I seriously hope so, though I have doubts. I know so little about the movement. “What exactly is the rebel’s agenda? And how do we fit into the overall scheme of things.”
“The organization has been around ages; however, it’s only in the last couple of years that they’ve started to gather support and build momentum. When the government announced those new initiatives five years ago, our numbers basically swelled overnight. People are growing increasingly frustrated with the way the authorities are mismanaging society and how poorly they’re dealing with the key issues. What’s really interesting is how many of their own ranks are slowly joining our cause.”
I hold up a hand. “Are you honestly saying there are bullions working with the rebels?”
“Yep. And coins too. Some of the bullions are VIPs with serious clout and serious financial resources. Hence my access to the latest technology and those fancy gadgets you’re so fond of.” He winks.
I slump back in the couch. “Wow.”
He leans into me, excitement written all over his face. “It’s going to happen, Sadie. The timing is right now and it’s what the organization has been building toward. The government is not going to be in power for much longer.”
“What are the rebels planning, and how can you be so sure of their success?”
“I’m not party to senior-level discussions, but my Dad is on their inner council, and he said they’re making good progress. He won’t divulge any of the specifics, so all I know is that they intend to stage a coup, get rid of the current government, and install a new temporary democracy with the intention of holding countrywide polls to gain majority consensus on how to lead the country into prosperity. Dad said they intend to disband the class structure and give stars access to the same opportunities as the upper and middle classes.”
“That sounds like a tall order.” While it speaks to the heart of my desire, I can’t imagine overturning our current culture is going to be easy or something that can be achieved in the short term.
“It is, and I’m sure it’ll be a step-change process, but they are very focused on shaking things up. First, they need to position themselves to gain control, and that’s where we’ll come in.”
“What exactly is expected of us? Of me? Vin was extremely vague.” And I was extremely dumb not to question him before giving a commitment. But I’m not admitting to that out loud.
“Essentially we’ll be spying. Using the opportunity to feed whatever privileged information we discover to the rebels. They have spies all over the place, in all the main government departments, and all the intel they gather feeds into their overall planning.”
“That still sounds very vague.”
“They don’t give away much on purpose. That way, if anyone is captured they can’t relay details they don’t have.”
A shiver lances through me. “I don’t like being kept in the dark. How do we know the information we are providing is being used in the right way?”
“We don’t. It’s a blind leap of faith. But I’ve been involved with them for years, and so has my father, and they look after their own. It’s certainly our best chance at having a future where we have some say, some measure of control. That has got to be better than the current alternative.”
I’m not disagreeing per se, but if I’ve listened correctly, I’m being asked to place my trust in an unknown group, with an overarching mission statement, and vague details of how they intend to achieve their aims. It’s not giving me a warm and cozy feeling, and I’m on edge. Something doesn’t feel right, but for the moment, I’m riding this train whether I fully embrace it or not.
“Vin told me what happened the other night,” Jarod says, with a sinister scowl. “I can’t believe those alien freaks messed with my mind. I want to hit something whenever I think of it. Preferably one of them. ” The skin on his knuckles blanches white as his fists clench at his sides.
“They’re not all freaks. At least, Logan, Neve, and Haydn aren’t.” I feel aggrieved on their behalf.
He harrumphs. “Don’t let them manipulate you, Sadie. None of them are human. You’d do well to remember that.”
Anger simmers in my veins as I face him. “You don’t understand. They don’t like this either.” I have to choose my words carefully. Jarod isn’t aware of the whole conscience issue, and I can’t confide in him about that yet. Not unless he’s willing to accept some of the aliens aren’t bad, and that some of them are on our side.
“Wake up, Sadie,” he says, annoyingly flicking his fingers in my face.
I work hard to calm myself before I respond. “Jarod. Trust me when I tell you that they’re not the bad guys. I think we should tell them we’re members of the rebel movement and ask for their support. They’ll help us stop the government.”
