Kings and Crowns: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 2)

by Chris Yee

  “That’s why we’re helping you,” Ella said. “You already know we don’t support the tests, but Simon needs to be stopped.”

  “And he will be,” Charlotte said. “Greene is a powerful man with the drive to achieve the impossible. If he wants Simon gone, it’ll happen. He always gets what he wants.”

  FIFTEEN

  THEY STOOD BACKSTAGE waiting for the conference to begin. There was a hum of chatter coming from the other side.

  “Well this feels familiar,” Alan said. “First Simon, now Greene. People really want to make you guys famous.”

  “With good reason,” Rupert said. “I take it most people around here don’t see outsiders very often. Vince and Saul have a connection with Harry Hedcrown. And they’re successful test subjects. They serve as role models for both sides.”

  “I know that, but we’ve been here only two days, and we’ve already been to two of these things. At this rate, the whole world will know Vince and Saul by the end of next week.”

  Rupert ignored him. “I’m actually quite curious to see how this crowd reacts. It will most likely be positive, but how positive? They seem more reserved than the crowd at Simon’s rally.”

  “That’s a good thing,” Vince said. “We don’t want to fight through another angry mob. We got lucky last time, but if this crowd turns on us, we won’t have Greene to save us. In fact, if things go wrong, he’ll have every reason to kill us.”

  “Well that puts my mind at ease,” Saul said. “I didn’t realize our lives depended on this conference.”

  “It very well may. We must be very careful how we handle this.”

  “Greene wants you to succeed,” Ella said. “He wants the crowd to like you, so just let him do all of the talking. Don’t say a single word up there.”

  Vince nodded. “I agree. We’ll stand up there, let Greene introduce us, and hopefully that will be enough.”

  “And if it isn’t?” Alan asked.

  “Then I guess we’ll have to say something,” Saul answered.

  “Remember,” Vince said. “Greene knows why we’re really here, but the people of the City don’t. They think we look up to him, admire him. We have to act as if we do. Put on a show. If they doubt our relationship with Greene for even a moment, our lives are at risk. Greene is powerful and dangerous, but as long as we have the people on our side, he can’t touch us.”

  The lights of the auditorium dimmed. The low hum of chatter faded. A voice projected from above. “The conference is about to begin. Please refrain from talking during the presentation. There will be time for questions afterward. Now please welcome your fearless leader, Mr. Victor Greene.”

  A light applause spread across the floor and dissipated as Greene took the stage.

  “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. We have some big news here in the City, which I’m sure you have already heard. But before we get to that, I would like to go over the Spire’s test output for the year. We have had a good one. Performance is at an all-time high, and we’re seeing more test subjects than ever before. This will help us pave a path to a better future for the City. Our cosmetic sector has innovated in exciting ways, advancing in cosmetic surgery and artificial enhancements. With surgery, we can now look exactly how we want. There are a few minor flaws that we are ironing out, but once development is complete, people will have exciting opportunities in the world of beauty.

  “In our defense sector, we have enhanced our evacuation pods. They are now faster and safer than ever before. With the attacks from Simon, we have made our safety procedures in the Spire a priority, so that you can feel safe while you work. You all experienced our lockdown exercise the other day, and you did a wonderful job at following protocol. Everyone was safe and secured in their designated safe rooms, just as planned. Your compliance is much appreciated. As you all know, the first wall has fallen, but I don’t want you to worry. We have assessed the damage and aim to build it back up even stronger than before. We will fortify the wall to ensure that Simon never breaks through it again. Our tested cannons proved a great success in driving his forces away. This is all thanks to the head of our defense sector, Dean Morton. We are working closely with him to develop an even stronger version of the cannon. We will keep you updated as more news comes.

  “And finally, the big news from our vitality sector. Mr. Vigo. Mr. Shepherd. Please come on stage.” Another light applause began as they walked up to join Greene. “As you have heard in my broadcast the other day, these two boys…well, they’re not boys anymore…these two gentlemen have come from the outside world, all the way from a place called Rodin. They volunteered as test subjects over two hundred years ago, and now they have journeyed to the City to thank me. To thank us. The Spire has given them the opportunity to live past death. This is a shining example of the great things we can achieve. Our tests help better the world. We are not the monsters Simon makes us out to be. We have one goal in mind, and that is to help the people. These two are living proof that we can succeed. Please join me in welcoming our new friends.”

  He clapped his hands, and the crowd joined along. The applause grew, as people cheered and whistled. Ella, Alan, and Rupert cheered from backstage with the rest of them. Vince and Saul smiled and waved, peering out at the massive crowd, shocked by the overwhelmingly positive response. Perhaps this would be easier than they thought.

  When the applause died down, Greene continued. “It truly is a great time for the Spire. The future looks bright for our people.” He turned to Vince and Saul. “Before I take questions from the audience, do either of you want to say anything?”

  Vince began to respectfully decline, but a voice echoed from the crowd. “Speech!” The single voice was joined by others as they started to chant. “Speech! Speech! Speech!”

  Greene chuckled. “It looks like they want a speech.”

