Tier Trilogy: Books 1-3

by Cindy Gunderson

  “This cast is awesome,” Tal answers, his leg propped on a stool.

  “Is the swelling down at all?”

  “Seems like it.”

  “Any pressure?”

  Tal shrugs. That’s the best answer I can get out of him these days. If he isn’t concerned, I have to choose to follow suit. The crutch Val gave him last night is propped against the counter, so I assume he’s at least been trying it out and not just hopping everywhere. The last thing we need is a sprained ankle on his other leg from overuse.

  “Bent, how are you feeling?”

  “Great,” he says. “I’m hungry.”

  “That’s why I’m here,” Eric says, coming in through the back door. “Val got you something special.”

  The boys’ eyes light up as they watch Eric walk to the fridge. “Check this out,” he says, pulling a container from the second shelf.

  The boys gasp. “Yogurt!?” they say, nearly in unison.

  “And peaches,” Eric announces, pulling a carton out from behind his back.

  From the looks on their faces, I fully expect the boys to fall from their perches. It nearly makes me cry. Things that were completely commonplace in my childhood are once-in-a-lifetime treats in their world. I know it isn’t the worst thing. In fact, it may actually be a gift, but—as a parent—the drive to provide our children with the very best of everything is all-encompassing. Determining what deserves the title of ‘very best’ is the difficult part.

  As the boys devour their morning dessert, Eric hands me a small bag.

  “I asked Val to pick them up,” he says secretively.

  Opening the sack, my jaw drops. “How—”

  “They have citrus all the time now in Tier 1 and fairly often in Tier 2. After my time here, I knew it was coming. We seemed to be receiving orders of specialization more frequently by the month. Trade is fully open between the territories at this point.”

  “Fully open?” I repeat in awe.

  “From talking with Val last night, it seems like a lot has changed.”

  I tear into the orange and place a segment in my mouth, closing my eyes. Pure heaven.

  “It’s been a few years, I guess,” I say after a moment. “What else have we missed?”

  “Well, I’m not sure how people have received the news in Tier 1—”

  “You mean the information that was released because of Nick? Jessica seemed to think that people were frustratingly apathetic. Too concerned with their own placement in a new potential system to take action.”

  “I remember you mentioning that. People in Tier 2, however, have not taken it as easily.”

  “How do Tier 2 individuals even know? I highly doubt Berg intentionally released it.”

  “Oh, no, definitely not. You remember the hostility I witnessed here?” he asks, and I nod. “My experience was that it was a very small group who were just unhappy enough to even consider taking action. And I think that was probably true, but it doesn’t seem to have stayed that way. That group more than doubled within months of my leaving. Val was saying that when word got out about me being Tier 1—which, she will neither confirm nor deny whether the rumor started with her—it only fueled the fire. People started to wonder what else Berg wasn’t telling them? Who else could be living in Tier 2 without any clue about their past lives? Were people being taken to Tier 3 without consent? It caused an uproar in certain circles. That’s when Kip’s group became more serious about finding information proactively.”

  “So they found a way to access Tier 1 info?” I ask between bites.

  “It doesn’t sound like it was hard. It’s shocking because Berg somehow thinks that everyone is completely under their thumb. How do they not see that revolution is coming?”

  My heart stops and a shiver runs down my spine. “Eric. What if they do.”

  “What do you mean?” Eric asks, lifting his elbows from the countertop. “Why—”

  “What if they are making it easy for a reason? What do you think is going to happen the instant a group like Kip’s tries something?”

  Eric blanches with sudden understanding. Running his hands through his hair, he starts moving in all directions, his motions scattered and spastic.

  “I’ve got to get to Kip,” he says under his breath, walking toward the hall.

  “Eric!” I shout and everyone stares at me. Bentley is frozen with a drip of yogurt on his lip that would normally be somewhat comical in a less intense moment. “You can’t be seen here.”

  “I don’t really have a choice.”

  “But you still can’t be rash,” I assert. “I agree that you need to act, but this is not the best option.”

