Synopsis of Episode 2
Bea Smith is inducted to IGI run by Lane Hunter. Trinkle The Cat and Taryn Carlton spend one their last day together. The threat of invasion looms over Melbourne City by The Terminators, a large military force. Lane Torrens reveals his true feelings to Kerryn Walker after her ordeal at the hands of four sadistic prison guards at L6
Episode 3....Disaster....Written by Michelle Murray
SOUTHPOINT SWIMMING CENTRE: 3:30pm Early March: Neil Luxmoore drove recklessly down the road that the swimming complex was situated on. He was early, and Taryn would not be happy but there was a good reason for his earliness. He had been at IGI in the control room with Ivan Mitchell arguing with Ivan over penal politics when their warning radar - which every IG, as well as L6 had - became active. The men couldn't tell what exactlywas happenening but Luxmoore's instincts told him that something was wrong very wrong. Now nearing twenty-five to four in a balmy March afternoon he parked haphazardly ignoring the 'No Standing' sign just a little way down from opposite the admission gates. In the pool Taryn and Trinkle were having the time of their lives, unaware that Neil Luxmoore would intrude on that in a matter of seconds. Taryn Carlton took the cat in her arms, and they gazed tenderly into each other's eyes; as they had been doing from time to time in the course of the day.
Trinkle nestled his face in her shoulder "I sure am gonna miss you"
Taryn: "and I will miss you", she gently elevated his face to hers "I'll never forget you, my darling Trinkle, and I'll expect to meet all your new friends. Is that a promise?"
Trinkle (smiling widely)"You betcha!!"
'TARYN!!! TRINKLE!!!!! TARYN!!! TARYN!!!!", both looked around for the source of the sudden yelling. Trinkle's face fell when he saw Neil Luxmoore standing at the point where the the paths to the respective pools started. Taryn started to make her way to the steps of the wave pool with Trinkle cradled in her arms....
Six skyfighters, that resembled enormous spiders left an undisclosed location sevety miles away from Melbourne and soon were airborne. These aircraft were spotted on all the IG's warning Radar and at L6. The inmates at IGI at least were much better off than the free people on the mainland and were ushered inside; as were the Protectorates at L6. The people of Melbourne however had less than fifteen minutes to take shelter
LEVITICUS6: After her hours spent satisfying Lane Torrens, Kerryn returned to the animals. Trinkle's arrival had been confirmed so another bed was brought in. Little Garfield D. was horsing around, while the two black Felix's stood on their beds to gaze out the window. The cats knew very little of the situation, but enough to know this wasn't usual for The Terminators, whom they regarded as protectors. The Terminators leader, Egan, was essentially a just man but prone to irrational outbursts. He was tall, slender with short grey hair and piercing green eyes.
Felix J: "Looks like Egan's flipped his lid again"
Felix M faced the older thinner cat with a worried frown "Yeah", he agreed reluctantly. All the others were getting prepared for their showers by Kerryn. The two Felix's jumped off their beds and followed the rest down to the shower block. Garfield was still playing around. Going down the corridor Kerryn caught sight of Lane Torrens; and he of her. She purposely slowed down in the hope that he would approach her. He did so, and with a fleeting glance at the animals she allowed herself to be taken into his arms. He kissed her passionately without speaking. No words needed to be said. Her hands found his shoulders and she murmured his name over and over again. After a few moments, Torrens disengaged himself.
Torrens: "Lock the animals in early tonight, straight after their dinner. The aircraft on the radar are war planes", he hesitated wondering how much he should tell her, "they're headed for the city"
Kerryn: "Who are they?"
Torrens: "We don't know, Kerryn" Kerryn's eyes widened with a sudden realisation. Trinkle! Trinkle was still on the mainland.
Kerryn: "Oh, poor little Trinkle!" she cried. Lane didn't know how he could comfort her
Torrens: "That's taken care of. Deputy Governor Neil Luxmoore from IG1 is picking Trinkle up. He'll be here with the cat within the hour. You'll be nannying them all tonight"
Kerryn: (head against his shoulder) "I hope little Trinkle makes it"
Torrens: "So do I"
SOUTHPOINT SWIMMING CENTRE: Taryn and Trinkle made their way down towards Neil Luxmoore who waited anxiously for them. When they neared, Neil reached out and took Trinkle securely in his arms. Seconds later all three were running toward the exit and to Neil's car, their possessions flying behind them. Deftly Neil opened the car and placed Trinkle on the front passenger seat and directed Taryn to the back. Trinkle wasn't pleased at all about this turn of events. Neil ignored the fact that both the cat and Taryn were soaking wet. Taryn busied herself in the backseat looking for towels with which to dry themselves as Neil filled them in on the latest situation (at least to his knowledge) as he drove. Four aircraft appeared in the sky and Neil Luxmoore accelerated thus denying Trinkle the opportunity to climb into the back with Taryn.
