On the Brink

by Alison Ingleby et al.

  My body drifts away, like it’s floating on a cloud. Behind my eyelids, I review my trip outside, the conversations with Baxten, and my attempt to convince the Professions Department to allow me to start a new appointment for being outdoors.

  Before I know it, the device ceases, pulling back and gently releasing me into reality. Taking a deep breath, I blink back the last tendrils of drowsiness as everything comes more into focus.

  Stretching, I yawn and stand back up. My mind feels clearer now, less agitated. As I step away, the Lotus chair goes dormant; the headrest folding in on itself and sinking into the back of the chair.

  I reinitiate the eLink and stretch. Before I have a chance to walk to the window, an eLink alert broadcasts into my mind . . .

  ~Runa Cophem, please return to the Professions Department within twenty minutes. We have important details to go over with you.

  Surprise flashes through my body and I freeze.

  What could this mean? Have they considered my request?

  What if the answer is no?

  Butterflies erupt in my abdomen as I mull over possible explanations.

  “Only one way to find out,” I whisper to myself.

  Walking to the door, I open it with ease and make my way past Baxten, heading back to the hall.

  ~Where are you going? Baxten’s words infiltrate my mind.

  ~The Professions Department wants to see me. Hopefully, it's good news.

  ~Really? Do you want me to come along?

  ~No need. I should be back soon.

  I cut off our connection and make my way back down the hall towards the Professions Department. I know most things inside the Helix move fast, but this is taking things to a whole new level. If Bianca’s still there, I need to tell her I appreciate her efforts.

  For some reason, I’m inexplicably nervous about going in to talk with the department again. Is it because I really want to be understood and allowed to do my work outside? Or is it deeper than that?

  The white radiant backlighting from the hallways of the Helix suddenly feels suffocating and I take a quick moment to calm my nerves.

  What if they say yes? What if I’m getting nervous about nothing at all?

  A whole new level of anxiety stretches out in my being. What if they do say yes? Does that mean I’m solely in charge of developing an outdoor profession? Could I handle something like that?

  Chewing on my lower lip, I finally take a deep breath and push myself to enter the small department headquarters. Sure enough, Bianca is still there.

  ~Hello, Bianca. It’s me, Runa—

  ~Please have a seat, she says without looking up.

  Confused, I look around the small space. There isn’t a place set out to sit. The entire area is a stark cube.

  Instead, I stand awkwardly in the middle of the room and clasp my hands in front of my body. After a few, extremely long moments, Bianca looks up. Beside her, a small, cylindrical tube rises out of the flat surface of her desk. She wordlessly grabs it and meets my gaze.

  ~Come forward, please.

  I do as I’m asked, taking three full strides before I stand at the counter again.

  She hands me the cylinder and I cast her a quizzical look when no instructions are broadcast.

  ~What am I meant to do with this?

  ~Open it.

  Blinking away my surprise, I peer at the tube with discerning eyes. There is absolutely nothing that screams “open here”.

  Bianca must notice my confusion because she looks up and points.

  ~Unscrew one of the ends. Shouldn’t matter which one.

  Twisting the cylinder, it breaks apart into two equal halves. Inside, what looks like a small mechanical bug flies out.

  “Ah,” I cry out in surprise.

  The bug flutters to my arm, placing its large, needle-like face into my skin. Within seconds, its see-through body fills with blood.

  Without thought, I swat at the bug, forcing it off my body.

  ~What in the world is that thing?

  I stare at Bianca in horror, but she merely shrugs.

  ~It’s simply a test. It will help us determine your Professional Placement request.

  ~How on earth could taking my blood help you determine anything?

  ~You’d be surprised how much data is hidden in your blood, she states matter-of-factly.

  Rubbing at my arm, I swallow hard.

  ~Is there—is there anything else you need from me?

  ~That is all. For now. We’ll be in touch.

  Nodding to myself, I stumble back the way I came, more confused than ever.

