Ellin’s chin trembled. “Are you saying you want me to give up my goals for you?”
“No!” Trett’s response was immediate and passionate. He started to reach out, but Ellin withdrew, pressing against her chair. He pulled his hand back to his lap and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to find the right words. When he opened his eyes, Ellin was wiping her nose with a napkin. “I don’t want you to give up your goals,” Trett said. “They’re part of you, and I care about you, all of you. What I want is for us to help each other fulfill our dreams. And I want to pursue each other with as much passion as we pursue our goals. If we don’t, I’m not sure what the point is.”
Tears ran down both Ellin’s cheeks. “We might not even be alive in seventeen days, Trett. We have to stay the course.”
“We might not be alive tomorrow.”
She swallowed.
Trett continued, “We’re not guaranteed anything. Ever. All I’m asking is that we make the most of every day, no matter how many we have left. Let’s fight Merak with all we have—but let’s fight for us too.”
Ellin wiped away a tear that was making its way down her cheek. “I don’t know how to do that.”
“We can figure it out together.”
“I—” A sob interrupted Ellin’s attempt to talk.
Trett watched as she took several shuddering breaths. He didn’t reach out to her, certain she wouldn’t react to it well, but holding back caused him physical pain. Other people in the café glanced at them, then looked away.
After a couple of minutes, Ellin tried again. “Last week, I realized there’s something . . . something wrong with me.” She stopped, drawing in a deep breath and blowing it out slowly. “I want to treat you the way you treat me,” she continued, “and I honestly don’t know how. I don’t want to be so focused on the things I’m doing that I can’t even remember to read your ems or meet you at dinner, but . . . I don’t know how to stop that. I’ve tried so hard. I can’t get it right, Trett. I can’t.” Another sob escaped, and she covered her mouth.
“We can figure it out—” Trett began.
Ellin shook her head hard and took her hands away from her mouth. Her sobs suddenly halted, though her cheeks were still wet, and pain filled her eyes. “I’ve tried to figure it out for three years. I can’t ask you to keep waiting for me.”
“I’m willing—”
“No, Trett.” Her voice was soft. “If we stop this thing in seventeen days—and we will—you deserve someone who will treat you as well as you treat her.”
Trett stared at her, suddenly very aware of his own breathing. “What are you saying?” he whispered.
Just then, Rona walked up. Ellin gave her sister a look that would wither a houseplant.
Rona looked between them. “Looks like I’m interrupting something.”
Ellin said, “It’s okay, we—” She looked at Trett. Her brows knitted in grief, and she pressed her lips tightly together. She didn’t take her eyes off him as she said softly, “We were just breaking up, Rona.”
“Ellin—” Trett said.
She reached out and took his hand. “I’m sorry. For everything.”
Rona sat. “Weird timing for a breakup.”
Trett and Ellin were silent.
Ellin’s flex was on the table in front of her, and her eyes were pointed downward, but she wasn’t focused on the article on the screen. She wanted desperately to flee the awkwardness of this stupid café and lock herself in her room, but she forced herself to wait. Nomi and Sep should be arriving any minute, and she had an update for them.
I just broke up with Trett.
The thought brought another lump into her throat. She’d considered bringing up their relationship at least ten times in the past few days, but she’d never had the courage to do it. Why had Trett, the chronic avoider of tough conversations, chosen that moment to initiate a discussion?
Whatever his reasons, she’d known she couldn’t give him any false promises about how she’d be a better girlfriend for the next seventeen days and beyond. It had taken a lot for him to confront her. He deserved the truth.
The truth is, I can do advanced math and write impressive news articles, but cultivating a healthy relationship is beyond me.
She wondered how he was taking it, so she risked a glance up. He was watching her, misery written across his face. Ellin blinked several times as she looked down again, shame melding with her grief.
A few minutes later, Nomi and Sep walked in. Sep sat across from Rona, and Nomi pulled up a chair next to Ellin.
“Didn’t think I’d make it tonight; I was stuck analyzing some data with Rouven,” Nomi said. “I convinced him I had cramps and needed to head home.” She smiled at them all, then seemed to pick up on the atmosphere at the table. Her expression turned serious, and she turned to Ellin. “You okay?”
Ellin nodded. Nomi didn’t look convinced.
Rona leaned toward Nomi, her expression intense. “Anything new on your end?”
Nomi didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes were still on Ellin. When Ellin didn’t volunteer any more information, Nomi addressed the whole table. “Unfortunately, I do have an update.” Before she could say more, the server arrived.
“Nothing today, thank you,” Sep said softly when the server offered to take their order.
Nomi continued, “The workers have been moving the stones blocking the cave, but they weren’t permitted to uncover the cave itself, pending some ecological studies and a government approval. Today, that approval came through.”
That pulled Ellin out of her introspective silence. “I can’t believe I didn’t hear about this!”
“The news came in after you left.” Nomi sighed and looked between Ellin, Rona, and Trett. “This isn’t good. It means they’ll pick up the pace, and they’ll probably reach the cave in two or three weeks. Please tell me the three of you are making some progress.”