Neil: "Do your seatbelt up, Trinkle", He reached across the cat and pulled the seatbelt over Trinkle's shoulder. In the back Taryn was busily drying herself.
Little Trinkle was lost in his own thoughts. He knew this was the last time he'd see Taryn - or Neil for that matter, for quite a while and made a firm resolution to be brave, like soliders were brave when they went to war. He would not cry. His next thought was of the other animals Neil and Taryn had told him of. Dogs as well as cats; but Trinkle would miss Taryn sorely. Of course, he like the two humans, was frightened as well. Through his obvious disorientation when Neil began yelling and shoving them out of the complex toward the car snippets of information had connected into his confused mind. Talk of an 'invasion' and spotting unknown aircraft on the radar....
Neil Luxmoore for his part had done only half the job. Not only did he have to get Trinkle safely over to Leviticus6; he was required by the Department to assess Trinkle's mental state. From his current observations, the cat appeared to be holding out OK; but he could never be sure. Luxmoore's plans for Bea Smith were put on the back-burner for the time. Luxmoore had to do a dozen things, it seemed like; keep his eyes on the road, watch the aircraft, keep tabs on Trinkle and on Taryn who he discovered was on the verge of tears, but endeavouring stoically to remain in control. Trinkle was looking out the window. However the kitten's emotions were betrayed by his shoulders heaving rapidly. Trinkle was indeed crying. An explosion erupted in the city, something that even the three heard from where they were. Smoke rose in the distance and the car continued with it's perilous journey to the marina.
IGI: There was intense speculations as to what was happening on the outside world. Not the Sandy Edwards cared for that. The best place was here, if any of the current indications were anything to go by. Bea Smith was still fuming and Chrissie was stuck up in the infirmary with that recurring virus of hers. Sandy lie motionless on her bunk listening to the sonic drone of The Terminators warcraft as it passed the ocean. In his office, Lane Hunter threw himself under the table when the aircraft flew low over the Island Prison. He breathed a sigh of relief when they passed. Not for the first time, he was glad he wasn't on the mainland; and that his lover, James Thornton was on his way to IG1. Unsteadily Lane rose to his feet and went to the window. what he saw shocked him. The city across the water was partially alight and those aircraft were swarming around the skyline; like vultures would encircle a corpse. It was something that Hunter never wished to see. What was happening to the people on the mainland? There was a knock at the door and his PA, Sharon Cameron appeared ushering James Thornton in. Sharon was a good hearted country lady. Her hair was big and wavy and her personality and kindness was as ample as her bosom. He knew this because he was a country kid too; and at times he yearned for country life so desperately it would near tear him apart. The two men embraced when Sharon had departed and they kissed passionately.
CITY: Chaos reigned in Melbourne that afternoon in March 1998, and death was the order of the day. Everywhere there were bodies, scores of bodies. Buildings burned with a ferocity that seemed unnatural and, of the people that were still alive many were injured. Debris flew everywhere and cars crashed into one another. In the distance, one of the air-craft landed and figures disembarked bearing capes and fleschette rifles. Strange though it was, half of the invaders wondered just what on earth they thought they were doing. Storming a city, killing innocent people; but one never argued with Egan, not unless they wanted a very short lifespan. The Terminators were something out of a sci-fi movie; in all seriousness they were meant to be a Defending Force rather than Offensive Force. Only a select group of preternatural animals and humans realised the genuine goals of The Terminators. Unfortunately when Egan, their leader, showed any signs of instability everyone else seemed to suffer. A man who had a brilliant mind also was cursed with a brilliant-sized psychosis.
MARINA: Neil, Taryn and Trinkle had made it safely to the marina where the IG1 hovercraft was docked. The three raced to the craft and Neil placed Trinkle firmly and securely in the front seat. He turned to face Taryn who stood forlornly on the dock handing over Trinkle's purchases. He thrust the car-keys into her numb hands
Neil: "Get going!"
Taryn remained standing there "Goodbye, darling Trinkle and don't forget your promise!"
Trinkle looked back at waved at her "I won't! I love you, Taryn!!"
Luxmoore shoved her abruptly toward the spot where the car remained open, "FOR GOD'S SAKE! GET OUT OF HERE!!! NOW!!!!!"
