The moment hung on the air. Leigh’s movements became sensual, rather than sexual. After a minute, she drew back. Neither of them said anything. She continued cleaning him, trimming his hair and his beard as though nothing had happened. Archer didn’t know what to say. And so he didn’t say anything.
CHAPTER 9
Leigh drained some of the dirty water out of the tub and topped it off with more hot water before disappearing out the bathroom. It was the first time Archer had had any privacy since first meeting Ada on his doorstep. Strangely, his thoughts weren’t about himself, but of Trevor.
Ada said that you just disappeared. What really happened?
A couple of minutes passed by with Archer running through scenario after scenario, none of them making any sense. Part of him felt resentful for even caring. Trevor had abandoned him and his mother years earlier. Why should he mourn for him, or spare any thought for whatever he did to get himself killed?
The door opened. Leigh set a bundle of clothing down just inside the room and then left so that he could change. Archer rinsed himself off one last time and climbed out of the bath, letting the last of his thoughts for his brother circle the drain along with the dirty water and soap suds.
He dried off and dressed in the outfit Leigh had left for him. It was nicer than anything he could ever remember wearing, even though it was only a simple black t-shirt and a pair of grey jeans. He glanced at himself in the mirror behind the sink and saw someone new staring back him. But he still felt the same as he had that morning. He was still Archer, unchanged from the street smog struggling to find enough food and work to scrape by.
Leigh wasn’t in the living room when he exited the bathroom. Archer took the opportunity to give himself a tour of the apartment. He had his own master bedroom, which was three times the size of the room that Leigh had been given.
There was the kitchen and living room, which he had seen before. Beyond the living room, hidden heavy drapes was another door made of clear glass. It led to a balcony. Archer slipped outside into the cold night and looked out over the railing marveling at the landscape seven floors below, and then at the night sky above.
The orbital lights were out in full force, a bright, flickering display of light trails and bright, wandering objects. Archer still wasn’t sure exactly what they were. For weeks at a time, they would appear regularly in the night sky along with the stars and the moon.
He’d argued with the other children about them, growing up in the coal district. None of them had known anything that resembled factual knowledge about the orbital lights. He’d heard others explain them away since getting older, describing them as visual artifacts from space debris burning up on reentry. Still, something deep down inside Archer made him suspect that there was more to it than just that. There had to be.
The door slid open behind him. Leigh came out onto the balcony, wearing a white cotton bath robe, her hair still damp, but no longer soaked as it had been during their encounter in the water.
“They’re really pretty tonight,” she said.
“Leigh…” said Archer. “About before. I still-”
“Archer.” She set her hand on his shoulder and turned to meet his eye, cutting him off. She was so beautiful, and it felt as though she could convey more through the expression on her face than with actual words.
We’re both stuck in the roles that we have to play. Talking about it won’t change anything.
“There used to be a time before the orbital lights,” said Leigh, turning to look back up at the sky.
Archer nodded.
“…I know,” he said. “It only makes sense, if you think about it. A time back before the world was so complicated.”
A bright dot cut halfway across the sky before exploding in a burst of light, looking more like a firework than a shooting star.
“It’s only complicated because we make it complicated,” said Leigh. She leaned forward against the railing. A gust of wind blew the front of her robe open slightly, and despite the fact that he’d already seen her naked, Archer felt compelled to avert his eyes.
“I don’t know about that,” he said. “We’re part of what could be humanity’s last generation. Fighting to survive in a world overrun by the monsters we created.”
Leigh shrugged.
“I don’t know,” she said. “We’ve just been told a story, Archer. And it jumps around to explain everything. We’re the humans, we’re the good guys. The Rogue AI and the fabricants, bad guys. But… it’s all just a story.”
“It’s not as though we’re winning, though, if we’re the good guys,” said Archer. “The second and third expansions were within the past hundred years, from what I’ve read. Both times the Rogue and the fabricants attacked the people outside the city, killing innocent people. Innocent, poor people.”
“Like I said, I don’t know,” said Leigh. “But maybe… the answer isn’t for us to think about it in terms of good and bad. Or expanding, versus recycling, or anything black and white. And maybe there’s somewhere we could go. Somewhere better, where things would be different.”
She turned to look at him again, and her expression seemed strangely vulnerable. Archer felt his heart ache for her. He set his hand on top of hers and gave it a small squeeze, suddenly quite certain that he would do whatever it took to keep moving forward instead of falling back into his old life.
If I fall, she falls with me.
“I… should head inside,” said Leigh. “And so should you. Captain Ada will be by early tomorrow morning for you.”
Archer nodded, still keeping his hand where it was. He moved a little closer to her, bringing his body within a couple inches of her. It was cold outside, and Leigh’s nipples were visible even through the thick fabric of her cotton robe.
“Thanks,” he said. “You’ve been a huge help tonight.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” she said. “Whatever you need, sir.”
She was gorgeous, and more than anything, Archer wanted to lead her inside and into bed. But there was still something reserved about her. She was cautious with her words. Every sentence was methodical, thought out, and specific. He was intrigued by the girl on the inside, not the face she put on for her work.
