When The Alarm Sounds

Phase one

We have been planning for hours, going over all entrances and exits, strategies, paths and scenarios. Now we have a cleverly formulated escape plan with three different phases that minimise the amount of possible contact with any hostiles. We decided to split into teams so that at least some of us will make it to freedom, with five teams of four, we stand a better chance.

I look around at the quietly excited crowd around me, their hopes renewed. I nod my head and we dispearse, raiding bags and cupboards in search of resources. Grabbing a stray backpack, I scatter the contents around me and begin to sift through the items. My thoughts drift back to the ones they took...they still have not returned.

In our plan, we haven't included any elements of rescue. The idea was suggested but we decided against it because we couldn't risk running into the Atrati in the process. It was better some of us survive than none of us. But we don't stand much of a chance regardless. The pessimist inside me adds.

I shake my head, expelling doubts, focus. My hands close around an item wrapped in foil. Cautiously, I peel back the metal revealing an assortment of small, simple sandwiches. Finally, my first bit of luck.

I snatch up the rucksack, fastening it on my back. I beckon for everyone to regroup. Before I too join the huddle, I see a discarded draw string bag lying at the front of the room. I bolt over and capture it. Lifting it level with my head, I notice how it is damp...and dripping?...

My eyes snap down to the floor before clamping closed. A chill invades my body, my teacher's blood pooled before my feet, the slowly browning liquid bringing memories flooding back. My head spins...Cody...light flashes as I recall the horrific event...

I almost scream as a hand lands on my shoulder, wrenching me from the past.

"Hey are you ok?" Georgia looks to be composed on the outside but her eyes display clearly the turmoil within.

"I'll be fine, the sooner we get out of here the better." She nods and glances down at the blood.

"How could anybody be so cruel?...I just don't understand."

"Nor do I." We spend a second in silence. Her brother was also in our class, they were twins...but he was taken, along with Bradley...

"Here grab the rope, undo the knot on that side, I'll work on this side. I'm thinking team one or three could use this."

She starts fumbling with the knot, grateful for the distraction, as mine comes undone with ease. The rope gives in and Georgia is left standing with the blood soaked canvas clasped in her hand. She instantly casts it away, turning her back to the memories of inhumane actions and her brother.

The expectant group turns to us as we approach them. I can feel they are nervous and scared, but I can offer no comfort, my mind is focusing on the hope of freedom.

Some excited gasps are heard as I hand out the sandwiches, sharing them out as equally as I can. Everyone devours their gift rapidly, as if they haven't eaten in years. Water is passed around and the buzz of energy returns. I can't help but compare this to the last supper, all of us sat in peace one final time before sacrifices have to be made...

"Right, everyone ready?"

"As ready as we'll ever be..." A timid girl named Sarah, replies. Grave nodding accompanies her answer. I let out a sigh.

"Come on you guys, we can do this." I try to lighten the mood and get a couple of grunts of agreement. I look at Georgia, and her nod sets everything in motion.

"Ok...phase one, team 1, go."

The four crawl over to the vent in the wall, pulling up the grate and disappearing one by one, into its silver mouth. That team is made of the smallest people in the group, they all easily fit into the ventilation system, but are at the disadvantage of not knowing where to go. Endless steel pipes and tubes await them on their journey.

"Got it!" The exclamation from John is immediately hushed by those remaining as the chair before him collapses. Georgia flings the rope at him and he catches with ease. He nods his thankyou before looping it over his shoulder.

I snatch up one of the metal legs and stuff it in my back pack along with the water and a phone. We figured that there would be no chance for us if we came across an Atrati member without means to defend ourselves. So John has been breaking down any loose tables, chairs, lights, anything that could possibly be used as a weapon.

A while ago, we tried making contact with the outside world from our phones. We all knew it was hopeless before we had even pressed call. The network had been taken down, we had no service. They were scrambling up the system, ensuring that we remain as prisoners...but that's not going to happen, we won't let that happen.