“Short answer is yes,” Mike announced.
A spark of victory fasted in Valerie’s mind. This would be the first of the naval team. She could finally push the task onto someone else if they could be trusted.
Everyone seemed to hold their breath for Mike to elaborate.
“And?” August questioned.
“She will be present at the regional meeting.”
“She? What? Without notifying me?” Valerie could not fight back her anxiety. “There are complications involved with proximity.” She panicked. August had explained his aversion to Jarrett. Her pregnancy was hard enough, but knowing August would be attracted to another woman while she felt the size of a cow was less than ideal. They needed DiaZem to volunteer for the Pacific Fleet, but Valerie was not prepared to face what she had never had to deal with in her condition.
She forced her panic down and focused on Courtney, who gave a report on her counterclaims of the civil organizations forming, to include an attempt to discredit the Bowman girl. Valerie found the whole thing quite trivial, but Courtney insisted on acknowledging and downplaying the ideas of Reactance before anything serious came of it. Unable to quiet her mind, Valerie didn’t hear much of the remaining meeting and before she knew it, August was taking her hand and leading her to the House Chamber for the regional meeting. She was not ready.
Twelve of fifty-two men and women represented their states. DiaZem allies Jacqueline Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. Hampton from Dallas video conferenced into the large meeting room. Valerie found her way to the platform facing the assembly. The attendance boards showed new additions as rural areas sent representation.
Behind the platform, a window opened. Valerie turned in time to see Kevin helping Caleb through the three-foot pane. She flew from her seat and across the platform to them just as they both exited out onto the balcony.
“Holy hell, Kevin! Can you ask me first?”
August appeared next to her and offered a hand for her to walk through the pane as well.
“Well, this is a view,” he said behind her. The mountains reflected dark green in places where the sun hit them just so. The Denver City Council Building boasted its former glory, though there were repairs still to be made since the Awakening, and no one used it.
“We should stand here for fireworks in July. Have you ever seen them in the summer when they shoot them off here?”
“No. I could see them on the horizon from my house, but Scott always worked on the Fourth of July, so I just stayed home.”
“New memories, then.” He rubbed her shoulder. “Alright, it’s time to start.”
Valerie bit her lip watching Kevin help her son back through the window; worried he’d slip or bump his head. Her brother seemed so eager to let Caleb explore that she wondered how deep his animosity was, or if he had an underlying agenda. She took a breath to calm her agitation and stepped up to the window.
Duke gave a three minute warning to the assembly, drawing attention as Valerie clumsily ducked back through the pane. She gave him a death stare as she reached her seat back on the platform behind the elaborate copper railing. Valerie noticed the pea-colored green walls. Lights lined the upper balcony, but she realized while the bulbs were real, there was no power source connected to them.
As if the very lights read her thoughts, they began to glow. But not by Valerie’s doing. She walked in. A tall, dark, and beautiful Middle Eastern woman pushed a wave of repulsion before her as she entered the wide doors in the back of the room. Like a cloud of stench and loathing, it hit Valerie much like morning sickness in the TTC.
“I don’t like her,” she whispered to August.
“Of course you don’t,” he confirmed with a laugh. “Just breathe, it will be fine. I can control myself—if you don’t recall.” August put his hand on hers, rubbing his thumb over her knuckle. It worked to soothe her worries, and she tried her best to maintain a pleasant outward disposition toward their new supposed ally.
“Ms. Russell, Dr. Wilkes, I am Jasmine Jacobs. Thank you for inviting me to your cause. I’m here to help in any way I can.”
Valerie smiled through her sneer and nodded. She wanted to spit questions at the woman. Where had she been for four months? Why had she waited so long? How had she avoided the Council? Despite her professional introduction, Valerie wanted her gone as soon as possible.
“Welcome,” August answered the woman, contrasting Valerie’s thoughts, but he gave no smile or any show of favor, much to her satisfaction.
