The rebel base extends underground for miles and miles through an elaborate network of tunnels. Originally the tunnels were built during the time of the American Civil War, by some of the arms and munitions companies based in Connecticut, whose workforce diligently produced arms and other forms of destruction to aid the Union war effort. When Clementia was formed their first task was to resurrect the tunnel infrastructure and modify it, so it was fit for purpose. There are various access points across the city and some routes connect directly to housing clusters. Central Control was pleased to discover a tunnel running directly under our group of houses and they quickly set about making it approachable. Both Isla and I can access the tunnel system from the basement of our own houses. From next week, only those with an ID watch and password will be able to access the main entry tunnels, so the route is protected in case it’s infiltrated by the authorities. That possibility is looming larger and larger as every day passes.
Isla is waiting at the E level entry gate when I arrive. We’re both wearing our Clementia issue military uniform. The Soldier on duty recognizes us and grants us immediate access. We still have to use a printed map to make our way to the training unit as there are literally hundreds of tunnels down here, and one wrong move could send us entirely in the wrong direction. Our new ID watches will contain a GPS device that will enable us to move about more easily. One of the things I really love about being part of this clandestine organization is the re-introduction of technology and all the practical technical aids and devices.
Agent Leena is waiting in the training unit when we arrive. I’m shocked to see how depleted our numbers are, there are barely thirty of us in the room; the authorities impact is definitely being felt. The training unit has been divided into several separate sections. A gun range to facilitate us to practice with the many, new, diverse high-tech weapons that Clementia is developing. A large combat training area, where we learn the fundamentals of being a soldier, and basic combat techniques. A fully equipped gym where we pursue rigorous physical training, part of the preparation of our bodies and minds for the dual strain of combat. The war zone section is still under construction. Once completed it will replicate a real live combat scenario, and we will have to undergo various role plays to help us apply our learning in a simulated war environment.
I’m in the gym when Agent Dale calls me out. I quickly shower and dress before joining him as requested, in Central Control. Malcolm is the first person I see when I arrive and I’m thrilled to see him again so soon. Agent Dale introduces me to Commander De Luca. He looks to be in his early forties, he’s tall with gray hair and blue eyes. He shakes my hand firmly. A man and woman enter the room from the northern side entry point. “Sorry we’re late,” the man says in greeting.
“No apology’s necessary sir,” Agent Dale responds stiffly.
“No need for the formalities Andy,” the man says pleasantly to him. “You must be Mr. Anders,” he says, as he turns his attention to me.
“Yes, but I’m afraid you’ve got me,” I say. I haven’t a clue who he is. He laughs amusedly.
“I’m Chancellor Corr, this is my colleague Micha Kloon,” he says as he introduces the red-haired woman standing to his right.
“Pleased to meet you Mr. Anders,” she says as she grabs my hand in an iron grip.
“Please call me Zane.”
“Zane, the Chancellor is far too modest, it’s most unlike him,” she says blithely as everyone chuckles.
“The Chancellor heads up Clementia, and is our leader designate,” she confirms.
“Well, now that everyone’s acquainted, let’s begin,” says Agent Dale. “Zane, what progress was made on the applications we gave you last week?”
“I’m still working on decryption and the reconnaissance is progressing slowly. I should have identified the full list of target systems and IP addresses in the next seventy-two hours and thereafter I can find the security loopholes. This knowledge should allow me to exploit their vulnerabilities. It doesn’t help that they’re using cloud-based technology,” I tell them. I stare at the sea of blank faces.
“Can you translate that into English please Zane?” Micha asks humorlessly.
“When I’ve completed this work, I should be able to gain access to their systems,” I say plainly.
“How long will it take you?” the Chancellor asks.
“It’s hard to tell, their encryption is decent. If I have the right equipment then possibly a few weeks.”
“The equipment that Commander Skyee requested for you is at this moment being delivered to your home,” Agent Dale says.
“Great, that’ll definitely help speed things up.”