“Good night, Leigh.” He let go of her hand and nodded to the balcony door, letting her head inside first.
“Good night… Archer,” she said.
CHAPTER 10
The bed was a soft, seductive cloud of clean sheets, supple pillows, and real mattress. Archer slept more soundly than he ever had before, his dreams wandering across the events of the previous day, especially the encounter with Leigh.
He awoke to the sound of Ada entering the apartment and groaned, tired and practically glued to the bed. Ada didn’t bother knocking as she entered his room, her high heels clicking against the floor with each step she took.
“We don’t have time for you to wake up slowly,” she said. “I need to get you… downstairs.”
Archer blinked his eyes open. He’d slept in his underwear, and for a moment, he thought that was the reason why Ada’s eyes were locked onto his crotch. A glance downward told him the truth.
Morning wood. What a fantastic way to greet my new boss.
“Just… give me a minute to-”
“We don’t have time for that, Archer,” said Ada. She cleared her throat and tried to act as though his visible arousal wasn’t something she’d noticed. “The media channels know you’re here. They haven’t unraveled the full truth about Trevor yet, but it’s critical that we get you into the armor skin before they start speculating at what’s going on.”
Ada wore a tight black skirt, pantyhose, and a white blouse with a brown leather jacket over it. She looked good, and more importantly, professional, catching the eye while still giving off the impression that she could easily rip a man’s head off.
“…Fine.” Archer stood up, turning away from her and finding that Leigh had set out another outfit for him on the night stan
d next to his bed. He pulled on jeans and a button up long sleeve shirt. The clothes fit him perfectly, and he could only wonder at how she’d managed it.
Leigh was already at work cooking in the kitchen. Ada didn’t seem to notice her or the food as she lead Archer toward the door and past the savory smelling breakfast. He realized that he was starving and had to put his foot down.
“I have to grab something to eat,” he said, yawning. “Sorry. This can’t wait.”
Ada scowled at him and then at Leigh.
“Next time, get him to sleep early like I told you to,” she said to the attendant. “You aren’t getting paid just to be eye candy, Leigh.”
“Of course, ma’am,” said Leigh.
Archer frowned, not liking Ada’s tone of voice. It reminded him of what Leigh’s position truly was in the eyes of the world. Regardless of how he treated her and saw her, to the captain of the Metal Squad, she was just a servant, a former smog.
“This looks delicious Leigh,” said Archer, as though a compliment could counter the Ada’s condescension. “Thank you.”
She’d cooked eggs, bacon, and home fries, and instead of serving them to Archer on a plate, she’d quickly cut some bread and handed him a portable sandwich. Archer scooped it up and grinning, took a huge bite. Archer winked at Leigh conspiratorially as Ada continued pulling him toward the door.
“Have a nice day, sir,” said Leigh.
Archer almost corrected her for not using his name, and then stopped himself. He didn’t trust Ada completely, and letting her in on the fact that he’d begun to get close to his attendant would be exposing a new vulnerability.
Though Leigh was hired by Ada, to begin with. Does that mean I can’t trust her, either?
Ada led him down the hallway opposite the direction they’d come from the night before. She walked quickly, emanating a sense of urgency that made him feel slightly concerned.
“The streamcasters were at the front entrance when I arrived,” said Ada. “Hopefully if we head out the back, we can sneak by them.”
Archer frowned.
“Why does it matter if they see me?” he asked. “The story is going to get out eventually, isn’t it?”
“We need to be the ones controlling the narrative here,” said Ada. “If the media channels start up with their theories, it’s going to undermine your influence before you’ve even officially joined the Metal Knights.”
“My influence?”
Ada looked at him as though he was a very slow child.
“Your brother was one of the most influential people in the city,” said Ada. “If the media channels catch onto the fact that he’s gone missing and you’ve taken his place, they will make you out to be a usurper at best, and a fratricidal maniac, at worst.”
She pushed open a nondescript set of doors and led Archer out into a dim, narrow stairway. He followed quickly behind her, a little surprised by how deft she moved in a tight skirt and heels.
Six flights of stairs later, they pushed through a door into brilliant sunlight. Archer only managed to get a few feet outside of the building before the streamcasters noticed him and started sprinting over.
“The rail car is on its way,” said Ada. “Don’t say anything to them. Don’t let them touch you, but don’t touch them, either.”
“You’re talking about them like they’re monsters,” said Archer.
Ada grinned at him.
“That’s a good word for it.”
The streamcasters were pushing into Archer’s personal space within seconds. He held his arms up, keeping them from jostling in too close while also keeping himself from reacting aggressively.
“Do you have anything to say about your brother’s supposed disappearance?” shouted a woman.
“Can you confirm that he is not within the Prime Complex at the moment?” came a voice from behind him.
“Are you being groomed to wear the eighth armor skin and join the Metal Knights?”