On the screen, John and Sylvia Hampton talked between themselves, muted to the committee. Valerie watched Sylvia link arms with her husband and lie her head on his shoulder. She wondered if they knew each other before the Awakening or if they married after finding one another. If Scott had been a DiaZem too, how different would this meeting look?
Duke called the meeting to order and gave proper introductions for all in attendance. After he announced the last attendee, August began the discussion.
“As we shift our technologies, some testing requires the loss of power to areas in the outer reaches of our power grid. The Facility will do a better job to relay scheduled outages. The conclusion from some of these tests has shown the central region’s power footprint is significantly larger than the other three in the country. Because of the advances in our research and technology, the central region’s power overlaps the eastern region clear to Louisville, Kentucky. Because of the growing conflict between the Council, Denver is making changes soon to shrink the footprint and no longer provide our enemy's resources.” This was a lie fabricated by the Facility’s control room staff, an appropriate cover for the additional DiaZem entity in the Facility.
“What if we concentrated all regional DiaZem to the Central United States?” the Nebraska representative asked from the galley. “Then we could claim the whole country and overthrow the eastern region?”
Jacqui spoke up from the large screen above Valerie’s right shoulder. “The Council has developed a weapon against DiaZem. It is irresponsible for all DiaZem to live in the same location. If they kill even one of us, there will not only be an imbalance of power, but the footprint will shrink enough to allow the enemy to enter the country right under our noses. It is best to remain strategically placed and our footprints overlapping.”
“The country’s military remains active with its remaining forces,” John Hampton spoke up. “Those within the overlapping allied territories have a deadline of choosing a side by January third, and an execution of movement to the locations by July of next year. The Pentagon agreed to these terms and plans to relay the message to the Eastern DiaZem. They offered no information on the status of their region.”
“Thank you, John,” August replied. “It is important to be diplomatic and fair in these circumstances. The East Coast holds many advantages despite its size, but as we remain a nation of equality, we hope the leaders of those military installations choose our more just cause. We will force no one to fight for us.
“Until we have a large enough number of DiaZem, international trade with allied regions will not resume until we can man an aircraft carrier with a power radius large enough to span the entire Pacific Ocean. This will remain our top priority until the World Council is eliminated and is no longer a threat to General Populace life. Travel by sea is too risky for anyone until either of those scenarios play out. With the addition of Ms. Jacobs, we are one step closer. With that being said, do any of the representatives host single DiaZems within your areas?”
Four hands rose, including Montana.
“Would they be willing to join our cause?” Valerie held a breath of hope.
“Our DiaZem is only a child,” the Arkansas representative stated. He was an old man, obviously of the General Population. “We will raise him the best we can, but at eleven, I don’t know if his mother and father would agree to living on a boat.”
“It’s worth the request,” August answered. “We will heavily compensate them for their sacrifice.”
“Genocide is wrong,” Valerie said definitively. She hated politics, but the moral bone in her body refused to back down from the Council’s barbaric beliefs. “For as long as the US has been a nation, it has opposed moral wrongs of the world. We will not turn a blind eye to this disgusting practice. And they will not stop until the entire world has been what they consider purified of the General Population. The answer is no. To make peace now would mean to turn a blind eye, and those who’ve died would have died for nothing. The US will remain a place of genetic freedom and sanctuary.”
“What are we to do about the unallied sects that have made their way into the region?” the Missouri representative asked; whose state stood on the grounds of both Council and Rebel territory. They were the crossing grounds for both sides.
“Once we get a solid understanding of the threat these groups hold in each state, the DiaZems will meet to discuss matters of joint law enforcement, guidelines, laws, and penalties concerning those who wish to harm the peace we are trying to establish,” Mr. Hampton answered.
For three hours, the meeting continued, and for three hours, Valerie sat in the room with Jasmine Jacobs. Her attention strayed from discussions at times because she noticed every blink and gesture the woman made. August stayed dutifully engaged in the discussions at hand.
