Project Mayhem

By K. A. Angliss

In an attempt to control their starving nations, Governments worldwide have instituted a harsher punishment system of reformation clinics.

Can Alexandra infiltrate Serbsy, or is the asylum more paranoid than ever?

Determined to unravel Aradia's disappearance, once Roman embarks on a perilous journey, there is no turning back.

Now in hiding, trying to make sense of a world she knows nothing of, how long until Toki is in danger's way once more?

Then there’s the organisation that's collecting alternates...

Project Mayhem is the second book in the Project Butterfly Series. A story of continuing strife in a world where humans and alternates are created equal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. A. Angliss
• Release date: May 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310304699

K. A. Angliss

Hey guys!I'm a pretty new author of the Sci-fi genre (Released my first eBook in August 2014!) I live in Essex with my partner, my little girl and my three crazy bunnies!I decided to choose self-publishing over traditional methods of publication, not wanting to give up artistic authority and I enjoy being more ‘hands on’ in all aspects of my work.I have always had a passion for reading and writing but it was only in my mid-twenties that I found my own defining writing style and the confidence to get my ideas down onto paper."Project Butterfly" the first novel I have written AND finished is based on actual experiments on the human mind, a subject that has greatly affected me when discovering information on past human experiments throughout the world which inspired me to write. I was doing some light reading on WW2 (as you do!) and it was then I discovered the disturbing history of Unit 731. It kept me up at night thinking about the cruel experiments carried out.What if for once these poor victims were able to escape? What if not only they escaped but they overthrew their governments and began building their own utopia? Cue Project Butterfly. The second instalment to this series, “Project Mayhem” is due to be realised in 2015.At the moment "Project Butterfly" is only available as an eBook but will be printed in paperback very soon!

Book preview

Prologue

The heavy grey clouds crashed around Toki as she lay on the living room floor, her body twisting in pain. She’d instructed Aradia to dim the lights which were making her head pound, illuminating the flashes of lightning more prominently through the small windows in the room.

Close the curtains, please, Toki asked Aradia through strained pants, trying to project her words through the agony. She could hear the dense rain pounding on the roof though she found comfort in the repetitive noise.

Toki moved her hand down to her lower body. Sharp, tight pains stabbed her waist. She brought her hand up to her face.

I’m bleeding, Toki cried in panic, still struggling to talk. The pain, it’s almost unbearable.

Aradia grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly.

Deep breaths, okay? Aradia tried to remain calm. She’d prepared herself for this day, but it had come too soon, they weren’t ready. Separate yourself from the pain. You can do this, Toki. You’re going to be okay.

Toki had lost track of time, everything leading up to this point over the last few hours was a blur. She cried out in pain, moving to a position on her hands and knees in an attempt to relieve her suffering.

I can’t do it, Toki wept, her voice exhausted.

We could call a doctor out? We could even call an ambulance. We can get you help if you want, Toki. Aradia pushed back strands of black hair from Toki’s face which were drenched in sweat and sticking to her forehead.

No, we can’t. Remember what Jimmy said? We can’t get doctors or medics involved. It’s too dangerous.

Aradia nodded knowing Toki was right yet it distressed her too much to see her dear friend in pain.

What can I do for you? How can I help you? she asked.

Run me a bath, please? It might help. Toki knew it wouldn’t benefit her state much, but she wanted to make her feel less helpless about the situation.

Obediently, Aradia ran to the bathroom. Toki could hear the gush of water flow into the bath. The feeling of death consumed her, she knew she was close, desperate for the pain to stop. Her body was shaking and her thoughts were full of despair. Toki’s mind wandered far away from her body to escape the excruciating sensations. If I die I could be with Kwan again.

Her world fogged over as she rose above the dark, thick clouds which dominated the skies. She could see a figure in the distance. A warmness called to her like no other. Without a second thought, Toki ran to him like the first and only time they had ever met at the temple where she once existed, the night that she’d lost him.

The clouds padded her feet, feeling like soft cotton balls beneath her, despite their gloomy appearance. Yet as she ran to him, Kwan moved further away. She could make out his face and see his arms waving, but she couldn’t get close enough to hold him one last time.

Kwan! Toki cried out. Please help. I need you.

