by SF Benson
“Sure.” I’d take whatever I could get.
“My humanities project?”
“Done.” I tapped my foot. Rousing her curiosity was not my intention, but if I got more details… “Does it say where this library is located?”
Nia studied a page. “Sort of. ‘The top of the tower holds the key.’”
“Anything else look important?”
She flipped the page. “’There are those amongst us who honor two masters.’”
Interesting, but not enough. “One more.”
She frowned. “Last one.”
“Does it mention if there’s someone guarding the tower? Or who holds the key?”
“Yes. ‘Purveyors of logic guard the key. Reveal the key. Unlock the treasure.’”
Great. One big riddle. I never liked word puzzles. They bored me. “I’ll take it now.”
Nia grinned. “Whoever wrote this was a religious genius.”
I placed the notebook in my bag. “What makes you say that?”
“The last page. It said, ‘She finds her strength in Allah.’ Those without faith would not inscribe those words.”
Okay. What did I learn? The tech is somewhere at the ‘A’, and the person who has it is Cogent, and a religious freak. Mom wasn’t Cogent nor into religion. “Thank you, Nia.”
“Can I get back to work?” Nia grimaced. She drummed her fingertips on the desk.
“Yes. Thanks again.”
“Don’t forget my project. I need an ‘A’.”
“Slide over.” I typed in my passcode and pulled up my project. “Take mine.”
Nia gawked back at me.
“You’re welcome,” I said and walked away. Staying away from the CHA and avoiding a wedding were much bigger concerns than a school project.
Next stop, RMA.
Thou shall respect all members of your classification.
—10 Commandments of Personal Conduct, Thaxton Bible, 2021
Riza was the AR’s elite military. They were charged with maintaining civil obedience and loyalty. After the wars, social order became the government’s priority. The best and brightest candidates were housed as cadets in the Riza Military Academy, RMA.
A cold rain fell on the statues of our country’s scientific leaders—Blackburn, Graves, Venter, and Salk—lining the front of the massive gray and tan gothic structure. I walked under the stone arch, and my stomach lurched. The sweet bun reminded me I should make smarter breakfast choices. I pulled open a wooden and glass double door, and faced my nightmare.
My unsteady legs climbed a set of luminous white marble stairs. The aseptic lobby was behind another glass door. I couldn’t catch my breath. Sweat trickled down my back. I opened the door to gleaming white floors and glass walls.
A young boy with blond hair, prominent ears, and a reddened nose worked behind a chrome and marble desk. His navy shirt and beret signified Riza recruit. He barely looked fifteen.
“State your business.” His toneless voice startled me.
“I've come to visit a cadet.”
The boy continued working without making eye contact. “Cadets aren't allowed visitors.”
“You must be mistaken. I’m here to see Koko Castaneda. She’s a new cadet. She said I could visit her after 48 hours.”
The boy raised his head. “I already stated cadets are not allowed visitors.”
“I don’t think you understand—” I tapped my fingers on the chrome desktop.
“Riza cadets have no further contact with the outside world. It helps them learn loyalty.” He continued working and didn’t say another word.
Calm down. Don’t cause a scene. “Can I at least send her a message?”
The recruit stopped his paperwork. He scrutinized me, leaning his tall, lanky frame over the desk. “What part of ‘no’ did you not understand? Persistence is not your best course of action.”
Frustration hit me like a sports car driver on a crowded two-lane road. I opened my mouth and promptly closed it. Public displays of anger resulted in arrest. Stay calm! I’d find another way to get the information.
“Never mind.”
I darted from the lobby and down the stairs. My mind raced. Could Ko have lied about having visitors? Why would my best friend mislead me? Before I walked out the building, I spied a set of stairs on my left. I looked over my shoulder, slipped around the corner, and quickly descended the steps.
