by T. C. Edge
The journey won't take long, we're told. Always vigilant, Drake makes sure there's always someone watching Tommy so he doesn't communicate any sort of distress signal. He assures us that he won't, knowing that doing so would most likely mean death. He doesn't seem the overly heroic type.
We gather to once more go over the details of the plan. Drake brings out a map fetched from the Petram archives showing the general layout of the prison. It's square in shape, rising above the ocean on pillars. Like Eden, there's an upper deck level and several other levels. Apparently, the criminals are sectioned off depending on the severity of their crimes.
On the deck level, landing platforms extend out in each corner of the structure, used to ferry prisoners and staff to and from the prison. The security there, however, appears to be fairly minimal. The prison is self governed for the most part, and the guards are only really tasked with making sure no one escapes. Food is delivered to the masses by a lift that extents to each floor once per day.
Theo is the only one of us who knows anything about the place.
“We used to tell stories about it in school back on Eden,” he says. “If you're not strong there, then you die. You starve, because only so much food is delivered. The weak don't last long.”
“So people are just thrown in there to fend for themselves?” I ask.
He nods. “Only the worst are sent there. No one really cares what happens to them.”
“And Aeneas Stein? Why was he actually sent there?”
“Because Knight saw him as a threat, like the Master,” says Drake. “A threat to his power, perhaps. He wanted total control, so he got rid of them, sent them into that hell hole and out onto the Deadlands to die.”
“And do we know that Stein is actually alive,” asks Jackson. “Do we know what he looks like?”
They're questions no one can answer. Only Theo can venture any useful information.
“They keep tabs on their prisoners, I think,” he says. “We'll have to go to the control room and look at the database. It'll tell us whether he's alive, and where he is in the prison.”
“Right,” says Drake, running his finger over the map. “Here's the control room, on the East side of the deck outside the walls. There's a landing platform nearby.”
“Shouldn't we try to get in covertly?” I ask.
“We have no choice. There's nowhere else to land. Once we're down, all hell's likely to break loose. Eden will know we're coming. It's all about extracting Stein safely and getting back to the mainland. From there, we can regroup. Let's just hope the Master's right about Stein and he can help us infiltrate Eden.”
“If he can't,” says Theo, “maybe I can help. I know the city like the back of my hand.”
“Good. We'll call that plan B,” says Drake, a little dismissively.
Theo's bluster fades from his face. He sinks back down into his seat.
The ride continues, the sky starting to darken outside. We continue to access all our options and discuss all possible eventualities. Much of it, though, is pure speculation. Until we get there we'll have no real idea of what to expect.
The idea, however, is suggested by Lieutenant Murphy that we call into the control tower on arrival and say we're delivering a new prisoner. Theo says it won't work because it won't be on the system. Lieutenant Murphy responds bitterly with an: “it's worth a try.”
Drake, as always, has the deciding vote. He agrees with his Lieutenant and delivers the brief to Tommy. Lieutenant Murphy, having come up with the idea, also appears to have volunteered himself in the role of prisoner. Suddenly he doesn't look too pleased to have offered an opinion.
The growing darkness outside is largely attributed to the black clouds gathering overhead. Here, far out to sea, the ocean grumbles in an almost perpetual state of displeasure. Winds howl, buffeting the aircraft as a fresh deluge of rain begins to fall. Drake appears from the front, popping his head through the door.
“Sit tight. It might get a little bumpy.”
It does. The further we go, the more violent the weather turns. We fly low beneath the lowest clouds, close enough to see the ocean churning beneath us, frothing white like a rabid dog. Waves, several stories tall, crash into each other, jostling for position across the big, dark expanse of water.
Soon, little can be seen. The rain gets so heavy that a sheet of water blocks our view. The light dims, obscured by the blanket above us, until all we can do is sit and hope that the aircraft doesn't get consumed by the raging storm.
