Transcender Trilogy Complete Box Set

by Vicky Savage

  “May I give it a try?”

  The commander looks to Ryder, who nods his approval.

  “I’ll get you set up,” Greystone says. He and Drew break away from our group and head to the firing range.

  Ryder takes over as guide for the last leg of our tour. He trained at this camp a few years earlier and is familiar with the camp’s lay-out and procedures. He shares some stories of his two years as a warrior-in-training. Although he’s modest about his accomplishments, when we view the display of trophies, awards, and record holders for the camp, I notice that Ryder’s name appears on a number of them.

  Drew catches up with us again as we are being seated in the reviewing stands to watch the demonstration. He’s flushed and smiling, clearly exhilarated by his experience on the shooting range.

  “Jade, you should have come with me,” he says. “It was the most thrilling experience ever. They have a target of a man and I shot a hole right through his heart. You would have loved it.”

  “Guns aren’t really my thing, Drew,” I say dryly. “And shooting someone through the heart isn’t a skill I’m anxious to acquire.”

  He shrugs. “Oh right, I forgot. You’d rather just kick their heads off.”

  Ouch! I flinch at the bitingly accurate zinger.

  The demonstration by the young warriors is impressively choreographed. Their uniforms are colorful and kind of funky. Instead of being designed to blend in with rocks and trees, like standard cammo, they’re printed with slashes of colored war-paint. Ryder tells us the different colors represent the specialty of each warrior: black for hand-to-hand combat, red for swordsmanship, green for archery, and so on. The trainees are surprisingly skilled for being so young. It’s amazing to think that nearly every Unicoi citizen has received this type of instruction.

  We eat a small lunch of meat and vegetables at the camp before moving on to our next destination. I skip the meat portion, afraid it may be bunny rabbit again. Some members of our party depart right after lunch, but more than a dozen of us travel on to the agricultural district.

  As we ride, I’m constantly amazed by the fact that every square inch of Unicoi is utilized for something. Every structure, scrap of land, and patch of flat surface is employed for one or more purposes. The crushing scarcity of space explains Ryder’s awe at the lushness of the Domerican countryside and Catherine’s hostility at seeing so much unused land.

  A short distance outside the agricultural district, we stop and leave our horses at a public stable. We travel the last quarter mile on foot. The agricultural district consists of metal warehouse-like structures, several stories high, and packed closely together. We’re told these structures are utilized for growing vegetables and fruit, and housing fish farms and livestock.

  We enter one of the growing houses, and Ryder directs our attention upward. From our vantage point on the ground floor we can see five levels of growing space. Thousands of tomato plants are suspended seemingly in midair. Their exposed roots are being sprayed by automated watering machines. Workers in overalls tend to the plants, picking the ripened fruit and removing the dead leaves.

  The growing house manager greets us cordially and offers us a short tour. We use an elevator to reach the upper floors. Our guide tells us that the crops are grown hydroponically—meaning no soil is needed—only the nutrient-enriched water continuously distributed by machine. Special lights are used to accelerate the growth cycle and shorten the time to crop maturity. The result is that five times the amount of tomatoes or zucchini or whatever can be grown in a one acre building as on one acre of land. It strikes me as pretty advanced technology for this planet.

  The fish farms are every bit as amazing as the growing houses. Enormous clear tanks holding millions of fish line the walls of the multi-leveled structures. The temperature inside is very warm and the smell is far from pleasant, but it’s like visiting a huge aquarium. The fish are fascinating to watch. Schools of rainbow trout, salmon, and steelhead make endless circuits round and round the tanks. Ryder tells us the fish waste is captured and used to enrich the water in the hydroponic growing houses, and that much of the fish food comes from the vegetable waste. It’s an ingeniously efficient way to feed a lot of people using only a small amount of land.

  By the time we finish touring the growing houses and fish farms it’s late afternoon. I’m rapidly reaching information overload, and Drew’s looking a little glazed. Ryder suggests we skip the livestock houses and go directly to Keowe Hospital, the last stop on our schedule. I readily agree since I know the only livestock in Unicoi consists of rabbits and domesticated deer. I’m not thrilled with the idea of eating either Thumper or Bambi.

  The hospital won’t allow our entire group to tour the facilities at once, so Ryder, Drew, Ralston, and I make the short journey alone. We’re met at the entrance to the enormous white building by Dr. McAfee, a jovial man whose looks match his Irish name. He’s shorter than most Unicoi at an even six feet. He has a ruddy complexion, a thick shock of strawberry blonde hair, and dark blue eyes surrounded by multiple layers of laugh lines.

  “I’m so happy to meet you, Princess Jaden,” he says shaking my hand heartily. “I’ve heard so much about you, mostly from your father. I am a great admirer of Dr. Beckett.”

  He gives Drew an equally warm welcome, and greets Ralston as an old friend. “Constantine, I’ve missed seeing you these past weeks. I miss our late night discussions over that delicious chamomile tea of yours.”

