The Split

by Hannah Hopkins

  “How can you let him speak to you like that, Mum? The things he says are awful. I don’t understand why you just sit there and take it!” Emily exclaimed.

  “Your father is very a complicated man,” her mother replied.

  “Complicated?!” Emily repeated. “He’s not complicated, he’s an awful human being. Why did you ever marry him?”

  Her mother hung her head in shame and sat down slowly on the bed, sighing as she spoke in a cracked, tired voice.

  “The Pannell family were very wealthy,” she admitted. “When the Wars broke out on Earth, money was the only way to gain protection. I was young and I was scared. I met your dad when I was treating his father for war wounds he later died of. He left everything to his only son. Your father took a shine to me and I took the opportunity to provide my family with safety.”

  “Money!” Emily shook her head. “You married him for money!”

  “You don’t know what it was like on Earth,” her mother defended herself. “In the last days it was just...awful. When The Split finally came around, I already had your brother to think of, and I was expecting you. If I hadn’t have married your father, none of us would be here. Our family would have died out. I made the sacrifices that I had to make.”

  “Well you’re here now,” Emily pointed out. “We’re on the Mayfly. Why don’t you just leave him? I’d rather live on Floor Seven in poverty than live on Floor Two in misery.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” her mother argued. “You’re too young to understand.”

  Emily shook her head pitilessly and turned to leave, hauling her heavy bag onto her shoulder and making for the door.

  “I had a brother, you know,” her mother said suddenly, halting her. “He’s a Forgotten. We’re not supposed to talk about them anymore but, his name was Bernard. When your father got us a place on the Mayfly, there wasn’t enough space for him. I had to choose. Let my children perish on Earth or leave him behind instead. Our parents were gone and I was all he had. Can you imagine having to make a decision like that?”

  “You left him?” Emily said with horror. “You left your own brother alone to die?”

  “I had to,” her mother insisted. “I chose to protect my children, as any mother would. I still think about him every single day.”

  “So, you stay with Dad because you’re worried he’ll expose your horrible little secret?” Emily surmised.

  “If I left your father now, then everything I did to secure us a decent life here would be for nothing. I’d never be able to forgive myself.”

  “You shouldn’t be able to forgive yourself now!” Emily replied. “All along I thought Dad was the corrupt one, but you’re both just as bad as each other! Wealth and status is more important to you than morals or decency.”

  “Just calm down, Emily. Come and sit back at the table,” her mother soothed her.

  “No. I’m going,” she replied.

  “Going where? It’s Hallowed Eve!”

  “It doesn’t matter where, as long as it’s far away from here,” Emily snapped, storming out of the room and moving with purpose towards the front door. She opened it with force and slammed it behind her, causing the frame to shake and tremor.

  Without looking back, she walked to the lift, riding it down to the lobby, which was devoid of all life. There was something extremely unsettling about being in a deserted place that was usually packed full of people, and so Emily moved quickly, her footsteps echoing across the marble floor. She glanced into shop windows as she passed them, taking in the sight of the frightening mannequins modelling the latest fashions and gadgets. Without the hustle and crowds to distract from the sight, she was able to fully appreciate the sheer size of the lobby floor, its epic proportions making her feel incredibly small in comparison as she passed under the gigantic screen that hung in the centre.

  Veering to the left, she moved away from the central shopping area and headed towards the entertainment section, passing by doors that led to the Multiplex Cinema, the Holographic Room and the Water Park until she reached the large entranceway to the Celebration Hall. She could hear soft music playing from inside, broken up by the sound of glasses clinking together as people toasted one and other and chattered in light tones. She knew she had successfully found the party Will and Lois attended every year on Hallowed Eve. The only obstacle standing between her and them was a surly looking Guard, stood in a military stance as she scoped the area for any signs of danger, her eyes fixating on Emily from under her black visor.

