The Real World

by Jacob Long

  They also have a built-in heating and cooling system. After putting on the shirt and pants, I attach my belt which has several pouches for small tools and weapons. It also has a pistol holster on the right side. I think I left my pistol at the station. Oh well. I don't need it anyway. On the left, is a knife. These are typically used as back up weapons since the manica have built-in plasma blasters. Although, I don't use them very often now that I can shoot fire out of my hands. To be honest, I mostly rely on my abilities ever since I developed them. I like to bring some of the weapons and tools though, just in case. On my chest is a patch bearing the image of Idem's flag. The flag has the outline of a medieval shield, and on the shield is the head of a dragon. This is the Lancaster family crest. My family crest.

  After I finish dressing, I ride my bike to into town to meet up with RT. Idem's town area is located in the largest valley of the island. Riding through it is an odd and uncomfortable experience. I helped build it, but I don't come here very often. It's almost entirely desolate. It was made for a lot more people than we have now. Only a small section at the north end is utilized. There is a bakery, a fresh market, a clinic, a mechanics garage, and a few apartment buildings where people live while they finish building their homes. Going on for a few hundred yards south, there are more of the same type of buildings however, those ones are entirely vacant. Past that is even more land that is meant for expansion as our population grows. I don't think we'll be needing it for a while though. When these buildings were constructed, our small civilization had over 3,000 people. Now we have 32.

  In the center of all of the buildings are a city capital and a park. We make our way to the capitol building where a few city leaders are meeting to discuss our mission. Next to the capitol building is also the station for the Idem Security Force, or ISF as we like to call it. I'm the first in command of the ISF. Captain Lancaster is my official title. RT is my technical adviser, and Lieutenant Sienna Gable is my second in command. We don't always see eye to eye, but that can be a good thing. RT and I pass the marketplace and ride straight up to the garage. I feel a grumble in my stomach.

  "Hey, I'm going to stop in the market on the way back. I need something to eat before we go," I say. We walk through the garage, passing a vast variety of vehicles and machinery. It's organized for the most part. Just a few misplaced items here and there. I follow RT into the room that he refers to as his 'office.' "The Tempest is already loaded with snacks," he says, "but don't worry, we can stop at Johnny's for breakfast before we fly out." "I'm sure he has some fresh cornbread." Johnny is the baker. He makes good bread. I have a particular affinity for his cornbread, and RT obviously knows this too well. "It's like you read my mind," I say. "Are you sure you're not developing telepathic abilities?" I joke.

  As I follow him into his office, RT pushes aside some papers on his desk. In the middle of the desk, on the chair side, there is a biometric scanner that allows him access to his the different drawers. He places his hand on it and opens one of his desk drawers. He pulls out a memory chip and puts it in his pocket. He places his hand on the scanner again and opens another drawer. He pulls out two small pistols and hands one to me. "I don't think I'll need that, I say. He eyes my empty holster. "Just in case," he replies. "One of them could shoot ice out of their hands or have the ability to inhibit the abilities of others," he explains while placing it sideways on my chest. It's not like RT needs a pistol either. He has his manica. "All right. Just in case," I say as I accept the weapon.

  We ride our bikes to the capitol where we meet up with Sienna, Mayor Matua, and his wife, Angela. The Mayor and his wife are RT's parents so convincing them may prove to be difficult. Just before we get there, Sienna pulls up on her motorcycle and walks into the building. RT has had a crush on her ever since I can remember. Seems like he was always too busy with his projects to ask her out though. Eventually, she started dating Gabriel. "That was nice of you to fix her bike so fast," I say holding back my grin. "Well, the security force needs their vehicles to be running at all times," RT replies without hesitation. He knows the game I'm playing. "Yes, of course, considering how far apart everything is in this city," I say.

