Neon Blood (Neon Helix Universe Book 3) by Nik Whittaker

Author:Nik Whittaker [Whittaker, Nik]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-20T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Forty

Xander

It hadn’t taken long for Xander to be on his way towards Blackwater Prison. The Judges wanted things done quickly.

After leaving the T.A.N.K, Duggan had already received the authorisation, and transport had been arranged to take Xander directly from the precinct to the bridge. Due to the nature of the visit, only a handful of people were told about the trip. The last thing the Judges needed was doubt on their verdicts being leaked.

Xander peered into the pods that would take him across to Blackwater island, the same pods as the ones used to transfer prisoners across the bridge, though he would be free to move around inside.

“This is a bit snug,” Xander said as he ducked into the pod. The smooth metal surface was reflecting the light outside.

“They aren’t exactly made for comfort, or civilians for that matter,” Duggan said, leaning into the pod to look around.

“Clearly. So, what happens once I get there?”

“The landing guard has been informed of your arrival. He greets the prisoners before sending them down the hatch to the actual prison.”

“The hatch?”

“Yeah, they added an anti-grav chute to deliver the prisoners into the heart of the prison. Saves having to take them along the access route and reduces the risk of escapes and the need for guards along the path down to the prison.”

“Sounds…ethical.”

“The chute was the quick fix to it when the corps cut funding. It’s safe enough, apparently” Duggan shrugged, Xander knew he had no sympathy for the incarcerated, and Xander couldn’t really say he felt any different.

“I hope I have better options?”

“Of course, the landing guard will take you to the access route entry, though it’s not been used for a while.”

“When was the last time someone actually visited the prison?” Xander asked.

“Erm, you know I really couldn’t say. The security drones have been running the place for as long as I can remember,” Duggan replied.

“What about the landing guard?”

“He’s not left the island for, what, at least twenty years,” Duggan scratched his chin, “we send him food packages and other supplies through the pods once a week.”

“You’re kidding me?”

“Nope, he was the last human guard at the prison when the drones took over. He was meant to come back across after they had a bedding-in period. Apparently, the guy decided he wanted to stay and be the last human face the prisoners saw before being locked up or something.”

“Jeez, twenty years alone on Blackwater Island, with just prisoners for company.”

“He’s got his quirks. I spoke to him, must have been a year or so back when we were sending a whole group of Sliders through. Seemed like a nice enough guy, just...different.”

A klaxon sounded, indicating the route was open for the pod to make its journey.

“That’s it, the barriers are all up, and the bridge is open,” Duggan backed out of the pod.

The bridge was protected by an electric field that ran along the metal, the voltage high enough to kill anything that touched it. Only once the power

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