“Why did you turn the official in? I mean if Pacifica is free, why did you do it?” Ana was genuinely confused. If she knew someone was planning on leaving, she would have done everything to help them, not turn them in.
“You have to remember, my dear,” Rosita replied. “I was fresh out of the Academy. I did not have the kind of knowledge I do now.
“Did you tell my father about the sectors?”
“By the time I returned, your father had married and moved to Flaga. Your father had told me someone he cared about had been sent into exile but had not gone into the details and I never pushed. Her name never showed up on any of my lists and I saw no reason to give him false hope. There was no way to know what happened to Bree and it would have served no purpose to speculate. It was not until years later that we were able to meet. By then, both of us had families. Our visit was nothing more than a meeting of old friends, but we exchanged everything we had learned.”
“If Centra and Atlantica are one country, then why the fencing across the border?”
“To keep the exiles from returning. The government does not want them anywhere near the sectors in Atlantica, worried someone will recognize them. The fencing is to keep them in Centra.”
“Why not just send them to the labor camps? Wouldn’t that be easier? And cost less?”
“There are no labor camps. It is another lie. And labor camps are not less expensive. Prisoners must be housed, fed and clothed. Sending them into exile takes away those costs.”
“Then why not sentence everyone to death?”
“To give the appearance of mercy. If the simplest transgression is dealt with the same as the worst possible crime, then there is no differentiating between them. And that is a sure way to cause anarchy. Can you imagine the outrage there would be if people knew they could die for doing something they didn’t even know was wrong? The labor camps are a threat used to keep people in line. But it’s also a way of giving the appearance of a government that will punish a crime committed but has different levels based on the type.”
“Rosita, what happens to the children of the lower classes? When they commit a crime?”
“They are sent into exile. Alone.”
Ana was appalled. This was why Jan refused to tell her what happened to those children. He was worried she’d make another vow. One she couldn’t hope to fulfill.
“Why are you telling me this?” she asked. “I don’t understand what you expect from me.”
“Ana,” her father answered, “war is coming. It’s only a matter of time. And you are going to be in the center of it, whether you want to be or not. You’ve already said you want to save the children. But it is much more than saving those on the island. It is also saving the lower classes from continuing to live in abject poverty. And it is saving everyone from continuing to live under a government that has no mercy. I cannot stop Vice Premier Drake and I cannot stop the order that you attend the Academy. But both can be turned to our advantage.
“Vice Premier Drake has something in mind for you. Something he has not shared with anyone other than Premier Raven. Whatever he has planned, it’s something he doesn’t want anyone to know about. That means you could help end what is happening in Atlantica. We are going to ask you to keep track of anything you think might be important. And we are going to ask you to get that information to us as soon as you can.
“Finally, we are going to ask you to let us know what Vice Premier Drake is preparing you for.”
Chapter 9
Month 1
Week 2
Ana’s temper flared. What they wanted would put her in even more danger. But then she realized she was already doing what they asked. She knew if the request had come from Jan, she wouldn’t hesitate. And that wasn’t fair. There was no reason for her to decline.
“Okay,” Ana said. “I’ll find out what I can. I’ll be your spy.”
“Ana, dear,” Rosita said, placing her hand on Ana’s arm. “We are very glad you have agreed. But please understand. We do not want you to go seeking information or put yourself in further danger. We are merely requesting you relay anything you think is important. Nothing more.”
“Listen, my little hawk,” her father chimed in. “You’re more important than any information they have so don’t do anything foolish. Once you enter the Academy, you’ll be on your own. I want you to complete your studies, dazzling the Premier and Vice Premier and leaving them indebted to you. But I need to know what they have in mind. If it’s so secret they aren’t discussing it with anyone, it must be something vital to ensuring they retain power. Neither Rosita nor I have heard anything, and we find that deeply concerning. So be very careful and don’t take any unnecessary risks.”
“I will, Daddy,” Ana assured her father, planning on doing no such thing.
“Thank, you my dear,” Rosita said. “You are behaving in a very heroic manner. Not many people would willingly commit treason and only a few would be brave enough to do it under the Vice Premier’s nose.”
“I’ll do the best I can,” Ana said, blushing. She didn’t feel like a hero. She felt like a lost girl being pulled in several different directions. She also felt like nobody cared about HER. Nobody had said a word about helping HER. In fact, nobody had even mentioned saving the children. She found this reprehensible. The children were innocent and saving them should be the first priority. It was for her, and she was going to place her vow first, everyone else be damned.
Ana leaned back, afraid to say anything more. Eventually, exhaustion caught up with her and she started to nod off. Her father noticed, thanked Rosita, and promised to return soon. Gently prodding his daughter, he placed the journal in the bag and led her to the transport. Ana fell asleep on the way home and her father ended up carrying her in the house.
