The Bunker — Episode 5 - by Scarletpaine

I went straight to the Residential Sector the next day. There was a guard outside and on seeing me, he crossed his arms when I approached him.“This place is off-limits! Students aren’t allowed here.”“I want to see Ellis Reed,” I tell him.“Denied.”I scoff. “You didn’t even inform the one above you that a student is seeking another student who is locked up.”“I don’t need to,” the guard said and I stared at him.I stood my ground. “I am requesting permission to visit a confined citizen. I should be allowed to see him. Haven’t you heard of visitations?”He looked irritated now. “He’s under investigation. You should return to class.”I crossed my arms and stepped closer. “Oh maybe you didn’t check the clock, but time for class is until thirty minutes. I skipped breakfast to come here, you know? And I’m not leaving until I speak to someone who can actually make that happen.”Neither of us moved for a few seconds. Then the doors behind him opened.A woman in a white shirt and brown trouser stepped out. She was older, with her blond hair pulled tightly behind her head.I recognized her immediately. She is one of the six who holds the highest authorities and oversees the affairs of the bunker.“Let her through.”The guard immediately stepped aside and I sent him a glare.“Follow me.” I followed her and we passed through corridors before she led me into a small room with a table in the middle and two chairs facing each other.“Sit.”“I want to see Ellis Reed,” I tell her, not sitting.She raised her eyes and said, “I heard you.” Then she studied me. “You are Breanna Adams from Sector Number Three. Seventeen years old.”I wasn’t surprised she knew all the information about me. They must have every record of every citizen in the bunker.She gestured toward the chair. “Sit down, Bree.”I finally did.She dipped her hands into her pockets and said, “Ellis Reed is under investigation for attempting to access a restricted exterior passage.”“Attempting to access,” I repeat. “Not that he actually accessed it.”Her brows lifted slightly. “Well, you are correct. But that doesn't erase the fact that he broke a rule today and will be punished for it. You've all been told the risks of what happens once those gates are opened. Yet you people still go ahead and try." She shook her head, as if disappointed."Well I know Ellis well enough to know that he won't risk his life for no reason. Maybe it's just you not telling us the truth."She was silent for just a few minutes and spoke again. "Five minutes. That should be enough."My heart jumped and I raised my eyes. I didn't think she could be convinced that easily."Thank you Chancellor Whitmore."I waited in the room until Ellis was brought in by a guard. I stood immediately and watched him move slowly to sit on the chair in front of me.I see the bruise on his face very clearly now. It made me wonder how much pain he must have endured.I sat back on the chair and called him gently. "Ellis.""You came," he said, looking at me."Of course I came."He smiled. The same smile I had seen hundred of times before. But this one hurts.I wanted to make this normal for him, but I have just a few minutes with him.My expression faded as I ask, "Why did you do it?"His smile disappeared and he lowered his gaze."Why did you try to access the exterior? I know it's not like you to do that but you must have had your reasons. I'm only begging you to tell me so I can live with whatever happens next."He rubbed the back of his hands in an uneasy way and his jaw tightened."Maya told me you were scared of the surface. So why would you—""I didn't," he said, returning his eyes to mine.I blinked back. "The announcement said you did.""I know what it said and I know what I did."I was confused now. Did the announcement lie?"Tell me what you did Ellis.""I can't!" He raised his voice and fear gripped me. "I can't," he said again, but this time more calmly.I watched him behave strangely, like he had been possessed. He wouldn't stop looking around the room and back at me. He looks so tense, and afraid. I wish I can understand what he was trying to say without actually hearing him speak.He suddenly leaned closer and I did too, very carefully. His voice dropped as he said, "They are listening."I pull my brows together. "Who?" He didn't answer the question. "You can't trust them," he whispered. "None of th—"The doors suddenly burst open and the guard stepped inside."Time up," he said and placed a firm hand on Ellis' shoulder.I wanted to hear everything he has to say, but he leaned back and stood.The guard made to lead him through the doors but he pulled away and snapped all of a sudden. He ran back and his body pushed against the table."Don't trust them, Bree. You can't trust anything it says. See it for yours—ah!"I stood immediately and watched him being dragged off. His screams filled my ears and my heart pounded as I now saw the doors closing.I left the Sector with a lot on my mind. But there is one that scared me the most, and it was how I didn't recognize Ellis anymore.He's not Ellis. I told myself that countless times as I made my way to the classroom.Maybe something changed him when he got close to the exterior gates. Maybe he inhaled the toxic air. Maybe he lied, and maybe the authorities were right after all.Mr. Miller was already in class and had to stop what he was saying the moment I stepped in. I didn't bother to look at anyone or even him. I took my seat next to Maya and inhaled deeply before she asked silently, "You were gone for too long. Were you able to see him?"I turn to look at her and parted my lips, but I just couldn't find the right words to say.<del>Ellis isn't Ellis anymore.</del> <del>Ellis has gone insane</del>. <del>Ellis is infected</del>. "Ellis—"The lights turned red and the alarms blared out at once, deafening me for a few seconds."What is it again?" Maya asked next to me and I see the panic in Mr. Miller's face.This alarm feels familiar, strangely.The announcement came on the speakers. "There has been an outbreak. The cause is still unknown. Residential sectors are not to be accessed by unauthorized citizens. Everyone is advised to remain where they are. The guards will be with..."I can feel my heart pounding louder in my chest now. The residential sector is where Ellis is. I bolted right out of my seat and ran out of the classroom. I think I hear Maya calling after me and a few others running behind me, but it's too late to turn back now.I pushed the doors open and ran down the corridor. I've been here just a while ago, but I don't recognize any of it anymore.I don't recognize Ellis being put on a stretcher and carried away. No, I don't recognize calling his name and not getting a response from him.My knees gave way before the guards got to me and something metallic pressed on my skin. I picked it and saw it was his necklace. The one he always carried with him. The one his mother left for him. I got dragged away and my tears blurred the whole scene happening in front of me.I don't think I'm ever going to forget this particular red— what it took from me...

Other insights from Scarletpaine_16

Contributor Points

Points-to-Coupons

Referral Earning