by Pond, Simone
He climbed into bed with the President and buried his face in her hair, kissing the neck he planned to one day strangle with his bare hands.
“When can we discuss the plan?” He licked her face, per her instruction.
She moaned with delight. “Not until we seal the deal.”
He removed her bra and panties, grateful the blue pill had finally taken affect. Faraday closed his eyes to finish their business transaction, hoping it would be one of their last.
18
“Don’t go.” Morray held Ava’s arm.
The full moon shining above struck her with a beam of clarity—the kind that comes from a peaceful place inside, not driven by fear, but truth. A truth that cuts right to the middle. Morray would never let her go, but that was his choice. His destiny. Not hers. Her destiny wasn’t to be with Morray; it wasn’t even to get rid of him. Her destiny had everything to do with getting back home and living her life––free of him.
Morray could continue his amenable act, but Ava knew he had an underlying agenda. Growing tired of the continuous feedback loop, she didn’t want to waste her energy. The quickest way to get rid of him would be to let him think she was finally caving. This would distract him from her agenda, which was to get the hell out of the mainframe. Alone. His obsession with her would be his downfall, as in the past. She’d let Mooray work hard to convince her that he had changed, and when he felt safe, she’d take action.
Smiling, she gently removed his hand from her arm, knowing she’d need to use calculated moves to ward off any suspicion. “I can’t stay here with you, Morray.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“That’s not fair.” She glanced up at him and quickly looked away, pretending to be flustered.
“Is anything fair? You’re here with me and I’m here with you. We’re together. And look all around us. This is what I’ve always wanted. You and me ruling together, indefinitely. This could be ours, Ava.”
She scanned the enchanted gardens, with the enormous palace resting majestically in the background. For a brief moment, it seemed like a nice place to be stuck for eternity––if Morray weren’t a complete lunatic with a history of vicious crimes.
“Tempting. It is. And while I’ve grown accustomed to your company, I’m not sure I could live with myself if I gave in to you.”
The first seed was planted.
Now she needed to step back and let it sprout. She couldn’t appear too eager, otherwise he’d catch on. It was a delicate line.
“I have an idea,” Morray said.
“Can’t wait to hear it,” she muttered.
“Come now, Ava. Who knows how long we’ll be in this program? I say we make the most of it while we’re here. Why not try to make this work? All you have to do is change your attitude and trust me just a little bit.”
“I will never trust you.”
“What have I told you about that word? Never is an impossibility.”
“How about a compromise?” she asked.
“I’m listening.”
“If you behave like a gentleman, I might consider the possibility of becoming friends while we’re stuck here.”
Morray held out his hand, sealing their transaction. Ava reached out, placing her hand in his palm.
“I promise to behave,” he said.
“It’s a deal.” Ava’s heart pounded, worrying he might see through her act.
“I’m pleased you’re willing to give it a try. I rather enjoy being with you, Ava. Even when you’re not at your best.”
“What do you mean not at my best? My worst is a thousand times better than your best.”
“That came out wrong. Give me a chance to show you who I really am.”
“I know who you are, William Stowe Morray.”
He smiled. “Well then, I’m not too worried. There’s more good in me than evil.”
She couldn’t pretend to agree with that statement, so the two remained quiet, letting the weighted silence hang between them. A cold chill blew across the mountain, causing Ava to shiver.
“Do you want to hear my idea, or are you going to stand there stewing over things neither of us can change?” he asked.
“Fine. What’s your idea, William?”
His eyes lit up when she said his name. “I’d like to go into the city center and try to figure out the timeline.”
“Hmm …” Ava pondered.
That actually wasn’t a bad idea. The Administrative Building operated the entire city center. If she could get to the servers inside, she might find another portal, or figure out how to break the coding and send her consciousness back to her body. And Morray was the only way into the city center.
“Do you think it’s functioning?” She tapered her enthusiasm.
“That’s what I’d like to find out. Maybe it’s empty? Just like the palace. We won’t know until we try.”
He was up to something. If he really wanted to stay in the program with her by his side, why bother checking out the city center? Maybe for the same reason she wanted to go in––to access the servers and escape the program. Or more likely, he had designs to lock her inside the city walls forever.
“What’s the point?” she asked.
“I’d like to see if there’s life inside. And if there is, maybe you and I can work together to fix whatever I wrecked. I know it’s not real, but I could at least right my wrongs inside this program.”
She studied him carefully, wondering how he could sound so genuine. He had mentioned wanting to make things right, but she knew better.
He lifted her chin. “Are you worried I’ll lock you inside?”
“I wouldn’t put it past you,” she said.
He bent to one knee and Ava felt embarrassed. She didn’t like seeing Morray in a submissive position. It seemed unnatural.
“I implore you to trust me. You know how much I detest being alone. You know how much I want to be with you. I will never hurt you.”
“You just said never.”
“Touché, my dear. But honestly, we have nothing to lose.”
He was right about that. She had already lost everything that mattered: Grace, Joseph, and her freedom. Going inside the city center might be the only way to get back all she had lost. Or it might be her final resting place.
