“Why did you kiss her?” the words pop out of my mouth impulsively.
“I didn’t Ariana! That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. She kissed me. As soon as she saw you she practically got me in a choke-hold and pressed her lips to mine. I couldn’t push her off easily, and by the time I did you were already running away.”
“That’s not how it looked to me,” I say.
“I know how it looked Ariana,” he says in exasperation, “I watched the clip, but I’ve told you the truth. I can understand how upsetting it was, but I don’t understand how you could so easily forget my promise. You wouldn’t even give me an opportunity to explain,” he says tensely.
“Cal, my head is all over the place. We’ve been separated, my father was missing, my mom’s seriously ill, Eve’s not talking to me, I’m sick of all these bloody dates and injections and beauty treatments, cookery lessons ... and I’m not sleeping and I’m hormonal, and it’s as much as I can do to get myself, Deacon and Lily up every day...,” I say as my voice breaks.
“I know, it’s OK,” he says soothingly. “I’ll try to forgive you for that ... incident, with Ada earlier. I’m furious with him, though it was hardly his fault, you practically assaulted the poor guy,” he says measuredly. I know he’s trying to be conciliatory for my benefit.
“Um, yeah, sorry about that. I don’t know how I’m going to face Ada again,” I say truthfully.
“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about him, I think he quite enjoyed himself,” he says tersely.
I hear the front door open. “Ari?” Deacon calls out.
“In here.”
Lily appears first and immediately stands rooted to the spot when she sees Cal and I. Deacon materializes behind her. “Ariana?” she asks questioningly.
“Lily, Deacon; sit down, I need to speak to you both,” I say seriously.
“Oh no, it’s Dad isn’t it? He’s dead isn’t he?” Lily cries out as I move to console her.
“Yes, he’s not coming home.”
I hold her tightly as the sobs take control. Deacon is strangely quiet, but I open my left arm to include him in our embrace, and he automatically comes to me. Lily asks me if Mom is aware yet. “No, she’s still sleeping, we’ll tell her together in the morning,” I respond.
“I want to sleep in beside Mom tonight,” she says and I know I can’t object, besides I don’t think there’s any harm in it. Cal makes them both some hot chocolate while I help them to get ready for bed. I get Deacon settled in his room first before tucking Lily up in bed beside our mother. “It’s just you, me and Deacon now Ari,” Lily says in a hushed voice.
“We have each other and that’s what counts, I’m not going anywhere,” I tell her.
“Until you get married; what happens to us then?” she asks. That’s actually a good question, I’ve no idea if the authorities will let Lily and Deacon live with me and my new husband. Either they’ll have to agree or I’ll have to get Mom better by then. For now, there’s no point in worrying Lily unnecessarily.
“Lily, no one is going to take you away from me, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us together, I promise.” That seems to appease her and I kiss her gently on the cheek as I say goodnight.
***
“Will you stay with me?” I ask him.
“That was always my intention.”
I go up to get ready for bed while he locks up downstairs. I’m already under the covers when he comes in. I watch as he takes off his shirt and jeans, and climbs into bed beside me. On any other occasion, the sight and feel of his near naked body would send my blood pressure into orbit, but I’m so exhausted by the events of today that my body is incapable of feeling anything even close to desire. And he doesn’t ask anything of me. He kisses me gently on the lips and wraps his arms around me as he tells me to try and get some sleep.
I’m assaulted by horrible nightmares of my father’s death and I wake up screaming and sobbing. Cal’s arms and words are there to comfort me, but I can’t fall back asleep. I resist the urge to slap on a patch, I can’t afford to be groggy in the morning. Instead, I spend the rest of the night observing the beautiful, sleeping boy at my side, wishing that I could keep him there forever, but knowing that it’s an impossible desire.
***
Mom barely acknowledges the news. I momentarily feel a twinge of envy at her obliviousness. I tell Lily and Deacon that they can take a day off school if they like. Deacon readily agrees, but Lily is insistent that she wants to go in. Cal offers to take her and I gladly accept. I’m handing Lily her coat when there’s a thunderous pounding on the front door. Cal and I immediately lock eyes as he goes to open the door.
