by Pond, Simone
Most of the politicians jumped at the chance to be on the inaugural team, so that was easy. The more delicate issue would be the child. He’d argue that Christian had special “gifts” and the academy’s soldier program would provide him with many possibilities for a propitious future––for everyone involved. The child would help unlock the hidden treasures of the mainframe. Now he just needed to get Grace out of the way, which shouldn’t be too difficult since she had broken a bunch of laws and had a bad attitude.
“Good afternoon, council members,” he addressed the room. “I greatly appreciate you taking the time to fly up to the Seattle City Center to conduct our business. I hope you’re pleased with your accommodations. While we’re meeting under unsatisfactory circumstances, it’s a glorious city, indeed.”
Many of the members nodded, except for the few in the tougher crowd. James Jordan stared at Faraday, eying him carefully. Over the years, James had been working diligently to establish equality among the Outsiders and Insiders. During the Silicon Valley City Center transition, the two had butted heads on several occasions. James had spearheaded the bill to grant academy scholarships to the Outside regions. Something Faraday fought hard against. He didn’t want to mix Outside blood with the pristine quality of Insiders. Faraday lost that battle; he wouldn’t lose this one. The walls would come down. He had no doubt James would be an advocate for the natives, claiming their rights to the land and arguing to keep the center closed. But Faraday only needed the majority vote, and if that failed, he’d go to Plan B …
Faraday straightened his suit jacket, undoing the top button as he sat in his chair. “We have two items on our agenda today. One is the matter of the city center walls. And the other is the pressing issue of Grace Strader. As you know, the child has been rightly returned to the city center and is recovering from a deadly flu virus that he obtained while on the Outside. A virus he wouldn’t have come in contact with had it not been for Miss Strader’s irresponsible behavior. Currently, she’s being held in one of our containment rooms, awaiting trial.”
“If I may,” James spoke.
Typical James, already starting in. Faraday forced his lips into a terse smile. “Yes, President Jordan, the floor is open to all council members,” he said.
“Thank you, Director. I believe we only have one item on the agenda that needs to be addressed: the matter of Grace Strader. The other issue regarding the city walls is a bit pre-mature. Though you submitted your bill through the proper channels, the council hasn’t discussed anything yet.”
“My apologies, sir. I––”
“Additionally, I’m not at all pleased that you’ve arrested a minor, who may not be guilty of any high-level crimes. Miss Strader had been caring for Christian since his Inception Day. The records show that she has been an exceptional caretaker, well suited for the role. She merely left the city center for a short period of time, and has returned with the child. I don’t feel this should equate a kidnapping charge.”
Faraday hadn’t expected that argument from James; he assumed he’d be more concerned about the welfare of the natives by opening up the city. But since getting Grace out of the way had more importance than anything on his agenda––possibly more than becoming President of the Pacific Northwest Region––he obliged. The wall discussion could wait.
He nodded, careful not to jump too fast and reek of desperation. He needed to appear strong before the council, yet remain humble. “Yes, you do make a very interesting point, President Jordan. But I’d like to remind everyone it’s not only about her removing the child without permission, but putting him in an incredibly dangerous situation. Miss Strader’s behavior was reckless and impulsive.”
The members looked to James, but before he had a chance for a rebuttal, Faraday continued: “Additionally, while the Seattle region still needs to establish its system of law and order, the West Coast Regional does have laws regarding kidnapping. It’s described as when a person, without lawful authority, physically moves another person without that other person’s consent. Christian is too young to give consent. Since he was created within the Seattle City Center, he rightfully falls under the government’s jurisdiction. Miss Strader should have obtained approval from representatives of this region.”
“I agree with that, Director. Unfortunately, as you know, we’re still finalizing said government. I know you’re running for President of the Pacific Northwest, but that doesn’t grant you the rights as acting representative. Therefore, you had no authority to arrest Miss Strader without the council’s consent.”
Faraday loosened his collar. “Agreed, but I didn’t want to risk a possible flee. Miss Strader had returned, and I took advantage of the situation while she was still within the city walls. The law also states that intent to use the abduction in relation to a nefarious objective, including gaining a ransom or reward, is a punishable crime.”
James Jordan stiffened and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t see any intent in connection with a nefarious objective. Miss Strader believed she was protecting the child––from you, and your soldier program.”
Faraday jumped in, scanning the weaker, more impressionable, members of the council. “I don’t think you fully understand how completely irrational she has become. Not only did she remove the child without permission, steal a hovercraft, and disappear for three months, she was using the child as leverage to force the authorities to do more thorough searches for her mother, Ava Strader.” A little lie.
The council members silently stared back and forth at one another. It was time to push them over the ledge. To solidify his argument, he turned on his digi-pad to display the hologram footage of Grace attacking Miss Adams in the containment room.
Faraday eased back into his chair. He had enough evidence against Grace to destroy her credibility. Addressing the council members in his most serious and assured manner, he said, “Miss Strader is a dangerous threat to our society and must be contained. This is why you are here today. To witness her trial and convict her of these heinous crimes.” He looked directly at James, then to Sullivan. “Wouldn’t you agree, President Sullivan?”
