Zac
A few days later, Zac is brought to the slave modification centre with Hayden and Owen. Max and Jordan are naked in the room, Owen and Hayden want to modify them with the modification equipment and they want Zac to watch.
Zac's blood runs cold. The modification centre. This place is a nightmare. A nightmare he'd once been responsible for, even if he'd never been directly involved. He'd seen the results. He'd seen what they did to slaves.
Owen's hatred for Jordan, and his disregard for Max will not end well. Zac knew exactly how cruel Owen could be. He'd never seen Hayden's methods, but he could guess. They'd be brutal, vicious, and designed specifically to torment.
He feels trapped, helpless. He wants to intervene, to protect them, but what can he do? He's not in control. He's just a spectator, stuck watching another tragedy unfold.
"Zac, my dear friend, you are going to assist me." Owen says as he pats Zac on the back, his voice oozing with fake friendliness. Hayden nods smiling wickedly. Zac's gut twists, bile rising in his throat. Assist? Assist? Assist in what? Torture?
" Assist...you?" He repeats, his voice flat, trying to disguise the disgust simmering beneath the surface. "What...exactly...do you need my help with, Owen?" He forces the words out, dreading the answer.
"I know you've had some...strange feelings of compassion these last few days, but you forget who your true loyalty lies with." Owen gives him an icy stare, his tone more demanding than ever. "You know your duty.
A cold dread creeps up his spine at Owen's words, piercing through his fragile sense of self. Loyalty. Duty. Right. Those were the only things that mattered, weren't they? Not friendship, not compassion, just obedience. It could be him on the bench. He must be careful.
“Yes...you're right.” He murmurs, the words sticking in his throat like thorns. He lowers his gaze, unable to meet Owen's stare, shame and fear warring within him.
He swallows hard, his mind scrambling to reconcile his feelings with his circumstances. He's torn between his growing empathy and the chains that bind him to Owen. Those chains feel heavier now, suffocating.
"Help Hayden tie them to the machine, then we have to think of very unique modifications for these two, I dunno turn them into a urinal, a glory hole, the possibilities are endless" Owen says as Hayden picks up Jordan from the floor. Owen looks at Zac.
He feels sick. Sicker than he's ever felt before. His stomach churns, his heart pounds, and his breath comes in short, painful gasps. He can picture it. He can picture Jordan, sweet Jordan, turned into some twisted...thing. Something meant solely for others' amusement. And Max...
Zac glances at them, his vision blurring. They're scared. They're so scared. And he—he's supposed to help. "Please, Owen" He starts, his voice barely audible, pleading despite himself. Zac pics up Max and walks him towards the bench he straps him down as Hayden straps Jordan down beside him
His hands tremble as he straps Max down, the leather straps cold against his fingertips. He keeps his head down, avoiding Max's eyes. He can't bear to see the fear in them, not again. He's doing it. He's actually doing it. He's helping them. Helping them destroy these boys.
Zac tries to shut off his emotions, to disconnect. But he can't. Not completely. "So, what do you think Hayden, how can we modify them in the most humiliating way possible?" Owen asks Hayden. Why does Owen want him here, does he know about him and Troye.
Hayden's enthusiasm is palpable, and Zac's skin crawls. He's frozen, watching Hayden's face light up with sadistic glee. The air is thick with the weight of their cruel intentions. Zac's eyes dart between Max, Jordan, Owen, and Hayden, his mind racing, searching for a way out, any way out.
He feels like he's drowning, suffocating under the pressure of his own helplessness. He can't speak. His throat constricts, refusing to let words escape.
"Well, I think turning them into our own personal fucktoys for us and whoever wants to use them sounds perfect" Hayden cackles. "No need to get too creative”. Zac wants to stop this. He wants to stop Owen for what he did to Troye. No...no, that's...that's not.”
Zac's voice falters, disappearing into nothingness. His nails dig into his palms, leaving half-moon indents. It's too much. This is too much. They're talking about...about... He glances at Max, desperation clawing at his chest.
He has to say something. Do something. But what? What can he do? His silence screams agreement, and he hates himself for it. He's complicit, isn't he? He's letting this happen. Max stares back at Zac with a mix of terror and betrayal in his eyes.
