The droning of cicadas fill the air as the summer sun beats down on the prisoners of a concentration camp, in what used to be the midwestern region of North America. Hundreds of Gifted prisoners reside here, nearly all of them drenched in sweat. Scattered throughout the camp are these small, make-shift shelters that were made of various forms of scrap material by the camp’s inmates. Some prisoners can be found huddled under what little shade can be found, while others simply accept their sunburnt fate and roast under the midday sun. The camp stands on the outer edges of a large field that has about a half dozen trees and ruins from an ancient town are scattered throughout, offering barely any aid in providing cover from the elements.
Atop the outermost walls of the camp stood at least a couple dozen Hunters could be regularly patrolling the parameter, while another few dozen Hunters remained on the ground level to monitor the captive Gifted. In the approximate, dead center of the camp was a military base that served as the living quarters, artillery, strategy rooms, etc. on the ground floor for the Hunters stationed at the camp. Meanwhile, the upper levels were for the higher ranking officers; including the infamous warden, The Hound, who’s personal quarters reside on the top floor overlooking the camp. Down below, deep underground are the prison cells of the camps most dangerous and powerful gifted. Each cell is about 150 square feet and made of reinforced tungsten, and is customly made to contain and restrict the gifted residing inside. The walls are riddled with cameras and anti-gifted technology, making the fortress nearly impenetrable to attack. This camp, otherwise known as “Area 06”, has gained a reputation for not having a single jailbreak and not a single escaped convict; once you enter, you never leave.
About 900 meters out from the outer walls of Area 06 is a tree line. The now heavily dense forest was once a decent size town, but is now reclaimed by nature and is, for the most part, quiet. However, according to Hunter reports, there has been some stirring amongst the trees and the forest has grown restless as of late; some Hunters even claim they had seen scouts from the rumored “Gifted Rebel Army”. Perhaps there's a secret base nearby where these rebels may be lying in wait for the right opening to make their move...
While these claims of Rebels have been generally dismissed as, “the summer heat is finally getting to the poor fools”; today Area 06 is on higher alert than usual. Today, the camp is expecting a new shipment of prisoners and therefore at its most vulnerable period to potential attacks or jailbreaks. While it is expected to be yet another typical day and the arrival of the new inmates should go off without a hitch, one can never be too careful with such volatile cargo.
Ophelia
Ophelia sat hunched over in what little shade she was able to find while staring dazed out into the distance. The lack of focus caused the dry, dead grass around where she sat to be charred black and steam to emanate from her body as the beads of sweat on her back sizzled and evaporated. Her fellow inmates, knowing better than to be anywhere near her while like this, stood no closer than 15 feet from her in all directions. Her body was like a furnace when she lacks focus, making days like today unbearable to be anywhere near her.
Suddenly, her focus and body snapped to attention as a sharp shock from her collar startled her. A small, pained yelp escaped her.
“Hey! Wildfire! Keep your flames to yourself! It’s already hotter than the devil’s taint, as is!” An agitated Hunter called out from the top of the outer wall to Ophelia as he made his rounds. Once out of direct eye shot, Ophelia stuck out her tongue in protest.
“Damn bastard…” She grumbled under her breath as she gingerly rubbed her neck.
“That fucking hurt…”Her ears then perked up to the sound of a couple Hunters quietly chatting to each other.
“A new shipment of Gifted is arriving today? That’s a surprise. We haven’t had any fresh meat in a while.” A slight lilt of surprise and intrigue could be heard in his voice.
“Yeah and I’ve heard that there’s some really interesting ones coming in this time, too.”“Really? I guess that explains why the higher ups have been such hard asses today. Maybe these newbies can finally provide us with some entertainment.” The two snickered as they walked on.
Ophelia looked up at the clear blue sky.
“Newbies, huh?” She thought to herself listlessly as she glanced at her fellow inmates. She closed her eyes, fell onto her back with her arms outstretched, and sighed before opening her eyes again. The coming of more people was never a very welcome sight for the prisoners as it meant less resources for everyone, less food, less water, less shelter; which ultimately led to more fights between inmates.
“Sounds like trouble.” Ophelia muttered under her breath.