Chapter
37
Atrocity
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I feared what I’d open my eyes to
Yet the only thing that comforted me were speculations bubbling from my thoughts.
So Rebecca and I aren’t the sole test-subjects for that so-called dream. Others were subject to it too. However, those others gave in… because they didn’t have any form of consciousness to choose otherwise. But how could they teach something without wholly acquiring the individual?
That’s a question that will never get answered. And I knew that. So why ask anyways? Why do I keep asking questions? I’m drowning in my own self-righteousness because I can’t let it go. I have to, I must. There’s no other choice then to give in. And in order to start, I’ll have to open my eyes.
I gasped at the burning pain escalating throughout my body.
“You’re finally coming in. Sam, Sam, can you hear me?”
I didn’t recognize the voice.
I opened my eyes and gasped at the sight of the Myrmidon staring right at me about five inches from my face.
“T-Thomas?” I said uncertain.
“Yup. You gave me quite a scare Sam!”
My body ached so much. I couldn’t bear it, I screamed at the top of my lungs, and all that comforted me in return was my echo.
Thomas’s massaged my shoulder, “Relax Sam, you’ll be fine. Hey at least this time you’ll be conscious when I take you to the Medical Facility.”
I smiled. That small slab of sarcasm caused a portion of my pain to subside.
“Rebecca has already been taken to the Medical Facility.” Thomas said. “So don’t go worrying about her.”
His assurance didn’t satisfy.
“You’re probably wondering what’s happened huh?”
I groaned. “W-where’d everyone go?”
He took a deep breath, “I might as well explain since we’re in a dead-zone”
“W-wait, dead-zone, what?” I croaked as a burst of blood spewed from my lips.
“It’s what the Myrmidons call areas where there’s no security.”
Thomas took my hand and helped me to my feet. My feet quivered and wobbled, I almost lost balance as soon as I stood. The strain on my side burned so much.
“Wow now, not too fast Sam.”
He helped me take a seat on a chair. In all his effort, I felt truly grateful that out of the bunch Thomas would stay behind and wait for me. There wasn’t a form of gratitude for his kindness.
“First off… the Guardian got away. Rees left immediately to try and track it and the other surviving Myrmidons took Rebecca to the Medical Facility. Look Sam this entire scene you witnessed as you walked in,” he sighed, “It was all framed. Everything you saw was but a hoax to lure that final Guardian. And on behalf of the Council and their Officials… I’m sorry… I didn’t want them to ruin your final birthday like that, it wasn’t my call, it was the Pre-President’s Official Orders.”
I groaned as my pain continued to throb my side. I had to force my next words without a croak, “Was my other birthday like that too”
“Sam just don’t worry about any of that. Just know that,” Thomas hesitated and then turned away from me. “What my leader and Xavier Rees will ask of you will probably be your number one priority. And I hope you follow the orders step by step.”
He turned to me. Snapped the mask off his face and set it on the table. He reached out his hand towards me. “Go on and take it.”
I took his hand and he shook it.
“I’ll accept that for your gratitude. Now let’s get you to the Medical Facility and get you checked out.”
I grinned and nodded. “Ok.”
He lifted me from the chair and helped me on my feet.
“Hey Thomas, I’ve got a question that you might know.”
“Ask.” He said.
“Is he really dead?” I asked.
“Let’s just say I owed him… and that exchange marked us even.” Thomas gave me a heartwarming smile, “Now that I’ve said that, I say we get you fixed up.”
Medical Facility
The walk never felt longer.
I glared down at myself, now that visibility exposed my whole, and noticed all sorts of blood marks on my clothes. This is a moment I’d much rather appear inside a comfy room all healed up than have to drag myself, partially leveraged, to a room.
“So barren.” I muttered.
“Yup. As usual. Can’t expect to change much now. This entire installation is getting more and more secluded as time goes on. It’s just the way it is.” Thomas said.
“It’s sad.”
“What’s sad is this entire area has been on an EMQ alert for about seven hours now. Once we get you inside the medical facility the alert will lift.” He said.
All of this, for nothing. The entire time sink of a plan just for them to come out empty handed. Wouldn’t have expected any other outcome. They couldn’t even find one man supposed dead, so how can they expect to make one fraudulent episode to capture some fiend?
I can’t come to a conclusion. Even after all of this that I’ve experienced and close to watching my final year tick away. I think understanding the complexity of all that’s surrounding me will have to wait.
“What’s on your mind?” Thomas said.
I cringed. “Um, just-just a bunch of random stuff… it helps to keep the pain away.”
“Are you sure Sam? You really do seem rather tense.” He said.
