When The Clock Strikes Twelve

Chapter 4

Jaye watched her unit walk around busily, trying to get ready to go to sleep. She was sitting cross-legged on her bed, which was a top bunk, watching everything from above, a blank look on her face. She tracked the new girl, Zaria, with her eyes carefully, her eyes looking for any sign of weakness. Apart from the relative slowness with which she walked, Zaria didn't seem to be suffering from the concussion any longer. Jaye relaxed a little, unclenching her fists.

The anger still simmered just below Jaye's skin, ready to come out at any moment. She took a deep breath, trying to focus on something else. She glanced at the clock on the wall. 19 seconds until lights out.

Lying down on the bed, Jaye let the seconds slip by before watching as the glaring lights flickered out.

~

When Jaye woke, she was surrounded by a flurry of red light and movement. Groaning a little, she sat up and rubbed her eyes. What was happening? She sat up fully, looking at the scene below her. People were rushing around, half awake, getting dressed. She flinched when suddenly, a voice came over the loudspeakers.

"EVACUATE. WE HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED. THIS IS NOT A DRILL."

Jaye stiffened. Compromised? She was wide awake within seconds, quickly punching in the code to her safe. She took out her journal and her knife, leaving the clothes in their place. She stuck her hand under her pillow and pulled out her gun. Sticking the gun into the waistband of her sweatpants, she climbed down to the floor, slipping on her boots.

Her eyes swept the room frantically, looking for Zander. Before they could get there, she saw Zaria.

The new recruit was sitting up on her bed, looking utterly lost and confused. Immediately, Jaye made a beeline for her.

Zaria's eyes locked on to hers. "What's going on?"

"That big red light, that means we've been discovered. We have to get out of here before the Queen can get any of us. Do you have anything potentially compromising?"

"Potentially compromising?"

"Stuff that could reveal our plans to the Queen."

Zaria shook her head.

"Good." said Jaye. "Then you don't need anything."

She grabbed Zaria's hand and pulled her up.

"Let's go."

While they had been having their conversation, most of the Unit had finished packing and were ready, waiting in a line at the door. Jaye stationed Zaria at the back of the line.

"It's in order of seniority. You're 19, since you just came yesterday. When they start moving, you do too. Follow as best as you can."

Without waiting to see if she had understood, Jaye dashed away, taking her place as second in line. Zander did a quick head count, confirming that all nineteen were there, and then he turned and started making his way through the hall.

Zander navigated the turn of the labyrinth-like complex with the ease of someone who'd been there a long time. Soon they were climbing up a set of concrete stairs, out into a warehouse. No longer underground, without the alarm to cover their movement, they started stepping more carefully, trying not to make a lot of noise. Jaye hoped that Zaria had enough sense to do the same. The Unit made their way through the stacks and stacks paper goods noiselessly. Finally, they reached the large doors of the warehouse.

Zander made a motion with his hand and two people came out of the line, prying the door open. Or at least, they tried to. The doors, locked from the outside, didn't budge. Zander's eyes went wide.