Annihilation: A YA dystopian adventure (The Mind Breaker Series Book 3)

by Marina Epley

  Although the plan seems more than feasible, I can’t shake my doubts. There are too many unknown variables. What if they’re expecting us? What if the guards recognize our faces?

  I become so nervous that I can’t keep still. I take a deep breath to relax, telling myself that everything will go according to plan. As long as we get in undetected, things should go smoothly. We’ll obtain the drug and an hour later we’ll be flying back to Elimination headquarters, safe and sound.

  I almost manage to persuade myself of a quick return to the city, when a loud explosion shudders the aircraft. We go into a sickening spin. Everything turns upside down, and I can no longer understand which way we’re flying. I become completely disoriented. The lights flicker off and on. I can hear nothing except explosions mixed with the sounds of breaking metal. Cables tear apart overhead, sending a shower of electric sparks down on top of us. It all happens so fast that I don’t even have time to become startled. Kitty screams, grabbing my hand. The aircraft suddenly drops, rotating a few more dizzying times, before we begin flying more steadily. We are still rocking and losing altitude, but we’ve at least stopped spinning.

  I turn to check on our team. Everybody looks dumbfounded and rattled, but nobody seems to be injured. A white-faced Kitty stares at me.

  “What the heck was that?” she asks.

  I can hardly hear her. The sound of explosions has ceased, but the engines produce a lot of abnormal rattling and screeching.

  “I don’t know,” I yell. “Something’s majorly wrong.”

  I unfasten my seatbelt and fall to the floor. The turbulence is still severe enough that I struggle to find my feet. Jessie crawls toward me along the aisle.

  “We need to check on the pilots!” she shouts.

  Together, we crawl on our hands and knees toward the pilot cabin. We find the pilots inside desperately trying to gain control of our battered aircraft. I stare stupidly at the panels with numerous buttons and monitors, attempting to understand what’s happening. I glance into the front window, but see nothing except a pitch-black darkness.

  “What the hell is happening?” Jessie asks.

  “We got hit with a rocket,” one of the pilots answers. “Two fighter jets are still on our tail.”

  Both Jessie and I become speechless. These must be Guardian’s aircraft. But how could they have known about our mission?

  “Can we make it to the Death Camp?” I ask.

  “I don’t know,” the pilot answers. “We’re still losing altitude.”

  “Are we able to land?” Jessie asks.

  “We can’t land,” he says. “Three of the four engines are gone. As soon as the last one goes, we’re going down.”

  I realize how screwed we are. We won’t be sneaking into the Death Camp unnoticed because Guardian is obviously aware about our mission. We can’t fly much further and we can’t even land. And even if we are lucky enough to survive the coming crash landing, we’ll be immediately captured.

  “Then crash it into the Death Camp,” I command.

  Both pilots turn to face me, confused.

  “Try to make it to the Death Camp and crash right on top of their heads,” I repeat. “There’s no going back now.”

  “Roger that,” a pilot says. “We’ll do our best.”

  Jessie and I crawl back to our seats.

  “Are we gonna continue the mission?” she asks.

  “Do we have a choice?” I answer. “We have to obtain the drug.”

  I get back into my seat and fasten the seatbelt. The aircraft continues rocking and shaking. I suddenly realize that we’re about to fall out of the sky.

  Jessie informs the others about the change in plan. Everybody stares at her wide-eyed, but nobody speaks. I look at Holtzmann, becoming worried that the professor might throw a fit. His hands tremble and his face is as pale as death. Dave attempts to calm him. Kitty grabs my hand again, and I feel her sharp fingernails piercing my skin.

  I hear another explosion and experience a nauseating sensation of weightlessness. I realize that we’re in a free fall. The rattling and screeching become louder. I attempt to calm myself that this aircraft isn’t like a regular plane. This particular model was designed with reinforced steel to help withstand crashes and explosions. But I can’t quite persuade myself on the idea of a safe landing. I suddenly realize that we’re all going to die. As we continue falling, my fear grows into stark horror. And at some point I become so terrified that I stop worrying and thinking altogether. Things are so out of control that there’s simply no use in being worried. I close my eyes and relax, just waiting for impact with the ground. The sickening noises become even louder and then everything turns dark.

