Chapter 24: The Mask Slips
The next morning in the West Tribes’ main underground city. Demadrian, Flint, Shamia, and Frank, the senior technician dressed in red, were having breakfast on the viewing deck.
‘Great!’ said Flint. ‘My brother responded. He said I could call him in ten minutes.’
‘Wow!’ chuckled Demadrian. ‘He has so much respect for you. What’s it been? Fifteen hours to respond to your urgent message.’
‘I know; that’s great,’ said Shamia enthusiastically. ‘He rarely responds to me at all.’
‘Such a disappointment,’ sighed Demadrian.
‘Hey, Frank,’ said Shamia. ‘Do you think it’s possible to put back this morning’s performance until after the call? I want Flint and Demadrian to enjoy it.’
‘Sorry, not possible,’ replied Frank as he casually sucked on a straw inserted into a juice packet. ‘Technicians are on time every time.’
‘Yes, you’re absolutely right,’ said Shamia. ‘I was just testing your commitment to your work. Discipline is the backbone of my city.’
‘I bet you do whatever you like,’ chuckled Demadrian as he looked at Frank. ‘Then she just pretends that’s what she wanted you to do all the time.’
Frank leaned forward and smiled at Demadrian.
‘Oh, a joke about my leadership,’ giggled Shamia nervously.
‘What leadership?’ asked Demadrian, looking from side to side.
‘Oh sure,’ said Shamia as she got up. 'I had better leave you to your call. Come on, Frank.’
Frank grabbed two buns from the table. He smiled at Demadrian and then ran after Shamia.
Flint sighed and opened his laptop. Demadrian sat on the other side of the table so that he was out of sight.
Miro entered the call.
‘Hello, brother,’ said Miro in a chirpy tone. ‘I received your message. I’m so sorry I haven’t congratulated you on your great victory over the evil terrorist cultists.’
‘There was no great victory,’ sighed Flint. ‘Everything is a lie.’
‘Brother, you’re too harsh on yourself,’ said Miro. ‘You made me and the Emperor very proud. I know you’ll be rewarded with the leadership of the West Tribes soon.’
‘The cult tribe have never attacked anyone,’ said Flint. ‘You made the whole thing up to scare and gain power over all the tribes. I can’t be a party to this anymore.’
‘Don’t listen to Shamia,’ said Miro in a slightly worried tone. ‘She’ll do anything to stay in power. Her loyalty is fake. She’s fake.’
‘It’s nothing to do with her,’ replied Flint. ‘Demadrian’s here.’
‘He’s very dangerous,’ said Miro. ‘I hope you’ve had him arrested.’
‘No, I haven’t!’ replied Flint firmly. ‘Just like the cult members, I don’t believe he’s committed any crimes. The real criminal is your fake Emperor.’
‘Please, don’t,’ said Miro, sounding sad.
‘He’s not Hamish Alset,’ said Flint. ‘He’s Tiberius. He’s the evil governor who tried to wipe out our family a thousand years ago.’
‘Demadrian told you these lies,’ said Miro. ‘He’s power-crazy. He’ll say anything.’
‘I believe him,’ said Flint softly.
‘Our other ancestors are here,’ said Miro, sounding frantic. ‘They’ve had their memories restored. None of them are saying he’s fake. They all know he’s Hamish Alset. There’s no logic to Demadrian’s lies.’
‘They don’t recognise him because his cyborg and her AI program manipulated their memories and have partial control over them,’ interrupted Demadrian as he walked behind Flint so he could be seen on screen. ‘I know this because the cyborg put a chip in my head.’
‘Well, if that’s the case, the Emperor would be controlling you, and we wouldn’t have this problem,’ chuckled Miro, thinking he had Demadrian figured out.
‘My brain is a little different,’ replied Demadrian smugly. ‘I can’t be controlled by an AI program. She, Jennifer, is little more than an annoying voice in my head.’
‘Please, brother!’ pleaded Miro. ‘Don’t listen to him. Don’t force me to choose between you and the Emperor.’
‘Surely, you can see the evil in him,’ said Flint.
‘I see a great leader who truly cares about our family and the Empire he’s building,’ said Miro softly.
‘Then, you’re a damn fool,’ said Demadrian angrily.
‘I’m sorry, Miro,’ said Flint. ‘I can’t support the brutality nor this fraud of an Emperor.’
‘Then, we’re done,’ replied Miro angrily. Then he ended the call.
Flint put his face into his hands and began to sob.
‘I know that was difficult,’ said Demadrian as he patted Flint on the shoulder.
