‘That’s not true,’ Crispin was quick to speak up.
‘Crispin is right. Look at the way they treated Iris. Such a cowardly act on their part. They couldn’t handle the situation with delicate expertise, so they were compelled to use force. The Altklugs solve every problem with one solution―the Dissolution Crypt. So no point blaming yourself, Zinnia. In fact, you did the right and legal thing. You tried your best and if the lamebren are wise, they will see it.’ Leo smiled kindly.
‘But what do we do now? We’ve got to stop this. We’ve got to save them all!’ Zinnia exclaimed, in a frustrated tone.
Leo was reflective for a few minutes. ‘It’s difficult, I admit, but not impossible. And you have to understand that it is risky. You must also consider the danger factor to your life, Zinnia. You don’t have to do anything or be a part of any of this. After all, you are not on the Dissolution Crypt list, so why should you endanger your life?’
‘I don’t care, Leo, whether I’m on the death list or not. It doesn’t matter. What matters is the safety of my friends. I would do anything to save their lives. They are my family and I’d rather die than live in the Altklug Ace-world without my family!’ Zinnia declared earnestly.
Leo and Iris exchanged quick looks of tacit understanding. A half smile touched Crispin’s lips.
‘Brave words, my dear, but then I did not expect anything less from you. Okay, then, I have a plan and before I explain it to you, you need to know how Iris escaped from the Dissolution Crypt.’
Zinnia glanced at Iris, who was listening in a composed manner, as if they weren’t talking about her. Did she wonder at all about Preceptor Sven and what had happened to him? She had loved him dearly, surely she must think of him a lot? Should they inform her that the love of her life was being tortured by the Altklugs? For a moment indecision hovered in Zinnia’s mind. No, it wouldn’t do. Iris seemed to have adjusted to her life in the forest. No point digging up past memories and providing fodder for mental unrest.
‘It’s a rather long story, but I’ll be brief. We have someone in the Super-Dome who provides us with information from time to time. That evening, we got the news that Iris was going to be picked up from the Ret Cubicle at two in the night and immediately executed. We had to act fast. I don’t know if you are aware of how the Dissolution Crypt works. Once the person is strapped to a chair, a K.Sensor supervised system is activated. Everything is auto-programmed. The chair passes through a door and rays are infiltrated into the heart with a machine, killing the person instantly. Then the body is un-strapped and released into the Snarl! Yes, just hurled into a deep pit on the other side of the Diaphanous Seal―but the decay is rapid and odourless because of the special rays.’
‘Sounds scary.’ Crispin shuddered.
‘So we had to act fast and smart. Once the person is strapped to the chair, the Altklugs don’t wait because it’s an automated system and nothing ever goes wrong. They press the start button and leave. Then thirty seconds later the process begins. It is clean and to give them credit quite painless.’
‘So, this is what we did―once Iris was strapped to the chair and the button was pressed, the Altklugs left. Then we had precisely fifteen seconds to release her. I admit it was touch and go, but we did it.’
The lamebren listened keenly to Leo’s explanation. The Dissolution Crypt seemed like some evil machine, smooth and ingenious, perfected to the last ‘t’. Trust the Altklugs to harness death with a resourceful discovery and treat it like a cold mechanical activity instead of a spine-chilling irreversible process. Zinnia shivered, and now, they themselves were this close to witnessing the Dissolution Crypt, if they didn’t do something about it real fast.
‘I was so frightened! And shocked when these strange people arrived and helped to release me,’ Iris cut in. ‘And so grateful...’
The old man nodded understandingly. ‘We would have got you out of there, even if the automated process had begun,’ he completed briefly.
‘I’m so glad you could save Iris,’ Zinnia remarked.
‘Anyway, the long and short of it is that, since then Iris has been staying with me and the dogs. But Crispin and Zinnia―we have been following your progress minutely. While your efforts are laudable, the Altklugs will be Altklugs―mean, cruel and emotionless. So now, we come to our plan. Here’s what I want you to do. You will go to your Supercustodian and make a last wish. Say that you want to put up a play for the festival. I’m sure they can’t deny you that.’