Despite everything, he silently pleads for Zac's intervention, even as he knows their fates are sealed. His eyes lock onto Max's, those desperate, pleading eyes. It's like being punched in the chest. He can't breathe. He can't think.
Zac's eyes drop, unable to face that look. Betrayal. It's written all over Max's face. The silent plea, the trust that's been shattered, the understanding that Zac's not going to save him. Not going to save either of them.
He's shaking, his hands shaking, his whole body shaking. He doesn't want to be here. He doesn't want to be this person.
Owen walks over to the modification console and switches it on. The machine whirs to life, lights flashing. Max and Jordan both start thrashing against their restraints as the hum of the machine fills the room. The sound of the machine ignites something primal within him. No.
His hands clench into tight fists, knuckles white. This isn't right. He looks up, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and desperation. “Owen, don't.” His voice is low, barely controlled. “Please.” He whispers.
Nobody can hear Zacs almost silent protests, the machine continues to get louder, Hayden and Owen are smiling, Max looks at Jordan who stares back into each other’s eyes, they hold hands. Owen sees this angry that Jordan his cousins, husband is so blatantly holding Max's hand.
Owen stops smiling. The tension in the room spikes. Zac notices Owen's shift in demeanour, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He knows that look. Owen's temper is a force to be reckoned with. He swallows hard, his heart pounding.
They're holding hands. Oh, God. They're holding hands. He wants to scream. He wants to scream at them to stop, to let go, to pretend they're not...not...whatever they are. Not so openly defiant. Not right now. But he doesn't. He's mute, stuck, unable to move.
Owen won't tolerate this. He won't. Jordan looks into Max's eyes "When this is all over, this war, will you marry me?" he asks Max not caring about how this will affect Tanner. Max nods. Owen looks at Jordan and at Max, shocked that they even think they have a chance of ever being free.
Tears prick the corners of Zac's eyes. They're talking about marriage, about a future. A future they might not survive. And yet, they're holding onto hope, onto each other, like it's the only thing keeping them alive.
Owen's shock is palpable, and Zac knows exactly how he feels about Tanner. He's heard the stories, seen the way Owen's cousin doted on Jordan. This...this is going to get ugly, fast. Before he can stop himself, Zac reaches out, a futile gesture.
He wants to shield them, shield them from the storm that's coming, from Owen's wrath. But he's powerless. Useless. Owen marches over to Jordan with a cruel smirk and starts furiously typing away on the console, he starts making changes to the modifications the machine will make.
Zac's blood runs cold. That smirk...those furious keystrokes...he knows exactly what's coming. More cruelty. More suffering. He can't just stand here. He can't. "Owen, wait...don't...please, just—"
His pleas are weak, feeble. He sounds pathetic, even to himself. He knows it won't matter. Owen won't listen. Zac's fingers twitch, wanting to grab Owen's arm, to stop him somehow. But his body won't obey. He's paralyzed.
Max watches on in terror as the machine changes its settings. Lights flicker red and then green, a siren sound starts from somewhere and Jordan's body starts to spasm and contort. The sound of that siren cuts through Zac like a knife. He flinches, horrified.
What is happening to Jordan? What is Owen doing to him? Jordan's convulsions make Zac feel sick, his stomach churning with dread. His eyes dart between Owen and Jordan, pleading silently, willing Owen to stop. To show mercy, just this once. But deep down, he knows better.
He knows Owen enjoys this. He feels like he's losing his grip on reality, his world crumbling around him. Jordans dick starts to shrink, his hands roll into fists, making them unable to hold anything, his feet begin to curl meaning he won't be able to stand, Owen watches as the modifications continues.
Zac feels like he's going insane, witnessing Jordan's body being broken, piece by piece. His mind reels with the implications. The sheer cruelty of it all. He can feel his sanity fraying, thread by thread. "O-Owen, this...this is too far." He stammers, his voice shaking violently.
He takes a step back, eyes fixed on Jordan's twisted form. As the machine finally stops, Jordan slumps limply in the restraints. Max's eyes are wide with fear and disbelief. Owen releases a dark chuckle, seemingly proud of his work. The silence that follows is suffocating.
Zac’s breath hitches, his chest constricting painfully. The darkness in Owen’s laughter is infectious, spreading like a chill through the air. Zac can’t bear it. He wants to scream, to rage, to tear down the whole damn room. Instead, he stands frozen, watching the destruction unfold.
