Journey to Ohmani (Across the Infinite Void Book 1)

by Ashley Grapes

  “…have learned that the illegal tunnel traced underground to the headquarters of a radical group known as the Inde Riders, although the man seen in this video is still at large.”

  Security camera footage showed a man popping out of the tile and placing the explosive device on the floor. He appeared to be fiddling with the apparatus when he suddenly stopped and disappeared into his hole once more. The video then showed Levi running over and clawing at the tile until he ripped it off, throwing it several meters across the room before being apprehended by guards. The display then shot back to the news anchor.

  “…This group did have a website, but it has been taken down by authorities. Sources are telling us that they are a primarily Eastern European group based out of Russia. Leaders of the party are saying that they promote human independence but deny any involvement in the bombings, claiming to be a peaceful, words-driven group that promotes change through non-violence. In any case, all known members have been apprehended and taken in for questioning. This is a very promising lead, and many are exhaling a sigh of relief that the nightmare may be over. Another emerging story is that of today’s hero, Mr. Levi Avondale, who is more popular in social media than the attempted bombing itself…,”

  A still photograph of Levi smiling as he looked upwards appeared on the screen. It was a ridiculously posed picture, and Levi wiggled in his seat, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

  “We are learning quite a bit about this young man’s humble beginnings. One blog describes him as, ‘Ohmani’s new heartthrob.’ Another website is trying to raise money for him to attend the national surfing competition he was going to have to miss for monetary reasons. As of now, over two-thousand dollars has been raised. If you would like to contribute, there is link to the donation site on our homepage…”

  Levi turned off the TV. He couldn’t believe people were going this crazy over him. It seemed very strange. And although he was grateful and humbled by the charity he was receiving, money wasn’t the only reason he couldn’t attend the event – he couldn’t leave knowing his mom was still here in jail. Speaking of, the taxi pulled up to the police station and Levi began counting out ohms to pay the driver.

  “It’s on the house,” the man announced and swiveled, “if I can have your autograph.”

  Autograph? Levi took the pen the man gave him and tried to spell his name in fancy loops. The result ended up looking like chicken scratch and Levi embarrassingly gave the paper back to the taxi driver.

  “Thanks! This is going right here.” The man stuck the piece of parchment in the windshield. “Have a nice day, Levi.”

  “Err…thanks.”

  Levi hurried out of the car and walked up the stairs to the police station. There was yet another new woman behind the glass-protected desk, and he stood waiting for her to finish her current phone call.

  “Eliana, I have to go,” she ended her conversation upon seeing the body outside her window. “Yeah, it’s Levi Avondale…I know!” The woman blushed and opened up the glass panel. “How may I help you?” she batted her eyes.

  “I’m here to visit my mother, Axella Avondale,” Levi stated his business, hoping the receptionist wouldn’t mention anything more about his newfound fame.

  “One moment please,” she requested, picking up the phone and closing the window again.

  “Levi,” another woman’s voice called. He turned around to see one of his mother’s prosecutors, Shay Stanton, standing before him. She was tall and thin with long features and cutting eyes. She could have been pretty in another life…one that didn’t require her to be such a bitch.

  “Charlie and the OSP are still giving your mother the polygraph. Come with me,” she commanded, turning her body before Levi could say anything.

  “Excuse me, but can I please see my mother when she is done?” Levi asked.

  “Visiting hours will be over at five and I’m not sure you and I will be done by then,” she replied coldly.

  “Done with what? Am I arrested now too? What did you all make-up this time?” Levi probed, knowing how immature he sounded. He could not contain his dislike of this woman.

  Shay turned to look at him with a raised brow, but did not reply. The two of them continued to walk until they entered an office suite. They crossed the room, passing several people busy on their phones or typing away at computers. A few of them looked up and smiled at him. Finally they arrived at an empty desk, where Shay pulled out a chair for Levi to sit in.

  “We need your statement.”

  “Why would I give you a statement without my lawyer?” Levi asked.

  “Do you have something to hide?”

  The prosecutor was trying to play him, and he knew it. “No, I don’t have anything to hide. I’m not an idiot, you know.”

  “You’re welcome to call Bale but he just arrived for the polygraph as well...we’re a little backed up with the Inde Riders here. They were unexpected.” She pulled out a piece of paper from the desk with her long, bony fingers. “We have obtained a court order to collect your blood and take your fingerprints as well as your grandmother’s. We were going to come get you tomorrow to do it; however, now that you’re here,” she shrugged, “we can do that now. If you really feel you have nothing to hide about your mother, you can also take a polygraph, but that is voluntary. It will make your statement more credible and could help your mother’s defense...if she really is innocent.”

  Nice try, lady. Did she really think using a son’s protectiveness over his mother would get him to talk without his lawyer? “I’m going to call Bale. Then we can do the blood and fingerprints,” Levi said flatly. He picked up his phone and dialed Bale’s number but he did not answer.

  “I told you,” she glared smugly, “he’s busy.”

  “Let’s do the fingerprints and blood and I’ll call Bale again afterwards. Why do you need my blood and prints anyways?” Levi asked, a little confused. He was not educated in criminal or judicial proceedings, but it seemed like a strange turn of events.

