Dark Humanity

by Gwynn White

  Acevedo had never felt alone, until now.

  Chapter Eighteen

  February 27th

  Octavia ran up right as Helena was heading to the general meeting. "Whatever's happening, the date has changed," Octavia panted. "I'm getting reports from all over the city, including something about a field trip Spadros is on being changed. March 1st." She stared at Helena. "Is this what I think it is?"

  Helena smiled, but her heart wasn't in it. "Let me know after the meeting." She entered the vast Cathedral, the center of all power, and felt dwarfed by the building, the responsibility, the awesome duty she had to Bridges. I must keep my city safe, she thought, no matter what the cost.

  No seat, no pew sat empty, no inch of floor. Women sat on each other's laps, the floor, the window-sills. Everyone was here. Helena moved to the podium.

  "My beloved sisters, today is a day of mourning. Not for our King, or for our way of life, or even for our morality, but for the promise Benjamin Kerr envisioned when he build Bridges: a garden city of peace. We have failed him.

  "He of all men understood men's hearts. Benjamin Kerr understood what would happen if evil men ruled his city. We need not speak of it.

  "I thank you for your kind words, and I thank you for your service to this city. That service will never end so long as the Dealers remain. We must each choose how we will serve. I know some of you joined the Dealers to engage in quiet solitude, others to escape abuse, still others to serve the poor. Each of us will find our resolve tested in ways we know not. And the time for you to choose is now."

  The women murmured in confusion.

  "Civil war is coming." There, I said it plainly. "Men will come to the Cathedral to mine its riches. I will not let the city of Bridges fall into their hands."

  Everyone sat up. The room fell silent. They know exactly what I mean, Helena thought, and it excited her. The brave smart women she led gave her great pride.

  "Here is your choice: to stay, or to scatter outside the fence. There will be no half-measure. Staying will mean death, or worse. Scattering means exile, and a lifetime of service. You must not let the Dealers die. Remember the Dealer's love as you make your choice. Either choice requires strength and courage. Let no one forget it."

  She took a deep breath. "Our time has run out. You must choose now. Pick a Station and go to it, or collect your things and return here. Tell no one. The future of this city lies in your hands. It has been a great honor to serve you." She raised her hand, ignoring the sobs filling the room. "The Dealer's Blessing upon you."

  "And also on you."

  Helena turned to look at the altar, a flat sandstone rectangle eight feet long, four feet wide, and as high as her waist. Floorman help us both. She went into her office, and Octavia followed. A bust of Benjamin Kerr stood there, as well as one of Athena Stronghold, first Director of Bridges. What would they have done? "You must go with them," Helena said. "You are Director now. May your reign be long and happy."

  Octavia said nothing, and after a while, Helena heard the door close behind her.

  An hour later, Helena went back to the hall, fearing it might remain empty. Sixty-three women sat in the front rows: plain and beautiful, old and young, tall and short, some she had never met. She sat on the steps before them. "From this day forth, we are dead."

  The women looked at each other with concern.

  "Dead women do not care what happens to them. They are simply bodies. They do not reveal secrets. They neither betray their sisters nor their city. We are dead."

  The women nodded, realization beginning to sink in. "We are dead."

  "From this day forward, we are loved. Women who are loved, give love, in whatever way is needed."

  Their faces softened. They began to understand her plan. "We are loved."

  Helena smiled. Sixty-three women. It might be enough. "Oh beloved dead, let's make a feast for our last nights of peace in Bridges."

  The women cheered.

  Chapter Nineteen

  February 28th

  A long line of carriages waited in front of the school when Xavier went to see his children off on their trip. "It sounds like a grand adventure," Xavier said.

  Xavier thought the idea of a field trip to get the children out of the city a stroke of genius — until Joy was refused admittance for not having a parent attend with her. "I have work tonight," he said. "My son is with her. Is that not suitable?"

  "It is not," the Headmaster said. "Unless you find a proper chaperone for the girl, she may not attend."

