The Gaia Effect

by Claire Buss

MED4AC: Miscarriage Q&A session to be held later today in social hub beta.

  Ask your question now, sweep your friends, join in the discussion.

  'Are you speaking at the Q&A session, D?' Kira asked, casting about for something to talk about.

  'No way. I don't want to rehash everything with a bunch of strangers.' Dina squished a soft ball in her hands. 'Women won't leave me alone as it is – asking questions about my private life. I wish it would all go away.'

  'I am certain it will blow over eventually,' Martha said, leaning over to rescue the toy from Dina's hands.

  'Blow over? Have they left you alone yet?'

  Martha gave the ball back to Grace. She had received some nasty sweeps regarding the rape but on the whole people had been supportive, especially when they learned she had decided to keep the baby.

  'People just want to identify with you,' Martha explained. 'They want to be able to say it could have been me.'

  'I wish it had been someone else,' Dina said bitterly. 'I wish everything had happened to someone else.'

  Kira regarded her young friend. 'Everything?'

  Dina coloured, and tucked her hair behind her ear again. 'I just think that if I hadn't agreed to the whole stupid undercover thing, Ingrid would still be with us.' Dina's voice wobbled and she fought not to cry.

  'It wasn't your fault sweetie,' Kira said. 'They would've found someone else.'

  It didn't make Dina feel any better. She felt responsible for Ingrid's death no matter how many times Kira tried to convince her otherwise. If Force hadn't been focusing on Science Division, they might have found out about the terrorist attack on Corp Tech in time.

  'It is lovely having you stay here with us Dina.' Martha tried to lighten the mood.

  'Thanks. I know it's only temporary, but..'

  'Temporary? Who said it was temporary?'

  'Well, I didn't think you'd want me here when the baby comes.'

  'Oh stop being so soft.' Martha threw a pillow at Dina. 'I would love you to be here – if you still want to.'

  Dina hugged the pillow, hiding her face. When she looked up, she had tears in her eyes. 'Yes,' she said. 'Yes I do.'

  The bedroom door opened and Jed came through. His eyes were bloodshot, and he hadn't shaved. Sitting down next to Kira, he put his head on her shoulder.

  'Are you alright, love?'

  'No,' Jed replied. 'But I will be.' There was a pause. 'Has anyone heard from Ruth?'

  'I didn't see her at the funeral,' Dina said. 'Did she have the details K?'

  'Yes, but I think maybe she felt she wouldn't be welcome.'

  'Is Pete still angry at her?' Martha asked.

  Jed ran a hand over his face, considering his words. 'He hasn't forgiven her for her part in staging the building attack.'

  'Her part?' Martha said, frowning. 'She had nothing to do with the bombing.'

  Jed looked uncomfortable. 'Ruth gave Pete a teddy bear to give to....Ingrid.' Jed swallowed the lump of emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. 'It was found in the wreckage. There was a scanner inside. Force techies think it was used to get schematics of the building.'

  'But she didn't know what they were going to do with it – surely?' Dina looked appalled.

  'No she didn't,' Jed admitted. 'Pete thinks she should've known what was going to happen, and that she should've come forward earlier.'

  'No wonder she hasn't shown her face,' Kira said. 'I hope she's alright.'

  'I'm sure Ruth will be in touch, K.' Dina looked down at her hand-held and sent Ruth another ping. 'When she's ready.'

  ANON88: I hope it shatters you like my dreams have shattered.

  In the end, it was a brick through the window that decided it for Ruth. Her apartment was in a low-tech high rise, and it didn't have automated security settings. Thanks to the sweeps reporting every last detail about the two remaining pregnant women, Ruth was easy to find, and therefore easy to attack. The people were angry and frightened and it didn't take much to stir them into action. Ruth finally replied to one of Dina's pings and told her what had been happening.

  Ruthie! Are you okay? It's not safe for you to be there. Come to Kira's and be with the rest of us. There are Force Operatives on their way to get you. D x

  'I didn't know if I should come,' Ruth said as she was deposited on the doorstep by two Force agents an hour later.

  Jed had answered the door, and he pulled Ruth over the threshold. Once inside he hugged her and whispered, 'It wasn't your fault.'

  Soon Ruth had been hugged and welcomed by everyone.

  'Where have you been?' Dina asked.

  'Anti-Corp released Quentin's remains. They'd already cremated him, so...' Ruth broke off, unable to speak.

