Part 5: The Shadow of Evil Falls Upon US
Chapter 55: Her Origins
A thousand years earlier and twenty-two years prior to the great serum debate. In the North District, there had been another cave-in in one of the Alset mines. A boy had just been rushed from the mine into a medical tent, which had been set up near the entrance of the mine. Hamish Alset had accompanied the boy into the tent.
After attending to the boy for around ten minutes, the medical technician stood back. He had a grim look on his face.
‘He’s gone,’ said the medical technician. ‘That makes thirteen this time.’
‘No, keep going,’ said Hamish with desperation in his voice. ‘We can’t give up yet.’
‘He’s dead,’ said the medical technician firmly. ‘It’s over.’
‘He’s so young,’ said Hamish as he held the hand of the dead boy.
‘Huh, so sad,’ said the medical technician. ‘This happened last month. Then three months before that. Nothing changes. Your day of sadness means nothing.’
‘You’re right,’ said Hamish as he shook his head. ‘I’ll talk to my brother.’
The medical technician walked out without acknowledging Hamish’s remarks.
Hamish remained with the boy for another ten minutes before leaving to talk with his brother, Hadrian.
Hamish entered their cabin. Hadrian was warming himself in front of a fire.
‘Cold night, come join me by the fire,’ said Hadrian as he rubbed his hands together.
‘Thirteen dead and several dozen injured,’ said Hamish as he sat next to Hadrian by the fire.
‘They won’t be hard to replace,’ said Hadrian. ‘We have hundreds desperate for work.’
‘There was a boy. He couldn’t have been older than fourteen,’ said Hamish as he desperately hoped he could stir emotion from his brother. ‘I watched him die.’
‘Bad parenting,’ said Hadrian as he continued to face the fire. ‘They should have kept him home.’
‘That’s it,’ said Hamish. ‘You just don’t care.’
‘I care about our family,’ said Hadrian firmly. ‘I care about showing our father how effectively we can run these mines.’
‘Well, eleven families need to be told that they have lost loved ones under our care,’ said Hamish as he stared at his brother, who still refused to make eye contact with him.
‘They choose to work in the mines,’ said Hadrian as he bowed his head slightly. ‘They should know the risks by now.’
‘What choice do they have?’ said Hamish aggressively. ‘They work for us or they starve.’
Hadrian remained silent.
‘It’s your turn to inform the families,’ said Hamish angrily. ‘I did it the previous three times.’
‘I’m not great at that stuff,’ said Hadrian. ‘That’s more your area of expertise.’
‘It’s time you started taking responsibility,’ replied Hamish as he got up. ‘Seeing the families we’ve destroyed is a good start.’
The next day, Hadrian went from home to home, breaking the bad news to the families. Some families broke down in tears, but most were just numbed. Finally, Hadrian reached the last home on the list. It was a tiny shack. Two adults, husband and wife, had died from this family. Hadrian knocked on the door. An old lady opened the door. She was holding a baby.
‘I’m terribly sad to inform you that two adults from this household died yesterday in an unfortunate accident in one of the mines,’ said Hadrian in a solemn voice.
The old lady said nothing. She looked down at the baby she was holding.
‘I have some coins that will get you through this difficult time,’ said Hadrian as he pulled out a few silver coins.
‘She only returned to work a few days ago,’ said the old lady as a tear rolled down her cheek. ‘It was the only job that earned enough to keep us.’
‘I’m really sorry,’ said Hadrian as he rubbed her arm.
‘Accidents happen,’ said the old lady as she looked up at Hadrian. ‘It’s not your fault.’
Hadrian looked down at the baby she was holding. ‘She’s lovely,’ he said to her.
Hadrian pulled out two gold coins from his pocket. ‘This would help a little more.’
The baby opened her eyes. Her eyes were large and deep blue. Hadrian stared at them in amazement.
‘This is my granddaughter, Noosa,’ said the old lady.