I feel helpless inside this trap. Unable to do anything but sit and wait and pray for the best. My abilities, that have now proven useful on so many occasions, are worthless here.
Eventually, a sprinkling of light appears on the black window. Little dots in the darkness give shape to a structure above the waves. I step closer to the window for a better look, and the others join me.
We stare together, a bunch of 16 year olds sent on an impossible mission, at the next stop on our tour.
And this place, from what Theo has said, is truly a nightmare.
“Tartarus,” he mumbles quietly. “Hell on earth...”
21 - Tartarus
“OK people, get ready,” shouts Drake. “We're putting in the call now. Murphy, get out of that Custodian gear and get those restraints on. Ellie, Cyra, you're not gonna fool anyone in those outfits. Might as well get your regular clothes on. Stay here for now.”
“But you might need me,” I say.
“Jackson, Theo, and I can handle it. Stay here, that's an order.”
He darts back off into the cockpit while Ellie and I get changed. There's nowhere private. I see both Theo and Jackson staring in my direction as I remove my jacket and begin unbuttoning my shirt.
“Boys...” I say.
They both awkwardly turn away and continue to check and prepare their weapons.
The sight of the prison grows larger in the window. It's nothing like when I arrived at Eden for the first time. Then, I'd been astounded by the sheer scale of the city, amazed that such a place could have been built by the hand of man. Now, having seen and done so much, seeing this sea prison rise above the raging waves hardly registers as anything particularly spectacular.
It's much smaller than Eden, and the layout is entirely different. As we descend down towards the eastern landing platform, the entire structure is visible to my eyes without me having to turn my head. It's still dark, but the many lights on its exterior show off its shape. It's a foreboding sight.
“OK, landing now,” calls Drake from the front.
“Are they buying the prisoner ruse?” asks Jackson.
“Not entirely, but it doesn't matter. It'll lure some of them out at least. Be prepared for a fight. We can't get out of this one without Eden knowing, so don't hold back. Do what you have to do.”
I see Jackson steel himself. He and Theo share a look, their jaws set firm, and then nod briefly at each other.
I move over to Theo and give him a hug. As I do, I whisper in his ear: “don't let anything happen to him.”
“I won't.”
Next I hug Jackson. “Be safe,” I whisper in his ear.
He gives me a look that says, 'I got this', before stepping away towards the door, pulling out his gun, and aiming it at Lieutenant Murphy. He gets a slightly nervous stare for his trouble.
“Sorry, sir, all part of the illusion.”
Moments later, we're stopping and hovering above the landing platform. Then we descend slowly down, a little more shakily this time as the strong winds continue to pummel us.
Drake comes out of the cockpit, a determined look on his face.
“Cyra, as soon as we land, bring Tommy back in here and tie him up.” He hands me a radio. “Listen to this, I'll be on the other line. I'll call for you if I need you. Hopefully we won't.”
“Dad, are you sure? I can help.”
“I know you can sweetheart, but at the start at least you'll give the game away dressed as you are. Stay here, OK.
I'll call if I have to.”
He kisses me on the forehead, then turns to join the others at the door just as the aircraft touches the ground.
The four men stand in the doorway. Drake at the front, leading the pack. Lieutenant Murphy behind, handcuffed and flanked by Theo and Jackson. Three men I care for deeply, and another I admire and respect, all about to step out into one of the most dangerous places in the world. And all I can do is sit here, helpless.
“OK,” says Drake. “This is it.”
His hand reaches forward and presses the button to operate the door. It unlocks with a click and then, hissing, slides open. The immediate sound of heavy rains flows inside, coupled with a swirling, whistling wind. And not far away, the sight of torches flashing as men come to greet them.
They step out into the rain, and the door slides shut behind them. Once more, a quiet descends.
I don't delay. Following my father's orders, I quickly rush into the cockpit.
“Tommy, I've gotta restrain you. Sorry.”
“I get it,” he says. “Do what you have to do.”