I wandered into a murky basement. An odd chemical smell filled the air. A laboratory with counters, sinks, high-end equipment, and cabinets was on the right. Ahead of me were large computer touch screens and comfortable chairs. An alcove with a set of double glass doors was on my left, but it was impossible to see beyond them. I raced over to the doors and pulled. Locked.
The sound of voices and footsteps drifted down the stairs. I stepped further into the alcove, pressing myself against the smooth wall.
The rude boy from the front desk and another boy tramped into the hallway. My heart pounded loudly in my chest.
“I’m sure she’s still in the building,” Rude Boy stated.
“Sherman, if she’s still here, she will be handled. No worries,” replied his partner.
The boys stopped near the alcove. I held my breath and prayed. A woman with long dark hair entered the area. I caught a glimpse of her profile. My eyes must be playing tricks. The woman resembled Eden.
“Is there a problem?” There was no mistaking her voice. Eden, dressed in black slacks, shirt, and high heels, questioned the two boys.
The boy with Sherman spoke. “No, ma’am.”
“Then return to your posts.” Eden turned on her heels and stomped up the stairs. Sherman shrugged his shoulders, and they raced behind her.
I exhaled. Why would Eden be here?
Whatever lay behind the doors would have to wait until another time. I counted to ten before running upstairs and out the front door. The boys shouted after me, but I didn’t stop until I reached the rail station.
My legs were shaking by the time I slid onto a seat. Maybe it was being drenched from the rain. Perhaps it might have been the narrow escape. Either way I let out a sigh of relief. Talk about stupidity. I risked pushing up my Inoculation Day, for what?
What the hell! Someone stroked my arm. I jumped. Zared sat next to me.
“Play along,” he whispered before I said a word, and then he moved closer and kissed my cheek. The gesture seemed innocent, but my heart stopped.
My pulse vibrated in my throat.
“Missed you today, babe. Where'd you go?”
I was at a loss for words. It wasn’t the kiss of my dreams, but it would do…for now. Words tumbled out of my mouth. “Uh…n-n-nowhere special.”
He placed his hand on my knee. “Did you forget our hook-up this morning?”
“I guess I did.” I said I’d see him today, but gave no definite time nor place. I leaned my head against the window. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach.
Zared held my hand tracing small circles with his thumb. His touch was maddening. Every part of my body tingled. I wanted him to…what? Stop? Keep going? The train stopped. I started to stand, but he yanked my hand. I settled back in the seat and tried hard not to think of the sensations racing through my core.
When all the passengers exited the car, Zared said softly, “Did you honestly forget about me this morning?”
“No. We didn’t plan anything.” I faced him. “And what's with the too familiar greeting?”
“Smile, babe.” He put his arm around my shoulders and said in my ear, “There are cameras on board. We'll exit in a while.”
My heart and head were in a battle. I should be angry with his brazen behavior, acting as if we were a couple. We weren’t…yet. I had dreamed of moments like this. Why be angry with something I desired? My heart cheered as I relaxed.
We exited the M-1 at a small park near my building. Zared’s arm circled my waist. My heart raced. I opened my mouth, but the words twisted and nothing came out.
/> He pulled me close. His hot breath settled at my ear. The scent of sandalwood and his husky voice made me weak. “Y’know, we should look like normal teens.”
“Where are we going?” Being so close tortured me. I had dreams about this moment, pulling me close and then…. Stop! Focus!
“Relax.” His hand lingered on my hip. “We’ll take a walk in the park. Let’s talk.”
Relax! Was he kidding? “About?”
“You went to the learning center this morning.”
“Now, you’re following me.”
He pressed his fingers into my flesh. My knees loosened. “Remember, we’re supposed to be careful. I’m watching your back.”
“I went to find someone who could, um…” my voice cracked, “uh…finish translating the book.”
“Any luck?”
“No.” I knew how to withhold info, too.
“What about RMA?”
“I don’t like being followed.” I mumbled.
“I, uh, don’t like being left in the dark,” he countered. “Now, why did you go to RMA?”
“Visiting my friend.”
