Episode 10: The King's Collapse

Episode 10

"The King's Collapse"

(Ned)

I got the hell out of there as fast as I could after they took Elise away. I didn't want people to link us two together, she almost jeopardized the whole entire plan. It isn't all that bad though, because now Elise is out of the way, hopefully for good. With her gone, I won't have to worry about stopping her from killing Jeff. Although, it might be too late for that anyways. If what was shown was true, Jeff is gone. I'll never see him again, and this entire mission will be for nothing. I got away from the crowd and took an elevator to a random floor, anywhere would be fine. I just needed to a quiet spot to radio in Brad and the others. I hit floor two, and went up. I walked out and looked around the hallways, nobody was around, I think it was safe to call Brad. I pulled out the walkie talkie and pressed on the call button. The walkie talkie made a static sound and then went silent, signalling me to talk.

"Brad? Ryder? Anyone? Is anyone there?"

I released my hand from the call button and waited. Then after about twenty seconds there was a static noise and I heard Ryder's voice over the microphone.

"Hello, you have reached customer support."

There was a smacking sound in the background and the radio fumbled on the other end, then Brad picked up.

"Hey, Ned? You make it in alright buddy?"

"Yeah," I answered in a whispering tone, "Now what do I do?"

"Alright, now I'm gonna need you to go to room 97, and look for a man named Jack. Tell him I sent you."

"Sure thing, I'll update you when something happens."

I followed Brad's instructions, and followed the doors down looking for room 97. I didn't bother telling Brad about what happened to Elise over the radio, I thought it was useless and I didn't want Ryder to hear either. It'll be best if that stays quiet for now, I can explain everything later.

"Ninety five, six, seven, eight, and ninety nine." I counted the doors down.

When I got to Jack's room, I took in a deep breath and knocked on the door. There was no answer for a long time, and I thought that Jack must be out working or something. When I was about to turn away and leave, the door opened. An older man opened up, he was fat and greasy looking. Was this Jack? The mastermind behind this revolution?

"Jack?" I asked.

"No, who are you?" The man demanded.

"Brad sent me." I whispered.

The man's eyes widened, and then he grabbed my shirt and pulled me into the room, slamming the door behind me. When I got into the room I noticed how many people were in it. At least twenty, all crammed into this little room. They were talking to each other quietly and drawing something on a board hung on the wall. The old man brought me to them, I was very confused and pretty nervous.

"This guy right here said that Brad sent him." The old guy said.

"What the fuck Edwin!" Another man yelled in a whisper tone, "he could've been sent by Charlie! He's probably trying to catch us in the act! Get him the hell out of here!"

The old man who was named Edwin turned to me and was about to push me out when I pulled out my walkie talkie.

"Stop! Stop! I promise I'm not a spy sent by Charlie. I have proof!"

They all stopped and waited for me to show some proof. I hit the call button and the walkie talkie made the static noise again.

"Brad. I found your revolution friends. They think I'm a spy, get on the mic and tell them I'm not."

There was a slight pause, but then he picked up.

"Guys, it's me, Brad. Trust this guy, I sent him to you."

The guys looked around in confusion at each other. They weren't sure what to do. I pressed on the call button so Brad could hear them.

"How do we know that's actually Brad? Could be someone hired by Charlie, this whole thing is fishy." A man argued.

"Nope, that's him alright." Said a voice in the crowd.

A man stepped out and snatched the walkie talkie from my hand. He was lanky and clumsy looking.

"Brad? That really you?" He asked.

"Yeah, who is this?"

"Max, remember me?"

"Oh yeah! I remember you. So do you guys believe me now?" Brad asked.

Max handed the walkie talkie back to me and looked me in the eyes, his eyes were hard to look back at, they were so sad and broken looking.

"What's your name?" Max asked me.

"Ned." I responded in a shakey voice.

"Ned," he repeated, "alright Ned. I trust you, and I think everyone else here ought to. That was Brad on the walkie talkie. I recognized his voice."

Everyone in the room seemed to ease down a little bit, and I got myself to calm down too.

"So Ned, what do you want from us?" Edwin asked.

"I'm looking for Jack. Brad told me to find him."

"He's been taken by Lockwood. He's in the cellar with Jeff we presume." A soldier said.

"Jeff is dead, I saw the movie." I said with sadness.

"No, he's not." Another man stepped forth.

"My name is Colin," he said, "I was one of Charlie's new managers. I'm not anymore, I couldn't take the stress any longer. The things he had me do were awful. Charlie wanted me to find a Jeff lookalike, and shoot him on video."

"Why would he do that?" I asked.

