Chapter 46
Rapture
Were you to look upon the great city of Rapture at that moment, you would never have believed the mounting pressure within its walls. For outside, there was only peace. Much of the city was a ruin now, dark towers stood crumbling, resembling more the rocky seabed that surrounded the city than man-made structures. There was no noise, no motion, just the endless, deep darkness in every direction. The city lights that could once be seen from almost a mile away, had died, and you would be upon the city center itself before you could make out the occasional dim glow through a window or skylight.
Across this serene, calm scene, suddenly a number of objects broke the stillness. Several dark cylinders that ran without lights moved over the city center, traversing the length of Rapture without a single running light, without a sound. Inside each, a crew of two or three men and women sat at the controls, making as much effort to remain undetectable as they were to avoid the crumbling buildings around them. Behind the fleet of fishing submarines, a private 1959 Stingray Bathysphere hung back, observing the fleets movements whilst keeping some distance. Edward sat in the center of the large seating area, whilst Boxer sat to the side handling the controls.
"I've got to tell ya boss, I'm not sure this going to end well... not for any one." Boxer chirped up suddenly after half an hours travelling. Edward had been absorbed in his own thoughts, staring out ahead and watching the ruined city pass beneath him. "What are you on about?"
"I'm just tellin' ya. I gave you my loyalty because you had all the right ideas, and I liked your thinkin'. But this ain't how any of us pictured things turnin'. You have my loyalty as long as you keep your head above water sir - but the moment things turn south, I'm jumpin' ship. Just think it's right ya know."
Edward had a thought to berate his bodyguard for such insolence, and had he been backed up by Bear and a group of his usual splicers then maybe he would have done, but alone with the brute of a man in a confined space, Edward knew he wouldn't stand a chance against Boxer. The tension his words created made Edward sink back deeper into his seat, and if he could have sunk all the way through and out the back of the Bathysphere he would have. Once more - Edward felt small and out of control. It was happening already - those he trusted were preparing to betray him.
"I'm right behind ya when it comes to killin' off troublesome splicers - they're pigs. But what you did to the old girl - that was real low. I won't be part of much more of that." Boxer continued. He seemed to be growing braver now he'd finally come out with what he was thinking.
"Well you're doubts are ill advised, my friend. When we've won this city, when we have it under control, remember who you'll be answering to. Because I will most certainly remember who I could count on." Edward made his voice bold and strong, but he was thankful Boxer had to keep his eyes on the ocean ahead, because he was shaking like a leaf. The awkward silence was broken when the onboard radio came on automatically.
"People of Rapture - to all who are listening! I offer you an escape! We have a cure for your addiction to ADAM, and we are leaving for the surface! Rapture is dying, the city is lost - but you can still save yourselves! We welcome everyone now to Paupers Drop - the Express is operating, the Metro System is online! Come now, be cured! Be saved! You can see the sun again today! You can escape with us!" It was undeniably Jack Ryan's voice, broadcasting on every Rapture Radio frequency. Edward grimaced as he waited for the message to spur on a further rant from Boxer, but he remained silent.
Edward wondered how many had heard the message, how many were still picking at scraps and squatting in corners cross his city when the message had rung out? Initially, he began to panic, for they were the very people upon whom his plan now depended, but his concern quickly turned to an out-loud laugh. "Oh Jack!" He smiled, "You've only served to hasten your own defeat!" He continued to chuckle to himself, curling up and throwing his arms around himself in delight like a child that had tasted chocolate for the first time.
"Boss?" Boxer questioned, confused.
"The fool has told everyone in the city where to go - and that is exactly where we want them all to go too!"