SHATTERED

by S. C. Deutsch

  “Well Miss Swift,” the Vice Premier said, coming alongside. “We have much to talk about, but you’re in no shape for it just yet. Sleep and we can have our conversation when you wake.”

  Ana never heard the last sentence, sleep overtaking her almost immediately. Vice Premier Drake gave a final look before returning to his seat at the table.

  “Thank you, Marcus,” he said curtly. “Let the kitchen know I will need refreshments in a few hours’ time. Strong coffee, tea, and a bowl of easily digestible soup. Also, a protein shake with an energy stimulant.”

  Marcus nodded and exited the salon. Vice Premier Drake returned to his chair and turned the tab on. As it lit up, he reached over and pulled a file off the cabinet behind him. Placing it on the table, he opened it and flipped through the first few pages. When a face appeared, he turned the tab slightly so the person could see Ana.

  “Is that her?” the person asked, looking Ana over critically. “She doesn’t look like much.”

  The woman currently inspecting Ana was an attractive brunette in her late thirties. Her hair was shoulder length, falling in soft waves and framing a pleasant face. Her voice was soft, and her eyes were warm and friendly.

  “It is, sir,” the Vice Premier replied, “And there is much more to her than her appearance. Please remember, she spent a month on the island, surviving the tests while living on starvation rations most of the time.”

  “I keep telling you, Toma,” the woman said, humor coloring her voice. “You don’t need to call me sir when we’re alone. Nessa is fine.”

  “Yes, sir, uh, I mean, Nessa,” the Vice Premier responded, red creeping up his neck.

  The woman laughed, delighted at the Vice Premier’s discomfiture. The Vice Premier, embarrassed, shuffled the papers, then addressed the woman again.

  “The girl, Ana, has shown remarkable fortitude. She’s managed things I’ve only seen one other person do. But she’s done it under much more adverse circumstances. I am astounded by her resilience and believe we have finally found the perfect person for your mission.”

  “Tell me.” The woman was no longer laughing, having become serious at the Vice Premier’s statement.

  “Well, to start, she chose to return to the island, shocking all of us.”

  “She what?” The woman was incredulous. Nobody ever chose to return. The place was a hellhole and the thought of anyone wanting to go back was unbelievable.

  “Yes, she chose to go back. We are quite sure she wanted to see the leader of the camp again. Seems she’s quite smitten with him.”

  “That cannot possibly be the only reason,” the woman replied, having a hard time believing Ana returned of her own free will. “Love is grand and all, but to willfully go back to the most dangerous place imaginable to see someone you just met seems like something out of a fairy tale. There has to be something else.”

  “Yes, well,” the Vice Premier said, turning a few pages, “seems Miss Swift was a busy girl while home. She directly disobeyed the directive regarding searching for information on the island. We received reports she spent hours in the research center, poring over old maps and reading up on the history of Atlantica. She also made a vow to kill the Premier after arriving home last time, but since there is no indication she searched for information on how to go about doing it, we put the comment down to a fit of anger. Miss Swift has quite a temper and she often says things she probably shouldn’t.”

  “Hmm,” the woman murmured. “Any idea why she is looking for information on the island? And why the sudden interest in history?”

  “We’re not quite sure. We know she had a long talk with Jan before leaving last time. Unfortunately, we are unable to hear anything at the location they chose. The acoustics are horrible, and we’ve been unable to overcome the problem so far.”

  “Have you spoken with Jan?”

  “Not directly. Information has been flowing back and forth and when we asked about the conversation, he stated he saved her life after a nasty run in with the leeches. He went on to say he filled her in on the camp, recognizing traits he knew we looked for. He said it was nice to talk to someone his own age that was both intelligent and articulate. He made several recommendations and apologized if he erred. We intend to question him further when we pick him up next month.”

  “Go on.”

