Brandon left the Broken Tap, pulling his hood up around his face; he always got dirty looks or rude comments from those better off than himself when walking around the township. The man and his friend had surprised him when they offered him food. He had only been inside to warm up and had been waiting for the usual process of the staff spotting him before he would be kicked out, which was, unfortunately, a regular occurrence. Being able to eat a full meal was something he had not done for a long time now, and his stomach felt distended. He usually survived off the scraps from several of the food vendors before they disposed of their waste at the burn pits.
He had on occasion stolen the odd item of food historically, but the strict laws the township had around theft and the promise he had received after the first time he was caught and if he were ever caught again had changed his desire to steal. Being informed that he would lose a hand could affect a man. He was still occasionally tempted, especially when walking by the bakers when their fresh loaves were on display and the mouthwatering scent they gave off.
He made his way down towards the docks by the lake. When he had grown up as a child in the township, the docks had been a working area. Still, over the years, the fishing that had initially been carried out on the lake had gradually moved away to the new fishing district in the north, now leaving it a run-down and redundant town area. This suited him well as they were no longer working docks, although a few people frequently fished off the dockside.
He reached his home; it was not really a home but an old, abandoned shed that had served as an equipment store for the long redundant fishing vessels in its previous life. He had been living there for over a decade now and, over time, had made it as liveable as he could. He did not own a bed or have any decent possessions but had managed to get several pieces of discarded furniture from the homes in the township. His prized possession hidden in the shed was an old leather bag his dad had made for him as a birthday present when he was still a small boy. He had treasured it his whole life, and whenever he looked at it, it brought back fond memories of the time he spent watching his father perform his work as a tanner. His dad had been outstanding at his profession and could make anything from leather. His pieces had been sought after by many in the township.
He sat just inside the shed, looking out of the doorway over the open lake. The wind was creating small white-capped waves on its surface. He often thought about throwing himself into the water and letting it take him away from his miserable existence. Still, he had always managed to stop himself from taking that final plunge. He was glad the weather was finally turning; the winter winds would cut straight across the lake surface, and his shed was one of the first lines of defence for the township.
It was only twelve feet square, and there were holes in the roof, which, when it rained or snowed, the damp and cold inside could feel as bad as the outside. He had covered up the holes as best as he could but had always been cautious about making the shed too good as he wanted to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to it.
The guards knew he lived there as they had come and hassled him occasionally, but they left him alone if he did nothing to draw too much attention. He had managed to get the odd job now and again. Usually, the tasks that others did not want to do. He had even applied to become a burner at the rubbish pits but had been refused when they found out his background and to whom he was related. This had been years ago now, and his name was black-marked in the whole township. If he did get work, it was always temporary, usually helping a visiting trader, but this was infrequent and even more so at this time of the year; the best months were in the warmer seasons when more traders visited.
He had fallen in love with Florence, Mr Cooper's daughter. He had always loved her since being a boy, although it had taken him years to realise, and it was not until he had returned to the town from his spate outside that he had met up with her by chance again one night. They started talking about their childhood and the games they used to play.
Between them, they had caused chaos in the traders' stalls, always getting told off for running riot by the stall manager. They had caused a visiting trader's stall to collapse one day when Florence had kicked the ball they used to play with, and it had hit the leg of the stand. He remembered the sound of breaking glass as the contents crashed to the floor. He had taken a spanking from his dad that day for that incident, saying that he was to blame, rather than Florence, and that was the first time he had ever got a kiss from a girl as thanks. It had only been a fleeting childish peck on his lips, but it had sent his heart pumping and head spinning.
On rediscovering each other, their relationship had initially flourished, and Florence would sneak out of the compound where she lived with her family to see him at night and bring him food. This was until her mother found out, and her father sent the guard to visit him. That night, he had been beaten senseless and told that if he ever saw her again, it would be the last thing he ever did.
This had been the sealing fate for him when he started to investigate his father’s death, wondering why this man had so much hate towards him. He had never done anything against Mr Cooper personally.
He had eventually come upon the journal while cleaning up after the fire that destroyed the old guard barracks and, reading the comments, knew it related to his father's death.
Florence had been sent away from New Talisia not long after his beating to live with her aunt across the lakes in the North. He had not seen her again and had tried to go over there but could not afford the fare. Boats were usually only used for fishing back then, and to use one to travel across the lake meant paying the fishers lost catch rates, which he could never afford. He tried to stowaway on one of the vessels once, believing it would take him over the lake, but had been sorely mistaken when discovered and returned to the docks the same evening. The guard had collected him from the vessel, and he had ended up doing hard labour for a week as punishment. Emptying the town's latrines was a task that no one volunteered for.
Since the new fishing district had been set up, there were fewer opportunities to go north. He still hoped one day he might have enough to cross the lakes and find her again but knew that it would be a lost cause, believing that she would have by now found someone.