Well who wouldn’t be tense after that outrageous incident?
“To be honest Thomas, I was thinking a lot about what I’m about to do in this final year”
“There isn’t much you can do.” He interrupted.
“Well that’s what I was going to say. I mean I’ve been pretty uh notorious for trouble so I thought perhaps it's time to tone it down just a notch”
“No-no, not just a notch Sam, an entire one-eighty degree turn. We can’t compromise your safety any longer. We’ve given you the freedom to go about and follow your curiosity, but now we must shut the door entirely,” Thomas hesitated.
And I couldn’t bring myself to say anything else.
“I apologize again Sam. Like I said, what will be asked of you in your final year will not be easy.”
We both remained silent the rest of the way to the Medical Facility…
I staggered to go up the steps and tried my best not to take Thomas’s assistance, but I couldn’t do it by myself. He helped me take it one step at a time with his hand wrapped around my waist and my arm over his neck.
“There we go.”
I heard Thomas mutter to himself.
He groaned as we made our final step, “Gee Sam, not only have you grown you’ve really gotten heavy!”
“Thanks.” I said with gritted teeth.
The double doors slid open. The pretty receptionist, with baby blue eyes and pink cheeks, glared up at us and smiled.
“Oh my!” She gasped. “We’ll get you a room right away!”
She stood and darted through the double doors marked with really big, bold letters saying: EMERGENCY.
I never noticed that word there in the first place. Our perhaps I just never observed it since I had a tendency to leave and never come here to begin with.
The double doors opened and a doctor hurried over to me. A white mask veiled her face and a hairnet had her golden hair pulled back in a knot, but I could still see the same baby blue eyes glaring at me through the sockets.
On her left hand she held a clipboard and on her right a pen. She clicked on over towards me while her white coat dragged over the tile.
“Well hello again Mr. Sam.” She said. “You’re still growing I see. And quite dirty too… wonder how that could have happened.” Her eyes darted to Thomas and then right back at me.
I believe this was the doctor that checked me not too long ago, Dr Nicky Kewell. But why veil her face?
“Madam we need assistance not an acquaintance
.” Thomas said.
She turned to him. “Myrmidon I presume. Petty and weak just like the Council. Now I’ll tend to the boy. You may leave.” She said.
Thomas’s eyes squinted and I noticed his jaw locked.
Dr. Kewell slipped the pen into her coat pocket and lifted her hand towards me. “Take my hand Sam. I’ll get you to a room and fix you right up.”
I took her hand and felt the cushioned patting of her white gloves squeeze firm. Her delightful fragrance of flowers made a small portion of my pain subside.
She turned around and I staggered to follow her quick stride.
“I apologize about my slight bitterness to your companion. I don’t believe in their kind. A wasted fund by the Council.” She said.
I remained quiet. Her comment about funding seemed a bit open. Why would she say something like that to me?
She stopped and faced me.
“This will be your designated quarters Sam.” Dr. Kewell said.
“So is having a mask some new trend?” I asked.
“Of course not. Perhaps your little Myrmidon friend will explain.” She stopped and glared behind me. “Here he comes. Again.”
“Excuse me! Dr. Kewell.”
Thomas scurried over towards us.
“Well so lovely to see you again. But I’d suggest I get my patient immediate attention. We can chat later Mr. Myrmidon.” Dr. Kewell said.
“No. I’m staying with the boy.” Thomas said. “And I do have a name.”
She scoffed. “Really? I didn’t know that. I didn’t know they gave names to fiends. Anyways, if you must, get inside the room with him. I’ll send the nurse and we’ll begin the diagnostics.”
Thomas opened the door for me and Dr. Kewell assisted me to the bed.
She went into the cabinet over the sink and grabbed a syringe. “Sam, this will only take a second.”
From her coat pocket she pulled out a small something that I couldn’t see right.
“This is antibacviral formula to make sure none of the wounds get infected.” She said.
Dr. Kewell rolled up my sleeve and gave me the shot.
“I’ll be back. The nurse will begin diagnostics.” She said.
She left.
I nestled myself in the bed and closed my eyes.
Much will be asked of you in this final year Sam… kept on repeating over and over again. I didn’t know what they’d ask of me and I couldn’t put my finger on to what they’d want me to do. My entire whole felt an overwhelming sense of lament. I feared for Rebecca. What could have happened to her? Why wouldn’t he tell me anything except his assurance that she’s ok?
Again, the series of questions continued to mound up like piles of leaves embedding a forest floor.
I opened my eyes…
All the pain I remember feeling was gone. I blinked and rose from the covers.
“Welcome back Sam.” Thomas said.