  “When we realized Miss Swift intended to return, we were quite surprised. We decided to let it play out, wondering how she was going to do it. We were quite impressed with the plan, not completely realizing what was up until an informant contacted us after her little slip. We had already decided to change the terms of her sentence, wanting to see how she dealt with the increased isolation as well as the more difficult tests. We added a few more, believing she was smarter and stronger than we anticipated, and she has come through magnificently. Of course, she hasn’t always been playing by the book, but we need someone who can think quickly on their feet. Miss Swift seems to fit the bill almost perfectly. Except for her temper. And her damn devotion to that creature.”

  “The temper we can work on, although anger isn’t always a bad thing. As for the Ra-mur, let her keep it. It’s something we had given up on but is showing renewed promise. We can always deal with it later if need be.”

  “Yes, sir, I mean Nessa,” the Vice Premier said.

  “Anything else?” the woman asked.

  “Her father,” he replied. “I’m concerned.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about him,” the woman responded, waving a hand nonchalantly. “We have a little something up our sleeve if he gets out of hand. You worry about her and we’ll worry about Dad.”

  “Of course. One more thing. This business with Jan. I think we can use her feelings to our advantage. When Jan returns, I suggest sending him after her. That way, he can continue to report any information he deems important.”

  “Good idea. Let her sleep for several hours. The poor girl has been through enough. Delay her family’s mono-train so they are not waiting at the detention center. Keep me informed of everything, even if it means contacting me in the middle of the night. I have another meeting, so I’ll leave you to our guest. Thank you, Toma, for keeping me apprised of the situation.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll forward you a report after I talk with Miss Swift later today.”

  “Please stop calling me sir. I hate it.”

  With that, the tab went dark. Vice Premier Drake replaced the papers in the file and closed it, tucking it under his arm. Rising, he moved to the couch opposite Ana, placed the file on the floor and sat, watching as she slept.

  Ana slept for several hours, only waking when Jax started prodding her. Still exhausted, she wasn’t completely aware of where she was and tried to sink back into the slumber she had been so rudely awakened from. Jax refused to let her be and eventually Ana opened her eyes, blinking several times until everything came into focus. The sight of the salon’s interior brought her instantly awake, and she became tense, eyes guarded and muscles tight. Gazing around, she noticed Vice Premier Drake sitting opposite her. He was putting a small tab back in his pocket as his eyes fastened on hers.

  “Welcome back, Miss Swift,” he said, his voice still friendly. “I hope you slept well. I know it probably wasn’t long enough, but we need to talk and as much as I would like to let you sleep, I’m afraid we don’t have the time.”

  Ana was having trouble gathering her thoughts. Realizing she had not greeted the Vice Premier properly, she struggled to get out of the chair, having been told constantly since she was a little girl that not giving government officials the proper greeting was grounds for disciplinary action. Unfortunately, her legs were still wobbly and refused to support her. She attempted one more time and after falling again, sat up straight, placed her right fist over her chest, and bowed her head.

  “Now, now, Miss Swift,” the Vice Premier said kindly. “No need to fall on formalities here. I’d like to think of this as a friendly conversation.”

  Ana’s kept her hea
d bowed, senses reeling. She knew how dangerous this man was and despite his kind words, didn’t trust him one bit. She needed to get herself together so she could focus on everything he said, making sure she answered his questions correctly without divulging information that needed to stay hidden. Her already exhausted mind fought her, and Ana took several deep breaths, hoping the Tai Chi would help her through this.

  “Where are we?” she asked, noticing the yacht was stopped. “And why aren’t we moving?”

  “I instructed the captain to take us far enough away we could no longer be seen by the residents of the island, but then hold position to allow you to sleep in peace. I prefer our conversation take place here, not back at the detention center.”

  “My family?”

  “Don’t worry, my dear. We’ve taken care of that. They won’t be stuck waiting outside the building for you.”

  “Oh.” Ana didn’t know how to respond to this. Not wanting to appear rude, she asked for a glass of water.

  “There are refreshments coming,” he replied. “I’ve requested some easily digestible food, tea, and a shake that will start replacing the nutrients your body has lost. It should be here any minute.”

