Chapter 8
The year 2036
John stirred from his memories of the job at Kings Cross eight years ago when Jason came and sat next to him. ‘How are you feeling Dad?’
‘I’m ok son, just remembering some events of the past and wondering whether I made the right choices.’
‘We know you did, and everyone we speak to believes in you.’
Jason and Alex had convinced their father to continue his leadership and he decided he must show optimism, confidence and strength, not the grief and pain he felt inside. That must wait.
‘Thanks, Jason, I’m really proud of you both.’ John took in a deep breath and stood tall, ‘let’s get to it, boys.’ He picked up his radio and called Terry. ‘I’m going on a tour of the bases let me know which parts of the network the units are in after we meet. Where are you?’
‘EX400. I’ll wait here for you.’
John studied his coded map, Terry’s location was currently in Lambeth North; they could get there in about 20 minutes provided there were no blockages. John and his sons set out from Waterloo underground and followed the line south. As with all movement in the network, there was always a fear of what was around the next bend or waiting in the dark shadows. John had instilled caution in all of his men despite there not having been any incursions by the Stapo. He knew that sooner or later they would send a search and destroy squad down here. For the moment, they didn’t know where the revolutionaries were at any particular time and so they were extremely vulnerable in, what was for them, an alien environment. The military had considered placing explosive charges throughout the tunnel system but realised what devastation that might cause above ground as well as below so the idea was discounted. There was so much infrastructure running through the maze of tunnels and shafts. There were fibre optic cables, gas, electricity and water that any major demolition would be a disaster for the Overgrounders as well as for those living and hiding below. Advisors to the First Minister and his cabinet suggested pumping gas down through the tunnels but couldn’t guarantee it being contained below ground. So, for the moment, John and his men knew that the Stapo’s only option was to face their enemy head on but on their own territory.
The trio steadily made their way along the shaft running between Waterloo and Lambeth North a distance of about 500 metres. Terry watched the trio approach from the direction he had expected but didn’t expose his position until he was sure they had not been followed.
‘Hello, John, hi guys, over here.’
The group entered one of the meeting rooms that had been established by John and his team as a command centre in the area. There were five battle groups scattered around the network. Each battle group was led by one of John’s lieutenants. Each leader was given the freedom to move their position anywhere within the geographical sector that they had been allocated. Likewise, their command post position was their choice. The coding system that identified locations outside their own sector was only known to John and his second in command. Each group, therefore, only knew the codes for their own geographical domain.
‘I’ve received the location codes for all sectors except the southern area, Derek Farson’s command.’
‘Is he usually late? When did you last have contact with him?’ John asked.
‘I sent out the request for location codes about 2 hours ago, but I’ve heard nothing. I spoke to him about 12 hours ago. John, you set out the rules, no contact unless absolutely essential.’
‘Yes I know Terry, I’m not apportioning any blame here, but perhaps we need to tighten up our procedures, 12 hours is too long. Where was his last known location and what was his last target?’
‘His command centre was in the deep tunnel in S400, Clapham North. I believe he was setting up his next sortie from there.’
‘Which was?’ John asked.
‘The Conpen on Clapham Common. We had intelligence that the military had been scaled down and because there were only a few inmates left. They were being prepared to be shipped out to the new prison on Dartmoor, it was a prime target.’
‘What was their objective Terry?’
‘To overrun the few guards left on site, gather any weaponry that was there and then release the 20 detainees that remained. They were to be given the option of going their own way or joining Derek’s team. I believe his intention was to move underground from his command post in Clapham North to the tunnel exit at Clapham Common, which gave him and his men a good jumping off point to the target.’ Terry traced the movement he described on the map laid out in front of him.
‘When you spoke to him was he about to launch or did he give you any idea what his launch time was?’
‘No John I think it was too early and he had certainly not left his command post.’
‘So, both he and his group are still there and something is preventing communication or they started the action and something went badly wrong above ground. How quickly can we get any intel about what has happened at the conpen?’
