The Escape Plan
“I told him now isn’t a good time. My practice schedule, the playoffs, and school work occupy most of my time.” She notes the displeasure on Gramps’s face.
“Are you finding time for Jadan Kanzz?” He is sarcastic and demanding.
“No, I’m not,” Kia says as she gives him a ‘mind your own business’ stare. “If I’m able to find the time, I will. He’s upset all we can find’s a few minutes on the communicator on occasion. I didn’t come here for this. I came because I need more help with my Micro Mathematics.”
“Okay, but first, let me tell you what I learned about Klyn Joanz—”
“Gramps, I’m acquainted with him. I attend classes with him, and for an Annunaki, he’s not too bright. In fact, he’s near the bottom in scholastic standing. Furthermore, if you put a woman’s dress on him…he’s effeminate. Every boy in class, and half the girls, I might add, intimidate him. He can’t fight his way out of a wet paper sack. Do you want someone with those characteristics to be the father of your great-grandchildren?”
“He may not be a star athlete, but he possesses good blood. His parents and the rest of his family are in the right circles—”
“Tell me about the right circles.”
“Those with authority and influence—”
“Gramps—isn’t love important?”
“Well—love’s not the most significant priority by far.
“Define the things more essential?”
“Unifying with a good, uuh—pure bloodline is number one. Two is to unify into a family with wealth, power, and influence. Third—”
“Did you feel affection for Gramma?”
“Well, I learned to be devoted to her as time passed, but—” Gramps stops.
The expression on Kia’s face and squinted eyes is sending a strong message.
“Are you going to help me with my math or not?” No wonder my parents don’t like each other and never want to be together. They conformed to ‘right’ in Gramps’ eyes. His son unified with a ‘Blood’ from a family in the upper echelons.
“Your father married well. Your mother is a fine woman…too bad her relatives turned out to be such jerks. Your father didn’t measure up to their expectations before the wedding, and he hasn’t met their guidelines since.”
“Are we going to get to the review, or am I going to find someone at the library to help me?”
THE INNER DOME
“Come on Betta, something is going on. We are to report back to our workstations tomorrow morning.” Renny shakes Kahnn trying to rouse him from a deep sleep.
He opens his eyes and sits up on the bunk. “Did you lose your mind? Why are you babbling so?”
“I don’t understand what happened, but we were told in a mandatory meeting a few minutes ago production would start again tomorrow morning—whatever the message means. Someone said the powers are bringing a bunch of engineers out here. They’re to design on site, and we’ll build as they do. The plan s sounds like a recipe for disaster.”
Security at The Inner Dome is simple. One entrance to the facility and once inside is the single way out. Three sequential checkpoints lead in and the same leaving. The belief is no one can escape through all the exit points. Precautions within the surroundings are loose. They remove the inmates’ PICs when they arrive. They are dead as far as the outside world is concerned. They receive a temporary tracking bracelet to get them into the controlled area. A signal kills the chip when they pass through the final checkpoint rendering the device inert and worthless. However, some detainees wear them as a form of jewelry and a reminder.
Employees of the locale hold permanent identification bracelets matched to their PICs.
“You now become someone else. One of the inmates died last night from a massive stroke. The body will go out with today’s toxic waste. You’ll assume his identity and work assignment,” Renny says with fervor.
“Your plan sounds too complicated. Now is the time to break out of here. Are you ready to go?”
A stunned gaze appears on Renny’s face. “How do you suggest we accomplish such a feat?”
“Simple—we will walk out at shift change.”
“Did you lose your mind?”
“No—here’s how the escape will work. You’ll finish dinner and meet me in the fourth-floor equipment room where I hid the two thug’s clothing. We’re paid employees of The Inner Dome. I found uniforms, boots, and insignias hidden away up stairs. The insertion is going to hurt like hell, but we’re going to put the thugs’ PICs into our arms and wear their armlets. Shift change is when we’re going to walk out with the rest of the staff.”
“The tactic is jus’ crazy enough to work,” Renny says with a chuckle.
“A potential problem exists. Perhaps the electricity damaged the personal identification chips or security bracelets. If they stop either of us, the other’s to wait. We’ll act surprised if any of the devices fail. We’ll ask the guard if we need to go back and get a signed pass from the shift supervisor. I’m betting they’ll say no.”
