Seeds of War

by Fisher, Rachel

  Fi finished his thoughts, her eyes wide. “And then he didn’t.”

  Everyone in the room looked at each other in shock, their faces aghast. Fi’s head whirled. Imagine the anguish you would feel, the outrage of it.

  Larry interrupted. “Stan, sorry to cut you off, but did you just say that Dr. Lawson was one of the people who helped decide who got a final assignment to Diaspora?”

  “No problem, Larry,” Stan responded. “Uh, yes, that is basically what he did with us. To remind you, he didn’t know that he was making actual decisions. He thought it was a think-tank sort of thing.”

  Fi and Louis snorted at the same time, and then looked at each other and smiled. Like they needed a reminder that Diaspora was presented as a “think-tank.”

  “So tell us Stan, how was it then that Dr. Lawson was assigned to the list of participants who would be cut? I wouldn’t imagine that he cut himself from the list,” Larry said.

  “Was he cut?” Stan replied, and they heard him suck in his breath. “I wasn’t responsible for those decisions in the end. And some were very last minute. Of course he wouldn’t have cut himself,” he murmured, and then paused. When his voice returned it was even flatter than usual, if that were possible. “Oh, I see. You think he found out, like Louis. Yes, it would explain why he seems to hate us so much. I thought it was just the usual God vs. Science crap.”

  A sudden thought came to Fi’s mind. She looked at Larry and made a gesture indicating that she’d like to ask a question.

  Larry nodded and Fi stepped up to the microphone. “Hi, Stan.” she said. “It’s Fi Kelly.” She felt a little nervous. Though she’d been introduced to Diaspora as a Seeder, she’d never questioned them herself. “I have two questions for you and the first is this: why would he have been cut, if it was not by his own team?”

  “Hello, Fi,” Stan replied warmly, and Fi relaxed a bit. “To answer your question, last minute cuts usually came because someone we’d been waiting for suddenly became available, or someone did something to truly undermine or sabotage the project, or someone in the immediate family was known to be Sick.”

  Fi nodded as he listed the options. It was nauseating, constantly having to rip open the same old wound of who made the cut and why, but she sensed that they were finally getting to what made Dr. Carter Lawson tick.

  After a pause, Stan spoke again. “You said you had a second question, Fi.”

  “Yes,” she said with new energy. “My second question is this: with his prior involvement in Diaspora, if he was assigned to Diaspora I originally, how hard would it have been for him to sneak into that colony before it was sealed?”

  As she asked this everyone in the room gasped except Sean, who looked her dead in the eye and nodded. She knew his strategic mind would have jumped to the same conclusion. What had happened to Diaspora I was a mystery, but it had not been repeated at Diaspora II or Eden. In Fi’s mind, all signs pointed to…

  “…Sabotage?” Stan’s voice interrupted her thoughts. His voice was incredulous. “Really? I mean, I guess that could explain things, but it seems so improbable.”

  “As improbable as a worldwide famine?” Fi murmured dryly to those gathered behind her, eliciting a few derisive chuckles.

  Stan continued his musings. “I guess if he were really careful about it, he might have pulled it off. If he was cut at the last minute, many of his former colleagues might not have known it. They might not have suspected if they caught a glimpse of him. Jesus. Shit, I guess it’s possible. But that would mean,” he stopped.

  “That would mean that he’s serious about stopping us,” Fi said. “Dead serious.”

  An hour later as Fi and Asher sat side by side watching Kiara’s soccer game, Fi found herself brooding again. At least now she felt no allegiance to the Truthers whatsoever. Still, all she could think about was how angry she was with Lawson…that he would manipulate people’s feelings for his own personal gain in that way. It was disgusting. To use people like that when he knew that so many of the survivors, his followers, were emotionally adrift. All they wanted was hope, and he gave them lies. She chewed her lip.

  Asher shoved her gently with his shoulder. “You ok?”

  “Yeah.” She smiled. “In a lot of ways this really helps me to make my peace with turning away from his message.”

  “But?” Asher prodded.

  “But,” she echoed, “I can’t believe what he’s doing with the seeds. That part really floors me.” From the corner of her eye she saw Kiara steal the ball from a classmate with a deft strip. “Woo-hoo, Ki!” she shouted, and Asher laughed.

