Once those answers were folded and filed, the Ultimate Question popped onto the screen. This was the only question that was different for the split population. Lucas had always been curious as to the human version and had asked a human colleague what it said. Like the vampire question, theirs was a simple yes or no. If you were offered the chance to be changed, would you take it? Many replied ‘yes’, a statistic that was always shone around as a great plus of their equal society. Lucas just felt it showed a level of ignorance. A chance of eternal existence seemed great to many, but they had no idea of the cost.
Still, no one could be changed unless any vampires answered their question positively. That was the way of things. The vampire population had to remain stable. Strictly one out and one in these days. All part of the system. Although he had no need, he read his version of the question anyway. If you were offered the chance to be ended, would you take it? Ended. Full darkness. Oblivion. Yes or no? Opt out? Stay in? Every month, the biggest decision of his undead existence tacked onto a computerised survey. He tapped no. Not this month. How could he when he was so satisfied with his life?
‘Do you want to edit your answers?’ flashed at him from the screen. It was at this point every month that he went back, changed bitter sarcasm for middle-of-the-road and thought no more of it until the following census. He sat up a little straighter in his chair. Today would be different. Today, he would click no and his answers could fly off as they were.
Feeling rebelliously pleased with himself, Lucas switched off the computer, grabbed his coat and went to try to rouse Gabriel.
*
‘Bastard’ was the first thought that leapt into Lucas’s head as he entered the hall for the public Forum the following week. Normally, he avoided these meetings, but he’d felt drawn to attend this one. He’d presumed it was to do with how he had answered the census the previous week, had wanted to see if his answers had tipped some kind of scale. Now though, he could see another possible reason for his actions. There, chatting contentedly to his fellow companions on the raised stage at the front of the hall, sat Gabriel.
Lucas pursed his lips in frustration. He’d been unable to get hold of his friend and had begun to worry, and here he was. As ever, all laid back attractiveness. As ever, he would have no idea that Lucas would have been worried. As ever, he’d apologise and, as ever, he’d be forgiven.
Shaking his head, Lucas chose a seat on the edge of a row about three quarters of the way back. The Forum Halls had been built for community events. In the early days they’d seen more community distrust than community spirit. Each block of vampire housing was twinned with a human one and the early meetings has been as much about integration and dispelling myths as planning for the future. With time, the knife edge had dulled and now the meeting had become the discussion vehicle that the government had no doubt dreamed it would.
Each Forum Hall held about five hundred and this was about half full. It had been a while since Lucas had bothered to attend. He’d seen enough change to know he’d never change anything. Still, maybe tonight would be different. Everyone was allowed an hour off work to attend a public forum – vampires started work late, humans left early. Those working in the hospitals and other public services that couldn’t simply stop to discuss the future, attended on a rotational basis so all had a chance to attend at least six times a year. And, more importantly, the government compensated all for being there. One swipe of your credits card and your employer was credited with a token gesture of the wealth you might have created in that hour. Simple.
Lucas nodded polite hellos, not quite committing himself to conversation. He picked up his hand-held communicator and assessed its demand for any questions. He looked around him. Many bent heads were concentrating on tapping questions into the communicators. All questions from the floor, entered before the main presentation, were collated during it and then selected questions were put to the panel. Carefully selected questions. Free voice but with limited conversation.
He threw a sideways glance at the woman next to him. She was tapping away at the on-screen keyboard with the end of the specially provided contact pen. Her question referred to GastroChoice and the variety of its menus. Not a lot of fiery debate needed there. She tapped ‘send’ and almost instantaneously a message informed her that her question was appreciated and would be answered by the panel if appropriate. Seemingly satisfied by that, the woman sat back. Arms folded. Ready to begin.
Glancing round the hall once more, he knew that there should be faces that he recognised from his block. The vampires were in poor attendance tonight. Humans out representing them probably two to one. Not that they would know that. Even after all this time, humans were still unable to tell if a stranger was a vampire or not. Perhaps he should raise a question after all. Lucas’s eyes narrowed slightly and he glanced at the timer on his hand set. He had a minute before the presentation began. Just enough time.
‘How can you’, and he put that in capital letters, ‘ensure a greater section of the changed population attends events such as this?’ He sent it. Better than GastroChoice menus by a long way. His face twisted into a twisted smile as his handset delivered the same message of reassurance as it had to his neighbour. He doubted somehow that his question would be answered.
A warning message flashing on all the handsets to complete and send questions heralded a dimming of the lights. House lights down, a second of darkness and then stage lights up. A man stood, centre stage.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attendance this evening. As usual we’ve had a wide range of questions from you. A selection of which the panel will discuss later.