  Trying her best not to look intimidated, Emily walked over to her, doing her upmost to convey the impression that she was supposed to be there. She stuck her nose in the air and swanned forward, giving the Guard the same disapproving glower she had seen her father give Liza so many times in the past. The snivelling attitude seemed to work, and the Guard allowed her to pass into the Hall without querying her identity. Unable to believe her luck, she integrated herself into the party, for once grateful that her father insisted on formal attire at home allowing her to easily blend in with the other black-tie wearing guests.

  She searched for Will and Lois, peering over the heads of the many adults that were mingling around the hall, talking with perfect expression and laughing loudly to show off their pearly, polished teeth. She recognised several faces, including Pax Madden, the stoutly, bald man in charge of Security and Wendy Weaver, the smiling, blonde who read the daily news bulletins on the big screen in the lobby. She couldn’t help but feel smug at the thought of her father seething with jealousy when he found out that she had managed to find her way into such an exclusive event. She imagined all the things he might have given in exchange for a chance to schmooze with the elite class that she was currently surrounded with.

  Spotting Will and Lois hovering by a buffet table at the back of the Hall, Emily weaved her way towards them, careful not to hit any of the prestigious guests with her overnight bag. They had their backs to her, turned to face out of the conspicuously large, gold-framed windows that lined the rear wall of the hall. She cleared her throat to alert them to her presence and they both jumped, spinning round to see who had interrupted their conversation.

  “Emily!” Will exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m sorry to grate crash,” Emily replied. “I had to get away from home.”

  She gave Will a meaningful look, who nodded with understanding.

  “What’s in your bag?” he asked her, eyeing the bulging holdall with curiosity.

  “My things. I was hoping I could stay with you until we go back to school,” Emily answered, a look of pleading in her eyes.

  “Oh…” Will stuttered, running his hand through the back of his sandy hair. “You know I’d love to have you Em’, but I don’t think my mum would let a girl stay over.”

  He blushed crimson, suddenly appearing much younger than his fourteen years.

  “You can stay with me,” Lois offered. “We’ve got plenty of room.”

  “Thank you,” Emily replied.

  “I’ll get someone to take your bag,” Lois said.

  She shook her shiny blonde hair from her shoulders, so sleek it reflected the light from the silver chandeliers above their heads like a mirror, and raised her hand in the air, clicking to get the attention of one of the many staff that were serving the party. In seconds, a male attendant was upon them, balancing a tray of champagne glasses on his palm and nodding subserviently as Lois gave him his instructions.

  With her bag safely out the way, Emily felt less likely to attract attention as an intruder. Relaxing, she began to scan the party with interest, observing the peculiarly rehearsed manner with which the upper class interacted with each other. Her eyes were suddenly drawn to the face of Admiral Allance, his silvery hair and eyebrows unmistakeable in the crowd. Wearing the same navy-blue pressed suit he favoured at the school, he was deeply engaged in conversation with a dark-haired man in his mid-forties. In between the two of them was a small robot,
whizzing in circles as its head spun wildly, its body bouncing from the legs of one man to the other. After further scrutinization, Emily noticed the words “I-Tech” inscribed on the robot’s chest. With a surge of giddiness, she realised the dark-haired man was none other than Jarvis Holt, the CEO of I-Tech and her hero since she was a little girl. She nudged Will and pointed, unable to believe she was in proximity to such an exceptional human being.

  “That’s Jarvis Holt!” she exclaimed. “He’s talking to Admiral Allance!”

  “I know,” Will replied. “He’s here every year. He’s very nice, actually. I could introduce you if you like?”

  Emily was tongue-tied, the thought of conversing with her hero too much for her brain to comprehend. She stammered and stuttered, attempting to make some sort of refusal under the conviction that she would certainly embarrass herself beyond repair, but Will had already made his way over to Jarvis, interrupting his conversation with the slightly affronted Admiral. After a moment, Will beckoned Emily and Lois over to join them. Lois strode towards them with confidence, leaving Emily to drag herself on heavy legs, feeling as though she were wading through cement as she advanced towards the group.