  'Hey, hey Ruthie.' Kira hugged her friend. 'It's alright. He's at peace now.'

  'I'm okay. I'm okay. He bought the remains over himself.'

  'He?' Martha asked.

  'Victor – the head of Anti-Corp.'

  'Oh wow,' Dina said. 'What did he say?'

  Jed leaned forward, intent on Ruth's every word.

  'He said they would never have kept him that long, if they'd known.' Ruth sniffed.

  'Known what?' Jed asked.

  Ruth's voice took on a harsher tone. 'That evil pig of a bastard Bobby never told Victor I was Quentin's wife. Bobby used it as his own personal leverage to keep me working for Anti-Corp.' Ruth looked at Jed red-eyed. 'I swear Jed, if you don't terminate that piece of crap – I will.'

  'Ruth!' Kira exclaimed, shocked.

  'I'm not sorry K,' Ruth said, tears running down her face. 'He kept my husband away from me all those years.'

  Kira whispered to Jed to go make some more drinks while the others tried to comfort Ruth.

  Martha and Ruth were comparing their bumps when the door pinged and Pete entered. His jaw tightened as he noticed Ruth sitting on the couch. He walked over to the kitchen where Jed and Kira were stood, and handed a bag of food to Kira.

  'Pity meals,' Pete explained. 'I don't want them.'

  'Thanks,' Kira said, touching Pete's hand before taking the bag and putting it on the counter.

  'Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?' Jed asked, clapping a hand on his partner's shoulder.

  'No.'

  'You sure?' Jed said. 'It's our first day back after....'

  Pete shot another disapproving glance over towards the rest of the women in the lounge. 'I'm sure.' He turned to leave but Jed put a hand on his friend's arm to hold him back.

  'I'm going to tell the others,' Jed said. 'About the water. Will you stay?'

  Pete shook him off. 'You do it,' he said. 'I've got something else to do. I'll see you tomorrow.'

  Jed watched his partner leave in concern. He felt anxious about telling his wife and friends what he had learnt and wished Pete had stayed. Walking over to the others, he clapped his hands together, getting their attention.

  'I have some news. It's about what Dina discovered at Science Division. Corporation have been treating the water deliberately. Making us sterile. And they've been doing it for years.'

  CORP: Safety is our number one priority – upgrade your security now.

  Speak to your local Corporation Representative.

  EMERGENCY MEETING OF CORPORATION

  BOARD FOR CITY FORTY-TWO

  DATE: 5th August 2215

  VIRTUAL PRESENCE: J NICKS, Y ASWAD and P

  BASJERE R HAMBLE INJURED – MINUTES SENT THROUGH

  AGENDA

  1. ANTI-CORP INVOLVEMENT IN CORP TECH ATTACK

  2. CONTROL OF REMAINING PREGNANCIES UPDATE

  3. IMPROVING CORPORATION IMAGE

  4. FILE 0

  MINUTES

  1. VICTOR BIANCHI, LEADER OF ANTI-CORP HAS SPOKEN TO THE BOARD AND DENIED INVOLVEMENT IN THE ATTACK ON CORP TECH. THE BOARD ACCEPTS HIS STATEMENT AND IS PUSHING FORWARD TERMINATION FOR ALL MEMBERS OF 42nd ARMY.

  2. PREGNANCY A AND C ARE LIVING AT THE SAME ADDRESS. BOTH HAVE REFUSED MEDICAL AND ARE UNDER FORCE PROTECTION. ONCE PUBLIC
UPSET CEASES, GREATER EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO BRING THEM UNDER CONTROL.

  3. PR WILL WORK ON A NEW CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE CORPORATION IMAGE. SPIN IS NEEDED ON FETUS TERMINATION.

  4. FILE 0 IS REDUNDANT. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS KNOWS ABOUT THE WATER TREATMENT. CONTINGENCY PLAN A IS STILL RELEVANT.

  ANY OTHER BUSINESS – NONE

  Notes from Anti-Corp Meeting at Academy Student Bar, August 5th 2215

  • We are still reeling from the Corp Tech attack – Victor has urged everyone to publicly denounce the attack using their personal handles on the sweeps.

  • Victor has spoken with the Board and they have accepted his statement that the attack was planned and executed by the 42nd Army who have nothing to do with Anti-Corp.