  Inside of the conference room, Mayor Matua stands at the podium. Angela and Sienna are seated behind him as RT, and I walk in. They listen intently as we explain each part of the plan. There is silence for a moment. Mayor Matua looks to Angela, and they seem to have some sort of brief telepathic conversation. Although, I don't believe either of them possesses that particular super-human skill.

  Angela appears to approve of the mission."Sienna, what do you think?" Matua says as he turns his attention to Lieutenant Gable. "The mission seems to be safe with all of the precautions set in place... and if these people are friendly, we could use the allies." I feel relief as I breathe out. I wasn't sure that she would be on board for this. Sienna can be stubborn at times. Matua looks back at RT and I. "Make sure you check in on the radio every hour." "Yes, Sir," RT and I both respond.

  RT talks to his parent's for a moment after the meeting, so I use this time to check in with Lieutenant Gable to see how the ISF is doing. "What's the status report on outpost maintenance?" I ask. "Matthews and Peterson spent the last two days cleaning Outposts C and D, so there are only four left to go before the next rotation. Everything is running smoothly for both of the machines according to the diagnostics performed," Sienna replies to my question with confidence. "That's good to hear because if this goes south, we're going to need everything running at peak capacity." "That includes all of our men," she replies with a strong, yet compassionate look in her eyes. "Yes. Yes, it does," I confirm. "Jayden, a word?" I turn my head to see that the Mayor has finished talking to RT and now he has stepped aside from his family to talk to me. This can't be good. I turn back to Sienna, "Matthews and Peterson are lucky to have a good lieutenant like you. Keep them on task," I tell her. "Will do," she responds.

  I walk over to the Mayor who has now moved several yards away from RT and the Madam Mayor. "Jayden-" he begins. Why do they always have to start with the first name? It's as if they're not sure that I know that they're talking to me. And of course, he uses that calm and reassuring tone as well. "Are you sure that you're up for this?" "I never stopped going on missions, Mayor," I reply. "Yes but those were routine maintenance missions. This is different. With those, you had very little chance of coming in contact with possible hostiles. I think that it may prove to be difficult, but I think that you are ready. And Doc thinks that you're ready as well. The most important thing, however, is if you think that you are ready."

  As RT and I ride up to the bakery, I can't help but admire its design. The design of the bakery building is one of my favorites. It has rounded corners and a second level where Johnny and his family live. My dad used to say that the architects would design the buildings that way to look more sleek and aerodynamic. I asked Johnny about this once, and he said that type of design was one of his favorites. He said it was inspired by airplanes. Not only did he like the style, Johnny also wanted to pay homage to his dad and uncle who were both decorated pilots during the first world war. Unfortunately, they were both shot down and killed.

  As I open the door, the smell of freshly baked bread is almost intoxicating. I spot the cornbread in the glass display. Those other loaves of bread are pretty, but they just don't steal my heart the way that the cornbread does. On the wall behind the glass display, are pictures of his dad and uncle. The next picture is of his wife, Veronica. She's always telling him to take that picture down, but he says he's just too proud of it.

  There's a fourth picture as well. It's of a little girl that appears to be about five or six years old. She has bright blond hair. It's Johnny and Veronica's adopted daughter, Alicia. Johnny stands behind the counter with a beaming smile. "What can I get for you boys this morning?" His voice is deep and welcoming.

  I order a glass of orange juice, two eggs, and I finish off the meal with two thick slices of cornbread covered in honey-butter. R
T has an omelet, some nearly burnt toast, and orange juice as well. Johnny's bakery wasn't meant to be a full-on cafe, but he stepped it up when the people of Idem needed him to.

  Johnny sits down with us while we eat. He and RT share a little bit of small talk. First, they talk about the island security systems. After a few minutes, they talk about the mining. Johnny tries to include me by commenting on my significant contribution to the mining. I give them a nod and a slight smile. I know they want me to join in, but I'm just not feeling like it. They start talking about airplanes, and while I enjoy it, their knowledge of aircraft goes way beyond my own.