I lead him into the back, quickly tie him up, and fix his restraints to the bench so he can't move.
“What the hell are you doing here anyway?” he asks.
With nothing left to hide, I find myself answering truthfully.
“We're here to find a man called Aeneas Stein.”
“Stein? I know the name.”
“What do you know?” I ask.
“He was on the Eden Council decades ago. I thought he was killed. Him and another guy, I forget his name.”
The Master...
“Not killed,” I say, “just forgotten. At least, that's what we hope.”
“And why do you care about an old Councillor?”
“Because he helped design and build Eden when it was expanded and developed. He can help us get in unseen.”
“So you can kill Chancellor Knight?”
“Yes,” I say, blankly.
I move over to the window, where Ellie stands staring out onto the platform. I can hardly look, but force myself to peek into the darkness. There's little to see, no one there.
“Where'd they go?” I ask her.
“Looks like they've gone off to the control room. Maybe they're double checking their orders to see if a new prisoner was meant to come in today.”
“Maybe,” I say. “Well, at least they're through...”
I don't get to finish my sentence. Through the night air, and heard loudly above the rain and wind, comes the sound of gunfire. It rattles in my ears, and my heart suddenly skips several beats. Ellie and I look at each other, eyes widening.
The gunfire stops, and a lull dawns. We stand in silence, staring out, waiting.
Suddenly, behind me, I hear static, then frantic, cracked voices. I turn to see the radio sitting on the bench. Snatching it up in my hand, I listen closely. I can't make anything out. It's nothing but white noise, indecipherable.
I make a snap call.
“I'm going out there,” I say.
I begin moving towards the door. Ellie holds me back.
“Wait a sec, Cy. We don't know what's going on. They might have everything under control.”
“Ellie, we heard gunshots. That's not control. I'm going.”
I move towards the door. I push the button and it slides open. The pouring rain greets me. I step immediately out, and am drenched in moments. The ground jumps with heavy raindrops, and across the platform I see a staircase leading up to the top of the wall. I guide my eyes up, and along to the left.
I see windows and walls, and inside, light. And movement.
A hand grabs my shoulder from behind. I turn to see Ellie behind me, fully equipped with automatic weapon and body armour. She looks worlds away from the little shy girl I met.
“Ellie, what the hell! Get back in there.”
“Hell no, I'm coming too.”
“Ellie, I'm not going to argue.”
“Cyra! Stop telling me what to do, all right! I'm coming, whether you like it or not. I know how to handle myself.”
My fist closes by my side. A thought passes through my mind: knock her out, Cyra. You can't risk her...
I battle for a moment...but my chain of thoughts is broken.
Gunfire sounds again.
I look quickly up to the building up to the right. There's no movement this time. They're not there any more.
I don't waste time arguing. Instinct takes over. I run, and the splashing sound of footsteps follows me.
Jackson, Theo, dad...please me safe, please be safe.
We reach the metal stairs and charge up, our footsteps clanking loudly. When we hit the top of the wall I turn left, and see a door hanging open at the end. We're there in seconds, rushing in. Gunshots continue to rattle, now further away along the perimeter.
I turn into the room briefly. It looks like the control room. Two men lie dead on the floor, blood gathering slowly beneath their bodies.
“They must have worked out they were faking entry,” shouts Ellie.
I turn to leave, to follow the sound of the gunshots.
“Hey, wait,” Ellie calls. “Check this out.”
She's staring at a computer screen. I quickly rush over and take a look. The personal details of Aeneas Stein fill it. We scan the information. Fourth floor down. That's where he's being held. That's where they've gone.
So he is alive...
We don't linger. Off we rush once again, running out of the door and along the perimeter wall.
“Stay behind me, Ellie,” I shout as she tries to run past.
I keep my focus as we go, constantly seeking danger. But it's quiet, and there's no one around. I steal a look down over the wall onto the main deck. It looks like an open exercise yard for the inmates. At night and in the pouring rain, there looks to be no one there.
