“Zane, this isn’t your fault,” Raina says placidly.
“Yes it is,” I say vehemently. “If I’d hacked into their systems by now then Malcolm’s mission wouldn’t have been necessary,” I choke out.
“You’re mistaken Zane, we still needed those shots. We need to understand how the Magna Superiore force field is structured so we can manually disable it, should the need arise. Don’t beat yourself up son, there’s nothing that anyone could have done,” Agent Dale says. “Commander Skyee wouldn’t want to see you like this.”
I sit motionlessly. Gradually I feel myself returning to normal, the dull ache in my heart hasn’t dissipated but my rage has ebbed. I wish I could be there to hold Ari, to help her get through this, to tell her how sorry I am. I stand up and pace the room. I try to blank out everything in my head and I focus really hard on visualizing her. “Ari, I’m so sorry,” I silently say. I wait for a response that doesn’t come. I have to accept that the probability of communicating with her, when she’s so far away, is highly unlikely.
“Apologies,” I say quietly to Agent Dale and Raina.
“No need,” Agent Dale says as he places a firm hand on my shoulder. “If you’re feeling up to it, there’s an update briefing in half an hour. Why not grab some breakfast in the meantime.”
“I haven’t eaten yet, I’ll go with you,” Raina says.
When we return everyone else is already seated in the War Room. Agent Dale, Agent Leena, Commander De Luca, Rui, Chancellor Corr and Micha Kloon. Raina and I take our seats. “Let’s start,” Agent Dale announces. He begins by updating everyone on Commander Skyee. A deathly hush settles over the room, everyone shares the same pained expression.
“What about the information?” Micha Kloon asks directly of Agent Dale.
“Commander Skyee has given it to his daughter to safe keep.”
“Can you retrieve it from her on Novo?” she asks of Commander De Luca, as she turns her head swiftly in his direction.
“No ma’am, it’s far too risky to try to make the transfer there. It’s safe to assume that I’m also under surveillance,” he replies.
“So what’s the plan?” she asks as she turns her attention back to Agent Dale.
“We’ll have to mount a rescue mission. We need to evacuate Ariana along with some of our other Novo sympathizers. We can retrieve the data when she’s back here. I know this will delay things somewhat, but we don’t feel there’s any alternative,” he tells her.
“Zane, how close are you to breaking into their systems?” she asks as she eyeballs me.
“I’ve managed to access some of their less secure systems, like the commiboard and pageant portals. Hacking into the authorities back-office systems will take extra time, but I’m starting to see a pattern which will help me in breaking through their stronger firewalls,” I say.
“With what we’ve learned today, it’s abundantly clear that we’re running out of time. You need to work faster,” she says sharply.
“I don’t have that much free time considering my ten hour shifts in Ceut,” I tell her as I silently query who is actually running this meeting.
“Make no bones about it, if anyone is in control around here it’s Micha Kloon,” Raina silently tells me.
“What’s her agenda?” I silently respond.
“I’m not sure, that’s what worries me.”
Agent Dale loudly clears his throat and says, “Zane, you’re excused from the training unit for the time being. Focus all your free time on your computer work, we need to be in a position to organize a test run soon.”
“OK.”
Agent Dale then moves on to the next agenda item. “As we know, the authorities recently outlawed homosexuality and they’re administering a sense elixir to combat any forbidden feelings. All eligible homosexuals are now being included in the pageant. There’s been some notable public dissent. Commander De Luca, can you advise the meeting of what you know,” Agent Dale says.
“A group recently protested outside NSAF, against this latest policy decision. They were angry but non-violent. The president’s response was to order us to forcibly remove and detain them. Over a hundred prisoners are now being held in the new penitentiary. More worrying is the news that their family and friends memories are being altered to erase them from existence. I can only imagine what the plan is thereafter,” Commander De Luca says solemnly.
“On the positive side, we have a number of new sympathizers,” Agent Dale says. Poor choice of words, I think.