They grab his two hands behind his back and slap a cuffband on and he doesn’t attempt to resist.
“Let him go,” I yell at the two Rangers, as they move aside to allow Zolt Rada enter.
“Put him in the rovercraft,” Zolt instructs them, as they tow Cal forward. I instinctively move to follow him, but Zolt quickly blocks my path.
“Ariana, let it be, my father will sort this out,” Cal says assuredly, and his eyes are cautioning me to hold back. I watch as they push him into the backseat and shut the door.
“What’s he done to deserve this?” I ask Zolt bravely.
“Cadet Skyee, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of the rules of ‘The Calling’. Intimate contact between suitors is strictly forbidden, and as Cadet Remus is no longer on your approved list of suitors, it makes his act of defiance even more rebellious. He’s already been warned to keep his distance from you, yet he chooses to studiously ignore that; he will now face the consequences of his actions,” he tells me with glee.
“So why aren’t you arresting me? I broke the rules as well,” I say angrily.
“Yes, indeed, and if it were up to me, you’d already be cuffed in the back of that vehicle. But President Calavero is a compassionate man, he understands that you’re grieving, so he’s willing to overlook this indiscretion, on this occasion.”
“What’s going to happen to Cal?”
“That’s none of your business. My condolences to your family,” he says abruptly as he walks out the door. Lily closes the door quietly and takes me by the hand to the sofa. Deacon follows us and takes a seat on my left side.
We sit side by side in silence. “What do you think they’re going to do to him?” I whisper quietly to Lily.
“I don’t think his father will let them cause him any harm. They might keep him locked up for a few days, to teach him a lesson,” she says wisely. I must look perplexed or else she just feels the need to elaborate. “The public are very fond of you two, I don’t think they would stand by quietly if the authorities punished him for offering you comfort in your hour of need. You’re just two people in love,” she says, displaying a maturity beyond her years. I look upon her with great admiration, I know now that she’s said this deliberately, confident in the fact that every Commiboard in Aqua is focused on our conversation.
“You really think so?” I whisper.
“Yes, I sense it.” I hope she’s right, and that it’s enough to keep him safe.
***
I sign the papers to release my mother into the care of Dr. Zousa that afternoon. I trust Dr. Zousa, and I need to believe that she has the best chance of returning our mother to us. Nonetheless, I feel awfully guilty as I watch them wheel her out into the medicraft. I kiss her on the forehead and promise to visit soon.
I phone Senior Commander Vegas to advise him of my mother’s condition and he confirms that next of kin rights will transfer to me automatically. I’m to expect one of his advisors shortly, to sign all the paperwork.
She arrives promptly at 2 p.m., and it takes an hour to attend to it all. She shakes my hand as she offers her condolences and promises to phone me later with details of the commemoration ceremony. I know I should probably sort through my father’s wardrobe, and his study, but I just can’t face up to it yet. I decide that I might as well head to the Academy for my
afternoon classes. I drop Deacon into school on the way.
The walk to the Velo station is painful. Every person I meet stops to offer words of sympathy and I don’t think I can take much more of this. I know they mean well, but I’m scarcely holding it together as it is. I’m seriously contemplating going back home when he approaches me.
I know he’s military personnel by the uniform. He tells me that he knew my father and he was a wonderful man. He pulls me into a hug and whispers discreetly in my ear. “You’re not alone.” He presses the paper into my hand and curls my fist around it, then he releases me with a penetrating stare and he’s gone.
It takes me a few moments to pull myself together. I daren’t look yet at the note he placed in my hand. Once safely within the grounds of NSAFTA I head straight for the bathroom, and using my backpack as cover, carefully open the note. It’s my fathers handwriting. “Go to our place Ari and collect what I left for you.” I want to go there immediately, but I err on the side of caution; I’ll make the trip tonight, in the dark, when there’s less chance of me being observed. If my father has gone to so much trouble to leave covert instructions for me, then whatever is waiting for me in Strata has to be protected at all costs. I wish that I could bring Cal with me, but I don’t know where he is, or what’s happened to him.
