Terminus Part I: The Journey There (Draft)

Chapter 64: The Gatekeeper, Zephyr

 Zephyr's position as warden, much like Jupiter's position as chief of police, was one that had been held for many years. Anyone serving under them might question how they are able to stay in one position, or how they don't age, but the laws against questioning ultimately helped them maintain their jobs. Zephyr first joined three-hundred and ten years ago.

It was the seventh of April, and Zephyr was a crew member of the Nemo Pirates. Back then, it was a different Nemo and a different crew. He was sitting in his room, when his interstellar communicator began to buzz.

"Hello, is this Zephyr I am speaking to?" asked a voice.

"Hm, Jupiter. How did you get this number?" asked Zephyr, who recognised the voice.

"Relax, I'm not going to compromise you. Us androids all have a common goal, in case you forgot."

"Oh really? And I suppose you're calling because you have news for me regarding the fate of the universe or something?"

"Indigo wants to talk to you."

"So she had you call me?"

"You know how it works with her... everything has to be a certain way."

"Fine, well I'll set something up."

Zephyr had to go talk to his captain about the call.

"I suspected you were different," said the Captain Nemo of the time. "The androids have a specific path. No matter what you have to do, take comfort in the fact that you are following the path you were destined to."

"So, what next?"

"Well, whatever happens, I doubt you can return here."

With a slight air of awkwardness hanging there, they parted ways and Zephyr never looked back. Three hours later, Zephyr met with Indigo for the first time in thousands of years.

"Welcome, Zephyr. In about twenty minutes, the current Warden of Snyke's Penitentiary will die of a heart attack. The Global Government will need a swift and more practical replacement. Who better than an android who can live forever and also serve as another eye on the inside."

"Ah, so it wasn't enough to make Jupiter the International Chief of Police, you also need someone to guard one of the most high-profile prisons in the world."

"Yes, the time will come when a breakout happens. You need to be there to optimise its chance of success."

"You want me to be the Warden so I can assist in a breakout?"

"Not exactly, we might need to talk about this some more."

They discussed the plan further, and after understanding what was expected of him, Zephyr was one-hundred percent on board with this new mission. He was eager to serve a greater purpose, and to play a part in this world's history.

Now the time had come for him to fulfil his promises from back then. Three-hundred years was not a long time for an android, but still just enough to start getting used to the position. When he received his orders, he had been nervous and uncertain, because he had not expected them. After thinking about it, he was now more open than ever to the possibilities.

His position as Warden afforded him a lot of privacy. People were not allowed to ask why he had been in his position for over three-hundred years. They were not allowed to ask why he never ages. These and other factors were conveniently left discrete, allowing him the ability to work behind the Global Government's back, and act as Indigo's eyes and ears within one of the most secure prisons in the world.