"Proud of yourself?" The words burst forth, acidic and quiet, barely above a whisper. He can’t stop himself. He shouldn’t have spoken. But he did. Owen looks at Zac finally hearing him this time. He steps towards Zac when a there is a knock on the door.
Two slave police officer’s walk into the room. "Owen, Hayden, we have news Tyler and a group of other slaves have taken Hayden’s plantation, they have freed the slaves" Tyler, Zac’s eyes go wide as he hears his former friend’s name.
Owen looks at Hayden, they both look angry and follow the officers out of the room, leaving Zac alone with both Max and Jordan. Alone. They're leaving him alone with them.
Zac blinks, his mind reeling from the sudden interruption and Owen's abrupt departure. He swallows hard, his eyes jumping between Max and Jordan. He's never felt so lost, so cornered. What's he supposed to do now?
He approaches them slowly, his footsteps echoing in the quiet. His heart aches at the sight of Jordan, broken and vulnerable. He reaches out a trembling hand, unsure if he should even try to touch him.
Max looks at Zac, his eyes pleading. "Please help us Zac," he begs, his voice strained from fear and exhaustion. Those two words shatter everything inside him. Please. It's such a simple word, but it breaks him completely.
Zac sinks to his knees beside Max, his hands shaking uncontrollably. He can't ignore him. Not now. Not after everything. "I don't know if I can." He whispers, hating himself. He looks at Jordan, then back to Max. He feels the weight of his conscience crushing him.
"But I'll try." He whispers again, the words barely audible. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself. He has to do something. He has to.
Zac walks over to Max, he remembers Tyler, all the other people who crossed Owen and Hayden now slaves, then he thinks of Troye, his boyfriend that was murdered at Owens hands, he wonders if he should risk it, what will happen to him.
But he needs help in getting away, he unties Jordan and Max, Jordan is unable to stand as his feet have curled. Max lifts Jordan, "Follow me I have a car nearby let’s leave this place" Zac says Without thinking, without letting himself overthink, Zac acts.
He untethers them, freeing them. It's madness, pure madness. He could be condemning himself, them, all of them. But Troye. God, Troye. If he doesn't...if he lets them suffer... He turns on his heel, gesturing urgently. "Come on. Hurry. We need to go. Now."
Max carefully carries Jordan outside to a shabby blue van parked close to the entrance, Jordan's head lolls against Max's shoulder. Max looks at Zac with gratitude. "Thank you for helping us.” Max says.
Zac nods sharply, his throat constricted. He glances around nervously, ensuring they're not being watched. Not yet. But they will be. Soon. "No time for thanks," he hisses, ushering them toward the car. "Get in. Quickly."
He opens the side door, holding it wide for Max. He's aware every second counts, every second they spend outside increases their risk of being spotted. His heart races, pounding in his chest. He's never run from anything in his life. Not really. But he's running now. For them. For himself.
They drive in silence for a few hours, Zac doesn't know what to say, then he notices what looks like military vehicles coming behind them, he starts to increase the speed when he notices more coming in front of him, there is now way out they are surrounded.
A cold sweat breaks out across Zac's forehead. He's been so focused on getting them away, he didn't think they'd be this thorough. He should've known better. Owen would never let them slip away easily.
He slams his foot down on the accelerator, but it's useless. They're boxed in. He's trapped. They're all trapped. He swallows hard, his mouth dry. "Shit. Oh, shit."
He slams his fist against the steering wheel, frustration boiling over. He can feel the noose tightening around them, suffocating them. "We're not...we're not going to—" He trails off, unable to finish the sentence.
Rob
A week has passed since the walls went back up. Rob was taken by Todd and Carl down through the sewers to a bunker. Todd who at one point was Zacs slave had been hiding there since Felix’s arrest. The bunker was a safe house within the Kingdom.
Todd explained that when him and Rob first arrived at the Kingdom he was approached about the plan. Him and five members of Felix’s military would hide out until the walls went up. When they did, they would put their mission into action.
The mission is to use some of the drugs from the Civic Experiment to poison the water. They would need to get access to the water plant. It would make anyone who drinks the water follow their orders.
All five of the officers were arrested before they could get to the bunker. Todd knew he needed help. While he thought of who he could trust he watched videos of the plan and studied the specs of the water plant and sewer system.