  Eric is obviously distraught. It’s not like him to be so irrational.

  “Val has a computer right?”

  He nods.

  “Use that.”

  “It could be traced,” he argues.

  “Then use the sensor and ask Val to send it. Going outside is too risky.”

  “I don’t know, Kate, but I have to contact the group. I have no idea where they are—they don’t even know I’m here yet, given all of the adjustments we had to make. If they make any move—”

  “I know, but just because we suspect Berg’s motives here doesn’t mean that something is suddenly going to happen this second. Breathe,” I say, and watch his chest expand obediently. “Message Val, and I’ll message Jessica. We have to organize. Fast.”

  Eric slides around the counter and begins flicking his fingers furiously on the sensor. I hope we’re not too late or we won’t be making it home as planned.

  Chapter 118

  “It’s all set,” Val assures us, handing Eric the key. “There won’t be any interruptions.”

  “Dad, we want to come,” Tal calls from the couch.

  “I know, but it’s going to be most of the night—”

  “We both took naps this afternoon,” Bentley argues. “And what else do we have to do? We can sleep all day tomorrow.”

  Eric looks to me.

  “Don’t ask me, I’m not a part of this little endeavor,” I hedge.

  “Fine, you boys can come,” he acquiesces. “But you have to do exactly as I say if anything unexpected happens.”

  “We will, promise,” Bentley says excitedly.

  “Tal, do you think you can handle it?”

  “As long as I get another dose of pain meds, definitely,” he laughs.

  “I seriously can’t believe you’re doing as well as you are. That was a terrible break,” I comment.

  Tal shrugs. “It feels a lot better now.”

  Again, that comparison of pain and joy. Is he happier now that he knows how bad he could be feeling? And is he stronger for it? Incredible how I seem to find this juxtaposition everywhere now that I’m tuned into it.

  Considering what I’m about to do, I am surprisingly at ease. Somehow Eric’s errand feels more risky to me, even though I’ll be the one who’s visible.

  “Are you ready?” Val asks.

  “Me? Definitely,” I answer confidently. There’s some part of me that has been itching to worm my way into Eric’s prior life. Though missing out on this part of Eric’s life hasn’t especially bothered me, now that I have the opportunity to experience it in some way...Well, my excitement for carrying out these tasks seems disproportionate to a typical response under similar circumstances. Meeting Kip is ultimately more exhilarating because Eric met him first.

  “Comfortable with the location and directions?” Val confirms.

  I nod, taking the boys’ dishes to the sink. The boys have already made their way to the bathroom to change in preparation for their outing to the lab with Eric. He must have followed them because the kitchen is now empty besides me and Val.

  “Sorry I can’t come with you,” she says. “I still think it’s best for me to maintain my regular routine. With everything happening in Tier 1...I just don’t want to give anyone a reason to pry.”

  “Absolutely, and I agree. You don’t
think anyone will find it odd that some woman they don’t recognize is walking down the street?”

  “No, it happens all the time. This area is populated enough that people don’t necessarily have a general knowledge of the people walking the neighborhood. Kip knows you’re coming, and that’s all that matters.”

  I clench my jaw. “Do you think they’ll hear me out?”

  “That...I can’t tell you. There’s as much prejudice here toward Tier 3 as in Tier 1. Maybe even more so because we’re closer to it,” she admits.

  I flash a tense smile before backing to the door and slipping on my shoes.

  “Hey, Val,” I say. There are so many things I want to express to her and the sheer magnitude of my emotions causes me to hesitate. She waits for my words expectantly.

  “I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for us—”

  Val shrugs off the praise, “No need. This is a cause I happen to believe in and I’m more than happy to be a part of it.”

  “I know, but I’m actually thankful for much more than this.”

  Val tilts her head, looking at me quizzically.

  “Thank you for helping Eric through his time here.”

  She looks taken aback—maybe even slightly uncomfortable—which I completely understand. I haven’t brought it up because it makes me squirm a little just thinking about the relationship they built in my absence. But it needs to be acknowledged.