Jarod stares at me as if I’ve grown ten heads. “Unbelievable.” He emits a low whistle. “How can you be so naïve?”
“I’m not naïve!” I’m immediately on the defense. “How can you be so pigheaded?”
“Oh, that’s rich,” he says, nudging his finger in my face. “You’re so infatuated with that freak that you can’t see straight! Reality check, Sadie!”
Fuming, I climb to my feet. “If you think the rebels can defeat the government when they have the aliens in their pocket, then you’re the delusional one. Don’t you see? We need them! Logan can amass support for the rebel cause. We can’t stop this on our own.”
Jarod’s jaw goes rigid. He stands up in front of me. “Are you switching sides?”
“What?” I pin my hands on my hips. “No! Of course not. But we could do more, achieve more, if we have Logan and the others as allies—”
“Not going to happen, Sadie.” He looks at me with stubborn determination.
My shoulders slump in defeat. There’s no convincing him. “Fine. Forget I said anything.” I purse my lips.
“For your sake, I will.” He scratches the back of his head. “Don’t even think about suggesting this to Vin. He’ll renege on the deal if he hears this nonsense.”
I yearn to scream in frustration.
“The shit is going to hit the fan, soon, and you don’t want to be on the outskirts when it does. Your best bet is to stick with the rebels, take up your new role in the city, and help us overthrow the government. We owe it to all other stars to stop the government from banishing them underwater. Don’t forget what this is about.”
As if I could. And he doesn’t know the half of it. Part of me feels dreadfully guilty for not disclosing what I know about the alien’s real agenda, but I can’t tell the rebels until I know they will act appropriately with the information.
I don’t want to be the catalyst that leads to a full-scale alien-human war.
I feel torn in two, with one foot in either camp. It’s not a good place to be. The only one constant is the desire to halt what’s planned.
How come I’m the only one who can see that?
Jarod and I part uneasily. This difference of opinion has driven a gap between us.
“What was all the shouting about?” Haydn asks while we walk to Dante’s apartment.
“He disapproves of my relationship with Logan.” It’s only a partial truth; however, it’s the best explanation I can offer for why Jarod will most likely be acting like a total ass around Logan in the weeks to come.
“He wants you for himself?” Haydn jumps to the wrong conclusion.
I shake my head. “It’s not like that between us. He doesn’t think Logan is good enough for me.” I’m starting to clutch at straws here.
“If only he knew the truth,” Haydn says in all seriousness.
“If only,” I agree, ignoring the irony of his statement.
***
Neve opens the door and pulls me into her firm embrace. “She’s gone, Sadie.” She says it outright, no softening the blow. In a strange way, I appreciate that. My attention locks on the two medics in starched white cotton scrubs as they wheel a hospital bed through the living room. A long whit
e sheet drapes over the length of Jenna’s lifeless form. My breath rattles and a hacking sob rises up my throat. No! This can’t have happened. Not Jenna. I hug myself, hoping to wake from this nightmare. But unfortunately, it’s all too real.
As the medics pass, I grip the metal edge of the bed. With trembling fingers, I peel back the sheet and take one last look at my friend. My entire body shakes. Her eyes are closed and sunken in a face that barely looks human anymore. Gaunt cheekbones protrude in angular fashion underneath the grayish tinge of her skin. Her lips are dry and flaky and leeched of all color. I barely recognize her.
My sobs have transformed into a monsoon, and heavy drops leak out of my eyes, falling over my cheeks, and plopping onto the sheet. Tenderly hugging her lifeless bones, I let the deluge flow unchecked. Acute pain perforates my heart at the loss of my friend and the innocence of the world.
An amused cough echoes in the room. Tacit fury starts to build inside me. Bending down, I press my lips one final time to Jenna’s cheek. I’ll miss you. I’ll make him pay even if it’s the last thing I do.
Swiping my sleeve across my face, I straighten up as the medics wheel the hospital bed out of the room. My eyes narrow on Dante. He is slouched against the wall outside the bedroom, fixing me with a frigid stare. I walk toward him, keeping my expression neutral.
