2020-04-10 - spike - Trapped again Part fourteen

Author: spike
Title: Trapped again. Part fourteen.
Date: 10 April 2020

“At least that’s done. Mission accomplished. My only purpose from now on is to keep myself occupied until I can leave, sir.”

The doctor nodded as they continued down the corridor back towards the cell block. “Well, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do that. I looked at your schedule on the way down. You have two more visitors after your first flute lesson.”

“Tomorrow?”

“You know we try to avoid words like that, but yes, so be prepared.”

“Sir, much as you don’t like talking about time, short term words like yesterday, today, tomorrow, morning and afternoon are fine, for me at least. It’s the weeks, months and years that’ll cause problems. They add a little structure to the day and remove ambiguity. Which is preferable and more elegant, sir? You’ve got a visit after tomorrow afternoon’s flute lesson or after your second flute lesson to come. You’d need to adjust what you say depending on how many flute lessons I’ve had that day. Could make a mistake and I could end up getting the wrong time. Start of the day, that’d be four flute lessons but tomorrow afternoon still has the same meaning.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. It’s awkward, trying to work your way around the time thing sometimes. Difficult to strike the right balance. I’ll put your suggestion to the governor.”

“I realise it may not be afternoon out there. For all I know, my body clock’s been totally knocked out of whack and it could be midnight right now. It doesn’t matter because we never see daylight anyway. First gym, morning, second gym, afternoon works fine.”

The doctor chuckled. “You are a clever one.”

“So that’s how it is, sir?”

He nodded. “It doesn’t matter what time it is out there, you run on prison time. The human body clock doesn’t run on exactly twenty-four hours and without the aid of daylight to reset it, it drifts considerably. The prisons work on the time most people’s clocks drift to. As to what period that is, that will never be disclosed.”

It was Eric’s turn to chuckle. “So, when you said… Yes, sir. Understood. My sense of time is wholly set by the routine. I might think I’ve only been in three months but it might turn out to be four. Or two. Depends how fast or slow the clock ticks, but judging by what one of the blacks said, my guess would be quicker. When one new black told him the year just after he joined them, he thought he’d been inside twice as long already.”

The doctor nodded. “It also torments the greys, an added punishment. The number of times they’ve requested appointments with the governor, complaining “I was only sentenced to a year, I should be out by now.” But long term prisoners… Well.”

“So who are these visitors, sir?”

“The first is a journalist for the national enquirer. One of the most prestigious news sources in Europe.”

Eric sniggered.

“What?”

“Sorry, sir. Back home, that wasn’t so much a newspaper as a joke, sir. Conspiracy theories, some of the most ludicrous aliens ate my hamster type stories they could come up with in their worse drug-addled imaginations, sir. I’ll have to keep that under control if they are serious here. The branch is so far back, there’s obviously no relation other than the name.”

“And some of yours? The serious ones?”

“The Times, The Financial Times if you’re into working the stock exchange to make money, The Guardian, The Telegraph… There were a few. Different people bought different ones because they more suited their own political ideals, sir. There were low brow ones, too, like The Sun, The Mirror and The Star, but nothing was as low as the Enquirer.”

“Bought?”

“They were newspapers, sir. They all had websites, of course, but…” Eric failed to shrug again. “People still like reading things printed on paper back there.”

“Yes. Can’t say I disagree. There is something satisfyingly tactile about a good, well-leafed book.”

“And the second, sir?”

“Tyrell Birk. Your potential ticket home, should things not work out well for you with your… ability.”

“Thank you, sir. Tell him to bring his most advanced sensor. I’ll assume he has one capable of scanning in more than just our normal three dimensions considering his research. I demonstrated to Van Holder before you got there. I’ll do the same for him.”

“With your arms”

“I used my foot, sir. Just as good for a demonstration. Useless for grabbing things though. When I did it in the medical bay I’d latched onto another you. I was going to pull him here so you could talk to yourself. That triggered the alarm though, so I let go in panic.”

“Damn that would’ve been an experience. It’s a shame you used the wrong hand. Oh, a little more news… They have agreed to reverse the damage or attempt to. Continue to act as his anchor, Unknown. They’re playing back the initial interviews during his subliminal drugged up…”

“Brainwashing?”

“Yes, you used that before, didn’t you? Interesting term. I suppose that is a good description. He should be more like his old self every time you talk to him from now on.”

Eric nodded.

“And, as you have visitors…” he paused. “tomorrow. The day after, you will be put to work on your project. Starting with the workshops.”

