The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  Ian had to keep calm. ‘Granted, but I’m sure that if something happened to Elena you would want to have your final resting place next to her.’

  Franco chuckled, ‘But, of course – in an ideal world, we all know that our situation has always been far from ideal.’

  ‘Your point is valid Franco, but let’s hear what Ian has to say before we make judgement,’ Morten interceded. The Swede had always been the diplomat in any negotiations. With wavy bleach blond hair and an athletic build to match Thor, he was equally intimidating and yet alluring in his countenance. ‘We’re sorry for your loss, Ian. We all miss Jeff and Judith. Please continue.’

  Franco huffed. Elena squirmed in her seat.

  Ian tried to ignore them and continued, ‘Emily’s disappearance was unfortunate…’

  It was the turn of another Spaniard to speak. This time it was his sister Anna’s husband, Juan, who put his oar in with a sarcastic cough. He glared at Ian. ‘Careless if you ask me, not unfortunate.’ He looked and acted like Franco, he was just a younger version.

  ‘Fair enough, careless then, but if I can finish my sentence. Steven has found Emily and managed to restrain her. We’ll bring Emily back here, have no doubt about that. The point is,’ he paused, before he continued, ‘I acknowledge it has been my family that has caused the problems, therefore, it is us that will have to lead the way to fix the situation. We can’t change the past, but we sure can face the future.’

  ‘So, what do you propose we do then to explain the fact that your family is allowed to do what they want?’ Franco snapped.

  They were getting a rise out of him. As much as Ian fought to stay in control, he could not stand their impatience. His tone increased in volume. ‘We don’t all do what we want. The things that have happened stem from the mistake that Emily made years ago. We’ve been trying to make amends for her lack of judgement. I guess we failed. If you all think it best the Roberts family leave the community then…we shall. We can set up a new stronghold elsewhere. We all knew that eventually something would have to be done. We’re running out of space as it is.’

  They had not expected that. Their facial expressions spoke volumes.

  ‘Hold on a minute Ian. That’s a hasty proposition. If you leave, what’ll stop anyone else from joining you?’ Arla intervened, her eyes narrowed. She had always been outspoken like her husband, Morten. Her emerald eyes sparkled. She was shrewd, with an innate ability to flush out the crux of the issue.

  Anna had been quiet so far, now she laid her cards on the table. ‘The split in the community had to happen. It’s been coming for years. Too many children are born and we have no way to accommodate everyone comfortably. Why don’t we let people choose for themselves? Why not involve everyone in the decision. To make it fair, I suggest that anyone interested in moving to a new location state their intent and then we select a number to make the move.’

  Ian could not avoid feeling uncomfortable as she spoke. Emily was her identical twin and yet they were like chalk and cheese, polar opposites in character not features. The way she tucked her black hair behind her ears made her look insecure.

  Arla continued to probe, her hands beseeching, ‘But where will they go and who will decide who goes and who stays?’

  ‘We will decide,’ Ian added firmly. ‘Anna, I agree with you. That is a fair way to make the selection. As for location, there is only one obvious place I can think of where we could live.’

  Everyone raised their eyebrows. Even Franco seemed interested now.

  ‘Borneo,’ he announced. He could not resist a smirk.

  A lot of faces dropped.

  Franco shook his head and Juan frowned at Anna. It was clear from his face she had kept her promise and not told him before the meeting.

  ‘Borneo? You have given this some thought. Why?’ Morten asked.

  ‘It’s a huge country with areas that are still uninhabited. We can easily find somewhere to hide. It offers huge possibilities.’

  ‘Isn’t it easier to just find another area in the Amazon to live in?’ Ian’s oldest sister, Catherine, said. Her husband, Isaac, squeezed her hand in support.

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Ian shook his head, ‘a fresh start is what some need.’

  Franco thumped his fist on the table. ‘Why? It’s important to stay together. We’d probably never see you again.’

  ‘And why would that be a bad thing?’ Ian had to smile.

