by P. L. Camery
“Well what do you expect they’re in there and you say nothing you could have been dead you gave me a heart attack!”
“I swear, let me concentrate,” Cal hissed, “I promise, I’m coming, just be quiet for a few minutes. Please.” He heard Mavis huff, but she said nothing. Smiling to himself he took stock of the room. The smile faded; doesn’t anyone care about a view nowadays? Why isn’t this room one with a window?
As quietly as he could, Cal shut off the ancient unit and made his way to the door. Luckily, he had left it open and was able to sneak out without making a sound. As soon as he was in the hall, he could catch some of what was being said downstairs. Grant’s voice sounded clearly above the small talk and clatter of forks, “How have you been faring with your new assignment son? The prisoner L209?”
Cal stiffened, irritated once again by his leader’s duplicity.
“You know I can’t talk about that father,” Roland’s voice replied in monotone.
Grant laughed, “I take that to mean you haven’t cracked him yet. I’m not surprised. L209 is a strong one, he excels at everything, always has.” Cal sneered, disgusted by the hint of pride in his tone. “He’s survived a higher dose of Lance’s torture drug than anyone before him, a true prodigy, isn’t that tight my boy?” Whoever this guy was, he was a person! How could they be celebrating his resistance to misery like it was their accomplishment?
“Yes father,” was all Roland said. Geez, grow a backbone!
“You’d do well to take some lessons in resilience don’t you think Roland?” This earned Grant polite chuckles from his guest and Cal’s hand hovering over his gun. He could kill them. Just walk down there and murder them all. He doubted anyone would even have time to react.
Shaking his head, he went back to the third room, one of the bedrooms he remembered having a window. He could end them, but he had better things to do.
*****
Twenty-one. Today would mark the twenty first day Roland would be coming to visit Lawrence, to administer the mind-altering drug. Besides the first day they had not spoken, yet Roland felt, or at least hoped, his presence was some small comfort to the prisoner, a link to his old life. Of course, Roland had not reason to believe he should hold such power. There was no evidence except maybe flicker of recognition in those ever-dulling green eyes or the flash of a smirk before the resolute fatigued expression settled back in. The general shook his head, he was probably imagining things.
When Roland walked into interrogation room four Lawrence sat eyes closed hugging his knees. His chains clinked lightly with a slight back and forth rocking motion as he spoke to himself, “And all I can do is sit and watch as the blood drains. I’ve no care left so exhausted from strain, so exhausted from the pain. I dare not touch him or even approach, I know he is cold, cold, cold, freezing from within as warmth escapes, as life’s lost its hold. So cold and small, shriveled and rotting…” the boy paused, head tilted, considering, then he opened one eye, making direct contact with Roland, “it’s ironic you know, waiting for me to finish when you’ve come here to torture me.”
Roland shrugged his apology, “I’m afraid the torture can’t be helped. But the least I can do is offer a little human respect.”
Lawrence blinked for a moment then threw his head back and laughed, “Don’t ever let them hear you say that! They’ll have you fired or locked away somewhere. How the hell are you supposed to break me, to crush my spirit if you keep reminding me, I’m human!”
It took several seconds younger boy’s Laughter to die down to fits of giggles. Roland stiffened, “Careful now, one would think you actually wanted to be crushed.”
All amusement drained from his face as Lawrence contemplated the statement, “I’d be lying if I said I’ve never considered it, never wondered if giving in and completely losing it wouldn’t be the best course of action, the best way to keep everyone safe. I wonder if I lay down long enough, if I can just close my eyes and die, be done with it all you know? But no, you people keep me to well-nourished for that. Even though I imagine you guys are experimenting on me I can’t imagine you’d want to lose your pet test subject at this point. I’ve been left alive for way too long,” his face contorted into a menacing snarl which made Roland wince, “I bet you all have a camera trained on me and it’s a favorite pastime to see what the crazy boy might say next. Look at him muttering to himself, how ridiculous. Human dignity my ass. It’s all just so amusing to you isn’t it! Isn’t it General Stone!”
When Roland said nothing, Lawrence sighed, “Excuse me kind sir, I forget myself. I imagine you really did mean what you said, or at least think you did. I can see why she might have liked you once.”