  “She’s a terror,” he agreed, as he nodded toward the field. Then his face grew serious again. “But what do you mean, Fi, about what Lawson’s doing with the seeds?”

  “Well think about it, Asher. He’s telling everyone not to accept the seeds. He’s telling the Truthers to burn the fields. And if he truly believed that the seeds were altered seeds because they came from scientists, I would understand that, but…” her voice trailed off.

  “But he doesn’t,” Asher finished her thought, suddenly pensive. “Yeah, I see what you mean.”

  “Yeah, what kind of person knows that we’re distributing heirloom seeds …and asks people to destroy their own last hope so he can have revenge?” Fi shook her head and turned her attention back to the game. “I dunno Asher, but that’s the part that seems most messed up to me. That he would rather see people starve or die of the Sickness than live with his angry heart. It just makes me wonder.”

  “Wonder what?”

  “What would make a person do something like that?”

  “I thought our working theory was that he did it because he was cut?”

  Fi’s eyes were on Kiara as she flew between her classmates, her black braid bouncing. “Yeah, I guess so, but I don’t buy it.”

  Asher studied her for a moment before turning to watch the game again. “What do think happened then?”

  Fi shook her head and then jumped to her feet and cheered as Kiara scored a goal. She raised her hands over her head and clapped. As Kiara ran past, Fi and Asher both reached out for high-fives. Kiara grinned and slapped their outstretched hands. Fi settled back down again beside Asher and turned to him.

  “I don’t think it’s about him,” she said finally, and then nodded toward Kiara. “I’d bet anything it’s about something…or rather, someone, that he loved.” Her gaze travelled back to her sister. “All I know is that if someone ever hurt her, I don’t know what I’d be willing to do.”

  New Territory

  Family Ties

  ---------- Fi ----------

  Fi sat in a chair in front of the full-length mirror that Lucy had pulled from her bedroom into the living room of the Skillman pod. Kiara and Rachel stood on either side of her, braiding her hair while they talked and giggled. Sara fussed over Fi’s nails, painting them a soft pearl. The girls were all dressed in their beautiful gowns. None of them matched exactly, but Lucy had ensured that they shared an indigo accent. There was a knock at the door and Aliyah, Lydia, and Mayra poured in, all laughter and pink cheeks. For the past eight weeks all of the women of Fi’s Family, plus Sara, had been sewing like mad.

  Fi could never have imagined the pleasure she’d draw from such a colonial enterprise as a sewing circle, with nothing but banter to fill the time while heads bent diligently over swatches of silk and voile. But the Family was so rarely together these days. At times she’d glance up and feel the prick of grateful tears, as she did now. Their laughter and chatter swirled around her.

  With each passing day since her birthday, her anticipation had grown. Asher’s grins assured her that he’d planned something exceptional. Now, all of the curiosity and anticipation that had built up would be answered. She couldn’t wait. Even though she was sitting still in her chair while the girls primped, she felt like she was buzzing all over.

  “Ow,” Fi protested softly as Kiara tugged on an elastic band at the back of her head. Sara le
aned over and blew on Fi’s nails. Lucy crouched at her feet making a last minute adjustment to a seam. Rachel and Mayra dug through the pile of jewelry. And Aliyah and Lydia worked to get little Zoe’s hair ready. It was mayhem, hot, stuffy, buzzy mayhem, and it was wonderful. Finally everyone stepped back and declared her “ready.”

  “Stand up, Fi, so we can get the whole picture,” Rachel urged, but Fi was frozen, staring into the mirror at the person staring back at her.

  This wasn’t a girl with a giant head of unruly auburn curls and sun-worn skin. This was a beautiful grown woman with clear, translucent skin so pale that blush would have looked silly against it. Her wide eyes were emphasized simply with a bit of the colonists’ precious eyeliner and mascara, but her face was otherwise unadorned.

  Her hair pulled softly to the nape of her neck where the long cascade of curls fell forward across her collarbone. In their months on the run, Fi had managed to transform Kiara and Rachel into experts at braiding, and they had outdone themselves. Braids of all sizes looped softly from her side part, and two indigo crocuses adorned the braid that wrapped her ponytail.

