“Wait. You’re not saying what I think you’re saying.” Katlena was baffled. This couldn’t be the goal, for the government, the cyphers, or anyone in the City. It didn’t make sense.
“If they have been a cypher for three years, it’s highly unlikely that their situation will change drastically to the better. Their identity will go to someone else,” Drago calmly confirmed her worst fears.
“What?”
Katlena didn’t realize until a moment later that she had jumped to her feet. A little embarrassed, she perched on the chair’s armrest. “That doesn’t seem fair! They could always come to wealth later, or at least enough to lead a decent life without government money. What would other people do with their ID anyway?”
“Oh, there are several possibilities. Witness protection program, for example. Or even rehabilitation. There are many reasons why people need to start over again, some of them more deserving than cyphers who were hoping for the easy life all along.”
He was probably testing her, so Katlena stayed silent, even though she would have liked to ask him what made a person more or less deserving. There would always be a few people who tried to cheat and work the system, on every level. She didn’t think of the majority of cyphers as clever manipulators. Most of them were desperate.
“I see,” she said. “I can imagine why it’s being kept a secret.”
“There have been incidents of rebels trying to cross the border. There might be allies already in the City, trying to help them. Can you imagine what would happen if they knew? It’s dangerous enough as it is. We don’t need to fuel their crazy ideas.”
The idea of rebel attacks made Katlena shudder. The chaos would be perfect. She needed more time to start a change that would placate all parties, improve life for everyone in the City.
“True. I’ll do some more reading about the internship at home. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Katlena.”
She inwardly cringed at his use of her first name, but kept the smile on her face until she had left his office. Back at her own desk, Katlena picked up her cup and went to the break room to rinse it. At this hour, it was only her and Drago in the building, the co-workers of the night shift out on cases. Noelle had definitely gone home. There was nothing Katlena could have told her anyway. She packed some of the articles and put on her coat, deeply disturbed by what she had learned.
51308, born Ami Moore, would never be able to buy her name back, because there was somebody else carrying it, using her passport, social security number and credit card. Chances were that person didn’t want to give them back. Katlena would try to find who they’d been given to, but what could she do with that information?
It was easy to tell 51308’s goal from reading her file. She wasn’t likely to make it. Even if the internship came through, all Katlena would be able to offer her was distraction, which might be not such a bad thing. Katlena was in need of escape herself.
She sat in her car for a few minutes debating with herself whether she should go back to see 51308 in holding and tell her the tentative news. She didn’t want to get her hopes up too high. Her situation was dire enough. Not that Katlena could tell her about the clause. What a mess. It wasn’t like 51308 was the only cypher she had to deal with.
Unfortunately, 51308 formerly known as Ami Moore was the first she was attracted to.
Chapter Four
51308’s apartment had been searched, not turning up any stolen goods which made Katlena doubt the case even more. At least she knew where to go to find her some clean clothes for today’s interview. She was uncomfortable with invading the woman’s privacy, but a lot hinged on Drago’s approval of the internship which was enough to sacrifice some sensibilities.
She chose a black skirt, a white blouse, stockings and underwear from the drawers. Every piece of clothing, except for the nylon stockings, had the numbers stitched in. Cyphers who committed a crime were often in a temporary or constant state of insanity. They weren’t allowed to wear anything else but their government-issued outfits, so it was rather easy to track them. Katlena tried not to think of the last time she had to find a cypher’s true identity. The woman had been dead, her clothes dirty and stained. 28435.
She found a small bag with toiletries in the tiny bathroom, directing her focus back to what she needed to do. By the time she walked along the hallway to the holding cell, Katlena felt fairly optimistic. She couldn’t bring back everything 51308 desired, but she could help make her life better. She’d clear things with Drago and go from there.
“Good morning, 51308.” She put on a smile, not too much, not too cheerful. When she opened the door, 51308 sat up on the narrow cot, smoothing her hands over her hair and clothing.
“Well, what a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here,” she greeted her. Katlena didn’t buy her tough act. The young woman looked frightened. No doubt, a night in the holding cell, not knowing what was going to happen to you, wasn’t fun. Given the charges, no court would put her in prison for any prolonged time. Katlena was aware of other dangers that loomed for cyphers who lost their job. They could be kicked out of the program, and in comparison to what awaited them, prison might be the kinder alternative. Katlena pushed aside the irrational feeling of guilt. What more could she have done?
“I said I would…”
“Well, why would you care? Isn’t the case closed for you?”
It was understandable that she wasn’t too cheery this morning, but Katlena thought a little gratitude wouldn’t hurt.
“Actually, it isn’t. I did some research on your behalf, and we’ll still have to see my boss about it, but it’s possible that you’ll get out of here soon. In fact, I came to get you because we have a meeting with him in half an hour. I brought you clothes.”
The young woman’s eyes widened.
“You were in my apartment, going through my things?”
“Would you rather keep the ones you’re wearing?”
“No! You know, I don’t care what you think or what your plans are. You all just get off on your power and I refuse to play along. Why don’t you leave me alone?”