  What on Pendomus was that all about?

  Chapter 6

  Traeton

  If Fenton doesn’t want to be a part of this place, there’s no way I will force him to do it.

  I continue to go back and forth in my mind, knowing there’s nothing I can do, even if I wanted to make him stay. But for me, I haven’t gotten this far only to turn back now. It’s just not gonna happen.

  Guess I’ll have to get used to being alone.

  Fenton left to go to the Lateral two days ago and at this point, there’s been no word on when he’ll return. I’ve even managed to fire up the mainframe and get in touch with Landry, but he hasn’t seen hide nor hair of Fenton.

  At first, it didn’t seem all that unusual. Maybe he went to talk with Lane or something. But the longer it’s been quiet, the more worry builds.

  Maybe it’s for the best I’m alone. I don’t think I could handle this not knowing stuff when people go missing.

  In the back of my mind, I know there’s one way I could easily remedy this situation. I could go to the Lateral and hunt him down.

  After pacing the kitchen for the hundredth time, I grab a pack and head out. The trek back to the Lateral is dead silent and I can’t help but think the worst.

  Did he start a fight with someone and get hurt? What if he never made it at all? Did he get lost on the way to the Lateral? Did he fall or twist an ankle or—

  Shuddering to myself, I push all the horrible things that could have happened out of my mind. Instead, I force myself to move faster, getting to the Lateral in record time.

  When I enter the gate into the main city, the noise assaults my senses and I realize for the first time just how loud it really is here. There are people talking, walking, farming, living life and each one of them has a sound footprint.

  Walking out onto the busy cobbled street, I start filtering through every person I can see, hunting for the trademark golden hair. He’s usually pretty easy to spot.

  I meander to the center of the city, going past Delaney’s and heading toward Landry’s.

  As I walk up the stone steps, Alina’s laughter can be heard inside. Instead of walking straight in, I knock on the door. Just in case.

  Landry opens the door, his eyes falling on me on the front stoop.

  “What in the hell are you standing there for? Forget how to open a door?” he says, snickering.

  “Nah, I just . . . I heard Alina and didn’t want to interrupt anything,” I say, shrugging.

  “Nothing crazy going on. We’re just chatting,” Landry says, opening the door wide.

  I walk in the space but pull up short.

  At the small table, Alina sits beside Kani Ling . . . and Fenton.

  “I thought you said he hadn’t turned up?” I say, glancing at Landry.

  Fenton stands up quickly, his chair sliding back with a loud shriek.

  “Trae—whatcha doin’ here?” he asks, his eyes wide.

  “I could say the same for you. I thought you were only going to be gone a few hours. I was worried you’d gotten lost, or beat up or something,” I say, my nostrils flaring.

  Fenton glances quickly toward the girl beside him and I turn my gaze to Kani.

  Her dark black hair is pulled in a tight ponytail and she shifts so she slightly leans back in her chair. It’s a strange air of nonchalance.

  “What’s going on here?” I ask, retu
rning my eyes to Fenton.

  Swallowing hard, Fenton grabs my arm and pulls me toward the front door.

  “Trae, can we ’ave a quick chat outside?”

  “Why? Whatever you have to say can be said in front of everyone.”

  Fenton throws a glance back at the table and Kani nods.

  Taking a deep breath, Fenton’s hand rubs at his lips before he finally says, “I’ve been hangin’ out wit Kani. I jus’ . . . before we . . . I needed ta know if thar was summat ta this and . . .” his voice meanders off and he bites the inside of his cheek.

  I take a step back.

  Of course, this is why he was asking if we’d ever want others to join us. He’s falling for a damn girl.

  “Really? Really? This is what it’s all been about?”

  “I knew ya’d be pissed. See, I told ya guys he’d be pissed,” Fenton says, pointing in my direction.

