Escape from Destiny: I am Michael Scofield

The first day inside Fox River had been productive. I had already established contact with Lincoln, started a dangerous game with Abruzzi and planted the first seeds in Sara Tancredi's mind.

But that was just the beginning.

I knew this prison better than anyone else there. I knew which alliances were essential, which enemies needed to be controlled, and most of all, where the flaws in the original plan lay.

This time, I wouldn't make those mistakes.

The first piece was already on the board. Now, it was time to move the second one.

---

The First Conflict with Bellick

Brad Bellick, the head guard, was a creep. There was no other word for him. Corrupt, sadistic, and driven by a constant need to exert power over the prisoners.

And I knew he would have me in his sights from the very first moment.

In the series, Bellick didn't like me from the beginning, mainly because I seemed like a "good guy" and yet acted like I had a secret agenda. And, of course, because he took a sick pleasure in making the prisoners' lives hell.

And that's why I wasn't surprised when, on the second day, he called me into his office.

"Sitting, Scofield."

I obeyed, keeping a calm gaze. He analyzed me for a few seconds before speaking.

"You think you're smart, don't you?"

"I like to think I have a functioning brain."

"Really?" He leaned forward. "Well, let me give you a warning. I don't like prisoners who are intellectuals. You may fool others, Scofield, but you can't fool me. I know there's something wrong with you."

I smiled lightly.

"Is this prejudice against engineers?"

Bellick's eyes narrowed.

"Listen here, you fucking pup. If I catch you doing anything suspicious, I'll kick your ass."

I was silent for a moment before giving a cold smile.

"You can try."

Bellick's jaw clenched. I could see the anger boiling inside him. But he couldn't touch me—not yet.

So he did the only thing he could: try to intimidate me.

"Get out of my way, Scofield. And watch your step."

I got up and left.

Bellick was officially on my tail. But that was to be expected. And in a way, good.

Because while he was focusing on me, he was not paying attention to the real things I was doing.

---

The Game Begins with T-Bag

If there was one man within Fox River who could be classified as a demon disguised as a human, it was Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell.

An unpredictable, sadistic, racist, and manipulative psychopath, he didn't just survive in prison—he thrived in it.

And I knew it was only a matter of time before he noticed me.

It didn't take long.

In the courtyard, as I walked, I saw T-Bag approaching with a crooked, disgusting smile. His eyes were scanning me like a predator watching prey.

"Welcome to our humble home, big boy."

I stopped and stared at him. I knew what he wanted. T-Bag was always trying to recruit new inmates into his "gang." In the series, Michael cleverly avoided this problem, but I wanted something different.

I wanted to neutralize T-Bag from the beginning.

"You don't look like an ordinary guy, Scofield." He smiled. "I like that."

"I like a lot of things too." I crossed my arms. "But you know what I like most? Knowing exactly who my allies are and who my enemies are."

T-Bag arched his eyebrow.

"And which of the two am I?"

"That depends." I leaned forward a little. "If you don't mess with me, I won't mess with you. Simple as that."

He laughed, a dry, dangerous laugh.

"Interesting, Scofield. You've got guts, I'll give you that."

"It's not courage, it's logic." I kept my gaze steady. "We have no reason to fight now. But if we ever do, know that I never get into a fight without knowing how to win it first."

For a moment, T-Bag's smile faded. He studied me, trying to decide if I was a fool or someone truly dangerous.

Then, he nodded slightly.

"You amuse me, Scofield."

And he left.

I had just turned T-Bag into a secondary problem.

That didn't mean he wouldn't be dangerous in the future. But it did mean I wouldn't have to deal with him yet.

And that was a luxury I wanted to keep for as long as possible.

---

The Breakthrough in the Escape Plan

With the first interactions resolved, it was time to move forward with the escape plan.

My objective now was just one: to observe.

The series showed many details of the prison, but living in it was different. I needed to identify guard patterns, patrol times, and possible weaknesses in the security system.

So I spent the next few days analyzing everything.

I discovered that there was a slight delay in the guards' shift changes during the early morning hours. Nothing significant to an ordinary prisoner, but to me? A valuable detail.

I noticed that Bellick tended to ignore some areas during his patrols because he was too lazy to do a proper job.

And most importantly, I was able to better visualize the entry and exit points of the prison's underground maintenance system.

