/ Michael
For some reason looking at the sands, plains, hills and mountains gave me this serene feeling. A calm, a peace which I once had. Sure, the time in the system was hectic, the punishment, the thing that I had to play. I did hate it a lot. Until I gave in and followed the script. It was like my feelings did not matter at all.
Somewhere at the back of my mind - I did have her silhouette, guiding me, supporting me, somewhat keeping me sane somewhere deep inside. Very-very deep inside.
Before the whole system it was another set of things. Watching the world we live in be destroyed by bigotry, greed and those narcissistic bastards who obsess with power. That never sated the hunger they had for it. For everything. Endless charades and marionette performances of supposed heads of state, or heads of something in overall sense. The engraved system which feeds on the poor, consumes the weak and loves the fights they instigate to keep them a sad lot preoccupied with anything and everything else - just not seeing the truth. Like they'd allow those who have been behind the scenes to open their mouths and allow all that to be exposed. Ha! No. It's such a tight knit thing, where each and every one of them keep everything under wraps, no matter what it takes. From money, to estate, to actual six feet under - whatever works better. The information age came with a lot of pros, until the puppeteers figured out how to abuse that. Then the old works of authors from decades and decades back were resurfacing as a manual for endless exploits of great 'evil'.
Why am I even thinking about it I wonder?
The last few days out here - watching how the whole setup is really a sore point within the folks in the bunker, how the whole overtaking scheme came out fairly well in the Outpost… Sure, might be radical, might be merciless, cold blooded even… But what I saw those people do in the Iron City - that did bring about a lot of old memories from times on Earth with war, famine, idolisation, indoctrination and oh so much.
At times I did question if Ana was doing the right thing… But what IS a right thing out here, in this time and place, which is so far away from what it once was. The shore lines changed, the countries that were - no longer exist, the people and cultures… I can't even start to grasp the whole picture of this enormous change.
Yet here we were - like a bunch of rabid dogs, stranded in a strange cellar with a bunch of things that might be either solution or extermination.
Recently I have been mulling over the studies I had and the work I did, whilst I still was a great renowned man. The lectures, the published works, the many representations I had, as I was greatly needed in the times of the world spinning out of control on all forts. Just as history had been promising, just as the people kept working towards. Funny how the events have a spiral upwards, to evolve, yet follow the damn principles of turnings and repeats.
Over and over.
My mother showed me how to be great, how to not fall for the deceit, how to not become the food for the monsters in the closet or on the throne. Due to my work and travels, due to meeting endless political persons, CEOs, billionaires, the developers of projects that remain somewhere on the paper, but not in public eye - I had a fair amount of being behind the veil. A bit too much. And as I witnessed time after time what they really did - I began using poison, as mother did. And one after another - they fell down. Like dominoes.
And I was getting away with it for quite a while. As I did what I did - I was met with Ana. She 'employed' me with her ideas. Wooed me with her ways. Showed me the puppeteers who had to dissipate into nothing. Bidding of that - I did. Taking out of the operations some dicks and jonny's was not that hard. I was right in their living room. Sometimes requested into their bedroom. Their ways of absolute megalomania were absolutely endless. Like the abyss I sent them off to.
Watching what is unfolding here - sure, I do help to see what's where, how people are, what makes them tick… The amount of times I've noticed how people still react to things like they would back in the system - expecting some magic or powers to help them and not have that, ah, the embarrassment and disdain in their eyes. The longing for that power again. Some had the notion of 'any means necessary' in their eyes, some others were trying to remember how to be human.
I watched how Niko was chasing Hikaru. Even going as far as getting in bed with the man, thinking that sex would make him bend to her will. That was futile. Though I did come across something else - how Hikaru was acting differently every time she was gone.
Then I thought back to that time with King Leon. 'the queen of chaos' - he said, though maybe that was in regards to the character, rather than sex. Because in the character-wise aspect - Hikaru is quite the queen. Hidden in a closet that's opened a few inches, as he glares out of it. Ary is pretty out and about being his gay self. Killian - does not really discriminate, Niko is mostly into men, Verin is a lot into women, though as frustrated as she is with it, she tries. I see how she eyes Mia, though their connection was hostile, with time it mellowed out.
