It was another day for Lero Bentom, as the prison alarm rang about. As the guards made their rounds, Lero quickly made up his small cell bed, before going through the opened cell doors. Only a few days ago was he actually being controlled by someone else, a complete loss of self-control. That terrified him, even though the man continued to follow back with Thoam and continued to go on with it. If it was going to get him out of this situation, then so be it.
As roll-call went on and finished, Lero finally had the ability to go get some breakfast and prepare for a day's worth of work. Even though life here was already bad enough and so there was no need to work, they were starting some type of new system, as the prisoners were beginning to be forced to obtain iron from a nearby mine. Obviously, there was no sign of escape but there was nevertheless a chance from the drive itself and back.
Grabbing the tuna sandwich, Lero made his way to the usual spot he ate at, with Thoam already there, although looking rather gloomy. Even most of the prisoners weren't as loud as usual, which made the situation more strange and complex.
"What I bloody miss here? We all bloomin' quiet, eh?" Lero questioned the man once he sat down.
"I have some really bad news." Thoam looked at the man, "There may be a chance that I get out of the prison."
"What!" Lero roared aloud, causing everyone to stare at him. "We had a deal!"
"I know, but it comes with a cost for me. Sit back down, it's rather urgent." Thoam motioned him.
Lero huffed with rage, before forcing himself back into his seat. This old clown better have some explaining to do, and not have wasted all his time. They had been scheming for weeks, and was it all to be for nothing?
"Have you heard the news from some of the guards?"
"What news?" Lero looked around, as everyone was mostly hushed again. "What's going on?"
"It appears that Youden is preparing for a major war. And in order to do that-" Thoam took a deep pause, before continuing, "In order for him to be successful, it appears that he's building a bomb."
"So?" Lero just began to laugh as if it was a joke. "What's a regular bomb going to flippin' do? Mate, me ol' jamma could pack a stronger punch than those things."
"I have no idea what you're saying, but this bomb is different. One of the guards saw this weapon. They said that there was a bright light and destruction for several miles. This is something that even they've admitted is something they've never seen. They might be taking away the worst of the worst, or the most rebellious across all of the prisons."
"This gotta be a bloody joke, huh?" Lero started chuckling. "What bomb is going to do that?"
In that moment, Lero began to hear louder steps and turned around to see Arocut and part of his little gang with him. Not these guys again, Lero started to tense up, before they stopped a few feet from him.
"Lero right?" Arocut asked him strangely, almost in a sincere-like manner.
"Yeah, what you bloody wish for?"
"After certain events from outside the prison happened, I wish to apologize for the events that had occurred between us prior. My actions were foolish and reckless, and endangerment to all within. May you please forgive me." the lean man got to one knee onto the ground, with his gang hesitant before following his steps.
Lero was astonished, as he turned back to Thoam. All the elderly man did was nod his head, as he turned his head around. There was a long line of guards forming and reading through a checklist of some type, before looking through the crowd.
"It appears my days could be coming to an end soon." Thoam sighed, before starting to rattle off, "My time really ran out. Lero, listen to me well and carefully. This prison is so old that several doors here aren't even locked properly, meaning you could theoretically break through them with some effort. The watch time between gates is around four minutes and tw-"
"Thoam Halling, come with us!" two set of guards came to him, holding handcuffs. "Youden will end your prison sentence after your willingness to volunteer for the greater good of the nation!"
"Four minutes and twenty-one seconds! Continue making friends well and wisely, and stay aware of your surroundings! You must not give up while you'r-" Thoam began to shout aloud, before one of the guards had a gag set over his mouth.
Lero's eyes widened, as they forcefully cuffed the man and dragged him towards the exit of the prison. Holy powers, he wasn't lying at all! The man stared around, as several other people were told a similar statement and cuffed as well.
"Arocut Monag, you are neede-" another set of guards approached the man.
"No, please! I didn't want to kill those people. I don't wish to die!" Lero actually watched the man cry out, "This is madness I say, please no!"
The guards grabbed the man's side, and they quickly cuffed him. In desperation, Arocut attempted to use his power to escape their grasps, but it was to no avail. It only tightened the cuffs, and the guards beat him down too with it. There was no hope for any of them.
"My wife! No, I want to li-" Arocut cried out one last time, before he too was gagged.
No one in the cafeteria said a word, as only a few more prisoners were cuffed and forced out the prison, as the prison warden walked past them. This was pure evil, bloody powers, Lero gulped, as the warden stood at the entrance of the eating area.
"Well, well, well. It seems as if you are all aware of what's going on. The worst of you are being discarded to be used as cannon, or rather, bomb fodder for the greater good of the nation. If you're still here, be grateful you aren't the worst of the worst. Otherwise, you'll join them too. Attempting to escape will result in instant "volunteering", so pick your decision wisely. You all have five minutes to finish eating before getting our quota done for the day. Let's get to it!"
The cafeteria was silent, as Lero looked at his half-eaten sandwich. Well, it looked like things were going to get harder from here. And from what he just heard, it was either die to what sounded like one of the most bloomin' weapons of the century or wait until he passed out here. Neither option was good, but he literally was running out of options fast.