  Hospitals all look alike to me, and Keowe Hospital is no exception. It is clean and bright and, even though colorful paintings hang on the walls, it is still unmistakably a hospital, complete with white walls, linoleum floors and the strong odor of disinfectant.

  Dr. McAfee rubs his hands together eagerly. “Well now, Ryder, where shall we begin?”

  “Our major purpose in being here is to see the Uranium sickness patients. Later I would like Princess Jaden and Prince Andrew to see our research findings on the disease,” Ryder tells him.

  “Well, that should be easy,” Dr. McAfee says, “since the majority of our patients are suffering directly or indirectly from Uranium poisoning. Shall we start with adult wing?” He leads us down a long corridor. As we walk, Dr. McAfee explains a little about the disease.

  “Uranium is a metallic chemical element that occurs naturally in rock and soil. About fifty years ago, a Unicoi expansion project uncovered a major deposit of Uranium. At the time we were completely ignorant of the dangers and built housing, agricultural, and manufacturing facilities on the site. It wasn’t until years later, when residents and workers in these areas began to fall ill at an alarming rate, that we realized we had a major problem. By that time, I’m afraid it had spread throughout the country.”

  “Exactly what is the problem with Uranium?” I ask.

  “It is a highly toxic metal. If it gets into the soil and water, it can be ingested by humans and build up in the body. Over time it can affect normal functioning of the kidneys, liver, brain, and heart. Although it may not become symptomatic for years.”

  “My mother was a patient here after being diagnosed with renal failure,” Ryder says. “We took her home when it was clear all hope was gone.”

  “Yes, Caitlin Blackthorn was a great lady and her loss was felt by us all,” Dr. McAfee says. “Unfortunately Chief Blackthorn is now suffering from the effects of radon gas—the gas released as Uranium decays. We have found cancer in his lungs.”

  Ryder’s mood has turned somber. The stark reality is that his mother has already died from the disease, and little hope remains for his father. It’s likely that in time he and Catherine will be affected also.

  Dr. McAfee stops in front of a set of double doors. “We have many wards of people who are sick and dying from the Uranium poisoning. I’ve chosen this one because the patients here have a variety of different heath issues, all relating in one form or another to Uranium. I warn you that some are very ill and it may be difficult for you to see, but they will all
be delighted to make your acquaintance.” Dr. McAfee opens the door and we follow him inside.

  I’m completely unprepared for the dire sight that meets my eyes. The ward is roughly the size of a large ballroom, and is filled to overflowing with row upon row of cots, each one holding a seriously ill patient. Doctors, nurses, and other hospital personnel scurry among the rows attempting to care for thousands of patients. Uranium poisoning has obviously hit epidemic proportions in Unicoi.

  I hear Drew’s sharp intake of breath behind me. He puts a hand on my shoulder. “This is unbelievable,” he mutters. “I had no idea things were this bad. Is there nothing that can be done?”

  “As you will see later, even with all of our research and the clinical trials we have run, we have found no medicine to even slow down the progress of the disease, let alone cure it,” Dr. McAfee says. “The air purification and water filtration systems we have put into place have improved matters, but have failed to return the air and water to safe levels. There is simply too much of the stuff.”

  “But why don’t you just tear down all the buildings in the expansion and cover the whole thing back up again?” Drew asks. “Won’t that stop the spread?”

  Dr. McAfee shakes his head with a frown. “We’ve done that to the extent we can, but it’s not that easy. You see, the contaminated earth, rock, and ore extracted from the mountain were transported to various parts of the country and used as building materials. That is why the problem has become so wide-spread.

  “In addition, Prince Andrew, the sad truth is that we are simply out of room. Too many people would be left homeless. We’ve no place to put them. Unicoi cannot expand in any other direction. It’s quite a predicament. If we don’t get out of this mountain we will all die.”

  Drew gazes out over the sea of sick and dying humanity, while Dr. McAfee’s ominous prediction sinks in. His face is ashen, and I’m afraid he’s going to faint.

  “Drew, are you all right?” I ask, taking his arm. “Do you need to sit down?”

  He shakes his head slowly. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can look these people in the eyes. Our mother and the other dome rulers have known about this for years and have done nothing. They’ve done nothing…” he trails off, a tear slipping down his cheek.

  Ralston steps to Drew’s side. “Why don’t I take Prince Andrew over to the research building? The walk will do us both good, and we can get a head start on reviewing all of the information.”

  “That’s an excellent idea,” Dr. McAfee says. “Just ask for Dr. Reed. She is our most knowledgeable epidemiologist and will assist you with all the materials.”

  He turns to Ryder and me. “Come along. I’ll introduce you to some of our patients.”

  We move slowly down the rows of cots greeting patients, shaking hands with those who are able. Some of them appear excited to see us, others are too ill to care. Family members are allowed to pay short bedside visits, and some are present in the ward. Children hold the hands of their dying mothers. Husband and wives soothe and comfort their ailing spouses. I have to choke back tears at many of the more heartbreaking bedsides.