‘A play!’ Crispin and Zinnia chorused in surprise.
Zinnia hadn’t expected Leo to suggest something so unusual.
‘That’s right.’
‘A play on what exactly?’ Crispin enquired.
‘On what you know best: The life of the lamebren in the Altklug world. And don’t forget to put in guest appearances for Iris, me and Doodle!’ Leo grinned. ‘There’s a film I saw long ago. There are at least fifty remakes of that film over centuries. You’ll find stocks of the best films ever made in the world at the Main KlugBiblio. You’ll find this film there. See the climax of the film and you’ll understand the plan. It’s been a while but I’ve always wondered if such a thing would succeed in real life. I guess, now’s the time to find out. You have two weeks to plan the play and to get ready for the grand escape.’
‘Grand escape?’ Zinnia’s eyes lit up.
‘Yes, the grand escape after the play. But you’ll know what I mean after you see the film.’
‘We’ll do that as soon as we return to the Cubicle,’ Crispin said.
‘Good. And it’s paramount that you do not breathe a word of this plan to anyone.’
‘Yes, we understand perfectly,’ Zinnia assured and her face glowed with excitement.
‘And you know how to contact me. Whenever you are ready, just play the code I taught you on this drum and I shall know that we are all set. I think it’s time for you to leave now. We don’t want your absence to be noticed. Good luck and as always, be strong!’
Iris hugged her two friends. ‘Don’t tell a soul about me, okay? We don’t want anyone to know yet that I am alive. And I’ll see you soon. Keep heart.’
Zinnia felt light-hearted as they trudged through the Snarl. Meeting Iris again had almost instantly removed the knot of irreparable loss from her heart and Leo had lifted the weight of her burdens. A light sunny haze seemed to cloak the dense forest. As they made their way through the multi-hued green layers of the wild forest, Doodle accompanied them a short distance. It was surprising how the dreaded forest seemed a little less fearsome now. Instead it had almost begun to take the image of a refuge.
Suddenly the little puppy began to growl. His hackles rose and he rushed ahead into the forest.
‘What’s up, Doodle? Wait!’ Zinnia called.
Crispin and Zinnia ran after the dog, following the sounds of his barking. They had barely gone a little distance when a strange sight met their eyes. Supercustodian Kripton was standing between the trees and Doodle was prancing around his legs, his tail wagging.
‘Colonel Kripton!’ Zinnia exclaimed.
The Supercustodian stared at the lamebren and at once turned to leave. But Doodle was insistent and whining, pawing him and tail wagging. To Zinnia’s great surprise, he dropped to his knees and fondled the puppy behind the ears. Doodle instantly rolled on the ground and raised his paws allowing him to tickle him on the belly. Crispin and Zinnia stared at the activity.
‘So, Colonel Kripton, you aren’t a complete Altklug, are you?’ Zinnia dared.
The Supercustodian did not respond. Instead, he turned and began retracing his steps to the Diaphanous Seal.
‘I’ve suspected it for a while, but now I am certain.’ Zinnia persisted, following him.
Colonel Kripton halted in his tracks. He looked directly at Zinnia.
‘You’re right,’ he admitted. ‘I do have traits of the lamebren in me. But, the Altklugs don’t know it.’
‘In that case, you’ve got to help us!’ Zinni
a exclaimed.
Colonel Kripton shook his head. ‘No, I can’t do anything.’
‘Oh, but you must! You cannot allow innocent lamebren to die because of the whim of some Altklugs?’ Crispin cajoled.
‘I’m sorry.’ Colonel Kripton turned abruptly and strode away without a backward glance.
Zinnia stared after him, suppressing a feeling of deep frustration.
*****
The Main KlugBiblio carried the same aura of reverence as on their first trip. Zinnia couldn’t help remembering how she had seen her Mama later. So much had transpired since their last visit to the KlugBiblio. Then she was learning to fight for their Constitutional Rights. Now, with the death sentence hanging on their heads among other things, she was fighting for their lives.
