--Point of View: Katie--
A week had passed before I knew it and yet, not a word from Tom or Robert had made its way here. I was growing impatient and there was no way I was going to miss a week exploring the lab with Crim. There was just too much to do! Although, I did promise I would at least wait a little bit and I intended to keep that promise. So, I waited, pacing around my small little dorm with my eyes constantly on the clock. This went on for at least an hour before my patience waned. If I did not leave now, Crim would probably assume I was not going to show and head back home. I could not and would not explore that place alone.
My bag and suit were ready to go and judging by the time, everybody would have already left for the day, like usual. I jumped into my suit and threw my bag over my shoulder before heading on my way. Today was an unusually sunny day which was nice given that it was overcast most of the time. Even in my suit the sun still felt nice on occasion but only just. I would not want to be walking underneath of it for hours on end. Thankfully, I would be taking the subway tunnels the whole trip.
The reactor lab was still the only direct way I had into the underground, having been originally underground itself. I scanned my badge at the door, a small beep and click signaled as the door slid open. Since this was where I worked it really should not arouse any suspicion, but it still made me worry a little given what Tom had said. I would be a little extra careful if I could manage it. Once inside, I went over to my desk and logged in like any other day, doing my best to make it all seem routine. If they checked with security, it should hopefully look like I was just getting some work done which honestly, was not too far from the truth.
Everything so far seemed fine so with a bit more confidence I strolled into the main reactor core room and as always, had to stop to admire it for a bit. It really was marvelous.
“It all started with you.” I said aloud, smiling as I watched it whir and spin. There was so much more to come though. “Okay, let’s go.”
I crept around to the outside wall of the room, still bare stone and exposed steel that was never covered after everything was dug up. Using the same crevice I had used many times before, I wiggled my way through and out to the main subway. The hard part was done. I brushed myself off and continued onward, wanting to put distance between myself and the base as quickly as possible.
“You, stop right there! Identify yourself!” yelled somebody from behind, a level of authority in their voice. I was in trouble.
Upon turning around, I was met not with just one, but two armed guards that must have been ordered to stay behind to prevent the very thing I was doing. I messed up.
“Didn’t you hear me. State your name and what you are doing here.” He barked again, his rifle now drawn and pointed at my chest.
“My name is Katie Rivers, research aid. I work in the main reactor building. I’m currently performing a study on the area surrounding the reactor.” I stated, hoping they would not call my bluff.
“Miss Rivers. I do have that name listed here but we’ve been stationed here all morning, and nobody has come through the lab door. Care to explain yourself?” he asked, obviously doubting my story to some degree.
“I left very early this morning and are just now returning. Nobody was stationed here when I departed.” I told them.
“That would be breaking curfew which is another matter to discuss. I’m afraid for the safety of the base you are going to have to come with us back to the tower for questioning.” He said coldly, just falling orders.
“Wait, no. You don’t understand. I need to finish this research before everyone else gets back. Its urgent.” I plead, not wanting to return to the tower. People who were brought for questioning were dealt with harshly. It would not be painless, and she wondered if she would even be able to return here.
“I’m afraid we have our orders. You can either come quietly or we can use force. Your call Miss Rivers.” He stated, lowering his rifle, and pulling out a set of hand restraints.
“I…okay. Fine then. I’ll go peacefully.” I muttered, unable to do anything in this situation. Defeat and dread filled my mind. What was I going to do?
The one guard who had done all the talking walked up and gingerly drew my arms behind my back so they could be cuffed, which kind of felt like overkill considering each of these men stood a foot taller than me. I was thankful he was at least gentle. Some of the soldiers were very rough and just itching to get into a fight. Once I was restrained , they both walked me back to the lab, each one taking an arm.