“Let me guess. They wouldn't let you see her?”
“Right.” My body temperature rose. He needed to stop interrogating me or step back. I stopped in my tracks, facing him. “Come clean, Z. Why are you following me?”
Before he answered, an old man approached us. Zared cupped my cheek and outlined my lips with his thumb. The warmth of his touch flooded me with sensations mere words couldn’t describe. I was hopelessly lost the moment our eyes met. Those magnificent, dark eyes filled with passion. His fingers caressed my cheek, and I shuddered. Sandalwood mixed with a little musk, his scent, intoxicated me. Sexy. Appealing. We moved closer. My pulse quickened. Oh my God. What I wished for was happening.
I closed my eyes. His lips, those beautiful, kissable lips, pressed softly against mine as he traced the seam of my lips with his tongue. I opened my mouth, indulging in his minty taste. An endless pallet of emotions swept through me. His tongue lightly touched mine, exploring the depths. Oh, if I’m dreaming, somebody pinch me. I didn’t want the sensation to end.
Zared tightened his embrace. I forgot we were in the middle of the park. And then he abruptly pulled away. The man passed us, shaking his head. We peered into each other’s eyes. He left me light-headed, heart racing.
I licked my lips. “Wow.” How lame.
He wrapped his arms around me when a woman with a small child in a stroller walked by us. “I think you enjoyed that.” His voice was low and sexy in my ear.
Yes, I enjoyed it. A lot. I wanted him to kiss me again.
“What did you find at the Academy?” He tucked my hair behind my ear. His hand lingered on my neck.
Seriously? He wanted to talk? Now? Unbelievable.
I exhaled and stepped out of his embrace. The sudden chill followed by an intense, painful longing stunned me. “I saw a laboratory and another room. But it was too dark to see anything.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Why would a military academy have a laboratory?”
I closed my eyes and recalled what I saw. The laboratory didn’t house just test tubes and Bunsen burners. I remembered seeing centrifuges, a fridge, and some unfamiliar items with digital displays. Things not at my learning center. Possibly for research or…
“Experiments,” I whispered.
“Do you believe me now?”
So, he knew I didn't believe him. I played with the zipper on my jacket. “Maybe.”
“What will it take before you have faith in me?”
Good question! It was the whole reason why I went to the Academy. “Answers. You know a lot about me. I can’t say the same about you.”
“In time. I promise you’ll get your answers. If I told you all I knew right now, it would confuse you. You'll have to trust me.”
“Trust you?” I averted my eyes. My throat closed up. Could I believe him? I wanted to take him at his word, but my little voice whispered, ‘be careful.’
Zared touched my chin and turned my face toward him. “Yeah, trust me. I don’t break my promises.” He gave me another sensual kiss before walking away.
He confused me, frustrated me, and excited me. All I thought of was following him and finishing our make out session. And then, I remembered the papers. Lip locking in public wasn’t wise. Going home was the best choice.
Sounds of my parents’ arguing drifted into the hallway. I opened the door to a palpable tension pulsing through the apartment. Mom sat on the sofa fumbling with her necklace. Dad sat across from her on the edge of a chair.
“Mom, Dad, what's wrong now?” Their constant bickering exhausted me. Something strained their relationship. The possibilities left a sour taste in my mouth.
“It's your brother,” Mom mumbled.
“What happened? Is he okay?” My stomach knotted. I couldn’t handle bad news about Cris. My purse slid off my arm.
“The tonto decided to leave town,” Dad thundered.
“Fred, he’s not a fool.” Mom glared at him. “He’s not thinking.”
“Makes him a fool in my book!” Dad stood.
I took a seat near Mom. “Has he left yet?”
Dad opened his mouth. Mom gave him a dirty look. He left the room without saying another word. The knot in my stomach got tighter. What happened between the two of them? Dad never backed down from anyone, and Mom never challenged him. Things were odd to say the least.
“What's going on, Mom?” I removed my jacket.