For the last week, Ellin, Rona, and Trett had been working on a project in this little coffee shop. Rona had reached out to her hacker friend, seeking message records of publishing executives around the world. As information came in, she shared it with Ellin and Trett, who’d both purchased cheap, used flexscreens to use on public networks in the city of Krenner.
All three of them had spent hours searching IDMs and ems from various executives, looking for anything negative indicating someone in the press might stand up to Merak. When they found keywords like “Merak,” “Therro,” and “Cellerin,” they dug deeper.
Grateful to have something to focus on besides Trett, Ellin spoke up. “We did find something useful. I have to say, though, it makes me feel dirty, looking through people’s personal messages.”
Rona rolled her eyes, but Nomi gave Ellin an understanding smile. “You’re doing the right thing, even if it doesn’t feel like it.”
“I hope you’re right. Anyway, we’ve found plenty of communications about the Cellerin Project. Most of the execs are obviously in Merak’s pocket, but I did see something promising yesterday. It’s between the owner of Rayson Media and his wife.”
She pulled up a message thread on the buggy old flex she’d been using and breathed a sigh of relief when the system didn’t crash. “The messages on the right are the owner’s, and the ones on the left are his wife’s,” she said. “Apparently they’re going through a divorce.”
When she set her flex on the table, Nomi and Sep leaned over to read it.
My attorney says you have to give me one of the glidecrafts.
I’m sure she does.
I bet I know which one you want.
Just give me the newest one and I’ll walk away.
With the other things we agreed on, of course.
Forget about it.
I’m giving that one back to Merak.
I’m done playing his games.
Then give me the one you bought two years ago.
Not a chance.
When Nomi and Sep looked up, Ellin said, “Just before this
, the owner was emming with one of his employees about a story the Screening Department asked them to change. The owner seemed angry in that conversation too.”
Suddenly, Sep sat up straight. He was staring at Rona. “Are you okay?”
Ellin looked up and saw that Rona’s head had dropped to the table. “Damn it,” she said under her breath.
“Rona’s fine,” Trett said. “She has a psychological condition that causes mild seizures. She’ll come out of it soon.” He gave them an awkward smile.
Ellin took a deep breath. “She doesn’t have a psychological condition.”
Trett turned to her. “Are you sure we should—”
She cut him off. “We have to tell them.”
“Tell who what?” It was Rona, who’d already snapped out of her vision.
Ellin held her sister’s gaze. “We have to tell Nomi and Sep that you’re a seer.”
Rona’s expression remained neutral. “That’s not funny, Ellin.” She turned to Nomi and Sep. “I have a psychological condition. It’s nothing to worry about.”
“No! You don’t!” Ellin realized how loud she was when her tablemates looked warily around the café. She shifted to a harsh whisper. “Rona is a seer, and if we’re going to work together to stop Merak, Nomi and Sep should be aware of that.”
As soon as she said it, Ellin braced herself. Sharing Rona’s secret with Trett had been one thing; telling two new acquaintances was something else entirely. She was crossing a boundary her sister had always trusted her to respect, and she knew there would be fallout.
Rona stared at Ellin, the rapid rise and fall of her chest the only testament to her fury. Her gaze shifted to Nomi and Sep. “I agree, you should know everything. First of all, Ellin and Trett broke up. Hopefully that won’t affect their judgment from here on out, but if they’re distracted, that’s why.”
Ellin blinked, alternating between equal desires to cry and to scream. A hand took hers. It was Nomi, who was watching her with deep compassion. Ellin released her breath and resolved not to let Rona get under her skin.
“Second,” Rona continued, “yes. I’m a seer.” She proceeded to tell them in gruesome detail about her end-of-the-world visions. Even as their faces betrayed more and more horror, she remained emotionless, her voice monotone.
Rona finished, and the table was quiet for several seconds before Sep asked, “When?”
Her expression still unchanged, Rona replied, “Seventeen days.”
“Oh no.” Nomi slumped in her seat. Sep sat next to her, frozen and wide-eyed.
“Rona,” Trett began, his voice hesitant, “what did you see just now?”
“If Nomi and Sep reach out to the owner of Rayson Media to tell him what they’ve learned, he’ll publish it.”
“Why should they do it?” Ellin asked. “I’m the press representative.”
“I don’t know why,” Rona said. “I saw two options. They submit the information, and it gets published. They don’t, and we’re stuck with more pointless brainstorming. You really want to try a third option we know nothing about?”
“Well, then.” Nomi sat up straight, clearly trying to compose herself after the news she’d heard. “I guess Sep and I had better get busy.” She swallowed. “Ellin, please send me the Rayson exec’s contact information.” She pulled out her flex, but before she firmed it, she froze and asked in a hushed voice, “What are the chances of us actually stopping this . . . what Rona saw?”
Rona’s head dropped for a few seconds, and Ellin thought she might actually be emotional. When she met Nomi’s gaze, however, her face and voice were calm. “Slim to none.”
“Understood.” Nomi’s voice caught on the word.