I was escorted through the lab and out the main door, having to stop for a second to scan my card. A snort escaped me because these two apparently could not leave unless somebody let them out. That was the military for you. The base was still deserted. Everybody was still gone for the day which meant we completely skipped going to the command tent to speak with the general. He was not here either which in retrospect made the guard’s job even easier. We approached a standard issue transport, just like the ones we used for scavenging, and got inside. They helped me into the back seat, the vehicle a tad too high for me to get into without the use of my arms. Once situated, one solider sat with me in the back while the other drove.
It was a quiet trip back to the tower. No one spoke a word. I stared out the window across the vast expanse of nothing, sometimes glancing back towards the ruined city. I hope Crim would not worry. He was a kind soul despite his appearance. If only I had a way to get ahold of him but alas, that was not an option now. I also had more pressing issues to attend with. I was going to be questioned and I do not think I am going to be able to deny everything. They knew something was up and would force me to say something. Could I lie to them? Would it be better to tell them the truth? It would be a huge discovery and while I would be disciplined for not reporting it right away, they may let me off easy. The only thing I was worried about was Crim. If he was not warned, he would most likely wander over to the lab while the army was there. I do not want to think about what would happen if they met. I shuddered.
“We’re here.” Said the driver as we pulled into the giant cargo door of the tower. An hour had passed while I was deep in thought, and I regrettably was not closer to an answer. There was no time.
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They parked the transport and helped me out. Like before, they each stood on opposite sides and escorted me to the elevator. If I was lucky, we would pass by Robert or Tom. Maybe, one of them could help me out a little. I tried to picture the route we would take to the disciplinary office on the third floor but to my surprise, we were not going up. One button press and we started to descend. One of the soldiers pulled out his radio and spoke into it.
“Suspect apprehended. Descending to basement level two, holding cells. Further orders requested.” He said in that same, cold robotic voice.
The radio would beep as a reply came, but I could not hear it. They fed directly into the headsets they wore. With a brief nod, the simply responded, “Understood.”
The elevator descended slowly, an eerie quietness in the air. I understood very well what it meant to go to basement level two. The bottom floor of the tower was where they kept hazardous materials and prisoners who committed the most hideous of crimes. I wonder if I will ever leave this place again. I stared at the laminated floor. I should have listened to Tom.
With a thud, the elevator came to a stop, the doors sliding open to reveal a much more barren appearance then the rest of the base. The air was cold and damp, walls made of concrete with only a few lights overhead. I had never been down here and hoped I never would have to visit it. They led me into a small cell outfitted with a bed, a toilet, and a sink. The bare minimum to survive it seemed.
“You will wait here until all required parties are assembled. Remain quiet and don’t cause any trouble. Also, we will need to confiscate your bag and suit.” One of the guards remarked, standing in the doorway.
I had to comply. What choice did I have? I swung the backup off and handed it over, the guard tossing it back to his comrade. Then I removed my hazmat suit and its various layers of protection. Thankfully, I wore my normal uniform underneath. Once folded up, I handed it over as well. They accepted it without a word and left, closing the door behind them, and locking it with a loud click. I took a seat on the cold, hard bed and waited.
Without a clock, I had no idea how long I was sitting there but suffice to say, it was no more than an hour before I heard the thud of the elevator and several footsteps approaching my door. They talked for a minute just outside but I could not make out what was said. Then the door opened. First came the two soldiers from earlier. Next, to my relief, was Robert followed by two other men. The first I did not recognize while the second was very much known. Commander Dawn who oversaw the entire operation here was standing in the doorway and he did not look very pleased.
“Miss Rivers, I believe. We have quite the record on you. A bit of a troublemaker from the looks of it but also,” The unknown man paused, thumbing through his notes, “responsible for discovering the recent reactor here on the planet. Most commendable if I do say so myself.”
“Yes, Katie here has always been very serious when it comes to artifacts and research. Though, I will admit she can be a handful at times.” Responded Robert, making eye contact only with me briefly before returning his attention to the man speaking.
“Quite so. I am the head of the disciplinary sector, I’m sure you are quite familiar with my subordinates. They were not surprised to hear you were once again, in a predicament. How bad of a predicament we will decide here shortly.” He said with a smile, his words full of malice.