“Some men and women managed to evade capture. Once advised of Clementia everyone agreed to cooperate, without exception. We’re hiding them in our secret underground lair in Region 9,” Commander De Luca says.
“What of the other Novo residents? What’s their response been to this latest policy addition?” Chancellor Corr speaks up for the first time.
“There is some disgruntlement sir,” Commander De Luca responds.
“Is the tide turning?” the Chancellor asks pointedly.
“It’s hard to say, it’s still early days but people are starting to ask questions. Calavero has to work overtime to keep all this under the radar. Their hold is starting to look somewhat shaky.”
“What about the efforts being made to communicate outside our landmass? Rui, any update?” Micha asks in a thinly-veiled attempt to take back the reins. I see the look of consternation flit briefly over Agent Dale’s face.
“The beacon signals are transmitting and are activated on a twenty-four hour loop. Any responses will be automatically tracked and reported. So far nothing,” Rui explains. I don’t know what they’re talking about, but I don’t feel comfortable speaking up. If I’m honest, Micha Kloon scares me a little.
“We have received some concerning news in relation to the Vita,” Agent Dale says, firmly taking back command of his hijacked meeting. “It’s been confirmed that the kill switch is now active.” What the hell is a kill switch? Before I get a chance to ask, Raina has posed the same question out loud. Agent Dale pauses momentarily. “This information is for the benefit of those in this room only, there can be no discussion with anyone external to this group. Do I make myself abundantly clear?” he says firmly as he looks around the room. We all nod our heads. “As some of you are aware, the authorities have been conducting rigorous research into the Vita technology, to identify other ways in which they can use it to control the Novo population. They now have the ability to kill any resident at the flick of a switch. The impulse triggered will send a huge surge throughout the body, causing various aneurysms, which in turn will cause a massive brain haemorrhage resulting in immediate death,” he says gravely.
The room is in shocked silence. Can this really be true? Can the authorities kill off everyone at the press of a button? My body convulses uncontrollably, the sheer horror of what has just been confirmed rocks me to my core. Ari could be at risk! I now understand the urgency that Micha referred to earlier. There isn’t any point in overpowering the authorities and taking command of Novo if all its residents are dead. I’m more determined than ever to crack their codes.
“How is our own research coming along?” Chancellor Corr asks as he breaks the silence.
“Progress is slow but we may have reached a breakthrough. I’ve arranged for Dr. Hann to update you after this meeting sir,” Agent Dale says coyly.
“Do you know what this research is?” I silently ask Raina.
“Not a clue,” she silently replies.
“What research?” I risk asking.
“We’re trying to determine a way of disabling or overriding the Vita technology,” Chancellor Corr replies. “This research is critical now that the authorities have plans to start the Vita implementation on Earth.”
“What?” I gasp out loud.
“The president will be making an announcement shortly. They are already compiling specialist medical teams who will travel to Earth to install it,” Commander De Luca tells the group. If that happens, then they will control
everyone and any hope of defection will be lost forever. The gravity of our situation is becoming crystal clear.
Before the meeting is concluded Agent Leena distributes our new ID watches. She explains that once scanned at any of the new tunnel entry points, a digital fingerprint screen will automatically display, and provided our identity is confirmed we will be granted immediate access. If any unauthorized person presents at one of the gates a siren will sound in Central Control and a response team can be sent to assess the risk; automatic detonation can be triggered remotely if the risk is severe. We’re reminded to carefully conceal this along with our other Clementia equipment. Ranger inspections are on the rise as they search for sympathizers and we all need to be extra vigilant. It’s a bit of a moot point in my case, if a Ranger turns up at my door I’m toast anyway, there isn’t anything I can do to hide all the equipment housed in my bedroom.
I ask for a private word with Agent Dale as the others file out of the room. “We need to add Anneka, Lily and Deacon Skyee to the list for our rescue mission.”
“I can’t promise anything Zane.”
“Ari won’t leave without them so I suggest you find a way to make it happen,” I say, in what I hope is a confident but non-threatening tone; it’s important to have Agent Dale on my side.