  Saul reached for the microphone, looking to Vince for approval. He nodded. With the microphone in hand, Saul moved to the center of the stage. “I will say a few words. We have come—”

  “Sorry,” Greene interrupted. “Please hold the microphone up so these fine people can hear you.”

  Saul raised his hand. “As I was saying, we have come a long way. We’ve crossed deserts and traversed snow plains. We’ve sailed oceans and climbed mountains. And we did all of it to thank this man.” He pointed to Greene. “He is a generous man who has bestowed a gift upon us, and we are eternally grateful. We’ve been through a lot, and we’ve seen many things, but the City and the Spire have struck us with awe. Nothing compares to the monumental achievements that you have accomplished. All of you do great work. You change lives. You make them better. The City would not be the same without you.”

  He handed the microphone back to Greene, and the crowd erupted. They stood up and cheered and waved their arms around. People in the front row lifted up cameras to snap pictures of Saul as he waved.

  Greene clapped along with the audience. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Inspiring words from our new visitor. You two truly are the pride of the Spire. Once again, I would like to thank all of you for coming to this conference. These are exciting times and I see bright things ahead of us. I will open it up for questions now.”

  People stood from their seats and lined up at the microphones that were in front of the stage.

  The first person to ask a question was a young woman. “This question is for Mr. Vigo and Mr. Shepherd. Where is Rodin? How far have you traveled to get here?”

  “That is a very good question,” Greene said. “I suppose we should get extra microphones. I predict most of the questions will be for you, not me.” He waved to a person off stage who came up and handed each of them their own microphone. “Now that the audience can hear you, would you like to answer the question?”

  “Of course,” Saul said. “Rodin is a place very far from here. Almost a lifetime away. We have been traveling since we were young boys, leaving Rodin over two hundred years ago. We took breaks only when we neede
d to. And we walked the whole way. Thinking back, I am shocked at how far we’ve come. We left as young boys, and we only just arrived, two hundred years later.”

  “Why would you travel so far? Is it really just to thank Mr. Greene?”

  “He is the reason we could make the journey in the first place. Without him, we would have died a long time ago. He has granted us life. We are eternally indebted to him. We support the work he does, and if he can give more people what he gave to us, we want to do everything we can to help him.”

  “Thank you.” The woman stepped away.

  Alan nudged Ella as they watched backstage. “Saul’s pretty good at this. He knows exactly what Greene wants to hear. Vince, on the other hand, hasn’t said a word.”

  “I don’t think Vince is much of a public speaker,” She said. “They’re doing just fine. Saul has it under control. He’s winning the crowd over.”

  The next question came from a large man. “After such a long journey, what do you plan on doing now that you’re in the City?”

  “Another great question,” Saul said. He suddenly felt a deep pain in his stomach, where his scar was. He pressed against it with his hand, and the pain slowly faded. “We plan on doing more things like this. Coming to events. Meeting people like you. Promoting the good work you do here in the Spire. Many people already know, but some don’t. The Crowns attacked us the day we arrived because we showed support for Mr. Greene. If we can change their minds and stop their violence, the City will be a better place.”

  “What if you can’t change their minds?”

  “I believe almost anyone can be persuaded to the correct path, but if it comes down to it, we are willing to do whatever it takes. If that means taking on Simon’s forces head on, then that’s what we’ll do. He can be a frightening man, but he doesn’t scare us.”

  “He scares me,” Ella said from backstage. “And we should be scared of him. He’s killed countless numbers of innocent people without even batting an eye.”

  Rupert looked at her. “But that’s not what the people need to hear right now. What they need is inspiration. Positive encouragement. They must believe that Vince and Saul can lead them to victory. That’s the only way to get on Greene’s good side.”

  “I know it’s all an act,” she said, “but he’s so convincing.”

  “That’s a good thing. That means he’s doing his job.”

  Up next was a much smaller man. “Mr. Vigo sure is quiet up there. Does he have any words for us?”

  Saul looked back. “Vince?”

  Vince stepped forward. “I know I have not said much. I am a quiet person. Saul has done a wonderful job of expressing our enthusiasm for this partnership. We are excited for what’s to come. We hope you are too.” He stepped back to let Saul take over.

  “There have never been truer words. Mr. Greene has shown us great hospitality. We look forward to working with him.”

  Greene stepped in front of him. “Well said. I am sorry to cut this short, but that will have to be the last question. I must speak with these two in private. There are many things to plan for the future. We hope you are as excited as we are.”

  The crowd stood up and clapped as Vince and Saul followed Greene offstage.

  “You did a wonderful job up there,” Ella said.

  Greene patted them on the back. “They certainly did. The audience loves you.”

  “Why did you cut it short?”

  “I received some news while we were up on stage. It is important that you know. Come with me. We’ll go somewhere more private.”

  As they left the auditorium, the rumble of the crowd grew distant. Greene popped his head into an empty room and then waved for the others to come in. The room was nearly identical to the briefing room they were in before.

  Alan sat down at the table and stretched out his legs. “What’s so important?”