These days, he dared not leave the main town because he was afraid he would not be allowed back inside. He had never had the skills to survive outside in the wild and had failed miserably when he had tried.
He did not know how long he had been sitting there reminiscing until he realised how low the sun had now reached in the sky. His stomach felt uncomfortable as it was still so full of food, and he was feeling tired. He stood from the doorway, closed the shed door, and dropped the wooden bar he used to lock it. He moved over to the table he owned with only three legs, the fourth corner propped up on a stool, and he lit the tiny stub of a candle that he had found in the waste of one of the houses lying down on his mattress. Tears began to form in his eyes, and it was the first time in an exceptionally long time that he sobbed himself to sleep.
∆∆∆
Several days had passed since the exploding Geblex corpse. The burned land at the main gate to the township had become a talking point. Rumours and hearsay had commenced in any community, with gossip soon spreading about these new Wild Ones. Further reports had come in from outlying habitats outside the township of more livestock being slaughtered, and it had even been rumoured that some people had gone missing. TJ had been flat out since his return, investigating all the various incidents, stories, and rumours.
Sniffer had been going into town daily and digging into the tall tale Brandon had told them. Spending his days talking to members of the township and several of the town’s authority figures. He wanted to get a chance to speak with Mr Cooper, but he was hardly ever seen around town, spending most of his time in the control tower office or in his palatial property connected to the town's rear. Sniffer had been surprised to discover that there was indeed a second community behind the hustle and bustle of the town. It was a fenced-in area where some of the town’s authorities lived with their families, including Mr Cooper.
Sniffer had tried to go over to see the properties, but access was restricted, and a constant guard was at the area's gates. The guards were not dressed in the standard town attire, although they wore uniforms. He had asked TJ about it when he briefly caught up with him one evening, but TJ was none the wiser and had never been near the area. Brandon's stories of a separatist structure may have had some foundation, but he could not find concrete evidence.
He made his way over to see the girls in the hangar. The township had been growing on Elizabeth, and she was enjoying the time she spent here; she had even mentioned coming back after their return trip to New Haven if everything was ok, and Fika had managed in her absence. They would have to be away much longer than they had initially planned with the delayed vehicle auction. The primary concern that Sniffer had now, though, was Tiddles. Since he had discovered he was Enlightened and his conversations with him through Kyto, he knew that Tiddles needed to remain here. There were still too many unknowns, and the pair had been working tirelessly trying to understand their new roles within the System.
"How is it going?" he asked as he approached the stall.
"It has been slow today," Crystal replied.
"Where is Elizabeth?" he asked.
"She has gone to the fields with Tabs to see if they can find more Kilop. We are nearly out," she replied.
"No problem. I only came to say hi and see if anyone wanted anything to eat. I was going to grab some food from the Broken Tap." he said.
"I would not mind something grabbing if that is ok," Crystal said.
"Of course, what would you like?" he asked.
"Could you grab me a roll? Prangton or similar?" she asked.
"Sure, I won't be long, and I will get the girls one as well," he replied, smiling.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
He left the hangar stalls and walked through the close-knit streets of the town, heading to the bar. As he neared the bar, he heard a commotion by the blacksmiths. Throughout the day, you listened to the continual hammering of the ironmonger as he made his wares for sale, and on approaching, he could see two of the guards roughly grabbing a man.
"Let me go. I have done nothing wrong," he shouted.
"We have received reports that you have been causing a disturbance." one of the guards replied.
"A disturbance? Where and doing what?" he asked.
"You threatened the tanner who runs the stall on the edge of town." the guard said.
"I did not threaten him. I just told him he was rubbish at his profession and that I could do a better job," he replied.
"So, you admit to causing a disturbance." one of the guards stated.
"Accusing someone of trying to rip people off due to being a poor tradesman is now classed as causing a disturbance?" he replied.
"It is not the first time we have had it reported." the guard answered.
"And because I tell the truth, I am being charged?" he said in disbelief.
"You have been warned before, and enough is enough." the guard replied.
Sniffer got close enough to see the accused man and immediately recognised him as Brandon. He wore the same dishevelled outfit as he had when they first met. Sniffer had a practical way with people, and from the initial meeting with Brandon, whatever his downfalls were, he knew he was an honest individual who believed in what he said. One of the guards had Brandon's arms held tightly behind his back and began to march him away towards the barracks. The barracks were in the centre of the town and closer to the control tower where the administration building was situated. Sniffer would not usually care about what was happening to others around him but, on this occasion, was drawn to follow. He watched as the guards took him into the barracks block.
'I wonder if TJ is there', Sniffer thought. He walked up to the barracks entrance and walked inside. He had not been inside before, and the barracks was a two-storey building that at one time in its past had been some sort of accommodation. It looked like some of the old, deserted hotels he had seen out in the wilds. Sniffer could hear shouting out of the back as he walked up to a desk where a guard member sat.