“Introduce him to Rui, it’s time these two starting working as a team,” Micha says to Agent Dale.
“Agreed, it will be done.”
“Thanks for your time Zane, you’re excused,” Micha tells me and the message is loud and clear.
“Sure, bye,” I say as I walk towards the door. I feel a hand on my shoulder; it’s Malcolm.
“Wait in the training unit Zane. I’ll collect you and we can grab a coffee.”
“OK, see you then.”
I’ve only taken a few steps when I hear someone call out my name. I turn as Chancellor Corr catches up with me. “Zane, could I have a few moments of your time?”
“Of course sir,” I say as he opens the door to our left. We both take seats at the small table, the only piece of furniture in the tiny room.
“How much have you been appraised of our plans?” he asks.
“I got the basics.”
“So you understand the criticality of the work you are doing for us and how pivotal it is to our whole operation?”
“Yes sir, I do.”
He continues, “Our aim is to fight technology with technology, and to take the authorities by surprise. Limiting the Earth’s access to technology was a deliberate ploy on their part, to keep us ignorant and impotent. If they know the extent of our capability then they’re truly worried. In their haste to create the perfect society, they left behind some of the best brains on Earth. That was one of the fundamental flaws in their plan. Thankfully for us, otherwise we wouldn’t have gleaned the type of skillsets we need—specialists—like you. Your ability to hack into their systems will give us the edge. Although actual conflict is unavoidable; Calavero and his people won’t give up without a fight. But we don’t stand a chance in hell, unless we can break through their technological supremacy and weaken their confidence. I wanted you to hear this from me, to understand how important you are to the cause. If there is anything else you need, just ask. I want you to succeed, we need you to succeed,” he says.
“And I will,” I tell him confidently.
“Good man, here’s my card,” he says as he hands me his business card and rises.
***
“What was that all about?” Isla asks as I join her on the gun range.
“They needed an update on the computer stuff,” I say and I’m deliberately vague, because I assume it’s top secret. Isla can be trusted to keep a secret but the less she knows, the more protected she is. I’m putting on my goggles when Agent Leena approaches me.
“Zane, you need to report to the computer room, Rui is waiting for you. Here, take this, it will help you pinpoint the location,” she says as she gives me a handheld device.
“OK, thanks,” I tell her. “Sorry Munroe, I need to ditch again.”
“I’ll wait here for you,” Isla says.
“No, you head on, I’m meeting Commander Skyee later.” She gives me a look of disapproval but bites her tongue. “Don’t!” I whisper quietly as I kiss her on the cheek.
I find my way easily to the computer room with my electronic guide. Rui introduces himself and runs through some of the work he’s being doing these last couple of months. He’s considerably older and more experienced than me. He was working as an IT Analyst for one of the big multi-nationals at the time of the change. He now works in the mi
litary infrastructure plant by day, and down here by night. He’s been trying, unsuccessfully, to hack into the Novo mainframe; hence why I was recruited. He hands me a box with a bundle of files to study—details of his previous attempts, this will help me avoid duplicating his work and will save time. I jot down his email address and we agree to liaise daily to discuss any new developments. He seems like a decent guy, I think we’ll work well together.
I literally bump into Commander Skyee on my way back and he grabs me into a hug. “Good to see you Zane, come on, I owe you a coffee,” he says affably.
“Oh, I think you owe me way more than that,” I tease.
“Too right,” he replies with a smile. His time is precious again so I ask him my question first; it’s been burning a hole in my head all day. I’m exhilarated when he confirms that my suspicions are correct: Ari has been dreaming of me. “She doesn’t understand it though,” he cautions. “She has no memory of you at all Zane,” he adds gently. Even though I knew this, it still causes a piercing pain through my heart.
“How come you do?” I enquire.
“All high-ranking military and government officials were excluded from the memory erase. It was the first time in mankind’s history that such an action had been deployed and the authorities weren’t one hundred percent convinced that it would work. They couldn’t take any risks for those charged with running and maintaining order on the planet,” he explains.
