“Next time I won't miss,” said Mick.
Seth stood motionless, all colour drained from his face. He didn't make a noise as tears ran over his cheeks.
“Seth.” Dad reached out to touch him but Seth swatted him away and ran towards Brent.
The two of them backed away, followed by the barrel of Micks gun and the barks of his trusty sidekick.
“You'll pay for this. All of you will pay for this,” Brent yelled at our group as he scooped up Lula who'd stopped struggling for air.
Maya wrapped Tyler in her arms, but he stare blankly towards the horizon. As he left, Brent turned around making sure Seth was following him. Seth's eyes locked onto mine for a moment. I sensed a longing behind them, as though part of him didn't want to leave, but he turned and followed Brent who cradled Lula, until they disappeared in the distance. No-one took chase.
Chapter Eighteen
Everyone continued in stunned silence as we followed Mick towards the camp he was taking us to. The colour had faded from Tyler's face and Maya guided him forward while I carried Alice in my arms. Alice cried for some time before falling asleep on my shoulder from exhaustion, and Fletcher offered to give me a break. I wanted to go to Tyler and make sure he was okay, but something kept stopping me. He'd killed Lula. I tried to reason with myself why he'd done it. To protect his sister. Fear of losing Alice. Anger at what they'd done to his parents. Hurt from the way they'd treated him. But to kill someone?
Maya had stayed by Tyler's side since we left, but he hadn't spoken a word. She reached out and rubbed his back. It should've been me supporting him after all he did to make sure my friends and I escaped the Freedom Camp. I should've been making sure he was okay. But how could you ever be okay once you've taken someone's life? How did Officer Banks live with himself everyday knowing he'd given the order for my mother to be murdered? I hoped the emptiness in her eyes still haunted his dreams, but part of me knew he'd believed he was doing the right thing. Eliminating a threat. That's what Tyler had done. Eliminated the one person who threatened all he had left in the world. But I couldn't imagine him ever being as cold blooded as Officer Banks.
“You want me to take her for a while?” Braven dropped back beside Fletcher.
“Thank you. My arms are starting to go dead. She's heavier than she looks.” Fletcher gently lifted her and passed her to Braven who cradled her in his arms. She whimpered a little before relaxing again.
“She's been through so much,” said Braven staring down at her.
“Too much for a girl so young,” I agreed shaking out my aching arms.
Braven brushed a loose hair from her face.
“Do you think you'll have kids one day?” I asked.
“I haven't been around kids before now, but if they're anything like Alice I'd like to have one. You know, once all of this is over.” He didn't take his gaze off her as he spoke.
“You okay? I can take a turn carrying her if you need me to.” As if on cue Vega arrived at Braven's side and looked at Alice resting peacefully. “Isn't she precious?”
Vega and Braven exchanged a private look and I forced myself to look away. Ahead my father walked alongside Mick.
I turned to Fletcher. “I'm going to catch up to Dad okay?”
Leaving Fletcher I jogged until I joined my dad and Mick.
Dad turned as I arrived at his side and grinned. “Hey sweetheart, what's up?”
“Dad, I'm worried about Tyler. He's not talking and he's gone deathly white.” I turned to Mick. “How much further until we can rest again, Mick? Alice is getting heavy and Tyler's not doing so great.”
“What he did changes a boy. He won't be the same again, nor should he be. Taking another man's life is a hard thing,” he said. “I've done many things I wish I didn't have to do. But it's in a man's spirit to protect himself and his family,” replied Mick. “Remember that when you're consoling your friend.”
I looked down to my feet kicking up the dusty ground. The silver light of the moonlight casting my shadow in front of me.
“You think he did the wrong thing?” Mick asked.
“I don't know. I'm trying to understand it from his point of view, but to kill someone? He was angry at them for doing the same to his parents.” Would I kill Officer Banks if I got the chance? I wanted to say no, I'd take the higher ground. But if he threatened my dad, or Fletcher… I couldn't say I wouldn't.