Eric sighed. “Thank you, sir. That’s a second weight off my mind. Tell the governor that I’ll not only root around in those workshops, sir. If he thinks it necessary, I’ll also clean them and catalogue the contents. You never know what might be of value in there. If the places are in disarray, I’ll tidy them so everything’s more orderly too, sir.”

“You only need to”

“Sir, I said I like to be of use. I imagine if those rooms haven’t been entered in years they’ll need a serious clean anyway, all the dust and cobwebs. It might take longer but I’m likely to find a lot of things I can use.”

“Good thought. I’ll see to it you’re supplied with cleaning equipment, a dust mask, overalls and work boots. Those slippers are not appropriate footwear for the handling of heavy items. You leave your slippers outside the door.”

“Along with the flute, sir. Yes, sir.”

“Flute? You know you’re not permitted”

“I know, sir. The teacher knows too. I take the flute at the end of the first lesson and return it at the end of the second. I will need some time to practice between them because everyone else gets to do tt in their cells before lights out. I’ll need a break from the work, sir.”

“This is getting complicated. Are you sure it isn’t getting too much for you? Flute, workshops and gym?”

“Variety’s the spice of life, sir. Old saying, but it’s true. It’s not much of a juggling act, three things.”

The doctor nodded. “Quite a nice saying. I’ll have to remember it. Oh, there’s one more thing. It’s soon, that’s the best I can say but there is a pre-trial hearing scheduled too.”

“Pre-trial?”

“It will be presided over by a clerk of the court rather than a judge. He’ll be the one to pass on any recommendations for the actual retrial to the judge. I wouldn’t worry, we have an excellent case, but it’s something else for you to think about. How we present our case could determine how much longer you have to wait to be vindicated. Or at least how much longer you’re forced to wear black.”

“Thank you, sir.”

They continued in silence until the final door and the cell block. Up in the lift, along to his cell, the doctor swiped the door. “Open.”

“This cell is locked.”

He glanced at Eric. “Why?”

“Security, sir. You know what happens…”

“Stop anyone from entering… And it stops you from sneaking anything in too. Or at least, stops anyone from accusing you of. Good idea.”

“You can thank the PE teacher for that one, sir.”

He swiped it again. “Medical override. Unlock and open.”

Eric stepped inside, the restraints beeped and clattered to the floor and he stepped out again. “I suppose I’d better get to the gym, sir.”

The doctor nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“If you could lock it again, sir…”

“I will.”
* * *
“I’m sorry I’m late, sir. Very disruptive day. Rather than help, can I do my workout? I missed it ‘cos of Medeline and I need it after being in those restraints for so long.”

“Go on. You may not be able to fit in a full session, but do what you can.”

“I think I should inform you, sir. My time in the gym’s going to be cut short again tomorrow, sir. Two visits and the flute teacher”

“The flute teacher wants you to have time to practice. I know. He’s spoken to me, and I agreed. I’ve also been informed that you begin your own preparations to teach as well. When you can help out, do, but I understand you’re going to be splitting your time a lot from now on.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Eric pushed himself extra hard, and god did he need it. He’d got around about two-thirds of the exercises and was about to move onto the next when the bar vanished into the floor. He looked around. The ones dangling from the ceiling were gone as well and the last of the prisoners was leaving.

He jogged over to the instructor. “That’s it for the day, sir?”

“It is. It’s the end of my shift. The gym won’t be occupied again until you activate it for your next session.”

Eric nodded. “Looking forward to tomorrow, sir. She’ll be in black, or should be. I’ll really have a chance to gloat then.”

The instructor rolled his eyes. “You certainly have it in for her.”

“I know, sir. I’ve seen myself die at gunpoint, sir. Anyone points one of those things at me… She did and I’ll never forgive her for that.”

He gulped. “Die? How can you see yourself die?”

“Same way I can be here, sir. Branches in time. Recent times, lots of other mes. Even attended the funeral.”

“I imagine a lot might like that opportunity…”

“As long as they were breathing at the time, sir. Otherwise, everyone already does, sir.”

The instructor pointed at the door. Eric nodded and made his way back to the communal area and over to the blacks.

Cerol was with them. He sat beside her and looked at the screen. “Gravia again?”

“Yep.”

“Well, I’ve read up on it, as much as I could. May I?”

“Be my guest.”