Taryn didn't leave until the hovercraft took off. She watched crying unashamedly now as the cat still waved. The cat, that had been like her own child, now torn from her by uncontrollable circumstances. Through her own tears, Taryn ran to the car and drove home. Dimly she registered the enemy aircraft flying overhead, but the aircraft didn't fire any missiles and at this stage, the likelihood of Taryn being captured was remote.
ENROUTE TO L6: To busy himself, Trinkle looked through his purchases, which included a Tamagotchi Taryn bought him. It was this Tamagotchi Trinkle concentrated on, nurturing the electronic animal's life. Neil continued driving the craft beside him, glancing momentarily to what the little cat was doing. The sky above them blackened with smoke and storm clouds, but luckily for them L6 was in sight.
Glynis Ladd waited for Trinkle to arrive on the reception dock. She was surrounded by the same four guards who had assaulted Kerryn that morning. They were menacing her, calling her some of the most terrbile names under the sun. The hovercraft approached and halted a few moments after that. Glyn watched with tenderness as Luxmoore assisted Trinkle with his purchases, lifted him into his arms and transferred him to Glyn's own awaiting arms. From there, Glyn would take Trinkle to the Prison Hospital where Dr. Hanson would examine him. After the forms were signed, Neil Luxmoore left after saying a final goodbye to Trinkle; the young cat who had stolen Taryn's heart. Despite himself Luxmoore was quite fond of Trinkle as well. Glynis Ladd, however wasn't left in a very good position. In spite of a very frightened child-cat trembling in her arms, the guards persisted in tormenting her. One of them Glyn knew as Sandor, shoved her roughly along the walkway leading ing to the elevator that took them to the hospital. When Sandor, whose face remained concealed under a helmet, pushed her, Glyn nearly lost her footing; and Trinkle almost flew out of her arms.
Glynis: "It's OK, honey", she kissed his forehead "Everything's gonna be fine" Trinkle was soothed a bit. Everything would be fine once Glynis reached the elevator leading to the hospital; the only elevator any inmate could utilise without fear of reprisal. Trinkle felt tears forming and was helpless to stop them coming
Trinkle: "Taryn! Taryn!", he cried "I want Taryn. Wanna be with Taryn!"
Glynis: "Who's Taryn?"
Trinkle: "A real beautiful girl who helped me when those bad men were after me. We went shopping and swimming today"
Glynis smiled warmly at him relieved that Trinkle regained some control to tell her this. The four guards still remained, but they kept their distance as Glyn and Trinkle stepped into the elevator and to the safety of Gillian Hanson's domain.
In the Protectorate area, the animals had returned from their showers. Kerryn was pleased to hear that Trinkle was now safe in Leviticus 6, and would be joining them shortly. Garfield, Sassy, Nermal, Shadow and Delilah all sat down in front of the TV to the latest news of the Terminator invasion. All the others readied their beds for the early night. Felix M. stayed close to Kerryn. He did wonder what happened to her this morning with those four mean men; but she was hardly going to confide in him that she had been, in effect raped with a sharp object. Felix remembered only that he had run as fast as he could and the door shut behind him
Felix: "Kerryn?"
Kerryn: (raising her eyes to Felix from making her bed) "Yes, Felix?"
Felix: "Are you OK?"
Kerryn reached out and stroked the cat's cheek touched by his obvious concern for her "I'm OK, Felix. They...just said mean things ..that's all" Kerryn hesitated and hoped that Felix didn't pick up on anythig deeper. He stood gazing at her, then smiled in that irresistable way of his. Over a little way from Kerryn's psition Felix J and Freddy M lounged on their beds waiting for dinner. Freddy J strutted across to join the others around the TV while Desiree the young lady-cat slept soundly in the bunk next to her. The door opened to reveal two orderlies wheeling a new bed into the cavernous room. Every face turned and watched that bed; each animal excited about the last addition to their 'family'. On the bed lay Trinkle's earthly possesions, including the tamagotchi. In the next minute, nearly every cat and dog stood around the bed with smiles on their faces. The animals had reason to smile. In their free time (when they were not in school) they could do anything they wanted, within reason. Leviticus had an Internet Account and Garfield especially was an avid Netizen. He raced to an enclosure where five computer terminals were stationed. All went smoothly until Garfield started crying bitterly. Kerryn ran to the cat
Kerryn: "Garfield, darling what's the matter?", she embraced him. He pointed, very tearfully to a blank computer screen
Garfield: "I've lost the program. I've lost my program"
Kerryn pressed the ENTER key twice. Seeing no result she tried to comfort the orange cat as best she could "I'm sure it's not lost,honey. Did you save it before you exited last?"