The tattoo on my body wasn't just a map. It was an escape manual.

And I was finally ready to start using it.

----

Time within Fox River moved differently.

Each minute seemed to stretch on and on, a repetitive cycle of tasteless meals, threatening glances, and the incessant whirring of the ventilation system. For an ordinary prisoner, time was a crushing weight.

But for me?

Every second was an opportunity.

The escape from Fox River was not something that could be done in a hurry. Every piece of the plan had to be carefully put together. Every detail had to be calculated.

And now, I was ready to take my first concrete step.

---

The First Piece: Fernando Sucre

If I wanted to escape, I needed Sucre by my side.

In the series, Michael gained his trust over time, but I had an advantage: my knowledge of the future.

he knew that Sucre was a man of principles, that he only wanted a life with Maricruz and that he had a strong sense of loyalty. And, above all, I knew that he would not accept the idea of running away right away.

So I had to be subtle.

The right moment came after dinner, when we returned to the cell. Sucre was lying on the bed, twisting an engagement ring on his finger.

I pretended not to notice for a few seconds before breaking the silence.

"Nice ring."

Sucre shrugged, without taking his eyes off the jewel.

"Maricruz." He smiled slightly. "She said she'll wait for me."

I knew that in the original timeline, he would later find out that she was being pressured to move on. And that eventually, she would end up with another man.

This time, I could avoid it.

But for that, he needed to run away with me.

"Do you believe her?" I asked.

Sucre gave me a warning look.

"Of course."

I sighed.

"Well... then I guess you don't need to worry."

Silence stretched on. I could see the seed of doubt planted in his mind.

Sucre wanted to trust Maricruz. But he also feared that time would destroy their relationship.

And when a man fears losing something, he begins to consider alternatives.

But it was not yet time to talk about escape.

I just left the doubt there, growing inside him.

---

The Importance of the Bench Screw

The heart of the Fox River escape hinged on one crucial detail: the infirmary bench.

In the series, Michael managed to loosen one of the bench's screws to use it later in the plan. But this time, I could do better.

The first chance I got, I went to the infirmary for one of the routine "diabetes" tests. When I sat down on the bench, I knew exactly what to look for.

My eyes scanned the place.

The screw was still there, firm, but with clear signs of wear.

Excellent.

I knew that in the series, Michael spent days slowly loosening that screw. But now that I knew what to do, I could speed up the process.

"Are you comfortable?"

Sara's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She was watching me as she prepared the syringe.

Smile.

"Oh, enough."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. She just walked over to give him the injection.

And it was at that moment that a System warning appeared before my eyes.

---

System Activated!

> New Skill Available: Light Fingers (Level 1)

Increased ability to manipulate small objects without being detected.

Bonus: +5% chance of success in manual stealth.

Perfect.

As Sara administered the injection, I used my new skill to move my hand slightly over the screw. With a precise movement of my fingers, I gave it a slight twist.

It was almost imperceptible.

But enough to weaken him without raising suspicion.

When the consultation was over, I got up and left, knowing that the first adjustment to the original plan had been successfully made.

---

Sarah Tancredi's Growing Interest

There was something different about the way Sara looked at me.

In the series, Michael was cautious about establishing a connection with her, and Sara, in turn, remained initially skeptical. But now, with the System on my side and my awareness of the future, I could be even more effective in gaining her trust.

And that trust was essential.

That day, as I was leaving the infirmary, I saw out of the corner of my eye that she was still watching me.

I turned and smiled.

"Did you like what you saw, Doctor?"

She blinked in surprise, but then shook her head with a small smile.

"You have a lot of self-confidence for someone wearing a prison uniform."

"I believe trust is a matter of perspective," I countered.

She crossed her arms.

"So tell me, Scofield... why did someone like you end up here?"

That was the question I knew was coming.

Michael always avoided giving a direct answer, but I could play it differently.

I moved a little closer.

"Have you ever done something knowing it was the right thing to do, even though the whole world told you otherwise?"

Her eyes narrowed.

"Yes."

"Then you understand."

And with that, I turned and left.

I could feel the effect of that conversation. I hadn't lied, or made excuses. I had simply piqued her curiosity.

And curiosity... was the first step to involvement.

+10% progress on Quest: Earn Sara Tancredi's Trust!

The board was forming.