Return

by Corrie Brundage

  “Hey, Little Owl, I need to go to the market to grab a few things. I’ll get something good for us to make for dinner tonight, and I promise I’ll let you make all the commands.” I hoped my false enthusiasm would be lost on her. I wasn’t surprised when it wasn’t.

  “I want to go with you. I can handle it, Mom. I know you’re afraid of what the people will think of Daddy, but I don’t care.” Her lower lip was stuck out in defiance, and I had to smile. She was so much like her father when it came to not caring what others thought of her, or her family.

  “It’s best if I go and get it over with, and I’ll be back soon and we can do some more fun things. Ok?”

  It wasn’t a question, though, it was a direct order for her to obey me. She didn’t protest beyond a cursory shake of her shoulders and a silent return to her computer game. She could be a little mad at me, that was fine. I grabbed my bag and ordered the door locked behind me, and hurried down the circuitous hallway that led to the elevator banks. I ran into one of our neighbors, whose strained attempt at being overly friendly told me word had spread. The clones were back to being freaky outcasts. But I appreciated the kindness, however forced it was. I smiled at the older woman, her carefully coiffed hair held in place with some kind of styling lacquer, and her cautious returning smile was bright and somewhat brittle. She has no idea what’s coming, I thought. Down in the lobby tenants milled about, still not showing any signs of distress or urgency. I knew that would be changing soon, and the tension I already felt ratcheted up several more notches. To calm myself, I stopped to admire one of the flowering trees, a soft mist from above falling on the indoor terrarium. A brightly colored parakeet tilted its head and observed me closely, and for a moment I let my mind drift into the little bird’s. I felt a small sliver of peace envelop me, and I held on to that sensation as I made my way to the train platform. The market I was going to was a couple stops from ours and had a larger selection of more exotic foods I knew Lulu loved. Despite my fear, I was, as usual, ravenously hungry. Something decadent would be welcome.

  The doors of the market whispered open, and I breathed in the scents of delicious food. The Originals milling around were lazily checking melons and other produce, and the bright light of the store was inviting. Nothing amiss here, I mused, and wandered down an aisle with memories of my first life coming back to me. I had missed being able to shop in Manhattan’s delis, the cramped spaces enhancing delicious smells, a cacophony of dialects invading my ears, but this wasn’t too mundane in comparison. I placed pseudo-meats and vegetables in my basket, selecting cheeses and sorbets that would delight Lulu. She had a mature palate, which was a relief to Jack and me. We both enjoyed gourmet food, but Lulu also loved the kind of comfort food I had been raised on in my previous life. The shopping felt cathartic, and I was able to finish quickly.

  Back at the condo, I was relieved to see Lulu had curled up on the couch and dozed off. She’d been through so much the past couple of days, I didn’t want to disturb her. But the kitchen food containment center announced my presence, and it woke her. She was cheerful at the sight of the food I had brought, and we set about making a feast for ourselves. The sun was beginning to set over the sprawling crescent of the city we could see from our windows, and I watched the familiar sight with a tinge of sadness. It was all going to change soon … the food was delicious though, and I complimented Lulu on her skills. She giggled and was pleased she’d helped me so efficiently. Watching her, and thinking of Jack alone in that cage, I was afraid to go to our bed for another night spent solo. I’d lie awake, thinking too much, and that prospect was exhausting. It was strange not having Jack next to me, and I wondered what he was feeling, and seeing there in the Facility warehouse. After I put Lulu to bed, promising her everything would be ok very soon, I made my way to the bath. I’d spend an hour or more lounging in the water with the jets turned on, scrubbing my skin and conditioning my long hair. That would eat up some time, but the specter of the empty bed was at the forefront of my mind the whole time, and so I didn’t enjoy my bathing ritual as much as I usually did. I wondered if I’d be able to run and bathe, and work in the forest, and be with my family in the coming days. It was all a big unknown right now, and as I climbed between the silk sheets, I curled up into a fetal position and didn’t allow myself the luxury of crying.

  I awoke to the sounds of Lulu in the kitchen, and commanded the bedside clock to show me the time. I’d kept the windows closed all night, and no light entered our room. It was past nine, and I’d over-slept somehow. I blearily rubbed my eyes and pulled on the conforming shoes that acted as insulated slippers. I padded my way down the hallway, stopping to arrange a flowering plant that had been moved ever so slightly. Jack would have laughed at this OCD behavior, I thought, and almost sobbed with the pain of it. But I kept a cheerful demeanor on for Lulu’s sake, who had figured out how to make some eggs and pseudo-bacon.

  “Just for you Mommy. I already ate.” I hugged her close, and noted she’d already bathed. Her hair smelled clean and fresh, and another pang tore through me at her trusting innocence. It was a harsh reminder that so much was about to change.

  I looked through to the living room and saw the projection screen was on, but Lulu hadn’t been watching any of her morning shows. It was on the 24-hour news network, and my heart began to beat a little faster in anticipation of Rory’s announcement.