‘Quick, you haven’t missed it,’ said Shamia as she rushed in. ‘Frank had a wardrobe malfunction and had to change to his green outfit.’
‘I’m sorry I was rude,’ said Demadrian as he looked over at Shamia. ‘I’m your guest. You’ve treated me well, and I should have behaved better.’
‘Hey, no problem,’ replied Shamia. ‘Now quick, over to railings.’
Flint and Demadrian walked over and joined Shamia just as the comical music began to blare out.
Meanwhile, in the Downs Region. Duffo, Hermon, Lendall and Louis were sitting in the hotel lounge. They were drinking mixed fruit juices out of giant novelty coconuts.
‘This fruit juice is the best I’ve ever had,’ said Hermon as he tilted his head back. ‘That’s coming from a true juice connoisseur.’
‘The papaya is the difference maker,’ said Louis, nodding his head.
Eugene, Colin, and Henders entered the lounge.
‘Hey, the gangs here!’ called out Duffo. ‘Get these three legends a coconut.’
‘Hello, friends,’ said Colin. ‘I had a feeling you’d be here.’
‘Eugene,’ said Duffo as the three of them sat down. ‘I never understood why you turned the nicest hotel in Sapey into a prison.’
‘The only secure building suited for the G.O.A.T., friend,’ replied Eugene.
‘I really benefited from it,’ chuckled Louis. ‘Maybe acting suspicious does pay after all.’
Both Louis and Eugene leaned forward and started staring intensely at each other.
Then Louis started laughing. Eugene stared for a few seconds longer and then began laughing.
‘Glad you guys decided to take the day off and join us,’ said Hermon as the waiter placed three more coconuts on the table.
‘A Head Enforcer’s job is never done, friend,’ said Eugene as he turned to Hermon. ‘I’m here on official business. I need to know what’s happening in the camps and construction sites. I’ve heard nothing from Freddy since he left.’
‘He came to us first, but we’ve heard nothing either,’ added Colin. ‘I was hoping one of you might have news.’
‘Miro is in charge of communication with the camps,’ said Duffo. ‘He was supposed to join us, but apparently he had work to do.’
‘There’s something suspicious about him,’ replied Eugene.
‘The guy’s so hideous they wouldn’t even cast him in a horror movie,’ chuckled Hermon as he looked around the table excitedly. ‘A decaying zombie would look attractive by comparison.’
Lendall stared at Hermon while shaking his head.
‘I actually have some good news,’ said Duffo with a slight smile. He was still thinking about Hermon’s comment. ‘We have received some raw video footage of what’s happening in the camp. Your brother Freddy is even interviewed.’
‘Great, I need to hear him,’ said Eugene as he gestured to Duffo with his fingers.
‘It’s all a little messy,’ said Duffo. ‘Therefore, I’m going to get Miro to hand over the video files to our Head Communications Office.’
‘That’s me!’ said Louis, waving his hands. ‘I’ll make it into a cool video, and we can show it to everyone in the Downs Region on the big screen in the town square.’
‘Thanks, friend,’ said Eugene as he grinned at Louis.
Ten minutes later, Eugene exited the hotel. Yassme was waiting outside.
‘What did they say?’ said Yassme in an anxious tone. ‘I bet they made up some excuse.’
‘I can’t speak to Freddy directly yet,’ replied Eugene. ‘They have recorded an interview of him. Louis is going to play it on the big screen.’
‘Sounds suspicious,’ said Yassme as she leaned towards Eugene.
‘It does, but I trust Louis now,’ replied Eugene as he leaned towards Yassme and smiled. ‘He’s opened his heart to the spirit of Downs.’
‘Admit it!’ said Yassme. ‘You were wrong about him.’
‘When you become an expert sleuther, you’ll learn that there are many false leads,’ said Eugene as he raised his finger. ‘However, we must follow each one as if it’s the real deal, friend.’
Yassme looked at Eugene and giggled as the two of them walked off together.
Meanwhile, Tiberius, who was accompanied by four of his imperial guards, had arrived at the school. He wanted to learn more about the Downs children. Sophie was currently in charge of these children. She met him at the entrance of the school.
‘Good morning, Your Imperial Majesty,’ said Sophie as she curtsied. ‘Welcome to our school.’
‘Good education will be the bedrock of our new Empire,’ said Tiberius. ‘These children are our future leaders and heroes. It is critical to give them the tools to truly thrive.’
‘All the children in our school were born after the collapse of Sapey,’ said Sophie. ‘They’re healthy and strong. We see them as our little miracles.’
‘Your views are very touching,’ said Tiberius. ‘May I see these little miracles?’
