Traitor

by C R MacFarlane

  She turned back to Gal. “There is a lovely picnic spot just over the rise, not far from here. I could pack you a basket, and you could take this lovely woman to see some of the views.”

  Gal shot her a stern look. He was about to say ‘no’, when Rayne reached across the table, taking his arm. “That sounds wonderful. I think we’ve earned a little shore leave. What do you say, Gal?”

  It was a terrible idea. He couldn’t tell her why. “What about your shoulder, Rayne. We shouldn’t stress it.”

  “It’s feeling quite good actually.” She moved it up and down in the sling. “Besides, fresh air and some exercise will be good for you. The ship is in good hands, take a little time for yourself.”

  The answer was still no. A definite no.

  “Please, Gal.” She blinked prettily, and he knew the no wasn’t was firm as he thought.

  “If you’re sure your shoulder is okay.”

  She nodded.

  He shot a dirty look at Cordelia, warning her again. So far, her secret was safe and by association so was his, but for how long? Cordelia smiled pleasantly and spun on her heel, quickly disappearing into the crowd, presumably to find them a picnic basket.

  Rayne simply grinned at him, not a clue about how dangerous this place truly was.

  * * *

  Kieran tinkered madly with the Damn Kepheus Drive. He’d decided that was the official name, given how many times he’d repaired the thing. He was glad a few others had trickled in throughout the morning to help with the repairs, and happier still that they were on the opposite end of the engineering bay, so no one could hear the colourful words that escaped him. But Sarrin still hadn’t returned.

  “Hello,” said a voice, “I missed you at breakfast.” The colonial woman stood in front of him.

  “Hi,” he said reflexively. “I just came in to grab something quick, so I could get back here.”

  “I’m Cordelia,” she extended a hand.

  He nodded, wiping his own hand on his coveralls first. “Kieran.”

  “You don’t want to take a rest?”

  He shook his head, already turning back to the cracked drive in front of him. “Cap’n wants these repairs done A-S-A-P.”

  She paused, thinking. “He doesn’t want to stay?” her voice carried a note of sadness, which made Kieran look up again.

  “No, we’re in some trouble and need to move on.”

  “Where will you go?”

  He shrugged. “Cap’n has a plan, I’m sure.”

  “What about you? Where do you think you should go?”

  “We lost a friend a week back — I think we ought to see if we can help him.” He frowned as soon as the words left his lips — why was he telling her this? But then again, why wouldn’t he?

  “Do you think you can find him?” she prompted.

  He frowned again. “I do. But we have to get these repairs done, if we’re going to do anything about it.”

  She paused, letting him get back to his work. “I could help, you know.”

  He considered her. “Help with what?”

  “Repairs. Finding your friend. Whatever you need.”

  He shook his head. “Naw, that’s alright. Thank you. I think we’ve got it.” He looked up, seeing more people had joined the repair team in the engineering bay.

  She nodded, falling silent again. She moved to the other side of the table. “How are the repairs coming?”

  “There’s a lot to do, but we’re making steady progress. Shouldn’t be a day or more with this much help.”

  She nodded.

  “Say, have you seen Sarrin? Skinny girl, mess of dark hair.”

  Cordelia smiled. “I have. Poor thing looked overwhelmed, so she went for a run on the trails.”

  “Did she look … okay?” Or was she panicking, wild-eyed? He’d not been able to shake the fear that the busy dining hall had overwhelmed her.

  “Yes, just needed some air, I think. She was looking for you.” Cordelia smiled.

  He sighed, lips relaxing ito a smile.

  “Maybe you should see if you can find her,” Cordelia suggested.

  He looked at the half-repaired Kepheus in front of him.

  “She did look like she could use a friend,” she said, watching him. “There are plenty of people working on these repairs. You could take a small break, I’m sure. You look tired yourself.”

  He sighed, pressing his hands into his weary eyes.