Sullivan stood up, placing her perfectly manicured hand on Faraday’s shoulder. “I’m with Director Faraday on this one. I vote to begin Grace Strader’s trial tomorrow morning.”
One of the other members chimed in. “I second the motion.”
“All in favor?” President Sullivan asked.
All twenty members raised their hands in favor; James Jordan was the last one to agree.
14
On the morning of Grace’s trial, Miss Parker and Miss Adams returned to Room 4011 to escort her to the main conference room. Being able to present her case to the council meant that Faraday hadn’t completely commandeered the new democracy. Her voice would be heard.
“Good morning, Miss Strader,” Miss Parker sang.
“Ready for the first day of the rest of your life?” Miss Adams asked.
Grace forced down the desire to knock the smirk off of Miss Adams’ permanent grouch face. Once again, Miss Parker aimed the silver wand and Miss Adams carefully released the straps around Grace’s wrists and ankles. The blood flowed back into her fingers and toes, tingling in prickly pain. Miss Adams yanked Grace out of the lounger, and she stumbled around trying to get her footing, hating every second of being in the weaker position.
“Get yourself together,” Miss Adams barked.
Grace ignored the humiliation tactics and concentrated on the daunting challenge ahead. She remembered her first weeks at the academy when her scores were low and she felt like giving up. She finally realized the best way to turn things around was to cooperate with her team members, instead trying to out-perform them. That same principle needed to be applied to these circumstances.
Grace looked up at Miss Adams. “I’m sorry I disrespected you. I assure you, it won’t happen again.”
“Nice try, sweetheart.” Miss Adams chuckled and slapped the containment bands on her wrists. Grace hoped the council wo
uld be less deplorable. “Let’s go,” she grunted.
They walked down the corridor without speaking, their sneakers squeaking on the polished floors. Grace got centered. Breathe … Steady yourself … Do not react …
Fighting Faraday would be futile––a battle she couldn’t win. He’d lob a bunch of trumped up accusations her way, but she needed to stay logical and not react. Her goal was to convince these people she was immensely sorry for her offenses and convince them to drop the charges so she could return to her life in Ojai Village. There she’d start gathering intel and figure out what Faraday was really up to. She’d find a way to prove his devious ulterior motives for gaining the rights to Christian.
Miss Adams escorted Grace into the conference room. Grace squinted to shield the bright morning sunlight.
“Where is everyone?” she asked.
“Your trial doesn’t start for another thirty minutes.” Miss Adams nudged her along. She removed the containment bands and settled her into the trial box situated on a platform at the front of the room.
Grace’s throat cracked with dryness. “Any chance I can get some water?”
“Water can be provided.” Miss Parker opened a wall panel and pulled out a bottle of sparkling pink water. Why did the Insiders still drink enhanced water?
“Plain, please?”
Miss Parker widened her radiant eyes, retrieved a bottle of clear water and sashayed over to Grace. She chugged it down and asked for more, but Miss Parker shook her pretty little head. A wave of irritation heated her insides and she wanted to punch the perky ball of congeniality. The woman’s positive facade was worse than the frumpy Miss Adams. Grace decided not to waste her energy on the two minions and sat back in the chair to meditate before the trail.
The council members filed into the conference room, taking their seats around the table. Grace counted twenty members, not including Faraday, since he wasn’t one yet. Twenty people she’d need to convince. Twenty stern-faced people she’d need to sway in her favor. But she wouldn’t back down, not when her freedom––and Christian’s safety––dangled by such a thin thread. The thrill of the challenge gave her a refreshing burst of energy.
Faraday took the floor, approaching the trial box. He had changed his appearance: no more beard, and his typical puff of white hair had been cropped shorter and meticulously tamed into place. She figured the makeover was to appeal to the younger members of the council. Transparent, if not laughable. But she didn’t react, staring straight ahead. A few allies sat among the council members. People her mother had worked with years ago when she was on the council, helping with the transition when the LA City Center walls came down. Grace spotted James Jordan, the President of the Southern California Region, seated at the far end of the table. She counted on him to be her biggest advocate, but he was avoiding eye contact.
“Good morning, council members.” Faraday spoke with the affected tone of Insider pageantry that Grace despised. “As you know, we’re gathered here today for the trial of Miss Grace Strader. She’s being charged with felony theft of city center property: one hovercraft and one child.”
Grace cringed hearing Christian being referred to as property. Heartless bastard. The trial might not be so tough after all. Surely the council would see his disregard for human life. Appealing to their empathetic natures would get them on her side in no time, but she’d have to go slow and steady to build her case.
“First, we’d like to hear from our defendant.” He peered at Grace; his empty blue eyes sent an icy chill down her back.
She swallowed, wishing she had another glass of water. Stay centered … If she wanted their trust, she’d need to remain calm. Being honest and humble would go a long way in winning them over.
“First of all, I’d like to apologize for distracting you from your busy schedules. I hope to plead my case in an efficient and timely manner.” She paused and smiled, though the members stayed stony. “I’d like to express my deepest and sincerest regret for my actions. My behavior was thoughtless and reckless. If I could go back in time, I would’ve handled the situation much differently. My intentions were to protect Christian. I had grown very attached to him while working in the nursery, and I suppose my motherly instincts took over.”