Running hard, but with guns up and trained ahead of us, we make quick progress towards the North East corner. There, we see another room, this time a smaller watch tower fitted with fixed weaponry. The sight of blood is immediately visible as we approach. Another man lies dead on the floor. Empty bullet shells litter the floor around him, the walls sprayed with holes.
“Now what?” asks Ellie.
“There's gotta be a lift, a way down.”
We continue on, past the watch tower and along the northern side of the wall. Half way along, the wall thickens and extends out.
“There,” shouts Ellie through the rain, “it's a lift...”
She's right.
We reach it quickly and press the button. Moments later, the door is opening. Inside, a series of buttons indicate the different floors. First the deck, then Underwater 1, down to Underwater 4.
I quickly press the button for Underwater 4, and we start to descend.
“What the hell's a guy like Stein doing on Underwater 4?” asks Ellie. “Theo said the worse your crimes, the deeper you go. I wonder what he did?”
“Nothing,” I say. “I bet he did nothing but stand up to Knight. He'd have been sent to the lowest level because that's where he'd be most likely to die. And Knight could keep his hands clean.”
“So...the worst of the worst are down there?” asks Ellie.
“Murders. Killers. Rapists,” I say. “Stay close to me, Ellie.”
She nods and inches closer to my side.
The lift slowly comes to a stop, and the door slides open. Ahead, a long, dank corridor expends, dim and cold and claustrophobic. A few metres from the lift, however, a large, iron gate blocks our path.
“How are we gonna get through that?” asks Ellie.
I look at the lock. It's smoking and busted. I step forward, push the gate door, and it swings open on its hinges.
“They must have blown the lock to get in,” I say, my voice hurrying. “They're down here. Let's go.”
Together, we move into the darkness. Doors become visible on either side of the corridor, cells for the inmates who live here. Some are shu
t, others lie open.
They're not locked, I think to myself. This place is self governed...they can come and go as they please.
The thought sets me a little more on edge, sharpens my focus. I don't feel fear, not of these people, just a need to protect the girl at my side. A need to find the others and get out of here as soon as we can.
We pass a couple of doors as we run, their occupants lying inside, knocked out on the floor. They probably tried to interfere. Not a wise move.
Suddenly, from behind us, a harsh sound of scraping metal fills the air. We turn and see a large man emerge from a cell, scars all over his face and body, dressed in nothing but tattered clothing. He steps forward, tongue hanging out of his mouth.
“Well, look what we have here,” he grunts.
Ellie raises her automatic weapon.
“Stop, don't get any closer, or I'll...”
“Shoot?” asks the giant. “Go ahead, shoot. I welcome it...”
He doesn't stop moving. He plods forward, heavy feet slapping the floor.
“Stop!” shouts Ellie.
He doesn't.
She looks at me.
“The shin,” I say coldly.
She takes aim, pulls the trigger, and the loud crack of a single bullet echoes down the corridor. The man drops, howling in pain, rolling on the floor as he grabs his leg.
“You shot me!” he shouts. “I'm gonna kill you!”
We turn away and ignore his roars. Such a man is nothing but a speed bump to us now.
The sound of the bullet draws other men out. They peek from their rooms. Many look weak, emaciated even. Teeth are missing. Scars are cut. Eyes look as hollow as an empty well.
“Ignore them,” Ellie,” I say. “If they attack, I'll know it.”
They don't attack. If anything, most appear timid, locked down here in the dark so long they've grown brittle and afraid. We don't stop for them. The end of the corridor nears, opening out into a large central chamber. From it, various other corridors stretch, and in the centre, a pillar stretches up to the ceiling.
I look at it closely, and see that it's a delivery system. Food, most likely, will be passed down from an automatic lift. I wonder if they deliver new inmates that way as well. Force them into the centre of hell and let them fend for themselves.