"Can I help you?" the guard asked, a little surprised to have someone enter the barracks.
"Possibly. Is TJ working today?" he asked.
"Yes. He is out doing checks." the guard replied.
"Ah, ok. I just wanted to catch up with him. Do you know when he is due back?"
"It should not be long," the guard said, turning back to the desk and what looked like a report he was writing.
Sniffer stood by the window at the front of the building, looking out onto the town. He could still hear a commotion out the back, and the sound of a man crying out in pain could be heard.
"What is going on back there?" Sniffer asked, turning to look at the guard.
"Nothing to do with you." the guard replied.
"Says who?" Sniffer asked.
"Says me." the guard said, pushing his chair back and standing up, turning to face him.
The man was of similar height to Sniffer but was a brawler, looking at the size of his arms.
"I am guessing Reece has ordered this then?" Sniffer asked.
Sniffer watched as uncertainty flashed across the guard’s face before he replied. "And how the fuck do you know the captain?"
"I am a personal friend of Reece. I do not suppose you know him that well, do you?" Sniffer replied.
Sniffer watched the guards' eyes flash again, this time with a slight look of fear in them as he stood his ground before him. He could hear the grunts of a man and laughing.
The guard's face returned to one of anger. "I suggest you leave now," he said, stepping forward.
"And if I don't, I suppose the same will happen to me, will it?"
"I said leave. The barracks are for guards only."
"Don't worry. I will talk to Reece when I see him next; I am sure he would not have authorised one of the townships to get a beating for an accusation against a shady trader."
"Get out." the guard growled.
Sniffer stared at the guard; he knew he could not take him on; he was no fighter. He turned and walked to the entrance, leaving the barracks. He walked a short distance away and down a side street before stopping just out of sight of the barracks entrance and turning back, observing the building. He had not been waiting very long when a truck pulled up, and he saw TJ climbing out.
"Hey, TJ," he called.
"Hey Sniffer. What brings you here?" he said, turning and smiling at him.
"Can I have a quick word?"
"Sure," TJ replied, walking over to him. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"I just saw a man getting dragged into the barracks not twenty minutes ago now. He was pulled from near the Broken Tap for apparently accusing a trader of selling crap goods. I was on my way to catch you to let you know what was happening, as it sounded a little strange that someone being accused of being poor at their trade would warrant the guards being involved. When I entered the barracks, I heard what sounded like a beating taking place out the back."
"A beating?" TJ stated with a look of confusion on his face.
"Well, it sounded like it, and when I questioned the guard sitting at the desk, he got a little nervous and then aggressive, ordering me to leave."
"What? Which guard?" TJ asked.
"Whoever was sat writing a report or something at the desk."
"Come with me," TJ said as he walked to the barracks entrance.
They both entered the barracks, and the guard he had spoken to was no longer sitting at the desk; only the two guards with TJ were there now. TJ picked up a pad from the desk and read it. "No one new has been signed in," he said.
TJ headed towards the rear of the barracks block, and Sniffer followed. Through the door was a slightly larger room with what looked like a rest area with several bunk beds lining the walls. Sniffer saw a corridor that ran further back with what looked like cells. The room was empty, and as TJ watched, three guards came out of one of the cells at the far end of the corridor.
They were laughing with each other as they headed back towards the rest area. "What is going on?" he asked as they entered the room.
The guard who had been at the desk recognised Sniffer straight away, and anger flashed on his face.
"Nothing, boss. Why?" one of the other guards said, smiling at him.
"Just wondering what you find so funny, that is all," TJ said.
"Greyson was telling us about his latest escapade," he replied.
"Really. So why did you need to go to the cells to discuss that?" TJ asked.
Not one of the guards knew how to respond, and there was silence for a few moments. "I think I will do a cell inspection since we have no one here currently. Makes it easier to complete it while they are not full of drunks," he said, smiling at the three of them.
"We have not finished cleaning them yet." one of them said quickly.
"That is ok. I may as well do it now; otherwise, I will have to only come back later. I am sure they cannot be that bad."
The faces of the two guards suddenly went pale, and the initial guard Sniffer had spoken to earlier was the only one who stood defiantly looking at TJ.
"We said they are not clean yet, boss. I think you need to let us do our job first," he stated, stepping forward.
"Really, and when did you become a supervisor?" TJ asked without a hint of anger, stepping to meet the man's face.
TJ's eyes did not leave the guard's face as he stared back. "I suggest you move out of my way," TJ said.
"Says who?" the guard replied.