  He found himself nodding before he finally said, “Yes. Do you know where she went? Can you show me?”

  “Yes, dear. There’s a path in the woods.”

  NINETEEN

  HALUD FOLLOWED THE PRODUCER AND the cinematographer back into the research wing of the hospital. The vaccine was being revealed today — they would inoculate the first patient, and celebrate.

  He gritted his teeth, forcing his feet not to drag. He had to stay professional, play the part. Otherwise Sarrin, whom he had seen still trapped in the secret research facility of Junk, would suffer.

  He sat down with the same scientist he had interviewed before. They exchanged a greeting, and the producer set up with her set of cards for Halud. After a moment the cinematographer waved his hand to signal he was ready.

  Halud took a deep breath and glanced at the scientist, who also nodded to say he was ready. Halud started: “Hello, United Earth Citizens. The Gods have been good to us. I am here with Dr. Trae Amanpreet.”

  “Thank you for meeting with me, Honourable Poet.” The scientist pressed his five fingers into his chest.

  Halud nodded. “Of course. You are here to tell us of the gift from Safety, the Healer. The vaccine for Xenoralia nervosa.”

  “Yes, I am. As you will recall about Xenoralia…”

  Halud zoned out, half watching out of the corner of his eye for the producer to flip a cue card telling him when to speak next. His heart pounded in his ears and the image of Sarrin strung up played over and over in his head.

  The card changed, and he read it: “I understand this vaccine is now available to protect our citizens from ever again experiencing the deadly effects of Xenoralia.”

  He had been told precisely to call the disease Xenoralia or Xenoralia nervosa instead of Red Fever. Never Red Fever. The Speakers had been clear.

  The doctor said something scripted.

  “It is with great pleasure that I am here to witness the first human inoculation. The first step in a brave new age.” He filled his voice with confidence and excitement, as his gut filled with fear.

  The camera shifted slightly, bringing the additional two chairs into view. Halud watched as the two subjects came towards them, a man and a woman. The man sat down first, followed by a woman cradling a small bundle in her arms swaddled in cloth: a baby.

  Halud froze. He glared at the producer, but she was watching the couple, a smile on her face. He forced his to do the same.

  The swaddling was pulled back, a bright red, wrinkled skin baby. A newborn.

  The mother was still swollen and pale from childbirth. But she had a bright smile on her face, her hands shaking in her excitement.

  Halud glanced at the scientist who also smiled as he took a single syringe from the tray beside his chair. He cooed, admiring the child and praising the parents.

  Suddenly, they had all their gazes focussed on Halud.

  He nodded once. “The Gods have blessed you well,” he said, and rose to give the baby the proper anointment. He passed his hand over the child’s head and then to its chest, tapping the spot above the heart. Halud’s arms moved on their own, his mind stuck, rolling over and over again at this brand new baby, the first ever human recipient of a vaccine for the most dangerous disease the folk had ever seen.

  He passed his hand again over the head, the baby’s eyes blinking at him once, a deep brown.

  Quickly, he fell back into his chair, his legs all but giving out.

  The doctor tapped the syringe, preparing. The long needle waved in the air above them.


  The mother reached out her hand for the father, and together they held the child out. The needle plunged deep into the baby’s thigh. A scream broke across the room. After a second, Halud was pleased to realize it wasn’t him. He took a breath, gasping hungrily, as the baby cried.

  The parents quickly fussed and the researcher made a show of comforting the child.

  Halud watched the scene, fear growing with in him, an anxiety he couldn’t shake. A quiet noise grabbed his attention, and he realized the producer was tapping furiously at the sign. He sat up in the chair. “Simply marvellous. Tell us, Doctor, how effective is this vaccine?”

  “One hundred percent.”

  “And can we expect any side effects?”

  “None, it is perfectly safe. Besides the sting from the injection, this child will grow up healthy, stronger than ever before, and safe against the Xenoralia nervosa virus.”

  Halud smiled again, but he wasn’t able to stop his shaking.