  She stood shakily and smoothed her dress. Lucy had completely outdone herself. Though it was simple, the tailoring was exquisite. From the fabrics the Seekers had collected for her, Fi had selected a beautiful white dupioni silk for the bodice. The subtle sheen and the texture of the slubs in the fabric gave it a natural, organic feeling that she felt suited her and the outdoor setting.

  The silhouette was simple, an empire waist with a scoop neck and cap sleeves. Nothing that would overwhelm Fi’s small frame. Lucy had transformed the neckline with an intricate weave of white, pearl, and silver beadwork and embroidery, though Fi was proud that she herself had sewn many of the glittering seed beads. The skirt fell away in layers of voile, sheer pearl over a soft grey, the hem hovering just above the tops of her soft white cotton slippers. Despite its intricate beadwork, the major feature of the gown was the open back, which plunged from her shoulders to her pelvis. Fi could feel the air ruffling the edges of the gown against her skin.

  “It’s all amazing,” Fi breathed.

  “And now,” Lucy said, “for the finishing touch.”

  She turned to her sewing box and Fi’s heart skipped. This was the first of the many surprises that would finally be revealed to her today. It was Lucy’s special gift, as if the dress were not enough.

  “It’s your something blue,” Lucy said gently.

  Fi held her breath as she reached for the folded indigo “waistband” in Lucy’s hands. It was an exquisite piece. An exuberance of flowers and starbursts were woven together in varying shades of blue, violet, pearl, and silver, and were secured with a very special clasp. Fi traced it with her fingertips in awe. It was so perfect. The silver circle was the same width as the waistband, and in its center was a beautiful, flourishing tree with curled roots.

  “Eve?” she asked.

  “Of course,” Lucy said. “We all know what that tree symbolizes to us…to the Family. She means health and safety and life…everything that a marriage deserves as well.”

  “But h-how, I mean, where…” Fi stammered, and Lucy laughed and shushed her.

  “Several months ago, I rescued it from our swap pile,” she said. “This was a belt buckle in another life. The owner didn’t know what to do with it once the belt frayed away, but I convinced her that it was the right touch for your dress.” Lucy gestured for Fi to turn around. “Here, allow me.”

  Fi raised her arms and Lucy circled her waist. She set the waistband just below Fi’s bustline and fastened the clasp in the back. Fi felt the cool metal settle against her bare skin.

  “There,” Lucy murmured. “It fits perfectly. Now, Fi, you’ve have got to turn around and take a look at it for the full effect.”

  As Fi turned her back to the mirror, she heard the gasps of the other women and her heart skittered. The back of the dress was edged in the same white and pearl embroidery as the neckline and sleeves. Nothing interrupted the smooth white canvas of her slender back but the fitted blue waistband.

  They had decided upon this structural element to keep the dress from simply slipping off her shoulders. Regardless of its usefulness, it was not this aspect that took Fi’s breath away. It was the majesty of its focal point. In the very center of her back, the silver branches of Eve swirled. It was so beautiful that she had to choke back tears.

  “It’s amazing, Fi,” Sara breathed. Kiara and Rachel seemed to have gone temporarily mute.

  “How do I ever thank you, Aunt Lucy?” Fi’s voice broke as she struggled to keep her composure.

  Lucy waved as tears slipped down her own cheeks. “Now you’ve done it!”

  Rachel darted from the room and then scurried back with washcloths. The women sniffed and dabbed.

  “It won’t do to cry, Fi,” Lucy chided her. “This may be the only day in your life that you wear mascara.”

  Fi snorted and pulled away. “You’ve got it.”

  “You look like you’ve stepped out of A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Lucy declared. “Your mother would’ve been so proud of you, Fi. She would just about pass out, you’re so beautiful and grown up.”

  The mention of Maggie brought fresh tears to her eyes and she heard echoing sniffles all around her. She was not the only person who missed her mother on this day. In some way, her mother had become mother, sister, and friend to them all. All except Sara, Fi thought sadly. Her mother would’ve really liked Sara.

  “Please, everyone, come here.” She waved the women to her and they formed a huddle, each with the arms around the waist of the woman next to her. “First, we have to stop crying.” At this, everyone’s tears turned to laughter and giggles. “And second, I just wanted to thank you all. I love you all so much and I don’t know how…” Her chest tightened, and her voice strangled. She coughed and took a deep breath, swallowing the sudden wave of pain. “I don’t know how I got lucky enough to have such a wonderful Family. But I’m so glad you’re with me today.”