‘She’s unwell. She needs urgent medical care,’ said Hadrian in a panicked tone.
‘She’s doing well,’ said the old lady. ‘She eats so much.’
‘Her eyes are blue,’ said Hadrian. ‘This is a sign of sickness. She might die any minute.’
The old lady gasped.
‘I need to take her off you,’ said Hadrian. ‘I can help her.’
‘Oh yes, of course,’ said the old lady as she handed Hadrian the baby. ‘Thank you for offering to help.’
Hadrian bowed his head and then quickly turned around and sprinted away.
Hadrian kept running until he reached a small stream.
‘It’s time to dispose of you,’ said Hadrian as he held the baby up. ‘I cannot allow you to, someday, be a threat to our family. I’m really sorry.’
The baby looked back at Hadrian and chuckled.
‘No, no, no!’ said Hadrian loudly. ‘You should be scared, not playful.’
Hadrian’s raised voice triggered the baby to become invisible.
‘You can already do that. That’s insane,’ said Hadrian in a panicked tone. ‘You really are a threat.’
Hadrian continued to hold the baby up. He sighed and sat on the ground by the stream. The baby reappeared.
‘Oh Noosa, I can’t do it,’ said Hadrian. ‘You have a name. That makes you real.’
After a few minutes, Hadrian got back up. He carried the baby to the outskirts of a nearby town; this was where the local orphanage for this area was located. Hadrian banged on the door of the orphanage. A few minutes later, someone opened the door. It was Melandria, the deputy head of the orphanage.
‘What do you want?’ asked Melandria in a gruff tone.
‘I need you to take this,’ said Hadrian as he held out the baby.
‘Sorry, we’re full,’ said Melandria. ‘Your mining accidents keep us busy enough as it is.’
‘Make room. My family donates to this place,’ said Hadrian forcefully.
‘Two coins a week,’ retorted Melandria. ‘You’re so generous.’
Hadrian continued to hold up the baby persistently.
‘You can wave that in my face as much as you like,’ said Melandria. ‘I’m never going to take it in.’
‘I’ll give you a hundred coin lump sum payment,’ said Hadrian desperately.
‘Damn, you’re desperate,’ replied Melandria as she held out her hand.
‘Here’s ten for now,’ said Hadrian as he handed her the coins. ‘I’ll bring the rest tomorrow.’
‘What’s special about this one?’ asked Melandria.
‘She is to stay here forever,’ said Hadrian. ‘When she comes of age, she’ll become a permanent employee here.’
‘What if she becomes a right lil bitch?’ replied Melandria. ‘I don’t put up with shit.’
‘I’m paying you good money. Do whatever is necessary,’ said Hadrian firmly.
‘Ha, I always do,’ said Melandria as a twisted grin came across her face.
Hadrian kissed the baby on the head. ‘This is your new home,’ he said to her. ‘It’s not paradise, but your old home wasn’t too great either.’
‘You’re bloody pathetic,’ said Melandria. ‘Just give her here and piss off.’
Hadrian handed the baby over to Melandria. He felt awful. He immediately wished he could take back what he had just done but also lacked the courage to do so.
Melandria walked down a corridor holding the baby.
‘Look at you, wide-eyed and full of wonder,’ said Melandria as she looked down at her. ‘This place will drain that out of you. I was the first one here when this shithole opened. Me, baby NB00001. If I’m not mistaken, you’re gonna be NB14572. If you play your cards right, you might just get a name in twenty-something years.’
Melandria entered a room lined with cots. ‘You’ll have to share with this guy for now,’ said Melandria as she placed the baby in a cot next to another baby.
‘Urghh, you really stink,’ she said as she glared at the other baby. ‘You’ll be sleeping in your own shit tonight.’
An hour later, Hadrian arrived back at the cabin. Hamish was warming himself by the fire. Hadrian sat next to him. Without saying a word, he placed his face in his hands.
‘So you see now,’ said Hamish as he looked at his older brother.