  “Something has come to light,” she answered mysteriously. “I could tell you if you chose to do the polygraph.”

  Nice try. “Am I a suspect too?” he inquired, exhausted with all the mystery and turn of events.

  “Why were you at the Revolution Lounge? Statements from the other members indicate you were there,” When Levi did not answer she continued, “and I hear from my colleagues that you have a violent streak. They said you threatened to kill them all.”

  Levi did not want to spend any more time than he had to with Shay Stanton. “I’m not saying anything to you. Let’s get the fingerprints and blood work done and I’ll take my chances on seeing my mother.”

  “Very well. Come with me,” she motioned, getting up from her chair and walking away in the same rude manner she had before.

  Levi followed her through the building until they came to a door with a sign on it that read ‘Laboratories.’ She walked him into the office of ‘Dr. Garrett’ and knocked lightly on the door. An Asian man in a white lab coat opened it and Shay handed him the court order.

  “We need prints and a blood sample from this young man with the following tests run on them. When you are finished, can you please call my cell?” She handed him a business card and took her leave.

  “Well, she’s a rather rude one, isn’t she? I’m Dr. Garrett,” he presented a hand.

  Levi flashed him a smile and shook it, glad that he wasn’t the only person who thought poorly of the prosecutor. “At least you got a ‘please.’ I’m Levi Avondale.”

  Dr. Garrett’s eyes went wide. “Oh, the dreamy patriot boy?” He chuckled. “Don’t worry, this won’t take long.”

  Levi followed him into a small room that looked like one he would sit in at a regular doctor’s office – white, clean, and full of medical supplies. Dr. Garrett took a moment to read the court order before putting on his latex gloves. He took Levi’s blood, inverted the lavender tube between his fingers, and placed it in the refrigerator in the c
orner of the room. Next, he grabbed a small tablet and held it out in front of Levi. The machine walked him through placing his finger tips on the screen. The whole process took less than five minutes.

  “All done. I told you it wouldn’t take long.” He took off his gloves and picked up the business card Shay had given him.

  “Wait,” Levi found himself saying, “can I ask you why they want this from me?”

  The doctor looked at Levi for several moments before answering. “You can read it if you want,” he handed the court order over to Levi.

  Levi read the official document. “Why do you need to sequence my genome?”

  “It could be for many reasons. They could have found a blood sample that they are comparing your sequence to. I’m just the doctor,” he pointed out and then seemed to hesitate. “You seem like a nice guy. If I were you, I would tread carefully around this Shay woman. She doesn’t have the best reputation around here. Make sure you don’t do anything you don’t have to without your lawyer present. That is kind of her play. This,” he pointed to the tests ordered on the paper, “will take at least a day or two to process.” He picked up the phone and called Shay. “We’re done.” He hung up the phone and ripped a piece of paper from his prescription pad. “Can I have your autograph?”

  An hour later, Levi was on his way back to Bale’s, who had not answered his phone since Levi had been confronted by Shay Stanton. He collapsed in his seat, feeling tired and unproductive. All and all, he felt like he had essentially wasted an entire trip out of the apartment, first with the unfortunate news of Bockie’s sexual eloping, and then with missing Axella’s visiting hours…again. His phone started vibrating in his pocket. Upon retrieving it, an unknown number showed on the caller ID.

  “Hello?”

  “Levi, it’s me, Mrs. James…your Water Sports teacher. Your cell number is in the school database. I hope I’ve caught you at a good time. Have you seen the news today?”

  What kind of question was that? He was all over it. “Yes.”

  “Then you’ve heard the good news! Our flight leaves tonight for the competition. We were going to leave later this week, but with the Academy being closed for the bombings we are going to get there early…you know, practice in the real ocean beforehand. Can you meet us at the spaceport at seven? I know that doesn’t give you much time but our flight leaves at eight-thirty.” When Levi didn’t say anything she continued. “You’ve raised $37,000!”

  $37,000! Levi had not heard that news. He couldn’t go, not even for a few days. His family needed him here. “I’m really sorry, Mrs. James. I wish I could go, but I just can’t.”

  “What? Why? This is a huge opportunity for the school and for you. Progg told me in our board meeting today how you were interested in competitive surfing,” she said, disappointment evident in her tone.

  He hated letting people down, especially people who were obviously looking out for him. “I want to go, Mrs. James, but it’s not just about the money. I have another reason I can’t go…family stuff.”

  “I’m sure your family will understand.”

  “It’s just complicated,” he asserted.

  “I see. Well, if you change your mind this is my number.” She said and then hung up the phone.

  Levi looked at the time. Five o’clock. What another whirl-wind of a day, he thought. The taxi pulled up to the apartment building, and after signing another autograph, he braced himself for the long elevator ride to the top…or the middle. In any case, he was looking forward to feeling lighter in a couple of minutes. At the moment he felt weighed down by all the drama in his life. He smiled then, thinking about Talon. Not all of his life was full of drama and he wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the evening with his new girlfriend. Ding. He waited for the elevator to open and then realized the sound had come from his phone. Bockie.