  I must’ve lost consciousness, because the next thing I know is that somebody is slapping me across my face. I can hear rifle fire and smell gasoline. As I open my eyes, I find myself lying on the floor inside the crashed aircraft. Marcus kneels beside me, shaking me and shouting, “Are you all right?! Can you hear me?!”

  “I can hear you,” I answer.

  “Thank God!” he exclaims. “I thought you were dead.”

  “I’m fine,” I say, although I’m not too certain about that.

  I finally realize that at least some have survived the crash.

  “Where’s Kitty?” I ask.

  Marcus helps me up, assuring me that Kitty is all right, too.

  “We’ve lost three officers and the pilots,” he adds.

  I stand unmoving, steadying myself. Looking around, I notice dead bodies lying on the floor.

  “C’mon, we gotta help the others,” Marcus says, pulling me toward the open hatch. “Can you hypnotize anyone?”

  “I think I can,” I answer. “Where are we?”

  “Inside the Death Camp. We crashed onto the roof of the prison building. We went straight through it.”

  I become glad that I was unconscious.

  Marcus and I jump out of the hatch, dropping to the floor. It’s very dark inside the prison. Gunfire comes in from all different directions. I scramble to my feet, turning back to take a quick glance at the aircraft. It lies on its side like a huge beached whale. The aircraft destroyed the ceiling and took out a few walls of the building. I look up and see the night sky through the giant hole in the roof. I can’t believe we’re still alive.

  Kitty and Jessie along with the survived Elimination officers fire at Guardian’s soldiers, keeping them off us. Victor attempts to hypnotize our enemies. Holtzmann lies on his back, semi-conscious and foaming at the mouth. Dave is giving him some assistance. Marcus joins the shootout, and I help Victor hypnotize the guards. Together, we manage to put most of them under. Marcus tosses a few gas canisters into a passageway. Elimination has run out of sleeping gas so whatever it is won’t be knocking anybody unconscious. But it should at least provide cover, besides serving as a threat to the guards. They must believe that the gas is toxic, because they begin receding. We carefully walk through the passageway, shooting down any guards already immobilized by hypnosis. Dave supports Holtzmann, helping him walk. The professor gives us instructions as to what direction we should move. My bad vision in addition to all the smoke doesn’t permit me to recognize the place. Kitty has to lead me, tightly holding my hand. I walk, staring straight ahead and feeling blind. Marcus walks beside me, keeping his rifle ready. Jessie, Victor and what’s left of the squad of Elimination officers follow closely behind.

  We finally make it outside, and I realize why only a small number of Guardian’s soldiers confronted us. The rest of them are busy dealing with the fire. The huge building utilized for ammunition storage is entirely enveloped in flames. Heat has caused the massive stock piles of missiles and ammo to detonate, and multiple rockets shoot up overhead into the dark sky. They collapse back onto the prison, exploding and smashing everything in their path. It looks surreal and reminds me of a giant fireworks display. Hundreds of guards run around the prison yard in complete panic. I guess some of them haven’t even noticed our crash.<
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  Our team stops for a moment, stunned by the scene. I finally recognize the place, and help Holtzmann navigate our group toward the lab. We move carefully across the prison yard, but don’t run into any resistance. The guards are too consumed by the fire to pay any attention to our small squad. It’s dark, and they can’t make out our faces. We blend in with the crowd, and continue walking toward the lab.

  I look around anxiously, worried about running into Guardian. He’s not supposed to be inside the Camp tonight, which is the primary reason we planned our mission today. But how can we be certain of his absence since he was obviously tipped off about our plan?

  Entering the lab building, we confront a squad of guards.

  “Stop!” they command, aiming their weapons at us.

  I step forward, letting them see my face.

  “What the hell are you doing?” I ask arrogantly. “Move out of our way!”

  According to Guardian’s previous announcements, I’m their leader. Only a small group of his personal security knows the truth concerning my situation.

