Pine, Alive: A Science Fiction Romance Pinocchio Retelling (Foxwept Array Book 1)

by A. W. Cross

  Dark rock pressed in on them from all sides, and James’s resolve began to slip. Just as the panic reared its head again, light broke through the top of the sub’s dome. James let out a shaky breath and wiped the slick sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.

  They hovered beneath the surface and waited. “Have you got that synadroid’s location?” Blue asked The Crow.

  He checked a few coordinates on a nanocomm he’d drawn from his pocket. “Yep, we’re good. Let’s just hope Pine is somewhere near her.”

  Still, they held back.

  James’s pulse pounded in his ears. “What are we waiting for?”

  “You didn’t expect just four of us for this rescue mission, did you?” Blue grinned.

  Well, yes, I did. “So who—”

  “The authorities, of course.” Blue chuckled as James gaped at her. “What? Sometimes we work together. I tipped them off about this island and what Paloma was doing. I put a significant emphasis on how the synadroids were victims here, how they were being exploited. The government’s having enough problems right now with the emancipationists. Could you imagine if something like this became public? And that the government knew and did nothing?”

  James whistled in admiration. “I’m sure that’s exactly how you explained it to them.”

  “Pretty much. I mean, I may have added a few incentives, such as a timed exposure. They may be able to look the other way on certain gray areas, but this isn’t one of them.”

  James swept Blue up in a tight embrace. “Thank you.”

  For a moment, she submitted then pushed him away. “Fine, whatever.” She checked her comm. “Right. They’ll be here soon. Let’s get a head start. Our goal is to get in, get Pine, get out. Leave the rest for them.” She put her hand on James’s arm “We’re counting on you, so get your head straight.”

  “Me?” He’d thought Blue was in charge.

  “You’re the military man, Lieutenant. This is what you used to do for a living.”

  James exhaled slowly. He had trained for this. He just wished Blue had told him sooner. He’d have spent less time worrying about Pine and more coming up with a plan. Well, he’d just have to manage.

  “Going up.” The Owl raised the submarine, breaking the surface of the water. “The coast is clear for the moment, but I don’t know how long it will last. I’ll wait here, just under the surface.” He held out his arm to stop Blue as she passed him. “ Try to give me a few minutes warning.”

  Blue smirked. “We’ll try.” She picked up an oddly-shaped bag and tossed it at James. “Here, you carry it.”

  He grunted as he caught it. “What is—”

  “Your shining armor and your white steed.” She grinned. “Ready to go rescue the princess?”

  If he lived a thousand years, he’d still never see every side to Blue. But he was ready, readier than he’d ever been for anything.

  They made it to the edge of the lagoon undetected, before ducking into a copse of trees as the hull of the sub sank out of sight. The Crow brought out a tiny compass-like device. “According to this, she’s only a few hundred feet away. In that direction.” He pointed south.

  They crept through the foliage at James’s signal, trying to make as little sound as possible.

  “I think we should just stand and walk normally,” James said. “I mean, we’re trying to fit in, right?” No other synadroids were likely to be creeping about in the bushes.

  “Good point.” Blue straightened up and double-checked her synadroid tattoo. “And this is why you’re the leader. I’m not used to going in the front door.”

  “Speaking of which,” The Crow said. “ There’s the front door we’re looking for.”

  About fifty yards ahead sat a stark, rectangular building. It was clearly modern, all thick steel and reinforced concrete. The closed door had a keypad to the right of it and judging by how long the android entering the code stood there, a complex cypher.

  “Damn,” James whispered. “Did you know about that?” Codes were not part of his particular training. Maybe the time for being subtle was over.

  Blue gave him a look of disgust. “What do you think I am, an amateur?” She pulled yet another tiny device out of her pocket and held it up. “This is for them.” She pointed at the two synadroids guarding the door. They each wielded a shotgun. “And them.” Several other synadroids milled around near the building. “In fact, it should work on the whole island. Well, anyone outside the building, that is.”