I ask around in the Academy, but no one has seen him all day. I cannot quell the growing fear building inside me, so I decide to call over to NSAF to see Commander Remus. I’m making my way down the corridor, towards the exit, when Eve grabs me. “Ari, I’m so sorry, about your father, for falling out with you...” I cut her off by hugging her tightly.
“Eve, thanks, and I’m sorry too. I wanted to call you, apologize for the way I spoke to you but ... I couldn’t ... I,” I say, as words fail me.
“Ari, you’ve nothing to apologize for. I’m a pathetic excuse for a friend, I abandoned you when you needed me the most. But the longer it went on, the harder it was to reach out. I’m truly sorry. Can you ever forgive me?” she says pleadingly.
“I already have Eve, there’s nothing to forgive.” We hug even tighter, and a surge of warmth floods through me; I’m glad my best friend is back in my life. “I know we’ve lots of catching up to do but I really have to go now. Rain check?” I ask.
“Where are you going?”
“To see Commander Remus, I need to know what’s happened to Cal.”
She pulls me around the corner into a small alcove. “I think that’s a really terrible idea Ari.”
“I have to do something,” I wail.
“Why don’t I call over to his house tonight and see if he will tell me what’s going on. That’s much safer than you barging your way into his office,” she says earnestly. It sounds like a good plan, but I’m impatient to know that Cal is all right. I force myself to analyse my options. If I go over to NSAF now, Commander Remus may not be there, and I’m slap bang in the enemy lair, making it very easy for them to arrest me, if they wish. And if he is there, he may not want to be seen associating with me, and he may even request my arrest. I remember all that Cal has told me and I don’t think he’ll be overly sympathetic towards me. It should be harder for him to be nasty to Eve, after all, she’s done nothing to contribute to Cal’s current fate.
“OK, let’s do that, but I’m coming with you too,” I say.
***
I don’t want to leave Lily and Deacon on their own so Dr. Zousa kindly offers to let them stay the night there. Neither one of them complains. I know they both really like Eve’s parents, but I still feel terrible for abandoning them. Eve updates me on her dating experiences as we walk towards Cal’s house. Things seem to be progressing nicely with Evan and the two of them have been dating up a storm. I vehemently hope that it works out, at least one of us deserves her happy-ever-after. She talks excitedly about the forthcoming Suitors Ball; I try to maintain a neutral expression, but it’s challenging, considering it’s a source of huge anxiety to me.
As we approach Cal’s house, we agree that I’ll stay hidden around the corner while Eve talks to Commander Remus. My heart is in my mouth. Eve timidly knocks on the door and within seconds the door is opened by the Commander himself. Eve quickly introduces herself and states the purpose of her visit. He is instantly scathing. “So she sends you to do her dirty work, she can’t even face me herself,” he spits out. I know I shouldn’t rise to the bait, but the underlying accusation that I’m a coward goads me into making my appearance known.
“I thought it would have fewer repercussions for Cal if I didn’t approach you directly myself sir,” I say politely.
“Or fewer ramifications for yourself Cadet Skyee?” he asks accusingly.
“Commander Remus, I’ve spent all day worrying about Cal, about what they’re doing to him. I just need to know if he’s okay, is he here?”
“No Ms. Skyee, he’s still behind bars, thanks to you. I clearly explained the consequences that day in the Academy, now Cal is paying the price. I can authorize his release provided you stay away from him. If you care for Cal, as you say you do, then you’ll leave him alone. You’re not meant for each other, do you understand me?” he shouts the last part.
“Yes,” I say quietly.