"I honestly don't know. People were getting upset with him because he hadn't dealt with Jeff yet, so he lied to them about it. I don't know why he just didn't kill Jeff. There must be some sick reasoning behind it."

"You guys sure you can trust Colin?" I asked, "I mean, he is one of Charlie's managers."

"Ex manager," Colin defended, "they trusted me because I told them the story of the Jeff lookalike. Why would I tell them such confidential information if I was just a spy? I want to help."

"Fair enough," I moved on, "now I think it's about time I tell you guys why I'm here. Brad wants to help in the rebellion. He wants to break Jeff out, because he is a friend. I am Jeff's friend too, and I've come to help. Brad obviously can't show his face here, but since Lockwood doesn't know who I am, I was easily able to get in here."

"Good, I'm glad we're getting more people on board with this," Edwin said, "I think you've come at the perfect moment too, because we might have a plan to get both Jack and Jeff out of that basement, while in the process exposing Charlie for who he really is."

"What's the plan?"

"We're going to sneak a microphone down there, and get it linked up with the PA system Charlie has on all of the floors. Charlie likes to go down to the cellar to taunt Jeff. If we can get a microphone on Jeff, it'll expose Charlie for who he really is. It'll make our rebellion even easier."

"Where are you guys going to get a mic?" I asked.

"That's the problem, we don't know how we're going to do it. With Colin on our side now, we have access to a lot of rooms including the broadcasting room Charlie uses to make announcements. Colin has a key card to every room. We just don't know how to get the microphones linked up."

"Actually," I said, "we might not even need to do that, do you guys have another walkie talkie lying around somewhere?"

The soldiers looked around, and one of them pulled one from their belt and handed it to me. I held both walkie talkies in my hands.

"I think I know where this is going." Max said.

"One walkie talkie can go to the broadcasting station, one can go to Jeff. We turn on the microphone for the PA system and get Jeff to hold the call button to the other walkie talkie. Next time Charlie comes down to taunt him, it'll play through the other walkie talkie, where the microphone will pick up on it, broadcasting it to the entire building.

The soldiers looked around at each other, all chatting to each other about the idea, the room was getting too loud.

"Silence everybody!" Edwin raised his voice, "I think that's a great idea. That could very much work. Thank you Ned."

"I can get into the broadcasting room and place the walkie talkie in there, then I can get someone into the basement to hand the walkie talkie to Jeff. Then all we have to do is wait." Colin said.

"Is that plan a go? Do we all agree on it? If there are any objections, please say so now." Edwin said.

There were no objections. Nobody said anything, everybody seemed to like the plan. Hopefully it works, this could either go really good, or really bad.

"Oh, and one more thing," he said, "when the rebellion kicks off, take off your uniforms and use normal clothing. We want people to know who's side we're on. Keep the chest armour though, it might save your life."

I called up Brad and told him the whole plan while Edwin and the others finalized the plan. He seemed to like the idea, I told him that I wouldn't be talking with him anymore, because I needed to channel the walkie talkie to the other one in order to expose Charlie. Brad told me that Ryder and him were going to come to Lockwood to help with the fight once the rebellion broke out. Once Jeff has exposed Charlie, I'll tell him to switch to Brad's channel and let him know it's been done. That will signal them to come and help. I said my goodbyes to Brad, and I channelled the walkie talkie to the other walkie talkie.

"Alright everyone," Edwin said, "here's what's going to happen. Tonight, Colin takes Ned down to the cellar and he is going to unlock it for him. From there, Ned is going to hand the radio to Jeff. Then he waits, after that's done, Colin is going to go up to the broadcasting room and set the walkie talkie next to the microphone and ready it. Then, I'll tell Charlie that Jeff is getting restless, Charlie will want to go down to the basement to taunt him some more. That's when Colin turns the microphone on."

Everyone nodded their heads in approval. I think this plan was actually going to work. I prayed it was going to work. This was our one and only shot. If we screw this up, it's over. We cannot let this operation be exposed. Tonight, Charlie goes down.

(Brad)

I was sitting on a log, feeding Doug some scrap parts of the squirrel I didn't eat, when Ryder came up to me.

"Alright my dude," Ryder said, "when are we gonna get to break into Lockwood and kick some ass?"

"When we get the signal." I said.

"What signal?"

"Don't you ever listen? Ned told me over the walkie talkie that once the rebellion breaks out, we head in to help. The signal, is going to be a call on this walkie talkie."

"Sweet. Can't wait to finally go into Lockwood, they never let me in." He said.

"Yeah I wonder."

"Do you think I'll get to see Charlie again? I really need to catch up with him."

"I don't know Ryder, Charlie likes to hide out in his top floor. I don't know if you'll see him."

"Well I wanna be the one to shoot him!" Ryder said enthusiastically.