But that's besides the point. I was so sure that it was Niko that's about to fly off the handle, that I did take a bit more time looking at what she was up to… Neglecting to take a bit more time to look into Hikaru. He was not even like me - he was watching. The whole damn time. Observer. Loneliness which could be 'cured' by someone who could do the same - feel him, support him, encourage, empathise… Guess I was indeed very wrong. Seeing with own eyes that it was indeed Hikaru, who brought out Michael the CEO. Messed up premise as it is now…
Ah… I wonder, how can I help Ana… She's slowly being absorbed by the void that's pulling her in, from all the thinking, from all the managing. She holds the reins tightly not of own volition, but due to having not so many who'd be able to take her role instead. She does delegate a lot to others. She does. But having to think a dozen steps ahead - must be dizzying.
The bunker, the Outpost now, with the added Iron City in the near future. Even my head slowly spins from this mess. Honestly.
Though, as much as I can - I analysed the patterns, the structure and the needs, wants, interests, pains, happiness that people portray, exude and show throughout the bunker, throughout Outpost. Well, to be honest with myself - Outpost is still in the works. I need more time looking through all that, just like I need more with Iron City - to see it with my own eyes.
"Michael?" - Ana's voice came from behind. I just kept sitting on the sand, staring into the horizon.
She approached me, I suppose got on her knees, as she hugged me from behind. That's a first. Typically she allows me to have some gentle moments, though I sure ask every time.
"It's too much." - She tiredly says, her head leaning on my shoulder, hands around me still.
"Just let some others handle the pressure." - I let out.
"Well, there's already a bunch of people up to things. As much as I do get things done through them, I still wonder what is left." - Ana lets the inner worry leak.
"After Sujin and Jane sort out the Outpost, we can leave in there Mei and Niko, along with Verin, maybe even TaeYeon. That should cover the Outpost side. Because we have the Iron City plan coming up we'll need a trio to go there and represent us. So how about me, Sujin and Jane go there? We're plenty equipped to handle them by now, from all the information we've gathered." - I say, as I have already been through the roster in my head hundreds of times.
The ones left in the bunker should be able to take care of the production, as well as the whole setting. Might as well pull out the others from their sleep and get them accustomed to the new reality, as it comes. But we do need to figure out the roads to and from the bunker, as well as the premise if we really want to develop that all. By the looks of Ana and the ambitions of others - they do want a development happening. Pretty logical - humans are not really deep cave dwellers, sun is pretty essential for us, like the air and the wind. Also the agricultural part can be also reborn, as the whole floor of animals, insects and other bits is still idle. With that being active - the whole lot of production could be re-established.
"You want to go there?" - Ana asked, as she hugged me tighter.
"Got used to me now and don't want to let go?" - I turned around to face her. She seemed to pout, frowning at me, that made me smile. - "Right I was."
"Where am I going to find someone to consult at all times?" - She pouts even more, as I can't hold back laughter. I hug her back tightly.
"It will be alright. You have Ary, Isabel and others on your side. I'll have two most unhinged military experts with me. And I am surely not a flower to be so dotted on." - I say to her gently. Though her whole demeanor after the whole Outpost incident changed a lot. As if she understood that being human is not only about solutions and problems, but closeness to others.
If at first her cat-like nature allowed me in, now she slowly becomes clingy. What a black cat person. That does make me laugh a bit. It was not really something I did expect to occur. And now that it did - I am over the moon happy, ready to put the whole world to her feet. Though to do that - I first have to bend some to the level she'll look at it with her eyes, without worry. Only solutions she'll come up with. That'd start with taking care of the Iron City issue.