‘But, first to the introductions. Many of you I’m sure, will know me.’ He let his somewhat nasal whine fade and then gave a little self-depreciating cough. Lucas made a quick survey of the room. No one was nodding in acknowledgement. ‘And for those that don’t, my name is Michael Arnett. I’m the chief twinning officer for the blocks you live in. Although my office is in the Human block, you’re all bound to have seen me around at my daily duties,’ Lucas thought hard. He hadn’t. ‘Which include cleaning supervision, organising maintenance contracts, and of course,’ there was that cough again, ‘arranging these Forums and other twinning community events.’ Again, there was no discernible reaction from the audience. Lucas was beginning to like Michael Arnett. Maybe he’d even attend his next community twinning event.
‘Before I give you the breakdown of the National Census report for this month, let me introduce tonight’s panel.’
‘As our forum events are some of the best attended of all the housing districts,’ Lucas raised his eyebrows. Half full was well attended? ‘I have little need to remind you that for each Forum, members of both sides of society are chosen to represent the population. From the Entertainment District this evening, we have Simon Jones, chief journalist for the Entertainment Times and Gabriel Black, owner of Black’s Gallery. From the Retail District, we have Selina Massingham, manager of ShopFest and James Sherringford, head chef at GastroChoice.’ The woman next to Lucas visibly perked up. ‘The Medical District is represented for us this evening by two consultants, both in Complementary Methods, Sandra Norton and Isaac Locksley.’
Complimentary Consultants? They could be in for a hard ride tonight. Lucas began to wonder if he would stay, but as a polite ripple of applause for folks largely unknown echoed through the hall, he remembered. Gabriel. There he was, on the stage, soaking up the lights, drinking in the applause as if it were all for him. Lucas let his spark of jealously fade before it could ignite his insides. Would he want to swap places with Gabriel? No, he would not.
Lucas tried hard not to be cynical about what the statistics revealed. As ever, the majority of the population was more than happy with their lot. Still, what real reason did anyone have not to be, he supposed. The humans who knew anything about their history had to be glad to be alive now; there were enough lessons taught in school to remind them of how things used to be. An
d the vampires… The vampires of course had to be grateful that they were now permitted to be proper citizens. Were allowed to make a positive contribution. Lucas sighed. It was obvious from this evening that he was the only sceptic in the house. But, he reflected, thinking of the way he had filled his census in, were there any more like him out there, wearing a mask of contentment that covered a dissenting heart?
He returned his attention to the stage. The journalist seemed like he was keeping his face carefully composed to reflect polite interest. Gabriel was nodding as he embraced every statistic, the enthusiasm of the movement seemingly matched to the percentage of the positive responses. Selina Massingham looked bored, as did the GastroChoice chef. The consultants both looked interested. Lucas stifled a laugh - one actually seemed to be taking notes.
He turned his focus onto the audience. The majority really did seem engaged with all this. Suddenly, he felt very alone. Perhaps his time had come. Was this what it felt like when being ended finally became what he wanted?
The vehement applause that accompanied the final statistic shocked Lucas from his downward spiral of darkness. He dragged his slumped form more upright and noticed the woman to his left almost quivering with excitement. He quickly realised why. Question time.
Lucas sat up. Not quite quivering but certainly curious. Would his question be put to the panel?
‘Our first question this evening concerns the Entertainment District. Simon, if you’d care to comment initially and then Gabriel and then we’ll throw it open to the whole panel.’ There were nods all round.
‘One of our audience members would like to know what you would recommend for the best night out in the Entertainment District.’
Lucas watched Simon shift his position in his chair. He seemed to take a long time before sitting forward to his microphone to answer. Lucas could see Gabriel desperate to pitch in.
‘Let’s see, I’d recommend a meal in any of the fine GastroChoice restaurants, maybe Charlie’s or perhaps Starlight and then either a visit to the theatre, or perhaps onto a club like Dancehall, Nightlife or Beat.’
He sat back, studied his fingernails. Lucas got the impression it was an answer that, like the journalist’s face, was carefully composed. His mood lifted somewhat at Gabriel’s obvious and sincere plug for his own business.
‘You could do that, or you could just visit Blacks – my gallery. It’s easy to find. We offer a free glass of the finest champagne, canapés as recommended by James here,’ he indicated the GastroChoice chef, ‘And a chance to take in some culture. Any maybe make a purchase. Or two.’
There was a small swell of laughter.
Mrs ShopFest and the chef himself also extolled the virtues of their own concerns. The consultants had little to contribute, although one did offer his services to any who had perhaps dined a little too well.
The mundane nature of the questions continued, regarding prices, locations of shops, availability of different medical practises, areas to be covered in the Entertainment Times, artists to be supported by Blacks and more general queries that Michael Arnett chose to deal with himself in a most un-chairman like manner.
Lucas’s general feeling of boredom was broken momentarily when his neighbour’s question was put to the panel. The answer given was obviously more than satisfactory as Lucas could see the woman positively purring as the discussion moved on once more.
Glancing at his watch, he was relieved to see that the hour was almost up. Work was looking like an increasingly interesting prospect this evening. He wouldn’t be coming here again. He sensed Michael Arnett repositioning himself centre stage to draw the meeting to a close.