Be strong, Kwan’s voice boomed around her like the crashes of thunder below. Live for me…Live for us.

Toki’s heart jumped into her throat as she realised she’d blacked out from the pain which was returning to her rapidly. She was back in the room.

Not wanting to send her mind off again, Toki screamed in agony. She couldn’t bear to see Kwan, her soul mate again. A cruel reminder that he wasn’t here. Aradia was by her side holding her hand once again.

Accepting her situation, Toki’s body bared down releasing her of all anguish. She was suddenly energised and excited despite the tremendous amount of pressure inside her lower stomach. Toki remembered what Kwan had said. Be Strong. Toki rode through it, letting her body take over and do the work. She gave in to the powerful, natural impulses.

A tear, a burning sensation spread across Toki’s lower body. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as a great sense of relief overwhelmed her. With one final push, the pains were gone. Toki bolted upright, scared by the silence.

Aradia was between her legs, the small bundle in her arms.

It’s a boy! she croaked through tears. He’s okay.

The sense of love overwhelmed Toki as Aradia handed her Kwan’s son. Most of his small face was covered in the amniotic sac to her surprise. In only a whisper, she asked Aradia to bring her a knife. The baby was still and tranquil, unaware he’d been born.

When Aradia handed her the small blade with care she made an incision in the thick film across her son’s nose. Toki unhooked the loops of membranes from his tiny ears and delicately peeled it back from his face to reveal it to the world for the first time.

Toki knew what to do with newborns that were Caulbearers. For a long time, she had been a practising Buddhist nun but that now seemed a lifetime ago. Buddhists to this day would seek them out as they believed, as rare as they were, that a Caulbearer would be the next Dalai Lama.

As she brought her son close to her chest his eyes opened slightly for the first time letting out a small but determined cry, announcing to all creation that he’d arrived.

You are so beautiful, Toki whispered into his ear. And I promise you until my last dying breath, I will always protect you.

Chapter 1

The teenage girls knew they shouldn’t have skipped school but now cosy inside Kristina’s bedroom, all their worries of playing truant were forgotten. They brought snacks they’d stolen to share and now all four were sitting on Kristina’s bed, laughing and joking around. All except one.

What’s wrong Marina? Tegan inquired. You don’t seem yourself today.

The other two girls expressed a shocked look, as though they were trying to stifle her thoughtless comment.

You mean you don’t know? Kristina asked.

Marina remained quiet. Tears welled up in her eyes.

It’s her brother… Kristina continued in hushed tones. He was found guilty yesterday and has been sent to one of those clinics…

All the girls looked uncomfortably at Marina who hung her head, not wanting them to see the hurt on her face.

Tegan knew about these clinics and what they entailed. They were the form of punishment that had been legalised for a few years now. Russia, like many other countries, had adopted this form of justice as they called it to replace the old prison systems.

Numerous governments worldwide believed that the reformatory system was failing. Prisons had become too much of a luxury and with poverty everywhere many civilians had opted for a life of crime. Some were relieved to be sent to prison which meant clean clothes, fresh food and a roof over their head, despite the brutal everyday prison life they had to endure and the politics that came with being inside. However, some classed it a better way of life and even deemed it safer in some respects than living on the streets.

Now they had adopted a new kind of punishment in the form of human experiments. The severity of the crimes committed would reflect the level of treatment you received and how long you underwent it for. Some petty criminals would be forced to experience trials that were mostly cosmetic. Normally they didn’t leave any permanent damage, although there had been cases in the media of people losing their sight or left with permanent scarring.

Harsher offences would mean harsher experiments, including inducing tumours or diseases inside a person convicted of murder, forcing them to take innovative drugs or radical treatments. The government believed if a person took a life, whether manslaughter or purposeful, their own life was dedicated to science as a human guinea pig and there was no returning home.

Essentially, the public were now the animals that scientists used to enhance their research. The Russian government argued it transformed these criminals, who were holding back their country, into something useful to society. Despite their crimes, these people were still contributing to enrich the lives of the decent and respectable civilians who knew better than to turn to a life of delinquency.