“Sadie.” Haydn places a cautionary arm on mine. “Leave it.”
Exuding calm collectiveness, I face him. “I only need to say one thing.”
Acknowledging my cool demeanor, he concurs. I stand in front of Dante and eyeball him. He doesn’t shift from his relaxed pose, and he looks at me with puissant derision. “Her death is a stain on your soul for eternity. She’s at peace now, but that’s something you’ll never experience.”
He laughs and I pounce, giving into my pent-up rage.
Thrusting myself forward with a jump, I claw my fingers down his cheeks, dragging bits of skin and DNA under my fingertips. It’s hugely satisfying. Blood pools under his skin and little droplets trickle from the puncture wounds as he lets out a murderous roar. His eyes burn with hatred.
Haydn curses as he wraps an arm around my waist and hauls me away. “You’re dead, asshole!” I scream, thrashing about in Haydn’s arms. He flings me over his shoulder. My hair surrounds me, obscuring my view, but I feel the floor vibrating as Dante advances.
“You can let her have this,” Neve says. “You deserved that.”
I throw a string of obscenities at him, shocking even myself with the extent of my colorful vocabulary.
Haydn stalks from the room and anger rolls off him in waves. I don’t blame him. Logan is going to give both of us hell for this. He refuses to put me down when I ask but I wisely zip my lips.
Neve catches up to us as we reach my apartment. Haydn lowers me to the ground and I open the door. Once inside, Neve collapses on the floor in a fit of giggles. Adrenaline-spiked laughter travels up my throat, begging for release. But how can I laugh when my friend just died? Jenna would approve.
Dropping on the floor beside Neve, I laugh until my stomach hurts. Then we are hugging and laughing and crying and laughing again. I wonder if this is what insanity feels like.
The door eases open. “What the …?” Logan asks.
“They’re crazy. Especially her.” Haydn points to me. “That one’s got a definite death wish.”
I sober up the minute I look at Logan’s face. Uh-oh. Neve whispers in my ear. “Jen would be proud of you. Don’t mind what he says.” I bury my head in her shoulder as Haydn quickly and quietly updates Logan.
“Angel.” Logan crouches down beside me. “Let me wash your hands.” Glancing down, I notice the crusty, dried blood and broken fingernails for the first time. I let him lead me into the bathroom. He switches the faucets on and water gushes into the tub. Sitting me down on the toilet seat, he gently dabs my hands with a cloth.
It feels surreal. Like I’m not actually here. As if I’m floating by the ceiling, looking down on the scene below, watching as Logan attempts to piece me back together. “She’s dead. Really dead.” I look at him with dull eyes. “I didn’t think it would come to this.”
His jaw flexes. “I should’ve done more.” He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Shoulda. Woulda. Coulda.”
He looks at me anxiously and uncertainly. “Um, should I ask Neve to sit with you while you bathe?” Reaching over, he shuts off the faucets.
“I can manage. I’m not going to drown myself.” His brow creases with worry. “I won’t do anything stupid. I’ve pretty much drained my stupidity reserves already today.”
His mouth twitches. “I’ll make us something to eat. You relax.” He kisses me on my forehead and my arms curl naturally around his waist.
We stay frozen in time for a few minutes and his comforting embrace grounds me. “I’ll be okay,” I say, as much to myself as him. “Go cook.”
After dinner, we switch on the TV and tune in to the government broadcast. The president introduces Logan’s father as the Saven king and explains about the alliance between our two races.
“This is a moment for the history books,” the president says, a proud look on his face. I snort derisively. “Never before has such an alliance been brokered, and at such a critical juncture for both our kind. This is a natural partnership, born out of necessity, and maintained by a mutual respect for our different cultures. King Adjani and I have been working closely for months now, and we share a commitment to ensuring success in support of both our communities. My government’s concern over dwindling energy resources has been well documented, so I’m pleased to announce that our future fuel reserves are assured thanks to the generosity of King Adjani. In exchange for access to the abundant renewable energy on Saven, we have agreed to permit them to live among us on Earth.”
