The Dystopian Gene

by S. E. Meyer

  Gasps ran through the sanctuary, followed by an uproar of conversations.

  “Quiet!” Sheila said. “According to the information we received he is coming here and we don't know what he will do.”

  Anna stepped forward. “We know what he'll do.”

  The crowd erupted, taking several minutes for Sheila to quiet them. “We must decide to stay here or go.”

  A man in the front row raised his hand.

  “Yes, Jim.”

  “Go where?”

  “Back to Easton,” Anna replied.

  “We can't go back there. Everyone here has been banished, we can't even get inside.”

  “We have a plan for that.” Anna said.

  A man in the third row stood up. “How do we even know this information is accurate?”

  Sheila turned to the man. “This is Anna Wool. She has just come from Easton to let us know.”

  “How do we know she’s speaking the truth?”

  “Yeah, maybe she works for him and is trying to get us out in the open. Maybe she's a Cromwell spy!” a woman yelled from the back row.

  Richard got to his feet. “Oh, she's telling the truth, there's no doubt about it.”

  The woman who yelled turned towards Richard. “We can't believe a word you say. You’re infected with Fleishman's. You're just crazy!”

  “I have proof,” Richard replied.

  “What are you talking about, Richard?“ Billy asked.

  “Look at the back of her neck. There's a small cut and a bump below the skin. I've seen that before. It's one of my grandfather's GPS trackers. He knows she's here and knows about this town by now.”

  Anna tensed. She placed a hand on the back of her neck. “What?”

  Atticus took Anna's other hand and turned her back to the crowd. He lifted her hair and Anna pulled her hand away, exposing the bump on her neck. “I don't understand,” Anna said. She looked at Atticus with wide eyes. “What does this mean, Cornelius actually knows about this place?”

  Billy moved in front of Anna. “What do you mean, actually knows?” He shook his head. “You lied to me, no, you lied to all of us. You’re just like Atticus, doing whatever it takes to get us to leave. How could you, Anna?”

  “How could I? I would lie, cheat and steal to bring down that monster after what he's done,” Anna said.

  Billy took a step closer. “That's makes you no different from the monster.”

  “I'm trying to save everyone's life here,” Anna said.

  “No, you're not.” Billy argued. “We both found out about the tracker at the same time. You weren't trying to save us, you were manipulating us to leave for your own reason, to take down Cromwell, just like Atticus here. Well, we don't care about what Cromwell does. We're happy here, in this little town. We have our health, peace, purpose and love.”

  Anna glared. “Well, it doesn't matter now, does it?”

  “It matters. You're not the same Anna I knew. You've changed.”

  “I guess a lot has changed, Willy,” Anna sneered.

  “That's not fair. I thought I would never see you again.”

  “You thought wrong.”

  Sheila raised her hands to calm the crowded room. “It's time we put this to a vote. All in favor of staying here and taking our chances, raise your hand.”

  About a quarter of the assembly raised their hands, one by one, turning their heads to see who else was in agreement.

  “Everyone in favor of leaving this place, please stand.”

  There was a rumble of movement as over two-thirds of the attendees rose to their feet.

  “I guess it's settled then. Everyone go home and pack a bag. Bring enough food and water for a few days and meet at the gate in two hours.”

  Anna rushed to Richard's side. “What the hell am I supposed to do about this thing in my neck? Can we remove it?”

  Atticus arrived next to her.

  “Yes. If it's done carefully. I can take it out, but I'll need a very sharp, sterile blade.”

  Billy was close enough to overhear the conversation. “We're not taking the cuffs off this crazy, never mind giving him a blade.”

  Richard shook his head. “We don't have time to screw around. There's a poison bead inside the implant and my grandfather can kill Anna on a whim.”

  Anna gritted her teeth. “Now you tell me?” she yelled at Richard through flushed cheeks.

  Richard shrugged. “You were being mean,” he said before mopping the drool from his chin with his shoulder.

