I’m a bit late,
but that can’t be helped. At least I don’t have to worry about waiting for
anybody.
After the
third checkpoint IDs me and scans me into the system, I finally make it into
the prison.
There is a
large crowd waiting outside the prison, carrying either a microphone or news
camera depending on their status as a reporter or cameraman.
At the front of
the crowd is Chief Officer Treves, the man in charge of Blackguard Prison. Two prison
officers flank him.
I bring their
files up on my HUD and take in the gist of their service. Treves’ has a good
record even he does have a disdain for superhumans. One of the reasons he
wanted to work at Blackguard it seems. The officer on his left side has a
rather bland record.
The officer on
Treves’ right is a different matter. Glenn Bateson is one of the few superhuman
guards at Blackguard and to say he has a less than stellar record would be an
understatement.
Officer
Bateson is Class 3 superhuman with some pretty strong magnetism and darkness
generation abilities. In fact, the only reason he hasn’t been kicked off the
force is due to the fact he is one of the rare people with superpowers.
I’m not
actually sure how someone like Bateson was assign to guard Blackguard. Perhaps
he volunteered or it was some sort of punishment. Either way, Bateson bears
watching.
“Ah Sentinel,”
says Treves as he spots me, “How nice of you to finally join us.”
“Sorry I’m a
couple minutes late,” I apologise, “I had some personal business to take care
of.”
Frankly, I
care a lot more about Judy than I do about the press. I know which ones I would
rather annoy.
“We have been
waiting at least ten minutes,” disagrees Treves as I reach the group.
“ Then you all
got here early because we only supposed to get started two, now three minutes
ago,” I retort, “Speaking of that, we should get started.”
Treves snorts
before he starts speaking to the gathered press.
“Welcome to
Blackguard Prison,” says Treves, “The country’s superhuman and equivalent
containment facility. Today we will be giving you a live tour on the behalf of
Prime Minister Allan Morse so prove how we are able to keep our country safe
from superhuman threats.”
He pauses for
dramatic effect before continuing.
“We will show
you and your viewers the different facilities, explain our procedures and
answer any questions,” continues Treves, “We also have the Sentinel from the
League of Heroes to provide his perspective on matters. Now, let’s get
started.”
As much as
Treves seems to dislike me and I distrust Bateson, I do have to admit I am intrigued
at the idea of going on a tour around Blackguard Prison. To be honest, this is
actually my first time here.
Thanks to
efforts of my granddad as he was the one that created Blackguard in the first
place, Blackguard is the third most secure superhuman prison in the world.
I am also
pleased to note that Blackguard also has second highest successful rehabilitation
rate in the world with one in seven of its prisoners being productive members
of society.
The tour goes well
for the first twenty minutes or so as Treves shows us the different security
systems and procedures. I do have to admit they are pretty good. Nothing short
of an inside job and a full scale break in or out could overwhelm the prison
security.
“Hey
Sentinel,” says Bateson to me as we both hang back, “Nice to meet you.”
Something
about him just rubs me the wrong way, especially given his record. Don’t judge
me, but this isn’t a comic book and folks like Bateson don’t end up as a jerk
with a heart of gold.
I wouldn’t be
surprised if Bateson ends up inside one of Blackguard’s cells instead of just
guarding them.
“Hello to you
too,” I reply in a pleasant voice that completely disguises my true feelings
about him.
Yeah, I’m an
excellent liar and deceiver and while there might been considered a bad trait
for superhero by many out there, it is also absolutely necessary for someone
with a secret identity.
“This must
seem pretty boring with all the stuff you usually do,” says Bateson casually.
“Not for me,”
I reply, “For some of the other Leaguers sure, but I enjoy learning things like
this. Finding out more about Blackguard in person was actually one of the main
reasons I volunteered to do this.”
“You'll like
this next part then,” says Bateson with a grin that puts me on edge.
Why do I get
the feeling that means more than what it sounds like?
Treves leads the
group into the prisoner recreational room.
“This is the
room is where our inmates are allowed to relax at certain periods depending on
their behaviour,” says Treves.
Even for a
prison recreational room, the place seems pretty barren. But I’ll bet you ten
quid that someone will complain about it being too much in three, two, one...
“Should these
dangerous people really be allowed these luxuries?” demands one of the
reporters.
Once again,
the reporters have lived up to my low standards of them. Time to step in.
“Actually,” I
begin, “A common misconception is that all of the criminals here are the worst
of the worst. In reality, only a minority of these prisoners would be in
maximum security. Many of them would be normal prison if it wasn’t for the fact
their abilities made it possible too danger-”
I am cut off
mid-speech as something large and heavy flies into me.
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