“Ahhh, eye for an eye. I don't think it was revenge your friend was seeking. He reacted in fear, fear of losing his sister. Blood ties are a strong bond ya know,” replied Mick.
No, I didn't know. As far as I understood I had no more blood relatives alive.
Dad rubbed my back. “He needs you now. Like you needed him in the camp. Remember everything he did for us, the risks he took. That's who Tyler is. Not the boy you saw hurt the people who made his life miserable.”
He was right. “Thanks Dad. You too Mick.”
“We'll rest soon. We should be at the camp by morning,” said Mick.
* * *
The sun's orange glow reflected off the metallic base of Eden floating in the sky not too far from the fenced in compound we approached. Its sheer size made it hard to believe it could levitate with such ease. Above the rim of its base, the suns glow shone across the glass wall reaching up into the air revealing the tips of tall buildings. Utopia's tallest building had been the house of the Elite leader Mr. Saxby, but Dad had described the buildings on Eden as tall beams of metal and glass windows reaching up into the sky. Each level containing dwellings for people to live in. It wasn't as large as Utopia, as they didn't need the space for growing fruit and vegetables. Being in its presence sent anxiety coursing through my veins. While part of me was curious to visit another floating city, the other part remembered the dangers.
Ahead of us, the compound was surrounded in tall wire fences, with twirling barbed wire around the top of them. A tall platform stood in each of the front corners, each manned by a guard with a gun. At the compound's gate stood another two armed men in dark green uniforms who eyed us as we approached.
“Halt,” the men strode towards us holding out their weapons at chest height. “State your name and purpose.”
“Really?” questioned Mick. “I'm Mick, and these are my friends. We're lookin' for ya help. Nothin' more.”
A smirk broke across one of the guard's faces and he lowered his weapon, letting out a deep laugh before walking towards Mick. “Mick, mate. Long-time no see.” He pulled Mick in for a tight embrace before stepping back.
“Been keeping to myself Richy. Then this lot showed up near my place and I think Mr Marks will find their story interesting.”
“Braven Smith.” Braven held out his hand and Richy took a hold giving it a sharp shake.
“That wouldn't be Lieutenant Marshall Marks?” Lark asked.
Richy's eyes narrowed. “The one and only.”
“I'll be damned. I worked under Lieutenant Marks before Earth ended,” said Lark.
“Ended? Nah, the Earth didn't end mate. It just changed a bit. Come. Let's take you to see the man of the hour.” Richy turned to lead us towards the compounds gates.
As we reached the two tall mesh gates they swung open for us to walk inside. Guards stood both inside and outside of the entry and I took a step closer to Fletcher.
“You're all military,” exclaimed Lark.
“Yes sir, we sure are. When you all evacuated to your cities, military did their best to save as many civilians as possible. As you know sir, many perished but many also survived. We built military camps in proximity to each floating city, and we take in those who escape the cities and those who are exiled,” explained Richy.
“Are you saying Utopia has one of these beneath it and we didn't see it?” Lark questioned.
Richy's expression grew solemn. “No sir. Unfortunately, the Utopian Guard made it their mission to take out that particular camp. We were forced back until our losses were so great we decided to abandon Utopia all t
ogether.”
“Why didn't you fight back?” Dad asked.
“As we took in refugees from your floating city we quickly realised they had no idea of what was happening down on Earth. To start a war would put thousands of civilian lives at risk. Utopia had little exiles and people seemed to be content, so the decision was made to abandon it and we came to Eden.”
“Why do you think they didn't want you there?” questioned Lark.
“My guess, we threatened what they were trying to accomplish. It's difficult to convince a city Earth is uninhabitable if there's a camp of them beneath you for everyone to see. There was a time we would've called them Communists. But without a solid government of our own it's hard to police something like that. So, Mr. Saxby continues to control Utopians.”
“He doesn't control them. He leads them,” defended Fletcher.
“Sorry. No offense intended. I assumed you'd all fled because of the way things were run up there. Or you'd been exiled for trying to uncover them for who they are,” replied Richy.