“Good, then we have an agreement,” he says, and with that he slams the door in our faces. I feel totally despondent. At least I know that Cal is all right, and his father will get him released, that was as much as I’d hoped for. He will be safe, nothing else has changed and I didn’t expect that it would. It’s hard to hear it spelt out so bluntly though. I can’t help wondering if Commander Remus hasn’t had a hand in our separation.
“Come on Eve, let’s get out of here,” I say as I pull her away from the door. I spot the blonde head out of the corner of my eye.
“Keep walking,” she says. Eve and I exchange puzzled looks, but we keep walking and stare straight ahead. She stays hidden in the shadows. “My dad will get him out Ariana, don’t worry. I heard what he said to you back there, Cal won’t agree to that, I know how much he cares for you. I’ll help carry messages between you. Mind yourself,” she whispers, before falling back.
“Who was that?” whispers Eve.
“Melandra, Cal’s sister.”
***
We reach Eve’s house first. I refuse her offer of a sleepover, telling her I need to be on my own.
I don’t bother going to bed at all. After a few hours, the roads look totally deserted and I think it’s safe to venture out. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken my father’s rovercraft for a spin, and I hope I can remember what to do. Turns out it’s just like riding a bike. I wonder if NSAF will retrieve the rovercraft, or if we get to keep it. I make a mental note to ask Senior Commander Vegas at the commemoration ceremony tomorrow.
I make good time on the empty roads and it doesn’t take me long to reach the hideout. My heart is hammering in my chest and a wave of nausea assaults me. I know that whatever awaits must be dealt with swiftly, before any authorities can swoop in, so I push my nerves aside and peel back the screen. Once securely inside I switch on my flashlight and begin to make my way through the woodland, down to our favorite log. I realize that I’ve no idea where my dad left his message for me. I pull his note out of my backpack and turn it over and over in my hand, but there are no clues, no map, I don’t know where to begin.
In the background, I hear a small sound that makes my hair stand on end. I hear the frantic beating of my heart, and my own shallow breathing, as I freeze in total panic. I listen again, this time for footsteps and the descending light, but there is only stillness and blackness. I force myself to calm down and listen attentively to the sound. It’s an intermittent ringing noise, much like an alarm, and I focus on locating the source. I make my way cautiously towards the sound, which appears to be coming from the middle of the woodland. I trip several times as I make my way forward without a guiding path. Gradually the siren gets louder, and finally I see it; a small wooden box nestled securely on the lower branch of
a tree. The siren is flashing red and the noise is quite deafening at this proximity. I place my backpack on the ground and feel around for a grip on the trunk; I find a few markers and expertly climb until my hand finds the box. I secure it in the front of my pants and lower myself back down.
I sit down on the ground and open the box carefully, the siren immediately ceases. My ears give silent thanks. Inside is a folded piece of paper with my name on it, and two small thin cylindrical tubes, both containing a syringe. I open the page and read the letter from my father.
“Ari, if you’re reading this letter it’s because something has happened to me. I told you of the mistrust at the highest levels within our society, and our governments fear of losing their control. President Calavero will do everything to hold onto his power, and all humankind will suffer.
The authorities are aggressively developing the Vita, as a means of finding other ways to control the population. They won’t think twice about using the military to force the Novo people into subservience, and they’re already using unnecessary violence to halt the growing unease on Earth.
The situation on Earth is grim Ariana, there is anger over the way in which society was divided and the sense of inequality is palpable in the air. There’s an underground resistance movement gaining momentum. The government has heard rumors of its existence and they’re taking steps to shut it down, before it gains any real power. They’ve adopted a ‘shoot at will’ policy that has already cost so many lives.
I was approached to join this movement. A few of us in the military have been supporting their efforts. In reading this letter, I’ve clearly failed in my mission to deliver vital information to them. I need your help.
In this box you will find two vials, both are to be injected. The larger one contains high level security information that is intended for the rebels. It’s encased in an invisibility membrane which will hide it within your body once injected. The second, smaller vial, contains an anti-truth serum. This will protect you from revealing any of these details to the authorities. Inject both NOW Ari.”
True Calling Page 14