  “Do the authorities you’re working with know you have that?” James indicated the device. “’Cause I’m pretty sure that’s good for ten years in prison.”

  Blue looked unconcerned. “Meh. We’re making it easy for them. Don’t ask, don’t tell.” She pulled an amplifier out of the bag James carried and plugged the gadget into it.

  Satisfied they were ready, he nodded at Blue, and the three of them stepped out of their cover in unison.

  They didn’t fool anyone. Tattoos or not, to the sentient androids, they were instantly recognizable. The two guards at the door lifted their weapons, their mouths opening to sound the alarm.

  “Blue, now.”

  Blue lifted the amplifier overhead and activated it. An invisible wave of electromagnetic power rolled in all directions across the island. For a few seconds, nothing happened, then the synadroids dropped like puppets with their strings cut. Blue waited a few more seconds then tossed the device back in the bag.

  The Crow looked impressed. “That worked even better than I thought it would.”

  James peered down at the nearest synadroid, a young man in too-large clothing. “It won’t hurt them, will it? How long will they be out?”

  Blue bent and gently stroked the synadroid’s forehead and scalp. “It’s so mild it won’t do any permanent damage, but it will take time for their systems to unscramble themselves.” She smiled at James. “I’m so glad you care.”

  James ignored her and strode toward the building. Pine was here; he was sure of it. We’re coming, Pine.

  At the door, he examined the keypad. “You said you had something for this, right?”

  “It’ll be as scrambled as the synadroids now. We should be able to pry the doors open.” She reached into the bag hanging off his shoulder. “Want to do the honors, Lieutenant?” she asked, handing him a crowbar.

  James stuck the flat end between the two doors and leaned heavily on it, trying to get leverage.

  The doors didn’t budge. James swore under his breath.

  “Let me try.” The Crow nudged James out of the way.

  “Seriously? No offense, but—” James wouldn’t have called Crow scrawny, exactly, but his physique was definitely more geared to electronic wizardry than prying open steel doors, even if their locks had been nullified.

  The Crow ran his fingers down the crack in the door then eyed the length of the metal bar. He mumbled a few words to himself then gave a slight jerk of his wrist.

  The doors popped open. Not all the way, but enough for three bodies to slip through.

  James stared at him, dumbfounded. “Where did you learn—”

  The Crow shrugged. “Physics.”

  “You guys? We don’t have a lot of time…and we don’t even know if Pine is in here. So can we…” Blue gestured impatiently toward the space between the doors.

  They opened into a narrow hallway as austere as the building exterior. Crow checked the tracker in his hand and held it up for the others to see. “Ignore the rooms on this corridor and take the right at the end. The room we’re looking for is all the way at the back. Got it?”

  “Got it. All right, Blue, let’s see what goodies you brought me.” James tugged the bag off his shoulder and unzipped it. He groped around for a moment before pulling out a neo-hand cannon. He checked the chamber. Explosive rounds. Perfect.

  James hefted the gun in his hand, feeling the familiar weight. He’d thought a gun would feel foreign to him after all this time, but it sat naturally, even co
mfortably. He could do this. “I hope you’ve got lots of ammo.”

  “I’m always prepared. Here.” Blue tossed a small kit to Crow. “I’m sure you know what to do with these.” She also fished out three masks and passed them around.

  Crow opened the kit and grinned. “Yes, ma’am, I do. Savage choice.” He bowed.

  Blue lifted a shock rifle out of the bag then pulled it over her own shoulders. She turned the charge all the way up. “I’m ready when you are, Cricket.”

  James pressed forward. He kept close to the wall, his eyes darting back and forth as he scanned the hallway and adjoining rooms for movement. He motioned for Blue and The Crow to follow.

  No one stood in their way.

  “Thank God for Paloma’s arrogance. We might actually have a chance,” Blue whispered behind him

  “Don’t get cocky,” James warned her. “It’s what’s in the room we have to worry about.”

  In less than a minute, they stood outside the door. Please, please, let Pine be in here. Please, don’t let us be too late.