Garfield: (nodding) "Uh huh"
Kerryn: (stroking Garfield's head) "Then there's nothing to get so upset about, is there? I'll talk to Mr. Torrens about it later, alright?"
Garfield began to smile again "OK!"
LUXMOORE RESIDENCE 4:15pm: Taryn arrived home safely to the house in darkness. Still emotional she was able to maintain more self control than when she left the pier. Neil would be here very soon and then they would go away on that vacation he planned for them both. As she let herself in, Taryn forced herself not to think of Trinkle, for it hurt too much. The pain was eased by images of Neil; when he held her close; his smooth chest; his strong arms and those dark, dark eyes which never failed to hypnotise her. Her mind drifted back to December 96 when she was first inducted to Wentworth. Luxmoore had been cold at first, then he and she really looked at each other. Taryn gazed into those sparkling eyes; and even now she felt a familiar warmth radiate inside her. She wanted nothing more than to be in Neil Luxmoore's arms. Taryn headed towards the bedroom, where she began to pack. She sighted a black negligee and studied it for a moment. Neil loved her in it; he also loved getting her out of it. After a few moments she decided to change and put it on; however for modesty she also donned a silk kimono robe. Taryn Carlton headed toward the living room to wait for Neil, mindful of what was going on around her. It was then the whole place started to shake violently....
L6 HOSPITAL: The hospital at L6 was bathed in cold white light and silence reigned. Silence that was broken by renewed crying, and Dr Gillian Hanson's heart went out to the white preternatural cat sitting on the examination table. Gillian was weary and looked forward to knocking off for the day. She approached Trinkle
"Hi there, young man", said Gillian brightly,"I'm Dr. Hanson, and you must be Trinkle"
Trinkle raised his tearstained countenance to her kind face "Uh huh"
Gillian put a manilla folder on the examination table and put a motherly arm around the cats shoulder. She turned and picked up a stethoscope lying nearby "This is a checkup, nothing to be alarmed about. So, Glynis tells me you've been shopping"br>
Trinkle: "Yeah, me and Taryn went shopping today", he paused to gaze at Gillian "Gee, isn't Glynis so black!"
Gillian studied Trinkle's innocent face for a second and burst into good natured laughter; laughter that was cut abruptly when the tremor arrived. Little Trinkle screamed and leapt instinctively into the doctors darms. Gillian lowered herself to the floor and she and Trinkle crawled to the safety of a desk. She embraced Trinkle "You know something, little buddy! It's gonna be a lonnnng night!"
"Yeah!", agreed the cat.
In the Protectorate Section all the animals huddled close together during the quake. Lane Torrens rushed in to see everyone was unhurt. Most of the samller, younger animals were shaken and a little distressed. Problems arose with Garfield's hyperactivity, as he was running around in circles literally. Kerryn quickly prepared a chocolate milk-shake laced with a fairly strong sedative. Felix J began to get concerned about the orange cat
Felix J: "Are you OK, Garfield?"
Garfield (stopped, allowing Kerryn to give him the milk-shake)"Yeah, sure I am, Felix" The older thinner black cat approached him, a frown on his usually smiling face. Garfield belched when the shake was all gone, and Kerryn waited with baited breath for the sedative to take effect
Kerryn: (turning to Felix J) "Felix, you're a cat"
Felix J: (grinning) "Uh huh"
Kerryn: "What's making little Garfield so excitable; is it the fact that Trinkle's coming?"
Felix J: (grinning even wider) "Could be. We're all pretty stoked about our newest buddy joining our family, but Garfield's really hyper..." he paused and Kerryn adored him as well. Why, she mused to herself, if she was a female cat she certainly would have gone weak at the knees; and that beautiful smile added to his attractiveness. Kerryn studies hi slim face, black as night, with sparkling green eyes, small nose and slim body. Unlike normally born cats, the preternaturals didn't have fur, they had skin, as humans had skin; but the preternatural's skin was unblemished. They referred to their four-legged kin as fur-babies and this included dogs. As time passed, the cats began to interact more with their canine counterparts and this pleased Reilly, Shadow, Scoby and Delilah no end.
LUXMOORE HOUSE: The house lay in darkness and Taryn unsteadily rose from her crouched position on the living room floor. Her eyes adjusted to the gloom and she wondered where Neil was. He should have been back by now. There may have been hiccups with little Trinkle. Taryn began to weep again at the memory of the cat.
.......
Neil Luxmoore reached the shore of the mainland and proceeded to secure the Hovercraft. The commotion was closer now, he noted with some dis-concertion. He didn't see a caped Terminator creep up behind him and render him unconcious.
...to be continued