Maya defended her brother. “We are. But we've found evidence it may not be the Elites in control up there. We've seen things that show the Guard might have taken the control away and are now running their own agenda.”
Richy thought on her words for a moment. “I see. This is all information Lieutenant Marks will be interested to hear.”
He led us left along the fence line, and I looked out over the dessert stretching off far into the distance as though it didn't end. As the sun rose higher in the sky, a shadow began to appear from the bulk of Eden. Inside the military compound itself everything was covered in dirt and dust. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to camouflage them or simply because no one had bothered to clean. Military personnel wandered by us, some nodding or saluting at Richy as they passed, but none letting their eyes linger on us for too long. We must've been a regular site. Floating City residents looking for a new home on Earth.
Richy began pointing out buildings as we continued walking. “This side is where we conduct all of our military operations, training, planning, and living quarters. On the opposite side of the compound is where we house and look after refugees. Some of them travel a long way to find us, others don't make it. And others form their own groups and rebuild their own versions of small towns. Always amazes me, humanity's ability to survive and rebuild. Even in the wake of such tragedy. Ahh, here we are.”
Richy approached a building that resembled a large box covered in dust and sand. Two guards stood post at the front door and after a quick conversation they stood aside and let us enter.
“I'll wait out here,” said Mick giving Molly a pat. “Might find me some grub.”
Mick left us with Richy.
“Grub?” questioned Braven.
“Food. You floating city folk don't get taught much of the old Australian lingo do you?” said Richy.
“Lingo?” asked Braven.
Richy, Lark and Dad all shared a laugh. Richy instructed us to leave our backpacks outside and as we entered the building I was glad he had. Inside, the room was quite small with our ten bodies trying to squeeze in around a wooden desk, flanked by an armed and uniformed man and lady.
“Ouch,” I groaned pushing Braven off my foot.
“Sorry,” he pulled away knocking Vega in the face with his shoulder.
“Hey,” she punched him in the arm and rubbed at her cheek.
“Stop bashing me,” he whined.
“Not so fun being big and muscly now,” commented Fletcher earning himself a glare from Braven.
“Yeah, you can slide into the gaps between us can't you lanky,” bit Braven.
“Sssh,” Domino scolded us, and we all turned to face the empty desk.
I could hear Richy's voice, but I couldn't see him for the wall of bodies. “I'd like to introduce you to, Lieutenant Marks.”
There was a shuffle of feet and both my father and Lark raised their hands to their foreheads in salute.
“Goodness, I don't think I've ever had so many people in my office at once.” His rough voice sounded friendly and I stretched up onto my tiptoes to catch a glimpse of the man Lark thought was so important.
He was muscly but stocky, his hair shaved into the same crewcut as the Utopian Guard. The shiny pins on his breast must've indicated his high rank and his eyes immediately found Lark amongst our group.
“Lark Readnour, I'll be damned. I thought you were living it up on one of those floating cities.” His thick lips spread into a welcoming smile and he and Lark shook hands giving each other a pat on the back.
“I was sir. But we've come a long way and have a lot to tell you. You might also remember Benjamin Adams. He was a scientist with the army,” said Lark.
“Benjamin Adams… It rings a bell. Didn't you leave a few years before the evacuations?”
“Yes Sir, I left to work for Ausmine Corp,” Dad replied.
“Hah,” he huffed out. “The greedy bastards who created this bloody mess then run away to their floating cities to stay safe and run their own agenda's.” He didn't notice how Dad gulped. “Don't you worry son, we're working on ways to free those on the floating cities who want to rebuild Earth. Unfortunately they aren't easy to get onto, and you can't bring them back down to Earth easily. Elysium is a great example of that.”
“Elysium? What happened to Elysium?” asked Vega.
I hadn't told them it'd collapsed and failed. How they were now farming from Earth and sending their meat and dairy up to the floating cities.