  “We have a small clinic one block over. You’ll find what you need there,” Billy explained.

  He led them down the street to the clinic. Once inside, he pulled out a key and unlocked Richard's cuffs. Billy stepped towards a cabinet and removed a scalpel. “Here,” he said, handing it to Richard. His tone was anything but sure and his reluctance to surrender the blade forced Richard to pry it from his hand.

  “A sterile bandage for the bleeding?” Richard asked.

  “Are you sure you know what you're doing?” Atticus asked. “We're putting her life in your hands.”

  “Yes, everything will be fine.” Richard coughed, sending a spray of phlegm onto his hand.

  He directed Anna to lie down on the gurney and pulled the hair away from her neck. He rubbed the area with iodine and then felt around the bump with his fingers. Making a shallow incision to one side of the bump, he massaged the opposite side, coaxing the tiny tracker from her neck. It slipped through the cut and Richard plucked it from the trail of blood.

  “Here, hold this down on the incision and apply pressure.”

  Richard walked several steps away and dropped the implant onto the tile floor before stomping down with his heel and crushing it. He ground his boot side to side, ensuring he destroyed it.

  “There, nothing to worry about anymore,” he said, slipping his left hand into his pocket.

  They left the clinic and made their way to the gate. Dozens of people arrived with backpacks and bags, with more joining the growing crowd every minute.

  Billy and Sheila arrived with empty hands.

  Anna eyed Billy. “Where's your supplies?”

  Billy shook his head. “We came to say goodbye.”

  “What do you mean?” Anna asked.

  “We're staying. I'd rather take my chances here, and so would several others.”

  “Is everyone here?” Sheila asked the crowd as they assembled.

  “I think everyone that's coming, yes,” a man nearest them replied.

  Only half the town showed up. One-hundred people by Anna's rough count.

  Sheila produced a cart and handed out sandwiches to everyone. “This will get you started so you can save what you brought. It's roasted and sliced grouse on fresh bread. It's not much, but at least you won't be going out on an empty stomach.”

  Billy approached Richard. “Should I put the cuffs back on him?” he asked Anna.

  “No, he'll be fine.”

  “Are you sure? He's turning and he could go full on crazy any second. Not that he hasn't been his entire life.”

  “Screw you, Billy,” Richard snapped.

  “It might be a prudent precaution,” Atticus warned.

  Richard took a step towards Billy. “You're the one who's crazy. My grandfather will level this town.”

  “You'll make sure of that, won't you?” Billy said, a flush beginning at his neck spread into his cheeks.

  “I've done nothing but try to help,” Richard argued.

  “Oh? You were helping when you threw me over the wall? I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you. The only thing you're good at is ruining people's lives, Richard. Just like your grandfather.”

  Richard's eyes grew wide. “I'm nothing like him!” he yelled, pushing Billy away.

  Billy pushed Richard back “You're an asshole Richard. You were born an asshole and you'll die an asshole. And by the looks of you it won't be too far off.”

  Richard stretched his arm back, ready to swing, but tw
o of the townspeople grabbed him from behind. “That's it. Put the cuffs on him. He's not trustworthy.”

  “I have to take a leak first.”

  Richard took a sandwich from the cart and stuffed half of it into his mouth while pacing from the gate. He turned, stepping between two vacant buildings looking for a private place to relieve himself.

  As he arrived at the back of a small shed, he placed the other half of his sandwich between his lips and unbuttoned his pants. Richard let out a quiet sigh as his stream hit the tall grass at his feet. As he finished, he heard a low growl. Richard turned to see Shadow with hackles raised. The wolf squared off, moving back and forth with his tail dragging the ground.

  “Go! Get away” Richard said, waving the animal off with his free hand

  Shadow snapped at Richard's shin, continuing to growl while baring his teeth.

  Richard stepped back, tucking himself in. “You better let me pass. Stupid dog.”