The older boy felt his heart constrict, he was talking about Mavis. He’d never done that before, not even in passing.
Lawrence looked up at him an uncharacteristic look of vulnerability in his green eyes, “I wish there was a way to keep them safe, the people I love.” Roland waited as the prisoner snapped his gaze down to stare at clenched fists. His hands were shaking as they strained against the shackles and blood began to trickle from cuts in his wrists, “I feel so helpless here, that’s the worst part of it all, that I can’t help.” Silent tears began to flow but the boy didn’t seem to notice, “That any day now I might do or say something to harm them. I can’t keep them safe.” He looked up, made direct eye contact. “Do you understand me?” And though he didn’t say it, Roland thought thoughts eyes conveyed a silent plea, keep her safe.
As Roland uncapped the needle and bent down to administer the drug, he gave an almost imperceptible nod.
*****
This is it, Mavis thought, either we get this right, or we don’t. No second chances, no turning back. She swallowed hard, shit she was nervous. She had this urge to bounce up and down, as if warming up for a race, but she suppressed it. Talking a deep breath, she looked up at the skyscraper which was Guardian Tower. It just made her feel so, so small.
They needed to be sure that the Guardian would be present, and luckily timing was on their side. Delegates from each county were scheduled to meet with the Guardian today, only two months from Cal’s mission. Since a portion of the meeting was to be televised, they would not need to worry about finding the equipment, it would already be in the Guardian’s office. Mavis was glad for the fast pace they were setting -she never could stand waiting around- but now, it felt too soon, she wasn’t ready for today.
Cal stepped up beside her and slipped an ID card into her hand. Pillaged from two of the delegates, they planned to use these to gain access while the guards were preoccupied with questioning their owners. Without looking at him, Mavis risked a quick glance at her ID before clipping it into place on her dress clothes. The delegate didn’t look much like her, but at least their age, hair color, and gender were the same. It would have to do. Hustling to join the group they fell in two persons behind the girl she was impersonating. Two of the three guards posted pulled her aside, but the last one seemed far too attentive for comfort.
Cal, who was in line in front of her, showed his badge with a quick flare of arrogance. “This whole setup is ridiculous,” he complained, stepping into the metal detector before the guard could get a better look, “it’s not like you guys don’t know who we are.” In a motion that was almost imperceptible he pressed a button on the cuff of his long-sleeved shirt that would give the metal detector a false negative reading. Seconds later he was through, although the guard was eyeing him in annoyance. When Mavis showed her badge, he simply waved her forward. She passed through the detector without a hitch and caught up to her friend at a brisk walk. Wordlessly they slipped down an empty corridor and Cal pulled out his phone. Fingers working fast he programed the security cameras to replay the last twenty minutes. Not a permanent fix, but it’d buy them time. “Here,” he said handing her a headset and small taser gun, “same plan, right? Elevator up to level 28 then I shut down power. That’ll cause the automatic lockdown of all el
evators and electronically controlled doors.”
Mavis nodded as the approached the elevator, “Then you take the left wing and I’ll take the right, we stun anyone we find then head to the Guardian’s office.”
The door dinged open, revealing three army personnel. Mavis held her breath as they exited the elevator then released it again as they passed, and the door dinged closed behind them. Cal pressed the button for 28 then typed in his access code when prompted. The small display asked for a thumbprint, but he used his phone to remotely override the system and a green light blinked to life. Within seconds they were rising upwards. Cal turned to her, offering a small smile, “Show time.”
Mavis smirked back at him then raised her gun. The elevator opened. No one was there. Cal and Mavis to one step out, checking both ways before lowering their weapons. Then Cal pressed his thumb to his phone and the hum of lights overhead disappeared, leaving them in total darkness and silence. Mavis mentally counted to three then the faint glow of emergency lighting kicked in. She glanced at Cal one last time, “I’ll meet you there.”
Like ghosts they both took off at a silent run, guns raised the entire time. Searching rooms as she went Mavis took out two uniforms and one person in civilian clothes. She approached a forked corridor then looked right and left, choosing to go left first she took two steps before the abrupt opening of a door and laughter of two people, one male one female, had her spinning around and taking aim.