  The guards stare at me in confusion. The Elimination officers use their moment of hesitation to bring them down. Our squad enters the lab, which consists of many interconnected rooms filled with monitors, medical gurneys and drug storage. Holtzmann now leads us, becoming excited and energetic upon returning to his former lab. He checks the storage, tossing vials of other drugs to the floor while searching for the correct tray. Elimination officers secure the entrance. I look around, suffering a flashback from the time spent in Dr. Carrel’s lab. I try to shake off my disturbing memories, but a sharp odor of disinfectant makes it problematic. This place looks and smells exactly the same.

  A burst of gunfire makes me turn toward the entrance. The officers along with Jessie fire their rifles at somebody trying to break into the lab.

  “Hurry Holtzmann,” I say, approaching the officers. Kitty and Marcus stick with me like glue. Dave remains beside Holtzmann, acting as bodyguard during the mission.

  “There are too many of them,” Jessie says.

  Victor, Kitty and I attempt to use hypnosis, but it doesn’t affect this group of guards. They continue shooting as they move in closer. I suddenly feel trapped, realizing that there’s only one exit to this room and it’s now blocked.

  Guardian’s guards cease fire, and I recognize Hammers’ voice yelling, “Hey Rex! Are you in there? All this mess outside and on the roof is your doing, isn’t it?”

  He pauses, waiting for a response. I remain silent.

  “Very impressive!” he shouts. “But you should have simply used the main gates. We’d have welcomed your return home.”

  I realize this standoff can’t last forever. Hammer has many more men. They could easily overwhelm us, should he give the order to storm the lab.

  “Last chance, Rex!” Hammer yells. “Come out now and we’ll spare your life. Guardian is still interested in your services.”

  I remain quiet, thinking. Jessie watches me suspiciously. I don’t understand why she has any doubts in me.

  “If you don’t come out now, we’ll use grenades,” Hammer threatens. I have no doubts concerning his willingness to kill all of us.

  Holtzmann signals that he’s finally found the right drug, showing a plastic bag filled with white crystals. Unfortunately, we have no way out of this room.

  “Stupid fool!” Hammer shouts. “You don’t fit the role of leader. You never appreciated what Guardian offered. He should have chosen me as leader of this army. I’d serve him well.”

  I recall how much Hammer is obsessed with leadership. I might try to use his desire for control to manipulate him.

  I clear my throat and say loudly, “That’s the exact reason why Guardian didn’t choose you, Hammer! You have no pride. True leaders don’t serve anybody higher. They dominate and rule.”

  My statement must make Hammer furious. He shouts, “Shut up, traitor! You’re serving Elimination. You’ve betrayed your own kind.”

  “Are you so sure about that?” I ask. “What do you know about my motives, Hammer? I’m not serving Elimination. I’m just using them. As soon as I get what I want, I’ll rid myself of them.”

  My words sound awfully fake even to me.

  “Elimination won’t let you out,” Hammer replies.

  “Not until I kill their leader,” I continue. “Don’t you get it? That’s why I chose to cooperate with them. I’m using Elimination resources to fight Guardian, and then I’ll assassinate Vogel. Have you ever heard of her? Do you really think I’d let some stupid woman pretending to be a commander give me orders?”

  I pause, waiting for his reaction. Marcus along with a few Elimination officers stare at me.

  “Careful now,” Hammer says. “You have a few Elimination dogs in there with you. They might hear.”

  “They’re all in,” I answer. “They work for me.”

  “You’re bluffing!” he shouts. “You’ve always been such a liar.”

  “It’s true!” Marcus helps me. “Rex promised to spare our lives as long as we go along with his plan.”

  “I don’t believe a word you’re saying,” Hammer answers.

  “I don’t care if you believe us or not,” I say. “But I hope you at least realize you’ll never be the commander as long as you serve Guardian. He is just using you for a puppet in his show. You have no real control. That’s why I left. I don’t want to follow anybody’s commands. I’m going to be a true leader.”

  “What are you talking about?” Hammer asks.