Repeat offenders, even if all crimes were minor would receive more severe treatment each time, a way to try to condition them to stop their corruptive ways. Russia’s media called it The Three Strikes as after you’d been convicted more than three times then you would be condemned to a clinic for the rest of your days regardless of age, condition of health or status.

Tegan broke the painful silence, softly rubbing Marina’s arm.

I’m sorry Marina. How long did he get?

Six weeks, Marina said as she tried to control her tears. I know it’s only for criminal damage, but you’ve seen what they say in the papers. People don’t come back the same. The hours of torture day and night send you to the brink of insanity! What if he is left with long-lasting damage? I just want him to come home.

Tegan knew she shouldn’t be mad at Marina. She was missing her brother whom she was very close to yet Tegan couldn’t help the way she felt. At least he will be back in six weeks she thought bitterly to herself.

Tegan’s mother had been committed to Serbsy Centre, a mental institute in Saint Petersburg many years ago, but Tegan had sorely learnt that she was never coming back.

Three years ago she’d heard of a breakout, during which many patients escaped. Tegan had prayed her mother was one of them and that she would turn up at their door and things would go back to how they were before she had suffered years of untreated post-natal depression and delusions, but her mother never showed. Soon all hopes of her returning diminished, rippling through her family.

The girls, all around fifteen, were unsure of how to ease the mind of their friend and so just sat there wordless for a moment.

Kristina wrapped her arm around Marina, pulling her close and giving her most sympathetic look, trying to reassure her with her eyes.

I know what will cheer you up, Alina finally spoke, jumping off the bed and bouncing over to Kristina’s out-dated computer. As she already knew her password she frantically typed, pulling up a web browser. Have you seen this riddle? Pasha showed me it in class the other day.

"You’re still seeing Pasha?" teased Kristina who had her arm draped over Marina.

Alina rolled her eyes though her flushed cheeks revealed she had deep feelings for her classmate.

Anyway, said Alina ignoring Kristina’s comments it’s supposed to be the hardest riddle in the world. Only a few, the very best are said to be able to complete it. It started appearing on message boards about two years ago apparently though only in cryptic sites. That’s how Pash found it.

Ooooh, Pash! Kristina gushed again, mocking her playfully.

Ignoring the japes of Kristina, Alina continued to type into the web browser, searching for the mysterious website. She turned the computer monitor towards the others, beckoning them over to read it.

Epiphany is upon you who seek it out. Your pilgrimage is long and hard but has now begun. Enlightenment awaits only the worthy. Good luck, read Kristina out loud to the group. What the hell does that mean?

I don’t know, confessed Alina but that’s not the riddle, just the homepage. I stared at it for hours last night but I just couldn’t understand it. She clicked on the Enter button on the homepage.

Trying to impress Pasha are we? Kristina continued to goad.

Oh shut up about Pasha will you? I’m being totally serious here.

The webpage loaded up to reveal black and white panels. The girls sat there for a moment, engrossed but confused.

It’s just a checkerboard, nothing more, Marina commented, looking just as muddled as the other girls.

I don’t get it. I reckon it’s a hoax! There is no answer. It’s just there to mess people up and waste their time, Kristina said.

There has to be something to it, voiced Alina I researched online, some people believe it’s for a political think tank or hackers wanting to start anarchy.

It could be something to do with the FSD? interjected Marina What do you think Tegan?

I’m not too sure. Nothing stands out to me. It’s just a checkerboard.

The other girls sighed, all disappointed they couldn’t answer the enigmatic puzzle.

Well I’m not sitting here for hours like you did, Alina. This picture’s giving me a headache. Dylan Fenty has a new album out and it’s free! Why don't we listen to that? coaxed Kristina though she’d already moved towards her computer, indicating she’d had enough of the puzzle.

The other girls nodded and Alina moved back to the bed to allow Kristina to sit at the computer. Even before the first song had finished the girls were energetically dancing round the room, except one.

Tegan had lied to her closest friends but was embarrassed, even a bit scared. A checkerboard wasn’t the only image could see. Clear as day Tegan could make out, even sitting on Kristina’s bed that on the screen was a detailed map overlaid in red.

Chapter 2

Fiddling with the buttons on her nurses’ uniform, Alexandra left the Ganzfeld, retiring from her duties for the day.