Katlena had ignored the yelling, simply opened the door and set the bag she’d brought aside. Then she pulled 51308 into an embrace, holding on until the other woman stopped fighting and relaxed against her. It was unprofessional. It was dangerous for both of them, yet it seemed the right thing to do. She’d turn the camera back on in a minute.
It was obvious to anyone who cared to take a closer look that 51308 needed more than fresh clothes and make-up. She seemed so starved for human contact. Katlena wryly admitted to herself this might be something they had in common, if for different reasons. She was crossing a line. With some regret and a lot of self-restraint, she stepped back.
“If the boss says yes, you can do an internship here at the IdA. You’d be sworn to secrecy, and you can never break that rule unless you really want to go to prison for a long time. You’ll do a lot of the same work as before, with better hours.”
There was an almost feverish gleam in 51308’s eyes. Knowing all the details from her file, Katlena could imagine what she was thinking. Sadly, that would never come true. Unless…If somebody could come along and buy Ami Moore’s, there had to be some other identities for sale. They’d have to think about that later. For now, she wanted everything to go smoothly with Drago.
“You’ll get rid of Mary and her buddy which I think is an improvement, but I’m afraid you’ll have to work with me instead. First, in any case, we need to impress Drago. I think I brought you everything you need.”
“Thank you,” 51308 murmured, though she nearly choked on it. She might be desperate, but she was also proud.
Katlena could sympathize. She couldn’t begin to imagine what it had to be like to have all your independence taken away, your future in the hands of strangers.
She stepped outside while 51308 changed into clothes that looked pretty much identical to the ones she’d been wearing before. T
he person who had designed the cypher “uniform” clearly had chosen practical over fashionable.
“You’re pretty enough,” Katlena decided, reminded of Noelle’s remark. “Let’s go see my boss.” She had meant to make an, albeit lame, joke, but 51308’s somber expression told her she’d failed. Her words sounded wrong even to herself.
Drago was on the phone, but he waved them in and gestured to the empty chairs. 51308 sat down, with caution, on the edge of her seat.
Katlena stood, not so much out of respect for her superior, but because she liked to be able to overview the scene.
“Good morning, Inspector Cervantes,” Drago said after he’d hung up. “I take it this is your charge, 51308?”
“Yes, sir. I was hoping you’d have some news for me regarding the internship.”
“Actually I do.”
Katlena didn’t like the way he kept his gaze on 51308. He was not looking into her eyes.
“51308, I understand you have worked as a secretary. That means you’d be qualified to assist the inspector with paperwork, which I’m sure she will appreciate. What were your initial plans?”
“You mean before I got arrested?” 51308 asked sharply. Katlena cleared her throat.
“I mean before the government became responsible for you,” Drago clarified, his voice level. “Don’t get me wrong. These internships are very rare. We understand you might not have had the opportunity to follow a career of your choice, but we want to know what your aspirations are, or were.”
A shadow crossed the woman’s face before she spoke.
“I was about to start college. I wanted to study journalism.”
“That is impressive. If you were to gain enough money to buy back your name eventually, would you go back to school?”
“I’d like that very much.” Her voice was quiet, full of longing.
Drago looked thoughtful, but most likely he was pausing for the effect, leaving no doubt about who was in charge here. “Well, we’ll see about that.”
Behind her chair, Katlena barely refrained herself from shaking her head. It wasn’t going to happen. Drago knew that. It was rather cruel to tease 51308 with her old dreams.
“I talked to my superiors, and we agreed you might be a good candidate for the internship program,” he continued. “You’ll have three probationary days. After that your pay starts. However, we mustn’t forget this is part of your rehabilitation, and you were charged with a crime. Do you regret what you did?”
When 51308 was about to open her mouth, Katlena took a step closer, laying a hand on her shoulder. Just in case.
“Yes, sir. I regret that very much.”
Drago looked her up and down once more, and smiled.
“I’ll have my secretary get the contract, and then we can all go back to work. Welcome to the IdA, 51308.”
Katlena could tell from the stormy look 51308 gave her that the irony of the situation had not gone unnoticed. Without the IdA, she wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place. Nevertheless, without it, 51308 might already be living on the streets. She shouldn’t underestimate the chance she’d been given, then and now. Becoming a cypher was a last resort, not something you wanted to happen to you, but that last resort prevented people from hitting rock bottom.
“Thank you,” 51308 said. “I appreciate your help.”
A little indecisive, Katlena stood in the hallway with her new intern a moment later. She had a general idea about how this was supposed to work from the reading she had done. Cyphers were part of her work, but none of them had ever been a co-worker before. Of course it didn’t help she was much aware of the tension that had been there from the first OA meeting she’d attended.
It had spiked in the interrogation room, something that Noelle had noticed too. That wasn’t good. Of all her co-workers, she was probably the one Katlena trusted most, not that it said a lot. In Katlena’s opinion, it was always a hazard to get too close to somebody, to make oneself vulnerable. She looked at 51308 with a sigh. Yeah, if only I lived by my own rules.