Todd decided to use the opportunity of the walls going up to rescue Rob. The one person he could trust would help him. Carl coming along wasn’t expected but Todd decided allowing him in was worth the risk.
Rob was given clothes and has eaten well. They haven’t been able to remove his collar. The trio have spent the last week running drills on the mission. Rob and Carl have barely spoken. An uncomfortable silence about everything that has happened over the last year.
Rob, Carl and Todd are in the sewers approaching the access point to the water plant. Thoughts of the last year and how Carl has treated him won’t disperse. The memory of Carl helping him escaping won’t either. He needs to know why. He may never get the chance again.
“Why did you help me escape. Give up everything” Rob asks. Carl stops walking a look of guilt is painted on his face. He looks to Todd who walks further towards the access point giving them time to talk.
“When we, when I, first tricked you into slavery it was because of how you treated me. I felt good about it. On the surface you deserved it. It would help me get a visa and put you in your place. But then we found out you have been drugged. None of it was under your control” Carl admits.
“Then why didn’t the three of you release me when you found out. Or at the very least got your visas. I mean we were friends” Rob asks a mix of anger, humiliation and sadness in his voice. Carl looks down at his feet.
“I wanted to but Pat and Joe refused. They had gotten too used to a slave doing everything for them. To humiliating you. To the social privilege of having a young pretty slave like you. A slave like you would be very expensive. We were seen as high society. Even though we were poor.” Carls says.
“You didn’t try very hard Carl” Rob says now just anger in his voice. “I start treating you a lot better though. Joe and Pat didn’t. I helped you escape” Carl responds, it sounds desperate. Rob shakes his head. “Yes, you did. I suppose. I’m not sure if it’s enough for forgiveness, but it’s a start”.
"Are you guys ready" Todd asks Rob and Carl walking back from the now open access point. "Yes, as much as I can be" Rob says unconvincingly Rob fiddles with the collar around his neck, a habit he'd developed over the long months of slavery.
He'd been rescued, again, but the memories linger. The fear, the pain, the feeling of utter hopelessness. He swallows hard, shaking his head slightly.
"It's just...what if it doesn't work? What if we get caught?" He glances at Todd, then Carl, searching for reassurance. "We're risking everything." You're a free man now. We're in this together. Let's just focus on the task. Todd tries to be encouraging.
Rob offers a weak smile, trying to push aside the lingering doubts "Yeah... free man, right. Sorry. It's...still taking time to adjust." He sighs, gripping the stun laser tighter "Okay, let's do this. What's the plan once we're inside?"
He glances nervously at the entrance to the water plant, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "Once we locate the main control room, I'll hack the system. We'll need to sabotage their water supply to hopefully help change the world.”
"We're gonna pois drug them, Todd. I know it's the plan, but...what if something goes wrong? What if they find out too soon?" Rob's stomach churns, his thoughts whirling with the weight of their mission. He knows Todd's right, they have to do this.
The moral implications are suffocating. He looks down, his fingers drumming against the cool metal of the stun laser. "What about the slaves in the cells we're passing? Shouldn't we...I dunno, try to free some of them?"
"We can't save everyone, Rob. Our goal is bigger than just rescuing those few. This whole system needs to be shaken. One small act of sabotage now will mean a world of change later. They will be freed. Just not today” Todd says nervously.
Rob scowls, frustration simmering beneath the surface "I know that. Intellectually, I know that. But...it feels wrong. Leaving them trapped, suffering. It's like running away from them, instead of towards them, you know?" He shakes his head again, as if trying to clear the cobwebs.
"Never mind. Let's focus on the control room. I'll follow your lead." His voice cracks slightly, still haunted by the memories of his own imprisonment. Carl pats his arm reassuringly "We're doing this for everyone who suffered like you did. For a better future." Carl says while avoiding eye contact.
Rob nods, taking a deep breath, and follows Todd and Carl, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of his past experiences still lingers, but he tries to focus on Todd's words, repeating them silently to himself: "For everyone who suffered like you did... For a better future."
Todd forces open the hatch leading from the sewers to the plant. They have to navigate two corridors, up a flight of stairs and into the control room. Any army guards that show up will be hard to beat with just three of them. The first corridor is lined with cells filled with naked slaves.