  Morten was not amused. ‘We’re all a family. Even though some of your family members are not here, that doesn’t mean we want to go our separate ways,’ he said, whilst looking directly at Franco and gesturing for him to calm down. ‘What we have not talked about yet is why Judith and Jeff died. That is what I think we need to discuss. Personally, I never hoped to be immortal, but I never actually thought about death much either. The fact that we don’t age seemed to quell the thought. But now, things have changed. Let me get this straight. From what I understand, it appears that without human blood we will start to deteriorate quickly and then eventually die. Is that right?’

  Ian leaned back on his chair. He spoke slowly, lethargy seeping in, ‘The only thing we know is that my mother aged quickly and then died of natural causes. We don’t know if human blood would have saved her. But, my father has been suffering similar symptoms and when he had human blood he was rejuvenated. That does not mean that’ll happen indefinitely. It’s obvious that eventually we’ll all die, as we should.’

  ‘So, Jeff chose to restart the aging process so that he could die?’ Franco’s eyes widened.

  Catherine leaned forward, her red hair flowing over her shoulders. ‘Exactly, and it looks like all of us could do the same thing at any time. My mother was happy to go. She did not want to kill anymore and she was home.’

  ‘So, what if we want to go home too?’ Franco flippantly threw in. ‘Would any of you stop us going back to our homeland to die?’

  The room went silent.

  Morten spoke first. ‘I for one would not have an issue with it. I would want to go back to Sweden too, if I had the choice.’

  ‘So all of a sudden everyone wants to go their own way?’ Ian said, as his hands rose.

  ‘It appears so.’ Franco folded his arms.

  Isaac broke the impasse. ‘I don’t want to go back to where I was born. It brings back no good memories.’

  Ian was grateful for the interruption, whenever Isaac spoke people tended to listen. With his long face, pensive eyes and pointed beard that reached his chest he still retained his Jewish traditions. His immaculate attire and impeccable manners always gained him respect. ‘Germany is no longer my home. I’m sure Catherine and I would be more than happy to start the new community. That would be our new home and our final place of rest. It would give us a reason to live longer.’

  Catherine smiled at him, hand still in his, and added, ‘I think we’re the right choice too.’

  ‘I would support that decision,’ Juan added, his voice raised.

  The room went silent for a minute as everyone considered the turn of events.

  Finally, Ian resumed the discussion. ‘Let’s take a vote then. The proposal is that Catherine, Isaac, Carmen, and I will take our families to start a new community. We will ask who would like to join us and decide on the right number collectively. Then I propose that we start afresh and leave for Borneo. Does anyone have a counter to that?’

  ‘I do,’ Franco intervened. ‘I think you should stay. Carmen should be with her family.’

  ‘Carmen, how do you feel about this?’ Ian asked.

  Carmen fidgeted with her hands and bit her lip before she replied, ‘If I’m honest, I would like to stay. We can always visit.’

  Ian was slightly deflated, he expected her to follow his lead.

  Franco smiled, pleased, before he added in a gruff voice, ‘And you’re sure it is not easier to create a new community in South America?’

  Morten ignored the suggestion. ‘Let’s vote. Those in favour of a new colony
in Borneo?’

  Everyone apart from Franco, Elena and Juan raised their hands.

  ‘Agreed,’ Morten concluded. ‘So now we have to decide upon the next contentious issue. When we are coming to the end of our lives can we choose to die where we wish? Those in favour?’

  At that, everyone raised their hand.

  Morton nodded. ‘Done, so the issue now is who will lead the meeting to tell everyone in the community what we have decided?’

  Ian did not hesitate. ‘I will.’

  ‘Good for you, you’re a chip off the old block,’ Morten joked. ‘Anyone got a problem with that?’

  No one raised any objection and the mood seemed to lift.

  Ian could not believe he had just agreed to let his big sister and her husband move to Borneo. The number of Roberts in the community dwindled by the minute.

