Tier Trilogy: Books 1-3

by Cindy Gunderson

  “I think Tier 1 needs to pay for what they’ve done, for all that we’ve suffered,” a man shouts out and I see heads nod in agreement.

  “I can understand that,” I say quickly, trying to avoid another outburst. “And thank you Kip for explaining.” I pause, collecting my thoughts. “When I was in Tier 1, I worked as a health consultant. Have any of you met with one of those before?” Again, heads nod. “Okay, great, some of you know how that works. So I had limited interaction with Tier 2 individuals and then one of my patients actually made it into Tier 1. I took her aside one day and asked a ton of questions about her life in Tier 2, because I realized, even with the years of experience talking to Tier 2 individuals, I actually had no idea what your lives were like. I had no idea what it felt like to be in Tier 2. Her information was eye opening for me. I’m guessing that none of you have had the opportunity to talk with someone from Tier 1 in depth?”

  “I talked with your pair,” Kip speaks up again. “It was definitely eye opening for me,” he admits. “He thought about things so differently. Kind of frustrating, actually,” he laughs and a few other people chuckle around me.

  “Right, fascinating that we have such different perspectives on the world based on what our experiences are. Sir,” I say, directing my attention to the man who called out earlier, “when you say that Tier 1 should pay, have you thought about ‘who’ in Tier 1 is the problem?”

  He doesn’t respond.

  “I can guarantee you, the problem is not with individuals in Tier 1. They have been conditioned to be loyal to Berg. Everyone that I interacted with there was kind and unselfish,” again, a low grumble begins to rise under my words. “But they are also misguided,” I finish. “They are being lied to, just like you. The problem is with the Committee, and even then, not every single individual in leadership is to blame. I have been corresponding with one Committee member who is actively fighting this fight in Tier 1. Your fight. There are at least twenty other members who are working with her for integration specifically, supported by research originally initiated by another Tier 1 leader. Because each Tier is isolated, it is so easy for us to believe that it’s ‘us vs. them’, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not. We are in this together, and I’m here today to help find an answer that will be amenable to all of us. Not just me and my family, not just you in this room, but everyone. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.”

  “We heard Tier 3 doesn’t exist,” a woman says loudly and others murmur in agreement.

  “Oh they exist,” I assure them. “Shall we get started?” I ask Kip. He nods, and pulls up his display.

  Chapter 120

  “My last point,” I say, concluding my presentation, “is speculation, but we believe it to be valid, nonetheless.” I shut down the display and sleep my sensor. “With all that’s happened—all of the information I’ve shown you—do you think there is any chance that Berg is not aware of you or groups like you?”

  Eyes dart back and forth, but nobody answers.

  “They haven’t done anything to stop us from meeting. We’ve been discreet,” Kip pipes up.

  “That’s exactly my point,” I agree. “Look at the level of intelligence Berg has, why have they allowed you to keep meeting?”

  Again, the room is silent. “I bring your attention again to the action Berg has taken in Tier 1. They—in order to receive vital information regarding reversal treatments—released information to the general public about action against Tier 3, use of reversal in Tier 1 without consent, and true resource counts. Yes, they justified every action on their part, but they knew that this was going to cause an uproar regardless of their explanations. Which is why, prior to—and during—the dissemination of this information, they released their plans to create new Tier divisions. Personally, I don’t think they were ever intending to announce that as early as they have—another piece that confirms their true intentions in my mind.

  “Instead of calling for change, Tier 1 individuals have been distracted with qualifying for this new Tier system. And, throughout all of this, Berg has done nothing in Tier 2. Don’t you think that’s a little odd?” My voice gains intensity as I continue to drive this point home. “If Berg was truly trying to create a new set of scientifically justified Tier divisions, don’t you think they would have given that information to Tier 2 at the same time? Or, on the other hand, if they weren’t ready for you to have that information, wouldn’t they have made it more difficult for you to get it? If they were worried about unrest in Tier 2, don’t you think they would have programs in place to deal with the feelings that they know will be dredged up with this kind of information?”

  Everywhere I look, people consider these questions with furrowed brows. “I don’t think Berg wants to squash a rebellion in Tier 2,” I say finally. “I think they are begging for it.” As these words leave my mouth, it’s as if a shockwave passes over the crowd, causing a collective intake of breath. Turning on my heel, I take the open seat next to Kip, my body finally relaxing as I realize that I’ve finished my assignment. While it wasn’t difficult to physically stand and present the information I’ve accumulated over the last two years, it’s still stressful for me to be in front of people—especially people who technically hate me, or at least what I represent. And it’s not like I’ve had a lot of practice, living alone in the woods.

  It takes Kip a moment, but he eventually stands. “Thank you,” he says contemplatively. Then, shifting positions, he asks, “Just so I’m clear...you think that Berg wants us to take violent action against them?”