“OK. Your only concern now is getting into those systems Zane, after what you’ve heard today I don’t believe you need any stronger motivation.”
“Oh, I’m motivated all right, don’t worry about that. I didn’t foresee that it would be this tricky or that it was going to take so long. It’s my only priority, I won’t let you down,” I tell him. And I won’t, there is so much riding on my success now that failure cannot be contemplated.
“Raina,” I call out after her, she stops and turns. “Can you spare me an hour?” I ask.
“Yes, but can you?”
“It’s Sunday so I have all day to work on the computer but first I need to try to relay a message to Ari. Can you help me?” I ask.
“Of course, come on, let’s go find a room we can work in.”
We spend the next hour focusing on expanding my mind, as far as I can see it stretch. When I feel like I can’t push it any further Raina instructs me to focus on visualizing Ari and communicate a message. I try this numerous times, but there is no way of knowing if any of my messages have gotten through; without any response from Ari there is no confirmation of success. I feel like a failure and it does nothing to help my rotten mood. It’s terribly frustrating and I’m glad when the hour is up so that I can focus on something more tangible.
I spend the rest of the day working on the computer. I start to feel my eyelids droop and my head bobs forward as I briefly drift into unconsciousness. My head jerks back up, time to call it a day. It’s 2.30 a.m. and I only have a few hours shut-eye before I have to get up for work.
I fall into a deep sleep.
Ari is devastated at the loss of her father. Anneka has been admitted to hospital and she’s trying so hard to stay strong for her brother and sister. Cal shows up and she allows him to comfort her. Zolt Rada turns up the next morning and arrests him.
I wake to the sound of a blaring noise. I quickly reach out and turn off the alarm much to the relief of my ears. I analyse the contents of the latest dream in my head as I shower. I’m feeling very conflicted. I don’t know what Cal’s motives are, if any, and Malcolm’s warning is never far from my mind, but he seems to care for her; either that or he’s the best actor I’ve ever seen. How I wish it were my arms around her instead of his. I feel the usual pain in my heart when I recall the image, the closer she gets to him the further she seems to slip from my grasp. The authorities turning up to arrest him, that was a surprise, I admit. Either it’s genuine or... I stand rigidly under the water as an unpleasant thought crosses my mind. What if Cal is working with his father, trying to gain Ari’s trust, so that he can retrieve the information? If only I could get a message through to her! But there was no indication in the dream that she heard any of my messages. This situation is so hopeless, I think, as I lay my head back on the hard surface of the tiles. Slowly I pull myself out of the shower and brace myself for another working day.
***
I am back home and logged on within forty minutes. I decide to update my blog first before focusing on my Clementia work. With all the drama of the last few weeks, I’ve slacked off on it lately. When my emails to Ari started bouncing back I grew increasingly frustrated at my inability to keep in contact with her. I wanted to tell her what was going on in my life, fill her in on all the unpleasantness on Earth and let her know how much I missed her. I decided to set up a blog where I would record a daily log; in the hope that one day she’ll get a chance to read it, and know that I never stopped thinking of her. It’s been over two weeks since I last completed an entry and I feel guilty. Stupid, I know. I log a quick update summarizing all that’s going on. I’m discreet in relation to my Clementia activity, although the blog is encrypted there’s still the possibility of being hacked. I won’t do anything to jeopardize the movement.
I’m a couple of hours into my work when I reach a defining moment. It’s been playing on my mind since Agent Dale informed us of the latest capability of the Vita. Chancellor Corr’s words are resounding in my brain—we must fight technology with technology. The idea I have thought of is only a temporary solution, but I think it could work in the short term. All day in Ceut I had been mulling over the problem and reaching into the inner depths of my mind for a solution. There was something lodged at the back of my mind that I couldn’t quite put my finger on, until now.