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 3

  A New Start

  Even though the prospect of moving was daunting, Catherine was exhilarated for the first time in years. A fresh start, a new life, a different dream, she could barely contain her excitement. She felt sorry for Ian. He would have wanted to be a part of it.

  Ian clasped his hands behind his back, his brow narrowed in concentration. He reminded her of her dad. She still found it hard to believe her dad was dead. Yet he was, there was no way to bring him back.

  Ian was nervous. She could tell by the way he searched out into the crowd, looking at no-one and at everyone all at once.

  The members of the community waited.

  Obviously satisfied, Ian raised his hands and lowered them gently. Immediately, the crowd hushed.

  ‘Thank you everyone for coming today, my family appreciates it.’ He placed his hand in front of his lips and gave a short cough.

  Catherine could understand he did not want to mess it up. She could not blame him for his uncertainty.

  He continued, ‘I also want to thank you for your support. My mother’s death has not been easy for any of us. It is a loss that hits the heart of the community we built together. Unfortunately, Judith’s death is not the reason I stand before you now. I am sorry to have to inform you that our founder, my father, has also passed on.’

  A few members in the crowd gasped, others broke down and held on to each other, and Catherine felt a lump grow in her throat. It was hard to hear the truth. She was also moved by the reaction. Her father was loved and respected – of course he was. The only thing that worried her was the look of utter horror in a lot of people’s faces.

  Was it fear? She could not tell.

  Ian tried to ignore them as he ploughed through his speech amidst the intermittent sobs. ‘We need to figure out how their deaths can lead to a new way of living. A way we never considered. It was my mother’s final wish that her grandson, Steven, should lead the life he chose, not the one we imposed.’

  Now everyone listened.

  The Spanish contingent glared. They did not like this development.

  Ian kept his eyes fixed on the centre of the crowd. ‘For that reason alone, my father Jeff stayed in England to help Steven. I know many of you think this is unfair, but I hope you will try to understand. I have to admit this has been hard for me too.’ His eyes wavered; he was not lying about that. ‘We need to remain strong. We cannot let our guard down because of what my parents decided to do. The survival of our kind needs to be preserved. Isaac will explain more.’

  A few nods of appreciation followed Isaac, partly in wonderment. She knew they had no idea what he could possibly add. Catherine moved to the side of Isaac and their eyes briefly met. Ian had done his job, now it was their turn.

  ‘Thank you Ian. We’re all sorry for your loss. Both of your parents will be mourned by all. The reason I am addressing you now is to tackle the issue of overcrowding. We have outgrown our home. For this reason alone, it is time for some of us to move and start a new community elsewhere.’

  Another set of audible gasps ricochet off the cavern walls, followed by a series of mumbles. The tide was turning from sadness to anger.

  Isaac continued. His voiced unchanged, still strong. Catherine was so proud of him. ‘My friends and family, listen. I know this will come as a shock to some of you – this is your home. But, for others this is an opportunity to create a new life elsewhere. However, let me make this clear, this is not a holiday. It’s going to be hard work and we will have to stay away from normal civilisation. This is not integration, its segregation. We cannot live with humans. So, what we propose is…’

  A loud voice broke the moment as it forced its way to the front. It was Francis, Anna’s son. ‘What do you mean? Your sister and nephew still live amongst humans – they are integrated. And yet, you’re telling us that we can’t. Why exactly is that? Don’t you trust us?’

  As he spoke, Catherine noted Franco nodding sagely. She imagined his grandfather eagerly fanned the flames of his fury.

  Isaac did not face Francis. He pursed his lips and waited.

  Ian shook his head and glanced at Anna briefly before he replied, ‘What has happened with them is not an example to the rest of us. My father died by my mother’s side after he promised to help Steven. As for my sister, well, there’s nothing I can say about her. She was always a rebel. But, both Steven and Emily are to return to the community soon. They have agreed to come back.’

  Francis shook his head and flicked his hand. ‘Isn’t that good of them?! Double standards! You impose rules on us that your own family willingly break.’