  “Okay, Crow, it’s your turn.” James had no idea what The Crow had in his pockets, but he was a master at getting in and out. This was going to be interesting.

  The Crow took a set of tiny nodes from his kit and placed them around the door. As soon as he was done, James motioned for him to take up position on one side of the door. James joined Blue on the other side, and at his signal, they all slipped on their masks.

  James fought to keep his breathing steady. Okay, here we go.

  A scream split the air.

  Pine.

  The Crow pressed the button.

  Pine’s eyes were open before her brain had fully engaged. Confused, she stared at the furrows of the waves molded into the ceiling plaster. Where was she?

  I told Sebastian I wanted to leave the island. He refused. He—

  He attacked me.

  I’m lying down. Pine tensed, trying to sit up, but wide bands across her body kept her immobile—even her head was firmly strapped down. She wiggled her fingers with relief. At least I’m not paralyzed.

  Voices rose from the opposite end of the room. Pine tried to turn her head, even just a little, but had to be satisfied with straining her eyes instead.

  Four figures—two men and two women—stood around a long table, peering down at the pile of metal on it.

  Two of them had their backs to Pine. From their movements, they appeared to be human. Of the other two facing Pine, one was Sebastian.

  The other was Paloma.

  A quick rush of relief cut through Pine’s confusion. Paloma is here. She’ll know what’s going on. She’ll help me. Just as Pine was about to call out to her, the man and woman stepped away from the table and Pine finally saw what had held their interest.

  A sentient android lay on the table, its eyes wide and mouth locked open in horror. Pine couldn’t tell if it was male or female, alive or dead. Its skin had been peeled from its head and body, exposing its complex metal skeleton and synthetic musculature. Although it was immobilized, to Pine’s synadroid eyes, it seemed to vibrate.

  The androids. The androids that staffed the island. The android that had warned her on the boat. They’d been made here, from sentient androids. Synadroids like Pine.

  Run.

  Terror, purer than anything Pine had felt before, burned through her body like jellyfish venom. It was all a lie. There is no freedom for us.

  As Pine watched, Paloma peeled the last part of the android’s skin down and off its foot, like she was taking off a sock.

  “Ha!” She held it up triumphantly. “Perfect. This’ll net us a fortune. Did you see how I did that? All of them need to be done like that, not like the butcher job you did on the other one, Sebastian.”

  Sebastian smirked. “He struggled.”

  Paloma raised an eyebrow. “That’s why you use the safe word, Seb. Fine if you want to leave their pain sensors on and have some fun, but at the end of the day, we’re here for the product, not your depravity.”

  “I’ll make it up to you later.” He winked suggestively, and Pine didn’t miss the lewd look that passed between the human couple. They moved away to stand together against the wall while Paloma and Sebastian strolled to the next table, Paloma twirling her scalpel between her fingers.

  A strangled cry tried to force its way from Pine’s throat.

  Paloma’s gaze snapped up, her scalpel poised over the skull of the next hapless synadroid.

  Don’t move, don’t move, don’t even move your eyes.

  “Ana, could you please just check the cameras for me?” Paloma pointed to a small control panel near the door.

  “Of course.” Ana passed her gun to the man, squinted at the screen, and pressed a few buttons to rotate the view. She frowned.

  “What is it?” Paloma asked sharply.

  Ana pulled back from the screen. “Nothing. I’m just still not used to how human they seem.”

  “But they’re not. And never forget it.” Paloma bent back over her work.

  For once, Pine was glad she couldn’t cry. Nothing in the word would’ve stopped the tears from forcing their way out of her eyes and giving her away.

  James. I’m so sorry. First Joseph, and now me. I’ve only just realized what it means to be alive.

  Had Ash known what Paloma was? Was she here? Pine strained her eyes to the side again and could just make out Ash on the table next to hers. Her head, arms, legs, and torso were all secured by wide metal bands. Ash’s eyes were open, and Pine made the tiniest of sounds to get her attention. It worked.