“Such a tragedy. But of course, the Elite Mr. Bolten and his family were fortunate enough to survive and with the help of the Elysium Guard regained control and claimed an area near where the city crashed. We've tried to get in there, but they're heavily guarded and will go to any lengths to keep their power.”
“You're the army. Can't you bust in there and get rid of the Boltons?” asked Vega.
Lieutenant Marks sighed. “There was a time we could've. But we lost lots of our people and resources when the Earth went crazy, it's taken us years to rebuild ourselves let alone start waging war on Elysium. Our job is to help those who want to leave, and at this stage we aren't planning on anything more. I'm sure you've been on a long journey, although I know Mick would've made sure you were well protected and looked after. Lark and Benjamin, I invite you to stay and tell me your tale. The rest of you are welcome to clean up and make your way to the food hall for breakfast.”
We all shuffled back out of the room following Richy. As we stepped through the doorway back into fresh air I drew in a deep breath before collecting my backpack.
“I love you guys, but let's not get that close again.” Vega shook her arms at her sides.
“I dunno, brought back some fond memories for me. Hey Aurora?” Braven gave me a nudge, reminding me of the time we'd been wedged together in a closet on Utopia.
“Not sure about fond. For someone who liked her time alone, I've been in lots of close proximity situations lately,” I groaned.
“Like the space in the rocks when we were hiding from the helicopter. You and Fletcher were awfully close,” Maya wiggled her eyebrows.
“Aurora didn't have a choice. You've been glued to Tyler since we left and there's plenty of room,” replied Fletcher.
Maya's cheeks flushed pink and she shut her mouth. Tyler ignored the comment hugging Alice closer to his chest. His eyes had grown dark since he'd killed Lula and he'd barely spoken a word to anyone but Maya. I'd tried to speak to him, but all I got back were short answers or a sharp nod. What he'd done was eating him up inside, and I didn't know what to do to bring Tyler back. Not for me and the friendship we'd formed in the short time we'd had at Freedom Camp, but for his sister. Alice needed him more than ever.
“This way,” Richy led us towards a large green structure Braven called a tent.
Inside, was a bustle of activity with men and women dressed in the same army attire as Richy, talking loudly, clinging cutlery against bowls and walking in an
d out.
“Bathrooms are that way,” he pointed down a narrow hall to our left. “When you're done grab yourself a bowl up the front there and you can grab some breakfast. It's not too exciting, but will give you the energy you need.”
“You're not staying?” asked Domino.
“Sorry ma'am, I have duties to attend to. I'm sure your husband and his friend will be here soon and Lieutenant Marks will assign someone to take care of you. Look there's Mick.” He pointed towards a table where Mick sat scooping the contents of a bowl into his mouth while Molly lay beneath his seat at his feet. Richy left us to our own devices and exited the large tent.
“Well, they obviously don't see us as a threat like Brent did,” said Fletcher.
Tyler visibly flinched at the mention of his name.
“Let's go get cleaned up and grab something to eat,” I said.
“I'm starving.” Alice rubbed her tummy.
“I bet,” said Maya. “Why don't you come with us girls? Can't have a little lady cleaning up in the men's room, can we?”
“No way, boys stink.” Alice grabbed Maya's hand and started towards the bathrooms.
I waited until everyone started moving and took a hold of Tyler's arm. “Are you okay?”
He shook his head more in confusion than as a no.
“It's okay, we're here for you and Alice no matter what okay?” I lowered my head to catch his attention and his eyes met mine.
“Thank you, Aurora. I don't deserve your kindness,” he mumbled.
“Yes, you do. No-one blames you for what you did. You were protecting your sister, none of us can say we wouldn't have done the same,” I tried to assure him.
“But you didn't. I did.”
“You can't let it do this to you. Alice needs you,” I begged him.
“I know. I've got to make sense of it all.”
“Sense?” I laughed. “If you can work out any sense in anything that's happened to us let me know. This whole world makes no sense.”
He smiled, if only a little. “Maya's been good to me. Do you think it's because she feels sorry for me?”
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