  • Victor is arranging to speak to the leaders of 42nd Army and ask them to surrender themselves to the authorities.

  • If anyone has any contact with members of the 42nd Army they must disconnect now or risk being added to the list for termination.

  • All bugs are to be deactivated. All files and records kept on Corporation buildings and members are to be destroyed.

  • At this time it is unclear whether Anti-Corp will continue to meet.

  Think free – be free.

  Chapter Fourteen

  CORP: We remind citizens that individual safety is a priority.

  We put you first.

  Everyone began talking at once.

  'What do you mean treating the water?'

  'Is it safe?'

  'Will Grace be okay?'

  Ruth and Martha looked at each other, concern mirrored in their faces.

  'Will my baby be okay?' They spoke in unison.

  'Why doesn't everyone know about it?' Dina asked.

  'I don't have all the facts yet,' Jed said, moving to sit down next to Kira. 'Special Investigations are putting together a sweep release and the case is still open, but with the current mood in the city – well, they didn't want to risk any more panic.'

  'The water, Jed, is it safe?' Kira asked, clutching at his arm.

  'I think so. We are all still here aren't we?' Jed patted her hand, trying not to show his own concern.

  'If Science Division have been using High Energy Radiation to treat our water, it must have been a continuous low dosage designed to attack reproductive cells only and prevent them from repairing themselves,' Martha said thoughtfully.

  'So Corporation have lied to us and stopped us from having children.' Ruth glared at Jed. 'Why would they do that?'

  'I'm sorry Ruth.' Jed ran a hand through his hair. 'I have no idea. I'm back in work tomorrow. As soon as I find out more you girls will be the first to know. I promise.'

  'Can we sweep about it?' Dina asked.

  Jed looked at her.

  She coloured slightly, 'I guess not.'

  The group lapsed into thoughtful silence as Grace burbled happily on her tummy, and began to crawl across the floor to where an interesting looking handbag was within easy reach.

  'I have more news.' Martha spoke in a low tone.

  'Oh no,' Kira said. 'It's your Dad isn't it – is he okay? Was he badly hurt?'

  'He is having his spine regrown, but he will be fine. He has a rather odd request of everyone, he wants us to leave the city. He says there is a place we will be safe. Some kind of wilderness camp.'

  'Camp Eden?' Ruth interrupted, sounding excited. 'I've heard all sorts of rumours about it - a hidden science base investigating how tech and nature can co-exist. It's a hang over though, right? From before The Event. It's not funded directly by Corp.'

  'I don't know I'm afraid.'

  Jed jumped in. 'Not funded by Corp? Like Force and Special Investigations? I thought they were the only ones.'

  'No, no, no,' Ruth said. 'But they are probably all that's left now.'

  'I never heard about this before.' Dina sounded sceptical.

  'When Corporation first came into control there were still factions who disagreed with the way governance was heading,' Jed explained. 'They pooled their resources into setting up independent checks, to stop Corporation becoming a ruthless juggernaut.'

  'They've done a fragging poor job,' Dina commented.

  'Dina!' Kira exclaimed.

  'Sorry K, but just look at where we are now, and what we've lost.'

  Kira and Dina both looked a little embarrassed at their outbursts, but before they could say anything else Grace distracted everyone by pulling the abandoned NanNan box over onto the floor, narrowly missing herself. Kira leapt up in dismay, the conversation forgotten.

  ANON33: No charges brought against those responsible for building attack yet – who's guilty? Share your thoughts and spread the sweep.

  Later that night, Kira and Jed lay in bed looking up at the ceiling, both wrapped up in their own thoughts.

  'Jed? Do you think we should leave the city?'

  'I don't want anything to happen to you hon. But I don't know if Camp Eden is the right answer,' Jed replied. 'I think we should wait.'

  'Wait for what?' Her anger flared. 'Another building to blow up? Another loved one to die?'

  She calmed down when her husband put his arm round her and pulled her close.

  'We should wait to find out what Special Investigations have to say. Let me go in to work tomorrow and learn more.'

  Kira snuggled into Jed's chest and spoke in a small voice. 'I don't think Anti-Corp will let this go quietly. Once they find out about the water treatment things are going to escalate quickly.'

  Jed stroked his wife's head and made small shushing noises. 'Let's not start panicking yet. You've all got a security detail and the apartment is protected. I won't let anything happen to you or Grace, or anyone. I promise.'

