The Mistake and the Promotion

After leaving the abandoned building where he showed the low-lives of Fracture what terror truly was, he took several steps towards his house and changed direction.

His curiosity got the better of him.

After turning down a few alleys, he stood before the security station.

[Task Two: Open the Bunker.]

Yes, yes. I know. That's why I'm here.

Ryne examined the exterior of the building while circling the perimeter, looking for the Energy Nexus, the home for power cubes in Fracture.

At the rear of the building, a fenced off area blocked his path to the large Energy Nexus. A couple of meters away, a circular hole just large enough for him to fit through caught his eye.

A scavenger, no doubt.

He climbed through the hole, careful not to drop the case or tear his clothes on the sharp metal. On the other side, he opened the Energy Nexus.

It looked similar to the one at his house. A dusty terminal sat positioned beside an empty power cube port. He opened the case and as he stepped forward, his foot became wedged between some risen concrete and threw him off balance.

The newest model slipped from its casing and hurtled towards the ground.

Fuck!

Ryne dropped his knees to the ground as the power cube plummeted to the weathered concrete. Watts' warning of an explosion was still on his mind.

Ryne's heart thundered in his chest.

Just before it could hit the ground beneath him, he stretched out his hand and caught it.

With a sigh of relief, he quickly placed the cube back on the padding of the case as it seared his fingertips.

He pulled a pair of gloves out of the compartment in the case and handled the cube with more care than before. He moved at a snail's pace.

After checking his footing and being sure of his approach, he inserted the newest power cube model into the energy nexus. Suddenly, the lights turned on and a hum of energy filled the air. He quickly used the terminal to shut off the lights, security system, door locks, and then closed the door of the Nexus.

Ryne waited a moment to see if anyone noticed the sudden resurgence of power in the old building, and after a couple of minutes, he retreated inside. Using the back door to the building, he stepped into the familiar yet mysterious security station.

Within the confines of the security station, he ignored the scraps of an older era and headed straight to the terminal behind the false panel of the cabinet. His heart raced as the terminal lit up, showing a digital keypad to enter a four-digit passcode.

Methodically, Ryne began his quest, his fingers dancing across the terminal's interface.

"One, nine, three..."

The partial keycode played like a symphony in his mind, its melody guiding him through the permutations of the ten potential combinations. On his fourth attempt, a harmonious click echoed through the room, signaling the unlocking of a hidden passage.

One, nine, three, seven. A date? Maybe something important happened back then.

As the wall before him slid open, revealing a hidden staircase leading into the depths below, his breath caught in his throat. The dark steps beckoned him forward, promising adventure, riches, reprieve, and most of all, a way out from the thumb of his father.

Unable to contain his excitement any longer, he descended into the unknown.

Each step took him closer to the answers he sought. The truth to the existence of the voice.

The air grew cooler as he descended into a world untouched for years. At the bottom of the steps, another keypad presented itself beside a steel door.

"It has been forty-three years since this bunker was built. I am glad to provide you with shelter in this dangerous time. Please state your name and register yourself as the admin of Security Bunker 37," a voice from the terminal said.

"I, Ryne Connors, register as Admin for Security Bunker 37," I replied.

"Very good. Your vocal profile has been saved. Please step in front of the terminal for your facial profile."

Ryne complied and stood back. A scanner popped out from the top of the terminal and a series of green lasers swept over his face three times before withdrawing back into the terminal.

"You are now the admin for Security Bunker 37 and given the rank of Sergeant with the Nova City Security Force. Congratulations on the promotion, Sergeant Connors. You will find your newly issued badge in the bunker."

"Thank you..."

A sergeant? I wonder if that means I could leave my construction job. Maybe I could even get Cassie out of Fracture. Probably just a fool's dream.

"There's just one problem, Sergeant." Several beeps and boops sounded after the machine uttered the statement.

"What?"

"The security system seems to have manually been disabled. I recommend reactivating the system to protect this building and the bunker from external threats."

"I will take that under advisement."

Well, that was me. I didn't want to be seen as a trespasser.

"It seems you have understood my recommendation. Now, would you like to access the bunker?"

"Yes."

"Please respond with the reason for bunker access: Stock assessment. Replacing stock. Activating emergency bunker services."

"Stock assessment?" Ryne grimaced as he accidentally made his request sound like a question and waited for the system's response.

"Very well. You are authorised to assess stock for the next four hours, Sergeant."

Ryne exhaled deeply and more tension fled his body.

The wall beside the small cabinet clicked and moved inward, showing an inset the size of a door.

Ryne pushed on the section and it revealed a staircase leading descending into a hallway. As the door swung open, the scent of dust and dampness wafted towards him. Stepping into the darkness, he found himself engulfed in silence, broken only by the sound of his own breathing. The bunker, once meant to be a sanctuary, now lay forgotten and abandoned.

The ruins of the security building loomed above him as he descended the steps.

The flickering glow of dim lights revealed a vast space before him, a lengthy corridor stretching into the depths. His footsteps echoed through the empty hall. He pressed on, his heart pounding with anticipation, eager to uncover the hidden treasures within.

At the end of the hall, a large steel door blocked his path. Above the door, an old-age security system followed his every move.

"Identity confirmed. Sergeant Connors. Scheduled stock assessment. Welcome to Bunker 37, Sergeant." the same voice from the terminal spoke.

Sergeant Connors. That really does have a nice ring to it.