  Remaining in my seat, I answer, “Think about it, Kip. If your group—or any group like it—creates a disturbance, it will feed directly into their dialogue. That ‘the Tier system needs to be redistributed’, that ‘our excess resources don’t suddenly justify distribution to all’. If they can prove that Tier 2 is dangerous to the peace they have created...it won’t take much to convince the rest of Tier 1 that you aren’t worth saving. Especially when that means more open slots for them in the new system.”

  “But I’m confused,” Kip says, more aggressively this time. “You say that Tier 1 individuals are kind and selfless, yet you think they would condone action against us?”

  “Only if they were convinced it was for the benefit of society as a whole. So don’t give them any reason to think that,” I assert, thoroughly spent and tired of trying to prove my point.

  “Let’s hear what you think,” Kip says, opening up comments to the floor. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I also know you’ve probably got a lot of opinions, so shout ‘em out.”

  “I don’t think Berg is capable of wiping out Tier 2, but even if they tried, we could mobilize against them,” one person shouts.

  “Even if we could get our points across, how would we ever get them to listen?” another person contributes. The discussion moves back and forth—arguments in agreement with my points, and arguments against. After a few minutes, Kip raises his hands, asking for silence.

  “I hear you,” he says. “I have many of the same thoughts bouncing around in my head. Your points are compelling, and I see what you’re getting at,” he says, meeting my eyes, “but what I can’t wrap my brain around is where that leaves us. Let’s say we accept your premise, meaning that we can’t take action and incite a reaction from Berg...so then what? We sit here and continue to suffer? Wait for Berg to move to another plan that will marginalize us?”

  I sit silently, contemplating this question. “Kip, I don’t have all the answers. We’re trying to figure out the best course of action right now, too. But I can’t shake the thought that maybe the reason that every society before us has collapsed into unrest and conflict isn’t solely because of poor leadership. Maybe that responsibility lies just as heavily with the masses. With us. The leadership stacks things in their favor to maintain their dominance, but why do we continue to play their game? I think we all recognize that some of our leaders have fallen into the same traps as those in past failed governments—
seeking power, control, and personal gain—but we don’t have to do the same. Why does one selfish act require another? Maybe this is the juncture where we take a different path, where we refuse to react in the way they expect. Where we change the story.”

  “It sounds idyllic, but how can we trust that the rest of Tier 2—and more importantly, individuals in Tier 1—will act accordingly? Especially when—as you stated yourself—fear of displacement in a new system is a strong motivator?”

  “Tier 1 has been conditioned for selflessness...we simply need to provide the catalyst. Give them a reason to sacrifice. A rationale more compelling than their fear.”

  Chapter 121

  “How did it go?” I ask, waking at the sounds of movement in the dark.

  “Shhh, we can talk about it in the morning. It’s barely 4am,” Eric responds. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “It’s okay,” I yawn, pulling the incredibly soft blanket to my chin. I wonder if Val would notice if I took this home with me? “Did the boys love it?”

  “They did indeed. We got everything started, but it will be a few days before we can test the results. We set up ten different trials, though, with a few variations between groups. I think I might be more excited about it than Tal and Bentley,” he admits, a childish lilt to his voice.

  “Is that really surprising?” I tease.

  “I guess not,” Eric sighs, settling on his pillow next to me. “It felt a little too good being in the lab again.”

  “Live it up while you can,” I say, closing my eyes and snuggling close to him.

  “How’d you like Kip?”

  “He’s a lot more calm and reasonable than you led me to believe.”

  “He must have changed,” Eric quips, laughing softly at his own wit.

  I smile, my head becoming fuzzy with drowsiness. “I’ll tell you more tomorrow,” I murmur before allowing myself to drift.

  “Yeah you will,” Eric whispers, gently kissing my temple.

  Val, Eric, and I sit around her table with steaming mugs of herbal tea. Though it’s after noon, the boys are still sleeping soundly.

  “So that’s it,” Val says. “If we have this ready to go, then regardless of whether the Committee listens to your research, we’ll have our bases covered.”

  “Exactly,” I confirm. “We have to be able to release this to everyone within the Tier system simultaneously in the event that Berg isn’t receptive. Which...while I’m hopeful that it will go well, my experience has been that the Director will find some reason to disregard any information that doesn’t suit his purposes.”

  Eric nods. “I know we have to give them the chance to do what’s right...but I wish we could just go straight to the back-up plan.”

  “You never know,” I say, “Maybe there’s enough pressure from these other Committee members that they’ll consider it.”

  “Doubtful,” Eric says, and while I can’t bring myself to say it out loud, I wholeheartedly agree.

  “So I just need to find a way to have this ready for a blast,” Val muses. “I think I can handle that.”

  “Jessica is going to take care of Tier 1, so if you can get this out to Tier 2, we should be covered,” I clarify.

  She nods. “I’ll get to work. When are you meeting with them?”

  “Let’s all take a step back and recognize that if the results don’t come back the way we expect, we won’t have any cards to play—”

  “We’ll still have information regarding Nick’s death—”

  “If Jessica finds anything,” Eric argues. “Kate, we might wait two days and have nothing concrete.”