“Hey,” the boy said, baffled, “what happened to the l…” He was unable to finish his question as a blast from the taxer had him convulsing on the floor.
Mavis set of another round, but the girl was quicker than her companion and darted back into the room, shutting the door behind her. Mavis chastised herself for missing her target and closed the gap between her and the door with five cautious steps. Checking the door handle, she found it was locked and grunted in frustration. Great, that’s just great! Nothing can ever be easy for me can it? Using her taser she tried blasting the door handle, but it was in effective. Not enough power. Sighing Mavis decided to leave the girl, either she’d come after her or she wouldn’t. No point in wasting anymore time. She was about to leave when the door clicked open, and Mavis saw Kara smiling at her, gun raised.
“Put the taser down Mavis,” Kara spoke in a smug singsong voice. Irritated with herself for not leaving sooner but recognizing she was out gunned; Mavis did as she was told, for now at least.
“That’s a good little rebel bitch,” Kara motioned for her to step further inside then continued, “Now, what to do what to do? I always knew you had to be a traitor, but I never really imagined I’d have such an interesting opportunity, can’t pass up playing with my little captive can I? How about you be a good girl and kick that taser gun over here? I’d really love to make you scream.” Mavis glared motionless for a moment, considering her options. Perhaps while Kara is picking up the gun… With an ear popping crash the gun shot seared the doorframe next to Mavis as Kara sneered, “If you value that pretty little head of yours I wouldn’t make me wait.” Mavis barely contained a growl as she kicked, and her weapon slid across the floor. Kara opened her mouth to speak but then her eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on a figure towering behind Mavis. “Oh, great,” Kara rolled her eyes, “if it isn’t the nagging thorn in my side.”
“Kara what’s going on here?” When Mavis heard Roland’s voice a wave of relief immediately followed by a weary distrust swept over her. He was her friend; he would not let her die. But he was also a general; he could not let her go. She so did not have time for this!
“What does it look like Roland dear?” the girl’s voice visibly dripped with sarcasm and distaste, “I’m doing my job. Be a lamb and cuff the rebel bitch won’t you love?”
Mavis could sense the boy shifting his weight behind her, “Why? What had she done? Why is she even here?”
“Does it really matter?” Kara snarled in exasperation, “She’s clearly a traitor. I’m sure you noticed poor Charles on the floor behind you; that was her doing. And as I remember it’s you job to hunt rebels. So, stop blabbing and get to work.”
“Is it true then?” By the shift in his tone Mavis knew he was now addressing her. At the cold sternness in his voice she felt a knot of anxiety seize her stomach. “Are you a rebel? Are you part of this mess?”
“Of course she is!” Kara spat, “Stop stalling and do your duty. That is unless you’re too weak to arrest her since she’s your little slut on the side.”
Mavis allowed herself a humorless laugh, “Really? You’re one to talk in that department.”
“Watch your mouth,” Kara hissed, her features reddening with anger, “I should kill you just for mouthing off a government officer.”
“No,” Roland said, surprising both girls with the sternness in his voice, “We don’t just execute people on site, there’s a process, a right way to do things.”
“Since when do you care about right and wrong,” Kara snapped in disgust, “honestly Roland, normally I’d have found you’re new found backbone attractive,” she raised her gun an inch higher, adjusting her aim for a taller target over Mavis’ right shoulder, “but right now it’s really pissing me off.”
“Are you threatening me?” Roland asked, his voice cold and calm.
“It’s her or us Roland, you’re either on my side or you’re not. But unlike you I’m not afraid to do what needs to be done.” A shot rang out, but just a moment too late. Anticipating her attack Roland wrapped one arm around Mavis, twisting in such a way that she landed on top of him as they both fell to the ground. Then using one foot to kick off the door frame he kicked the other out knocking Kara to the ground. A second later his boot contacted her skull, knocking the girl out cold.