MINISTRY OF LAW AND ORDER
The commander returns to his office with his copy of the written reprimand, and he’s furious. Rogg hurries past his assistant and slams the door when he enters. He sits in his chair staring at the document on his desk. Insubordination—yes I am but when the director asked me to participate in an illegal manhunt to appease the supreme chancellor. They’re holding Kahnn in The Inner Dome without charges. The Articles state, Formal accusations must be filed within the first forty-six hours of incarceration. If government officials can do this, what other unsavory things are they doing? He sits contemplating his next move.
He reaches for his communicator, dials, and waits for an answer. He fears his office might be bugged, so he places his hand over his mouth and whispers into the mouthpiece, “Urgent—Commission meeting—2100 at Alpha 13.” He breaks the connection, sits back in his chair, and begins to run various scenarios through his mind. Is he at The Inner Dome for real?
He signals his assistant. “Locate the colonel for me. I want him to come to my office right away.”
“Yes, sir—should I tell him why?”
“No.”
Baanar and Jasen pride themselves for being friends since childhood. They attended Primmar, Academy, and Abydos University with each other. They were initiated into Opaque together. Leahn is a Conversant but not a member of The Commission. His rank and security clearance give him unlimited access to all parts of The Dome.
Jasen’s intercom sounds. The assistant informs him the colonel will arrive in about fifteen minutes.
The commander devises a plan while waiting. He spends the available time refining the details. His printer hums and spits out a copy.
The device buzzes, and the voice says, “Baanar’s here, sir.”
“Send him in.” Rogg gets up, walks toward his long-time friend, and extends his hand. “Good of you to come. I hope I didn’t take you away from anything important.”
“I am glad to be here too. You didn’t pull me away from anything to vital to wait.”
Jasen motions toward a chair. “Take a seat. Would you like something to drink?” He walks over, closes the door.
“Yes—Kava’s fine.”
“My assistant will bring in a fresh carafe soon. Are you acquainted with Betta Kahnn?”
“I have been around him a few times, but I can’t say we’re close. Why do you ask?”
“A pair of the chancellor’s thugs kidnapped him with the knowledge of the director.”
“What are the allegations? “No charges—an impulse of Jerka. I don’t understand why, but he’s done something to upset the ‘king,’ “Rogg says with bitter sarcasm.
“Did Joanz approve the operation?”
“Yes, but wait until you become aware of the rest of the story. The men took him to The Inner Dome. A few hours later, he and the two men vanished.”
“You mean he escaped?”
“No, we reviewed the security tapes from the three checkpoints. He didn’t escape—they disappeared. The chancellor believes Betta possesses some damaging information he wants. The two troopers were to coerce the facts from him by any means necessary, and afterwards…? We aren’t sure what they were to do when they were finished with him.”
“Wow.”
“The director instructed me to send someone to The Inner Dome to find him. They took him into custody without charges, and I refused. The bastard gave me a written reprimand for insubordination.”
“You must be kidding me. Do you want me to find him for the bum?”
“No—if he’s still imprisoned, I want you to find him for me.”
“You’re not going to turn him over to Joanz are you?”
“Of course not—here’s what I want you to do. Take this picture.” He gets up and removes the copy from the printer. “Go to The Inner Dome, ask around, and try to determine if he’s been spotted. I want to find out if he’s incarcerated or not. Can you handle the task for me?”
“Sure I can. How soon do you need the info?”
“Any time during the remainder of the day will do fine,” Jasen says with a chuckle.
A smile comes to Baanar’s face. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Never more so—”
EVENING SHIFT CHANGE AT THE INNER DOME
“Meet me upstairs in five minutes. The time to get out of here is now.”
Apprehension shows on Renny’s face, but he says, “Okay.”
A faint tapping emanates from the door. He opens and peeks out. Renny scans up and down the hallway. Kahnn swings the door open, and he rushes in. He closes and locks it behind him. “Let’s take things as they come.” He walks to the urn and removes the PICs and security bracelets. “I dread this part.” He takes the knife from his boot sterilizing the blade and PIC with a liquid disinfectant. He makes a small slit into the top of his left arm and forces the device into the incision, up under the skin, wipes away a few drops of blood, and puts a piece of flesh colored tape over the wound. He replaces his inert security bracelet with the one, which matches his new PIC.
“You’re next.” He glances and catches a grimace on his face.
“Get the deed done fast. Blood makes me faint.” The tough guy turns pale.
Moments later, the task is finished and color is beginning to return to his face. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine—a weakness of mine.”
They lay out the uniforms and attach the triangular insignias. Soon they are dressed and pulling on the glossy boots. “Make sure your ‘gig line’ is straight,” Kahnn says.
The ‘gig line’ is the line formed between the front opening of a shirt with the belt buckle and the fly of the trousers.