He opened his mouth to continue, but the Commander Dawn raised a hand to silence him. “Miss Rivers. It has come to our attention that you were found wandering the subway tunnels, unsupervised and without clearance. You gave the guards an excuse that we will not bother toying with. We know you found something, and you are going to tell us what it is. As for our proof, your bag was quite valuable indeed.” He remarked, booming with authority as he carefully pulled out one of the dozens of pictures I had stored in my bag for safe keeping.
I let out a long sigh, knowing I was beat. There were not going to let me leave this place unless I told them what they wanted to hear, and even then, they may keep me here as punishment. I decided to come clean.
“Yes, I did find something. Something huge.” I stammered, my voice shaking a little. “The reactor is almost insignificant compared to this discovery.”
They all stared at me for a moment, Robert wide eyed before composing himself. The commander gave a small tilt of his head, now giving me his full attention.
“That is a very bold statement young lady but given your track record, one I’m willing to believe. Explain yourself and we will decide where to go from there.” Said Captain Dawn, his voice less authoritative and more intrigued.
“It’s more than we could have ever guessed.” I started, trying to think of the best way to describe the place. “It’s a whole underground facility. Everything is intact, is has power, and more artifacts than we could transport on this entire ship.”
My words hung in the air as even the commander sputtered for a moment, taken aback by my words. Robert, I think, would have fallen over if he was not leaning on the wall. I am glad they at least recognized the significance of it.
Nobody spoke for a minute until Robert asked, “Is that really true Katie? Did you really discover such a place? Such a discovery would be…would be..” he struggled to even finish his sentence.
“World changing. Or more accurately, universe changing.” Spoke the Commander, taking a step forward and leaning down to look me in the eyes. “Miss Rivers. I will make this short and simple. You will guide us to this facility you speak of and if it does in fact exist, your punishment will be lifted. I do not think I need to explain to you what will happen if you are lying by chance, do I?”
“No sir. I would never lie to you. It does exist. I can even show you now if you would like me to.” I cried out, not wanting to face the consequences he threatened.
“In due time. We need to prepare a team and get a few other matters settled. General Robert. How long would it take to prep your team for scouting. Most of the soldiers are not used to such a harsh area. We will need your guidance.” Asked the Commander, turning to face Robert.
“I can have my team ready in fifteen minutes sir. We are always prepared to head out at a minute’s notice.” Exclaimed Robert, turning to salute.
“That’s what I like to hear. Ready your team. I will send the orders to prepare a platoon of soldiers to occupancy us.” The commander smiled.
“Us sir? You don’t intend to come with us, do you? It could be dangerous.” Remarked Robert, very much surprised at the commander’s statement.
“If Miss Rivers’ story checks out, I would very much like to witness it with my own eyes. This discovery will change everything. Do you doubt my ability general?”
“Oh no, no sir. That’s not what I meant. You, if anything, are the most capable one here.” Choked Robert, sweat starting to bead on his face.
“Good answer. You all are dismissed. We will come and get you once everything is prepared. Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Rivers.” Said Commander Dawn one last time before spinning on his heel to leave the room, everyone falling out afterwards.
Robert gave me a small nod of acknowledgement as he left. It was then that I remembered.
“Robert! Please let Tom know!” I called after him, jumping up from the bed. The guards spun to apprehend me but stopped when I threw my hands in the air and stepped back.
“Well, I intended to, he’s on the team Katie. Behave until we come and get you.” Replied Robert, poking his head in the door one last time.
“Thank you. He will have some information for you as well. Tell him its grim. He’ll understand.” I said quickly, hoping the guards would not care.
“Yes, fine. I will tell him. Now sit down and shut up. You are on thin enough ice as it is.” Robert said gravely before marching away down the hall.
If I was lucky, Tom would understand and realize that we needed to warn Crim. He was the only shot I had. Hopefully he could convince Robert to help as well. They were both smart and Robert had some authority. They would think of something. I’m sure of it.