively, veering away from the attack to protect Governor Grayson.

  Uncle Don pulled out a single stick of dynamite and lit the fuse, throwing it at the helicopter. But he’d been too late. The Blackhawk had already moved beyond the reach of the explosion, leaving only a cloud of dust and gravel. He cursed at missing. He knew what would come next as he kicked his horse into a gallop and headed into the trees on the other side of the road. He had taken a final chance and had failed again. His people followed suit by scattering into the cover of the woods.

  Several shots had struck the helicopter. The windshield had cracked but none of the bullets had penetrated. Nick knew immediately that something critical had been damaged, having to fight the controls. “We’re going to have to land!” he shouted. And without any delay they set down hard.

  “Is the gun still functional?” asked Blake, almost in a panic. “We’re sitting ducks here!”

  “I think so,” said Nick.

  “Well, then shoot them!”

  Nick switched his concentration to the targeting system, aiming into the woods. “Charles?” he asked before firing. They couldn’t see anyone, but they knew they were there.

  Charles nodded. He realized they were in grave danger where they sat, unable to fly and pinned down, at the mercy of snipers in the woods.

  Nick fired a burst into the trees, spraying a stream of bullets from right to left.

  Blake grabbed Charles by the arm. “We’re not safe staying here. I’ve got to get you inside the prison.”

  “How bad are the damages?” Charles asked Nick.

  “I don’t know yet. All I know is that we can’t fly like we are. Go with Blake. If anyone pops their head out, I’ll give them another burst.”

  He saw Charles hesitation. “Don’t worry about me,” insisted Nick, “I’ll be fine.” There was another pause. “Go on,” he said forcing a smile.

  ***

  Ryder ran down the staircase yelling for Jeremy, who met him at the bottom. “Charles is in trouble and I’m going out to help him.”

  “I’ll go with you,” declared Jeremy.

  “No, you stay here. Leave a few guys at the door to Cell Block A and a few at the gate to keep Don’s people from coming back in.”

  Ryder forced the damaged front doors open and ran out. Jeremy ran back to the others. “Any activity in there?”

  “None,” one answered. “I think they’re all gone.”

  Jeremy divided them as Ryder had suggested and had one group follow him. When they came out the front door, Ryder was already through the gate and running toward the helicopter. Glancing into the woods, there was no sign of Uncle Don or any of his people. As they reached the gate, “Stay here and guard the gate. I’m going to help Ryder,” said Jeremy.

  As Ryder reached the chopper, a bullet ricocheted off the body near his head. Just as he reached for the door, it slid open and Blake stepped to the ground. Blake was startled, not expecting to see Ryder.

  “What are you doing here?” asked Charles, ready to step down.

  “I saw you were in trouble and came to help.”

  Blake appeared to be hurt by the comment, hearing an insinuation that he wasn’t able to do his job of protecting the governor. “We were just getting ready to make a run for the building.”

  Ryder saw that his comment had upset Blake and was about to explain when a volley of shots struck the helicopter. Jeremy showed up just in time to join Blake and Ryder as they jumped inside and slammed the door shut. They looked for the culprits through the windshield. They didn’t see anyone, all concealed by the cover of the trees.

  “Fire another burst!” shouted Blake.

  Without waiting for Charles approval, Nick let go with a burst across the wooded area with little or no effect. If it did nothing else, it reminded those in the woods that their guns were still operational and very deadly.

  Potshots continued to come at random, striking the helicopter.

  “Do you think you can get us airborne again?” Charles asked Nick.

  “I won’t know until I can get outside and see where the damage occurred, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to do that. It’s too dangerous to go out there right now.”

  “Well, at least the people inside the building should be safe as long as we can keep the cannibals in the trees,” commented Blake.

  “That’s true,” admitted Ryder, “but for how long? We can’t stay in here indefinitely. And the longer we stay here, the more Charles is in danger.”

  Without warning, they were shocked when an explosion went off fifty feet from them. “Evidently, Don still has explosives.”

  ***

  Levi watched helplessly from the prison doorway with his dad and Roy at his side. “They’re in trouble and need help.”

  “That’s why your brother went out there,” stated Samuel.

  “I can get into the trees without them seeing me.” He looked at his dad, hoping to get a look of approval.

  He knew what his son was talking about, the tunnel. Out of everyone remaining in the prison, he, Eli, and Levi were the only ones who knew about it. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said Samuel. “What can you do that Ryder isn’t able to do?”

  He had hoped for approval, but he was going whether he got it or not. “Sorry, Dad, I have to try.” He faced his dad for a moment, expecting him to argue, but he didn’t. Instead, Samuel gave him a weak, almost imperceptible, nod. Samuel didn’t know if he could or even if he should try to stop him.

  Levi didn’t waste another second, turning and running toward the lower level. Someone grabbed his arm, almost pulling him off his feet.

  “Where are you going?” asked Jenny, her head now bandaged.

  “Nowhere special.”

  “You’re not fooling anyone. You’re going to help your brother and the others, aren’t you?”

  Levi looked around for help, trying to think of an excuse Jenny would buy, but wasn’t coming up with anything.

  She held onto him with both hands, forcing him to look directly into her eyes. He was surprised at how strong she was. “He’s a good friend and I want to help. Please let me.”

&
nbsp; There was a moment of silence. He looked down at her grip on him. She then realized she had a death grip on his arms and let go.

  “You’re injured,” was the only excuse Levi could come up with.

  “I’m okay and I’ll bet I’m a better shot than you anyway.”

  He couldn’t help but smile. She had a rifle in her hands. It was obvious she wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer. “Okay, but you have to swear you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to show you.”

  Now it was her turn to smile. He was being overly dramatic, but she attributed it to his young age. “Whatever you say.”

  He still hesitated, hearing a touch of sarcasm in her voice, and second-guessing himself whether it was a good idea to show her the secret exit. They were wasting time. “Let’s go!”

  Levi took the steps to the lower level two at a time. He didn’t look back. If she couldn’t keep up, that was her problem. As they went through the double doors, Jenny, puzzled, had to ask, “Where are you taking me?”

  “You’ll see.” He was glad to see that no one was in the lower level, no reason to conceal their movements. He continued to lead her past the rows of stockpiled goods to the other end of the massive room and then down a hallway to the maintenance supervisor’s office.

  “I thought we were going to help Ryder. We don’t have time for this.”

  Levi calmly opened the door. “Come on in.” Once inside, he closed the door and locked it. Jenny backed away. He was beginning to act suspicious.

  Levi couldn’t help a sly grin as he stepped to the control panel, grabbed the edge, and swung it open.

  Jenny’s jaw dropped as she slowly approached for a closer look. “What is this?”

  “Our way out.”

  ***

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “That was too close,” said Blake, referring to the last explosion.

  “Stay on the lookout and keep your finger on the trigger,” Charles told Nick.