They check each other and make a few last-minute adjustments to the uniforms. “Well, the award-winning performance begins now.” Kahnn’s voice emits a slight distortion belying his courage. “Wish us luck.”
“Oh, by the way—tell me the plan when we get out of The Dome?”
“No plan—we’ll take things as they come,” he says, stepping into the hall.
Renny hurries along behind him.
“We’ll stay on this level until we reach the stairs inside the first check point, minimizing the possibility of someone recognizing us and blowing our cover.” His heart is pounding.
They descend to the first floor. Kahnn peers through the small glass in the door and detects a steady stream of employees leaving The Inner Dome. “Stay close,” he says as they step out into the crowd. They blend in without interrupting anyone. The initial checkpoint and barriers force the swarm into a single file to pass the scanners. They walk through, and both get a green light. He overhears his new pal exhale a sigh of relief. Soon, they go by the second with no problem. The third and final examination is ahead, and the line slows. Security is spot checking credentials. Betta holds his breath as he makes his way past the scanner with his companion close behind. He gets a green light and steps aside. Stunned, he detects the buzzer.
“You—step over here.” He listens to the guard tell Renny. “You have a problem with your identification bracelet. The reader can’t get a signal.” The voice is gruff and irritable.
Chills run rampant in Kahnn as he stops and turns around. He becomes nauseous.
“Do I need to go back and get a written pass from my supervisor?”
“Get your overseer to check the batteries. If they’re good, he’ll need to get you a new one before you can come through here,” the gruff voice says.
Renny glances at Kahnn with a ‘now what’ expression. He walks up to the guard. “He’s with me and I can vow for him. We work together.”
“Your rational won’t do. Without a functioning wrist band, he’s not getting past my checkpoint—understood?”
Betta detects a hand gripping his shoulder. “Do we have a problem here?” the man asks.
“Yes, sir—his wristlet won’t function, and this guy is trying to vouch for him.”
“Okay, I’ll handle this. You two come with me.” He takes both by the arm and leads them to a waiting train. He shoves the two fugitives onto the MagnaTranz. The door closes, and they depart. He reaches behind his back and produces a set of hand restraints, and secures them to one another.
“Where are you taking us?”
“You’ll understand. Now be silence.”
Soon they clear The Dome. At the next stop, the man says, “This is our departure point—get off.”
They are shackled together and do as told. On the platform, the man herds them to a secluded corner. “Are you Betta Kahnn?”
“Yes.”
“Who’s this?”
“He’s a friend of mine.”
The man takes his communicator and dials. Soon he says, “Send a transport to pick me up at the first MagnaTranz stop beyond The Dome. I’m holding two prisoners. Be quick.”
The vehicle approaches and the colonel puts cloth hoods over their heads. “Don’t touch these. I’ll take them off when I’m ready—understood?”
They both nod.
SOMEWHERE OUTSIDE THE DOME
The AeroBus speeds away. Time appears to crawl for Kahnn, until the car stops. “Get out,” the man says.
They exit, and two men lead them away. They stumble along and perceive a metal door open in front of them. They pass through, and the wrist constraints are removed. They listen to the door close and a key turning in the lock. “You can remove the hoods now.”
They glance around. They find themselves in a three by four-meter cell, which consists of two stone walls, two of steel bars, a similar door, and no windows. In one corner, are a small metal sink and a matching commode. They glimpse around and realize they are alone. The men locked the door and left. They stare at each other with puzzled expressions.
“Where are we?”
“I’m fresh out of ideas—” His eyes examine the cell, and he stares at the toilet “Well, so much for modesty. I hope you aren’t bashful,” Kahnn says.
“I guess we didn’t succeed.”
“Appears you’re right…what now I wonder? Will they send us back to The Inner Dome or will the punishment be something serious?”
Colonel Leahn Baanar goes to a quiet corner and dials his communicator. The answer is prompt and he says, “Call me back on an encrypted circuit.” Moments later, the device sounds.
“Thanks for calling back so soon.”
“Did you find him?” Jasen asks.
“Yes, I did, but you aren’t going to believe this, but things didn’t go according to plan. I took custody of him, and a partner in crime trying to escape. They are locked away at a safe haven.”
ALPHA 13
“Who are we missing?” the commander asks.
“Everyone is here who can be. Now share the urgency,” Kaamren says.