  Ana fell silent. She knew the Vice Premier was probably expecting her to speak but also knew it wasn’t a good idea to. Letting the silence linger, she gazed around the salon, impressed with the décor. The effect was understated, one of class and power, not ostentatious wealth. Her family was wealthy, but this was beyond anything she had ever seen. Even the blanket she now huddled in was worth more than the furniture in her bedroom. A small part of the old Ana tried to surface, wanting to try and manipulate the blanket out of the Vice Premier. Ana quashed it. She had no desire to be indebted to the government and asking for the blanket would make her feel she owed them. Shrugging it off, she laid it over the back of the chair, then turned back to Vice Premier Drake.

  The Vice Premier was watching her closely, mild amusement on his face. Ana got the distinct impression he knew what she was thinking, causing her to become uncomfortable. She lifted Jax into her lap, stroking the creature when she felt her companion trembling.

  When the doors open, Ana turned to see Marcus arrive with a cart. She could smell coffee, fresh bread, and something else, causing her mouth to water. Vice Premier Drake motioned Marcus to his side, pointing to the small table in front of the couch.

  “Oh, no,” she said, shaking her head. “Please, can we eat at the table? I’d be too afraid of spilling something if I ate here.”

  “Nonsense, Miss Swift. You’re very weak. Any stains can be cleaned and I’d rather you were comfortable.”

  Ana was not happy with this. The set up was way too intimate. She preferred sitting at the table, across from the Vice Premier but unfortunately couldn’t protest without appearing rude. She sighed inwardly and pushed the ottoman away.

  Marcus finished laying out the meal, setting the table with fine china and expensive silverware. A selection of tea bags, two carafes, a sugar bowl, a small container of cream, and a basket of fresh bread with butter was placed in the center. A small tray of smoked meats and soft cheeses was placed alongside the bread. Marcus opened a small tureen and ladled a thick broth into her bowl. Ana thought it smelled like chicken and had to keep from digging in immediately. Lastly, Marcus placed a tall glass with a thick white liquid on her plate.

  “Thank you, Marcus. That will be all for now. Please wait outside until I call.”

  With that, Marcus withdrew. Ana watched him go, then turned back to the table.

  “I hope you enjoy this little meal, Miss Swift,” the Vice Premier said, waving his hand. “It’s not much, but with the lack of proper food for the last month, you need to watch what you eat. Please start with the shake. I promise it’s safe and you’ll start to feel better almost immediately.”

  Ana looked dubiously at the glass. It appeared benign, like a white smoothie. But she didn’t trust anything about this man or this place. Jax came to the rescue, darting out and dipping a claw in the white liquid then tasting it. Ana looked at her companion, intent on chastising her for the rude behavior, but saw Jax nodding slowly. She picked up the glass and took a sip. It made her tongue tingle, but the taste was pleasant, and she found herself gulping it down. The tingling spread throughout her body, making her feel more alert. Sitting a little straighter, she placed the empty glass to the side and looked at the Vice Premier expectantly.

  “The shake is a super smoothie, infused with a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients. It will help your body rebuild, although the effects will wear off in a few hours. We will supply you with the ingredients to make more, two a day for the next ten days, helping you recover from your ordeal.”

  Ana was slightly taken aback. She hadn’t known what to expect but thought it odd the government was concerned with her recovery. They had done nothing last time other than feed her. Deciding to let the Vice Premier take the lead, she picked up a spoon and dipped it into the broth.

  “Shall we begin, Miss Swift?” Vice Premier Drake asked, selecting several meats and cheeses from the tray. “Feel free to eat, but please take it slow and refrain from the foods on the tray. I don’t believe your stomach is ready for those items just yet. Should you still feel hungry after the soup, I’m sure we can find something suitable.”

  “What about Jax”

  “Oh, the Ra-mur. I am sorry. I completely forgot. One moment.” With that, the Vice Premier rose and moved to the door, whispering softly to Marcus when it opened.