  A lot of cheers seemed to side with Francis.

  ‘I agree,’ Ian nodded, ‘and for that reason I must be the one to lead the members of the community into a new start. I am ashamed by the mistakes we have made and to atone, I will put all my efforts to enable our existence elsewhere.’

  Catherine clenched her teeth. That was not what they had agreed. ‘No Ian,’ she interrupted. She walked up next to him. ‘Ian cannot be held accountable. The council has agreed that Isaac and I will lead the new community.’ She held Isaac’s hand.

  ‘See they can’t even agree amongst themselves,’ Francis scoffed.

  More jeers erupted, before Anna stepped forward. ‘That will be enough from you, son.’

  Francis shrugged his shoulders and melted back into the crowd.

  A new voice in the crowd changed the tone. It was Lucy of all people. ‘So how will we decide who goes and who stays?’

  Catherine could not believe Lucy was putting herself out there. She was normally a recluse.

  Isaac replied, ‘We will lead our families and anyone willing to join us to the island of Borneo. It’s the ideal place to build a new community.’

  ‘Borneo,’ a lot of voices in the crowd murmured.

  Isaac raised his voice again and squeezed Catherine’s hand. ‘The island offers us a very similar climate to this one and has a range of species that we can survive upon. The jungle is dense and uninhabited. We will find somewhere to hide.’

  Even Ian looked bemused.

  ‘Anyone that would like to join us has until the end of the week to submit their names. Then the council members will decide who will get to leave with us. Before this starts we need to know that people agree. To keep it simple, raise your hands if you think it is a good idea to start a new community in Borneo.’

  Over half of the people raised their hands and a wave of relief washed over Catherine.

  ‘Thank you,’ Isaac nodded, before he tensed. ‘Can we be clear on one thing? If you’re not selected now, it doesn’t mean that you will not get the chance in the future. We have to start small. Once we are established we will be able to expand the numbers. Good luck everyone and thanks for coming.’

  Just as they thought they had finished Lucy spoke again. ‘You still have not explained why they died. Will we all die?’

  A lot of people glanced at each other in surprise. She rarely spoke up – in fact she was rarely seen. She preferred a life with plants not people.

  Catherine a
nswered. ‘They chose to die, they refused to kill humans and we suspect monkeys are the reason we stay healthy here. But the truth is that we now think in time we all will die. We are not immortal.’

  A stony silence followed. A lot of wide eyes confirmed this was quite a revelation.

  Ian stepped forward again. ‘Either way I want to reassure you all that Steven and Emily will return to the community. Once they are here we can plan for the future with more certainty. I will choose the reconnaissance team shortly. For now, just live as normal and enjoy what we have here. We can thank my parents for what they achieved. No-one can take that away from them.’

  The hushed atmosphere spoke in volumes.

  ***

  Lucy wandered down the corridor, eager to get back to her sanctuary. She was beginning to get odd looks from some of the others. She suspected they knew something was up with her. Luckily, she had always worn loose clothing, it was easy to hide what she was desperate to conceal. Once inside her beloved greenhouse, she quickly made her way to her room and went to the toilet. Recently, she spent half her day needing to pee, to usually find that the effort was greater than the result. It had been bad enough with the constant sickness up to twenty weeks, she had never been so ill in her life.

  She rubbed her now rounded belly affectionately and felt a light kick as her baby protested. It amazed her that something so small could be so strong already. Soon she would find it harder to hide. Perhaps, a new start in Borneo was what she needed, a new place where she could raise her baby

  Lucy could not suppress her huge grin, she loved the fact she was pregnant. It did not matter that the father would never know it was his. All she had ever wanted was a child of her own and now by a sure miracle her wish had been granted. In a way, she was glad it had happened with Steven. There was no way anyone would suspect it was his. And even if he did return, she would not stay long enough for him to find out. Her independent streak made her relish the thought of raising a baby alone. She would make all the decisions without the need to answer to anyone.