“All right, I guess I’ll show you around a bit first. Since you’re not getting paid today anyway.”
“What are you gonna write in my report?” There was a hint of suspicion.
“That we chatted and drank coffee all day? Relax. I didn’t spend all those hours trying to find a solution just to get you fired after probation. Drago is right, I can use the help. It’s probably a lot of boring stuff, but the surroundings are much nicer.”
“Does he do that to you too?” 51308 asked bitterly. “The looks? I guess not. You’re not just a number that happens to have boobs. Authority would be a turn-off too.”
Katlena had wanted to give her something apologetic, reassuring. She had noticed and was just as angry about her boss’s behavior. She hoped he’d be clever enough not to take it too far. Neither of them could use any more trouble. This was not the right time or place to discuss how to best handle Drago.
Instead she said, “Not for you though.”
51308’s surprised expression was almost a pout, and that moment, Katlena deeply regretted there were other people in the building that could walk in on them at any moment. She was too aware of her heartbeat speeding up, and the warm pleasant sensations in other areas. She needed to get out more often. She needed an ice-cold shower.
First though, there was work to do. “Never mind. Let’s see where you’re going to work.”
Katlena showed 51308 the research areas they had access to, and the computer programs they were working with. It was easy enough considering what she’d done at Shelton’s. Noelle was working on some paperwork of her own, but stopped every now and then to watch them with unveiled amusement.
“You always get what you want, right?” she whispered to Katlena when she passed her by another time. 51308 was sitting at her assigned workplace, entering data.
“Well, I try to. It’s a good way to live…and not having to type this stuff frees up time for more important work.” Katlena cringed a little. She hadn’t meant to belittle 51308’s work, even if it sounded that way. “Anyway, she’s quick and smart. What else could I ask for?”
“Those are good…qualities I’d say.” Noelle smirked.
Katlena remembered a moment when they’d first started working together, and she’d been on the verge of asking her out on a date. Then again, she hadn’t gotten that vibe from her, and they’d defined their relationship as friends only. Noelle seemed to have an idea about what was on her mind.
“Clearly. I’m glad Drago pushed this through. Thanks again for the interviews yesterday.”
“No problem.” Noelle shrugged. “You seemed rather determined. I didn’t want to be in the way.”
“Noelle, not all of them are criminals. We need to remember that.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
Noelle’s brother had gone in and out of rehab for drug use, eventually became a cypher and had allegedly joined the rebel camp, whether clean or not, nobody knew. There was a warrant out for him. They all had their reasons.
“Well, whatever. Would you like to have drinks after work tonight?”
Katlena looked from her co-worker to her new intern.
“I don’t know. I have to wait for all the paperwork on 51308 to be finished, and her ID card for the library. No idea how long that will take.”
“Sure. Another time then.”
To her surprise, Katlena detected a hint of disappointment to Noelle’s voice. She decided not to dwell on it. She gave 51308 a few reports to type before she went in search of another coffee. It was going to be another long day.
After discussing the results of the other day’s interviews with Noelle, Katlena made a beeline for the break room where she got two vanilla lattes from the vending machine which she carried back to her desk. She never knew what reaction she should expect from 51308. Katlena thought she’d be glad to have her work appreciated. Instead, she looked scared as if Katlena’s offer terrified her.
&nb
sp; “Hey, it’s just fancy coffee. It won’t bite you.”
51308 took a deep breath. “Easy for you to say. The last time someone offered me coffee, I ended up with ruined clothes and was arrested on bogus charges the next day. Forgive me if I’m cautious.”
“Well, there are no strings attached with this one. Except that I hope you’ll want to stay around, because you’re saving me a lot of time and I kind of like you.” There, she’d said it, and it didn’t sound like “I kind of want to take your clothes off” –much.
“You’re welcome,” 51308 said after a moment of hesitation, giving Katlena a shy smile. “Thank you. I appreciate what you did for me. You should be careful though. I don’t think it’s common to share with a cypher.”
“You’re my intern. I think I can decide that.”
“Okay. What’s all this, am I supposed to do anything with this?”
“No. I’ll take care of it.” Katlena hastily took the file from her, closing it soundly. The last thing she could use was 51308 learning about the three-year-clause, and how it impacted her. “Enjoy your coffee,” she told her, “I’ll be right back.”
When she stood at the copier, Drago came by, giving the papers a cursory glance. “Don’t you have someone to do that for you now?”
“Not this one,” Katlena said. “It’s her file. I think you agree it’d be better if I handle this by myself.”
“Agreed. You destroyed the note as I told you?”
“Yes,” she lied.
Drago leaned against the wall, watching her. Katlena gave him a quick smile, hoping the fact that she was making a copy of 51308’s file didn’t look too suspicious to him. After all, the woman was her responsibility.
“Interesting woman she is, don’t you think?”
Katlena mumbled something that sounded close enough to a confirmation.
“After you’re done here, you can come get her papers. When your shift ends, she can go back home too.”
CYPHER: A Dystopian Novel Page 4