She woke sometime in the middle of the night in her own bed. She had no idea how she got there and was surprised to see she was clad in her pajamas. Her room felt claustrophobic, so she pulled on her robe and headed downstairs. Jax stuck her head out from under the blanket and decided to tag along, hopping on Ana’s shoulder. Entering the kitchen, she poured a tall glass of juice, then curled up on the sofa and stared out the window. Jax crawled into her lap and Ana absently stroked the little creature and thought about what she had learned.
Ana had just over two days left at home. Her departure loomed large and the closer it got, the more scared she became. Nobody ever talked about the Academy and she had no idea what to expect. Her father had made it through with flying colors and Rosita had also survived, but the knowledge did nothing to quell her anxiety.
She had received her supply list before going to town and had been pleasantly surprised at what was on it. In addition to the basics, she could bring items to personalize her room. Her father had looked at it and whistled, saying she was being given privileges only given to upperclassmen that achieved the highest grades. Ana believed a lot had to do with Jax but was deeply concerned her status would be on display the minute she walked in the door.
Ana had her own room with a private bath. It contained a double bed, a desk and chair, a large wall mounted tab, and a double closet. She could bring two rugs, one for the bath, a chair to recline in, a bedside table if she chose, lamps for both the desk and the table, as well as a small refrigerator. She was also told she could bring a pet bed and crate for Jax, making her laugh uproariously.
“Obviously, whoever made this list knows nothing about Ra-murs,” she said, gasping for air. “Like Jax would consent to be in a crate or sleep on the floor.”
“Don’t let them know how much like a human Jax is,” her father cautioned, also laughing. “I recommend getting the bed to make it look like she’s a pet.”
Ana sobered immediately. The less people knew about Jax’s capabilities, the better. She added it to the list, then tried to think of anything that would help her feel less homesick. Her stays on the island had made her more self-sufficient, but she had a strong feeling she wasn’t going to mak
e any friends and the knowledge she would be alone with only Jax for company depressed her.
Ana was also given a list of prohibitions. She was not allowed her personal tab, any jewelry, dressy clothes, or any kitchenware other than an unbreakable plate, cup, bowl, and spoon. Toiletries would be supplied, although she could bring items to secure her hair if they were smooth and had no sharp points. She was not allowed any belts or shoes with metal on them. She assumed this was to keep the students from fighting each other with crude weapons and the prohibition scared her.
Jax couldn’t attend any class other than the ones the school gave permission for, was not allowed in the commissary, or allowed to mingle with the general population. She would be allowed to take Jax outside periodically, but only in a secluded area provided by the school. She had asked to be allowed to take her meals with Jax, but the request had been refused, causing Ana to start cursing. Her father told her it was better since she could hear more if she mingled with her classmates. She understood but it didn’t make her any happier.
Ana needed to have everything packed and ready for pick-up in two days. A transport would arrive the day after for her and Jax. Jax had to stay hidden once they arrived, so she hauled out her backpack and left it with the overnight bag she planned to use. Jan’s bracelet was going back in her hair, the prohibition on jewelry making it impossible to wear around her wrist. She would have the entire day after orientation to get settled and her classes would begin the following morning.
The final thing in Ana’s instructions had been regarding the sessions with Niall. Niall would come to a private room on campus and Jax would join him there. She wasn’t allowed to accompany Jax, so she submitted a request for Elva to escort her companion. Her request was granted, and she was certain it had been approved by Vice Premier Drake.
Ana’s thoughts continued to run in circles. The amount of new and startling information she had been given overwhelmed her. Groaning, she dropped her head in her hands and wondered how she was ever going to survive.
After her workout session the next morning, Ana spent the rest of the day packing, only stopping to deliver Jax to the front room when Niall arrived. Her room was a mess, clothing thrown everywhere, but only because she was having a hard time deciding what to take. After several hours and much packing and unpacking, she was finally satisfied and sealed the box, pushing it into the hall. Returning to her room, she plopped in the chair and stared out the window. She needed to figure out how to get the journal and digi-drive onto campus. She hadn’t put them in the box, fully expecting it to be searched. She also expected to be checked when she arrived. The digi-drive could be hidden in her hair, hopefully remaining undetected unless they scanned her head, but the journal was too big. Mentally going through everything, she suddenly had an idea. Rising, she flew down the stairs, looking for her father.
“Daddy,” she said, finding her father watching the news, “Could I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure,” he replied, patting the couch. “Have a seat.”
“Not here,” Ana said. “Can we sit out back?”
Ana’s father gave her a thoughtful look. It was blustery, raw day, leaves skittering across the deck as the wind howled mournfully through the trees. But something in Ana’s expression told him it was important, so he rose, turning off the tab and climbing the stairs.
“Give me a sec,” he said. “It’s too chilly to be sitting out there without another layer.”
“I’ll make something warm to take outside with us, okay?” Ana said, heading to the kitchen.
By the time Ana’s father came down, Ana was already on the deck, two steaming mugs of hot chocolate on the little table. She was gazing at the mountains, enjoying the feel of the cool wind even though the temperature was lower than what she was used to. Her father stepped through the door, closing it softly behind him, then sat in the chair placed right next to hers. Leaning close, he reached for a mug.