  “Mr. Holt, this is Emily,” Will said, introducing her upon her arrival.

  “Nice to meet you, Emily,” Jarvis grinned, extending his hand, which she accepted into her own shaking one. “Are you a student at The Academy too?”

  “Yes, I am,” Emily replied, cursing herself for not being more eloquent or interesting.

  “That’s right,” Admiral Allance interjected. “Emily is amongst some of our most gifted and talented pupils at the school.”

  Emily smiled at him, though she was positive he had no idea who she was.

  “Excellent,” Jarvis nodded. “I have just been discussing your fantastic curriculum with the Admiral. He has asked me to send him a sample of the projects I-Tech are currently working on so he can pick some to showcase in your Technology lessons.”

  “Emily’s amazing at Technology,” Will boasted. “She’s easily the best in our class. There’s nothing technical she doesn’t understand.”

  “Is that so?” Jarvis raised his eyebrows.

  “It’s my favourite subject,” she replied. “I hope to work in the field when I’m older.”

  “That is encouraging to hear. We’re always looking for sharp, young minds to join our company. Perhaps we could arrange some work experience for you over your school holidays? If that’s something you’d be interested in?” Jarvis offered.

  Emily’s ability to speak was momentarily lost as she struggled to stay upright, blown over by the proposition to fulfil her lifelong dream.

  “I think Emily would be very interested, Mr. Holt,” Will smirked.

  “Great!” Jarvis replied. “I’ll send the arrangements to your mother, Will. She can forward them to you and you can pass them on to Emily.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Holt,” Will smiled.

  “Well,” the Admiral announced, “now that that’s all been settled, why don’t you children run along so Mr. Holt and I can get back to talking business.”

  Emily, Will and Lois excused themselves, retreating to the safety of the buffet table, which had been replenished with several new plates of food in their brief absence. Will helped himself to a selection of snacks, grumbling something about missing the school robots as he piled up his plate by hand.

  “I can’t believe that just happened!” Emily gushed. “Am I really going to do work experience at I-Tech?”

  “Seems that way,” Will replied through a mouthful of cheese cracker.

  “It’s amazing. Thank you, Will,” she grinned, hugging him tightly.

  “Don’t mention it,” he blushed.

  “I’m happy for you Emily,” Lois said with sincerity. “It’ll be a great opportunity. My dad says there won’t be a single piece of technology I-Tech won’t provide when we get to Novum.”

  “When you work for them, you should tell them to make more serving robots,” Will instructed her. “If they make them stupid enough, I’m sure they won’t rebel this time.”

  “Thanks for your suggestion, Will,” Emily laughed.

  “That’s okay,” he replied. “See if they can make robot butlers too. I’d love for my mum to finally get rid of Derek.”

  “I don’t think I-Tech is interested in making robot servants at the moment,” Lois informed them. “I overheard my dad talking to the head of Security last night. Apparently, the company is in the process of developing experimental weaponry, in case we meet hostile forces when we reach Novum.”

  “Little do they know the hostile forces might already be here,” Emily frowned, images of the creature from the hallway flashing into her mind.

  “We don’t know that yet,” Will reminded her. “Let’s wait and see what we find out from the Captain’s database.”

  “About that,” Lois frowned. “We’re going to have to wait even longer for our answers. My dad has decided to take an extra day off work so we can have some ‘quality family time’. We’re going to have to put it off until the day after tomorrow.”

  “That’s alright,” Will replied. “At least we get another day of normality before we have to face finding out what that thing is.”

  “I know nothing is certain yet,” Emily said darkly. “But I don’t have a very good feeling about any of this, do you?”

  15.

  The Investigation

  The day after Hallowed Eve came around fast and Finley found himself brimming with excitement. He checked his bag for the second time that morning, making sure he had packed everything he needed for his stay at Will’s apartment. Certain that he had remembered everything, he swung the heavy bag onto his arm and left the bedroom he shared with his brother, Justin. He entered the living room, where his family were sat gathered around their electric fire.