"I'll be always within contact, as well as pretty safe. So worry not, my love. I won't leave you too long alone, nor will I ever let that bastard pull off anything silly. Especially whilst I'm gone." - I look Ana in the eyes, as I keep my smile. Though I do sense that my possessive nature creeps in. Just a small little thought of that CEO laying a hand on her makes me want to screw his head off his shoulders. But not yet. She seems to have some plans about that too.
"Fine…" - Ana replies. - "I'll make sure to pack things in a way that'll be easier to have around. If you're really set to go."
Then came the day of departure. The small bags packed for us were rather a good idea from Isabel and Ana. Antitoxin, antipoison and other bits. Including whatever I could use too. The ride was rather hectic. Middle of the night.
When we got to the exchange point, there were already two cars awaiting us. Sujin was the one driving us to the point, as we decided - TaeYeon would be the one to drive the car back. The two rebels who looked like hobos from the street, though I could not vouch for the smell and another car with people in it. The small fire was going, as I can only assume how long they were out here.
The Driver and one passenger came out of the other car and met with us, as we got out.
"I'm Wei Xian, this is Liang." - The taller blond said.
I did recognise them from the files that Feng sent to us, prior to us going off. Both skilled, both volatile if needs be. I liked that about them from the file.
"I'm Michael, that is Sujin and Jane. There is TaeYeon." - I replied to Wei Xian.
"We got a bit compromised as we were going out." - Liang came closer. - "The part of the Military family which you took care of, they had inside supporters, so now shit is all over the place. We're worried that the situation might escalate, whilst we're out. Most likely you're going in with a pretty bad layout. Might be not only shot at, but also targeted through the floors. I wanted to suggest hiding out in the gutters for a bit, but Feng might have other plans about it. Has he said anything?"
"Last message we got before coming here is that the storm is on, but he'll have the force to come pick us up, so we'll be alright." - Sujin replies.
"Ehh, fuck.." - Liang mutters under his breath.
"Whatever does happen - we'll handle it." - Jane lets out, as he looks at the guys in front of us.
"I still wonder how you all are white as ghosts." - Wei Xian could not NOT stare at us.
"Mother was a frivolous woman." - I joked.
"I'd be damned to share a mother with you. Mine was an upstanding woman." - Sujin retorted.
"Father went out for a pack of cigs and made a mess, the whole block calling him daddy." - Jane smirked at me.
"Is that supposed to be a joke?" - Liang eyed us as a bunch of fools.
"It was a good joke." - I replied, holding back laughter, but my lips kept twisting into a smile.
"So you have the guy you claim is ours, where is he at?" - TaeYeon chimes in.
"He's in the car." - Wei Xian answered.
"Don't worry about anything for now. We'll make sure to aid in any way we can. So, good luck to you guys." - I said, looking at them both, as they looked rather restless.
"Make sure not to get caught. That never ends well." - Liang said, then turned and walked back towards the car.
"TaeYeon, make sure they're not too fidgety." - I call out to TaeYeon, as we head to the rebels' car.
"Come back alive." - TaeYeon calls out to us.
Before getting into the car, Jane showed us a sign to put on the masks. Ones that Isabel and Killian updated to fend off all in possible theory and messy practise. So we did - put masks on before boarding this ride.
The two rebels get into the passengers and drivers seat, the three of us end up in the back.
"It won't be a smooth ride." - One of them said.
The ride indeed was bumpy. We were going towards a massive dome at high speed, rushing like mad through all that. Then a glimpse of the top that's bright as heck was seen - like the top of the dome is the neon sun itself.
The closer we approached - the more uneasy I began to feel for some reason. Gut was telling me that something is amiss.
"Be careful." - I whispered, whilst looking ahead.
"They might dump us." - Jane whispered back.
"Be ready to shoot first." - Sujin whispered to both of us.
Seems like my gut feeling was a shared experience all in all. Maybe it was something ahead, but for now it seemed that the possible issue is right with us.
The moment the car got into the passage that led into the City - we were swarmed with some sort of chemical bombs. The smoke was dense, though the car kept going at high speed inside.
"Once we stop, run as fast as you can to the farthest point to your left. There's gonna be a passage. You'll need to go there." - The driver told us, as he kept speeding ahead. A few bumps, then a few more.
