Part 4/9:
Upon arrival, John learns that he has been sentenced to 31 years for the crime of his wife’s pregnancy—highlighting the regime's draconian policies limiting women to one child. The unnerving atmosphere of the prison is heightened by gruesome displays of punishment, with inmates perishing in brutal circumstances when they attempt to escape or defy the guards.
Each day in the Fortress consists of relentless labor, emotional turmoil, and the constant threat of violence. John meets other inmates and quickly recognizes the dangers of the environment, particularly from the brutal Maddox, a notorious violent criminal. John’s descent into the abyss of despair is evident as he witnesses the gruesome punishments and the hopelessness that consumes the inmates around him.