As she walked down the corridor she couldn’t help but grab handfuls of her blonde hair, pushing the strands away from her face in frustration, her nails scraping along her scalp. Large black square glasses consumed her face, irritating her as they fell from the bridge of her nose every so often, forcing her to fidget with them just as much as her lab-coat buttons.

She’d only been working at Serbsy Centre for a few weeks but already the horrors were taking their toll. The experiments she’d witnessed and the activities she participated in weighed heavily on her shoulders. The images of patients in pain etched themselves forever into her mind.

She hadn’t walked into this blindly however, she’d known what sort of sick place this was but thought she was stronger. She’d believed her mind was resilient enough not to be broken down. I can’t let them win. I have to keep going.

Alexandra knew of the Ganzfeld before joining Serbsy as a nurse, but now she knew much more, more than she wanted to know. The government had injected more money into Serbsy since an epidemic three years ago which had resulted in at least two hundred patients escaping yet this wasn’t even a dent into the amount of patients here.

This wasn’t the first time this had happened, Alexandra had been told, but the scale had been much smaller this time round. Two hundred patients’ freedom wasn’t enough she thought, she wished all of them had escaped and then maybe she wouldn’t have to be here now.

Due to more funding Serbsy had improved security and almost doubled the amount of guards. The equipment they used was so advanced that Alexandra couldn’t believe it even existed. She wondered how much money had been invested here and where the finance had come from. Her country was in the midst of a critical recession, but you wouldn’t think it to walk around this asylum. Yet there’s so much poverty everywhere else.

As she reached her own room and unlocked the door Alexandra was grateful for her own space. Although she once hated isolation she now preferred to be in her own company than with many of the guards or nurses here. Even the ones that appeared friendly she didn’t trust. All of them were the enemy barring only a few.

Doctors rarely socialised with the other members of staff once the working day was over, as though they were superior to anyone else here. They had their own quarters and canteen away from the lower ranks of Serbsy.

She bolted her door though she knew no-one would come knocking. Her muscles relaxed as she heard the sweet sound of her lock click as it extended into the frame. Despite once feeling panic when confined in a small room and not able to even bear one with a shut door, let alone locked, it now brought comfort. Alexandra felt secure knowing that she was deadlocked into her only haven.

She plopped herself down in her desk chair, exhausted from the day. She reached for a bottle of Brännvin that she kept on her desk. The liquor reminded her of happier, better times. She smiled at the fond memories as she poured herself out a small glass that she kept beside the bottle. She was drinking more in the evenings to help her cope with ordeals that happened in Serbsy. She couldn’t believe she was part of something that she was so against. I’m doing this for the right reasons.

Finishing her drink, Alexandra poured herself another. Knowing she would probably end up quite drunk by the end of the night, it helped blot out the events of the day. She couldn’t believe she was part of something so horrible and appalling. To be part of human testing shocked her to her core. The people they experimented on were like her. All of them possessed special gifts of the mind, all unique.

Alexandra refrained from using her gifts inside Serbsy though. The equipment here was so advanced and she was terrified that someone might find out, her cover blown. She’d trained herself over the last few years to control her powers by suppressing them. Sometimes they still tried to shine through, particularly when she wasn’t focusing enough such as when she was exhausted or drunk. She refused to dwell on the consequences if caught.

All of the patients here were tortured souls before they’d arrived, many also cursed with a mental disorder or condition, but Serbsy didn’t want to help them. They’d lied to them, promising to cure them and remove their burdens.

The wretchedness that surrounded the patients’ lives at times was too devastating. She could relate to these people. Serbsy had tricked her too. Her mental health had suffered and though she’d once been free of this place, the state of her psychological condition hadn’t improved.

Since it had undergone such a modern makeover, Serbsy had received a flood of people who had signed away their freedom, seeing the grand pictures they’d plastered across Russia’s media. Yet the rooms they showed weren’t for the patients but the staff that would be responsible for the suffering they endured. The thought sent a chill down Alexandra’s spine.

On her third drink Alexandra was a bit woozy, she’d lost her appetite while working here. Though the food was tasty and always a pleasure to eat she only consumed the bare minimum, just enough to keep her strength up.

Guilt flooded Alexandra, knowing that the patients ate thick slop, many laced with drugs needed for different experiments.

