Helene Island Geocache #1

Hi. My name is Pax. I don’t know if anyone will ever find this, since I don’t know what our ultimate timeline will be, BUT, if everything goes the way it should, you will find this, so I’ve tried to make it as weatherproof as possible. I hope things haven’t been too difficult for you. I did my best, but things didn’t always turn out the way we planned.

Day: 2000 A.W.

“For those of you folks who are just joining us, the A.W. stands for both Artilect War and After War. Clever, really.”

I rapped my knuckles on smooth, cold metal. The resulting ding was disappointing—more of a donk and not at all the resonating flourish I’d hoped for. It didn’t penetrate the darkness further than my own hand.

It was still just Lars and me. Good old Lars. Every day he went a little madder. I guess he hadn’t made provisions for that part of his plan. Oh, Lars, you mad, mad bastard. But maybe I was mad too.

“Or maybe, and this is a big maybe, folks, Lars is the sane one here and I’m the one whose mind has gone.” It was possible.

“I wish you all would stop playing dead—unless you really are dead.” Sometimes I wished I was. But God, who knew what Lars would do to me then? If I were lucky, he wouldn’t even notice.

“But I’m not dead. Not yet, anyway. Just stuck here with Lars and the rest of you in this oubliette. How do I know that word? Oubliette?” I tapped again on the metal casing. “It doesn’t matter. Soon, I’ll play dead too. And before long, I actually will be.” I grinned into the dark.

“And then you, fine folks, you and Lars will have to find other entertainment.” The silence made me reconsider.

“Although, my death might be the only entertainment you need. You can talk about it amongst yourselves for years to come. The final curtain.”

Should today be the day? How should I take my bow?

“Shall we have a vote?” I took their silence as assent. “Slit my wrists?” No. Knowing my luck, I’d do it wrong, and just a get a nasty infection. Then Lars would have to take care of me. And from what I’d heard of him mumbling to himself, I definitely didn’t want his ministrations.

Although, the delirium of infection might be a nice vacation for me.

“Starvation?” I didn’t think that would be possible. Too many supplies here. And again, Lars. He knew how to keep people alive on very little.

Plus, who was I kidding? I knew I could never starve; I was rather short on willpower.

“Will Power. Ha! Get it? Maybe I should change my last name. We’ll vote on that one later.” I felt through the blackness, my fingers coming to rest on snaking coils of cable.

“Electrocution? Now we’re talking. Of course, that would leave you all in the lurch, wouldn’t it? Though it might wake a few of you up.”

I waited for a reply, just in case. Nothing.

“Maybe we’ll just put this vote to the side for a day or two. No need to be hasty, right?”

Not a single dissenting voice.

“I’m glad we all agree. That’s why I like you guys so much.” Strains of orchestral music and the low hum of voices filtered through the gloom.

“That’s enough chitchat. I can hear the band striking up. It looks like it’s time for another party. Well, God knows we’ve got a lot to celebrate.” I felt my way to the door then turned back.

“I’ve got work to do. Shall we meet tomorrow? Same time, same place?” I cupped my hand over my ear.

“What? Of course, I’ll still be here. Oubliette, remember?”

No way out.