  He examined the shed’s door, placing a hand on the latch. After removing a piece of meat from his sandwich Richard threw it at the wolf. Shadow sniffed it before snapping it up and swallowing.

  Richard opened the door to the shed. “Yeah, there you go. Good boy,” he said, tearing off another piece and throwing it into the shed.

  Shadow cocked his head, pausing for a moment.

  “Go get it, boy.”

  The wolf jumped through the opening and Richard slammed the door closed behind him. “There.”

  He took his last piece of meat, throwing what remained of the bread and slipped his other hand into his pocket. “Screw you, stupid animal.”

  Richard retrieved a tiny round object from his left pocket. He shoved the GPS tracker into the meat and tossed it through the pane of broken glass on the shed's window. Shadow devoured it while Richard wiped the drool from his lower lip.

  “And screw you Billy,” Richard whispered, walking back to the gate with a smile.

  CHAPTER 53

  Billy walked Anna to the gate, taking up the rear of the group. He stopped, pulling her aside. “I'm sorry for what I said back there. I know you're well intended.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and Anna melted into his embrace. “I'm also sorry for how this ended up.”

  Anna squeezed his shoulders, burying her face in his chest. “Me too.”

  She pulled away to face him. “Do you love her?”

  Billy nodded. “Yes.”

  Anna chewed her lip. “Then you're making the right choice.”

  Billy gazed into her eyes. “My Anna, with heavenly blue eyes.”

  Anna wiped a tear from her cheek. “Not anymore.”

  “You'll always be my Anna. You will always be in my heart. You don't understand what I went through when they sent me over here. Hatred for Richard eating away at me, wandering around out here with a broken heart, missing you every minute. Sheila made me whole again. She gave me a second chance at love and now there's no going back.”

  Billy squeezed her with strong arms. “Anna, Sheila's pregnant.” He pulled away to make eye contact. “I wish things were different.”

  “Me too,”

  “You're telling me you haven't met anyone since I've been away?”

  “I've met plenty of people, sure. I don't have a problem finding intimacy, but I’ve only found love once.”

  Billy pulled her back into a long embrace. “I'm so sorry, Anna.” He pulled a ringlet from her brow with a finger before kissing her forehead “Here's some unsolicited advice from a lifelong friend. Remember to allow yourself to recognize it when it comes along.”

  “I wish you the best, Billy. I really do.” Anna sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. “I hope you and Sheila have a great life together.”

  “Anna, you can love again. You'll find someone else.”

  Anna's hand slid down Billy's arm, reaching his wrist. Their fingers intertwined for a second before letting go. “Good bye, Billy.”

  Anna turned away, taking long strides to catch up with the group as a tear dripped from her cheek.

  ◆◆◆

  The second day of walking was much worse than the first. Wet snow had been falling all morning, turning the trek into a miserable march. Everyone was cold, wet, and hungry.

  Atticus paced Anna as they walked. “Are you okay? You've been quiet since we left New Easton.”

  Anna nodded. “I'll be all right. I've been doing some thinking.” She turned her neck to face him. “You loved my mother didn't you?”

  “Very much.”

  “Why didn't you or Mom tell me I was your biological daughter?”

  “You spoke with my attorney. That’s good, I’m glad he found you.“ Atticus wrinkled his brow. “It was a tough decision, but Steven thought it best to raise you as his own, allowing me to see you when I wanted.”

  “Dad knew?”

  Atticus nodded. “Yes. Margaret preferred to be honest with him. Your dad forgave, and he wanted to keep the family together. Although we continued to work together, your mom and I agreed to end the physical relationship. Anna, your dad loves you.”

  Anna nodded. “I never felt treated differently than Sara. Sometimes, I felt like I was the favorite.” Anna smiled. “I'm glad I know. It explains a few things, like my darker hair and how easily I tan.”

  Atticus returned her smile. “You will always be my greatest accomplishment.”

  “Why, because I'm immune to Fleishman's?”

  “Who told you?”

  “Damarion.”

