by Eliza Green
‘Now, you keep different ones.’
Bill barked a laugh. ‘These animals cause more trouble.’
Ben smiled but it dropped away when the car ground to a gentle halt outside the hospital entrance.
Ben went to get out, but Bill put a hand on his arm.
‘You can change your mind if you want? I can turn this car around.’
Ben’s eyes crinkled, as though he were considering it. Then, with a shake of his head, he said, ‘I want to see him.’
Bill hopped out of the car and took the path snaking behind the hospital that led to the entrance of the biodome. This was one of six domes around New London that used to house wildlife. Now, the animals had a dedicated breeding park and more space to roam.
It wasn’t that long ago that Bill had met Harvey’s associate, Ollie Patterson, in one of the larger and disused domes, closer to the city limits. He’d been summoned to discuss Patterson’s demands for weapons, to protect their construction site from the thieving Indigenes. His demands had gone unfulfilled.
Bill approached the door to the biodome and pushed it open. The air inside had a faint smell of manure, hinting at its former use. They hadn’t been able to fully clear the air. He walked into the space, divided down into stalls for the animals at one time, then cleared and used as a processing centre for returning or new residents. Now, ten individual blocks made from tempered glass stood in a row at the back of the room. Marcus sat on a bed inside one, the only one occupied, while armed guards patrolled the area to the front.
‘All this manpower for one man,’ said a smirking Ben. He approached the unit.
Marcus had his hands on his knees and was staring at the ground. Ben’s approach startled him. He jerked his head up, then jumped to his feet.
‘What’s that fucker doin’ here?’
‘Nice to see you too.’ Ben stopped in front of Marcus’ prison. He narrowed his eyes. ‘He looks different. Where’s your nasty neck scar?’
Marcus leered at the boy. ‘Didn’t your granddaddy teach you it’s rude to stare?’
The soldiers stiffened and reached for their Buzz Guns. Bill waved his hand to tell them it was okay.
They relaxed their posture, but Ben did not.
‘Give us a minute,’ Bill said to the soldiers.
The soldiers nodded and waited outside. Bill knew they wouldn’t venture far.
Ben narrowed his eyes at his former tormentor. ‘I wasn’t sure it was you, but I see you still throw around insults like the loser you are.’
Marcus’ eyes widened and his jaw tensed. He looked to Bill, regaining his composure. ‘Why the fuck am I still in here?’
‘Because you tried to sabotage the peace process,’ replied Bill. Marcus appeared to have a selective memory. ‘You helped the GS humans attack the Indigenes’ district. Need I go on?’
Marcus waved his hand as if it were no big deal. ‘They would have done that without my help.’
He slapped the front of his prison. Ben jolted with fright.
‘I wanna speak to Harvey.’
‘Why?’ asked Ben.
Marcus glared at him. ‘Grown-up business, shit stain.’ To Bill, he said, ‘Seriously, why the fuck’s this turd here?’
‘He wanted to see you.’
Marcus opened his arms and did a twirl. He finished with a bow. ‘Here I am. Now fuck off.’
But Ben never moved. ‘Why did you kill Albert and Kevin?’
Marcus coughed out a laugh. ‘They’re dead? Well, fuck me. Not my fault.’
‘You killed them.’
Ben said it cool and calm, but Bill caught the hidden tension. He wanted to take the teen out of here, but maybe Ben needed to confront his past.
Marcus, in true form, sneered. ‘Don’t blame me if they didn’t have the guts to keep living. So I roughed up your granddaddy. He couldn’t take it. Not my fault. And Kevin?’ He blew a raspberry. ‘He was fine when I left him.’
Kevin had been fine. Jenny had said a stray burst from an Electro Gun used by one of Gaetano’s men had killed him.
But Ben was undeterred by Marcus’ weak explanation. ‘He wouldn’t have been in that mansion if you hadn’t taken him and Albert there.’
Marcus strode to other side of his box. Well, more like he took four steps. It wasn’t a big space.
He turned back. ‘Look, kid. You were my ticket off that diseased planet. When you refused to play ball, I had to do something.’ He shrugged. ‘Just how it is.’