Swaying, she approached her bed. Dreading tomorrow like she did every day. Alexandra had to hold on until the following evening. Her good friend Vladimir, a guard there at Serbsy would be coming to visit.

Chapter 3

The playful seals captivated Sokwan as he sat on the sandy shoreline. They jumped in and out of the water on a neighbouring isle’s rocky beach barking at each other and making big splashes. Today had been a good day.

With his mother, he’d Cray-fished and swam in the sea. Now relaxed, even a little tired, they huddled together to enjoy watching the local wildlife and the sunset. The sky was streaked with red and pink, making the heavens look dreamy.

Come on, said Toki, his mother. Let’s go into town and get something to eat.

Sokwan smiled at her as he nodded his head in agreement. He relished interacting with the locals who were always friendly to him. As they strolled along the harbour many of them waved or greeted them with a cheerful smile.

Fjἅllbacka was only a small marina town in Sweden with about eight hundred permanent residents so everybody knew everybody. Remote and hilly, during the summer it could get a little busy being a popular tourist summer resort; though rarely anyone than other Swedish natives flocked there.

Once Fjἅllbacka had been a popular location to keep a holiday home but due to the recession many had been forced to sell up or abandon them.

Both Toki and Sokwan enjoyed the Swedish lifestyle which was nature-loving, open, relaxed and calm. Fjἅllbacka was nicknamed fondly The Forgotten Island as it seemed to be suspended in time, refusing to evolve with the latest technology.

Most locals didn’t own a car, preferring to cycle to their destinations. Sweden was very eco-minded and conscious of not disturbing or despoiling the environment, embracing nature. Technology that didn’t benefit this belief wasn’t researched and because of this Sweden wasn’t in as much of a depression as other countries.

As they approached their favourite café Sokwan ran on ahead and into the arms of Ronja, the owner. She picked him up and spun him around making him break into a laughing frenzy. Toki couldn’t help but laugh too, the amusing atmosphere contagious.

How are my two favourite customers? Ronja asked, putting Sokwan down and ruffling his hair, making him giggle some more.

We went Cray-fishing! I caught some really big ones today, Sokwan beamed.

He was only three yet had the language and conversational skills of a child of at least seven. Many locals were amazed at his intelligence which made him popular in the community.

Toki lifted up the crayfish they’d collected in the bucket, showing Ronja today’s catch.

She peered in dramatically with wide eyes and mouth, attempting to make Sokwan laugh which worked rather well.

How about we cook these up in my kitchen? Henrich’s in there and I know he would love to see you, Ronja suggested to Sokwan, Henrich being her jolly husband.

Sokwan smiled, taking the crayfish off his mother.

Lian, why don’t you sit down love and I’ll bring you out a drink.

Toki smiled at her and sat down at one of the tables placed outside the café. Unlike with Kwan, a prisoner and face of the rebellion at Camp 22 whom she’d fallen in love with or Aradia, a patient who was responsible for freeing many others from Serbsy Centre, who’d become a dear friend, Toki had to physically learn Swedish to be able to talk to the locals.

Learning had been much easier when Aradia was here as they practised with each other but teaching Sokwan the language had also improved her skills.

The residents had been patient with them, giving them lots of encouragement and help until Swedish came naturally.

Sometimes she even forgot some of her native language Mandarin which Sokwan had been eager to learn too as well as Russian from Aradia. Toki was amazed at how at three years of age her son could speak three languages almost fluently already.

Toki knew Sokwan would be special the day she’d gaven birth to him. She knew he would be a strong son because of Kwan.

Buddhists believed in reincarnation, but Toki had now abandoned her faith and was unsure of what she believed any more. In some ways, Sokwan was very much like Kwan but he was also sensitive like herself.

Aradia had told Toki that in Russia they believed that Caulbearers were born lucky or born with a shirt on which implied that the birth caul persists as supernatural armour, saving them from any pending disaster. They’d kept his caul, drying it out and keeping it safe, something both Toki’s and Aradia’s cultures agreed on.

She thought back to Sokwan’s birth and thought fondly of the memory. The pain she’d endured that night had washed away, leaving no memory, just the feeling of love she experienced when she gently peeled the caul from his tiny face to see it for the first time.