He sat there with arms crossed. His face seemed restless with his half opened eyes and slow blinks.
“What happened?”
He cleared his throat. “Well they fixed you up!”
“That was quick”
“Not really.” Thomas scoffed. “More like a day's worth of recuperation. The antibacviral injection she gave you knocked you out cold.” He rose. “By the way Sam. Our head Myrmidon and Rees are outside waiting to have a chat with you. They’ll be in momentarily.”
I nodded. “Alright.”
The door opened and a tall and slender man, face covered by a silver mask, and body completely covered by a charcoal-colored cloak, stepped inside, followed by Xavier Rees. This man strikingly resembled someone… but I couldn’t put my finger on who.
“Good morning Sam.” The silver masked man said. “I’m Timothy, the leader of the Myrmidon program. I’m sure you’re already acquainted with Mr. Xavier Rees.”
“Yes sir.” I answered.
“Excellent. We’re here to speak to you about what you witnessed inside the Recreational Facility.” Timothy said.
“Well hello again Sam!” Rees said with a bright smile.
I grinned. “Hey Rees!”
They closed the door.
Timothy took a deep breath and leaned against the door. “Ok. Now Sam. Here’s what’s happening. As Thomas probably already explained, the Recreational Facility event was a hoax. Something to try to lure that final renegade Guardian out.
I know it seems like some kind of twisted fairy tale that some giant werewolf looking things are after you, but you’re not in fault. We mistook the traces left behind and committed mistakes due to laziness and because of it you and Rebecca faced this dilemma. We’ll take care of the damage done and fix our mistakes.
“In order to keep you safe and away from harm’s way we need you to remain inactive for the remaining year until your departure onwards your courses of study. We’ll have a Council Officer and Thomas as your designated chaperone from here on out. The classes you take will also have them outside the doors; they’re to remain in your sight at all times. Your friend Rebecca will undergo the same sentence. It’s not just you.
“Now I’ll explain the scene you witnessed in the Recreational Facility. Sam in order to keep a certain point of sanity amidst the crowd, the Council uses illusions and imagery to try to recreate the human emotions to contribute to their senses. Ultimately, just decoying and reproducing a false sense of the humanity they’ve witnessed in pictures and their courses of study.
“Apologizing doesn’t fix anything, but do know that we’re in depth to you and Rebecca for what you’re both going through.” He turned to Rees and nodded. “Have anything to add?”
Rees stepped forward and reached his hand out towards me. I took it and he shook it. “Great to see you well Sam!” Rees said overjoyed. “Seriously, I didn’t even think it was going to happen the way it did. So sudden… spooky, I-I never expected”
“Rees reminiscing the incident isn’t helping anything.” Timothy said.
Rees nodded. “Yes-yes, he’s absolutely right. I got carried away.” He giggled nervously. “I’ve found traces of the fiends whereabouts and I’ve already given the information to Timothy and his other Myrmidons and scavenging for it. So we hope that it’ll be captured before your departure.”
“Sam the President and Pre-President are both highly monitoring this area. The amount of chatter and inexcusable turmoil that has been happening for the past couple of years is something they’re trying to sever indefinitely. And by doing so they’re going to do outrageous things that’ll cause claustrophobia to ground most of the older generation of Caretakers.” Timothy hesitated as he edged closer to me. “Look no more excuses. You’re a special case, and so is Rebecca, you two will not be able to be together any longer. You two are to remain as anonymous as possible to one another. I can’t stress enough the importance of this. You mustn’t do anything except the goals your AI Jane has. Understood?”
I nodded. “Yes I-I understand.”
“Excellent.” Timothy said.
I glared at Thomas who sat motionless and stared aimlessly at the wall without even breathing.
“Sam…” Rees said. “There’s something else that might come as a shocker to you. Sadly, Ms. William will not act as she once did. Um…”
“Get to the point Xavier.” Timothy urged.
“What do you mean?” I croaked.
This sudden overwhelming sense of despair shackled my heart. I felt moisture in my eyes build up.
“Sam.” Thomas said. “There are certain things that have to be done in order to retain an edge to perfection”
Perfection? Perfection is as attainable as trying to fill an empty cup with another empty cup.
“That’s something that he doesn’t have to understand just yet Thomas.” Timothy said.
“Ms. William will not be the same person you knew Sam. I’m sorry.” Thomas said.
I’m sorry? Is that all they can say? Taking everything away from me and all they’ve g
ot to say is I’m sorry. How reassuring. How enticing.
I took a deep breath and fell back into the bed.
“I’ve heard enough.” I said. “Please let me be.”