TJ did not reply with words, but his balled fist went straight into his solar plexus. It struck the guard so quickly that Sniffer was not sure he had seen it at first. The guard doubled over instantly, stepping backwards and gasping for breath. TJ smiled at the two other guards whose faces had drained even further of colour. "So shall I go and inspect the cells now?" TJ stated calmly.
"We were only doing what we were ordered to." one of them blurted out.
"Oh, and what was that?" TJ asked.
"Callum told us to deal with the beggar."
"Beggar?"
"Yeah, the bum who lives at the docks."
"That man is harmless, and what is it of Callum's business? He is not even on duty today," TJ stated.
"He told us to deal with 'im.”
"He called in earlier while you were out and said that he needed to be locked up on orders from Mr Cooper," the other guard stammered.
"At what point did ordering the guard come down to Mr Cooper? The guard is independent, and we work under Captain Reece, not Mr Cooper." TJ stated.
"But Callum told us to do it."
"Sniffer, can you go and check in the cell for me, please," TJ said without turning to look at him.
"Sure," Sniffer replied, walking around the guards and down the corridor. He went to the end of the hall where he had seen the guards leave. Pushing the door open, he saw the crumpled form of Brandon lying on the floor. He could see his face where he lay, and it was bloodied and bruised. Sniffer bent down and gently lifted his head, and as he did, Brandon stirred, groaning.
"You ok, Brandon," he asked.
Brandon's eyes flickered open, and he looked at Sniffer for a few seconds before he recognised him. "I have been better he mumbled." the right side of his face looked puffy and swollen.
"Let's get you up," he said, lifting Brandon unsteadily to his feet.
Brandon winced in pain as he was picked up. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Saving your arse by the looks of it," Sniffer replied.
He helped Brandon out of the cell and supported him as he limped down the corridor to where TJ stood with the three guards.
"I am sorry for what has happened to you. Would you like to press charge against them?" TJ asked without a sign of concern in his voice. The man was a picture of serene calmness. Sniffer knew TJ's past and was more than aware of what he could be capable of, but witnessing the complete lack of emotion on his face first-hand was one of the scariest sights he had ever seen. It felt as though winter had come to the room, all temperature being absorbed by his presence.
"No. It is okay; I think it was a mistaken identity." Brandon said wearily.
"Are you sure?" TJ said, not once taking his eyes from the three guards. The one he had hit in the solar plexus was still unable to stand straight and was holding his arms across his chest protectively.
"Yes," Brandon replied.
"OK then. Please accept my apologies. Sniffer, could you escort him out of the barracks, please? I will catch up with you a while." TJ said coldly.
Sniffer walked Brandon out to the front, and the two guards TJ had returned with gave him a querying look as he walked him through. "What happened to him?" one of them asked.
"Better ask your colleagues," Sniffer replied.
The pair hurriedly walked into the back to find out what was happening.
"Thanks again," Brandon said.
"Again?" Sniffer said.
"Well, the first time you fed me and now you saved me from getting beaten."
"I did not feed you; Kyto did."
"Hmph. Ok, if you say so."
"We need to get you some tonic."
"I cannot afford tonic."
"Don't worry, my girlfriend is a doctor."
"A doctor? Really?" Brandon said, a look of amazement on his face.
"Yes, a doctor."
"Never been to a doctor before. They are too expensive."
"Expensive?"
"All healers and doctors are expensive. Maybe not for many townsfolk, but for some, they are."
"Where do we need to get you to?" Sniffer asked him,
"I live at the docks."
Sniffer escorted Brandon down to the docks. When they arrived, Brandon directed him to the shed.
"You live here?" Sniffer asked.
"Yes. Why?"
"It is a shit hole," Sniffer said.
"Thanks," Brandon replied sarcastically.
"I tell you what, while you recuperate, you can come and stay with us."
"What?" Brandon said, confused.
"You can come and stay at the house. It has a spare room, and I am sure the others won't mind." Sniffer replied.
"I can't leave the town and remember you saying you lived out of town when we met."
"Why not?"
"They may not let me back in."
"Don't be so fucking stupid. Of course, they will. Especially if you are coming in with any of us."
"Us?" Brandon asked.
"Six of us share the house, seven when TJ is there."
"I will be fine here, honestly."
"No chance. I am not leaving you here in this place. My Elizabeth would never let me live it down if I did. She has the biggest heart."
It took several more minutes for Sniffer to convince Brandon, but eventually, he agreed to join him. "Can I grab something first?"
"Of course."
Brandon stumbled into the shed and came out holding his bag after a few minutes. Sniffer did not ask what it was as he could tell the way he clutched it was sentimental to him.
He helped Brandon back to the centre where his truck had been parked, telling him to wait there while he went to get some tonic.
Brandon sat in complete confusion in the truck. Again, one of these strangers had come to his rescue, this time saving him from not just a beating but whatever else may have happened to him if he had been left in the hands of the guards.