  “You still don’t get it? You think I escaped from the Death Camp because I care about ordinary humans? I don’t give a damn if they all end up dead. I just can’t tolerate anybody controlling me.” I pause, catching my breath. “I’m planning to assassinate Guardian and take his place!” I yell.

  Hammer doesn’t answer for a few moments. Come on, I think, swallow it. I’m articulating your dream. We both know you’d like to take Guardian’s place.

  “Nobody can kill him,” Hammer finally says.

  “Who told you that?” I ask. “Holtzmann works for me now. He has a way to bring Guardian down.”

  Jessie aims her rifle into the darkness. I look at her. She shakes her head, letting me know she can’t get a clear shot at Hammer.

  “You’ve chosen the wrong commander,” I say, letting out a short laugh. “Do you really want to remain Guardian’s puppet? We both know he doesn’t give a damn about his soldiers. He could waste you any time he pleases. I could make you a real leader, Hammer! You could have as much power as you wish.”

  “Why would you do that?” Hammer asks.

  I have to admit it’s a really good question.

  “I need strong soldiers,” I assure him. “And you’re a natural commander, Hammer!”

  I don’t know what else I can say.

  “C’mon, Hammer,” I continue. “Stand down. I’ll allow you to join my team.”

  “You’re lying!” he repeats. “You’ve never cared about leadership.”

  “Are you crazy enough to believe that?” I ask. “Power is everything! I have been concealing my true ambitions to fool Guardian and Vogel.”

  I’m trying so hard to convince Hammer that I almost begin believing it myself. I suddenly realize that there’s no reason why my lies couldn’t possibly be the truth. Hammer must realize this as well.

  “I’m coming out now,” I offer. “Let us pass.”

  “Hold your fire,” Hammer commands.

  I let out a breath of relief. He believes me. I carefully step into a dark passageway.

  “Order your soldiers to lower their rifles,” I direct.

  Hammer hesitates. His soldiers look at him, puzzled. Most of them are still teens. I imagine they’ve no idea what’s going on.

  “How can I trust you?” Hammer asks me. “How do I know you won’t gun us down?”

  “You have my word,” I answer. “C’mon, Hammer. You’ve known me for a long time. Would I order the killing of
a squad of kids?”

  Hammer takes another long moment in hesitation, then orders his soldiers to lower their rifles. They look surprised, but obediently follow his command. As soon as it’s safe, my squad steps out from cover ahead of me.

  “Fire!” Jessie commands, shooting her rifle.

  The Elimination officers join her. I watch as Hammer and his soldiers fall. I don’t feel any regrets for what has taken place. These teens chose to join Guardian’s force by their own free will, and they were ready to kill us.

  We proceed down the passageway, stepping over the bodies. I stop beside Hammer, looking down at him. He lies on his back, dying. He’s making gurgling, incoherent noises as he fights to breathe. A bullet took him in the throat. Jessie approaches and we exchange glances.

  “He’s yours,” she says. “You deserve it.”

  I pick up a rifle from a downed soldier and place the barrel on Hammer’s forehead. Feeling no hatred, I pull the trigger. I’m just doing what needs to be done.

  Our squad moves toward the main exit. Taking advantage of the continued confusion outside, we cross the prison yard again and approach a group of military trucks. A few of Guardian’s soldiers finally notice us. We hardly manage to climb inside and start the truck, before they open fire. The main gates are locked, so Dave accelerates the vehicle, smashing into the gate. The gates give, and we drive away. Several trucks follow in pursuit. We open fire in attempt to slow them down. Holtzmann protectively presses a bag containing the drug to his chest, as if some sort of treasure. His face is whiter than snow, but he appears stable enough for now.

  As soon as we gain a little distance between us and our pursuit, one of the officers commands Dave to stop.

  “What are you doing?” I ask in surprise, watching as the Elimination officers jump out of the truck.

  “We’ll try to buy you some time,” an officer answers.

  I stare at him. I realize these officers likely tortured and killed innocent breakers before. They used to be our enemies, but now they’re willing to sacrifice their lives for us.