  Atticus shook his head. “I can't trust him to keep anything quiet. No, I was referring to you being my daughter.”

  “Why didn't you tell me I was immune?”

  “I didn't want to burden you with such a thing. I mean how does someone deal with knowing their purpose is to save the world?”

  “I don't know. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.”

  “That's why I was waiting for the time to be right.”

  Anna nodded as the group made it over the last hill, stopping to take a break.

  She looked out over the valley, scanning the city's north wall. “We're getting close. Get ready to send the signal.”

  The mood was somber, not knowing what to expect. With the wall in sight for the first time in years, people were sharing their regrets and wishing they were home in New Easton.

  Atticus pulled out his transmitter. His eyes widened. “Anna, I can't believe we made it. This is all finally going to happen. Decades of planning.”

  Anna pointed down the hillside. “We'll need to make our way through that wooded valley. Once we're on the other side, we should be close enough.”

  Atticus nodded. “Okay everyone, let's do this.”

  The group shuffled down the hill and into the forest. It was slow going through the thick underbrush, taking over an hour to arrive on the other side. Anna and Atticus were in the lead and Anna pushed the last bough aside allowing everyone to spread out into the clearing. The wall stretched away from them in both directions.

  Anna rested her hand on Atticus’s shoulder. “There is one more thing bothering me.”

  Atticus scanned the wall, preparing to send the signal. “What's on your mind?”

  “If I'm the only one immune to Fleishman’s, and there is no cure, why are these people healthy?”

  Atticus shook his head. “I have something to tell you-”

  An explosion erupted in front of the group, cutting Atticus off and showering the crowd with dirt as a line of military vehicles appeared from around the eastern tree line.

  Anna covered her mouth. “What the hell?”

  More than fifty soldiers jumped out of the forest behind them, aiming their weapons.

  The man in charge pulled a loudspeaker from the leading Humvee.

  “We have you surrounded. Put down your weapons. We are taking you all into custody.”

  “No, no, no.” Atticus repeated, balling his fists. “We've come so far. We have to make a run for it. I'm sending
the signal.”

  “Stop!” The voice came over the loudspeaker. “Don't move.”

  Atticus pressed the button on the transmitter. “Everyone run!”

  The crowd followed Atticus as gunfire erupted. Three people went down and everyone stopped in their tracks..

  Atticus looked at Anna with wide eyes. “We're trapped. What are we going to do?”

  ◆◆◆

  “Left, left!” Damarion shouted as he led everyone down the tunnel.

  The group turned left, following Damarion down the passageway.

  “Are you sure it was a left?” Jax asked, running alongside Steven and Sara. He glanced behind him to see George and Isabelle taking up the rear. “Where is Delores?”

  They came to a dead end. “I told you it should have been a right back there.” Jax said.

  Damarion flipped the map over. “I don't know. I don't know!”

  Footsteps echoed down the tunnel from behind them.

  George shook his head. “We have to go back!”

  The sound of boots pounding the concrete floor filled their ears as a dozen armed men raced towards them.

  Jax paced the wall. “What would Anna do? What would Anna do?” He stopped. “She'd beat everyone up and swear a lot.”

  Damarion dropped his shoulders. “It's too late.”

  Trapped with nowhere to go, the group could only wait for their pursuers to arrive.

  Jax looked at Damarion. “You led us here on purpose. You wanted us to get caught.”

  “I did no such thing. Why do you all question my loyalty?”

  The soldiers arrived, pointing laser light targets at everyone's chest.

  “Cuff them,” the soldier in charge barked.

  The soldiers placed handcuffs on everyone and escorted them back to the maintenance room, forcing them to stand against the far wall.

  “What do we have here?” one soldier said, inspecting the metal cabinet in the shelving room. He broke the handle and opened the doors. “Looks like detonator remotes, Sir,” he said, entering the maintenance room.

  The soldier in charge nodded.

  “What are you going to do with us?” Damarion asked.