‘We have some Overgrounders in the area that may be able to tell us something. I’ll be back shortly.’ Terry went above ground to make contact with supporters who could get some quick information to him. He knew of three people who had transceivers in the required location. Their radios would only be switched on if they were in a position to receive a call. At the third attempt, he was able to ask the contact for a report.
A woman’s voice came through loud and clear, ‘Fortunately, I am quite close to the Conpen at the Common and I’m fairly sure there have been no incidents here. I saw some detainees being loaded into Police vehicles earlier and driven off.’ The Overgrounders took no part in any action but were simply the eyes and ears of the battle group. They performed an essential yet dangerous service.
Terry signed off and made his way back to the command post where he had left John and his sons. He conveyed to them what he had been told.
John thought for a moment and stared at the map in front of him. ‘We need to get to Derek’s last known position quickly Terry; I have a bad feeling about this. Who is closest to S400?’
‘We are I’m afraid. The next nearest unit is yours John in the Northern sector. They’re currently resting at Goodge Street in the deep tunnel. It would take them hours to move underground to Clapham North.’
‘Nevertheless, I believe we will need them, start them moving Terry. Jason, Alex, you are to come with me; we are going to make our way there. If we use a mix of under and over ground we could be there in an hour. Terry, I would like you to coordinate everything from here. Keep my team moving from Goodge Street until you hear from me that they are not needed.’
Ok, John, good luck.’
The trio set out at a quick pace, determined and mentally prepared for whatever might be waiting for them.
Terry initiated the auxiliary lighting on as much of the stretch of underground that was available. He thought it should get them as far as Stockwell. After that, they will be in the dark or must travel above ground.
John, Jason and Alex passed The Kennington Oval platform and had made good time. The lighting was good but the air was stale and they had to stop every few hundred yards to rest their lungs, which were working very hard. They pressed on to Stockwell and eventually reached the platform entrance that gave access to the deep shelter that had been built during the Second World War to accommodate as many as 8000 people. Nearly 100 hundred years later John would have a battle group of 650 men and some of their families in there or other tunnels just like it. John made a note that at some time soon he would examine its condition for possible use in the future. Right now though he must press on to Clapham above ground. He thought they could continue underground, but it would be slow without lighting. The journey up top would be risky but if they kept off the main road and utilised as many of the side streets as possible, they should be ok. They could also take in some fresh air. CCTV cameras had long since been either removed or destroyed and as most criminals had been taken out of circ
ulation, the State saw little need for them except to try and identify John and his men. But whenever John’s groups hit a target it was fast, efficient and expertly planned. The cameras were always the first to go and so they were useless to the Stapo or military who had given up replacing or repairing them.
‘When we emerge above ground boys, it’s essential that we do not engage with the Stapo. We must avoid contact so that we do not attract whole squads of them into the area. So let’s keep it low key and quiet.’
Using only the back streets of the area, the trio eventually arrived at Clapham North. As they approached, they were almost caught in a set of headlights. John pushed and bundled his two sons over a short garden wall and pressed them down flat. Their faces were well camouflaged and their clothes were always dark; so they easily melted into the night light. The vehicle slowly passed them by. It was a small Stapo patrol that could have been taken easily, but John couldn’t risk the possibility of them raising the alarm as the area would soon be overrun by more of them. They waited until the patrol was well out of sight and proceeded to the tube station.
The tube entrance was on Clapham High Street but was completely blocked off, so, entry to the deep shelter was at the rear of the station. John had a good knowledge of the network layout having been briefed by Paul Cobb. He remembered what Paul had told him about almost getting himself killed trying to build an access point into the shelter stairwell. They were working on the access which was out of sight of the main road so they could work unhindered. A small charge of explosives had punched a hole through the fairly thin exterior wall. When they found the internal entrance point, they discovered a very unstable spiral staircase and carefully started their descent. Within 10 metres what remained of the staircase disappeared and part of what they were standing on started to break away; they were about to step into a void. Paul almost went down with the rusted metal that was hurtling towards the bottom of the tunnel. He hung on to the bottom rail as Derek frantically tried to lift him up. They were in great danger of the remaining stairway breaking away. Paul was pulled clear and they carefully made their way back to the top. They eventually found another more secure way down and after almost 30 metres reached the shelter floor.