“I’m aware of where Betta Kahnn is this moment.” He is grinning as he gives enough information to stimulate interest. “The chancellor wanted him kidnapped and taken to The Inner Dome for interrogation. We didn’t get the details, but I sent Colonel Baanar to confirm the fact. He started to enter the secured area, when they attempted their escape. The chip in the bracelet of his companion quit working at the final checkpoint, and security detained him. He would’ve escaped if he kept going, but he stayed by his friend. The colonel walked up and took charge of the prisoners. They’re locked up at a safe location as we speak.”
“An amazing story,” Kaamren says. “Why does Jerka want Kahnn?”
“We don’t understand yet, but the director is an accomplice. I found out about the plot after he chastised Ravi Joanz for his incompetence, and he gave me a verbal order to find him. They abducted him without charges, and still no accusations exist. I refused, and the bastard gave me a written reproof for insubordination. We need a plan to get him before he gets me.”
“You’re right,” he says. “You being in your position is invaluable. We’ll think of something.”
An hour of discussion later, Seth makes two suggestions. “Relo can hack into the CDC through a link we tapped into The Spider. He can delete all files pertaining to the written reprimand from the computers. In fact, he can replace the warning with a Letter of Commendation for outstanding performance and loyalty. Rogg, can you find where the other hard copies are filed?”
“Yes, and I can get to them.”
“Good,” Seth says. “I’ll get Relo busy on the programming. Mika and his group will write and implement a worm to find the script account numbers of the director and the chancellor. The completed program will begin siphoning funds at a gradual rate, transferring them into the director’s. The pace of transfer will increase over time. I don’t think Jerka will be pleased with Joanz stealing from him. Do you think?”
Kaamren calls for a vote, and the ayes are unanimous. “Okay—what’re we going to do with the prisoners? A suggestion would be appreciated, Commander?”
“Kahnn and his friend Renny think they’re being held by Dome Security. I believe we should continue the charade and elicit what information we can get from them,” he says. “We’ll put them in separate cells in different cell blocks and interrogate them alone. I’m anxious to find out what happened to the two thugs who took him to The Inner Dome. Other than their PICs and bracelets, I find no traces of them. They’re legitimate members of the security force, and they were part of the Joanz covert unit.”
A quick voice vote gets Jasen the approval for his plan.
Kaamren asks, “Rogg, were you successful in acquiring membership in OFGRAT?”
The commander explains to a new attendee, “It is an acronym for the Organization for Governmental Reform and Truth, which is a top secret society whose members pledge death before betrayal of the others or their objectives. Government response to political dissent is so severe all groups wanting transformation must operate in absolute secrecy. The organization consists, for the most part, of lower level Annunaki, victims of Supreme Chancellor Jerka’s Integrity Party’s abusive practices. He knows no bounds since winning the election. He bends The Articles and tramples on them.
OFGRAT existed prior to Jerka, but the desire for association exploded from the time when he came to power.
My request is under consideration. The written reprimand should go a long way toward acceptance.” Rogg is confident he will get an invitation. “Did anyone find leads to Rueef Lorenz?”
“No,” Several individuals say.
“I’m afraid she’s become the victim of something evil. I’m unable to turn up a single lead since she disappeared. Evidence is nonexistent.”
JADAN’S APARTMENT
Jadan played his guitet for the last hour, but now it is on his lap. He meditates about a variety of things. Relo shared too many things to digest. This can’t be real—the Annunaki—the NEX—secret organizations—The Escapades. There’s Gramps and her parents. Will they ever allow her to be in my life?
He dials Kia’s number. The call goes straight to her message center. “Contact me—I miss you and want to be with you?”
He lays the instrument on the table in front of him and lies back on the sofa.
Rue is walking across campus toward her apartment. In the shadows, someone is following her. She unlocks the door, and as she steps inside, a large man wearing a full facemask places his foot against the bottom of the door. Hard as she tries, she can’t overcome the blockage. The man pushes her out of the way, closes, and locks the door. She is standing in the middle of the room with a horrified expression on her face.
“You upset some powerful people—now is the time to pay.” The man’s eyes scan her from head to foot. “Take off the coat.”
She removes and allows the garment to drop to the floor.
He grabs her and rips the blouse open, and buttons fly across the floor. Still holding her by the hair, he runs his hand down the back of her pants. She tries to scream, but the man muffles her voice with a kiss. He laughs as he picks her up and starts toward the bed. He slams her down and continues ripping off her clothing—
He jumps up from his deep sleep, overwhelmed with horror and anger. Huge drops of sweat are running down his face and into his eyes, causing them to sting. He grabs his communicator and dials Relo. He answers. “The hour is late, but may I come over?” The stress in Jadan’s voice is perceptible.