"Those were people." - Sujin said.
"Be sharp!" - Jane calls out.
Within a few seconds - the car comes to a sudden stop. Rather - hits a wall. For a moment there - the damn headache from the impact, the pain and the dizziness. But Jane and Sujin do act really fast. They manage to get out of the safety belts, then Jane gets me out, pulls me out and even throws me over his shoulder for good measure to then rush towards the said point the driver told about. All that within a dissipating fog that's heavy on the other side.
Then a loud 'BOOM' reaches us, as the car blows up. The driver and the passenger - dead.
Once we reached the wall, we kept going to find the passage. By now Jane let go of me and I was managing it on my own two feet, thank lord. Some person stood there, waving hand at us. We gunned for that person. As we got closer - they opened the door. We got inside, the door closed, as the man closed it behind us.
"Follow me." - He said to us, as he led up the stairs. The stairs seemed endless.
"I should have done more cardio." - I let out, as I feel like I might need a pause. Both Sujin, the pathfinder man and Jane seem rather fine.
"Shit…" - I let out, as I do my best to keep up with them.
It really took a while to reach a damn door.
"Hold on." - The man says.
We're all behind him, catching our breaths. This man listens to what's behind the door, then turns to us.
"It'll be a sprint from here to the next stop." - He lets us know.
"Hu-uh. Fun." - Jane remarks.
"Better not get us killed along the way." - Sujin adds.
The man opens the door and we get out, a damn level of putrid smell and darkness. He leads us further in, until we see some light. A very small light.
"That's where we go." - He says.
We get to the light. A single small light that looks like a table lamp, though it's so dim, it's like the setting of an eerie thing from some horror movie.
That is when another guy shows up, with a satisfied grin on his face and a pile of some rags in his hands.
"Put this on." - He tells us, as he hands the rags to Jane. Then the man turns to the one who guided us here. - "Go."
The guide disappears into the darkness, like a damn shadow. Fuck that's eerie as hell.
We managed to put the rags on us, atop of our own clothes. Rags were like an imitation of some really shady, rugged cloaks.
"Now, you can call me Wan. We're about to go to places through the servants' entrances. The whole thing is gonna take a bit, but we won't stop until we reach Feng. So, pull yourselves up by the balls and let's go." - Wan concludes.
"Aw shit, here we go again." - I let out under my breath.
"Guys, the thing on your face… Make sure to hold hands and keep heads down. If you want to keep those decorations on your face. He-he." - Wan remarks.
"Kindergarden group, gather up." - Jane laughs. We all hold hands, so that we can follow one another. I am the one that is first in this 'peace' chain. Wan takes my hand and off we sit again.
A damn barrage of damn stairs. I feel like my legs have been violated in ways I've never felt before. Not humiliated - bloody violated.
"Want me to carry you?" - Jane sarcastically remarks from behind.
"It's not our wedding night, leave it 'till then." - I commented back.
"Get a room, you two." - Sujin adds.
"You sure sound like an already married couple." - Wan cuts in, as he leads us through the damn stairs.
"I'm not such a frivolous lady!"- I retorted.
"That's not what you moaned at night." - Jane adds.
"Oh for fucks sake.." - Sujin sighs.
As we kept going through these places, we were eventually having a little insight with our own eyes, as we went through halls that had some rooms to the side - the most unhinged levels of pervercy that came out of a constipated craze of a daze. Kids, teens, adults… We saw the videos, sure, but in real life - way more gruesome.
Eventually we got to the elevator, where the four of us got in, being rather bundled up like canned food.
"Don't you dare fart." - Sujin says.
"Like you're asking for it." - Jane adds.
"Don't forget that the sole damage will be to our guide here." - I add. Wan looks at us, shaking his head in disdain.
"You jokers sure are something new." - Wan remarks.
Once the right floor was there, we got out and Wan guided us through narrow passages. Many damn doors, the passage seemed like it was built having in mind the Royal days of dear old Britain or France - when the servants had their own passages to not disturb the Aristocracy. What a damn mess.