A few months ago, in Ceut, we were working on new metal plates for the latest version medi-scan. I remembered how two adjoining plates were set up with a thin interconnecting magnetic strip to equally pull and repel the magnetic force thereby creating the necessary equilibrium needed to conduct the charge. We could try to create a similar magnetic device that could be placed over the Vita to repel its functionality. Of course, my theory would only hold up if the materials used in the Vita were conducive to the magnet. I assume that Dr. Hann, whoever he is, has information on the composition of the Vita and could test my theory relatively quickly. I don’t think there’s any harm in suggesting it so I compose a quick email to Agent Dale.
***
The next few days fly-by in a daze. I barely get three or four hours sleep a night as I push myself to the limit. Dr. Hann liked my idea and I’ve spent a few hours with him and his team in the lab coming up with a prototype. They were on the verge of a similar breakthrough so my email was timely.
Apart from our daily journeys to and from work, I’ve spent next to no time with either Isla or Cian. Cian is cool, Isla is frosty in the extreme. I still haven’t forgotten that she owes me an apology for the way she behaved at the last party, but I’m not one to hold a grudge for long.
The announcement of the Vita implementation is streamed over our TV screens; I have to restrain Isla the next morning to stop the vitriol. I’m sure the authorities are anticipating a backlash and are on the lookout for any potential dissidents.
The dreams come thick and fast at night.
Commander De Luca approaches Ari in the street and passes her a note.
Ari goes to Strata and reads the letter from her father. He warns her about Cal and tells her that I’m real. She injects the information in her arm.
Cal and Ari are growing in popularity. The residents of Aqua are not happy with their forced separation.
Ari, Lily and Deacon attend a commemoration ceremony for their father.
Cal recants details of his stay at the Novo penitentiary. He informs Ari of other prisoners and the brutality of the authorities.
I’m in the shower pondering the details of last nights dream; I’m not sure what to make of it. I’m pissed that Ari thinks I’m her brother, bit of a gut wrench. At least she knows I’m real, it’s progress but little consolation all the same. Cal turned up to Ari’s house in the early hou
rs of the morning having taken a severe beating from his father. Why? And for what reason? Is it on the level or is there some game-playing going on? Ari has made the decision to trust him and her judgment is usually spot on. But ... is lust clouding her mind? Why was Malcolm so determined to keep her away from him and what exactly was driving his mistrust? It’s a conundrum, made all the more difficult because I’ve never met the guy myself and can’t form any judgment of my own. Nevertheless, I conclude that I must abide by Malcolm’s dying wish. Ari is going to take some convincing though, I haven’t forgotten her wicked stubborn streak.
I’m getting dressed when I hear a hammering at the door. Isla is getting more aggressive, I think, as I shoot down the stairs and grab my jacket from the banisters.
“Go easy Monroe,” I say as I swing open the door, except it’s not Isla.
It’s two Rangers.
CHAPTER 20
“I thought you were someone else,” I say by way of explanation. “I’m on my way out to work,” I add as I move to shut the door behind me.
“We’re conducting routine house inspections in this area Mr. Anders, we won’t take up too much of your time,” the taller Ranger says as he extends his arm and stops the front door from closing.
“Raina! I have a problem,” I call out silently.
“I’ll tell Agent Dale, do what you can to stall them.”
“Step aside,” the smaller Ranger says.
“Can’t this wait till later? My supervisor in Ceut won’t be happy if I’m late.”
“Step aside,” he replies again, but this time in a stricter tone; it reminds me of the way our teacher, Mr. Weaver, used to speak to us kids in school. I reluctantly comply.
“A little help Raina?” I silently plead.
The taller Ranger moves down the corridor and into the living room. The smaller Ranger starts to mount the stairs. If he spots all my computer equipment he’ll immediately report it and the house will be deluged in minutes. I have to stop him! I move stealthily up the stairs after him. He’s just about to open the door into my bedroom when I grab hold of his shirt and pull him back towards me. I use the elbow maneuver Agent Leena showed us; I slam my elbow up at a forty-five degree angle, under his chin and forcefully into his adam’s apple. He instantly collapses onto the ground, struggling to breathe. Though temporarily incapacitated, I know it won’t be for long.
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