“And we have said enough. Rees, Thomas, I’ll take my leave. You two deploy the protocol we addressed.” Timothy said. “Thank you for listening Sam. And I apologize”
As soon as he said apologize I shut his voice out of my head. I hope I never see him again, I hope I never see any of them again. They’ve taken everything that I held dear… taken the only thing that was real to me. Not some fake recreation of life, not illusive materials to recreate human emotions, no, to me they were real.
Ms. William’s loving kindness and the friendship that Rebecca and I had… all just a miscellaneous piece of rubbish now. Ms. William would never be the same person I knew her as. They’ve redefined her with hollowness… at least that’s what I assume they’ve done... they wouldn’t be throwing apologies here and there if it wasn’t something as gargantuan as that. There’s nothing else for me to say and nothing else I can do.
I’m powerless…
I stood before my townhouse door and feared to even enter.
How will Ms. William receive me? Will I recognize her heartwarming reverence? Or will she be like the AI system, something fake, a robot… just thinking about it made my boil blood. My fists clenched and I grounded my teeth.
“Go on Sam, it’s not like the door will open itself!” Thomas said.
I bit my lip. I wasn’t going to grin; I refuse to do anything that might land a hunch of my true color. It’s time for me to act as the rest. Hollow ghosts wandering aimless towards an inanimate goal.
I cringed. I didn’t want to speak, but I had to force it out. “Is Ms. William not here?”
“Nope. She’s working”
My nostrils flared. But I honestly didn’t want to know, but I had to ask, I needed to know. “What was done to her?” I interrupted.
I turned around and stared at him deadeye.
“Anything?” I said again after he didn’t answer.
He couldn’t make eye contact with me.
“Why did Dr. Kewell call Myrmidons fiends? What are you?”
“I…”
“LOOK AT ME!” I bellowed. His fake looking blue eyes connected to mine. “Tell me what’s been done to her. T-tell me everything.”
“You speak out of line for a child. And yet again you blind yourself with question after question. Can’t you just disdain your questions for just a couple more months Sam?” Thomas pleaded. “I promise you they’ll be answered. Even questions about the outside world… and the real reason everything is as it is.”
After my forceful approach, he still answered with his cool voice of wisdom.
“Sam if I could tell you everything I would, I’d spill everything to you right now, but I can’t and that’s that, ok? I’m here to look after you so I’ll mentor you the best way I can, within my boundaries of course.”
I nodded.
“It’s an ever growing wonder.” I said.
“It is, and once you discover the truth it’ll be the more satisfying. I mean it only feels like yesterday since I first spoke to you, and look at you now. As tall as me and wiser than I’d ever think a boy your age could be.” Thomas said.
I didn’t know whether to thank him or not. Nevertheless, I didn’t answer. I didn’t know what made me the way I am. It’s too natural… or perhaps it could just be all that medication they’re feeding me. Maybe they’re just forcing this out of me.
I opened the door.
“Oh and by the way, your classes begin in an hour.” Thomas said.
The kitchen had a faint aroma of Ms. William’s usual fragrance. It was dark, only the beaming streams of sunlight slitting through the kitchen window gave a hunch of light.
I took a step inside and the lights flickered on.
“Welcome home Sam.”
I heard Jane say.
“Classes begin in fifty-seven minutes.”
I heard Thomas chuckle. “They’ve enhanced the security… as you can already notice. Movement detecting, automatic lights”
“Yeah, yeah, I got it.” I said.
“Go get ready for class, I’ll fix up something quick for lunch.” He said.
“Ok.”
I left towards my room and shut the door. I leaned against the door and lurched my head down. I felt this undoubtedly uncomforting feeling spiraling about my whole. I feared, feared the walls, and feared the monitor, they were all coming to get me, watching my every move… I wanted to run, run out of here…
I closed my eyes and let the comforting blackness sooth my worry. Inside the blurry smoke billowing up from my conscious the envelope appeared. I gasped.
Was I really ready to read the contents inside?
I took a step towards my bed. Knelt down and stuck my hand in between the mattresses. I grabbed the rigid envelope, pulled it out, and stared at the clay stamp.
“Sam.”
Thomas called.
I folded the envelope and tucked it in my back pocket.
I heard light taps on the door. “You alright in there?”
I hurried to my drawer pulled a random set of clothes and ran to answer the door.
I opened it. “Yeah I’m fine!” I lied. “I was just grabbing some clothes.”
“Ok just making sure. Well hurry along, we’ve got roughly thirty minutes before class begins.” Thomas said.
“Ok.”
I rushed on past him and headed towards the bathroom. I shut the door and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks felt awfully hot. My blush probably gave my lie away.
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