"A lot of people wanna shoot him," I said, "I guess it'll come down to who's the better shot."

"Maybe I can snipe his ass right from his top floor. That could work."

"Keep dreaming," I said, "in the meantime, start cleaning your shitty rifle. We gotta get ready."

(Jeff)

"Dad," Kayla said to me, "I'm thirsty. I haven't had water since yesterday."

"I know Kayla, I know. I'm sure water will come soon." I said, trying to make her feel better.

The truth was, I didn't know when water would be coming. Charlie liked seeing us suffer, so it could be much longer until we get water. That sick bastard, what does he get from watching a child like Kayla suffer? It's awful. He has my wife upstairs with him, doing God knows what to her. I'm scared. I'm angry. I'm sad. I'm a mix of emotions, I barely know what to feel anymore. After all I've been through, I'm going to die down here like a coward. I should have died fighting Lockwood back at the mansion, it would have been a much more honourable death. And for Kayla, I don't know about her. I don't want to wish death upon her, but I don't want to see her suffer anymore. Maybe it would've been better if she had just... died.

I started tearing up, but the darkness shrouded it. Nobody could see me tearing up, I sniffled, the coughed to make it look like I had allergies.

"Don't lose faith kid," Jack said to Kayla, "people are coming down to rescue us, you can bet your ass. My rebellion is not gonna stop now."

"I hope so." Kayla said quietly.

As soon as Jack said that, the door creaked open and light poured in. I sighed, it was another one of Charlie's taunting sessions. I prepared myself for this, whenever he did this it infuriated me so much. This time I might just attack him, I've given up, I have nothing to lose. Samantha. I still have her, and Kayla too. If I hit Charlie I'll only be harming them. I don't want either of them to go through anymore suffering. I need to contain myself, for them. Two people started walking down the stairs. I saw two pairs of boots coming down the stairs. Did Charlie bring a friend? Or is it some soldiers coming down to execute another one of us? Charlie didn't wear boots, so I know it wasn't him. Once the two men got down the stairs, I noticed one right away. The same man who came in here to execute Trent. Oh no, was he back for more? The other man, I couldn't see well in the darkness. His face was looking the other way, but when he turned to face me, I recognized him instantly. Ned.

"Ned?" I asked.

Ned ran up to me and knelt down beside me.

"Oh thank God, thank God you're alive." He said, giving me a hug.

"What're you doing down here?"

"I'm here to get you out. I've joined the rebellion."

"What about that guy?" I pointed to the soldier.

"He's Colin. He was one of Charlie's managers, but he's joined our side. He can't take the pressure anymore."

"He's the one who shot Trent."

Colin looked down in shame. He should, he killed an innocent man.

"Charlie ordered me to do that, I'm sorry," Colin started, "he ordered me to kill a Jeff lookalike. Then he showed the video to the rest of Lockwood, they all think you're dead."

"Why would he do that?" I asked.

"I think he likes torturing you Jeff, he doesn't want you dead. He's a sick freak."

That made sense, why else would he be keeping us down here? He liked it.

"So here's the plan," Ned said, "I'm going to give you this walkie talkie. You are going to hide it, and hold the call button next time Charlie comes down here. You need to get him to confess to everything he's done. That walkie talkie will be hooked up to the PA system, it will broadcast everything he says. Then we will kick off our revolution."

"Alright, I'll do that." I said.

"Then, switch the channel to this number. Brad is on it, tell him the mission is a go." Ned handed me a paper with numbers scribbled on it.

"Thank you Ned." I said.

"Don't mention it. We're getting you out of here, tonight. We'll make sure Charlie comes down tonight. Until then, good luck buddy."

Ned and Colin left the room and closed the door behind them, leaving us in complete darkness again. I had a hard time seeing the numbers he wrote down for me, but if I shone the walkie talking light on it, I could see them. Jack started chuckling.

"See kid?" He said, "I told you."

(Colin)

The first part of the mission went smoothly. Now for the harder part. I needed to sneak up to the broadcasting station, which was right next to Charlie's suite. I'm a manager, so the guards on Charlie's floor should let me through with ease. I haven't been compromised as far as I know, so this whole mission should be a breeze as long as I act natural. I had the second walkie talkie in my hand, and I got into the elevator with Ned. He would stop off at the second floor and head back to room 97 to await for the signal. The rest of the mission was now up to me.

I took the elevator to the twelfth floor. In the hallway before Charlie's suite, is where the broadcasting station is. Charlie lets very few people in there with the exception of the managers. I should be able to get in there pretty easily. I don't think Charlie suspects me yet, I haven't done anything drastic, and I've played it cool this far. As I walked by the soldiers, I got nervous. I doubt they suspected me of anything but my nerves made me think otherwise. They did look intimidating, they had big assault rifles in their hands, staring at me. These soldiers were better equipped than the regular ones. Their armour was tougher looking. They had to protect the King, after all.