  I was sitting down, forking food into my mouth and trying to savor the flavors when the flashing light signaling breaking news came over the screen, and I commanded the audio up. Lulu was watching me carefully, but my eyes were glued to the screen. Then Rory was on camera with no introduction, standing out in the forests that had been razed and cleared to such an extent that I was shocked. How had they done all that in such a short time? If it was surprising to me, I imagined the Originals must be perplexed beyond all understanding.

  “Citizens of Origin, we’ve got important news for ye. Please stop what ye’re doing and listen carefully.” He paused for a moment, and I could imagine he was envisioning everyone pausing mid-action to heed his instruction. He always assumed people would obey him, which is partly what made him an effective leader. My palms were slick with moisture as I pulled Lulu to my side.

  “We have intelligence that confirms the Travelers are entering our solar system, presumably returning to Earth. They will reach our orbit at their current speed in several days’ time. We have reason to believe their intentions are not peaceful. What ye see behind me is the construction of camps and shelters for all Originals to relocate to as quickly as possible. The Facility is working in conjunction with the Origin Council to ensure everyone is as comfortable as we can make them. We feel it is best all citizens be away from the building and railway structures of Origin for the time being, and here in the camps we will be arming each and every one of ye with weapons recently developed by the Facility. In cities around the world, the same protocol is being followed.” He paused again, as if knowing he must allow this information to be processed by the millions of Originals watching.

  “We know most of ye have heard about the clones morphing, but we want to assure ye they are not a threat to any Originals. We have decided they can help us in the coming days, and they will be transported out to separate campsites. Please do not be afraid of them.” I looked at Lulu, and she knew he was talking about her father. I felt nothing but dread at the thought of all the half-morphs joining us on what was likely a futile mission, but kept my thoughts to myself.

  “We understand if ye wish to stay in yer homes while this problem is dealt with. But we urge ye to come to the forest camps, where we feel ye and yer families will be safer. Obedience Officers will be present throughout the city to direct ye to the camps yer particular neighborhood will be assigned to. Please pack lightly, and all railway systems will transport ye to the edges of the jungles. Further instructions will be given upon yer arrival here. Good luck.” And with that terse parting, Rory was off the air. A journalist took over fr
om there, but I tuned it out. I was still sitting, but I felt as if I was floating. Lulu’s hand in my own reminded me I was still on Earth, and she tugged on me to get my attention.

  “Mommy, are we going to leave now?”

  I thought for a moment before replying. Then I sighed, feeling heavy.

  “Yes.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  I slowly packed two bags for both Lulu and myself, lingering over trivial items as if by stalling I could wallow in the memories Jack and I had created here in our condo. I had no idea what the campsites would be like, and I doubted they’d be comfortable. Although this irked the fastidious spirit within me, I was more concerned for my child’s comfort.

  I had no idea where Jack and the other half-morphs would be kept, but I intended to find out as soon as we got there. I remembered that day after Jack had become an Eater, and how I’d traveled out to the jungle alone and afraid, and unbeknownst to me, pregnant. Here we were, going out there once more in an effort to be free of the shadow that was the Travelers. I was putting some toiletries in my bag with arms that moved in slow motion when Lulu urged me to hurry up. She seemed excited more than anything, and I envied her the carefree spirit of adventure.

  “We gotta get out there and find Daddy! Do you think people will bring their pets?” I stopped at this question, and then nodded in the affirmative. Things would be organized to such an extent that people would probably be bringing their beloved animals, even though some Originals kept exotic pets like pumas and lynx. I continued to put what I thought might be pertinent items into a bag for Lulu, and she was fairly dancing in anticipation of the train ride out to the forests. I sighed once more, letting the air out slowly, and checked Lulu’s tunic set to make sure it was the proper material. It would be raining out there, and I didn’t want her catching cold.

  “Let’s get going, Little Owl. But you need to promise me you won’t leave my side, not on the train and not once we get there, ok?” I knew she’d obey, she always did. But this was a new experience for her and she was still a curious kid.

  “We’ll find Nick, Elizabeth, and Marilyn, and I bet you can even make some new friends while we’re there.” I forced a hopeful tone into my voice, and thankfully Lulu responded with even more enthusiasm.

  We boarded the train along with a seemingly endless flow of Originals. Normally I allowed myself to enjoy the diversity of the city’s citizenry. The colors and features of the people were always a revelation. Because there were no religious or political reasons for natural borns to stay away from interbreeding, the types of people that populated the cities around the world were endless. But today, all the various faces, some truly beautiful, were somber and tired looking. They’d been through a real terror five years earlier, when the Eaters had emerged, and now they were facing a new threat. Even though Jack and I hadn’t been fully accepted into Original society, I still felt like a citizen, too. I wouldn’t wish what was happening on my worst enemy. Well, I checked myself; I would wish it on the Director. At the thought of her, I clung to the rail a little tighter and scooted Lulu closer to my side. I had let my hair down and now it acted as a blanket shielding Lulu and me from any prying eyes on the train. I knew some of them must know who we were, and there were some openly curious gazes. An Obedience Officer had instructed the crowds to disembark at a station I was unfamiliar with, but it must have been organized in the fashion Rory had briefly explained on the news. We’d be assigned a part of the camp according to the neighborhood we were arriving from.

