Pariah

Level 1, once a paradise of abundance, now grapples with the disruptions caused by the so-called Insurgency operating in the lower levels. In response, we've been compelled to impose rigid lockdowns, much to the displeasure of the lower-level residents.

Walking through the sterile, alabaster corridors of the main enforcement building on this level, I exchange pleasantries with fellow enforcers. Our smiles are mere facades, concealing the brewing turmoil beneath the surface. The Insurgency's intensified activities have escalated tensions, posing a serious threat to the delicate equilibrium that Enforcement has vigilantly maintained within the tower for countless years. My impending reassignment is crucial to restoring peace to the tower.

Reaching the entrance to the Command Room, I wait for the door's scanner to confirm my identity. It acknowledges me, granting access as it slides open. The room unfolds before me, an arrangement of thirty seats in a circular formation, resembling thrones, perched upon a raised platform. Each seat is occupied by a member of the High Council, their expressions fraught with tension and simmering disputes. Stepping into the room, I execute a sharp, precise salute.

“At ease, Enforcer,” a voice, both gentle and commanding, interrupts the silence after a brief pause. The room's atmosphere is thick with tension, and I see the wary looks the councillors are giving each other. “The Premier of Level 4 will be meeting with a member of the Insurgency High Council, which they dub Central.”

These words hit me like a ton of bricks. A Premier meeting with a member of the Insurgency? Unheard of. The counsellor seems to realize I need time to soak this in and waits before continuing.

“The contact is on official business from the Insurgency. They wish to strike a deal with us.” They say gesturing to the surrounding thrones. “The issue is that the contact does not wish to meet within an area controlled by Enforcement. Although the deal seems to be of genuine interest to the Insurgency’s leaders, there are other factions within the Insurgency that oppose it.”

“I mean no offence, Councilor, but why do I need this information?” I inquire, confusion clear in my voice.

The councillor gives a good-natured laugh. “Commander Pariah, based on your recent successes, we wish for you to provide cover for the Premier with a shadow squad. The Insurgency leaders suspect that information about the deal was leaked and have warned us to expect trouble from sub-factions within the Insurgency.”

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“Do we have any details about which sub-factions might act, or is this the extent of our information?” I ask, my professional side kicking in as I struggle to contain my disbelief.

“All information detailing your shadow squad and the upcoming mission will be uploaded to your holo-table. The council is experiencing a lot of activity recently, and time is of the essence.” The councillor says, “You are dismissed.”

I nod and offer another salute as I exit the room, making my way back to my block. The councillor's words echo in my mind, particularly the ominous mention of making a deal with the Insurgency. Such a thought is unheard of, but it seems things are changing. I can only hope it will not interfere with my plans. Lost in thought, I walk through the white halls, the sound of my boots against the pristine marble floor mingling with those of other enforcers. As I reach my block, I tap a few buttons beside the door, initiating a scan. Upon completion, the door slides open, granting me access to my room.

Approaching my holo-table—essentially a glass display with a host of small flying orb-like robots that rapidly change colour to create the illusion of a hologram—I see the profiles of the five team members and the meeting location. The vulnerability of the site is glaringly evident, situated in a neglected sector of Level 4, notoriously known as the weakest level for reasons I’ve never understood, surrounded by decaying remnants of an era when this level was part of the production sector.

I meticulously review the details once more and with a few taps of the glass surface below the false hologram, instruct it to bring up a visual representation of the site. It's clear that the meeting will be held within an ageing, crumbling factory situated near the level's periphery. For a brief moment, I contemplate assigning the entire team to strategic vantage points within the taller factory structures in the vicinity. However, I then realise the tower's ventilation system could be a crucial factor.

The intricate network of vents and fans, initially designed to distribute fresh air throughout the tower, has been partially deactivated to conserve energy. Only 20% of its operation is now required for breathable air circulation, as the full system was straining the core's resources. The deactivated sections have inadvertently created a sprawling network of unused ventilation ducts, serving as covert pathways for the Insurgency to move between levels. While these vents are under surveillance, Enforcement is severely understaffed to effectively monitor this sprawling network.

Taking the ventilation system into consideration, I opt to station two team members at different vent entry points. Another pair will secure elevated vantage points, while the final member and I will remain on the ground, offering covert support to the primary protection force accompanying our associates. I transmit these instructions to the team members, allowing them to prepare and equip themselves for their assigned roles. With the task completed, I power down the desk ease onto my bed, and into a restless sleep.