The broadcasting station's door was to my right. I turned and used my key card to get in. This mission was so dangerous. I talked myself through it in my head. Okay, all I had to do was set the walkie talkie up by the radio mic and leave. That simple. Then someone was going to get Charlie to go down to the basement. I closed the broadcasting station door behind me and took a few deep breaths. I looked around the room, I've only been in here once before. That was when Charlie showed me around when I was first becoming manager. I clutched the walkie talkie in my hand and walked towards the desk where all of the equipment was. I spotted the radio and the mic sitting in the centre of the table. I looked at it and remembered how it all worked. All I needed to do was press the intercom button and it should broadcast everything. Edwin should be getting Charlie downstairs now, if everything is timed right this will hopefully go smoothly.

I set up the walkie talkie and called Jeff just to make sure he was ready.

"Jeff?" I asked, "do you hear me?"

There was a pause.

"Yes I do. I haven't seen Charlie yet. What do I do?"

"Just hold tight. Edwin should be getting him to come down soon. I'm in the broadcasting station, the plan has worked well so far."

"Good. I'll let-"

"Hello?" I asked.

"Shit, Charlie's here. Set up the walkie talkie now!"

My heart raced. I didn't have much time. Luckily the process wasn't rocket science. I fumbled with the walkie talkie in my hands, then positioned it right next to the microphone. I pushed the intercom button and waiting, terrified.

(Jeff)

There were footsteps down the stairs. The lights turned on and blinded me for a few seconds. I had the walkie talkie hidden under my leg. I had my hand on the walkie talkie, preparing to hold the call button. Charlie made a huge mistake in letting me have one hand free. I recognized it was Charlie by his shoes, cane, and the funny way he walked after being shot in the back. He limped, making his steps inconsistent and sloppy looking. He made it to the bottom, and everyone was tense. Nobody said a word, they all knew this moment determined if we made it out or died in here. I could hear my heart beating as Charlie walked over to me, scowl on his face. My heartbeat acted like a soundtrack for Charlie almost, a sinister beat as he walked towards me.

He set his cane down and kneeled beside me. He then grabbed me by the neck. I pressed the call button.

"I've heard you've been acting up, you ungrateful piece of shit." He said.

"Maybe I have." I said.

"Jeff Jones," Charlie said, "you're lucky I've spared you this long. You know why I had that man killed down here? He looked like you. The people of Lockwood wanted you dead. I don't. It's fun to watch you suffer. You don't deserve death yet."

"Why do you do these things Charlie?" I asked.

Charlie laughed.

"Jeff you of all people should know, it's because I can. It's as simple as that. I am the most powerful man in the world. I have an army at my fingertips. Kingston is mine. Nobody can stop me from having fun."

"Why'd you kill those people on the fourth floor! You said you wouldn't!" Jack yelled from across the room.

"Shut up! I'm not talking to you, scum. I'll get to you later."

"Why'd you do it?" I asked.

"Because I can!" He screamed in my face.

"Most of the people here are scum! They come in here looking for free handouts. Their lives don't matter!"

"Where is my mom!" Kayla screamed.

"She's safe with me, don't worry sweetie. Do you want to come upstairs with me too?"

"Don't touch her!" I yelled at him.

He punched me in the face.

"You have no right to be speaking to me like that. I am your leader Jeff. You listen to me."

"No you're not. You're an evil piece of shit, who's lied to his people for far too long!"

He grabbed his cane and smacked me over the top of the head. I grunted in pain and Kayla screamed.

"No! Leave my dad alone!"

He hit me again, and I let go of the call button. I couldn't hold it any longer. He was about to smack again, when he spotted something by my leg. He dropped the cane.

"What is this?" He picked up the walkie talkie by my leg.

Blood was covering my eyes, it was flowing fast. He really hit me hard, I had a hard time focusing on him.

"What is this?" He screamed at me.

"You idiot," I said, "you just confessed all of your crimes to the entire building."

I watched as Charlie truly looked scared for the first time. I've never seen him like this. He's always been in power, always on top. Now that he's not, he is truly terrified. I watched as the colour from his face turned from a peachy colour to a pale white. His eyes locked onto me, his eyes looked like they were pleading for help. He screamed and stood up, throwing the walkie talkie against the wall and smashing it into hundreds of pieces. The basement door flung open and a bunch of armed guards came down to escort Charlie to safety. He looked me in the eyes one last time, and the look on his face was what true terror looked like.