  He searched frantically for a solution, but could find none. He hadn't asked his father to go on the trip, and now his father was on his way to the zeppelin station, having decided to seek his fortune in another city. Xavier had nowhere for Joy to go, no family in the countryside. How could he do this if his little daughter was home alone in the midst of war?

  "If I take care of her, would that be sufficient?" The woman who he'd seen after the parent conference came up. "My daughter is on the trip. I'd be willing to supervise the girl."

  Xavier looked to the Headmaster.

  "Very well," he said. "Being as you are a Guard, and a parent is willing to take your place, I'll let the girl attend."

  "Thank you," Xavier said, relieved. At least now his children might survive this.

  Acevedo was pleased with how the trip was going so far. He had to get out and talk to the guards at the gate, but that was a minor detail. They wanted to know where he was going with all these people, and when they'd be back.

  After that, they passed a quarter mile of tents and lean-tos, then some ramshackle huts for another quarter mile, then the buildings became more substantial. The sheer number of people living outside the fence astonished him.

  Then the buildings turned to fields, which turned to farms and small villages. The horses trotted along. It seemed a pleasant day.

  Katherine sat as far away as one might in a carriage, and had said nothing to him since the embarrassment of the night before. Acevedo didn't know whether to be angry at his father for humiliating her, or angry at her for being in his room last night. Finally, he decided not to be angry at anyone. It was his own fault for allowing her to stay there.

  What did he feel for her? She was comely, a good mother, had taken on a great deal of the housework since arriving, and had good instincts. The way she stepped in to help Xavier with his daughter was commendable. But do I want to marry her?

  Part of him couldn't think of anything else. I am not going to my uncle for this again, he thought. Uncle Vinny had gotten him evening encounters with his "ladies," but Acevedo always felt as if he'd made the wrong decision afterwards. And there was always the fear of the wrong person seeing him — if word got out, he could lose his job, or worse, his standing.

  No more. Papa was right; he needed to marry. It had been long enough.

  He would be an instant father to Molly. Am I ready for that? Yet Katherine was young enough that they might have children of their own. Acevedo thought of Liza, her still pale face as he held her, and he turned away from the others in the carriage.

  Perhaps I don't have to decide anything now. Once this was all over —

  Then what?

  This surprised him. What would they do, once they had captured the King? Would one of his sons take over? What if the sons were worse than the father? I can't believe we didn't think about this.

  It was out of Acevedo's hands — now that he had rescued these children and their parents, he wouldn't leave them. Whatever decisions were made there on Market Center were up to Xavier Alcatraz to make.

  Xavier stood in front of his "elite" group of five in the morning sun. "I have one last training for you. It's the most difficult task I could come up with, but I have every expectation that you will succeed. If you can accomplish this, you'll receive a special commendation, plus the reward of your choice. Anything you want. Meet in front of the Armory at 0200 tomorrow, and Malize will give you your orders. Think about it, write down what you
want, and hand it in then."

  They replied, "Yes, sir!"

  Xavier didn't trust anyone but himself to give these orders, but he couldn't chance it that one of these men might report to the King. They and Polansky Kerr were too similar in disposition for his liking.

  Next were the rounds of training with his various groups. To each he repeated their mission, emphasized that this was treason and they would hang if they failed. "If any of you don't think you can do this, I'll dismiss you to your homes now. If your families have somewhere to go in the countryside, I suggest you send them there. If our mission doesn't succeed, this could get ugly."

  His men nodded, and a few decided to leave. "I should have taken the resignation instead of this," one said. "I can't betray the man I swore to serve."

  "Noted," Xavier said. "Your resignation is accepted. You've been a brave Guardsman and a loyal friend. If you betray us, though, we'll be forced to kill you."

  Shock rippled through the room as each man realized what was happening. "This is real," another said.

  "Yes, it is," Xavier said. "Unfortunately, we've been left with little choice."