“What’s up, Ana? Why are you dragging me outside in the cold? What’s so important?”
“Do you mind if I rip the pages from the journal?” she whispered, placing her head on his shoulder.
Ana’s father was startled. Quickly taking a sip of the hot chocolate, he pretended to look at the leaves rattling on the trees.
“Why?” he breathed.
“It’s the only way I can take them with me.”
“Ana, they’ll search your belongings.”
“Daddy, I snuck Jax off the island the first time. I snuck a bone knife off, too. And I snuck something off the second time. I think I can do this.”
Ana’s father leaned forward to put his mug back.
“Okay Ana. Let’s say you can. Why do you want to?”
Now it was Ana’s turn to lean forward.
“Because I want to study the journal. And because I promised Jan I would give his superiors the digi-drive.”
Ana’s father looked at her, bewilderment and fear briefly crossing his face.
“How did you do that? You didn’t know you were going to the Academy until you were on the yacht. Jan was still on the island.”
“Through a mutual friend, somebody both Jan and I trust. It’s a long story, Daddy. Too long to safely tell now.”
Ana’s father tried desperately to keep his face neutral. His daughter was in deeper than he thought.
“Ana, I’m not going to ask how you managed to get a bone knife off the island or what happened to it. But if you believe you can get these two items into the school without getting caught AND that you can turn them over to the right people, take the pages out. Just tell me how you’re going to do it.”
“Digi-drive,” Ana breathed, pointing to her braid. “Jax’s pet bed.”
Ana’s father started laughing. He couldn’t help it. Ana first looked insulted then started laughing with him.
“At least it won’t have been a waste of credits,” he said, still chuckling.
“Just let me check everything when it comes Daddy,” Ana said, raising her voice now that there was no need for secrecy. “I want to make sure nothing is missing. And I want to show Jax the bed before springing it on her in our new room.”
“Sure thing. We just need to make sure it’s all packed before they come tomorrow.”
“It will be. I’ll put the bed in my room tonight so Jax can inspect it and put it back first thing in the morning.”
Her things arrived just as the session was ending. Niall seemed extremely interested so she squatted, one hand on the box he was inspecting.
“Niall, would you like to help me go through these?” she said, tapping the box.
Niall didn’t look at Ana but gave an almost imperceptible nod. Elva whipped out her tab and opened it up, retreating slightly. Ana stood and asked Jax if she could slit the top, not wanting to leave. Jax deftly slit the container and Ana squatted again.
“Niall, do you think you could help take the things out and put them on the floor?”
Another imperceptible nod and Niall looked over the edge of the box. Jax jumped in, causing Niall to laugh, then started handing things to the little boy. Niall quietly placed each item on the floor, making sure they lined up evenly and were spaced the same distance apart. Ana stood back, helping if it looked like Jax was having trouble, and silently checked off each item on her personal tab. When the first box was empty, they moved to the second, then the third. Niall arranged everything in neat rows in front of the box the items came out of and now squatted, inspecting them intently. Ana found the pet bed and moved it to the side. She knew her mother was going to be angry since Niall was going to be late but didn’t care. She knew it was petty but had a strong feeling her mother was jealous of the time Niall spent with Jax. As far as she was concerned, Niall could stand here all night if he wanted. But Elva motioned with her hand, alerting Ana to move it along.
“Thank you very much, Niall,” she said. “Now that I’ve checked it all, I need to put it back. Can you help?”
No nod, but N
iall rose, standing in front of the last items taken out of their box. In precisely the reverse order, he handed each one back to Jax, only becoming confused when he didn’t see the pet bed.
“That needs to stay out for a while,” Ana said.
Niall’s face smoothed and he methodically continued replacing the items. When the last box was full, he stepped back and looked at Ana.
“Jax?” he said.
“Jax is right here,” she replied.
“Jax?” Niall said again.
Ana had no idea what Niall was talking about. She looked at Elva helplessly and Elva shrugged her shoulders.
“Niall, what do you want?”
“Jax!” Niall cried, his face getting hard.
“You know Jax can’t go with you.”
“Jax, Jax, Jax!” Niall was almost screaming, causing Ana’s father to come rushing in.
“What’s going on?” he asked, gaze switching between Ana and Niall.
“I don’t know,” Ana replied. “He wants Jax. But he knows Jax can’t go.”
“Ana, have you given him the latest vid-recording?”
Ana slapped a palm to her forehead. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the digi-drive and handed it to Niall.
“Is this what you wanted?”
“Jax,” Niall cried happily, clutching the digi-drive to his chest. Elva smiled, took Niall by the hand, and led him unresisting out the door. Ana closed it behind them, then turned, a look of dismay on her face.
“This is going to be a problem, Daddy,” she said. “I can make several recordings before I leave, but once I get to the Academy, I have no way of doing it.”
“I suggest you talk with Elva tomorrow,” her father said. “Explain the situation and see if she has any suggestions. If Vice Premier Drake becomes involved, they may allow you to film Jax in your off time.”
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