  Jed waited for her reply, but Kira's breathing had slowed and become deeper. Feeling safe in his arms she had finally relaxed and let the stress of the last few days leave her body, falling into a deep sleep. Jed continued to stroke her head and stare up at the ceiling.

  Dina was checking her dailies. There were a lot of random approaches from people all over the city asking about her miscarriage – some apologetic and supportive, others downright nasty. Still nothing from Ben but she did notice one from Pete. He had never messaged her before and he'd only been over that afternoon. She clicked through.

  Dina. Can you give me your Anti-Corp contact please? Force wants us to start investigating individuals involved with AC and 42nd Army and I think your guy would be a good place to start. Cheers, Pete.

  Dina replied instantly, giving him Bobby's name and number, as well as a brief description. She would do anything to help apprehend those responsible for Ingrid's murder.

  Jed was surprised to see an empty chair opposite his desk when he got to work. He double checked his messages, certain that Pete had told him to meet at the office.

  Several hours later and Jed was starting to worry. Pete wasn't answering his ear comm, and hadn't sent any messages to say why he had been delayed. They were due to meet with the Chief in five. Jed knocked on the Chief's door.

  'Come in!'

  Jed poked his head into the Chief's office. 'Sir? Have you heard from Barnes?'

  The Chief looked up at Jed from his desk monitor.

  'Who am I? His mother?'

  'No Sir.' Jed came fully into the room. 'He hasn't come in yet.'

  The Chief was about to answer when Agent Deveraux entered, without knocking.

  'Update Barnes later,' said the Chief as he glared at Deveraux. 'Take a seat Jenkins.'

  Jed sat down in the only available chair, leaving Deveraux to stand. The agent gazed at the Chief for a moment before clearing his throat.

  'We're here to discuss how we tell the city about the water treatment – or if indeed, we should.'

  'Are you serious?' Jed said. 'You can't keep something like this a secret.'

  'Corporation managed to do it for at least the past fifty years.'

  'Corporation is why we are in this mess,' the Chief said. 'Get on it with Deveraux.'


  Deveraux began pacing back and forth. 'If we tell the public, I think we should release the information slowly.'

  'Slowly – as in telling the privileged first you mean.' Jed snorted. 'Because they don't sweep. No, you can't contain this to one sector. It's all or nothing.'

  'Jenkins is right,' the Chief said. 'We have to beat the rumour mongers on this. What are your recommendations Detective?'

  'Well Sir, I think a simple sweep with links to more information should work. We put Force operatives out on the street as a precaution, and ride out the reaction.'

  'Ride out the reaction – that sounds like a solid plan,' Deveraux said sarcastically.

  Jed closed his eyes briefly and pinched the bridge of his nose.

  'What's your contribution?' the Chief said, pointing at Deveraux.

  'I still think the less said the better...'

  'The less said the better?' Jed stood up in anger. 'My sister just died thanks to factions fighting with each other – I seriously doubt continuing to lie to my city is the way forward.' He breathed heavily through his nose.

  'Detective,' the Chief barked. 'Sit down.'

  Jed looked at his boss, and shook his head.

  'With respect Sir, I'm going to find my partner.' Jed glared at Deveraux before leaving the room. The Agent raised an eyebrow at the Chief.

  'And you're just going to let him go like that?'

  'It's none of your fragging business how I run my department.' The Chief stood up and held the door open for the Agent. 'I'll get public relations to draw something up and send it over.'

  Deveraux stared at the Chief in silence for a moment, then shrugged and left, the door banging shut behind him.

  After walking out of the Chief's office, Jed had gone to find tech support and ask them to activate Pete's tracker. It had led him to the East Sector. There had been a series of unexplained deaths in this abandoned sector last year, and Corporation had initially declared it a hazardous, no-go area. Once the buildings had been cleared drifters had moved in, and then refused to move on. It was a low priority problem as far as Corporation were concerned, preferring to have all undesirables in one place.

  Jed entered East sector cautiously. He'd not been here before. There was something odd about it. He realised there were patches of greenery amongst the buildings. Splashes of moss growing on walls, tendrils of ivy winding themselves round abandoned gates, and small clumps of grass and wild flowers dotting the walkways. He slowed the skimmer and brought out the tracker. Pete was two streets away to the left. Suddenly Jed heard shots fired and men yelling from that direction. He touched his ear comm and demanded back up before skimming over to investigate.