Eric tapped his planet, hit activate, placed both fingers on it and swept them apart. The planet zoomed in from a small sphere until a large area of continent filled the screen. He dragged the map around until he found one of the larger settlements, zoomed in again and began selecting civilians, checking their stats, sorting, filtering. Then he began to assign tasks. Potter, alchemist, blacksmith, farmer, animal breeder, merchant. By the time he was done, the village was a hive of activity. He swept the map to one side to reveal the solar system again and ended his turn.

When he looked around the table they were staring at him.

“What?”

“I’ve never seen anyone do it like that before. It usually takes game-years for them to self organise to the point they can build anything useful.”

“So what do you do? They can’t fly spaceships at my stage of development!”

Cerol shrugged. “Most people send out explorers. Map the continent.”

“I think that can wait until they can build a decent ship. Or better, a plane. I’m concentrating on their technological development. I want them to speed along to catch up with you lot. More fun when you can land on other planets.”

Wall chuckled. “He has a point you know. The exploration stuff’s good, but it’s when you enter the space age the real fun starts.”

They each took their turns, trading or in Cerol’s case, exploring and developing. Each time it was Eric’s, he selected a different settlement and set them on slightly different development paths. Masters of Glass here, metal there, wood and ceramics over there.

That wasn’t his masterstroke though… That would come when he started the exploration phase. When he started to build roads between them. When they started to exchange ideas or in some cases, fight each other. He suspected that was an aspect they’d never considered.

War.

Before he knew it, the lights turned green and he made his way to his cell. The guard was waiting for him this time.

“Don’t any of the other blacks lock them, sir?”

“No.” He swiped his hand. “Unlock and open. Surprising, considering the risks.”

“I suppose as they keep themselves to themselves, those must be minimal. I have talked a few into considering a little self-improvement though, so I’ll advise them to lock up when they leave from now on.”

The guard chuckled. “I’ll warn the other guards to be prepared, in that case. We’d be rushed off our feet otherwise.”

Eric nodded and entered the cell.

“Activate and lock. Cell, menu.” He selected his meal and called Philip.

This time when the screen connected to his cell, he was in view. He blinked and smiled.

“Eric, my dear fellow.”

“Hello, sir. The doctor told me they’d agreed to attempt to reverse what they’ve done to you, sir. How are the memories?”

“Flooding back. I was just reading a very interesting book on the discovery of some of the most amazing archaeological finds.”

“Something to take home with you, sir. Assuming it’s not a world that I’ve already had an influence in, anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“During Henry’s coronation speech he made some very disturbing promises, sir. Promises he bullied the government into almost enacting. I went to see him, to convince him to stop doing what he planned and gave him some of those treasures as an alternative. Something he’d be remembered fondly for.”

Philip sighed. “Beaumont?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I never liked the man. Arrogant didn’t even come close. Alright, what did the idiot promise?”

“To retake all the colonies lost in the war, sir. To rebuild the empire. Restore it to the state it was in during Victoria’s time.”

Resignation was soon replaced by shock. Anger.

“I wouldn’t worry, sir. I punctured that ego. Something far more important came up. Using those treasures and his training in law, he’s doing a bloody good job of it now. I think if anything, the crisis might be better handled by him than you, sir. You’re a man of science.”

“What possible… What crisis?”

“A friend of mine spent some time at sea. He was impressed. Snatched from a barge while he slept, sir. That’s how I knew about the Defiant and some of its crew. He spent a year on that ship and while he was there, he killed a saboteur. Earned himself a conspicuous gallantry medal because of it. That led down a disturbing path when he returned home though. He caught some thieves, stood as a witness against them and ended up in prison for over a week because the magistrate didn’t believe he was old enough to earn such a medal.”

“Hardly seems worthy of note. It’s part of a sailor’s job to defend his ship.”

“Remember what I said about Quinn Ferguson, sir? About his demotion?”

“Something about whipping a thirteen-year-old boy?”

Eric nodded.

“The boy? That was your friend?”

“He was fourteen by the time he earned it, sir.”

“Who is this magistrate?”

“Was, sir. Jonathan Wedgewood’s in the same prison he sent Diah to now, for life, because of what he’s done. In my world at least. He wasn’t doing it right. He was the sole arbiter, sir. He decided on guilt or innocence, usually opting for guilty unless the man in the dock looked respectable. The other two magistrates never did anything because he’d trained them not to. He decided on the harshest of sentences, too. When Henry found out he was livid and arranged, with the aid of some technology from this world, to review the activities of every magistrate's court in the country. It wasn’t just Stoke-on-Trent that was found to be wanting, though Stoke was the worst.”