Illinois, Arkansas, Montana, and Utah reported DiaZem within their states. While Valerie remained hopeful of more, they coordinated the arrangements to gather those who agreed to the port in Seattle for departure. Jasmine was among the ones to volunteer. When the assembly adjourned and the state officials were transported to their accommodations for the evening, Valerie and August met with Jasmine in the smaller conference room with the other regional DiaZem videoed in after a break for lunch.
“Ms. Jacobs, I want to thank you.” Valerie spoke from a place in her mind she knew was rational, ignoring what she could only describe as a complete hatred toward the woman. “I imagine this interaction is as difficult for me as it is for you. I appreciate your professionalism.”
“I have not met other DiaZem before,” Jasmine answered and, unable to keep her eyes from straying to August, looked down at her hands instead. “I apologize. Yes, it is difficult.”
“As we find others like us, you’ll find a partner,” August said, answering to her demeanor. “Thank you for being a member of our fleet. We are thrilled you have finally joined us.”
Valerie shot a look between them.
“There is too much wrong with the world to add death and destruction. Coming here was an easy choice though I thought meeting others like me would be different.” Jasmine gave a polite but curled smile. “Valerie, I’m glad to see you and the baby are well. I’m sorry for the secrecy in my arrival.”
“Val, understand you have my respect. It was not our intention to lose your trust,” Jacqui spoke from the screen in front of them. “However, we couldn’t afford to be compromised. If there is a leak in the Intel within the Facility, we run the risk of losing this war. We’re unsure if the others know they are DiaZem or if they’re in hiding. I know I don’t have to stress to you the need to reach them in any way we can before the Council can track them down. Learning from August’s experience with Lucas—and I’m sure you’re getting a taste of it today—jealousy could be the demise of otherwise peaceful unions, even if the intention is not there. I assure you that there is nothing going on between August and me despite appearances. I believe I also speak for the Hamptons when I say of all of us, you two must be the example of what is right in this world. We will take whatever precautions needed to ensure that your union remains unflawed. I propose Ms. Jasmine Jacobs be relocated to my post.”
“Thank you,” Valerie agreed, trying hard to mask the lump in her throat. She had been furious to know they had been talking behind her back, but she believed the woman to be honest, only because she knew August was loyal to herself.
“I understand you are still without a partner. Once we can deal with the situation here at the Denver Facility, your region will lose significant power. All coastal cities will be affected unless we can find you both a male partner,” Valerie said. It was easy to have compassion with the woman on screen, but with Jasmine next to her, she fought to remain neutral.
“Akoni Mahoe, the Hawaiian DiaZem, is making his journey here in the coming days,” Jacqui announced.
“Have you two discussed arrangements?” Valerie and August knew the attraction would make it nearly impossible for the two to part once they connected. There was no matter of opinion where the rest were concerned, and she knew it.
“If he remains here, the islands will be without power. The people have managed before. I know it is not ideal, but until your footprint is decreased, my area will maintain power if I travel back with him. With Jasmine in place, there is still a chance for western power.”
“Once we get enough to cover trade routes, the issue will be solved,” August said, and Valerie knew he was trying to remain objective.
After hours of tension, even with the additional DiaZem, Valerie felt there were more topics left unresolved than before the day began. Once the meetings were over, Kevin personally escorted Jasmine Jacobs to her accommodations within the capitol. Despite feeling relieved to be away from the tension, she dreaded going back to the Facility. To Jarrett.
“I can’t wait to pass off the fleet-gathering to someone else,” Valerie whispered to August. She felt coy being so candid with him. “You’re much better at all this political stuff.”
“And you have an unmatched passion for doing the right thing versus what’s easy.” August faced her and touched her arm.
Valerie felt his energy flow through her, the magnetic attraction. “Did you mention once that you have a cabin in the foothills?” she asked.