  Frozen, Ash couldn’t meet Pine’s gaze. Her eyes were wide, like Pine’s, and terrified. And there was something else in them, a kind of disbelief, a betrayal.

  She didn’t know.

  Sebastian had, though. Had not only known but had made it happen. How could he betray his own kind like that? What was in it for him?

  Paloma and Sebastian worked their way down the line tables, taking turns stripping the skin from each of the prone synadroids then hanging it on a hook on the wall, like a macabre boiler suit. By the time they were two androids away from Pine, she understood what was in it for him.

  Obviously, he had a relationship with Paloma. They stood in each other’s space the way lovers did, and once she even drew the back of the scalpel playfully over his lips.

  But it was more than that—he was a sadist. Somewhere along the way, the emotions he’d been given were corrupted, made hungry for a very particular type of stimulation. He spoke quietly to the synadroids under his breath as he pressed the knife to their flesh, grinning as their eyes flashed and their bodies and minds fought to react to the pain and couldn’t. Everything Sebastian murmured to them, every twist of his hand, every bite of cold air hitting their exposed insides, they could feel. And Pine had only to glance below Sebastian’s waist to see the effect it had on him.

  How can I escape?

  It would have to be at the last minute, just as the blade sunk into her. They would need to remove the restraints, and she would have a split-second to— To what? Try to take out four people, all of whom had much more experience with violence than she did?

  She had to try. If James ever found out what had happened to her, at least he’d know she’d tried. She focused on that thought, suppressing the more logical one that James would never know what had happened.

  Then they were beside Ash, and Pine’s terror almost overwhelmed her. It took everything in her power not to scream, to fight her restraints. She had to stay still; she’d only have one chance. Hold steady. Think of James.

  Ash’s survival instinct started to overcome her programming when she saw Paloma and Sebastian looming over her. Sebastian watched her twitch for a few seconds, fighting against her paralysis, and laughed, a rumbling from deep in his belly that made Pine’s circuits want to short out. What happened to him?

  “Fanavitae.”

  Ash froze again, though her mouth snapped open in a soundless scream. Gath
ering her hair in one hand, he sliced off the top of her scalp in one swift motion.

  “Sebastian,” Paloma admonished him. “We want the skins as whole as possible.”

  Every sickening rupture of Ash’s skin separating from her frame wormed its way into Pine’s soul. She couldn’t block it out, couldn’t turn away. She didn’t even dare shut her eyes for fear they would catch her.

  It seemed like only seconds until they were done, Paloma hanging the skin while Sebastian ran his hands over the slick metal of Ash’s exposed form, digging his fingers into pressure points until one of the pupils in her green eyes blew.

  Then he turned to Pine. Leaning over, he spoke to her in a deep, almost hypnotic voice.

  “I told you you wouldn’t be leaving here. Not alive, anyway. I’m still not sure what we’re going to do with you. Take you apart completely, or just fix you up a little—get rid of that nasty human side.” As he spoke, he retracted the bands from around her.

  The sudden release of pressure made Pine feel like she would float off the table. Not yet. Keep still. She tried to gauge where everyone in the room was. This attempt might be futile but focusing on it was the only way to stop her mind from imploding.

  Paloma loitered near her feet, running her finger down the smooth skin of Pine’s legs. Sebastian stroked her hair back from her face and poised the scalpel over her forehead.

  Pine rolled off the table.

  Sebastian stared at the empty slab, his hand hovering in the air. Then he looked at Pine and his face distorted in a vicious snarl, his lips pulling back from his teeth like a wild animal.

  “Pearlvitae!” Paloma screamed, her face twisting in astonishment as Pine backed up to the wall. Ana and the other guard stared dumbly; obviously, this was the first time a synadroid had gotten off its deathbed.

  Sebastian pushed the table out of his way, advancing on Pine. The crash of the upturned table spurred Ana and her companion into action, and they lifted their weapons toward Pine.

  “Don’t shoot her,” Paloma shouted. “Don’t damage the—”

  The door blew off its hinges, slamming into one of the stripped androids and toppling its bench.