Hadrian remained silent.
‘Things need to change,’ said Hamish as he put his hand on Hadrian’s shoulder.
‘Tomorrow, we visit Chief Sanguine,’ said Hadrian as he raised his head up. ‘I will do something.’
Hamish nodded his head.
The next day, Hadrian and Hamish arrived at Chief Sanguine’s office in his mansion. Tiberius, Chief Sanguine’s teenage son, had joined him. Sanguine had just begun training Tiberius to be the next chief.
‘Come on in, gentlemen. Take a seat,’ said Chief Sanguine. ‘I know it’s been a tough week.’
‘We lost thirteen, and dozens are still receiving treatment,’ said Hamish.
‘Mining is an ugly business,’ said Sanguine. ‘Still, it needs to be done.’
‘We can do it better, and we can do it safer,’ said Hadrian. ‘For too long, we have put profit ahead of safety.’
Sanguine frowned. Then he turned to his son.
‘It sounds like to me you are admitting guilt to the deaths of those in the mines,’ said Tiberius with a half smirk on his face.
‘Our inability to ensure their safety does put guilt on us,’ replied Hamish. ‘Just like your unwillingness to legislate such safety precautions.’
‘Oh, I get it,’ said Sanguine. ‘By your logic, we’re all guilty of murder.’
‘Well, I wouldn’t…,’ replied Hadrian.
‘You’re the experts. You know about what is needed to ensure safety,’ interrupted Sanguine angrily. ‘I feel like this is a confession of murder.’
‘It’s no such thing!’ said Hadrian. ‘We just want to improve safety.’
‘Improve safety because they died,’ said Sanguine. ‘I take that as a confession.’
Hamish was about to speak, but Hadrian grabbed his arm to stop him.
‘Guards!’ shouted Sanguine.
A few seconds later, two guards rushed into the office.
‘Arrest him,’ shouted Sanguine as he pointed to Hamish.
The guards pulled Hamish from his chair and slammed him face-first into the ground.
‘Stop, stop this now,’ shouted Hadrian as he jumped from his chair.
‘Isn’t it appropriate to have someone arrested when they confess to murder?’ chuckled Tiberius.
‘It’s a misunderstanding!’ said Hadrian in desperation. ‘We are not confessing to anything.’
‘You are aware the punishment for murder is death,’ said Sanguine calmly. ‘You are aware that I am the sole arbiter of guilt.’
‘I know, I know,’ said Hadrian as he continued to panic.
‘I’ll ask again,’ said Sanguine. ‘Are you, in any way, responsible for the deaths of those thirteen in the mine?’
‘No, we are not!’ shouted Hadrian.
‘Great, there is no need for anything to change,’ said Sanguine. He turned to the guards and shouted, ‘Let him go!’
The guards released Hamish and retreated to stand at the back of the office. Hamish slowly got back up and then sat back into his chair. He was gasping to catch his breath.
‘Is there anything else I can help you with?’ asked Sanguine politely.
Yes, actually there is,’ said Hadrian. ‘It appears the orphanage is not getting the full amount of our donations.’
‘What makes you think that?’ asked Sanguine as he shook his head.
‘I was at the orphanage yesterday,’ said Hadrian. ‘Apparently, they are only getting two coins a week. Our donations should amount to close to fifty coins a week.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll get to the bottom of it,’ said Sanguine. ‘Just one more thing: don’t do anything foolish. You may be incredibly rich, but I’m still chief.’
Hadrian rose from his seat. He helped Hamish up; he was still shaking from being brought to the ground by the guards.
Outside of the mansion, Hamish looked at Hadrian and shook his head.
‘I’m sorry, he’s too powerful,’ said Hadrian.
‘So we continue to get richer, and everyone else has to suffer for it,’ said Hamish. ‘This can’t be the way.’
‘I need to get ninety coins for the orphanage,’ said Hadrian.
‘What’s going on with the orphanage?’ asked Hamish, sounding perplexed.