Then, there was a shout. A man on the left hand side of the hall was on his feet, fist punctuating his words.
‘I want my question answered.’
‘Sit down please sir. We don’t take questions directly from the floor at Public Forum events.’
The man didn’t move.
‘I want my question answered. Now. And I don’t care who does it.’
His words settled onto a blanket of silence, patterned with fear. Lucas knew this was unprecedented. Someone, a vampire at that, making a stand.
‘I want to know what’s being done about RAGE. It shouldn’t be allowed. It’s disgraceful.’
No one moved. It was as if the audience had been replaced with mannequins. There was no agreement, no opposition. Just stillness. Controversy controlling all.
Then, as one, the audience turned from the man and fixed Michael Arnett in its demanding glare. He gave a slight nod.
‘As I said,’ his voice betrayed tremors. He paused, cleared his throat, continued. ‘As I said, we don’t take questions from the floor.’ There was a pause before he added, ‘sir.’
‘I heard you the first time. And I want an answer. How can a government who supposedly supports all of us, allow such filth to be published? And what about the attack in the Entertainment District? Someone, somewhere knew about that. What’s being done?’
‘Sit down, sir.’ A different voice. From the back of the hall. The neat clip of expensive shoes echoed up the aisle, as a crisply suited gentleman made his way forwards. He stopped, level with the speaker. Said nothing else.
Eggshell words were all the vampire could offer now.
‘Wish I’d never bothered.’
But he didn’t sit down. He gathered his coat, made his way along the row, past people who could hardly move aside quickly enough and marched down the hall. The suited gentleman nodded at Michael Arnett and then followed the vampire from the hall.
The audience offered a shocked no-reaction. Michael Arnett fumbled for words to close his meeting. House lights returned the room to normal and first one or two, then larger groups obediently filed out, comments about the evening strictly kept to hushed tones of disapproval from what Lucas could overhear. An experience too far from their experience causing them to dismiss such foolishness.
The panel had left via the back of the stage. No doubt Gabriel would be busy renewing contacts or making new ones out of anyone useful or merely attractive. Lucas left him yet another message on his phone and continued on to work, suddenly glad he had attended the meeting after all.
Fifteen
I love it when it’s time for the Population Census. It’s good to be able to contribute to our society in so many different ways. Sometimes I vary my answers; at the moment, as you might suppose, I am more than satisfied with most aspects of my life. All apart from the obvious one that is, and it won’t be long before those in power realise the message I am sending them.
It is the final question on the census that I answer in the same way every time. I have no choice; I have much work to do.
I’ve also played the role of good citizen tonight and attended the Public Forum meeting. Not something I always do. Too much going on usually. But, tonight, controversy. An unexpected bonus, but also a sign. And one that I must not ignore. Some of the world at least is restless. They lack my Power, my Will, but nonetheless, their voice must be recognised. I could seek support. Search for a partner in my crime, but why share the glory?
The time for honing my art is over. Now, I must kill in earnest.
Eighteen
The only good thing about the last few days, Emily reflected, was the snow. The dirty cotton wool sky of her journey home from work had since excelled itself to produce a dance of snowflakes. She stood at her window now, watching it, hoping that the silent swirling of snowflakes would soothe her. Soothe the resentment that she was feeling. Resentment that Simon, who’d made plans for that very evening, had never appeared to honour them.
Things had been going well since the theatre. They’d had fun, going out to eat, drinking, even clubbing and Emily felt that she could begin to relax, enjoy it, and now this. He’d been the one to call, to invite her for a meal at his place, even suggest that she might stay the night. Admittedly, she’d had to remind him that the following day, tomorrow now, would be E Day. Simon had claimed to
have forgotten and had said he wasn’t too bothered about celebrating the anniversary of the final death from HaemX. Her lack of reply had more than made her point and he’d apologised and suggested she chose what they did together.
And then… nothing. Emily hadn’t even seen him for the last two days. He hadn’t returned any of her calls, not replied to the couple of messages she’d sent. Nothing pushy, nothing desperate, nothing that showed how annoyed she was. Just polite, concerned, wondering if they were still meeting up.
Today, finally, she’d seen him. Heard him anyway. Heard him and Bernstein. Raised voices, the slam of a door and then caught sight of Simon stamping away from the office. At least he didn’t seem to be having fun, Emily thought, but, if he was too busy, then so was she.
Emily took in a final eyeful of snow, and not bothering to shut the blinds, turned to her computer. She fiddled around for a while, using the time to send messages. There were a few replies to Rachel’s party and she sent those on to the future birthday girl. Looking at the people who said they would be there, it was probably going to turn out to be a pretty good night after all. She supposed she had better start thinking about her costume sometime soon.
Done with purposeful activity, Emily went to the Entertainment channels and flicked through until she found a film that she actually wanted to watch. She clicked the restart button, sent the signal to the wall screen opposite the sofa and settled down with a glass of wine.
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