  “Marcus will bring a selection of fresh fruit for the animal.” he said upon his return. “It should only be a few moments.”

  “The animal has a name. Jax. Please refer to her by it from now on.”

  “Now, now, Miss Swift. No need to be hostile. It’s obvious the creature is devoted to you and you to her, but she is still an animal.”

  Ana opened her mouth, temper starting to flare. At the last moment, she realized the Vice Premier might be setting a trap and shoved a spoonful of broth in it instead, lowering her head so he wouldn’t see the fire in her eyes.

  The Vice Premier pulled his glasses from his jacket and put them back on, then reached down and picked up the file. Placing it next to his plate, he opened it, turning the first few pages until he found what he was looking for. Ana watched warily, wondering if another press release was going to be handed to her.

  “Seems you have a bit of a problem following directions, Miss Swift,” the Vice Premier said, looking up and removing his glasses. Ana tensed, wondering which offense she was going to have to answer for first while thinking she was already tired of the game he was playing with the glasses. She didn’t believe for one minute he needed them and was not impressed with his actions. However, they were distracting, and she wondered if that was the point.

  “Let’s start with the Ra-mur. You were specifically told not to remove anything from the island, yet you smuggled the creature off the first time. We allowed the animal to stay, seeing how it seemed to help your brother, but when you were returned, we made sure to send the animal, too. Yet here we are, leaving the island for the second time, the animal still at your side.”

  Ana opened her mouth then shut it. She had no valid defense and anything she said would matters worse.

  “I do admit,” he said, looking down at the file for a moment. “I am impressed you managed to get the creature on the yacht again. How did you do it? The raft’s pilot has strict instructions to make sure nothing leaves the island with the detainees.”

  “Ask the pilot. I’m sure he’ll be happy to tell you.”

  “Miss Swift, we have no intention of removing the creature from your side,” the Vice Premier said, sighing. “Your devotion to it is remarkable. We’ve been watching the interaction between you two as well as studying the effect the animal had on bringing your brother out of his shell. We are extremely interested in learning more. We have come to realize that separating you from the creature will do more harm than good
, so we are willing to allow the creature to stay. However, there are conditions.”

  “The creature has a name. Jax,” Ana said heatedly.

  “Can we please not be so antagonistic? We are looking out for your best interests. Despite what you may believe, we care about our citizens, especially the younger ones.”

  Ana bit her cheek, wanting to respond by asking about the treatment of the children sent to the island, but knew it would only make things worse. Inwardly seething, she called upon her old tricks, deciding if there was ever a time to use lies and manipulation, this was it. Tamping down the rage, she tried her best to look remorseful.

  Marcus returned, carrying a small bowl of sliced fruit along with another full of water. Placing it on the table, he withdrew, nodding when Ana thanked him. She handed the bowl to Jax, but the animal only picked at the fruit. She softly whispered in her companion’s ear, encouraging Jax to eat a few pieces. Jax looked at her and reluctantly took an orange slice, methodically chewing it. Ana smiled and ruffled the little animal’s fur before returning her gaze to the Vice Premier.

  “I’m sorry, Vice Premier Drake,” she said, lowering her eyes. “I’m still very tired and somewhat out of sorts. I’ll try to answer your questions without being nasty. And I am grateful to you for allowing me to keep Jax.”

  Vice Premier Drake looked at Ana closely, then turned another page and continued. Ana shoved a piece of bread in her mouth to keep her tongue occupied until she was ready to wield it again.

  “As I said, there are conditions. First, the creature is to be kept hidden from the general public. We absolutely cannot have people start asking questions, especially about something as obviously foreign as that.” He pointed to Jax, who stared back unflinchingly. “Second, the creature will need to be checked periodically. We want to make sure she is in good health as well as assessing what she has learned. You will keep a record of everything she does, reporting to us on a regular basis. Third, you are free to work with the creature in every way except for teaching it to fight. We don’t believe the Ra-murs are aggressive or violent and we want to keep them that way.”