“We’re still going to try,” Trett said. “With everything we’ve got.”
The two researchers both had wide, stunned eyes. In unison, they nodded.
“Nomi, Sep,” Trett said, “I know this is a lot to take in.”
“That’s an understatement.” Sep’s voice was strained. He coughed, then said, “I presume the three of you have had time to adjust to this . . . this reality. With so few days left, Nomi and I don’t have that privilege.” He sat up straight and spoke with a boldness Ellin wouldn’t thought him capable of. “All we can do is fight.”
“Yes, we’ll fight,” Nomi whispered, but there were tears in her eyes.
Ellin looked at her sister again. Rona’s face was as impassive as ever. Just once, I want to see her show a little bit of compassion and grief like a normal human.
“I’m going to check the news,” Rona said, pulling out her flex. “Ellin, send that contact to Nomi.”
Ellin returned her gaze to her flex, but she couldn’t focus. She sipped her coffee. The spices and chocolate tasted bland, and the drink felt like a jagged stone in her stomach.
19
SATURDAY, CYON 23, 6293
-14 DAYS
Rona stood next to her bed, gulping in air like she’d barely avoided drowning. “Oh, God.” It was the most eloquent prayer she could come up with after the visions she’d just seen.
Her room was dark, so she brushed one finger against the panel on the wall. The lightfilm in the ceiling glowed at its lowest level.
I’m soaked. The visions had left her sweating like she’d just finished a race. She pulled off every bit of her clothing and stepped toward her small dresser to grab something else to wear.
Walking, it turned out, was a terrible idea. She was swaying on her feet. Hyperventilating. Lightheaded. She stumbled to her bed and sat, head between her knees, trying to control her desperate intake of air.
It was Saturday, and she’d planned to sleep in. Instead, she’d woken and had immediately been greeted with visions of the day of the apocalypse. This time, some of the faces she’d seen were familiar: Kizha, Ellin, and Trett. She knew their fates now. The three people she was closest to in this world. The visions, however, were shrouded. The information, torturously heavy and sharp, was hers alone to carry.
“What about me?” she pleaded as her breathing slowed. She knew she’d never see her own future, though she’d never desired it more.
On the floor about a met away from where her head rested between her knees, Rona’s flex vibrated. She sat up slowly. She was no longer lightheaded. Her breathing was more or less under control. She picked up her flex, firmed it, and felt a harsh laugh exit her throat.
Kizha had emmed her. How was Rona supposed to talk to her now? She still didn’t dare tell her friend about the original apocalyptic vision, lest Kizha come join them and distract them from their plans. And she couldn’t share her newest vision with Kizha even if she wanted to.
She read the message.
I finally found some info! Check your IDMs.
The flex Rona held was the one Merak knew about, and though she and Kizha still used the secure chat portal, these days they didn’t talk about anything confidential on it. When Kizha told her to check her IDMs, she meant the ones on Rona’s secret flex.
Rona didn’t dare do that on Merak property, where someone might hack into her flex. She sent Kizha a quick response, then stood and walked to her dresser. It was empty; she’d meant to do laundry that morning. Dirty clothes, then. There were plenty in piles on the floor. Once dressed, she emmed Ellin and Trett.
I’m going into the city.
Rona used her flex to check out a hov and helmet. She picked up the vehicle and drove into Krenner. A few solarcars passed her, but the streets were almost deserted. Dawn wouldn’t arrive for another hour yet.
Thankfully, the café they frequented was open all night. Rona sat at a table in the corner, ordered coffee, and firmed her secret flex. She opened her IDMs, tapped on the message from Kizha, and read it.
Hi! I hope you’re doing okay.
* * *
I found some info on our friend. Sorry it took so long; it wasn’t easy to dig up.
* * *
He’s been married since he was 21. I found an old article on his wife, Ari
sa. She doesn’t seem to like the spotlight, but this piece was complimentary, so I guess the Screening Department never took it down. She’s on the board of his Foundation and has been since the beginning. She plays a large role in determining where they spend their money, but she stays in the background and lets him take the credit. She’s also a devout Rimorian, which is interesting, as I can’t find anything indicating he shares her religious beliefs.
* * *
I hadn’t seen any mention of them having children, but I knew he was probably the type to protect his kids from media exposure. So on a whim, I found a way into the public records. I had to get past a few password requirements, but I finally found birth records. They have a daughter who’s 19, and get this—her name’s Ellin. Strange, right? They also have a 17-year-old son named Gillar.
* * *
I don’t know if any of this helps, but I enjoyed the challenge. I’ll keep digging.
* * *
Let’s video chat soon. I miss seeing you.
* * *
Kizha
Rona’s coffee arrived, and she took it from the server without comment, bringing it to her lips and taking a big gulp. It burned her throat, but she barely noticed.
She went back to the paragraph about Merak’s kids. She wasn’t surprised that Merak had children. That bedroom she’d seen him visiting probably belonged to one of his kids.
The Seer’s Sister: Prequel to The Magic Eaters Trilogy Page 15