Rob hesitates, his eyes drawn to the rows of cells. He can hear whispers, sobs, and chains clanking. His chest tightens, and for a moment, he forgets about the mission, the danger, everything except the ache of remembering what it's like to be in their place.
"Guys... wait." He whispers, not wanting to move forward. "Damn it Rob, hurry up!" Todd snaps under his breath, already creeping down the corridor. Carl silently nods in agreement, urging Rob to keep moving.
Rob feels a surge of anger, but swallows it. He knows Todd's right. They don't have time. But every fibre in his body screams to stop, to act, to do something.
"Fine," he mutters, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the cells. He falls into step behind Todd, his jaw clenched, fingers tightening around the stun laser. As they move forward, he catches glimpses of the slaves malnourished, bruised, defeated his own scars throbbing in solidarity.
Rob looks into one of the cells there are three naked slaves, even with what he has been through, how they are chained shocks him. Rob freezes, his eyes locking onto the chained figures. His mouth drops open, his breath catching in his throat.
The chains...the way they're hanging...it's inhumane. He remembers the times he was chained up, beaten, humiliated. The pain, the shame...it all comes flooding back. He feels sick, his hands trembling.
"Gods...no... this...this can't be happening," he whispers. His resolve, already fragile, begins to crumble. He looks down at their groins, they are all missing their balls. Rob's eyes widen in horror, a wave of nausea washing over him.
He feels like he's going to collapse. He remembers the countless times he was threatened, beaten, violated...and these slaves...they've been mutilated. His voice cracks, barely audible. “No…no, this is this is too much.” He feels dizzy, the world spinning around him.
The memory of his own fear, his own helplessness, comes rushing back. He wants to turn away, but he can't. He's rooted to the spot, transfixed by the gruesome sight. Carl takes his arm softly, snapping Rob back to reality "Come on! We have a job to do.”
Rob jerks his arm away, his eyes wild, still fixated on the cell. But Carl’s words cut through his trance. He blinks rapidly, shaking himself back into the present. His cheeks burn with a mix of anger and shame. He knows Carls's right, but.
"I can't just...leave them," he hisses, his voice barely contained. "Can't we...can't we free at least one?" His desperation bleeds into his words. He can't bear the thought of walking past these broken people, knowing they'll stay trapped, mutilated, and suffering.
"Rob if we are successful, we can free them all, we can free very slave in the country. I know this is hard but we need to poison the water, then we can win this war" Carl reassures pulling Rob down the corridor gently.
Rob hesitates, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. He glances back at the cell, then reluctantly nods, allowing Carl to pull him along. His throat constricts, making his next words come out rough and quiet
"You're right. I know you're right. It's just...so wrong. All of it. And it's gonna take more than just poisoning the water to fix it." He swallows hard, pushing aside the tears, and forces himself to keep moving.
He glances at Todd, his expression pleading. "But promise me...promise we'll come back for them. Once this is done, we'll come back and free every last one." Todd looks at Rob. “I am just playing my part Rob, this is Felix’s plan. But he will release them. He wants to change the world back.”
Rob nods, finding some comfort in Todd's promise. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself. He can do this. He has to do this. He follows Todd and Carl, his senses on high alert. Every sound makes him flinch, every shadow makes him tense, but he pushes forward, focused on the mission now.
He's not alone. He has them. And together, they'll change things. They have to. He whispers, "Let's get this over with."
The second corridor is much faster to get through, they reach the stairs and start to climb them, as they reach the second landing, they hear guards walking into the corridor below them chatting about trying to find Rob, they stay quiet listening and hoping they don't decide to use the stairs
Rob holds his breath, pressing himself flat against the wall. The sound of the guard’s voices sends chills down his spine. He exchanges a panicked glance with Todd and Carl, his ears straining to pick up every word. His grip on the stun laser tightens, his heart racing.
Why now? He thinks, his mind racing. He knows they can't fight off multiple guards. Not here, not now. They need to get to the control room. Please, just walk past. Just walk past. The guards chuckle, "Can’t wait to see what Tanner does to him when we find him" one guard says.
Rob's muscles tense, his entire body screaming to bolt. But he doesn't move. Instead, he bites down on his lip, hard, trying to stifle any sound. He feels the sweat trickling down his temple, his palms growing slick around the stun laser.
