The Rock: New Beginning (English Version)

Part 1. Chapter 5. In my power to change everything (pt.2).

(Play the soundtrack while reading the next episode)

First, Bob showed us the outer territory of Alcatraz, enthusiastically talking about what was here and how, especially emphasizing that no one had ever been able to escape from this place. But... as far as I remember, there was one... A former agent of British intelligence, John Patrick Mason, his name was. Or is?

Just as I remember: night, he and I are opposite each other, my people are holding him at gunpoint, on the left a hostage standing on his knees shaking with fear - one of the captured tourists. And this one... not only doesn't afraid, he looks into my eyes and... as if understands... As it later became clear, distracts from his surviving accomplice's actions.

"Thought I'd been in the service a long time," I couldn't even believe that they sent hare someone of such a respectable age. Almost completely gray hair, tall, dark eyes, short beard... He's at least twenty years older than me and half a head taller. And yet, this fighter is in excellent physical shape, since he went on a mission with the SEALs. "Name and rank, sailor?"

"Well, it's Army, actually," he said in a low, slightly hoarse voice.

"Answer the question," demanded Major Baxter, standing near us, not taking his gun off the old man, "and address him as 'General, sir'."

"Captain John Patrick Mason, General, sir, of her Majesty's S.A.S." The soldier paused and explained with some regret: "Retired, of course."

"You're long way from home, Captain. How the hell are you involved in this?"

"Oh, I have a unique knowledge of this prison facility. I was, uh, formerly a guest here."

Does he exist, this man? And if so, how to find him... and is it worth it? I'm not sure of anything yet... Absolutely.

While Ranger Bob was showing the group everything around the prison building itself, I couldn't help catching my eye on some parts of the grounds. Observation towers, several points where missiles were installed, and here is the place, almost just before the entrance to the main building, where I back then asked a group of schoolgirls not to come inside with us... Could all this really not have happened? That is... hasn't happened yet?

The excursionists were listening to the enthusiastic guide, periodically asking questions. Having made up my mind, I nevertheless quickened my pace in order to be closer to him and more carefully observe his reaction.

"Is it true that no one has ever escaped from here?" asked a dark-haired woman in a red jacket, walking to the left of Ranger Bob.

"Indeed, ma'am," he answered, "although there were many attempts."

"Fourteen, right?" I clarified, again remembering that elderly British soldier.

"That's right, sir, fourteen," Bob answered proudly, again nothing suspicious slipped through his behavior: no fear, no anger, not a single hint that he could have seen me here before. "Fourteen escape attempts!" he announced loudly to everyone. "But no one ever made it to shore... alive."

When this place was not a museum, but a real prison, escaping from here would have been, if not impossible, then very-very difficult, but not now, I mentally objected. Different times, different technologies. But a legend remains a legend, and has its own charm.

After exploring the outside area, Bob led us all into the main building. That's the most interesting thing. Why did I choose Alcatraz for our base - an island with a good view from all sides, you can't just get unnoticed, and we didn't even have to lure people here - this was done by the local 'museum' employees. This practice is part of the excursion program, when visitors are given the opportunity to feel like prisoners, that is, to spend several minutes behind bars. Perfect. Everything was supposed to be temporary: we would receive the money, I would transfer most of it to the families of the dead Marines, my people would get the rest... Then they would leave the country, the hostages would be released, and I, as already mentioned, would face consequences. Confident in the righteousness of my cause and the clear plan, I thought that I had everything figured out... Couldn't imagine that they cared so little about ordinary people.