‘Oh yes,’ said Sophie. ‘Follow me.’
‘Stay here,’ said Tiberius to his imperial guards. ‘I don’t want you making the children nervous.’
The guards nodded.
Sophie led Tiberius into a room where around two dozen children were sitting at little desks. They were painting pictures.
‘These are our little artists,’ said Sophie as she gestured towards the children.
‘You see artists, but I see something more,’ said Tiberius, smiling. ‘I see disciplined warriors of the future.’
Sophie had a surprised look on her face.
‘Lesser children would have run around like crazy Sapes,’ said Tiberius, nodding his head. ‘These children take an instruction and follow through with it, no questions asked.’
‘They are very well behaved,’ said Sophie, scratching her head.
‘You’ve done a great job so far,’ said Tiberius. ‘Discipline is a key part of the foundations of a great education. But you need to go further.’
‘Well, we teach singing, creative writing, and simple arithmetic,’ said Sophie as she smiled at the children.
‘That’s very good, but have you taught them how to fight?’ asked Tiberius in a sterner tone.
‘When you say fight, do you mean standing up for what we believe in?’ said Sophie in a slightly concerned tone.
‘Well, of course,’ sighed Tiberius. ‘But that’s not what I’m talking about now. I mean physical fighting.’
‘Oh no, absolutely not!’ said Sophie, sounding alarmed.
‘Our young Empire faces many dangers,’ said Tiberius firmly. ‘They are both internal and external. Our future generations must have the necessary skills and grit to fight to defend the Empire and our way of life.’
‘I could get my son Eugene to teach them self-defence,’ said Sophie, trying to sound optimistic.
‘Please, in a work environment he should only be referred to as Head Enforcer,’ said Tiberius.
‘Oh yes, I’m sorry,’ said Sophie, bowing her head.
‘I feel my imperial guards would be more suited to providing this training,’ said Tiberius as he walked between the desks.
I can accommodate that for you, Your Imperial Majesty,’ replied Sophie nervously.
You and you stand up!’ said Tiberius in a raised voice as he looked at two children.
The two children quickly stood up.
‘Obeying orders – that’s a good start,’ said Tiberius as he smiled at the little girl who stood up. ‘Now I want you to hit him,’ he added as he glanced at the little boy who stood up with her.
The little girl lightly poked the little boy in the shoulder, and the little boy giggled.
‘No, that’s no good,’ said Tiberius. ‘You need to clench your fist and then bash him on the nose.’
‘I don’t want to hurt him,’ said the little girl as she looked at the little boy.
‘You wouldn’t be hurting him,’ said Tiberius. ‘You’d be making him stronger. You’d be…’
Tiberius paused as he thought he saw NB14572 out of the corner of his eye. He looked in that direction, but she was gone.
Tiberius sighed, and then he turned to the little boy. He was about to speak when he saw NB14564 sitting at the back of the classroom. Tiberius made sure not to take his eyes off NB14564.
‘You think this is funny, do you?’ asked Tiberius aggressively as he approached NB14564, who looked visibly afraid. ‘Have you seen him before?’ demanded Tiberius as he turned to Sophie.
‘Yes, he’s Gaston,’ said Sophie, sounding scared.
Tiberius turned to look at the boy, who had now shapeshifted into a different boy.
’I’ve got you now!’ shouted Tiberius as he yanked Gaston out of his chair.
‘I’m so sorry,’ babbled Gaston.
‘I told you never again!’ shouted a voice inside Tiberius’ head.
‘Stop it!’ shouted Tiberius. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw NB14572 standing on the other side of the classroom.
Tiberius released Gaston. He stared at NB14572, and then he stormed out of the classroom. Sophie rushed over to Gaston, who was crying.
Tiberius ran across the road. Then, he stopped to regain his breath. After a few seconds, he looked up. He saw Polly on the other side of the road standing in front of the school. He looked to his right. His imperial guards were walking causally towards him.
‘Arrest her!’ gasped Tiberius as he pointed across the road, but there was nobody there.
‘Would you like us to escort you back to the hotel, Your Imperial Majesty?’ asked one of the imperial guards.
‘Yes, do that,’ said Tiberius as he stared at the school. ‘I need a drink.’
Ten minutes later, Tiberius and his four guards arrived at the hotel. They walked into the lounge where Duffo, Hermon, Lendall and Louis were enjoying another mixed fruit juice. Miro had just joined them.
The four of them stood up as Tiberius approached. ‘As you are,’ said Tiberius as he sat down at the table with them. His four guards stood behind him.
‘How may we help you, Your Imperial Majesty?’ said Miro, nodding.