As Leo had said, the film section housed two whole walls of films dating from time immemorial. The collection was amazing as was the capacity of the Altklugs to garner knowledge in all forms.
Zinnia and Crispin settled in the seats and watched parts of the film. It was a story of a family’s escape to freedom after their last show together. When the film ended, Zinnia glanced at Crispin.
‘Wow! That was a happy end. Leo must have some memory to remember the film and suggest this plan to us,’ Zinnia commented, removing the chip from the padlet.
‘It’s a good plan if it works,’ Crispin conceded.
‘For it to work, we need the support of the other lamebren. And after the fiasco of the petition, do you think, they will listen to us?’ she asked, anxiety reflecting on her face.
‘The petition was not a fiasco, Zinnia,’ Crispin explained in a patient tone. ‘In fact, it hit the mark so close that the Altklugs awoke out of their superior stupor with a jolt. They realised that you were a threat to them. Remember, the lamebren have never been a threat to their existence. We have always been left to our devices on the whole. But with the petition, they realised that you—we—are a force to reckon with, that we are aware of our rights. That things were changing and this fever of rights and existence could spread among the other Ret Cabanas and Cubicles, so the sooner they eliminate us the better.’
‘But if that was the case, I would have been first on the list,’ Zinnia reminded.
‘By eliminating us, the Altklugs are ensuring that they eliminate the rebellious streak in you,’ Crispin pointed out. ‘What can a lone, eleven-year-old lamebirl do? How can she ever post a threat to the Altklugs if all her friends are gone?’
Zinnia nodded. ‘I guess you are right. But we have to prove them wrong. We have to show them that despite death threats, the lamebren are still a force to reckon with.’
‘That’s the spirit.’ Crispin smiled his approval.
‘Now all that remains is passing on this spirit to our bunch of friends. Not a mean task, what say?’
Crispin chuckled in agreement.
All through dinner, Zinnia privately debated whether to involve Lorde in the Secret Society or not. After all they were now planning the ‘grand escape’ as Leo had called it. Could they trust Lorde? He was mean and spiteful, but he had hit the nail on the head when he had said that they could not sway the Altklugs from their opinions or stance, he knew them well. Perhaps there was a reason why he was always this mean—could it have something to do with his frustration and dread of the Altklugs and the Dissolution Crypt? After all, each of the lamebren could have a unique defence mechanism to cope with the idea of death. Azalea had taken to bed, feeling unwell again. Ivy and Maisie were sticking close, talking in whispers. Berk was silently following Reed—their earlier camaraderie now strained from Reed’s side, although he was careful not to reveal it to Berk. Camilla and Cheska were together every minute of the day, but their earlier carefree abandon was missing. Cheska practiced his floflute and Camilla seemed to be writing something on her padlet, Cylia was in her own little world of clothes and stitching. Each one had their own way of dealing with impending death, why not Lorde? If they were all going to escape from the Super-Dome, they couldn’t possibly leave Lorde behind. That would be unheard of! They would have to involve Lorde, however mean and unstable he was. But Zinnia was aware that it was the biggest risk the Secret Society would take.
After dinner that night, they all gathered in the Cubicle. It was obvious that the usual underlying streak of excitement at plotting and planning was missing. The lamebren were subdued and avoiding eye contact with each other. Zinnia had told Crispin to bring Lorde along and he sat in a corner, his small eyes flitting from one inmate to the other. Zinnia sensed an instinctive distrust for him, but they didn’t have much of a choice.
‘Crispin, will you explain why we are having this meeting to-night?’ She still felt a little uneasy about the reaction of the lamebren although, except for Lorde, not one of them had pointed an accusatory finger at her.
Crispin nodded, understanding her need to take a backseat. The light in the room was dim and the shadowy faces of the lamebren were solemn and grave. Not a single person appeared eager or enthusiastic. It was as if each one of them had reconciled to the idea of their final fate—the Dissolution Crypt. Outside, the Snow Hour had begun and the snowflakes were falling gently to the ground.