  “At this time, we are looking to vaccinate all children under the age of three. Vaccine centres will be set up in all major residential blocks.”

  Halud caught himself before he shouted out. Instead he read the card, verbatim: “And so it shall be, the words of the Gods to the Speakers, all children must be protected.” He stood again, mechanically, and anointed the baby, still wailing. As it cried, it opened its crinkled eyes.

  Halud gasped and backed away, his arm only half way through the prayer. They were blue, brilliant crystalline blue. The same blue as the rats in the cages behind him. The same blue as Sarrin’s.

  The interview ended in a blur.

  He fidgeted his hands together, waiting for the doctor to finish his goodbyes with the couple. The producer spoke to him, but his muffled brain couldn’t comprehend it. He turned away from her as soon as the doctor had finished, the couple escorted out of the laboratory.

  “The eyes,” was all he could say.

  “Yes, the colour change is the only side effect of the vaccine. We were unable to clear that from the virus.” The researcher suddenly started to search him, more interested than before.

  Halud cast his gaze down, hiding the colour of his own eyes. “Very good work, gentlemen.” He rushed out the room as fast as he possibly could.

  TWENTY

  HOEPE BRUSHED HIS HAND THROUGH the holographic display, watching as the lines blurred around his fingers and then straightened. All this tech, the best the Central Army had at it’s disposal, all collected in this one, remote facility. The Gods truly must be looking out for them, providing everything in their time of greatest need.

  Footsteps clicked on the pristine floor, signalling an entrance. Hoepe turned, but he should have guessed the entrant from the long strides. “Hello, Hoepe,” said Leove, wringing his hands anxiously.

  Hoepe looked at his twin, his emotions a complete jumble.

  Leove took a steadying breath. “I came to apologize.”

  “Apologize?”

  “For my actions, and the things I said.” Leove took a step forward. “I should have realized how it would make you feel. I didn’t think. It’s been hard for you, never having known your family. And harder still when you found out that I did, that I had the life you did not. I hope you can forgive me for this.” He took a step forwards. “And my time with Isuma has been superfluous. You are my brother. You’re all I need. Brothers are more important than anything.”

  Hoepe smiled.

  “Will you forgive me, so we can be the brothers we were meant to be?”

  Hoepe stepped forward, and they embraced. “I’m glad you understand.”

  “Me too,” said Leove. “I’ve told Isuma I’m done with her. I never really cared for her, only for you, my brother.”

  They embraced for several minutes, Hoepe taking in all the warmth his brother offered, feeling as though he could finally breathe. As they pulled apart, the feeling stayed.

  “How is your friend, Grant?”

  “Doing well. His recovery is ahead of schedule and his neurofunction tests are nearly at normal levels.”

  Smiling, Leove said, “I’m so glad to hear. And you were right to operate on him when you did, I’m only sorry I didn’t see it then and wasn’t there to help.”

  Hoepe clapped his brother gladly on the shoulder, burying the twinge of confusion. “Let’s go check on his latest scans together.” They walked into the main hospitalization area shoulder to shoulder.

  Grant sat propped up in one of the beds. “Hey, guys.” He waved a tablet at them briefly. “What do you know about this place?”

  Leove sat down by Grant. “It is a nice facility, well equipped. The caretaker, Cordelia, is easy to talk with and very helpful.”

  “It’s a massive place,” said Grant.

  Hoepe nodded. “We were told it was originally meant to house several hundred people.”

  “So why doesn’t it?” Grant frowned.

  “It is unclear,” said Hoepe, the uncertainty twinging again until he pushed it down.

  “It seems to be a point of distress for her,” said Leove, “We haven’t questioned further.”

  Grant frowned.

  “What is it?” Hoepe asked.

  “I just can’t stop thinking about Junk, or the idea that more of our friends are trapped in other facilities.” He tapped on the data tablet a few times. “So I was playing around, looking through different sections of the compound, and I found this.” He held it out for them to see.