Eventually we got to the right door, which Wan opened and gestured for us to go in. We did. A spacious corridor, doors to fancy rooms I assume. He led us to the farthest door, then opened and we got in. A fine room with the atmosphere of some fancy new-tech Chinese ambience. A man was sitting on the sofa. Having his tea - we recognised that mug off the bat - that was Feng. AS I turned to look around the room - next to the computer there was Sheng, he popped up and walked to us.
"Got them in, safely." - Wan reported.
"Ah, you can take off those rags. Masks also. The air in here is clean." - Sheng said, as he checked us.
We took off the rags and the masks.
"It's still rather eerie to look at you all. Like you came from one family." - Feng got up and got closer.
"It was the father. We established that on the way." - Jane says nonchalantly.
"Father was a really flamboyant type, with the whole town calling him 'daddy'." - I added, as I stared at Feng.
"Oh for fucks sake." - Sujin rolled her eyes.
Feng smiled at us.
"Ana did say that you'll be professional. Seeing how you are rather joyous after all that - I wonder if that is really the case." - Feng said.
"Insanity could be an option." - Wan shrugged.
"Oh, we did that a while ago. Now it's pure chaos." - I looked at Wan.
"Sounds exciting." - Wan laughed.
"Alright." - Sheng cut the chat. - "We have prepared the rooms for you. So you'll be there until I come get you. Then we'll…"
I walked over to the sofa and sat.
"No," - I got into this conversation. - "We should have the whole update right now, before you put us 'until further notice'. We prefer to know the whole deal before we get into anything."
"You're aware of it, as I have already shared it all in our chats, isn't that right?" - Feng eyed me.
Jane and Sujin roamed the room, checking around what's where.
"That is not enough. We cleaned up the mess in the Outpost for you, got that ball rolling. Now there's three of us in here, whilst three of your lads are in our bunker. Since coming here we saw that there had been escalation of things on lower levels. You did say that there's disturbances, as your plans move along, yet you never really specified all the plans. That's a pity. Though, I suppose you're free to share that now. Isn't that right, Feng?" - I kept my eyes on the man.
His smile was a little off-putting. His lips smiled, but not his eyes. I have a feeling he senses that we ain't really the bunch to be pushed about and that irks him.
"Quite bold of you. Knowing that you're now pretty far from home." - Feng replied coldly.
"And you think that scare tactics will work?" - I smirked. - "We ate your kind up like snacks. Both in the living world, and well, in the system too."
" 'In the system' he says…" - Feng took a seat opposite me. - "I still wonder what that is like. And seeing your confidence it's rather annoying."
"So, if we're going to play the game together, we should be open to each other about it all, otherwise this turns sour pretty quickly." - I look at him being agitated. Then he looks around, checking where Jane and Sujin are, then looks at Sheng, who stands near us, like he was chained to the place.
"The plan is to change the ways of this City. From the cleanup to the disposal, to restructuring. I did tell Ana that we need some help in the making of the new structure, but you seem like something that might blow up any second, with casualties raining down." - Feng tries to relax, as he shifts his seating.
"You sent us assassins." - Sujin adds. - "I saw both Liang and Wei Xian, those two are trained assassins. Ha! 'Entertainment specialists' my foot. Those guys know how to kill and make it look accidental. With that in mind, did you really think we won't follow the same idea?"
"How about we stop figuring out who has a bigger dick and try figuring out how to solve a puzzle." - Jane walks back to the sofa. - "We're aware of the dangers this place has. You want the whole Revolution to take place. You managed to acquire like-minded people through all structures and sort of unite. Good. But you don't really have the guillotine to cut the heads of the Elite, have you?"
"Guiliotine?" - Sheng looks at Jane.
"Like in the French Revolution, when the simple people rose up to take the elite down." - Jane added.
"French Revolution?" - Sheng confusedly looked at us.
"Wait, wait-wait-wait," - I look at Feng and Sheng. - "Do you even know world history?"
