FERTS

by Grace Hudson

– 64 –

  19:50

  The suspension zone behind them, the group of ten gathered near a grove of trees adjacent to the Ward Beacon’s crude metal housing.

  “Doesn’t look like much, does it?” whispered Symon.

  “We all know what it does,” Rafaella whispered back. “We either knock that thing out or all the Zeta Internees are going to have a very short trip.”

  Symon nodded, holding out his wrist to display his timepiece, the covering slightly cracked. The others followed suit, synchronizing their pieces to Jotha’s time, kept current from his frequent visits to Evergreen’s central timepiece.

  “We good?” Everyone nodded at Rafaella.

  “No moving until the power and beacon are out. We don’t know what else they’ve got up there. Stay here.”

  Rafaella and Caltha edged to the side of the Ward Beacon, fastening the charges to the sides, top and base of the unit. Rafaella looked up at Caltha, who nodded and raised an eyebrow, signalling the charges were ready, their years of functioning as one apparent in their synchronized movements. They peeled away from the unit, Rafaella lighting the charge and catching up easily to Caltha’s strides. Perching behind a large grove of trees, they waited.

  And waited.

  And waited.

  Rafaella turned to Caltha, eyes blazing.

  “The wiring. Did you check the wiring?”

  “No, but Jotha said the merchant who sold it to him…”

  “Damn it, Caltha! This can’t be happening! Get the others!”

  Caltha signalled frantically, the others hurriedly gathering next to Rafaella and Caltha, faces sombre.

  “It didn’t go off. I’m going to have to check the wiring. This changes nothing. We still proceed as planned, stick to your schedules. You’re just leaving early.”

  “But why…” Ginny started.

  “Because it will give you time to check your own damn wiring! And next time, Jotha, when a merchant sells you something, you check the workmanship personally, you understand?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry…”

  “No time for that. Get going, all of you. And check your connections! Twice if you have to. Now go!” She pushed at Jotha’s shoulder as he glanced back at her.

  “Make sure you stay in one piece,” she whispered to Jotha as they moved out, leaving the relative safety of the grove.

  Jotha, Liam and Petra sneaked through the tree line, heading towards the ration supply unit entrance as a muffled cheer broke out from the Epsilon Circuit, the games well under way.

  Bonni, Symon, Vern, Kap and Ginnie stayed within the shadows, heading towards the far side of FERTS, closing in on the entrance to Zeta Circuit.

  – 65 –

  19:50

  201 charged through the halls, following the path in the map from her dream. She could feel him now. Wilcox. His presence settling as a heavy weight that permeated her entire being. They would be close by now, if Titan’s timepiece was as accurate as he said it would be. She could almost feel them, bright and vibrant, wild like the creatures of the forest, closing in on the stark, bloodless facility. The steady glow of the lights were a constant reminder that nothing was certain at this moment, there was no guarantee that any of them had made it through the suspension zone.

  They’re going to be late. They’re going to be late. This changes the plan.

  She slowed as she spotted an Omega Internee fidgeting near the hallway exit.

  “Wait!”

  Internee 294 started, facing her with wide blue eyes, her brown hair shaking as she tried to steady her nerves. Her insignia read 18Y.

  “Hi, uh… 294 is it? You were sent for by Pinnacle Officer Wilcox?”

  294 looked down at her feet. “Yes, he sent for me tonight. I am to be there at 20:00. I will be late if I don’t hurry.”

  “It’s your first time, isn’t it? The first time an Officer has sent for you?”

  294 blushed, eyes cast downwards.

  “Yes,” came the barely audible reply.

  “Well, you must be nervous?”

  “Uh… No,” she muttered, unconvincingly.

  “Hey, it’s alright, you don’t have to worry. Pinnacle Officer Wilcox changed his demands for tonight. He decided he wanted someone… more experienced.”

  294 tilted her face up to meet 201’s eyes, a trace of hope swimming in their depths.

  “So… get out of here!” 201 grinned, smacking her on the shoulder. 294 needed no more encouragement, taking off down the hallway as quickly as she could manage.