  “I’m not pissed because of her, dumbass. I’m pissed because you weren’t honest with me. With most things, I can’t get you to shut the hell up, then when things really matter, you hide them? What the hell is that, Fenton?”

  “I was gonna tell ya. Really. The timing was jus’ . . . well, it sucked. I’d just said yes to leaving with you and a couple days later, Kani and I started talkin’. I didn’t know anythin’ was gonna—”

  Kani sighs heavily. “Oh for the love. Traeton, he didn’t tell you because he cares about you. He didn’t want to hurt your feelings by saying he might be changing his mind.”

  My eyes flit to Kani. Everything in my being is suddenly annoyed at her presence.

  “I don’t recall asking you,” I spit.

  “Hey man, don’ talk ta her tha’ way.”

  Fenton’s eyes are serious and his fingers ball into fists.

  “Really? You’re gonna punch me now?”

  “Look, Trae we get this is a bit of a shock for you. But you might want to just have a seat at the table and chat about this. There could be a solution to all of this,” Alina says, tipping her head toward the open seat.

  Sighing heavily, I push past Fenton and take a seat.

  “Go on, I’m listening,” I mutter.

  Fenton walks back to the table, taking his seat beside Kani. His hand reaches out, taking hers.

  “I wan’ ta be at tha Haven. I do. But I wan’ Kani ta come wit us,” Fenton says, staring at me through his yellow spectacles.

  I snicker.

  “Yeah, that’s all great in theory. But there are only two alcoves in the Haven. Unless you plan on blasting another room, where in the hell is she gonna stay? Oh, right, your room, I suppose,” I say, nodding to myself.

  “Actually, I’d rather have my own space,” Kani says, narrowing her eyes. Her oriental heritage makes it hard to know if she’s being serious or just trying to get a rise outta me.

  “Sorry, but like I said, there’s not a third space to put you up in,” I say, wondering if she’s even listened to the conversation.

  “I get that,” she says, raising an eyebrow. “You boys could share one of the rooms, right?”

  “Can you believe this?” I say, jabbing a finger towards Kani, but looking at Fenton.

  He shrugs sheepishly. “Well, we could.”

  Chapter 7

  Runa

  The next few days are torture. So much for the Helix being fast. There has been absolutely nothing broadcast or said about my request. Instead, it’s been more silent than normal.

  Ordinarily, I’d be sent on various tasks, each meant to see if my aptitudes would be relevant or at least satisfactory to one or more of the professions inside the Helix.

  Yet, nothing.

  “This is ridiculous,” I mutter to myself. “I’ll just go outside and do some more exploring. At least it will show the Helix I’m serious about my request. Maybe it will initiate—”

  There’s a knock on my living space door and I jump.

  Baxten’s face flashes in my mind.

  ~Are you home, Runa?

  He’s been gone for the majority of the day, working with the other ScanTech Readers to upgrade their systems. Something about new ocular scanners being developed and tested so they can recognize people if they get only a partial read.

  ~Yes, I’m home. You can come in, if you want.

  The door slides open and Baxten steps inside.

  ~Any news yet? he asks.

  I shake my head.

  ~Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll hear back soon.

  I shrug.

  ~Maybe, but I’m sick of waiting. I’m going to go outside for a bit.

  I walk over to my small closet and grab my NanoTech Jacket.

  ~Have you taken your RationCap for the day?

  I roll my eyes. Our mother is a RationCaps Chemist, but he’s the only one who feels the need to check in to make sure I’ve taken mine.

  ~Of course.

  He raises his hands in mock surrender.

  ~I was just asking.

  I grin, shaking my head as I walk on by.

  ~Wanna come with?

  He shakes his head.

  ~Can’t. We’re having trouble with one of the sensors and I just came back to grab a part. I have to head back to the job site.

  ~Okay, suit yourself.

  ~See ya, little sis.

  ~See ya.

  I wave goodbye, making my way out into the hallway. As I walk toward the exit, I change the settings on my NanoTech Jacket to cold weather. Instantly, the fabric bulks up, insulating me from the frigid Pendomus air.