John intended to follow the same route making sure he didn’t stumble on the unstable staircase. ‘Look around the wall of this building boys; you’ll see a mark left by Derek to show us where they built the entry point.’
As they carefully traversed the walls of the old building Jason was first to spot a distinctive mark that was similar to an old War Office arrow. The distinction was the initials PC and DF alongside it. The arrow pointed at a right angle to a part of the wall that had a large sheet of corrugated metal leaning against it. Jason moved the corrugated piece of rusted iron to one side and exposed the gap through the wall. Paul Cobb had skilfully created this opening. The entrance cover was cleverly designed to be inconspicuous to the casual bypasser or Stapo patrol.
John and his boys entered the surface access and replaced the entrance cover. They now had to rely on torches to move down into the shelter. Lights this close to the surface may be seen. There was a dusty, acrid smell in the air that John had not experienced before in any of the network. As they slowly descended, the air became thicker with dust and it was becoming more difficult to breathe. John suddenly saw the reason why, there had been a cave-in and the shelter in front of him was blocked with tons of fallen masonry and twisted steel beams. ‘Jason, see if you can find the motor house, it may still be intact. If it is, get it going, we will need the air pumps and auxiliary lighting. Alex come with me, we need to see if we can hear any sounds or movement.’ John tried his transceiver but could not make contact. He and Alex approached the rock fall slowly and carefully not wanting to disturb the already precariously perched pile of twisted steel and rubble. Judge senior picked up a piece of steel and started to tap on the metal water pipes that thankfully were only seeping at the joints but largely undamaged. ‘These pipes run right through the shelter so hopefully if there’s anyone still alive they should be able to hear it.’ John was praying he was right. He listened intently for a response, but there was none. ‘We will need all the help we can get to break through this lot.’ John said, looking worryingly at the task in front of them.
Thankfully the auxiliary lighting came to life; Jason had obviously found the motor house. He hoped the air pumps also worked; if anyone were still alive, he would need to get some air to them somehow. Jason returned reporting that he couldn’t get the air pumps working. ‘I think they’re ok but may need one of our engineers to look at them, I just can’t get them going.’
‘Let’s hope we have enough time for that luxury, Jason. In the meantime, we need to start shifting these rocks. Alex, keeping tapping the pipes and listen for a response. Jason and I will try and see if we can make a dent in this lot.’
After about 30 minutes, they were making little headway although they had shifted a significant amount of rubble. John decided to go up top and speak to Terry on the radio. He left Jason and Alex, who had ceased tapping on the pipes to continue moving as much as they could.
‘Terry, John here, we have a serious problem.’ John described the scene.’ I need able bodies here as soon as possible. Where are my group from the north?’
‘They’re about 30 minutes away John. Fortunately, there’s no moon tonight so they have been able to travel above ground for much of the way. Apart from men what else do you need?’
‘Make sure there is an engineer in the group and if not get one to me ASAP. And Terry, we will need lots of medical equipment. I’m not sure how badly things are until we can break through. Who’s leading the group, do I know him?’
‘Yes John, Alan Walker, he’s been on a number of operations with us and is proving to be a good soldier.’
‘Yes, I remember, he’s a good man. We cannot afford to have an engagement and attract Stapo or military units into the area, so please get confirmation from him that he understands he is to avoid the Stapo tonight at all costs.’
‘Will do John, he’ll be with you soon.’
John returned to see his two sons frantically lifting and pulling debris from the wall of masonry and steel work in front of them. Their fingers were bloody and they were gasping for every breath of air.
‘Stop, boys, stop, you need to rest. My battle group from the north will be here soon.’
‘We can’t stop now Dad, Alex thinks he heard a noise from the other side of the cave in.’ Jason and Alex carried on ripping out rubble piece by piece. John joined them.