“What’s your opinion on Overseer Tensmoth’s push to campaign for Michael Armen’s recyclist senatorial campaign?”
“All questions will be answered in due time,” said Ada. “No interviews at the moment.”
She repeated the words over and over like an incantation designed to ward off evil. The rail car arrived and Ada pulled Archer through the crowd and inside. The doors shut behind them with a vacuum sealed whoosh.
He took a seat on one of the bench chairs, and as she had before, Ada sat down right next to him. Archer watched the mob of streamcasters fade into the distance behind them, most of them still filming him as he left.
“Will there always be so many of them?” he asked.
Ada smiled.
“They can smell a story in the air,” she said. “I have to give them credit for that. It’s going to get worse for the next few days while you’re still new. It will slow down though, eventually.”
Archer nodded. He really didn’t like the idea of having cameras on him, watching and recording his every move. It was the opposite of living in the coal district where nobody cared about anybody unless they could give them food or a place to sleep.
“Do you understand why it matters so much to the media channels, Archer?” asked Ada.
“Ratings?” he said. “The Metal Knights are warriors, fighting back against the Rogue AI. Audiences love that kind of thing.”
“That’s true, to a certain extent,” said Ada. “Tempus has the Watchers, who guard the city walls and police the interior, and the Rangers, who operate outside the city, guarding trade caravans and mining expeditions. But both do just as much fighting as the Metal Knights, perhaps even more, on a day to day basis.”
The Watchers. I was set on joining them, before all of this started.
Ada was looking at him expectantly.
“I don’t know,” said Archer.
“It’s because the Metal Knights don’t usually die,” said Ada. “In the decade since their inception, we’ve only lost three, including your brother. The armor skins are why people care about them, but it’s more than that they make them into great weapons. The Metal Knights are figureheads, hope generators.”
“And my brother…?”
“He was the leader of the Metal Knights in all but name,” said Ada. “I was never close with Trevor. He was abrasive and arrogant, but I respected him, and he respected me. He was a good man, Archer.”
Archer was silent for a moment.
“Do you really think I’ll be able to use the armor skin?” he asked.
Ada hesitated for a split second. Something flashed across her face, but she smiled to cover it.
“Yes,” she said. “I do. One hundred percent.”
She’s lying.
“You’re Trevor’s brother,” she continued. “There’s every reason to think that the armor skin would take to you after being bonded to him. It’s a… natural progression.”
Archer sighed.
“Right,” he said. “Of course.”
CHAPTER 11
The rail car took Archer and Ada through the inner city to the north. A small, adjacent section of the outer city had been fenced off and turned into a military complex called the North Compound, home of the Metal Squad.
The car slowed as the main gate, a simple chain fence, was pulled open for them by a guard who authenticated Ada’s credentials. Archer figured that with the Metal Squad in residence there was little need for extravagant defensive measures.
Archer followed Ada out of the rail car and across the compound’s bare courtyard. There were three buildings at surface level, two small ones and a larger one. Ada led him into one of the smaller ones through a cargo door that took up almost the entirety of its front wall.
The room on the other side was bare, metal floored, and industrial. It took Archer a moment to recognize it for what it was. Ada was already working the panel in the center of the floor, and then the cargo door closed and the floor beneath them began descending underground.
“I
hate elevators,” he groaned.
“There’s a set of stairs that leads down to the sub ground complex, too,” said Ada. “It’s just… a bit of a hike to use them.”
She smiled at Archer. The trip down took several minutes, and by the time they reached the bottom, Archer’s stomach was tight with nausea.
Ada led him down a narrow metal hallway that reminded Archer of a book he’d once read about an ancient vehicle called a submarine. At the end of the hallway, Ada pushed a door open, and Archer followed her into a large chamber that was clearly their destination.
“And here we are,” she said. “The Knights Armory.”
Archer let his eyes roam over everything, taking in what he was seeing. One side of the room looked like an industrial garage, with various mechanical tools and parts stored neatly on shelves and metal work benches.
Eight compartments were set into the opposite wall, five of them empty but three held armor skins. Next to the display cases was a massive counter containing numerous Metal Knight weaponry. Archer was able to identify some of the weapons, swords, hammers, and glaives, but many he could only guess at.
He’d seen the Metal Knights before, on the public TVs back in the coal district. As he looked over the empty armor skins he was surprised at how small they appeared. They didn’t look like the hulking suits of metallic medieval armor he’d expected. Rather, they were like empty costumes, soulless and deflated without someone inside.
“Number seven,” said Ada. “That’s the one you’ll be trying on.”
Archer walked over to it dumbly, slowing to a stop within reach of it. The armor skins were made of heavy metal alloys, the joints segmented by special, non-Newtonian liquids that were flexible under normal circumstances, but hardened against impact.
The metal sections of Trevor’s armor skin were jet black, while the joints were dark blue. The visual effect reminded Archer of a shadow across a deep rain puddle. The helmet was black, with a dark blue strip of eye visor. Two reverse spikes jutted out and back from right behind the temples, like mechanical elf ears.
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