  Your teacher called me. You should go make your mother and me proud. It’s only for a few days. You will be back before the preliminary trial.

  Mrs. James was a determined woman. Levi remembered what Mantys had said about using his fame to help his mother. Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea, especially since his own personal investigations had come to a standstill. He picked up his phone and called Mrs. James back.

  “Excellent! I’m so happy to hear that! We will be waiting for you at the spaceport,” she exclaimed enthusiastically.

  Levi quickly texted Bale that he would be leaving for the surfing competition and then the elevator door opened. When he walked down the hall and into the apartment, Talon was there watching the news. Upon hearing the door she popped up from the couch and gave him her most radiant smile.

  “I’ve missed you, and it’s only been a couple of hours.”

  “I missed you more, eagle,” he responded just as sweetly. He walked over to where she was standing and placed his lips on hers. “I have to tell you something.”

  “I heard! You’re going to the surfing competition. I’m so happy for you.”

  Before Levi could ask her how she could have possibly found out something that he hadn’t decided but a minute ago, the anchor on the holotelevision answered his question. News does travel fast.

  “Let’s go pack and I’ll go with you to the spaceport.”

  “Have you heard from Bale?”

  “No, I haven’t. What’s going on?”

  Levi filled her in on the lab tests.

  “That’s strange. I think it was definitely a good idea not to give your statement without Bale. I will let you know as soon as I hear from him.”

  They packed a suitcase and were on their way to the spaceport an hour later. When the car pulled up to the curb, his phone started ringing. It was Bale.

  “Levi, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to take your calls. I’ve gotten the news that you’re wanting to leave for the competition. Unfortunately, the prosecutors have gotten a court order that you cannot leave the asteroid. I’m sorry.”

  Levi sat stunned, knowing Shay was behind this turn of events. “Bale, tell me what’s going on.”

  “I can’t discuss it over the phone. I wanted to let you know before you got to the spaceport and were stopped by authorities. It would not have been a good scene if the police stopped you in front of the media. I have to go.” He hung up before Levi could ask any more questions.

  Talon took his hand, overhearing the conversation that had just taken place. “I’m sorry, but can you please take us back to the apartment?” She said solemnly to the taxi driver.

  “No.” Levi found himself saying. “Please wait here, this will only take a few minutes.” Talon gave him a confused expression. “They’re going to find out sometime,” he figured, looking at the media waiting for him to arrive.

  She understood then. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  “Maybe not, but I’m over Shay and the OSP thinking they hold all the cards. Are you coming?” he asked, taking off the baseball cap he had been wearing.

  She smiled at him. “Better keep your heart-throb, single status for now. It might help,” she winked

  Levi gave her a kiss and stepped out of the taxi into the frenzy of flashing cameras. When he was satisfied a hundred lenses were on him, he began to speak in a loud voice.

  “As many of you know, my name is Levi Avondale. I know I am being made out to be a hero, but I am here to tell you that I am an average eighteen-year-old guy…actually less than average according to the delayed status I carry. I was just lucky to see the bomber this morning, but it could have been anyone.” He took a deep breath and continued. “When I found out I was moving to Ohmani, I was not happy about it. I was settled into my life on the ground and was scared to move here, not knowing what to expect. I was scared of change, but what I’ve learned here is that change should be embraced. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Ohmani. You have shown me nothing but kindness and compassion. This city is resilient, brave, and except for the few terrorists that have invaded this peaceful place, tolerant. I feel
more at home here than I ever did back in California and I am proud to consider myself an Ohmani citizen. Thank you to everyone who has supported my trip to the ground to represent the Academy in the surfing competition. I just received a phone call that I am not allowed to go.” There was an angry uproar from the crowd.

  This was it. “You will find out next week, but I am here to tell you now. My mother, Axella Avondale, is in police custody as the second suspect in the first spaceport bombing.” The crowd gasped in shock and a new wave of flashes began going off. “I am here to tell you that my mother is innocent and being held unfairly with bail set at one-million dollars. My mother and my grandmother are my only family, and I am here to tell you that she is innocent, but,” he continued in a stern voice, “the authorities have abused their powers in their haste to solve this mystery for the Ohmani people. They have targeted a guiltless woman and tried to build a case on nothing but circumstantial evidence, which you will find out for yourselves has little merit. I wish I could have gone today, but my mother’s prosecutors have banned me from leaving the asteroid as her son even though I have done nothing wrong either. I will make sure any money that was donated for this trip is returned. All I ask now is for your support during this difficult time. Thank you,” he finished, and walked back towards the taxi, ignoring the parade of questions that were being shouted at him.

  15 truth setS you free

  Talon and Levi sat cuddling with Marion on his bed an hour later. His phone number must have been leaked because it was ringing non-stop. He turned it off. They had also agreed not to turn on the news, which was surely abuzz with his latest disclosures to the press. Right now, he was just enjoying picturing Shay Stanton squirming at her fancy desk while he sat spending time with his favorite person…and his favorite animal. Marion sprung on the bed into a backflip, chirping wildly. No, he was going to savor this moment with Talon until Bale came home.