  It feels strange just to sit and be around anyone right now. I haven't done this for a while. For the most part, I have only talked to RT and Doc for the last few months. I have also checked in with Sienna for progress reports, but that is the extent of our conversations. We both seem to have a difficult time opening up or even understanding the necessity to do so. So we keep our interactions strictly business. Her comment at the capitol building was the closest she has come to talking to me about what happened on the last island.

  After a few minutes, I warm up a little and join the conversation. I guess there is something about Johnny's food that reaches out to me. We tell Johnny about the mission. It's not like it's a secret. The mechanic shop workers already know, Sienna will tell the other ISF officers, and the Mayor left to notify the miners after our meeting. I'm sure he will also inform Doc and the nurse before the day is over. Before we go, Johnny walks back and pulls out a loaf of cornbread from behind the counter. He hands it to me. "We won't be gone that long," I say. "It's for the visitors. You can give it to them if they're friendly." He replies. "That seems a little too generous," I reply. "I think I might just give them half of it."

  When we get to RT's house, It's plain to see that his projects take precedence over his yard work. Of course, I'm not one to talk. We bike into the backyard and up to a landing pad. There is a giant black tarp covering the Tempest. We pull the tarp off to reveal the beautiful flying machine. It is immensely impressive. The design is sleeker than any other jet that I've seen. It borrows heavily from the jets of the Ministry with a few unique variations that RT and I came up with. One difference, in particular, is that it has two cockpits. The back cockpit is set up to control Tawhiri as well as the biometric scanner. However, there is a button that can be pressed to reveal flight controls in case the pilot is compromised.

  RT places his hand on the back scanner and the window for his cockpit slides open. "All right, captain. Let's take our baby on her first field trip." He says. "That's kind of weird, but okay," I reply as I place my hand on the front scanner. The front cockpit window slides open and I climb up into it. He climbs in. I open the compartments searching for an empty one. Tools. Snacks. This one seems like a good place for the cornbread to go.

  As the jet takes off, and I am in control, I finally feel relaxed and at ease. The outpost is only five miles out though so the first part of the trip will end almost as soon as it begins. We pick up the MT units and get back in the air in record time. It feels great. There is something liberating about maneuvering a forty thousand pound jet plane at over one thousand miles an hour. I've flown the Tempest before, but never this fast. Never this far. In an instant, we are within miles of the intruding vessel. I slow down to a hover. RT remotely activates the MT units and releases them. I lower the aircraft down onto the water and we wait. I can see on my screen the two units flanking the vessel. They reach about two miles out before stopping. Then the magic happens.

  RT is a genius for many reasons, however, the Tawhiri system is probably the biggest one so far. The same technology that we use to calm the outrageous storms that once plagued this island is now being used to create storms that drive away intruders. In the distance, I can see storm clouds forming above the water where each of the two MT units are.

  Aside from multiple tests, we've only done this once before, three months ago. It worked then though, so it should work now. Within less than five minutes, a powerful storm is produced. Several minutes later, the vessel changes its course. RT has the MT units follow and I submerge the Tempest under the water, activate the autopilot and slowly follow the units. "Looks like we have approximately two hours before they reach a safe distance. Did you bring any playing cards?" RT says through the comm system. I smile. "Yeah, sure. We'll just open our hatches and go sit by that coral reef over there. Maybe the starfish will play a few rounds." "All right, all right. No card games. I get it," RT replies. "So you want to talk or-" "Yeah, maybe I'll just take a nap," I say.

  I stretch out my arms as far as I can reach. Which isn't far considering I'm in a cockpit. That seems to deter RT from any further attempts at conversation. For now, anyway. I consider actually going to sleep for a moment before kicking the thought out of my mind. My sleep isn't usually relaxing these days. It doesn't matter though. Ever since the development of my abilities, I can go without sleep for days and be just fine. Physically at least. It doesn't make sense though because I still feel tired a lot. Doc says, I'm still dealing with the traumatic events that have occurred and my hormone levels tend to deplete rapidly. They also regenerate rapidly. Doc would prefer that I talk about everything that's happened. I can't though. I need to ignore it. I have to. It's the only way that I can keep operating.