“Bit hypocritical if you ask me.”
“Absolutely. In my haste for our new life I had pushed my doubts aside,” he says unhappily.
“None of this is your fault. You were only trying to do your best.” I hate to see such a naturally confident man so full of remorse.
He smiles at me. “Your father would be very proud of you Zane. I’m proud of you, to see the man you’ve become,” he says sincerely.
“Thank you; for everything you did for me. One of the things I regretted was not telling you that before you left. But I was so devastated, to be parted from Ari, I couldn’t think of anything else,” I tell him truthfully.
“She’s doing fine Zane, don’t worry, she’s a tough cookie.”
“I really miss her,” I whisper. He grasps my hand.
“All in good time Zane, all in good time. Look, I have to go,” he says regrettably, “you mind yourself and I’ll see you soon, good luck with the work.”
Isla is gone by the time I arrive back at the training unit to pick up my bag. I trek through the maze of tunnels and finally make it back home.
My bedroom has been transformed in my absence and there is barely room to squeeze by into my bed. I’m sorely tempted to test out my new computer toys, but I’m exhausted from my lack of sleep last night, and it’s been a very tiring day. I drop onto the bed fully-clothed.
Ari is totally despondent. She is crying over and over again. In the hideout, she tells Cal that she’s been dreaming of me for weeks. She doesn’t know who I am although she senses I am someone real. She tells him of the time she saw me in an underground facility. He shares his scant knowledge of the resistance movement.
My head is groggy when I wake and my tongue is parched so I reach for a bottle of water beside my bed. The framed picture of Ari and I jolts my memory; slowly the details of the dream come back to me. I don’t know what’s happening to her; it’s unlike her to get so upset. I share Cal’s concern over others being aware of her dreams, that can’t be good. But most worryingly of all is the news that the authorities have detailed files on all sympathizers. I’m sure my name isn’t on their list though, not yet anyway; I would have been picked up already if that were the case. So if I’m not the reason, then why have the authorities taken such an interest in Ari? I’m mulling it over in my head when it comes to me—it can only be because of her father! They must know, or at least suspect, that he’s involved with Clementia. I need to warn him!
I have enough time to pay a quick visit to Agent Dale before my shift in Ceut starts. I hurriedly pull on jeans and a sweatshirt, and grab my bottle of water. I run spritely through the tunnels, they’re starting to look somewhat familiar to me now. I am out of breath by the time I reach Central Control. Agent Dale motions for me to come in. He takes me through the room and out to a small corridor at the back. We take a left turn and he leads me into a small meeting room. “Sit down Zane,” he says.
“I think they know,” I pant out.
“About what?”
“Malcolm, Commander Skyee.”
“That’s what I was about to tell you,” he says. “Commander Skyee is missing.”
CHAPTER 18
“What do you know?” I ask him coolly although there’s mayhem raging inside my head.
“The authorities assigned him to capture aerial shots of the Western planets. Rui manipulated the stealth-craft signal so they couldn’t detect his real whereabouts; his crew were actually taking radial shots of the Magna force field. They were within range of Earth’s atmosphere when we lost contact with them. We can only assume that, somehow, the authorities discovered their real location. That’s all the intell I have at this time,” he tells me.
“Are you going to look for them?”
“We can’t, not yet anyway, the risk of detection is too high. The authorities will assemble a rescue mission so we’ll have to sit this one out. I’m sorry Zane, I know you two were close.” I don’t attempt to argue, I know that Malcolm wouldn’t want anyone else placed in harm’s way on his account.
I drag myself back through the tunnel network to my house. I can’t rouse myself to eat and I still haven’t changed by the time Isla arrives. She can instantly tell that I’m seriously worried over something, I briefly fill her in. She links her arm more tightly through mine as we walk to the train station and I know that’s her way of offering support.