Ben had balled his fists. ‘I’m glad I didn’t help you. Looks like you got yourself into trouble all on your own. Your type usually does.’
Marcus’ eyes slid from Ben to Bill. ‘Just how long are you keepin’ me here anyway? Cause I have rights, y’know. Ask Harvey; he’ll vouch for me.’
‘Harvey’s the man who identified you and put you in here.’
‘What?’ Marcus’ eyes widened. ‘Fuck off. Liar. Harvey wouldn’t do that.’ He pinched his cheek. ‘He gave me a new identity. That’s illegal here, right?’ He pointed at the ground. ‘That scum should be in this prison cell, not me.’
‘I know all about Harvey and his skills,’ said Bill. ‘He’s helping us.’
Marcus rushed the glass. ‘I can help too. Let me out. I... I got led astray.’ He switched focus back to Ben. ‘Tell him. All that stuff went down because of Gaetano, not me. Come on, kid, I’m not a bad guy.’
Ben spat on the glass. ‘I hope you rot in hell.’
Marcus exploded with anger. ‘You fucking shit! Wait until I get my hands on you.’
A shaking Ben stepped back to where Bill waited. He whispered, ‘He’s not getting out, is he?’
‘Not while I’m alive. You got what you need?’
Ben nodded. His body shook. ‘Take me back to the office.’
‘It’s late. I’ll take you to your home.’
‘The office first, please. I left something there.’
Bill opened the exit door and the three soldiers streamed in. Marcus continued to yell as he and Ben stepped outside, his voice turning from clear to muffled when the door closed.
A quiet Ben marched on ahead. Bill found him waiting by the car. He considered checking on the Conditioned and the Elite while he was here, but he didn’t want to leave Ben alone.
Bill stuffed his hands into his pockets. ‘Can’t say I’m sorry to see him locked up. His ambitions almost destroyed the Indigenes.’
Ben looked at him. ‘I can do more here.’
‘Jenny Waterson said as much.’
Ben laughed suddenly, as if remembering something.
‘What?’
‘Jenny almost had a heart attack when she found me in the back of their car. The team was on their way to the World Government offices in DC.’
Bill chuckled. Jenny had relayed that story to him. He’d popped up from underneath a piece of tarpaulin.
‘According to her, you had Isobel fooled too.’
Ben tapped the side of his head. ‘A lifetime of fooling people gets you some skills.’
‘What are your thoughts on matters here?’
Ben leaned against the car door. ‘The Elite are out of commission. The rogue humans and Indigenes are keeping a low profile, for the moment. We have eyes and ears on their chatter, but nothing is showing up. And if I know Stephen, he has the Indigenes watching their meeting points.’
That much was true.
Ben drew in a breath as if to say more, but paused.
‘What?’ said Bill.
‘It’s just a feeling, that’s all.’
‘About what?’
‘Stephen. The Indigenes. Everything is quiet and everyone’s happy. But I told you I don’t trust quiet. Something’s coming. I just don’t know what.’
Bill had also felt it. ‘I’ll admit the quiet has me rattled too. I feel like we need to be watching out for something. Everyone keeps telling me it’s all okay.’ He smirked. ‘Famous last words.’
‘Exactly!’ Ben turned to face him. ‘People called me pessi
mistic for years because I always looked for the other angle, the thing everyone else had missed.’ He huffed out a breath. ‘But you know what? The other thing was always there. Marcus left our neighbourhood alone for a few days and everyone dropped their guard. Then the bastard hit us and killed a bunch of residents.’
Sometimes apathy could precede the deadliest of strikes.
‘What role do you see yourself doing?’
Ben stood up straight, drawing up to a similar height to Bill. In that moment, he looked less like the eight-year-old boy Bill had inadvertently exiled to Earth, and even less like the awkward teenager who’d returned home. What Bill saw was the man he would become; a young Bill in the making. Maybe this version would not make the same mistakes.
‘I’d like to help Stephen and the other Indigenes,’ said Ben. ‘It’s where I feel I should be right now.’