  19:55

  201 pressed on, rounding the corner to the partially hidden entrance to the elevators. She could feel them closing in, a brightness of spirit inching into her heart.

  Change the plan. You have to change the plan. Change the plan. Think!

  She halted, taking a moment to catch her breath and stepped into the elevator atrium, smoothing her hair. The two guard Officers regarded her coolly. The first guard was hardened, neck thick and corded, expression blank. The second was slightly younger, his eyes were softer, his manner polished and rigid, yet marginally less threatening than his counterpart.

  “Uh, I was sent for?” She smiled, ruffling her hair and turning her head to glance over her shoulder at the first guard in what she hoped was a seductive manner. The first guard tightened his jaw, staring straight ahead. She snaked her arm around him, whispering promises into his ear as her hand deftly flicked against a tiny switch on his belt. She broke away, gently pressing her hand against the second guard, giggling as she smoothed her hand across his shoulder, her other hand coiling around his waist, stroking his side near his belt. He caught her eye, startled momentarily, then disregarded her attentions, staring straight ahead. 201 stepped away in a flurry, feigning embarrassment.

  “Oh, forgive me.” She tucked her hands deep in her pockets, rocking on her heels. “You are on duty of course. I was sent for by Pinnacle Officer Wilcox for the night.” She arched her eyebrow at the second guard. “Very exciting for me, of course. Oh well, perhaps later, when you are off duty…” His eyes widened slightly as he gave an indistinct nod.

  The first Officer turned the key and pressed the elevator button. The slow clicking of the numbers made its way down to their floor as she continued to engage the second Officer.

  “I look forward to our meeting later.” She smirked at him as he continued his practised stare, face forward.

  The doors opened quietly and 201 stepped inside with a little wave. As the doors slid closed in front of her she backed up to the rear of the elevator, hissing out a breath. She hurriedly pushed the button to Wilcox’s floor and pulled the second Officer’s radio from her pocket, a faint smile crossing her face.

  She steeled herself and pressed the button to speak.

  “Hello? Hello? Officers? Oh, please someone answer!”

  The radio crackled to life. “Who is this?” the stern voice snapped back.

  “Oh, oh this is terrible! Someone has broken in! I saw them, they attacked some of the Officers downstairs, then started up the stairs next to the elevator. One of the Officers, he was… he was too hurt to speak, handed me his radio to call for help. If you hurry, you can get them! I heard them yelling, they were after Pinnacle Officer Wilcox. They have all the stairs blocked. Oh, please you must hurry!”

  “Is this a joke?”

  “Does it sound like I’m joking?” 201 shrieked, the floors lighting up one by one as the elevator made its smooth ascent. She clenched her fists in frustration. “I’m in the elevator now, I got in before they could see me.”

  There was a pause, stretching on for far too long.

  This isn’t working. How did I think this could work?

  “You’re in the elevator?”

  “Yes! Yes, I’m in the elevator.”

  “Stay there. We’ll wait for you to get here.”

  “They’ll be at the top before I get there! This elevator is slow, I don’t know if you’ve noticed!”

  “We’ll wait,�
�� came the unwavering reply.

  20:00

  201 stomped on her radio, destroying it and tucking the broken pieces in her pockets. She paced, clenching and unclenching her fists as the elevator climbed towards the topmost floor. She knew the guards would be waiting on the other side, knew she was finished.

  The doors fell open, revealing two glaring Officers.

  “What is the meaning of this? Who are you?”

  “They’re coming!” 201 shouted, flailing her hands in the air. “The stairs, you have to get to the stairs!”

  201 pointed towards the stairwell, the guard Officers following her gesture. Then, horribly, both Officers turned their heads slowly in unison, faces skeptical, turning to glare at her.

  201 stood in what she hoped was an unthreatening manner, trying to look small, scared.

  A large explosion reverberated through the hall, the stairway door blowing apart, splinters flying in all directions.

  201 ducked, hiding her relief as she covered her face.