‘I need to right a wrong,’ replied Hadrian.
Two hours later, Sanguine, Tiberius, and half a dozen guards arrived at the orphanage.
Sanguine hammered his fist on the orphanage door. A few minutes later, Melandria opened the door.
‘What do I owe this honour to, oh great chief,’ said Melandria.
‘Apparently, someone paid a visit last night,’ said Sanguine as he, Tiberius, and his guards pushed past her to enter the orphanage.
Melandria scurried after him as he entered the main lounge.
‘Get out! All of you get out!’ shouted Sanguine at the staff inside the lounge.
The staff promptly left.
‘What did he want?’ demanded Sanguine as he turned to face Melandria.
‘He wanted to give us more money,’ she said in a slight panic. ‘Look, ten coins. He’s coming back to give us more.’
‘Guards! Grab her!’ shouted Sanguine.
Two of his guards grabbed her and forced her to her knees.
‘First you lie about the amount of money you are given,’ shouted Sanguine. ‘Then you lie about why Hadrian was here.’
‘I swear I didn’t lie,’ cried out Melandria. ‘He really gave me this money.’
‘Cut off a finger,’ said Sanguine as he turned to a guard.
‘There was a baby,’ cried out Melandria. ‘He left a baby here.’
‘Stop!’ cried out Sanguine to the guards.
‘That wasn’t hard,’ said Sanguine in a soft voice as he turned to face Melandria. ‘Honesty pays. Now let me see this baby.’
Melandria called out to her staff to bring the most recent baby to arrive at the orphanage. A member of staff rushed in with baby NB14571.
‘The newest baby is this little boy,’ said the member of staff.
‘Son, take a look at him,’ said Sanguine as he ushered the staff member to hand the baby to Tiberius.
‘Nothing special,’ said Tiberius as he dangled the baby by the leg.
Tiberius swung the baby around, slamming his head hard into the wall, and then dropped him.
The baby screamed loudly.
‘Still alive, tougher than he looks,’ remarked Tiberius.
The staff member rushed to attend to the baby.
‘A lie confessed or not is still unacceptable,’ said Sanguine. ‘Tell me, son, what should we do to teach her a lesson?’
‘We should be merciful, for we are civilised,’ said Tiberius. ‘I say let her beg for forgiveness.’
Melandria grovelled before both Sanguine and Tiberius as she frantically begged for forgiveness.
‘He’s dying. You must do something,’ said the staff member who was clutching the baby. Blood was pouring from his head.
Tiberius pushed the staff member over, forcing her to drop the baby. He then stomped on the baby’s head.
‘He’s not dying now,’ chuckled Tiberius. ‘See how merciful I am.’
‘Let’s go,’ said Sanguine to his son.
‘I want the two of you to stay here and monitor this situation,’ said Sanguine to two of the guards. ‘I think they’ll be expecting a visitor soon.’
Sanguine, Tiberius, and four of the guards left the orphanage.
Around an hour later, Hadrian arrived at the orphanage. He knocked on the door. A guard answered the door.
‘Hi, would you mind getting someone who works here?’ insisted Hadrian.
The guard turned around and shouted for someone to come over. Melandria went to the door.
‘What’s going on?’ asked Hadrian softly.
‘Don’t act coy with me,’ retorted Melandria. ‘You sent these bastards here.’
‘I have the other ninety coins,’ said Hadrian as he handed her a large pouch.
Melandria grabbed the pouch and placed it under her clothes.
‘I’ve changed my mind about the baby,’ said Hadrian. ‘I want her back.’
‘The baby is dead,’ shouted Melandria. ‘Now piss off.’
She slammed the door hard in his face.
Sapien Loop: End of an Era
Sapien Loop: Frozen in Time is the sequel to the book Sapien Loop: End of an Era. Sapien Loop: End of an Era is available on Amazon, in collection series on my @spectrumecons account, and in individual chapters in my @captainhive account.
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