Fifteen minutes later the battle group from the northern sector arrived. They had come the whole way in sections of seven. Each section covered the one in front and eventually all seventy of John’s battle group entered the shelter led by Alan Walker. He was the last to enter, making sure that all of his men were where they should be
‘Hello John, all of the group from their base in Goodge Street are present and correct and ready to come back under your command sir. I’ve left a section at the entrance to cover us while we’re down here.’
‘Thanks, Alan’. John shook Alan’s hand warmly but gently, remembering how badly his hands had been damaged, but he could handle himself and a weapon and he was totally dedicated. Nurse Janice had done a good job.
‘Do you have an engineer with you?’ John asked
‘Yes Sir’
‘Good, get him over to the pump room, Jason will show him where it is. We need to get air in here quickly. The rest of the men need to start shifting this debris and try to breakthrough. Have them rest first, they’ve come...’ John stopped when he saw that his men had not stopped, not even to sit down but had already started moving rocks. They had formed a chain and the wall was diminishing fast.
Alan smiled and went into the group to help. The air pumps suddenly started and the air got a bit clearer. John directed that a small air hose be fed into the gaps that were being created as the rubble was being removed.<
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John and his sons were resting at the rear of all the activity when Alan suddenly shouted out ‘quiet, quiet everyone.’ A faint tapping could be heard on the pipes, it was slow and deliberate, and someone was alive. One of the men picked a small piece of brick and tapped out an acknowledgement. The pace of the work immediately increased from frantic to furious. John with Jason and Alex piled in pulling and ripping at the debris. As small gaps in the rubble appeared so the air hoses were pushed further through. No one spoke. After several gruelling hours, a small hole appeared which gave a view through to the space beyond. A bruised and dust covered face appeared in the gap. ‘Nice to see you guys, what’s been keeping you?’
John elbowed his way to the front and peered through the hole in the rubble. ‘Is that you Derek?’
‘It sure is boss. Am I glad to hear your voice.’
‘Good to hear yours too Derek, do you have any casualties?’
‘We have three men unaccounted for and I’m afraid they may have been caught in the initial cave-in. I suspect you may come across them as you clear the debris away.’
‘What happened here?’
‘Don’t know John, we were consolidating here ready for the jump off to the target station at Clapham. I had tried for ages to get through, but we had no reception at all so, I gave the order to move out. Suddenly there was rumbling sound, then the floor of the shelter started to shake and an almighty crack. I had already ordered the men back when the roof started to come down. I think the three who copped it were at the tail end. We started to move some debris from this side, but the air was getting so thin that we had to stop.’
‘Ok Derek, we’ll get some more air through, how many men are there with you?’
‘Thirty minus three.’
‘Ok, we need to get everyone out of here before daylight, let’s get to it. But be careful, we don’t want another roof fall.’
It had taken about two hours of cautious and painstaking digging before there was sufficient space for Derek and his men to clamber through the gap. They had recovered the three bodies and decided that they should be buried where they fell. Three mounds of broken rock and brick marked their burial place and John led a moment of silence preceded by a short homage. ‘These brave men have lost their lives in a tragic accident, but that takes nothing away from what they have already given in the fight for a just and fair society. We will not let their sacrifice be in vain.’
All of the men stood in silence for several moments.
John turned to Alan, ‘I want you to send a section to Stockwell to see if it’s ok for us to make a base there. As soon as they get back and report it is ok we’ll move the men out.
The reconnaissance section was very quick to report that everything at Stockwell shelter was in good shape.
‘Ok, move one section at a time Alan. Derek, your men need to move in the middle of Alan’s group as a lot of your equipment is still buried so you will need some protection. As soon as everyone is underground at the Stockwell shelter, they must get a decent rest before we make the next move. We will be moving out at first light from Stockwell underground along the tunnels back to our main bases.’
Apart from the guards that had been posted the weary men laid their heads wherever they found space and were quickly asleep. John, already overwhelmed with grief for the loss of Marie, lay awake dreading the task of talking to the dead men’s families.
John Judge Page 19