***
I manage to get through the next few days, but only just. On the fourth day, I am feeling despondent and lethargic. My appetite still hasn’t returned to normal, but I force myself to eat because I feel so weak and making myself ill isn’t going to help anyone. I spend a quick hour before training on the laptop, trying to decode the encryption; desperate to steal into the government database, to see if I can locate any information on Malcolm. But I’m still some way away from cracking their codes. I email Rui and enquire if he’s had any luck.
I head down to the training unit and spend an hour pounding away in the gym before practising some combat maneuvers with the group. Isla and I leave together. “Any update on Commander Skyee?” she asks me on the way back.
“No new information, unfortunately,” I say quietly.
“He means a lot to you, doesn’t he?” I haven’t ever properly talked about him to her.
“I was in bits when my dad died, Malcolm, Commander Skyee, he saved me from myself.”
“Was that how you came to know Ari?” she asks.
“I already knew her, but she was only ten when we first met and I didn’t really pay her much attention. After Commander Skyee had taken me under his wing, I started spending more time over in their house, and I got to know her better. We became really good friends.”
“So when did you start screwing her?” she asks. I feel a huge rush of irritation.
“Mind your own business Isla,” I say harshly as I push ahead of her.
“Zane, sorry, poor choice of words. You know me, it wasn’t intentional. I just meant, when did you two become more than friends?” she asks more appropriately.
“Ari was fourteen when I first realized that my feelings for her had changed. She was asked out on a date by the captain of the basketball team and I didn’t like it, not one little bit. When she turned him down, I felt hugely relieved. I knew then that I wanted to be with her, I think I always knew deep down but hadn’t confronted my feelings until I was forced to. I didn’t know how she felt though and there was also her father to consider, I wasn’t sure how he would feel if I started dating his little girl. So I said nothing. I told myself I was con
tent to love her from afar for the time being. One morning, shortly afterwards, we were out for our usual morning run when a deer ran straight out in front of us on the trail and we both went tumbling to the ground. She landed on top of me and we shared our first kiss. If we’d been inseparable before then it wasn’t a patch on what we were like from that point on. She was the first thing I thought of when I woke up in the morning and the last image in my head before I fell asleep at night,” I say. Still is, but I don’t mention that out loud. “She became my whole life, the whole point of my existence.” Isla is reflective.
“And Ari, she felt the same?”
“Yeah, we shared a really special bond,” I say with the utmost confidence.
“How come she never contacted you, after she got to Novo?” she asks, and it isn’t a dig.
“I puzzled over that for ages. I only recently discovered that they wiped some of her memories; she has no recollection of me anymore,” I say sadly. Isla is repulsed.
“That’s really ... despicable.”
“I know, but if I’m honest, there’s a part of me that’s grateful for the explanation. Totally selfish, huh?” I say.
“No, I get it,” she admits. I never thought I would ever hear Isla utter the next words. “Poor Ari. To have someone love you, like you do her, and for her not to know about it at all, that’s more than sad. Like losing something you never even realized you had in the first place.”
We’ve been so engrossed in our conversation that we haven’t been paying attention to where we’re walking. I instantly know we’ve taken a wrong turn. “Ssshh, do you hear that?” I ask Isla. She tilts her ear forward and nods her head, there is a low thrumming noise echoing in the tunnels. I can feel a slight vibration under my feet. Curious we both inch forward. The sound is coming from behind a large metal door that has visualized in front of us. Isla tugs on the door, but it doesn’t budge. “Careful,” I whisper. I notice the entry panel on the wall to the left of the door. “Must need special clearance,” I say as I motion with my head. Just then the door starts to open outwards and we have to jump to the side to avoid being crushed. We hear voices and footsteps. I have to grab Isla to hold her back. I wedge my foot into the side of the door to halt it from locking shut, and keep it in place until the voices become more distant. “Come on,” I say as I release my grip on her. Slowly we edge carefully through the door.
True Calling Page 19