‘Another attempt has been made on my life,’ sighed Tiberius. ‘It was at the school.’
‘I’m so sorry,’ said Lendall. ‘I didn’t imagine anyone would stoop that low.’
‘You’re the head of security!’ said Duffo angrily as he stared at Lendall. ‘Do your damn job.’
‘No,’ said Tiberius. ‘It’s as much my fault as anyone else’s. I’ve allowed my kindness to be exploited.’
‘Get the Emperor a dragon fruit and lemon slushy immediately!’ shouted Duffo at a waiter walking nearby.
‘We are surrounded by enemies, and they grow bolder by the day,’ said Tiberius as he looked around the table. ‘Demadrian is plotting his next move. L1 lurks in the shadows. Orcilla and the cult brazenly attacked the brother of my Imperial Advisor.’
‘I’m afraid I have more bad news,’ said Miro. ‘My brother no longer stands with us. He’s with Demadrian.’
Tiberius sighed and shook his head. The waiter placed the slushy in front of Tiberius. Tiberius nodded in acknowledgement.
‘I don’t mean to pile on,’ said Lendall. ‘But our beloved baker and your loyal advisor, Julie, has gone missing.’
‘I think it’s obvious what’s happened here,’ added Hermon. ‘She’s been kidnapped, forcefully taken against her will. Anyone of us could be next.’
‘As Emperor of Sapey, I cannot allow my loyal friends to suffer!’ said Tiberius as he slammed his fist down hard on the table. ‘I want the number of enforcers in the Downs Region tripled. I want a huge army that will destroy the cult and all our other enemies. Every one of them must die.’
‘My brother?’ asked Miro.
‘You said he’s a traitor,’ said Tiberius as he looked at Miro. ‘How do you think a traitor who threatens my life should be treated?’
‘He should be killed, Your Imperial Majesty,’ replied Miro in an angry tone.
‘He should be captured alive, and you should do the honours of executing him,’ said Duffo as he smiled at Miro.
‘We’re trying to draw the cult out,’ said Miro. ‘Cecil and the enforcers are burning the bodies of their dead. The High Philosopher will see this as a huge insult. He’ll respond in rage, and your army will finish them off.
‘That’s if he’s still running the show,’ said Tiberius as he picked up his drink. ‘We can’t underestimate the influence of Orcilla. I doubt she would foolishly lash out because of disrespected burial rights. I suggest we make things a little more personal.’
‘Take your pick?’ chuckled Duffo. ‘Her two best friends, her husband, and her sister are still in the Downs Region.’
‘Kill one of them and imprison the other three,’ replied Tiberius. ‘Send the head to the cult city and let them know the other three will die soon. She might act out of vengeance, fear, or desperation. It doesn’t really matter.’
Everyone around the table was silent and a little shocked by Tiberius’ words. Tiberius immediately sensed this feeling.
‘Taking such brutal action breaks my heart,’ said Tiberius as he lowered his head. ‘Doing what’s best for the Empire comes with great sacrifice – physical and emotional.’
‘No, this is wrong,’ said Lendall. ‘We’re better…’ Then he clutched his head in pain.
‘If you can’t handle the stress, you should move over and let someone else take over,’ said Duffo angrily as he looked at Lendall, who continued to clutch his head in pain.
‘Let’s not be too harsh on him,’ said Tiberius as he lowered his head to take a closer look at Lendall’s face. ‘Running an Empire is not for everyone.’
‘I’ll take him back to the apartment,’ said Hermon as he helped Lendall up.
Louis was about to get up and leave as well, but Miro stopped him.
‘I have the video footage from the West Camp and construction site,’ said Miro. ‘I want you to make it into one of your wonderful videos.’
‘At last, a bit of good news,’ interrupted Tiberius. ‘I want the final video ready for my address to the region, which is tomorrow evening.’
‘Sure, no problem,’ replied Louis. ‘I just need to…’
‘Marvellous!’ said Tiberius. ‘If you need any equipment just ask one of the enforcers. I feel it might be safer for you to stay in the hotel.’
‘Yes, of course,’ replied Louis in a nervous tone.
‘Don’t worry,’ whispered a voice in Louis’ ear. ‘I’ll sort this out.’
Sapien Loop: Worlds Collide
Sapien Loop: Worlds Collide is the final book in the Sapien Loop trilogy. It continues directly after the events of the second book. The world above and the world below merge into one world. The conflicts in the underground world are brought to the surface. The new ruling elite attempt to crush any resistance from above and below in an attempt to create a new global empire.
Currently, three books from the series have been published on Amazon; see the links below:
All individual chapters can be found on my 