“Nothing. Your Dad can be so—”
“Pigheaded?”
“Not nice, minha filha.” Mom winked. “But, yes, he can be.”
“What’s going on with Cris?”
“He’s just reacting to Eden’s disappearance.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Mom?”
She patted my hand. “Don’t worry. He hasn't left yet.”
“But why?”
A look of pain crossed Mom’s face. “He thinks something bad has happened to her.”
I debated telling Mom about seeing Eden at RMA. I didn’t have any real information to share. Telling her would raise questions.
“Where’s Cris now?”
Mom’s hands drifted to her necklace again. “He said something about meeting a friend before curfew. He won't leave without seeing you.”
I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Is everything okay with you and Dad?”
Her forehead puckered. “Of course.” She closed her eyes, inhaled, and then, patted my hand. “Never better. Don’t worry yourself.”
Mom had never been secretive. What changed? I couldn’t dwell on it right now. I needed answers about the notebook. “Remember my mentioning Nia Ahmad to you?”
Her free hand continued to finger the necklace. “Nia?”
“Yes. She speaks fluent Farsi. The ‘library of the truth’ is a place.”
Mom bit her lower lip.
“She gave me some details about it. The library exists at the top of a tower. And at the top of the tower, there’s a key. There’s a group called Purveyors of Logic. They guard the key, and the key unlocks a treasure.”
Perspiration dotted her forehead. Mom knew something. But what? She swallowed hard. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Last night you thought the translation was wrong. I’m letting you know it wasn’t. Also, it’s more involved than what I first assumed.”
“Oh?”
“I haven’t shared this with my friend yet. But now, I’m curious.”
“About?”
“The library of course. Where is it?”
Mom rubbed her palms on her pants. “You should leave it alone.”
“Right.” Why was Mom so fidgety? Getting more information from her was not happening. Since I found the notebook in Cris’ belongings, he might be the one to ask.
“Mom, I want to visit Ko. Do you know anything about RMA’s visitation policy?”
Mom flinched. “Not a whole
lot. Why?”
Why would questions about the Academy make her jumpy? “I called there today. A recruit told me cadets couldn’t have visitors.”
“Maybe the person made a mistake, or you misunderstood. Give it a few days. I bet you’ll be able to see her soon.” Mom patted my hand again. “I should go check on your dad. I kept some dinner warm for you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I didn’t buy it. Not for a minute. For the first time ever, Mom deceived me.
“I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures afforded me by law. I will remember medicine is a science, and warmth, sympathy, and understanding have no place.”
—Hippocratic Oath, 2020
Zared
Officially, I was an idiot. How stupid could a guy get? I warned Tru about the cameras, and then I didn’t follow my own advice. Now, it was necessary to find a way to sidestep the deep shit I was in. I shifted my weight as I stood before my superior’s glass desk. He sized me up from the comfort of his large leather chair.
“Sit.” I perched on the edge of the chair in front of the desk. I swallowed hard. I knew what waited for me.
My supervisor continued to stare at me. He cracked his knuckles. “Aoki, you realize you risked the mission over a damn kiss?”
“Yes, sir.” I winced. He made me sound like a lovesick schoolboy. I wouldn’t deny my attraction to Tru. Things could have gone so much further. I maintained some level of control.
He flexed his fingers. Did he want a fight? “Do I need to reassign you?”
“No, sir.” I maintained eye contact. Reassignment? Was he serious? I kissed her! Nothing else! Granted we were in public, but I was still on the case. He wouldn’t reassign me.
A vein in his temple pulsed. “Are you so damned horny you can’t be trusted?”
It had been a long time since I was close to anyone. I didn’t even remember the name of the last girl I kissed before Tru. “No, sir.”
He exhaled, steepled his fingers, and leaned back in the chair. “Are you any closer to discovery?”
“Possibly.”
“Last warning, Aoki.” My supervisor closed his ice blue eyes. “Getting intimate with the target isn’t the mission.”