  They did it. They actually did it.

  The Officers charged towards the door, 201 momentarily forgotten.

  She stepped forward, edging towards Wilcox’s door. The door swung open to reveal Wilcox’s scowling face.

  “What is all that noise? Who are you? Where are my Officers?”

  “You sent for me. That doesn’t matter now, there are intruders in the stairway.”

  201 spoke slowly, concealing her fear of the sight of Pinnacle Officer Wilcox before her. “The Officers have gone after them. They said you would be safe in the elevator. The intruders chose the stairs instead.”

  20:03

  Wilcox looked at her quizzically.

  “They said you will be safe with them downstairs. Come.”

  “I should wait for my Officers to accompany me. This is highly irregular.” Wilcox hesitated.

  Another explosion rang out from the stairwell, the Officers’ agonized cries echoing into the hall.

  “You mean those Officers?” she shouted, gesturing towards the stairwell door.

  “They’re coming! Come on, please, we must hurry! There isn’t much time!” Emboldened, 201 grasped Wilcox’s hand, guiding him to the elevator, rushing him through the doors before they closed.

  201 stayed her hand, allowing Wilcox to reach forward to press the button for the lowest floor.

  The elevator began its descent, numbers flashing metronomically above their heads.

  20:05

  Five floors down, a colossal bang resounded through the building. The elevator stuttered, dropping sharply, then rebounding to a halt.

  The tension drained from 201's shoulders and she turned her head as she hid her smile.

  All the light sucked out of the elevator, a whir started up and the flickering lights of the backup generator kicked in. A low buzz permeated the air and 201 caught sight of Wilcox’s eyes, wide and pale in the unearthly glare.

  – 66 –

  Wilcox looked over at the Vassal before him, gathering his composure. He would not let some minor scuffle mar his authority, even for a moment. He breathed quietly, evening out his breaths until his heart began to resume its usual rhythm.

  “So, Beth…”

  “201.”

  “201, right.” Like it mattered. She was one of many, her face was pleasing, surprisingly so. She seemed a little different from the others, but he could not pinpoint the reason behind this.

  “Why were you in my elevator?”

  “I was sent here. You sent for me, isn’t that right? Or did they send me to the wrong place? I’m happy to leave as soon as this thing starts moving again.”

  Wilcox stilled, skin prickling. She was too… calm. She had become calmer still after the lights went out inside the elevator, even with the noise and the backup generators starting up. That wasn’t possible. Unless…

  There is something else. Something about the way her dark hair falls over her shoulders, the composure in those eyes. Those hazel catlike eyes. Those eyes that are not blue.

  Wilcox struggled to steady his voice to reply.

  “I sent for one with blue eyes. You should not be here.”

  “Ah. I am sorry to disappoint, Officer. Am I not to your liking?”

  Wilcox scowled, avoiding her eyes. He would not allow some Officer’s administrative screw-up make him paranoid. Yet something about her unnerved him. He could feel her gaze, unwavering and intense.

  “You speak too much.”

  “I know, all the Officers tell me that. I just can’t seem to keep quiet. I don’t know what it is.” She laughed softly, flicking her hair. It wasn’t the regulation seduction technique, and something about the tone of her laugh unnerved him further.

  “I notice you don’t have a Y number on your insignia. Why is that?” 201 ventured boldly, eyes innocent.

  Wilcox turned to look at her, disbelieving. “That is my business.”

  “Funny, I thought the same thing about mine. But that doesn’t stop this number showing up everywhere I go. I’m nearly over limit, they say. Isn’t that sad?” She toyed with her hair, huffing out a breath.

  Wilcox remained silent. He should like to study this one. She was the very template he had been trying to avoid. This aberration showed no signs of compliance. She was defective and must be sent for further testing. Then facilitate demotion to Zeta, effective immediately.

  “You do know who I am? You’ve seen the presentations, I trust.”

  “Oh, yes, I’ve been meaning to ask you about them. That… what did you call it? Alpha Field? Where is it, exactly?”