  “I honestly haven’t given him much opportunity to share his experiences here, but I am trying to be better about that. Based on what I do know, and what I’m witnessing now, I can see that you were a beacon for him. And I want you to know that I love you for it.”

  Val’s eyes shimmer and she blinks, tucking her hands in her back pockets. “Thank you,” she says softly. “Good luck, Kate,” she whispers, then quickly retreats down the hall, almost running into Eric as she turns the corner.

  “Is she okay?” Eric asks as he approaches.

  “I think so,” I answer, but secretly, I worry that I’ve upset her.

  “The boys are almost ready. We’ll be heading over soon.”

  “I can’t wait to hear about it. They are going to lose their minds when they see a normal lab setup.”

  “I know. Although I hope I’m not building up the moment too much in my mind. They probably won’t even react, and then I’m going to be disappointed,” he muses, looping his arms around my waist.

  “Oh they’ll definitely react,” I assure him.

  He kisses me softly. “I’m glad we came.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Even if this doesn’t work the way we expect it to, I would have always regretted not taking some sort of action.”

  I nod. “We’re kind of making the same mistakes all over again, right?”

  “I don’t think they are mistakes,” he says smiling. “Berg is in the wrong, Kate, and this time, I’m absolutely positive about that.”

  I tip my head, giving him one last kiss, then step through the door and down the steps to the street.

  Chapter 119

  Keeping my face lowered, I navigate the streets of Tier 2 according to the directions loaded on my sensor. The fact that everything is familiar, but not totally recognizable, is eerie. The neighborhoods are similar to ones I’ve seen in the past. It’s been constant sunshine since we’ve been here, and it makes me feel exposed. I’ve become accustomed to the grey, misty skies of our home.

  I wonder how Rose and the other children are doing. It’s extremely unsettling not to have any way to contact them.

  Ding.

  I glance down at my sensor and see a message from Jessica. Since I’m walking straight for a while, I decide to quickly peek at it.

  >Kate, we found something. A friend of mine was able to gain access to the computer program of the car Nick was in when he died. There was a directive uploaded to the car about an hour before his trip started. We haven’t been able to piece it together yet—the car was such a mess after the accident, it’s amazing the computer was even partially intact. I just wanted to keep you updated.

  I don’t even need to see physical evidence of that directive, I know what it was. How Berg ever had the hubris to—I take a deep breath, realizing my hands are clenched into fists. This is not the time, Kate, I remind myself. I need to go into this meeting calm and in control. My sensor directs me to turn left at the next intersection and, within minutes, I am standing in front of a door. Without hesitation, I climb the steps and walk inside.

  Upon entering the foyer, I am ushered into a room humming with conversation. Immediately, I am concerned at the sheer number of people here. Can I really be sure that they are all trustworthy? If even one of them is here on false pretenses, I’m in trouble. While this realization sends my heart racing, I am also fully aware that there’s nothing I can do about it at this point. I have to meet with them. I think of Nick, walking into the Committee meeting that night and risking everything...I can do this. I steel myself and take a seat near the back.

  This seems to be a community building of sorts, but it can’t be currently in use. The offices surrounding the common room are empty, with only a desk and chair to fill the space; there aren’t any visible displays either. I scan the attendees, trying to find someone who fits Kip’s description. My eyes lock onto a burly man near the front of the room, in heated conversation with a younger man seated next to him. That has to be him, I think. I am proven right when he stands to address the crowd moments later.

  “Thank you for being here on such short notice,” he drawls, commanding the attention of the room. “I know we are all ready to take action and, as a Committee, we plan to make a final decision today. Some new information has come to light and, in the interest of full transparency, we wanted to present that today and hear your thoughts before moving forward.”

  Around me, people react to this in varying ways. Some nod at the idea of taking action, while others look positively predatory at the mention of new information. The energy in the room is palpable. I have no idea what I’ve just walked into. I’m about to address complete strangers with absolutely no read on their goals or ideals.