  When the carriages reached the facility, Uncle Vinny stood out front waiting. Papa had sent him ahead to secure the building, but Acevedo's uncle didn't look happy. "We found all the scientists dead."

  Acevedo stared at his uncle in shock.

  "It's a huge fucking mess. Your brothers are cleaning it up, but it's going to take a while."

  "Any sign who did it?"

  "I dunno. It could be anyone from one of those guys at the meeting to the King himself."

  "The King?" That seemed alarming.

  Uncle Vinny looked grim. "I wouldn't put anything past that man. Why he'd kill them, I have no idea. A warning?"

  "Can we get a message to Xavier?"

  "We can try."

  "Very well," Acevedo said. "He turned to the group, who had all gotten out of their carriages, "They're not ready for us yet. Let's eat." He led them to a grassy field past the building with trees past that, and the families began to spread blankets and open their baskets.

  Then he went to his father and told him the news. "I knew something was wrong when I saw Vincenzo out front. He hates just standing around."

  Dark stains lay on the ground, and Scoop began licking one. "Stop that," Papa said, kicking sand over the stain. He tugged at the dog's leash. "Come on."

  Mama came up with their basket. "I'm ready to eat. Where do you want to sit?"

  Acevedo felt ill. "It doesn't matter, Mama — anywhere's fine."

  People ate, sat under parasols, talked. The children began playing on the grass, running, wrestling. Acevedo wondered what they would do if they knew there were a dozen dead inside.

  Mama came over and sat. "Are you well? You're not eating."

  "I have a lot on my mind, Mama."

  "Mrs. Bluff told me what happened last night," she said. "She's a fine woman."

  This was high praise from her. Most women weren't good enough for any of us. "What makes you say that?"

  "Acevedo!" Mama seemed scandalized.

  "I don't mean it that way, Mama. I just want to know what you think of her. The truth. I want to hear it from you."

  His mother peered at him, nodding slowly. "Well, she's devout: she and Molly pray the Four Corners every day. She works hard — I've hardly had to do anything since she arrived. She does all the cooking, the cleaning —"

  "Wait. She's been cooking, too?" The food had tasted just like Mama's.

  "She asked me how I made things. She's a quick learner, that one."

  Acevedo felt astonished.

  "And," Mama said, "she sees the good in people. I think she'd make a good wife for you."

  Acevedo smiled. "Mama —" He leaned over and kissed his mother's cheek. "Her husband's barely been in the ground six months. Shouldn't I give her some time before I start booking the chapel?"

  "Maybe you should ask her that," Mama said.

  Acevedo turned to find Katherine watching them, and he smiled at her. "Maybe I will." If we survive tonight. He wasn't sure what was going to happen.

  It was another hour before Uncle Vinny came out and told them the coast was clear. Acevedo stood. "If you'd like to take the tour now, they're ready."

  A flurry of collecting baskets, folding blankets, and picking up various lost items commenced, and after everything was put back into the carriages, the tour began. The tour guides were among the dead, but Acevedo's brother Cavallo volunteered to guide the tour. "Come right this way, single file."

  The children eagerly studied the various displays, chattering amongst themselves, debating over some point or another, and rushing in groups to Cavallo for the answer. After one such group left, Acevedo said, "I'm astonished at your knowledge of the subject."

  His brother grinned. "I just go with whatever seems most reasonable. I have no idea what the real answer is."

  Acevedo said. "Give my congratulations to Roman. Make sure they know where to meet us." Cavallo's son and daughter-in-law, gone in Italy these six weeks, sent a message from their honeymoon: they were expecting a child. Even though Acevedo knew in his mind they would get home safely, he didn't think he would feel at rest until he saw them back home.

  Cavallo smiled. "They'll be fine, Acevedo." A group of children came up and he turned away to speak with them.