The thought of returning to District Three rattled Bill. But he couldn’t let the fear of running into Laura rule his actions. Life went on, like it did for her.
‘Stephen needs time. They’ve suffered some heavy losses. But I promise to take you there soon.’
Life would go on next week.
10
The moment the car pulled up to the kerb outside the ITF office, Bill heard shouting through the car window. It was coming from inside the building.
‘Who’s that?’ said Ben, craning his neck to look inside.
Bill took one guess. Promises had been made and deliberately broken.
‘Nobody you need to worry about. Go back upstairs. I’ll get rid of him.’
Bill got out of the car and shut his door; Ben did the same. The car drove off to park in the underground facilities. Ben walked ahead, neither quick nor slow. His shoulders were set back, looking in no hurry to escape the abuse one of Bill’s team was getting in the lobby.
‘Bill, I know you’re in there. Come out!’
Bill heard his employee reply, ‘He... he’s not here. It’s after hours.’
‘Get Bill Taggart for me now, dickhead! I won’t ask again.’
‘I’m not lying, I swear!’
Bill entered the building to see Glen, a quiet man in his mid-twenties from his floor, facing off against Harvey Buchanan, but looking uncomfortable about it. Men like Harvey ate Glens for breakfast.
‘Hey, mate,’ Ben said to Harvey. ‘Relax, you’re scaring people.’
Harvey laughed and lifted his arms. ‘What people? I’m surrounded by machines and this one turd who doesn’t know his arse from his elbow.’
Glen slid his eyes from Harvey to Bill. A look of relief replaced his anxiety.
Harvey picked up on the signal and turned, his face like thunder. ‘About fucking time. I heard you paid a visit to Marcus. What did you promise the asshole when you owe me so much?’
Bill jerked his head towards the interrogation room, before the security station. ‘In there.’
He tipped his chin at Ben, telling him to go. Ben raked his eyes down Harvey’s back the second the former geneticist had turned away. That kid must have seen more types like Harvey than most people. Living under a criminal regime on Earth for eight years would guarantee it.
Harvey marched inside the room and Bill followed him, closing the door.
‘A heads up about your visit would have been nice,’ said Bill.
Harvey faced him. ‘And have your lackeys monitoring our conversations? Marcus was all riled up, said you visited him and promised to get him out.’ He splayed his hands. ‘What the fuck?’
Bill had never seen Harvey so angry. Calculated, yes, but always in control.
‘I didn’t promise him anything.’
‘Not what he says. I’ve been helping you, yet I’m still waiting on my genetic clinics. I won’t put up with that lowlife getting prioritised over me.’ Harvey huffed out his anger. With hands on his hips, he said, more controlled now, ‘And since when did Ben Watson start working for you?’
Harvey’s mention of Ben surprised Bill. ‘How do you know Ben?’
‘Marcus, how else? Listen.’ An edgy Harvey pressed his fingers together, making a bridge. ‘I’ve been a patient man. I’ve watched your Elite and Conditioned for you. I even found Jameson. I’m done with you giving me the run around. Now I’m here to collect. You promised me three genetic manipulation clinics if I found your doctor. While he’s getting cosy with the GS humans, I’ve been shoved to the sidelines.’
Bill had delayed his promise to Harvey on purpose. He held his hands up. ‘Things are too busy. You’ll just have to wait.’
Harvey’s eyes widened. ‘Wait? What do you think I’ve been doing for the last three weeks?’
‘Just be patient.’
He had hoped Harvey would become distracted with Jameson and forget about the clinics.
At least activity had been quiet on the rogue human-Indigene front. Maybe the clinics would keep Harvey out of trouble.
‘Another month, a year—what?’ said Harvey.
‘I don’t know.’
Seeing Marcus’ altered face reminded him of how flawless Harvey’s work could be. He couldn’t have him changing every damn criminal’s face on Exilon 5. Worse, if Harvey went off grid with his new resources, Bill would have no control over him.
Harvey laughed without humour. ‘What’s more important than keeping your promises?’
‘You know what.’
‘The Elite and Conditioned?’ He counted on his fingers. ‘Incapacitated. The problem with the planned uprising, quelled... for the moment. The Indigenes? Going about their lazy business. I’d say this is the perfect time to keep your word.’