  “Have you got everything you need, love?” his mum asked, as soon as he walked in the room.

  “Yes, Mum,” he smiled.

  “Now remember, I’ll be upstairs on Floor One cleaning at the Bartholomew’s apartment if you need me,” she told him for the third time that day.

  “I know, Mum. I’ll be fine,” he assured her.

  “Be careful, won’t you love?” his mum fretted, touching his cheek.

  “Don’t worry,” he comforted her. “Will’s a good friend. He’ll look after me.”

  His mum nodded and attempted to smile, but Finley could see the worry and concern lingering in her eyes. He was about to comfort her further, when Justin snorted loudly from one of the armchairs, interrupting their conversation.

  “Who would ever have thought it, eh?” he scoffed, addressing their sister Jess, who was sitting in the corner sewing. “Our little brother Finley off to Floor One. First the Space Academy and now this. He’ll be one of them before we know it.”

  “Stop it, Justin,” their mother scolded him. “You and Jess have been nothing but unkind to your brother since he came home from school. You should be happy for him making new friends.”

  “Oh, we are happy for him, Mum,” Jess sneered. “We’re so happy that he’s off galivanting at a floating school in the middle of Space while we’re stuck here going to the Textiles and Armed Services schools, slaving away for nothing. He’ll probably end up our servant master when we reach Novum”

  “That’s enough, Jess,” warned their mother.

  “It is completely unfair though” Justin argued. “He gets to learn about Combat and Weaponry with all the most up to date technology and his teacher is a member of the McGowan family. They were heroes in the Wars on Earth. No one knows more about combat than they do. We don’t have anything like that at the Bureau and we’re the ones who are supposed to be learning how to protect people.”

  “It’s not Finley’s fault the way the system works,” their mother sighed. “You should just be pleased that someone in the family has the opportunity to make something of themselves. Your father and I are very proud of Finley.�
�

  “I think it’s amazing,” Felicity piped up from the floor, where she was sat crossed legged, engrossed in her battered I-Reader. “I’d give anything to go the Academy. You’re so lucky, Finley. The Captain’s daughter goes there too, you know.”

  “She’s in my class,” Finley replied and Felicity’s mouth fell open.

  “Have you spoken to her? What’s she like? She always looks so glamorous. I want to be just like her when I’m bigger,” Felicity gushed.

  “She’s lovely,” Finley replied. “And even more glamorous in person.”

  “Oh, here we go,” Justin laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re in love with the Captain’s daughter, Fin”

  “Now there’s a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ story for the modern era,” Jess remarked.

  “I don’t know her that well,” Finley defended himself. “I was just saying she’s nice.”

  Justin and Jess exchanged a look but said no more, the burning eyes of their mother forcing them into silence.

  "You'd better go and catch the lift Finley," she said to him. "You don't want to keep your friend waiting."

  She gave him a hug and said goodbye, Felicity wrapping herself around him the moment his mum had pulled away.

  "Have fun!" she squealed.

  “Yeah have fun Fin," Justin said. "Hopefully none of them will try and launch you into Space this time."

  "Just ignore him, love," his mum said, walking him out the door and giving him one final kiss before returning to their small apartment.

  Finally alone, Finley made his way along the corridor, nodding "hello" to his neighbours as he crossed their paths. After walking a few yards, he reached the steel lift and went inside, the doors snapping shut to seal him inside the metal box. He pressed the button for the lobby and the machine creaked into life, ascending slowly towards their destination.

  The lift docked, grinding to a halt and sliding open to reveal the back end of the lobby. Finley made his way past the line of recycling bins that greeted him upon his entrance and headed through the small maze of cheap, convenience stores until he reached the main floor, in all its shiny marble glory. He knew the lifts from the higher floors came in near the entrance and so he picked his way through the crowds of shoppers until he found the right area.