  “We have a visitor today, and to respect the safety of her family, I won’t be introducing her by name. You know who you are,” he invites, searching the crowd. “Please go ahead and come up.”

  He doesn’t know what I look like, I realize. I stand and his eyes snap in my direction. His smile is kind as he beckons me to the front.

  “Thank you,” I say, shaking his hand.

  “No, thank you,” he whispers. “Nice to finally meet you. I had the privilege of hearing about you daily from Eric,” he chuckles.

  I smile nervously. “I don’t know if ‘privilege’ is the right word,” I shoot back, before turning to face the crowd.

  Summoning my confidence, I make a last-minute decision. I have to gauge the attitudes of these people before presenting my information. I am going to get nowhere if this isn’t a collaborative process.

  “Hey,” I begin, “before I get into everything that I have to offer, I would love to ask a few questions. I’m not sure how much information Kip has given you—”

  “None,” someone calls out.

  “Okay, none, perfect,” I say, and this seems to get a small laugh. “Let me give you a little more. Kip’s right, my family is taking a huge risk by being here in Tier 2, so I hope you’ll forgive the anonymity. I have children and, while I would be open to taking more risk with my own life, I’m not necessarily open to doing that with theirs.”

  I see a few nods and hope that mentioning the fact that I have children will earn some credibility.

  “I am Tier 1—” I pause, noticing a low rumble erupt from the group at this revelation. I sense Kip rising behind me. At least I know where we stand on this one.

  “I know,” I continue quickly, “that probably makes me one of your least favorite people right now, but let me explain. Berg forced a...difficult...situation on my fam
ily a couple of years ago, and while we attempted to go forward with their protocol, it proved to be too much. My pair and I concluded that we needed to go in a different direction and...Berg didn’t approve. They used reversal therapy—” I pause, turning to face Kip. “Is everyone here familiar with reversal?”

  Kip nods, his face grim. Apparently this is another unpopular topic. “Okay, just checking that I don’t need to explain that procedure,” I say to the group. “So they used reversal therapy to actually split our family apart without our consent.”

  At this, all sound in the room ceases and every eye is trained on me. “To make a long story short, we had help from a friend who advocated for us and we were eventually able to live together again...outside of the Tier system.”

  There is an audible intake of breath.

  “That’s why it’s risky for us to be here, because we aren’t supposed to exist anymore.” I let this sink in, slowly pacing across the front of the room. “So, now that you know a little about me, back to those questions. First, I would love to hear from you about why this group exists.”

  I scan the room for someone who is interested in sharing. It takes a moment, but I see a hand rise above the heads near the back. Pointing, I invite the woman to stand.

  “I can’t really speak for everyone, but my understanding is that we are meeting because we see things happening in our society that aren’t fair or justified. Maybe they used to be, but we don’t believe that they are anymore. I have personally brought this up with Tier 2 leadership—and I know others have been following due process for years. We haven’t seen any indication that things are going to change. So we are banding together to find a solution.”

  “I love it, thank you. Unless someone else wants to add anything…” I again scan, looking for hands, but don’t see any, “...that leads me to my next question. What solution are you seeking? What is your ideal situation?”

  “Can I answer that one?” Kip asks from behind me.

  “Absolutely,” I say, backing up so he can take the floor.

  “My ultimate goal is full integration, but I know we don’t all have the same opinion on that,” he says, acknowledging a few particular individuals in the crowd. “It has been obvious for years that our resource levels are high enough to support an integrated system, but now that we have seen the actual numbers...it is completely ludicrous that we aren’t moving in that direction already. And before you give any criticisms of this solution, I’ll tell you, I’ve heard them all already. I realize that integration could be putting us in danger of repeating the past, but as far as I can tell, we’re repeating it already. I’d rather have the freedom and opportunity for all of us to progress together if that’s the case. If the Tier system isn’t creating the peace and sustainability it set out to create, then why continue with it?” Kip finishes, sitting back down.