“Yeah. But it’s small. Just big enough for a couple of people. Why? You want to get away for a bit?” He did a horrible job of fighting back a smile.
Valerie’s heart fluttered. She knew he felt it too. Their energies still flowed together.
“I’m just not in a hurry to get back to the hotel. I think Jack and Hyka could use some time off, too.” Valerie nudged him and winked. Hyka and Jack’s relationship was no secret.
“How about a ski resort? There are a couple that have reopened.”
“No! I mean, I’m not ready for a resort stay. Bad memories. I can ask Dad. I’m sure he’d know of a cabin big enough for everyone.”
“Okay, but only a night. We can’t leave the Facility without power any longer. The region can survive on stored energy for a day, max.”
Mike Burton drove the lead vehicle of the five-SUV convoy to a substantial cabin right outside Denver city proper. Valerie’s wide eyes and full-toothed smile showed her excitement plainly on her face as they traveled the winding highway up the foothills. She could feel her bones relaxing the further they traveled from the Facility and the threat inside.
August and Valerie offered the overnight stay to the entire team, though Kevin remained in the city, insisting on showing Jasmine around before she departed for San Francisco. Valerie and Mike had a brief conversation concerning the satisfactory completion of his mission. Her hopes were high that their relationship was mending, though she kept her guard up around him.
The company of ten was in high spirits. Since the Awakening, the gravity of her situation allowed scant opportunities to focus on more than survival. If seeing Hyka’s energy fade taught her anything, it was that she must begin to appreciate life, not merely acknowledge her own existence. This was Valerie’s first pursuit of a vacation and she was thrilled to spend it with her new family. Each one of them played a considerable role in shouldering her burden as DiaZem, and she recognized some R&R was a welcome distraction for them all.
Tires crunched over untouched snow. Valerie squeezed her eyes shut to contain her exhilaration, wishing she could permit such extrem
e feelings of happiness without causing the SUV to accelerate. When they came to a stop, she forced the door open over a mound of the white powder, which reached to her knee when she stepped out. Valerie took in the sight of the towering brown wood cabin with green-painted trim. Snowdrifts reached three feet in some areas. Fire smoke rose from another lodge down the ridge, bringing the scent of charring wood. Valerie wished she could bottle the smell, the entire moment, and take them home with her. And the silence. At the Facility, a perpetual electrical hum polluted her thoughts. She hadn’t cared until the tone was so profoundly absent.
August, the first up the stairs to the cabin’s massive porch, pushed the colossal door open wide. She felt him draw from her energy to ignite the circuits within the walls. He didn’t require her to restore the power, but including her in the task went far deeper than necessity. Together they created warmth and safety for the rest. Something they had done all along for the region, but only in this intimate setting did she see the romantic potential in their efforts. The thought sent warmth rushing to her cheeks despite the frozen air. He made it so comfortable to overlook the trouble prompting them to need a holiday. Valerie fought back the familiar guilt of trying to forget. Even she needed a break from the penance that she forced herself to pay daily. Her brick wall. Falling for August would mean she gave up her husband, let him go. After her hopes of his ghost looking over her were strangled by her worst nightmare, maybe she needed to let his memory rest. She tried to recall what Hyka said about letting August closer. Inhale. Exhale. No cameras. No public eye. She could be content in this space without judgment. Including her own.
Valerie stepped through the threshold.
The cabin opened with high ceilings and no walls between the front and back doors. A four-foot-wide fireplace sat cold and dark in the corner. Mike started right away on teaching Caleb step-by-step on how the flue worked; educating his grandson about one of the basic survival skills he had once taught his daughter. August opened French doors to the right of the front door to reveal the master suite with matching cabin wood furniture. Valerie followed slowly behind as he toured the room and adjoining bathroom. The king bed did little to fill the room, but the space also had a couch. Upon investigation, August pulled up a cushion to reveal a hideaway bed.
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