Every fibre of his being is screaming at him to run, to hide, to escape anything but he forces himself to wait, frozen in place, listening to the guards' every step, their every laugh. The footsteps move away from the stairs and fade into the distance. Todd motions for Rob and Carl to continue upward.
"We don't have much time," Todd whispers.
Rob exhales shakily, relief washing over him, but only briefly. He nods sharply, his movements swift and silent. He's learned to move quickly, quietly, when necessary. He follows Todd up the remaining stairs, his stomach twisting with anxiety.
Time isn't on their side. He can almost smell the control room, the finish line, and the hope that lies beyond. Keep going, just keep going. He is willing himself. How did his life become this, how did the world become this.
As they enter the corridor of the control room, Todd starts to open the door they can hear some voices coming from the end of the corridor they quickly slip into the control room and close the door quietly, its pitch black.
They listen to see if the guards noticed them enter the room, they can almost hear each other’s heartbeats. Rob's heart pounds so loudly, he's convinced the guards can hear it, too. He leans against the door, trying to regulate his breathing, his ears straining to pick up even the slightest noise outside.
The darkness is oppressive, suffocating, making him feel trapped again. But he doesn't dare move. Not yet. Not until, they're sure. He whispers, barely audible, "Do you think they saw us?" His voice trembles slightly, betraying his fear.
Todd shakes his head even though Rob can't see it "I don't think so. But keep quiet.” Rob swallows hard, his mouth dry, his fingers twitching against the door. The silence is unbearable. He shifts his weight silently, his eyes adjusting slowly to the darkness.
He's hyper-aware of every tiny movement, every rustle of cloth, every soft inhale. He's ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. It feels like an eternity, waiting for something to happen. Anything.
A moment passes and Todd flicks on the lights, they turn around and there are three guards stood in front of the main frame, smug looks on their faces. Rob freezes, his blood running cold. His grip on the stun laser tightens until his knuckles turn white.
For a second, he's paralyzed, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Then, a surge of adrenaline courses through him, and he instinctively raises his weapon, pointing it at the guards. His voice is low, deadly calm.
"Shit." He hisses, his eyes darting between the three guards, trying to calculate their odds. "They weren't outside. They were already in here." One of the guards laughs "Look what we have here boys!" He motions to the three intruders.
The other two guards unholster their guns aiming at them. "Drop your weapons now!” Rob's gut drops. This isn't how it was supposed to happen. He glances at Todd and Carl, his heart sinking further. No way out. Not yet. He hesitates, his finger hovering above the trigger.
The guard's command echoes in his mind, but he doesn't drop his weapon. Can't. Not without a fight. Not when they're so close. He growls, low and fierce, "Not a chance." He stands firm, his stun laser still aimed. He knows it's a standoff, but he's not giving up. Not after everything.
Rob knows the plan they all know the plan, shoot, take them down, stun them. Rob fires at the same time as Carl and Todd. The ecteronic bullet hits each guard, but the electricity doesn't come. The three guards start laughing.
"We had your weapons deactivated" the lead guards says laughing again. They walk towards Rob, Carl and Todd.
Rob's eyes widen in horror, his mind reeling. Deactivated? How could they have been so stupid? A cold dread spreads through his chest, making it hard to breathe. He feels like he's been punched in the gut.
He stumbles backward, his arms still extended, stun laser useless in his hands. The guards' sneering faces blur together, mocking him. He tries to speak, but his voice catches in his throat. "No... no..." His mind races, searching for a solution, any solution. They're finished. It's over. Unless...unless...
He glances at Todd and Carl, desperate for guidance, for a miracle. But they're trapped, surrounded, and outgunned. The guards are closing in.
The three guards grab one of them each and lead them away separately, Rob can see Todd saying something to the guard but his voice is muffled as his world goes dark, the pain of the needle in his neck is the last sensation before passing out
Tyler
They have spent the last weeks running drills. He has gotten to know the people better, he has found former solders, security guards, navy. He has enlisted their help in getting them ready for a fight. He knows Owens men will be coming eventually. They need to be ready.
Tyler stands atop a crate, surveying the makeshift training grounds. His team of volunteers, each with their unique skills, moves through drills with increasing precision. They’re learning fast, bonding, becoming a cohesive unit.