  While I know this is a possibility, I just can’t accept it. Something has to pan out.

  “I know. I’m not trying to pretend that it’s all going to work out perfectly. I just figure one of these avenues has to produce something that we can go off of.”

  “Are you going to have Jessica arrange a Committee meeting in the hopes of that happening? Or are you going to wait until we know for sure?”

  “I don’t think we have enough time to wait,” I admit. “The longer we are here without moving, the higher the risk that something goes wrong.”

  Eric nods knowingly.

  “I want to set up the meeting. Worst case scenario, we back out and book it back home, hopefully with Berg none the wiser,” I suggest.

  “And leave Jessica to clean up our mess,” Eric states.

  “Mmm-hmmm.”

  “And live knowing that the Tier system is imploding.”

  “Right.”

  “So we won’t be doing that.”

  “Nope,” I agree.

  Val laughs. “You two are hilarious,” she comments, standing to put her mug in the sink. “I’ve got to get back to the office. Food is in the refrigerator for dinner,” she instructs. “All I ask is that you save me some.” Her hair swings along her shoulder blades gracefully as she slips out the door.

  “I see why you liked her,” I say softly.

  “Kate—”

  “No, it’s okay. I think she’s great,” I say genuinely, smiling. “But I’m glad I got you back.”

  Eric rolls his eyes. “I’m going to take a nap.”

  “Well I’m going to message Jessica, so that works out,” I tease. Then more seriously, I add, “Maybe she has more info on the car.”

  Eric leans in and kisses my cheek. “I hope so. See you in a few.”

  Chapter 122

  “Can we do something outside for just a few minutes?” Bentley begs. “I’m so sick of being cooped up in this house.”

  I did not anticipate that sitting and relaxing would be the most difficult part of our trip, but every one of us is feeling the frustration of doing nothing.

  “In a few hours, we’ll be able to go and check the results of our trials,” Eric offers. “That’s something, right?”

  Tal nods.

  “Hey, I didn’t ever hear how you set that up. I assume you couldn’t keep everything out in the open, considering that it’s a working lab,” I ask.

  “Right, it was a little tricky, but Val’s contact gave us access to a storage room. We put everything on the shelves in there and then locked it. He assured us that it isn’t used frequently, and added extra precautions to ensure that they wouldn’t be disturbed.”

  “Perfect,” I say. “I’m excited to hear how everything turns out.”

  Just then, the door is flung open and Val rushes in, her face flushed and panicked.

  “Get out!” she shouts, scurrying around and picking up blankets. “You have to go right now, a Tier 1 Committee member is on her way over right now.”

  “What!?” Eric and I ask in unison, immediately joining Val in her quest to clear any evidence of our presence. Shoving bags, clothing, and pillows in cabinets and under the couch, we make quick work of the space.

  “Where can we go?” I ask hurriedly.

  “Maybe the park? I can message you when it’s safe, I—”

  There is a knock on the door. And now it’s too late.

  Val motions for us to hide in her bedroom with the door shut. We slowly tiptoe down the hall, grateful that Val doesn’t have any windows in her entry to give us away.

  “The dishes!” I hiss, looking back toward the kitchen.

  “I took care of it,” Eric assures me, scooting Bentley into the room. Tal has an arm slung over Eric’s shoulders, hopping on his good leg. Every once in awhile I catch him attempting to walk on his cast, which I don’t think is recommended. But, since he hasn’t been needing pain meds, I assume he is just testing his limits and not actually causing more damage. Theoretically.

  Closing the door softly, we can hear voices down the hall. Without speaking, I use hand motions to communicate the requirement of absolute silence. Just to be safe, we usher the boys to the other side of the bed. In case we need to hide completely.

  When the boys are out of view, Eric flashes me a devilish grin and holds up two glasses in his left hand. Confused, I shrug my
shoulders. Motioning for me to come closer to the door, he hands me a glass, then carefully presses his soundlessly against the door. Understanding dawns, and I copy his actions, then press my ear to the bottom of the glass. Immediately, the muffled voices become clear.

  “...it’s definitely not every day that a Committee member asks to meet in my home,” Val laughs, her voice charming.

  “I know, I’m sorry for the short notice, but this is a special circumstance.”

  “Yes, what exactly is going on? I received a notification during my service assignment. Something about new resource allocation?”

  “Right, first thing tomorrow, we are going to be instituting changes and we are hoping that you will help us on the production end.”

  “Well that’s exciting,” Val says. “We must be doing well if we are upping our variety again in less than six months. What can I do?”

  There is a long pause and I adjust my glass, wondering if I’m missing something.

  “I’m sorry if I miscommunicated,” the Committee member starts. “We aren’t increasing anything this time around. There have been some...losses in the system and, in order to compensate for that, we will need to readjust the amounts shipping to Tier 1, and therefore, the amounts left for Tier 2.”