"Not before the Iron City construction. Just from then onwards." - Sheng replied.
"Fu-uck…" - Sujin rolled her eyes, as she felt the dread.
"Well that's about to be fun." - I wipe my forehead. - "Alright, that's yet to get to. History lessons. Yeah. Alright. Fine. Listen, Feng, how about you give us all the info, so we can check out how far along you got with all your fine planning, so we can help you figure out how to set it all in fine motion, that the actual goal is achieved." - I look Feng in the eyes, as I feel like I have a whole lot of kids with undereducated backgrounds now, with all these citizens of Iron City. - "So how about that, m?"
Feng looked confused. Either that, or the look of a scolded child who had no idea why was it all happening.
"Uhum, succumbing is not easy, but with what you just opened up for us - that seems like a whole casket of maggots. Not even Pandora's box." - Jane sighed.
"What's Pandora's box?" - Sheng asked.
"Now I'm really getting a sense that we're so far along in the future." - Sujin breathed out.
"It's just that we didn't really talk about politics or philosophy with them before. Think of it like an Explorer of some Ancient ruins - the language, the artifacts, the whole lot of another culture to unearth." - Jane looks at Sujin.
"I'd tell you to shut the fuck up, but I'm sure you're aware of it." - Sujin shoots a glare at Jane.
"Kids, don't fight, mama Ana ain't gonna like it." - I let out, as I look at them squabble.
"Then does that make you our father then?" - Jane smirks at me.
"You better not." - Sujin points a finger at me. - "We ain't here to play. Get a grip and let's get on with it, before I murder both of you."
"She's so gentle." - Jane lets out with a sweet smile, as he looks at Sujin.
"I am not ready for my own funeral yet. Also, Ana would scalp you alive." - I said.
"Don't you think you're so special, lover boy, she's more on my side than yours." - Sujin showed me middle finger.
"How elegant of you." - I remarked.
"I can't even grasp what you're on about." - Feng grumbled. - "Just get to your rooms and have some rest. Once we get all the information, Sheng will come pick you up."
"You got papi real serious." - Jane grimaced at me theatrically.
"Me?" - I theatrically looked surprised, as I pointed at my own self. - "Ah! Dare you!"
"Just go!" - Feng barked at us.
"I'll show you to your rooms." - Sheng said gently, as he guided us out.
"What's with testing his patience levels?" - Sujin asks, as we're all out.
"He seems rather vanilla for our dark brew kind." - I said.
"Nah, he's alright. A bit more training… Though we should have more training about this too." - Jane adds.
"Can't go into church with your own sermon, can you?" - Sujin eyes me.
"You're right about that too. A lot of prepping, huh?" - I add.
"Chatty, all of you." - Sheng cuts in.
"Don't worry, it'll rub off on you too." - I pat Sheng on the back. - "But we love you, so don't be afraid. I don't bite."
"But do you stab?" - Jane eyes me with a smile.
"Shut up! Both of you! God am I questioning this. She-esh!" - Sujin seems to be a bit boiling over emotionally.
"Sorry." - Me and Jane said in unison. Sheng let out a stifled laugh, then got his serious face back.
The rooms were fine, to be precise - they put us in three rooms. One I shared with some man who seemed like a servant, Jane shared a room with a security looking guy, Sujin shared a room with a maid. Guess that's how it is. Sheng did say that those people will show us the basic ropes, as well as answer any questions we've got. Not sure if that's a relief or a possible hazard.
Being separated and in a room with potential threat ain't all joy and rainbows.
After the shower I changed into what they've provided for me. My bag was with me at all times, then I hid it under my pillow, as we all were somehow in a time frame to night time sleeping schedule. Though with whatever we saw coming in - I wonder how much of that affects other floors in this place. That, or all is kept under wraps to be sorted like in any dictatorship - with nobody aware of what truly happens behind the scenes.
Whilst in bed - my mind drifted off to Ana. I wonder what she's up to now. Having those newcomers over.