  The air in the huddle buzzed with murmured, “I love yous.”

  “Yes, well you’re all dressed up and you do have someplace to go,” Lucy said, as she pulled away. “And I do mean you have someplace to go,” she winked.

  Annoyed, Fi stuck out her tongue and blew a raspberry. Everyone else knew Asher’s secrets except Fi. John strolled into the room behind an excited Zoe, with Sean steps behind. Fi stifled a laugh, seeing the two of them in their dapper ties and suit jackets. Sean’s rakish hair was pasted to his skull with water.

  “Alright ladies,” John messed with the cuff of his shirt, “are we ready to…” his voice trailed off as he caught sight of her. “Oh, Fi, you look absolutely gorgeous.” He pulled her into a soft embrace and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Asher thinks he’s the one who’s going to surprise you, but I don’t know. I bet he nearly faints when he sees you.”

  “You look pretty snazzy yourself, Uncle John.”

  He laughed and grabbed the long trench coat on the couch and helped her into it. “So, beautiful bride, are you ready to go?”

  Fi’s heart pounded and she swallowed. “Yes.”

  “Ok, then reach into the pocket of that coat there,” John instructed and she did, pulling out a long dark strip of cloth.

  “What’s this?”

  “It’s your blindfold, of course,” John said, as if that were no surprise.

  “What? No way! I thought the secret was out today anyway.”

  John shook his head and took the blindfold, spinning her around. “Them’s my orders.”

  Once her blindfold was secured, the entire party headed for the garage, where they would take a Jeep to their mysterious destination. Her wedding had to be small. The dangers of Topside were very real, and there would be one security person attending for every three colonists. Fi actually preferred that it be small, so it worked out as far as she was concerned. Everyone that she loved most in Eden would be there.

  As the Jeep pul
led away, Fi felt herself holding her breath. She was so wound up she couldn’t tell if she was nervous, or excited, or simply about to spontaneously combust…but it felt like the last.

  After twenty minutes of bouncing around in the darkness behind the blindfold, Fi heard the tires crunch to a stop. Whispers and giggles floated on the breeze as the others poured from their vehicles to take their places. Above her, the lone voice of a violin crooned through its scales. Fi’s heart pounded

  “Ok sweetie, let me help you down.” John’s voice was calm, steady.

  Fi grabbed his hands, too hard, but he didn’t complain. He patiently helped her navigate her way from the Jeep without dirtying her dress.

  “Now, I’m going to remove the blindfold, but I need you to keep your eyes closed for just a little further.”

  Fi nodded and felt the tug as the blindfold loosened and fell away. Golden sunlight glowed behind her closed eyelids as she felt John and Louis at her elbows, maneuvering her down a gentle slope. Murmurs rustled and settled. They came to a stop and Fi could feel a wave of warmth in the air.

  Moving to stand behind her, John lightly placed his hands on her jacket. “Ok, this is the big reveal,” he whispered. “On three, open your eyes, ok?”

  She nodded again, too excited to speak.

  “One.” The jacket slid from her shoulders.

  “Two.”

  Oh God, Oh God, Oh God.

  “Three!”

  She opened her eyes and gasped. The scene before her was magnificent, its beauty absolutely devastating. The wedding party and guests were gathered in what appeared to be a former sinkhole. The far edge of the sinkhole rose high, and stood ringed with enormous, mossy pines. Afternoon sunlight streamed between the trees like columns in a great cathedral, setting the air aflame, as swirling pinpoints of glittering dust floated above the guests. If she squinted, she could pretend not to see the security team posted behind the trees.

  A breeze fluttered and a wave of heat made her turn. Behind her, and encircling the entire group, was a ring of fire pits. Of course, she thought. Asher had thought of this. He’d known that warmth would be needed in order to wear pretty dresses outside in Canada in April. It was a wonderful touch. Beneath her feet was a white cotton runner strewn with crocus petals that Kiara was just finishing up tossing ahead of her. Gnarled and twisting roots tumbled like a waterfall over the high lip of the sinkhole. Standing beneath this natural cascade, beside a grinning Sean, was the object of her desire.