  I look around the water and notice the magnificent creatures surrounding us. A flounder swims past the window of my cockpit and I realize that my depressing thoughts have made me tired. I watch the fish's little fins move back and forth. I feel myself nodding off...

  The Extreme World–The First Island of Idem–2019

  “So, what's the big news that no one wants to tell me?” Elena asks. “Your dad didn't tell you?” I ask. “No, he doesn't tell me anything.” “Well, if he didn't tell you then I probably shouldn't tell you either.” She strikes me with a serious expression. “I'll just read your mind,” she says. “You wouldn't do that,” I reply. “Oh, no?” “Yeah, that would break your promise.” “You didn't even care that I made that promise. It was my idea.” “It's still a promise that you made.” She concedes and exhales grumpily while moving away from me on the couch.

  It takes me a moment to realize that I'm dreaming again. Wait a minute. This is really weird. This one is almost right where I left off with my last dream. Elena had met up with me at the training area, I showered, changed, and now we're at her house more or less studying in the living room. We came here for her to study. That was the official purpose anyway. It hasn't been completely academically fruitless. We've been here for about forty minutes, and Elena has spent about fifteen minutes doing her telekinetic exercises.

  We haven't been able to spend much time together since I got back from boot camp only to prepare for graduation. Now that that's all over, I have a little more time to spend with her. She still has school though, so most of the time, I occupy myself with extra training. Tonight, however, is different. Tonight, we get to spend some overdue time together, and after thirty seconds of watching the concentration in her eyes, and observing the purse of her lips as she arranges beads to form different structures, I feel the sudden urge to attack her lips with mine.

  Don't get me wrong, just watching Elena use her telekinesis is a sight to behold, but there will be time for that later. I guess it's not a surprise that I was able to remember what happened before this dream with relative ease. However, her parents come home and put an abrupt end to that. As soon as they got home, Elena remembers that she heard there was some news about the ISF commandos. And she hates not knowing what it is so she gives me the silent treatment. I can't stand to see her shy away from me like this.

  “Okay, fine. I'll tell you,” I say. “But you've got to keep it a secret. They're not announcing it until tomorrow.” “I think I can keep a secret for one night, Jayden.” She states with attitude. “All right, Elena,” I reply. “So are you going to tell me or what?” “I feel like there's just too much anticipation now, and it's
not going to be that exciting once you hear it.” “Just tell me.” “Okay,” I take a breath. Her eyes widen with impatience. “They're reinstating the recon missions to Paradisum, and I will be second in command of the unit.” Now, after so many years of preparation and one year of specialized training, I am a commando. Not only that, but I graduated at the top of my class.

  “That's horrible news. Why is that a thing?” she says. “What do you mean?” I reply. “It is good. Now we can get more intel on the Ministry and we can figure out a way to take them down from the inside. I thought you wanted to put an end to their tyranny.” She folds her arms. She has an all too familiar look on her face. The one that tells me that I'm stupid. I scoot over and put my arm around her. “We'll be taking every precaution.” She drops her head down slowly. Her lower lip extends outward. “Oh, no. Come on. Don't give me that sad, puppy dog face. You know that breaks my heart every time.”

  A smile cracks from the corner of her lips. A tear rushes down one of her cheeks immediately after. I lift my hand up and gently wipe the tear away. I kiss the top of her cheek, just under her eye. She turns and plasters her hands to her face. I continue in my effort to reassure her. “Fetu will be leading us. RT will be there. Gabriel will be there. Sienna will be there. You know they've all got my back, right?” “I think Sienna wants to get your front,” she says, her voice muffled by her hands. I almost snort with laughter. Sometimes, I forget how funny Elena can be. I think she is slightly serious, but mostly joking. Either way, I think I should reassure her.