  On the screen was a detailed schematic of the building: the main floor, and the upper floor which housed the infirmary and living quarters, and a basement which was listed as storage. But there was an empty space. Grant tapped again, zooming in on the empty space, which contained an elevator shaft.

  He tweaked the image. Another schematic appeared, another floor. This one bearing an uncanny resemblance to the maze of cells in Evangecore.

  Leove gasped. “You don’t think?”

  “We know there are others out there. We know they put them on uninhabited planets where they think no one will ever find the facilities.”

  Hoepe licked his lips. “You believe it’s a research facility.”

  Grant tapped again. A long list scrolled across the screen: names and ID codes. Many of which he recognized.

  Hoepe turned to Leove. “Do you think Gal knows?”

  “Is that why he refused to bring us here?” Leove finished.

  “What about Cordelia? She’s been nothing but helpful. Does she know?”

  “Has she been hiding the secret all along, or is she unaware?”

  Hoepe shook his head. “It doesn’t matter, we have to be cautious.”

  “We can’t leave them in there,” said Grant.

  The brothers nodded, Hoepe searching Leove’s face to be sure they were on the same page.

  “We’ll rally the others,” said Leove. “We have to move quickly. We have already wasted time.”

  “I’m going too,” said Grant.

  “You’re still recovering.”

  “You have to let me. Those are my friends.”

  “It’s alright.” Hoepe nodded at Leove, and Leove let him up. “Leove and I will talk to the others. We’ll have to be quiet about it, we can’t let Cordelia know. Find out everything you can about possible obstacles or security measures.”

  Leove nodded solemnly. Grant too.

  More Augments, hidden on a lush planet. And they had nearly been so relaxed, so lulled by Cordelia’s charms, they could have missed them entirely. “Good work, Grant.” At least his brother was with him now. Together, they couldn’t fail.

  * * *

  The trees parted as Sarrin ran. Her lungs stretched and her thighs burned. The pace was frantic.

  Breathe in.

  Her feet landed solidly, surely, adapting with each stride over the uneven path. A stray branch slapped across her arm. She ran and ran, the demons slipping away through her fingertips as she trailed them across low-hanging leaves. The last of Gal’s pain left her
, and some of her own.

  She hadn’t had this much freedom since the war — no, not even then could she run in the open. This was the most freedom she had ever experienced.

  The fresh air was cool and sweet. She breathed until it filled her, set her cell metabolism into overdrive, made her feel unstoppable. The path took her up a hill, overlooking the valley below, a great river winding through it. The trees were foreign, the leaves round, their branches spiralling up and up before the weight of the canopy pulled them back down.

  There was a familiarity, a sense of peace she could not place. The forest was silent except for the soft turn of her feet on the leaves. This was living — a feeling she had all but forgotten, and the buzz of it made her giddy.

  A smile broke out as she ran.

  Movement in the woods caught her attention. At first startled, she turned to investigate without breaking her pace. They were some distance away, but animals ran along ahead of her, their long tails teasing her to follow. She gasped, her step faltering. They were the ungulate creatures from her dreams.

  But there should be no animals here.

  She pushed the thought down, too eager to have found the place of her dreams to let it go. The path turned down, the creatures bounding ahead of her, looking back like they knew her, like they called her a friend. She wasn’t scared of them, and more importantly, they weren’t scared of her. There was no reason to be.

  * * *

  Gal followed Rayne as she hiked up the path in front of them. Cordelia had outdone herself, he had to admit. The forest was beautiful despite the danger they were in.

  That was the trouble. The other planet too was beautiful, together they could have provided everything the folk ever needed.

  But Cornelius was gone now. And Cordelia unpredictable.

  The path levelled out, opening into a flat meadow. Directly ahead of them, the trees parted. He didn’t need to step forward to know the view was incredible. “Oh, Gal,” Rayne said, “you have to see this.”