“All right. I’ll go with you. I’m actually curious to see what’s going on. Do you think Dickson programmed it to have people existing inside?”
“We’ll find out soon enough.”
“You know that if you do try to trap me in there, I’ll find a way out. I always do.”
“And if you do, you know that I’ll come find you.”
“You always do,” she said.
He stroked her cheek. Staring into Morray’s eyes, she tried to find something to explain why he was so determined to have her.
“Why, Morray? Why me?”
“I’ve already told you. It’s destiny.”
He headed to the palace and Ava followed, wishing there was another way.
*
Ava and Morray stood outside the eastern wall. He had changed into a clean suit, and she found a shawl to wrap around her shoulders. As he typed a code into the access pad, she tried to peek over his shoulder to memorize the sequence, but his fingers were too quick. One of the giant solar panels opened and he moved off to the side, motioning for her to go inside.
“I’m not going first,” she said.
“I was just being polite.” He walked ahead, spreading out his arms. “See, everything’s fine. Come on.”
Ava walked through the opening and the panel closed behind her, sealing them both on the Inside. Only one of them had the access code to get out. At the moment, Morray had the advantage and Ava didn’t like that.
Being back inside the massive city center, splintered her into fragments. Everything was how she remembered: the dwelling units, which increased in size by neighborhood, the giant Arena in the distance, the Garden Center, rows of shops, the main street that divided
the city, the many sidewalks and the enormous Administrative Building at the center. Though she couldn’t see the armored walls, they were there, locking her within the city. The same prison she had escaped many years ago. But that was another lifetime. Another dimension. One that no longer seemed to exist.
19
Council had been in deliberations for almost two days. Grace walked around the containment room, grateful to be out of the lounger. When James heard that Faraday had been keeping her strapped in the chair, he had a cot delivered to the room.
Faraday had really dug himself into a hole. She laughed quietly, remembering his look of anguish when James took the floor. Their ongoing discord was no secret, but witnessing their contention firsthand gave her hope that Faraday wouldn’t get what he wanted. President James Jordan was a man of honor.
Grace had spent time with James on a few occasions, during trips to the city with her mother. Ava and James had developed a strong relationship in the transition years, and maintained their friendship by working together to keep the peace between Insiders and Outsiders. Ava was the President’s inside track on the Outside.
It hadn’t always been harmonious between the two. Ava would tell stories about how her former partner match acted prior to the walls coming down. James had a relentless drive to become the next King of Los Angeles, often at Ava’s expense. But after the walls came down and there wasn’t a throne to succeed, they had worked out their differences. With Ava’s help, James learned to channel his ambition in a more positive direction. He was a busy man, yet he always made sure to ask Grace how she was doing with her sword fighting. She promised herself she’d go back to it after she was released and sent back home to Ojai. She’d sharpen her skills and get strong again, knowing another battle would come.
And she would be going home. Faraday had lost the upper hand because he lacked foresight. The only person he seemed to have on his side was President Sullivan. She wondered why the woman had such a special interest in Faraday. Grace wasn’t too worried; the council was in her favor. Nobody, not even Sullivan, wanted to be associated with the old ways. Faraday should have thought that one through more thoroughly.
The door to Room 4011 opened and Blythe stepped in. Grace gave her friend a big uncomfortable hug. It was her testimony that altered the direction of the trial.
“You’re the best.”
Blythe maintained her hard shell. “Please don’t get all weird and mushy.”
“Shucks, I thought we reached a new level of friendship. I was going to move Marion over to make room for you, my new best friend.”
Blythe rolled her eyes, a slight grin tugging her lips. Deep down the warrior had soft spot.
“To what do I owe this honor, Officer Ballesteros? I have to admit, it was strange hearing the council address you like that, but it suits you. You’re still a little loose around the edges, though.”
“You’re just jealous.”
Grace shrugged, knowing there was some truth to that. “It’s been two days. Are they still deliberating?”
“Yeah. It’ll probably go another day. Those council ass-wads like to sling around a lot of bullshit.”
“People do love to hear the sound of their own voices.”
“What are you gonna do when you get released?”
“Go back to Ojai. Don’t have much of a choice. I can’t stay up here. And I definitely can’t go back to the academy.”
Blythe let out a cackle. “Yeah, you really slated your fate with that piece of roadkill. Faraday will never let you back in. He’s such a pompous dick-bag.”
“We’re being monitored.”
“You could’ve mentioned that, Grunt.”
“I kinda like watching you put your gigantic foot in your mouth. Brings back memories.”
Blythe lightly punched Grace’s arm and they laughed.
“I gotta get back to my station. You need anything?” Blythe asked.
“I’m sure you would’ve told me, but …” Grace took a breath and let it out slowly. “Any news on my mom? I’ve been having a lot of dreams about her lately. I feel like she’s close, or something.”
Blythe shook her head.