Bill sighed, not seeing how he could get out of his promise. ‘Look, Harvey, I don’t trust you. Simple as that. We’ve been in tricky situations before and you almost killed me and Laura. So forgive me if I’m not laying jewels at your feet.’
Harvey smiled and shook his head. ‘How the hell are you still in charge of this planet?’
‘Excuse me?’
‘You have no idea what’s coming, you arrogant shit. Big things.’
Bill squared up to Harvey. ‘Is that a threat?’
‘Could be, if I don’t get my clinics.’
‘Sorry, Harvey, I don’t negotiate with criminals.’ Bill strode past him to the door.
‘Not me,’ he said, his tone softening. ‘Other things.’
Bill looked back at Harvey. ‘Like what?’
‘I’ve seen a lot of things in my time, but my greatest achievement was helping to create the Indigenes. Genetics is a tricky thing to get right. Mess around with it enough and you can create other problems.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘I don’t know yet, but in my line of work I’ve come to expect the worst. Everyone is basking in the glory of a successful end to what could have been a tragedy.’ When Bill raised a brow, Harvey added, ‘The attack on the district.’
‘It’s been three weeks. Nothing’s happened.’
‘And I hope for your sake it stays that way.’ Harvey wagged his finger at him. ‘When the time comes, you’re going to need my help.’
‘You’re working with Jameson on the Elite and Conditioned. Isn’t that enough?’
Harvey made a rude noise. ‘Fucking doctor’s too precious about his data. Won’t let me help.’
Bill had thought about keeping Harvey on full time to monitor the Elite and Conditioned, but two things gave him pause. First, Harvey had not helped to create the GS humans. That had been Jameson. And second, he didn’t trust Harvey not to abscond with the information and create who-knew-what on his own. How could he trust the man with his own clinic, let alone three?
‘Thanks for the offer, Harvey, but we have things under control.’ He faced the door and opened it. A bang on the table startled him.
‘This isn’t over, Bill. I’ll get my clinic if I have to build it from scratch myself.’
Bill glanced back on his way out. ‘You know the way out, Buchanan.’
Harvey p
ointed at him. ‘Fuck you, and fuck any future help you need from me.’
Bill heard him leave the room and storm out of the building. Working with Buchanan had always been a temporary measure.
He passed through the scanner at the automated security area and headed for the stairs. Ever since Laura’s move to District Three, he’d been taking the stairs like she used to do. He jogged up them, catching his breath on the second turn towards the third set. Maybe if he did this every day, he would get fitter.
Harvey showing up had rattled him. The man knew they were monitoring the Wave, which meant Harvey could still be directing matters in other ways. If a warning had been issued, it would explain why chatter had been light for the last three weeks.
Bill couldn’t worry about a possible takeover of power right now. What concerned him more was Harvey’s prediction. He’d felt it in his bones, a strong sense that things were far from settled.
Breathing hard, he burst through the door for the sixth floor. Forgetting about Ben for a moment, he strode past the skeleton night crew manning desks and monitors to his office at the back of the room.
The door deadened the sound inside the room. It had four solid walls, different in design to Laura’s office with a glass front. He sat down at his monitor and checked the latest screenshots of chatter on the Wave showing snippets of interesting conversations. Before the attack on District Three, the short-lived messages had numbered in the hundreds per day. Now, he’d be lucky to see two, maybe three, messages. Maybe Harvey had warned his colleagues off using the Wave.
A new message flashed up from Ben with the heading: ‘This one’s weird...’
Bill opened the screenshot of new chatter. It was from an account opened in the last hour. The label struck fear into Bill’s heart.
It read: Bill, are you there? I need to talk to you.
He called down to Ben’s monitor. His face appeared on screen. ‘When did it come in?’
‘Just now,’ said the teenager. ‘I can set you up on an encrypted channel if you’d like?’
Bill hesitated. Was this one of Harvey’s men proving they were in control, not him? Curiosity pushed him to find out. It didn’t feel like a threat.
‘Do it.’