2400 AD

The elevator stopped on a level Gideon rarely visited. Each cell was built into the walls of the earth and escape was impossible. The place smelled like human waste. Down here, only the worst of the worst were kept, murderers and rapists without hope of ever being set free.

“You could have brought her to your chambers.” Callum said.

“Then I’d have to clean up after her.”

When they reached her cell, an android guard opened the door and stepped aside to let them in.

She looked much older than before. Dark rings below her eyes, her hair had grown in whisks and patches.

“You’ve come to gloat. Just fuck off.”

“I’ve come to tell you I’m sorry it turned out this way.”

“You think you’re so pure and good but no one can erase your history. Not even you. Best you keep me down here because I’d just kill you.”

“I hope you can learn to forgive one day, Ken. Mostly forgive yourself. The rest of the world will survive, with or without you, but you need to admit your faults before anyone can help you.”

“I am going to kill you, Gideon. Of this you can be assured.”

“Killing me will just make matters worse. You need to learn that. Killing doesn’t solve the problem.”

“What is the problem?”

“You are the problem, Ken. Only you.”

“Get out! Get out of my sight! Get out!”

Gideon stepped back. The android guided him into the corridor and locked the cell door.

“Let’s get out of here,” Gideon took Callum’s hand and walked away without looking back.

Kendall stood at the door. Her eyes red with anger, or maybe madness.

“I will kill you, Gideon Kinsman. Your day is coming. I will kill you!”