  The shadows were lengthening outside by the time the tour completed, and good smells wafted through the room. "Out to the courtyard," Cavallo said. One of Acevedo's brothers stood turning an entire sheep on a rotisserie, and Acevedo's sisters-in-law came out bearing platters of food, which they put on a long table. The chairs had been placed around small square tables, which were now set. In the center of the courtyard stood an unlit bonfire.

  This time, Acevedo was hungry, and he set to his meal with relish, earlier events forgotten. The bonfire was lit, accompanied by songs and dancing. Then the carriages were unloaded before putting the children to bed in the large rooms on either side of the building: the girls in the far room, the boys near the front entrance. Some of the older adults went to bed then, but the rest sat watching the fire, sipping wine and talking.

  Acevedo moved to a table near the gate, where he might see the sky over the island. He didn't think he would sleep tonight.

  Uncle Vinny came to his table. "We're leaving. The boys and I have the real work now."

  "Best of luck," Acevedo said. "My blessings go with you. Watch your back."

  Vinny grinned. "I always do."

  Uncle Vinny and Acevedo's brothers would take the seven carriages. They were to supervise the seven ray cannon and make sure they didn't fall into anyone else's hands. Papa paid a lot of money for them.

  Acevedo found a half-full wine bottle and returned to his table, only to find Katherine sitting there. "I suppose I should ask if I might join you," he said, "but it seems wrong way round."

  She smiled. "I don't mean to intrude on your solitude; I hoped you wished to share it."

  I could have a worse companion tonight. "As a matter of fact, I do."

  After night court, Polansky Kerr said, "I hear you've had some resignations today."

  "Just men who don't wish to carry out our mission. We don't need their kind here."

  From the corner of his eye, Xavier saw a grin spread over Polansky Kerr's face. "You're exactly right. I want their names. After we're done tomorrow, they'll be executed."

  For resigning their commission? "Your Majesty?"

  "You heard me. I want their names. On my desk. Tonight."

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  What a madhouse this has become, Xavier thought, as he placed the list on Kerr's desk. Without even inquiring as to why the men resigned, Polansky Kerr was ready to execute his most faithful Guards.

  His assistant Peter Moysian was still at his desk when Xavier went to his office. Xavier wrote some letters, then called Peter in. "Send these summons at once."

  The man carried a medium s
ized box with a letter on top. "Sir, a package has arrived. And a message."

  Taking out a knife, Xavier opened the box: white armbands. "Excellent! They're for the training exercise tonight. Distribute one to each of the men as they report for duty."

  "Yes, sir."

  The message was from Mr. Spadros. All the scientists were dead? Xavier didn't know what it meant. Polansky Kerr didn't seem any different from his usual; if he knew of their plans, they should be dead by now.

  Xavier went to his assigned post outside the royal bedchambers, glancing at Ocho Malize. The man seemed nervous, and Xavier shared the sentiment. If anything went wrong, tomorrow they might be dead.

  Blocker had knocked on every door of his territory in the last six hours. His throat hurt, his feet hurt, and he felt exhausted. But his efforts had gotten them another fifty-odd men who agreed to help defend their turf, and he had women cooking and storing water in case the power went out.

  He told them all to go to their basements if they got too scared. "It's set up with blankets and food," he said.

  An old man said, "You've done well for us, Blocker. I used to wonder about you Wheelcard boys, but now that we're in need, you've made us proud."

  Blocker didn't know what to say. He and Fish had run around with the Wheelcards since he was five. Never thought anyone'd be proud of us. Just wait until Fish hears about this.

  Crispin Hartmann was casting the last of the bullets when Shuli came in. "Scouts are back. The west bridges are completely blocked. We can't go that way."

  This made no sense. "Why would they block the bridges?"

  "No idea, but they cursed at the scouts when they asked. A bunch of big guys with real dark skin."

  "How about to the north?"

  "Outside the fence? Those bridges are still clear."

  "Make sure they stay clear. And get the men going. We have to get to that racetrack before anyone else does."