Faraday stood close to the trial box with his back to the council as he glared at Grace. “A mother doesn’t put her child in harm’s way.”
“I only removed him from the city center because I believed he was in grave danger.”
“Not only did you put the boy in jeopardy,” Faraday interrupted, “you stole an official vehicle in order to flee to an unknown location. You had no intention of a return date and only came back when the child was fatally ill. Isn’t that right, Miss Strader?”
Grace felt shaky. Faraday made everything sound much worse. She glanced over his shoulder to the members, who were adding notes into their digi-pads. She remembered her father’s request: at least try to appear agreeable. All she had to do was be agreeable with Faraday––just for a little while. The truth would come out when the time was right.
“You’re correct.”
He stepped back, shocked from her response. It took him a moment to postulate his next attack. “This isn’t the first time you’ve acted in an erratic manner. In fact, you have a track record of making irrational decisions that affect those around you. I call in Officer Lucas West.”
The door opened and Lucas walked in, cementing his attention on the council members and avoiding Grace entirely. She wished he’d give her one quick glance, just a bit of reassurance to remind her they were on the same team. Otherwise, she was floating in the middle of the ocean without a boat.
“Officer West, I’ve requested your presence here today as a character witness to Miss Strader. Can you describe your relationship with the defendant?”
“She’s my girlfriend,” he said.
Grace’s heartbeat kicked up a notch hearing Lucas say those words. She held back a smile so she wouldn’t appear like a giddy teenager before the council.
“As a couple, you have an intimate relationship. In a sense, you know Miss Strader very well. Probably better than most people.”
“That’s subjective, sir. There’s a possibility that I don’t know her as well as I think I do. Also, I’m sure her family is a bit more acquainted with her, since they’ve known her a little longer.”
Some of the council members smiled at the comment. Lucas exuded charm by the gallon. All he had to do was grin and his luminous green eyes would light up a room and everyone in it. He had a much better chance winning over the crowd than Grace.
Faraday moved over and stood directly in front of Lucas, blocking him from the others. “I’m glad you brought up her family. As I see it, the majority of Miss Strader’s poor decision making has been the result of family-related circumstances. Specifically, with regards to her mother, Ava Rhodes.”
“Sir?”
“Pardon me, I mean Ava Strader.”
Grace wondered why the hell Faraday was bringing her mother into the argument––she had nothing to do with the current situation.
Faraday continued: “I’d like you to share with the council what occurred on the night of the gala event at the Silicon Valley Academy during your training last year.”
Lucas maintained a stiff composure, looking straight ahead. “Are you talking about the Survivor’s Shuffle?”
“Yes, the dance.”
Grace had always loathed the name of that event and Lucas knew it. He was trying to communicate with her in his special way. She stifled back her laughter, afraid she’d make a farce of Faraday’s line of questioning.
“Miss Strader and I attended the event together.” Lucas remained professional, but Grace noticed a hint of red on the back of his neck. “I recall she looked absolutely impeccable and she was incredibly charming.” He turned around, beaming at Grace. “One of the best dates I’ve ever had.”
Faraday scowled.
“Yet, she abandoned you d
uring the date to run off on some half-cocked mission, going against academy regulations. Against council regulations. She broke several rules and put the lives of innocent cadets in danger, simply to go on an unofficial search and rescue mission to find her mother.”
The scumbag was establishing a pattern of behavior, and simultaneously trying to rile up Grace’s emotions. His tactics were callous and cruel. She didn’t flinch, didn’t ruffle, though a hurricane had been set loose inside her head.
“I wasn’t aware of these happenings on the night in question,” Lucas answered.
Faraday shifted, fiddling with the top button of his suit jacket. Grace bit back her smile. “I see. Well then, why don’t we discuss the Delta training team? You were assigned to be the team leader, correct?”
“Yes, sir. That’s correct.”
“And Miss Strader was under your supervision?”
“That’s also correct.”
“And how would you describe her behavior while on the training team?”
Lucas looked to the ground, knowing there wasn’t a subtle way around the answer. “She was insubordinate …”
“Speak up, Officer. Did you say insubordinate?”
“Yes, but only for those first few weeks.” Lucas tried to backpedal, but it was too late.
“And did her behavior have any adverse effects on the team as a whole?” Faraday inched over to Lucas, standing only a foot away.
“Yes,” Lucas mumbled. He turned around to Grace, his eyes full of regret.
She nodded, letting him know it was okay. Faraday had put him on the spot. What choice did he have but to be honest?
“I think it’s safe to say that we’ve established an obvious pattern in our defendant’s behavior. She makes reckless decisions that serve only her agenda, not caring who she puts in harm’s way.”
“I didn’t say that, sir,” Lucas said.
“You didn’t have to.” Faraday escorted Lucas to the exit. “Thank you for your time and service, Officer.”
On his way out, Lucas turned back to Grace and mouthed I’m sorry.