  Pushing open the door to the outside, I take a few steps out into the fresh, open air. only to feel the crackle of the eLink as it tries to connect. Before I can accept the conversation, it cuts off.

  Was it a mistake? Or did I lose connection?

  Shrugging, I wait for a few extra moments to see if the connection will pick back up. When it doesn’t, I trudge through the snow drifts, making my way to the tree line. It’s my favorite spot in all of Pendomus. I truly could wander those trees all day and never be tired of being in their midst.

  When I hit the tree line, rather than continuing, I take a seat, resting my back against one of the larger trees. I face the Helix, taking it in all its massive glory. The structure weaves in and out of the ground, a definite homage paid to its namesake.

  From out here, it’s so easy to let the worries, dreams, hopes, and fears of the Helix wash away. Out here, anything is possible. At least, it feels that way. Inside is a totally different story. Maybe that’s another reason I want my professional appointment to be added. It gives me hope the world I live in can grow and evolve.

  The sky filled with the sounds of birds and I look over my shoulder to see a flock of small black dots gliding my way. Their movements are graceful and beautiful as they fly as a single unit. A smile filters to my lips and I realize this is what the Helix is trying to do.

  Get all its people to fall in line with a single, unified purpose.

  When I look at it that way, I can understand how adding a new profession may seem like a wrench being thrown into the works. I just hope they don’t view it that way.

  The birds take solace in the trees around me, their chirps, songs, and calls filling the open space ahead of us.

  As I turn my gaze back to the Helix, I see a figure racing toward me. Suddenly alert, I switch to a crouch and peer into the vast abyss of snow, trying to figure out who it is.

  By the time they reach the halfway point, I stand up and wave my arms in the air.

  “Baxten,” I call out.

  His head turns in my direction and he course corrects slightly, making his way to me.

  Half jogging, he slows to a walk as he nears. His face is red from exertion and he takes a deep breath.

  “Ru-na,” he says slowly. Speaking out loud is not as easy as it once was. “You need to come back.”

  My eyebrows furrow. “Why?”

  He takes another deep breath, his face quirking into a slight grimace as his words come out like molasses. �
��They are looking for you.”

  “Who? The Professions Department?” I say, fumbling over the words myself. Longer words are so hard to enunciate.

  He nods in lieu of words.

  “Oh—okay, let’s go.” I nod to him, throwing out my left arm so he can take my hand.

  He looks at my outstretched limb, but doesn’t accept. Instead, he tilts his head toward the Helix and starts jogging.

  I wave at the birds behind me and follow after him.

  “What happened? What did they say?” I ask, hoping to get some information from Baxten before we head inside.

  He shakes his head. “Too hard to explain. Inside.”

  A finger juts toward the Helix and I nod in response.

  We jog the rest of the way, listening only to the sound of our boots crunching through the frozen tundra and our jagged breaths as we pull in the cold, arctic air. The moment we’re within the perimeter of the Helix, Baxten connects via the eLink.

  ~Runa—I don’t know what you did, but things don’t look good.

  I pull up short, grabbing his arm and making him stop.

  ~What do you mean?

  Struggling for air, he takes a long inhalation.

  ~I was just about to leave the LQ and there was a knock on the door. I figured it was you being funny or something. But it wasn’t you, obviously. It was some big, tall guy from the Professions Department. He wanted to see our LQ and specifically your quiet space. When you weren’t there, he took out a weird cylinder and made me open it. Runa, there was a creepy spider looking thing that came out and extracted my blood. What in the hell have you started?

  Chapter 8

  Traeton

  Keeping the rage caged is damn near unbearable.

  He wants me to give up my recently set up space so Kani can have it instead? He wants me to share a friggin’ room with him because she doesn’t even want to share one with him? Shouldn’t that be a red flag? I dunno.

  Does he realize moving was my idea?