He’s proud of them. Proud of how far they’ve come in such a short time. But Owens’ men will come. That’s a given. And when they do, Tyler wants his army to be prepared. He watches as a group of former soldiers works together, their movements synchronized.
It’s almost beautiful. Almost like a dance. He smiles wryly, knowing that dance will soon turn deadly. He lets them continue their drills and walks towards the library. He enters and walks to Liam and Coreys, office, He knocks gently and enters when called.
"Hi, how are you today?" he asks the step brothers. Liam and Corey glance up, relieved smiles on their faces. They're huddled around a large map spread across their makeshift desk, surrounded by papers, notes, and scattered pens.
"Hey, Tyler," Liam says, his eyes crinkling. "We're doing good. Just... planning." Corey nods, his brow furrowed. "Yeah. We're trying to anticipate Owens' moves. We're working on strategies, routes, everything."
Tyler can see the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, but they're handling it well. He's grateful for their dedication. "Have we managed to scavenge any more weapons, medical supplies on the few runs" Tyler asks not overly optimistic.
Liam shakes his head, his expression grim. “Not as many as we'd hoped. It's gotten dangerous out there. Owens' people are getting more aggressive, and they're watching the roads closely. We've managed to scrounge up some scraps, but...” He trails off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
Corey finishes for him. "We're still short on firepower, especially when it comes to long-range weapons. Medical supplies are a bit better, but...well, you know. We're doing our best, Tyler."
Liam adds, "We've got some leads on possible stashes, though. We're thinking of sending out a small team to investigate."
"Thats ok, we are fortified here for now, I don't think Owen will attack for a while, we need to find other areas with a large number of enslaved. There is a large slave plantation a few miles away. There might be close to a thousand slave, a lot more security.
I think that should be our next target, we need to grow our army, and if we can take the place. We will find weapons and more medical supplies" Tyler suggests. He knows how much of a risk this is. The plantation is like an amusement park for abusing slaves. The world is sick, he thinks.
The suggestion hangs in the air, heavy with risk. Liam leans forward, his fingers drumming against the table. Corey's face darkens, clearly concerned. But they're listening, weighing the pros and cons.
"You're right, we do need to expand," Liam says, rubbing his temples. "But... a plantation with a thousand slaves? That's a nightmare. They'll have guards, dogs, traps... it's a nightmare."
Corey nods. "And what about the slaves themselves? They might be... traumatized. Injured. Some might not even want to leave. It's a huge undertaking." Tyler's conviction is palpable, and both men are aware of it. They're weighing their doubts against his passion.
"We will take the place, free the slaves, they will be freed by former slaves and then we will give them a choice to join us, or head north. They can choose, I'm hoping the majority will decide to join us.
It’s risky, but if we just stay here running drills we will be captured again. We need to push ahead" Tyler says lightly trying not to make it sound like an order. Corey leans back, his lips pursed. "You're right, we can't just wait around. But... we gotta be smart about this."
Liam scratches his chin, studying Tyler intensely. "Alright, let's say we do this. How exactly were you thinking we'd pull it off? We'd need a solid plan, a distraction, maybe even some insider intel... if we have it."
Tyler can sense the hesitation, the caution. But beneath it, he knows his friends agree with him. They just need to figure out the details. "Exactly," Tyler agrees, his tone measured. "I want to hear your ideas, too.
We need to brainstorm, get creative. It's not going to be easy, but... like you said, Corey, we're not exactly sitting pretty here either." He gestures vaguely toward the compound walls, indicating the precarious nature of their refuge.
Kyle and Brandon suddenly burst through the door, "Tyler, there is an army approaching the gates through the valley" Tylers heart sinks. They aren't ready, he thinks. He picks up his weapon and runs out of the library to take in the scene. Tyler's instincts kick in, his mind racing.
No, no, no. Not now. Not yet. He bursts out of the library, his footsteps pounding against the ground. He sprints toward the perimeter, his eyes scanning the horizon. The valley stretches before him, peaceful, serene, but deceiving. Brandon and Kyle are close behind, panting.
He reaches the wall, his grip tight on his weapon. He squints, his heart pounding louder than his thoughts. Owens' men. They're here. How did they...? It doesn't matter. They're here.
The air is heavy, thick with tension. The compound's buzz of activity has died down, replaced by a collective holding of breath. Tyler's soldiers, his friends, are scrambling, some frozen, others rushing to their positions. They're not ready. They're not ready.