  I’m glad to have the opportunity to look into the faces of these brave souls—the casualties of a world looking the other way. I know now what I have to do. I silently vow that I will make Mother listen.

  When we finally leave the ward, Dr. McAfee asks quietly, “Would you care to see the children’s ward, Princess?”

  I bite my lower lip. I’m mentally and emotionally drained, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to control my tears if faced with a room full of dying children. “Would you think I was a total coward if I said no?”

  “Of course not, child. You are already a hero for doing what no other royal has had the courage to do. You’ve come here to see things with your own eyes, and I commend you for it.”

  I thank Dr. McAfee with relief. I’ve already seen enough to leave an impression on me that will last a lifetime.

  Ryder and I say our goodbyes to the doctor and set out for the Research Building to find Drew and Ralston.

  Outside, the lighting has dimmed to a soft yellow-gray—twilight in Unicoi. Neither of us speaks as we hold hands and walk to the research center. Drew and Ralston are coming out of the building at the same time we arrive. Drew’s carrying a large file stuffed with papers, and I’m relieved to see some color back in his face. He appears to have recovered himself.

  “Jade, I went through everything with their scientists,” he says, patting the file. “I have all the information right here. No one can seriously claim this disease is communicable in light of these findings. I know we can convince Mother to take some immediate action, even if King Philippe and King Rafael refuse to do so.”

  I smile at his enthusiasm. “I hope you’re right big brother. And I’m glad that both of us will be doing the convincing, instead of just me.” I turn to Ryder, “This has been an incredible day. Very eye-opening. Thanks for arranging it for us.”

  “It has been my great honor to show you my country, Ryder says. “But we have one more stop before returning to Sequoyah Hall.”

  “Where?” I ask, trying not to groan out loud.

  “Let’s find a place to eat. I’m starving,” he says.

  “Sounds good to me!”

  Drew and Ralston wholeheartedly agree.

  THIRTY-NINE

  We stop at a local eating establishment along the road home. The restaurant is jam-packed, just like the rest of Unicoi. We receive more than a few shocked glances from the patrons as we shuffle through the door. A woman in a long black dress with a thick rope of pearls and flaming red hair rushes to greet us.

  “Peace, Chief Blackthorn, welcome,” she says bowing slightly. “We weren’t expecting you tonight. May I seat you and your guests?”

  Ryder smiles at the woman. “Peace, Judith. I am sorry to arrive unannounced, but we are hungry and thirsty. I wonder if you have a private room available where we may dine quietly.” He glances around the main room and nods to the patrons, acknowledging the curious stares we’re receiving.

  “Yes. Yes, we do,” she says. “Please follow me.” She leads us down a short hallway and opens a wooden door revealing a small room with a table for six. It’s chilly inside and smells musty and unused, but it is private and I’m thankful for that.

  “Let me turn on the fire.” She hurries to a small fireplace on one side of the room and activates the glowing stones inside. The room instantly becomes cozier. “Please make yourselves comfortable. We’ll have everything readied for you straight away.”

  The efficient restaurant staff bustles around the room, setting our table, filling our water glasses, turning on additional lamps.

  While these preparations are taking place, I hover near the fireplace warming my hands over the stones. Ryder orders food from Judith, and she hustles her staff from the room closing the door behind them. Ralston and Drew sit at the table and continue a conversation they’ve been having about the Uranium research.

  Ryder holds out an empty chair for me. “Are you ready to sit, love?”

  Before I can join him, though, the door opens again, and a young man appears in the shadow of the door frame. He’s tall and handsome with dark hair and translucent, sea-grass-colored eyes. He stares at me curiously for a moment and nods.

  “I’m sorry, wrong room,” he says, quietly reclosing the door.

  Something about him is familiar, but I can’t place him. “Do you know that man?” I ask Ryder.

  “I’m sorry, love, I did not see him? Why?”

  “I don’t know. I think I’ve met him before. Maybe in Domerica. Did either of you see him?” I ask Drew and Ralston. They both shake their heads. I open the door again, but the man is gone.

  “You and your people are the only visitors presently inside Unicoi,” Ryder says. “I would’ve been informed otherwise.”

  “But he has green eyes. He can’t be Unicoi,” I say.

  “Are you certain, Jade?” Ryder asks. �
��It may have been a trick of the light.”

  “Could be. I am tired,” I say, but I know what I saw, and I’m sure I’ve seen him before.

  “Would you like me to go find him?”

  “No. No, it’s not important. I’m hungry, let’s eat.”

  The food is hot and delicious. We pass the time chatting about all the wondrous and terrible things we’ve seen throughout the day. Drew’s newfound zeal over the plight of the Unicoi people is heartening, but he insists on going over the research findings ad nauseam, and he presses me for an opinion on the best way to approach Mother.

  I tell him I need to think about it, but I wish he would just give it a rest. It’s our last night in Unicoi, and all I really want is some quiet time alone with Ryder.

  * * *