“And how long had this been going on?”

“Years, sir. I’ve provided Henry with some technology that should help make some money, but the country’s struggling to pay for all the compensation. All the innocent men sent down, where vital evidence had been ignored. It has had one benefit, though. A swift kick up the backside for Henry. He realises now that the country needs his help in other ways than empire building. That idea’s dead in the dust, now.”

Philip sighed. “You’re right. He does have the right background to handle this crisis.”

“There’s no way to know which world you’re from, sir. Even if it is a world I’ve had an influence in. The wave that struck London was huge. It spread out across time as well as space. If you are from one with me in it though… What happens when a lost king returns? Can he just stroll up to the new one and say “Get off my throne!”?”

“Interesting question. I’m not sure if there’s ever been a precedent set in the United Kingdom. I very much doubt if even Henry knows and as you said, law is his speciality.”

“Law’s a large field, sir. He proved he didn’t understand constitutional law when he made his promises and admitted that later, sir.”

“I may just content myself with taking one of my properties back. Frankly, I’m tired. I don’t know if I have it in me anymore to fulfil my obligations as a monarch. Depending on how the current one’s doing, whoever that is, I may just allow him to keep it unchallenged. I’ll have more than enough to keep myself occupied with what I’m learning now.”

“That might just be the drugs talking, sir. They’ve put you through a hell even I can’t imagine. It’ll be a while before you’ve fully recovered from the experience. How are you handling life in prison, now, sir? When I first saw you, as John Smith in the communal area, you were in tears. Looked like you were in the depths of despair.”

He shuddered. “That was John Smith. I don’t know if it was their intention to make me miserable, but it was certainly the effect. There’s very little of the Smith persona I’m willing to hold on to. He was a weakling. I’ve suffered indignities comparable to our toilet and shower routines before and handled them with aplomb. Him? He would’ve run back to base in terror, given the chance.”

“You have, sir? But the doctor told me the guards spend a long time forcing you into the seat.”

“No, they spent months forcing John Smith into the seat. I’d been in a psychiatric ward for a long time before they transferred me.” The king chuckled. “You’re not the only one who’s experienced army life, corporal. Officer training includes some very unpleasant… situations. Survival training, digging your own latrine… They’re nothing compared to capture, interrogation and resistance to torture.”

“I hadn’t thought. All the young royals spend time in the armed forces in my birth world… Some of them even saw action in war zones.”

“It’s a good grounding, considering the fact I outranked the field marshal and admiral of the fleet when I ascended. My father insisted I choose one. I chose the army and when I was there, they were given strict instructions not to treat me any differently. I was in for ten years and achieved the rank of major, the hard way.”

“Why did you quit, sir?”

“It wasn’t by choice, believe me. I would’ve been content to remain and was hoping to achieve the rank of Colonel before… Well… It happened, but when the monarch dies, the next in line automatically ascends, even before the coronation.”

“I’m sorry.”

“A lot of water’s passed under the bridge since then, Eric. He was old, frail. I mourned of course, but it wasn’t a deep mourning. I saw it as a mercy at the end. Nothing like Victoria when her husband died. She never recovered.” Philip smiled. “Don’t worry about me. Now their… conditioning appeared to be wearing off, I agree with you. I find the toilet here rather pleasant. I’m even used to being locked down to it, now. I may even be tempted to get one of those French contraptions if I do ever make it home.”

“A bidet? God, I’d never thought of that! I might too.”

“There’s another thing that makes this much more pleasant now, too.”

“Sir?”

“I have no idea how long I’ve been here, but most of that time, it’s been nothing but various noodle dishes and water. I found my choices had opened up considerably this evening. It appears I’m on full privileges. Your doctor’s doing, no doubt?”

“I imagine so, sir. Yes.” Eric grinned. “Sir… There’s a game you may find interesting. It’s called Gravia. It begins as a civilisation building game. You start with wood huts in small settlements and slowly build up your technology, make discoveries, increase your population and improve your architecture. That’s the start of it but the thing continues right up to launching ships into space and trading with other planets held by other prisoners. I started on it today and there doesn’t seem to be any limit to the possibilities.”

“That does sound interesting. I’ll be certain to look that up. Thank you, Eric. Anything to pass the time is welcome.”