The first boisterous shouts are heard from the media crowd present at the press conference. Horrific expressions are mirrored on most every journalist’s face in the room. The president’s advisor attempts to calm the crowd.
When things have settled, the president resumes. “In fact, the Saven have already been cohabiting with our volunteers in ‘The Experimento’ these past few months. Those of you familiar with our weekly updates from Thalassic City will know that both races have integrated extremely well. So well, in fact, that it was impossible to tell that the Saven were even among us.”
Murmurs of disbelief ring out in the assembled audience. “I understand that this is a lot to take in, and I fully appreciate that people will have natural concerns. However, I can assure you that the Saven are an honorable nation with a keen interest in developing a long-lasting working relationship with our country. Our mutual agenda is prosperity for both our people, and this deal will secure all our futures. The Saven support has enabled us to accelerate construction of other underwater cities, and we intend to accelerate plans to transfer residents in the coming weeks. Now I’ll pass you over to King Adjani who would like to say a few words.”
“Good people of Earth,” the king says in his odd cadence. “I would like to reiterate what Mr. President has already stated and have it noted as a matter of record that the Saven are privileged to have entered into such a fruitful alliance with your ruling government. This relationship is as important to our race as it is to yours. Together, I believe we can support each other as we strive to develop both societies and herald a future era of growth and prosperity. We have been pleased at the extent of the organic integration between our kinds in Thalassic City. Such was my faith in your ruling government that I agreed to allow my two sons to participate in ‘The Experimento.’ I’m delighted to announce that both Logan and Dante have settled well into human society, sending me glowing reports of their experience in Thalassic City.”
Logan and Dante’s pictures fill the width of the screen as the king resumes his speech. “This gives both myself and Mr. President great comfort and confidence in extending our plans. There is much the Saven have to learn from humanity, and
we anticipate a strengthening of the bond between both our races in the coming months. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, and Commissioner Williams for their hospitality and their very warm welcome. I look forward immensely to a mutually satisfactory working relationship well into the future.”
Political bullshit is obviously an interplanetary skill.
The extent of the mutual deception is appalling. I can only hope most people see through the lies.
Then the president throws in a sweetener. Thanks to the boost in our natural fuel reserves, he announces an imminent increase of the fuel allocation. “That’s super smart,” I say to no one in particular. It will help generate goodwill within the lower classes.
Reporters trade shell-shocked looks as the camera fades out and the broadcast ends.
“Tomorrow should certainly be interesting,” Haydn says, his hand on the door. Neve leaves with him, and Logan and I get ready for bed.
We are lying on our backs, side by side in bed, entrenched in thought. “Logan? Do you think Jen and my dad are in a better place?”
He twists onto his side and takes my hand in his. “I do. They are.” His eyes shine with conviction.
“Does your kind believe in heaven?” I tighten my grip on his hand.
“There are two opposing beliefs on Saven. One group—those who remain loyal to our Elders and the culture of the past—believe in transcendence and that the soul lives on indefinitely. The other group—which is growing in popularity—believe that the soul dies along with the physical vessel and that we simply cease to exist in any form.”
His finger traces a delicate path over the back of my hand and the sensation is exquisite, radiating skin deep. “What do they say about those who are Eterno connected?”
“Where there is one soul, there is one transcendence for eternity. In the old scribes, they said that those who were Eterno connected passed over at the same moment in time. ‘Exist as one’ is central to their core thinking.”
I’m almost sorry I asked. A million questions lie unanswered on my tongue, but I can’t deal with any more heavy stuff right now. Jenna’s loss consumes me. More than my father’s death has affected me. Then again, I’ve spent my whole life grieving the loss of my father, so in a way, his passing doesn’t feel any different from normal.
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