  “We have special grounds reserved for Alpha Field. Only birther Vassals allowed,” he said, scoffing at the Vassal before him. “You will be unlikely to see it, I would think.”

  “I know. You are so right. I will never see it.”

  Wilcox nodded, checking the elevator’s display for any signs of movement.

  “Because it doesn’t exist, does it? It’s just a pretty picture to show the pretty Vassals so they’ll do what you want.”

  Wilcox froze, neck going cold. He barely contained the rage in his words, voice pitched low.

  “What did you say.”

  “And Zeta too. Oh, don’t worry, I’m the only one who knows it. Even most of the Officers don’t know it. You keep the Zeta Officers separate to stop them talking to the others, isn’t that right?” 201 looked at him out of the corner of her eye, a smirk forming. “Yes,” she went on, as if he had answered her question. “There is no Zeta Circuit. It’s quite clever really, you get the birthers, the over limits, the ones that don’t comply with your ‘regulations’ and you… well you just expire them don’t you? Yes, I saw the pit, all the bones, piles of them. That’s where you want to send me as well, right?” She looked into his face, searching hard for any signs of regret. “Yes, I thought so.”

  His body coiled in her peripheral vision. She readied herself as he lunged for her, fists flying wildly. She ducked to the side, gripping his arm and sending him into the wall with a crash. She crouched defensively in Fighter pose, eyes relaxed to take in any signs of movement.

  Wilcox picked himself off the floor, using the wall as support. He turned fully to stare at her, mouth open in slack disbelief. He suddenly looked very frail, somehow smaller than before.

  “How do you…” But he was cut off from speaking, possibly cut off from speaking ever again. The regulation nail file pierced his jugular as 201 pinned him to the wall, face menacingly close to his. His neck throbbed, the nail file stopping the outflow of blood, for now.

  “Because I have seen it, Wilcox. When you sleep, when the Internees and Vassals sleep, I am seeing. I move in my sleep, I can see, hear, not everything, but enough. It took me some time to understand what I was seeing, but now I understand. This is all your doing. I know about your plan. I know about your solution to the problem, the way of your order. And I know what I am.”

  She stood to her full height, muscles rippling under her slender arm, eyes gl
inting in the dim half-light of the generator.

  “I am not a Beth, nor a Vassal. I am a woman.” With that she yanked the nail file from his throat, allowing the blood to spill freely, cascading down his silver uniform, rhythmic spurts surging in time with his fluttering heart.

  He raised his hands to his throat in an attempt to stave off the flow but found himself pinned to the wall, arms held tightly above his head.

  “Tell me, Wilcox, because I really want to know. How does it feel to be forced? Do you like it? Do you think I liked it?” Her voice raised in the quiet of the enclosed space, trembling with acrimony. “Do you think I liked to have Morton above me, squeezing the breath out of me, sweaty beard scratching my face? I don’t believe you fully understand.”

  Wilcox struggled against her solid grip, attempting to scrabble for his neck once more.

  “Do you think any of the Vassals liked it? Liked you? You are repulsive. You disgust me. And I need you to know this, it is so important.” She smiled an indulgent smile, licking her lips, zoning in on the shell of his ear, dragging her lips around the lobe. Wilcox shuddered, attempting to break free once more. She laughed softly, a breathy sound, causing a ripple of arousal and fear to spike through his body. She leaned in further, whispering gently, her breath caressing his face.

  “None of the Vassals, none of the Internees liked it. For every time you forced yourself on them, for every time you hurt them, made them empty, made them hollow and small, just remember this. None of them wanted you. None of them ever wanted you. You had them, had them all, and none of them desired you. You taught them to fool, to deceive, to pretend. And that is precisely what they did when they were forced to be there, with you. So, you see, what you received was what you created. A lie. You have no wisdom, no knowledge. And you have no heart. I may not continue after you are gone, but I know it was worth it, to see you expire, just like all the Beths you sent to Zeta.”

  The blood had slowed to a slow bubble, drooling over his collar, rhythm slowing as his face drained and became ashen.