The Cuckoo In The Nest Chapter 31

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

The Cuckoo In The Nest
A Dystopian Thriller

Sandy’s film crew had been hand picked by her except for two additions who were specialist contractors that Gerry had arranged. A sound specialist called Ian and a make up girl called Angela. After everyone had unpacked it was decided they would they would all meet up and have dinner together at one of the on site restaurants which Joss had recommended.

Over dinner there was a heated discussion as to what was going on at the site .Joss had supplied a detailed map which included areas marked as “detention centres” and “interrogation rooms”. Sandy reassured everyone that this was her second visit and she had been to those areas and they were not as bad as they sounded. Sandy said that there was a “containment” element to the buildings and the facility but that it was not by any means intimidating.

The breath of opinion expressed by her crew and the discussion over dinner surprised her. Some were very vociferous about defending freedom and their rights and Sandy couldn’t help but think it was more about noise than practical experience. Those with the bad experiences never said much, it was their way of coping. She noticed that Martin, Ian and Angela spent a lot of time talking quietly among themselves at the end of the table while the noise continued among the rest of the crew.

Later back at their Condo , with the signal blocker on , Martin told Sandy about the plan to find and help Dr King escape once they had located him. There was going to be a room in a Condo set aside for dressing and make up which Angela would be taking care of. Sandy needed to persuade Joss that Martin needed to “interview” Dr King for a piece about the South American Genetic discovery , a layman’s piece about genetic coding and Ancient Aztec Civilisations. Ian would be the “Sound Recordist and Camera man” and would help Martin get Dr King to the “make up room” and get him to change into one of the cleaners uniforms and use make up to disguise him. He could then leave like some of the contractors do each day. Martin suggested that Sandy set up a lunch meeting with Joss the next day , and go through the filming itinerary and the interviews that were needed.

The next day , at lunch Joss and Sandy sat down and agreed an itinerary, they would be on site for two weeks, as there has been a change of plan and some of the crew would be flying to Japan for another assignment. Thus it had cut short the actual filming time. Sandy outlined her plan and asked Joss to suggest interviewees that could cover the key subjects Sandy wanted to include.

Later that day , Joss confirmed the interview attendee’s and much to Sandy’s relief , Dr King was on the list. He was still alive and perhaps like Gregor was being forced to work for Allenby’s organisation. Sandy dutifully filled in the details on her computer and set up a team meeting so that everyone would know what was required of them . It would be a busy couple of weeks.

One subject that Joss had been unsure about covering was the use of truth drugs in the interrogation centre. Sandy had assured her that it would be all handled extremely sensitively. They agreed that there would be specific named members of crew allowed in those areas along with Sandy herself. All filmed material would have to be approved by Allenby himself. Sandy was happy to do that , she was sure that the Professor would be delighted with what she produced. Joss looked her straight in the eye and smiled.

Leave a comment

Filed under Short Stories

Leave a comment