Adrenaline spiking their heart rates, neither Roland nor Mavis moved both too stunned by the sudden turn of events. Then in wordless agreement they stood. Roland turned to her, opening his mouth to speak but closed it again, clearly unsure what to say. “Look Roland,” Mavis cut in before he could try again, “I’d really love to explain what’s going on to you but right now there’s no time. I promise I’ll tell you everything later but right now I need to get to the Guardian’s office. Will you help me?”
His face contorted with a mix of confusion and frustration, “The Guardian? But what are you planning to…”
“I really, really can’t explain,” Mavis said in a rush, “I’m not going to assassinate her. We are just going to talk. Right now, you just showed you’re with me,” she swept her hand in the direction of Kara’s crumpled form, “but if you aren’t really on my side,” she bent down to retrieve her taser pressing it to his chest, “well I don’t have time right now for indecision.”
The boy swallowed once, his eyes darkening as he considered her. Finally, he said, “Well isn’t this the day for ultimatums.”
Mavis flinched, “Roland, I know you don’t understand but I need you to trust me, right now I need that more than I’ve ever needed anything else in my life.” When he said nothing, she spun her taser so that the handle was facing him and offered it, “Please Roland, I trust you to do what’s right.”
They watched each other for several heartbeats, his gaze stern and appraising, hers earnest and unflinching despite her vulnerability. Roland nodded once then turned, “Keep the gun, you may need it.”
Mavis released the breath she didn’t know she’s been holding as she followed behind him, their progress silent and quick. Roland set his gun to stun and between the two of them they disabled everyone in their path with ease. “Never realized you were such a good fighter,” Roland commented, unable to mask the bitterness in his voice.
“Roland,” Mavis sighed, “please can we talk about this later?” When he said nothing, she added in a soft tone, “I’m sorry I could never tell you. I just couldn’t risk it. I…”
He shot her a look then grumbled, “You’re right, we should talk about this later.” They continued, the si
lence growing between them until Roland slowed to a stop. “This is it,” he said, “the Guardian’s office. But…”
“But what?” Mavis pressed.
Roland turned to her, brows knit in confusion, “I expected there to be guards. Where are the guards?”
As if he’d spoken the magic words the power suddenly switched back on and the door opened. Mavis could only stare, momentarily stunned by the Guardian’s eyes looking back at her. “Come in,” she said, a cold smile on her face, “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it.”
Before Mavis could respond two soldiers carried a struggling Cal from the hall behind them and shoved him forward.
“Ah Mr. Caleb Short,” the matron’s eyes sparkled with mischief, “Now that all of my guests are here why don’t you come in, so we can begin.”
Forcing herself to focus though her panic, Mavis scanned the room. There were three guards flanking each side of the Guardian’s massive desk. Before the desk two chairs were situated and behind her a camera crew with their equipment stood with heads bowed, waiting to be addressed. “You were expecting us,” Mavis said, a statement rather than a question.
The Guardian’s eyes sparkled, “For quite a while actually. Although I’m rather surprised to see you Mr. Stone, given all the trouble your father went through to keep you on the straight and narrow.” She shook her head, “It just goes to show, we can’t control everything in life. But honestly, I would have been expecting you two, regardless given the outcome of your friend’s speech.”
At the reference to Lawrence, Mavis went rigid. Before she could respond however Cal growled, “You mean after you set him up and had him killed?”
The matron leaned back in her seat with a soft chuckle, “Oh I can see we do have a lot to talk about. Please, you three should really sit.” When nobody moved her eyes flared, and with a flick of her hand the guards raised their guns. For a moment Mavis stared down the woman before her, and knowing it was a death sentence to resist, she took a step forward, Roland and Caleb following suit behind her. “Good girl,” the Guardian said. Fists clenched and shaking, it took every ounce of will power for Mavis to take her seat. “Oh, and Jayson,” the Guardian said as an afterthought, “Please find us an extra chair for Mr. Stone.” She shifted her gaze to Roland with an apologetic smile. As the guards lowered their weapons the closest to her left-hand side broke off to retrieve the chair, placing it in between the other two. “That’s better isn’t it,” the Guardian said as Roland took his seat, “honestly, you rebel types act out just to spite me sometimes.” Then she leaned forward, crossing her fingers, “Now, it’s clear we have much to discuss. Where should we begin?”