  True to Lulu’s predictions, a number of people had brought their pets with them, and I heard squawks of birds and the rumbles of various feline and lupine species above the chatter on the packed train car. We were rocketing along, as usual, but the conversations were heated. Some people were debating whether the Travelers were coming back for a fight or for peaceful reasons, and it reminded me of political debates I’d often overhead in my first life. Lulu wasn’t scared of the adult interactions, and I was once more grateful to have a kid who was so special. She’d situated herself by an older woman who had a parrot in a cage and was inching her way closer so she could inspect the bird. I could tell Lulu was itching to link her mind to the feathered creature’s and I was too distracted to stop her. I couldn’t stop thinking about how Jack must be feeling, in a cage being transported to the jungles, a sort of soldier or army grunt in a battle he never signed up for. I snapped to attention when I heard the woman say to Lulu, “You’ve got a real way with animals, young lady. I’ve spent years trying to get him to obey me like that. What’s your secret?”

  The question was innocent, but I could see the confusion on the woman’s face. Lulu was being careless with her gift, and we needed to be off the radar as much as possible right now. Before she could respond to the woman, I intervened.

  “I’m a conservation biologist and my daughter has spent most of her life helping me out in the jungles. She’s picked up on some of my tricks for getting stubborn animals to obey. It’s really easy to get an animal to follow instruction once you know the species …” I trailed off, hoping this would suffice. The woman looked a little less befuddled, and Lulu merely beamed at us both.

  As the train slipped into the platform, the passengers became noticeably more tense. A hush fell over the crowd as the doors whispered open, and we looked out at the endless green that awaited us. No one moved. I decided to set the example, and guiding Lulu ahead of me, we disembarked. I sniffed the air and noted it would be raining soon, and sure enough a grumble of thunder met my ears. The humidity was cloying, but Lulu was impervious. She was looking around with excitement. Several passengers jostled past us, so I urged Lulu down the escalators and we were met by an Obedience Officer. He held a pad and was focusing on it in such a way that it was clear he was operating it mentally. He looked up at the growing crowd briefly, then looked back down at his pad, but began addressing us in an officious manner.

  “Follow the trail that’s been cleared and it will take you to your campsite. Please don’t attempt to go to any other campsite at this time to look for family or friends. There will be time for that later. Just go to where you’re assigned and await further instruction.” The Originals around us began to talk amongst themselves in a disjointed manner, and again no one moved. I sighed, and once more took action first.

  “Come on, Owl. We’re setting the example today.” I held out my hand to Lulu, and she grabbed it as we stepped onto the newly cleared path that would take us to something totally unknown. I tried to calm my heart, but had no success. I let Lulu run her hands over the brush but kept her attention on the path. Lulu knew to keep an eye out for snakes, but I thought again that most wildlife would be hiding out for the time being. There were some animal calls and insect chirps, but I knew the forest was quieter than usual because of the recent intrusion. I lamented this, preferring my beloved jungles to remain untouched by human hands. I knew my team felt the same. And here was a troop of people clambering over roots and soil, loud and brash. At least they were following us. A fat drop of rain fell on my face, and almost immediately afterward the torrent began. I had prepared us for this, but some of the other people clearly hadn’t. Life was cushy in Origin, and out here in the jungles things were unpredictable. I had no idea how they would handle this upheaval. A cry arose at the onset of the storm, but I forged ahead on the path. Behind us, the trail of Originals stretched on, cacophonous, but after a short while the protests and complaints died down and people began to focus on the walk and what waited ahead. It must have been a half hour before I checked the time on my communicator, and by then an exhausted hush had overcome the crowd. The trees had started thinning, having been chopped down at the base, and I cringed at this loss of life. Lulu seemed saddened by this, too, and I gripped her hand tighter. Soon the low-hanging foliage and plants were disappearing as well, and wet dirt was all that remained. I assumed this meant we were getting close, and I could hear the sounds of hammering and sawing. I knew we were almost there,
but no one else registered the noises, and so I knew my heightened clone senses were picking up the sounds before anyone else. Lulu was intent on what she was hearing, too, and I knew her abilities were equal to mine.

  “Mom? Are there going to be houses there?” she asked, and at the sound of her voice, several people looked at her. They’d looked at us frequently on this trek, and I could no longer shield her from scrutiny. They’d see soon enough that her father, the half-morph, was awaiting us somewhere up ahead.

  “I’m not sure, Owl. But I think there will be places for us to sleep. It will be a great adventure.” I tried to assure her, but in the end it was mostly an assurance for myself.

  “You’re the clones, aren’t you?” came a harsh voice from the crowd. I turned to see a portly man with an angry expression on his face picking up his pace to get closer to us. This was not the time for a confrontation, and I felt myself grow angry, too.

  “You’ve got nothing to worry about when it comes to me and my daughter, sir,” I began, but he cut me off.

  “You probably know better than anyone else here what’s truly going on, with your connection to the Facility. Is there going to be a war?” He was close enough now that I could smell the alcohol wafting off him. I stood at my full height and was pleased to see it was several inches taller than him. He backed off a bit at that. Lulu kept her face turned upward to watch mine. I knew I was setting an example for her here, and so I responded with that in mind.