“Of course, you can. Is something wrong?”
“I’ll tell you when I arrive. I’ll head over in about ten minutes.”
He sits and considers the call. Jadan is stressed. Soon, a tapping comes from the door, and he lets him in.
“Thanks for letting me come over this late, but I need to talk to someone. Earlier tonight, I dreamed terrible things about Rue.” Drops of perspiration form on his forehead. “I sense remorse we didn’t do more to find her.”
“We—do you mean you and me?”
“Well, me, for the most part. I bear guilt not doing more to find her.”
“How much more can you do? Even the Ministry of Law and Order can’t find her.”
“Do you think they’re dedicated to the search?”
“Commander Jasen is as good an investigator as is. The case is still active, but they can’t find a single clue to indicate foul play. It appears Rue walked away. I don’t believe she did, but it takes evidence to prove a crime exists.”
“Tell me about the Opaque Sisters.”
“To be a Sister one must be sponsored by a whole or half-brother who’s in The Conversant.”
“Can they be adopted?”
“No. They must be real or half brothers. Why do you ask…?”
“You told me Rue was an orphan, right?”
“Yes, I did...”
“Who’s her brother?”
“Huh—she never said, and I didn’t think to ask. Share your thoughts.”
“Perhaps they are acquainted with her natural mother.”
“Huh—a possibility. We need to find him. He might be aware of her whereabouts.”
SAFE HAVEN BETA TEN
“Mr. Kahnn, come with me,” the man says as he unlocks the cell door. “Take your stuff with you. You won’t be coming back here.”
“Where’re you taking me?”
“We’re upgrading your accommodations. You’re getting a private room for the same price. This’ll be your buddy’s room until we need the second cot. Hold your wrists out for me.” He clamps a set of restraints on him and escorts him along a dim hallway. “In here—” He points to a room on the right.
Betta walks in, surveys the room, and he estimates the size to be about three by four-meters with no windows. A small table is in the middle of the room with a chair on either side. A bright light on a stand sets beside the table. “Sit here,” he says.
He sits and focuses the illumination into Kahnn’s face.
He turns away as his eyes rebel at the intensity.
“I’m going to ask you a few questions, and you’re going to give me straight answers. This should be a painless process, but the outcome is up to you.”
Fear washes over him as he recognizes the phrases so similar to those he experienced earlier in The Inner Dome. He checks the floor around his chair.
“Are we searching for electrodes?”
He does not reply.
“The first question and I get silence.” The man screams as he shoves the table into his stomach, almost knocking him over backwards.
“Yes.”
“Those are for later if I don’t get the cooperation I want. I am aware of the right response to some of the questions so don’t lie to me. The process is simple—correct information, and I smile—an incorrect reply pain will follow. Give me enough wrong feedback, and I’ll get the electrodes. I prefer not to—burning flesh emits such a stench.”
His mind races. Here he is, shackled and locked in a room with a large abusive man. He is not sure he can survive the electricity again. The sores on his body are not healed from the last interrogation. His guts wrench inside him. If I tell the man the truth and cooperate, I might live.
“Number two—what’s your name?”
“I’m Betta Kahnn.”
“Three—is your wife’s name Teska?”
“Please leave my wife out of this.”
“Wrong response—the count is two.”
“Yes,” he whispers.
“Good boy, why didn’t you say so in the first place? Four—why’s the supreme chancellor upset with you?”
“I told him he could go to hell—I wouldn’t rat on Masta Bhril, my boss and long-time friend.”
“Five—what did he find out about you to make him think he can pressure you into submission?”
He pauses.
“You missed two—don’t go for three.
“He found out about me having an affair with Bhril’s wife.”
“Now don’t sound so disrespectful when you talk about our leader. Huh, some friend you are, banging your buddy’s spouse. You stooped low. Six—what else caused him to be upset?”
“I threatened to reveal some dirt on his family if he told about my infidelity.”
“How stupid can you be? Why didn’t you kick him in the crotch?” The man laughs. “Seven—why’s he after Bhril?”
“He worked hard in the last election trying to get the Federation Party candidate elected. Paybacks can be tough. Jerka wants both revenge and to show his absolute power.”
“Now you’re doing well. Let’s keep going this way. Eight—how did you, and your accomplice get the two PICs and security bracelets?”
I tell him, and I’m confessing to murder. “I found them.”
“Huh, the third wrong response. Shall I get the electrodes—don’t screw it up now? Let’s try this again. Where did you and your friend get the PICs and identification armlets?