  Greene paced around at the head of the table. “You may all want to sit for this.” They all took a seat, leaning forward to hear the news. “We have the results from your scans. They came in while we were up on stage. All of you are completely healthy…except for Saul.”

  Saul looked up. “Why? What’s wrong with me?”

  “It is my understanding that you had an encounter with Barnabus Carbul. He shot you.”

  “Yeah, that’s right.” He rubbed the scar with his fingers. “But it’s all healed up now. I’m fine.”

  “The wound has healed, but the bullet is still in there. Have you been feeling any pain?”

  “I have, but I thought it was just part of the healing process.”

  Greene shook his head. “It isn’t. That bullet is slowly killing you. If we don’t get it out soon, you will die.” They all went silent when they heard that last word. “I know that sounds scary, but you’re in good hands. Our medical sector is the best in the City. I will personally make sure you get the best treatment. I have already scheduled an appointment with our most successful surgeon. He will see you in an hour” He walked to the door. “I have to tend to some business, but I will return when he’s ready for you. Believe me when I say that I will do everything in my power to keep you alive. If you need anything at all while I’m gone, Charlotte can help you.” He backed out of the door and left.

  Saul slouched in his chair, staring down at the ground. The others gathered around him. “I can’t die,” he said. “What was the point in surviving the gunshot if I’m just going to die anyway?”

  “You don’t have to worry,” Charlotte said. “There’s no way he’s going to let you die, especially after that conference. The people love you. You’re supposed to be our success story. If you die, that all falls apart. Greene would never let that happen. I’m positive he’s making your treatment his top priority.”

  “Then where did he go?” he asked. “Why did he leave instead of staying here with us?”

  “You’re his number one priority, but not his only priority. He still has to run the Spire and watch over the City. He’s a very busy man.”

  “You can just drain something, right?” Alan asked. “It’ll heal right up.”

  Vince shook his head. “Draining is what got him into this situation. The bullet is stuck in there. Draining isn’t going to help.”

  “Stay optimistic,” Ella said. “It sounds like they’re well equipped to treat you.”

  “That’s right,” Charlotte said. “We have the best of the best in the Spire. It’s one of the perks of working here. You work for Greene now. For all intents and purposes, you are all Spire employees. That means you get all of the benefits, including our state of the art healthcare.”

  “Does he pay us?” Alan asked.

  “There’s no need for money in the Spire. To compensate for the work we do, he provides food, housing, and entertainment. Ask for anything within the lines of reason and it’s yours, as long as you keep up your work performance. If you’re valuable to him, he’ll take care of you. Right now Vince and Saul are extremely valuable.”

  “What happens if you underperform?”

  “He fires you. He stops providing food and shelter, and he sends you back to the streets to take care of yourself. He takes his work very seriously, and if you aren’t contributing, he’s not afraid to get rid of you.”

  “That’s harsh,” Alan said. “But I guess that’s how you get things done.”

  “Over the years, many people have come and gone. Those who stay longer earn Greene’s trust. Many of us have been around for over a hundred years. Barnabus was over two hundred.”

  “Really?” Rupert said. “Greene doesn’t seem too upset that we killed him.”

  “Barnabus was a loose cannon and Greene knew it. It was only a matter of time before something like that happened. Now that it has, he’s moved on. Vince and Saul are the next big thing. You’re far more valuable than Barnabus was. Of course, you wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for Barnabus. He was unconventional, but extremely loyal, a trait that Greene admires.”

  “How lon
g have you worked here?” Alan asked.

  “About fifty years in the Spire. Ten years as Vince and Saul’s monitor agent.”

  “What were you doing for the other forty years?” Ella asked.

  “I did a lot of small jobs. I was a soldier at one point. After that, I worked in the cosmetic sector, but that wasn’t satisfying for me. I felt the urge to do more. So I worked my way up.”

  “And now you’re a monitor agent,” Rupert said.

  “Yes. Being a monitor agent for such high profile subjects is a long-term job. It is extremely strenuous, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, but once it’s all over, I’m done for good. Greene will continue to provide food and shelter for the rest of my life, and he’ll slap a big paycheck in my hands. That’s how all of the high profile monitor agent positions work. I have no family, and I can handle the stress, so this job is perfect for me.”

  “That’s interesting and all,” Saul said, “but I was just told I’m going to die. Can we focus on that?”

  “That’s what I’m saying,” Charlotte said. “You’re not going to die. Greene would never allow it.”

  SIXTEEN

  GREENE LED THEM into the surgeon’s office. A well-dressed man sat at his desk, flipping through documents. He wore a fitted black suit with the City logo patched on the shoulder.

  “Welcome,” he said, rising to his feet. He walked over and shook Greene’s hand. “I take it these are our guests.”

  “That’s right. These are the ones from outside.”

  “It must be fascinating out there.”

  “I wouldn’t say fascinating,” Rupert said. “It’s…different.”

  “Fair enough. I’m Dr. Brant. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.”

  “He’s the best we have in the Spire,” Greene said. “Well-known for his many achievements.”

  “Thank you for the kind words,” Dr. Brant said. He turned to Saul. “So this is my patient?”