“If I do get out of here, sir, and manage to get you home, you’re more than welcome to stay with us. I think I might even be able to arrange an apartment that’s literally fit for a king, too, sir. Obediah sued the magistrate who tried to ruin his life and the courts and king Henry both worked in his favour. He currently has a half share in Sneyd hall in Staffordshire, sir. The lad’s quite wealthy now, but he’d not letting it go to his head. He still plans to take the role he loves when he reaches eighteen. Ordinary seaman on the Defiant.”

“Sneyd hall, you say? My sister spent some time there a few years ago. She found the experience quite agreeable, though she did complain that the clock kept her awake until they stopped it for her. Thank you. And the lad would be alright? You making these arrangements behind his back?”

“Sir, he’d see it as an honour. This is of course, assuming he even exists in your world. If he does, I think it’s a given. I doubt he’d even object if you took up permanent residence and there’s a lot going for our villages, sir. We even have a science institute, formed by Professor Drake. Attracting quite a bit of attention too. He’s produced a radio set that can easily be carried by soldiers. Still hasn’t perfected the manufacturing process, but… He’s getting there.”

“A radio? So small? It sounds almost like something from here!”

Eric shook his head. “Here, they’ve got electronics down to a fine art, sir. They could fit something like that into a badge the size of a shilling with space to spare. Microscopic circuitry. Most likely nano-scale or even pico scale. Drake only produced the first transistor a few years ago sir, and that was as big as your thumbnail. Twenty years from now, who knows, but, it’s still an achievement. I provided access to one of the computers from here to aid him, but he did begin at first principles. Took a lot of effort too because the equipment they use here to produce such things needed to be invented there too.”

“A helping hand to aid in the development, rather than… That’s a jolly good way to do it. He claimed to have produced a reliable semiconductor diode before my abrupt departure. What is this… transistor?”

“A basic building block, sir. An electronic switch. With the right bias, it can also amplify. Couple of different types, one triggered by current, another by voltage. When those switches are combined… The possibilities… Well… You’ve seen what’s possible, here, sir.”

Philip positively beamed. “More to pass the time. Excellent. It seems…” He took a deep breath. “I’m not going to make the request now, Eric. But I may, before your release.”

“Request, sir?”

“If I request it, closer to your time, I want you to abide by it.”

“By what, sir?”

Another deep breath. He gulped. “I may want to serve my sentence fully. It’s not a certainty but if what I find here is something I want to learn more about… Even if I do end up here for another five, even ten years, return for me when that time has elapsed, by all means. Take me home then, but…“

“I’ll keep it in mind, sir, but I should warn you… What you risk in making that request could mean the rest of your life in this world. Omnium, the element that allows me to travel great distances… It acts in a similar way to me, sir. To my ability. There’s no guarantee I could get you out before you’ve served your sentence anyway. I’d need to convince a judge to order your release. I think I have a valid argument, but, I don’t know if it’s even in their power to offer such a reprieve. I will return to get you if you are forced to serve the entire lot, but the forking of time means that will only be one of you… The rest, I can’t say, sir. It’s touch and go whether every version of me here will make it home as it is.”

His eyes widened in alarm.

“You could continue your education back home just as easily and you wouldn’t be in prison. Knowledge for knowledge’s sake is pointless. Its only value is if you can put it to use and you’d be free to explore some of the things you’d learned if you returned home. Maybe even lead an expedition to unearth some of those lost treasures or join Professor Drake in his exploration of semiconductors to put your new-found knowledge into practice. OK, you may not gain access to everything, but we have a hell of a lot from here, sir.”

“It was worth a thought. I suppose it’ll just have to remain that. First opportunity I get, I return home. If such an eventually looks increasingly uncertain as my release date approaches, I may have to beg the governor to allow me to remain incarcerated. Possibly for the rest of my life. I have nothing out there. Not even a thread of clothing. That is not a life I’d want to live.”

Eric sighed. “Try not to dwell on that point for too long, sir.”

“Don’t worry. I did need to see the reality of the situation. My hunger for knowledge could be my undoing if I let it run unchecked but what will you do? If you find yourself stuck here?”

“When I first arrived I believed I had no useful skills. Seems I may have been wrong. I’ll apply for a job in this prison as a physical training instructor. Maybe as a teacher too. That’s something I should be getting off the ground soon anyway. I’m a master craftsman, sir. Carpentry. I’ll never give up trying to get home though. I’ve got too much there, including a fiancée.”

He smiled and nodded. “I might as well make the most of it. I’ll speak to you tomorrow. Cell, end communication.”

The screen returned to the menu.

Eric sagged into the chair. “He’s almost back to normal. Thank god for that.”