He’d been born six weeks early but despite this was healthy and strong. Toki thought meeting her son was the most meaningful moment of her life but she wished Kwan had been there to see it, to hold his son, even if only the once in his arms.

The fresh salty air filled Toki’s nose as she took a strained sigh. Ronja smiled as she approached her, handing her a glass of cider, sweet and refreshing.

That son of yours, Ronja radiated as though talking about her own child. He’s so bright I swear it. You show him or tell him one thing about the kitchen and he remembers it you know!

Toki grinned back, taking another sip of the cold cider.

I think he has a found a talent for cooking. You’re certainly a good teacher, Henrich too.

You could show that boy anything and I think he would remember. He was telling me just now how he remembered his birth. I’ve never known a person to recall such things but yet he swears it’s the truth and I don’t doubt it.

Although Toki was smiling at Ronja, she was filled with panic. The trusted locals within the lax community gave the small marina town a sense of safety, but she wanted them to fit in and not draw too much attention to themselves. She would have to talk to Sokwan when they got home. She didn’t approve of them talking about or using their gifts in public.

Sokwan has a very vivid imagination and is a very good story teller, she said, dumbing down her son's ability.

Ja, that he is, Ronja agreed before leaving to help Sokwan and Henrich in the kitchen.

Grateful to have a little time to herself to regain her energy after an active day with Sokwan, she cradled her cider taking small, delicate slips from the cool glass. Although she was happy here she missed Kwan, Aradia and Wanniansi Temple.

The nunnery had been her home before the rebellion but she’d killed the Shike, Yongrui, in a fit of rage. He was the one responsible for the death of her beloved Kwan as well as brainwashing and manipulating her fellow Sisters. She tried not to think about that night.

Although Kwan was gone Toki could often feel his warmness around them. They’d discovered first hand that once two people who had strengths like them entwined as one their happiest memories are shared and transferred into each other’s minds, along with their worst too. Those memories were still there and Toki could recollect them like they were her own, like a part of him was always with her. Although sometimes it brought comfort mostly, it just broke her heart.

She was lucky to be alive, Toki knew that. After she’d destroyed Yongrui she’d left Wanniansi Temple, fleeing through fear of what the other nuns would do to her if they found out. Once she’d escaped Mount Emei, Toki had roamed from village to village trying to make her way to a port to find Aradia. After the food she’d taken from the kitchens of the temple had run out, Toki begged and stole in order to eat.

It had been a very dark time in her life and looking back Toki could recognise she was going through some sort of breakdown, finding the events of that night hard to process.

For weeks after she’d lost the ability to speak, experiencing tremors and difficulty walking. Her body wanted to give up yet she kept going, determined to fulfil her promise.

In one of these villages she was discovered by Jimmy. A man who’d also been a prisoner at Camp 22, a friend of Kwan’s that had helped free many of the inmates that had been locked away to be tortured and experimented on.

Jimmy, saddened by the news of Kwan’s death, took Toki under his wing. He explained how he’d promised Kwan that he would look out for both Toki and Aradia if their paths should ever meet.

She’d learnt that Jimmy was a very powerful and frightening man. He was involved in human trafficking, drugs and arms dealing but yet was sweet and protective of both Toki and Aradia. He saved us both.

Jimmy had located Aradia in Russia, sending a few of his men to collect and smuggle her to Sweden, a country where he carried out many of his arms deals. He’d reassured them Sweden was safe and rarely involved themselves in world politics.

When Toki read about the clinical prison systems employed in many other countries around the world she was grateful Sweden had opposed the idea. The reformation clinics sounded like Camp 22 and Serbsy on a mass scale, making human experiments an acceptable form of treatment towards the general public.

The house they now lived in was one that Jimmy had assured them had been an abandoned holiday home for years. Although it had taken a few weeks for Toki and Aradia to deep-clean the place, washing away the dust, mould and spiders’ webs of many years of neglect, they’d made it into a home that was suitable for a new-born.

Sokwan ran up to Toki and gave her a hug, breaking her train of thought. A smile spread across her face as she kissed him tenderly on the forehead.

Look mummy we’ve cooked the crayfish! Sokwan said, puffing out his small proud chest. "We boiled it and