He's suddenly aware of the weight of responsibility, crushing him. He's supposed to protect them. "Get into position, like we planned" Tyler screams. His voice echoes across the compound, jolting everyone into action.
The drilling and training suddenly feel real, tangible, as his comrades scramble to obey his command. They scatter, sprinting towards their assigned stations, faces set with determination. The once-chaotic scene transforms into a flurry of organized motion.
Tyler watches them move, pride swelling within him despite the danger. "Hold your nerve!" he shouts, trying to reassure them. "Stay sharp! We've got this!"
The trucks are moving slowly, slower than he would have expected. The gates are closed but they won't last long, not against the number a head of them, there might be hundreds of vehicles. The lead jeep stops a hundred yards from the gates. Tyler watches, unsure of why it has stopped.
Tyler's grip tightens around his weapon, sweat trickling down his temple. He's counting, silently, trying to get a sense of exactly how many vehicles are approaching. Too many. Far too many.
The jeep's sudden halt confuses him. Why aren't they pressing forward? He narrows his eyes, searching for any sign of what's happening. Are they...negotiating? Scouting? He swallows hard, feeling the seconds tick by.
Every moment counts. Every second they're stalled gives his people a chance to prepare, but it also gives them time to second-guess themselves. The jeeps door opens and out steps Dr T Phillips, Tyler can almost cry he is so happy, reinforcements, from out of nowhere, he is in awe, shock.
"Open the gates" he roars. As they open, he approaches his friend. When he told him he was going to try and recruit as many free men against the slavery laws he didn't expect this response. He holsters his weapon and walks up to Dr Phillips. He just looks at him.
Dr. Phillips grins widely, his eyes twinkling with mischief, and Tyler feels like he's seeing an old friend after years apart. He can barely believe his eyes—this is no small reinforcement, it's an army within itself. The doctor's arrival feels like a miracle, a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos.
"You...you did it," Tyler stammers, still reeling. He opens his arms, unsure if he should hug his friend or shake his hand, but ultimately decides on neither, frozen in disbelief. “How did you get so many” Tyler asks dumfounded.
Dr. Phillips chuckles, clapping him on the back. "I told you, Tyler, I'd do whatever it takes to help bring these monsters down. And it looks like I wasn't the only one who felt the same way. Support for the Sampson Slavery Laws is at an all-time low.
Watching Troye die in front of more than 50,000 people turned people away. Then there was a live stream of Prince Felix being shamed in front of his father. It left a bitter taste in some free men’s mouths. There are still many in favour of the laws. But we have a chance now"
Behind him, Tyler sees a sea of unfamiliar faces, all determined, all armed. His heart swells with gratitude, his initial shock giving way to pure, unadulterated joy.
"I have brought you a few gifts" Dr Phillips says, the back doors of the jeep open and out steps Max and Jordan, they walk up to Tyler. A small tear escapes Tylers eyes.
Tyler's jaw drops, his heart overflowing with emotion. He quickly wipes away the tear, stunned. Max and Jordan, safe and sound, standing right in front of him. He feels like he's dreaming.
He pulls them both into a tight hug, holding them there, savouring the moment. They were captured, gone, lost...and now they're back. Alive. With Dr. Phillips. With reinforcements.
"How? What...?" Tyler stammers, overwhelmed. He pulls back, searching their faces, making sure they're really here, that this isn't some cruel illusion. "Thats isn't all" Max says, he walks to the back of the jeep and pulls a figure forward, a hood over his head, his hands cuffed.
He pulls off the hood and pushes him to the ground. Its Zac, for the first time in a long time Tyler is reunited with his former friend. The friend that betrayed him, made him into a slave, but he isn't Zacs slave now. Zac is bound on his knees in front of him. Tyler looks down at Zac now on his knees.
Tyler's breath catches in his throat. Zac. His face sends a rush of memories flooding back, painful and bitter. He stares down at him, his eyes flashing with anger. Betrayal. Hurt. All those feelings he thought he'd buried resurface. His fists clench involuntarily, shaking with rage.
"Zac," he whispers, his voice barely audible. He feels like he's staring at a ghost, a monster from his past. The man who made him suffer, who ruined everything. He takes a step forward, his vision narrowing.