Grace didn’t want to get upset, but she was worried about leaving the city center, leaving her mother behind. “Why can’t these so-called experts track any digital footprints? Even an amateur like me was able to locate Morray.”
“That was different, Grace. He planted those footprints. That was part of his plan to get your mother where she is now.”
Grace felt a pang of guilt. “Thanks to me, she’s stuck in there.”
“At least she’s still alive. I keep checking on her. A few times a day.”
“You’re good, Blythe. I know it curls your insides to hear it, but it’s true. The only reason she’s alive is because of you.”
Blythe pulled back her broad shoulders and lifted her chin proudly. “The only reason both of you are alive is because of me.”
“And one day I’ll make it up to you.”
“You got a shit-ton of making up to do. Seems like I’m always savin’ your ass, Combrat.”
“I miss it,” Grace said.
“What?”
“Sword fighting. The academy. All of it.”
Blythe walked to the door. “I’m sure you do. You were the best.”
“Wait! Did you just give me a compliment?” Grace yelled.
Blythe stepped into the hallway and gave Grace the finger as the door slid shut.
20
Deliberations continued. Most members of council agreed that Grace should be released and sent back to Ojai. Two people strongly believed she deserved at least a temporary containment sentence, which is why they were still in discussions. Nothing would be decided until all twenty members were in agreement. Since Faraday wasn’t on the council, he sat off on the sidelines and watched. He didn’t want to be anywhere near the conference room that morning, but Sullivan had insisted.
President James Jordan addressed the group. “How about we agree to disagree?” he said, dark circles shadowing his eyes. “I’m willing to put to vote that Grace be held in containment for a four-week period, after which she will return to Ojai. I believe that’s a fair compromise.”
Before anyone could contribute their opinion, the door burst open and a group of heavily armed natives rushed into the conference room. The members froze.
President Jordan rose immediately. “What is the meaning of this?” But before he could ask another question, a burly native covered in tattoos lobbed a spear into James’ chest. He let out a muffled cry and fell to the ground.
Council members scrambled, ducking behind chairs or rolling under the table. Faraday sank to the floor, using the conference table as a shield. Sullivan huddled next to him, horror painted on her plastic face.
President Jordan looked at Faraday with milky eyes and reached a hand out. Faraday shrank back and the hand dropped with a thud.
Screams filled the room as the natives shot arrows and lodged spears at the astonished members. Blood and gore splattered across the floor, table, and windows. Councilwoman Conklin pressed an alarm just as the tattooed man dove down and slit open her neck with his dagger. Sullivan shrieked and moved closer to Faraday, digging her long nails into his hands.
General Joseph Strader and Officer Lucas West barreled into the room with their weapons aimed. They began firing at the natives. Joseph hit one square between the eyes and the man dropped hard. He fired at another man who was about to cut a woman’s throat, only grazing his shoulder. Lucas stepped in and finished him off, then rapidly fired more rounds into a man about to release an arrow into Joseph’s back.
The man with tattoos jumped up, aiming his arrow at Lucas. Joseph darted into the line of fire and the arrow thrust into his throat. He dropped to the floor, blood gushing from the wound. Lucas emitted a shocked cry, falling to his knees and putting pressure on Joseph’s neck. The tattooed man swooped down and took him to the ground. The two wrestled arou
nd until the man stabbed Lucas in the eye, removing the blade with a sickening slurp, before slashing the Officer’s neck. Joseph lifted his gun and fired off his last rounds, hitting the tattooed man’s back before he collapsed. Lucas dragged himself over to Joseph, his knees mopping up his own trail of blood.
Lucas held Joseph’s head. “We need you, sir. Please hang on.”
His fingers pinched the arrow, trying to break it off and stop the blood flow with one hand, while also applying pressure to his own wound. After a few labored breaths, Joseph closed his eyes. Lucas made a futile attempt to pump his chest, trying to revive the man he honored and respected––the man so many people admired––but it was too late. He was gone.
21
A loud, buzzing alarm and bright flashing lights screeched throughout the containment room. Grace shot out of bed––her warrior instincts blazing. A voice came over the intercom. “Warning. There has been a breach. Warning. There has been a breach.”
What the hell did that mean? An attack? The lights continued flashing and the buzzing grew louder. The door opened and Miss Adams and her sidekick Miss Parker raced into the room. Miss Parker held the wand way too close to Grace’s neck.
“What’s going on?” she yelled.
“You’ve really done it this time!” Miss Adams shouted over the alarm.
“What are you talking about? I haven’t left this room.”
Miss Adams yanked Grace closer, slapped the containment bands around her wrists, and shoved her into the hallway. Grace stumbled, but Miss Adams pushed her forward.
“Where are you taking me?”
“No more out of you!” Miss Adams yelled.
“Please don’t make me use this.” Miss Parker held up the wand, itching to use the thing.
“You can’t just drag me down the hall. I have rights!” Grace shouted.
And with that, Miss Parker plunged the silver wand into Grace’s neck. Massive electrical jolts shocked through her body, causing her to convulse and black out.