‘Two weeks from now we have a date with death,’ Crispin began. His voice was low and clear. ‘We made a petition to the Governor and you all know what happened to it. They discarded it without a glance at it. Zinnia did do her best, but we have to understand that Altklugs have only one goal in life—eliminate the lamebren, because we are “useless” to them. As we all know that’s not true. In the nature of things, in the Universe, nothing is useless. But the Altklugs don’t have the time to step back and think about life. They are in a constant race against time...’
Crispin paused. He had managed to garner a glimmer of interest. Ivy had sat up straight. Cylia who was stitching even in the low light had paused in her activity. Cheska was staring at Crispin and Camilla had stopped fidgeting with her curls.
‘Coming back to the date with death―we can either accept it calmly or we can put up a fight!’
‘You mean a real fight?’ Berk asked.
‘A real fight yes, but not a physical one.’
‘I vote for the first option―go calmly, this is our fate, there is no escaping death now...’ Azalea spoke up, her voice weak.
For a moment, everyone stared at her, as if she had spoken in a foreign language. She had actually voiced her opinion without the slightest pretence at heroism. She had also voiced their deepest thought and their reconciled state of mind.
‘I don’t agree,’ Ivy refuted harshly. ‘Just because the Altklugs think we have no more right to live, why should we accept their verdict as final?’
‘We second that,’ the twins added.
‘I say we put up a fight,’ Reed added. ‘I still shudder to imagine what is happening at the new Ret Cabana. Something horrible...the Altklugs are capable of doing anything under the pretext of science and technology. And one way or the other, we will always remain connected to their activities. Not one of us is immune to their actions. If it’s the Dissolution Crypt for us today, tomorrow Zinnia and Lorde will face the same fate.’
‘Reed is right. I vote for a fight,’ Maisie added.
Crispin glanced at Zinnia. A smile lit up his face.
‘I am so glad that we all think the same,’ he beamed. ‘So, all those in favour of this final fight for freedom, please raise your hands.’
Ten pairs of hands shot up. Only Lorde remained in the corner, his hands by his side.
‘B22?’ Crispin asked.
‘Not in favour,’ Lorde commented. ‘Waste of time. I still have three more years to live, why should I take part in such a foolhardy activity and hasten my trip to the Dissolution Crypt? You lamebren are stupid and are committing the same mistake again. Fight for freedom! You still haven’t got it into your thick skulls that there is no freedom, either from the Altklugs or from death.’
‘In that case, you may kindly leave the room,’ Zi
nnia remarked. She was secretly relieved that he would not be a part of the planning.
‘Who wants to stay anyway!’ Lorde scoffed. He rose and left the Cubicle, without a backward glance.
Crispin waited till the door closed and then turned to the other lamebren. ‘So then it’s decided. Zinnia will now explain the plan for our secret mission: The Grand Escape!’
23
‘A play?’ Colonel Kripton repeated in surprise. ‘But such things are now extinct. No one has the time to sit and watch lengthy plays and films. All come in compact capsules for leisure periods. Live shows are a rarity and only entertained for not more than ten to fifteen minutes.’
‘Governor Tisya said that we could express our last dying wish. And this is it. We want to put up a short play for the festival,’ Crispin remarked. ‘Something to remember us by.’
‘It’s a strange dying wish, but I shall talk to my seniors.’ Colonel Kripton shrugged. He glanced at Zinnia who was standing silently beside Crispin. ‘And will you also help him put up the play?’
Zinnia nodded. ‘Yes, I shall do everything in my power to assist them in fulfilling their last wish,’ she replied quietly.
The Supercustodian nodded. ‘Wait outside in the hall.’
Crispin and Zinnia exited the office. Neither spoke a word. They knew Colonel Kripton was talking to Commander Hertz and Governor Tisya that very instant. Zinnia closed her eyes and prayed to the Universe. Everything depended on what the Governor said. If permission was granted then their plan could be executed. If not, that would be the end of any chance of escape.
Revolt of the Lamebren: Book 1 of the Super-Dome Chronicles Page 22