by E M G Wixley
“Birdie, my dear friend, none of it matters now we’ve done much worse since. Granted I made a mistake, but I was young and believed every possibility was permitted in this virtual reality,” he said without any shame or regret. “I shall keep what you’ve told me in mind. For now, let's not dredge up the past. We need to embrace the future. Come, I have something to show you.”
With Theodore leading the way they wandered over to the expansive screen which stretched across the length of the wall. “All the things we thought could never happen when we were younger are now happening. What we’ve created is a remarkable achievement and the rewards are manifold.”
“So, everything’s going according to plan?” Birdie said relieved to shift away from darker more human matters.
“That’s the official response. Nothings perfect – there’s always faults. We just need to make a few adjustments,” Theodore said as he commanded the screen to flick on and a view of the subterranean basement appeared. “It’s all a chess game, and others are manoeuvring in the shadows. The stakes are high, and as always, the outcome is unknown. Our backers in the establishment want military grade cyborgs. You remember what happened with the advance drones?”
“You mean when they wiped out an entire army and slaughtered anything which resembled a human.”
“That’s correct, and after that, it was considered important to add the human ingredient to prevent a them and us situation. It was decided to merge humans and technology. To mesh our neurology with the computer. Merge rather than compete with each other.”
“It’s your area of expertise,” Birdie said wanting to distance himself from this area of the research. “Mine is to work with Dante on the supercomputer. It’s enough trying to keep that technology clean and healthy.”
“Well, this could concern you as everything is connected. If you like, I’m growing suspicious of my own creations.”
Birdie watched awe-struck as an enchanting ballerina performed endlessly and without error. Her skin was soft and not subject to any of the normal blemishes, her face was symmetrical and her eyes warm.
“Unfortunately, we were given the green light to experiment unethically. The disappeared were brought to the facility’s dungeons where their personality, memories and emotions were all uploaded to a cyborg. The remaining shell was then liquidated. We knew this wasn’t a process which could be continued, but it’s what the elite demanded.”
“In the early stages we designed them all with a specific purpose, but with unlimited access to the supercomputer, they have acquired many other traits and abilities. They are too emotional even for the sex trade. In experiments, clients have been murdered.”
Birdie was transfixed marvelling at the sad beauty. “I think she’s wonderful.”
“Seemingly so, but we have a huge unforeseen problem. These cyborgs are sentient entities. They know they’re part of a machine and due to their unlimited access to the supercomputer, they know they were stolen against their will. They either try to destroy themselves or have become vengeful. The cracks are widening. Some of them have gone completely crazy. Look at this one,” Theodore said moving to another camera.
A girl was crouching in the corner of her cell. Her face was ghostly, and her eyes were large and damning.
“The problem is they’re resentful and angry.” Theodore stared at the screen and chewed at the loose skin sticking out from his thumbnail.
“Soon it will be the days of the Black Sun, and you, Theodore and your colleagues will be the first to be sucked into the pool of darkness,” the woman shouted sensing their presence. “You will pay for your horrendous crimes.” She spat and ran towards the camera cursing and hitting out with her hands.
“They are learning machines, but at a rate, no human could compete with. This batch of cyborgs have all connected with each other and have developed a kind of telepathy. Of course, we will have to discard this lot but what to put in their place?”
“Why do we need any of them at all?” Birdie said half under his breath.
“You can be sure our enemies are heading in the same direction. However, there’s a far more important race going on. Between you and me, my true friend,” Theodore said in a lowered voice. “They are looking to colonise other planets, but they want something more able to survive. Beyond human and beyond robot. Human’s which are superhuman?”
“You want to create a space travelling civilisation, enhanced to deal with the rigours of space both emotionally and physically. How about the army?”
“We want an immortal digitalised humanity, not a killing machine, and we need volunteers, those who would be grateful for such a unique opportunity. They need to choose to make the transition.”
“You’re looking for resilience, flexibility, gratitude and less emotion,” Birdie said relieved that the ugly practice of sweeping up everyday people for an experiment for which they would object had been scribbled from the page.
“Yes, that’s correct. In short, we need to take what we’ve learnt from this project and start again, quickly before others catch up.”
“Prisoners selected prisoners. Lifers. Give them a chance to start over.”
“Perfect,” Theodore said grinning broadly. He strode over to his desk and picked up a large file and thrust it into Birdie’s hand. “This should have everything you need to select and organise the participants. I will give you a team of psychologists and various specialists in their fields to assist you. Of course, please remember all this is top secret, under pain of death.” He laughed. “I think once the project is over, we will all take a well-earned rest. A holiday on my yacht.”
The Investigation
Chapter Nine
It was the golden end of a Paris day. The sinking sun cast light on the wooden floor. They were all seated at a round table in Detective Jack Bonnet’s apartment. It was cramped, dusty and mounds of papers and boxes littered the floor making it impossible for Jonah to stretch out his long legs.
“I’m nicely shut away from the inquisitive world here, a bit of a hermit,” The dark-haired bespectacled man said resting his chin on his thin hands. “I understand your yearning for the truth, it was the same for me. I still research anything I can on the case and follow up all leads. Poor child, she didn’t have a chance.”
“We know that since your court case you’ve been advised not to speak about my sister's disappearance, but we are desperate to resolve things,” Felicity whispered in a trembling voice. “You know, to follow every line of enquiry. I need to find her.”
“It’s no matter now. My career is in tatters, and I’m making a better living doing private work.” He fixed his small bright eyes on Felicity. “I will tell you the little I know but I warn you it might not be what you want to hear. I’ve also experienced the nights of broken sleep, wondering, investigating every detail. What do you know so far?”
“The group were having dinner on the shore and getting drunk from what I’ve read, while their children were left alone,” Jonah interjected. “All nine people should have at least been charged with neglect.”
“Yes, quite so but there is more, and I need to know if you’re ready for the information I’ve gathered.”
“We are,” Felicity said emphatically wondering if the detective with the pale and pained face was also strong enough to relive the past. “Nothing’s going to stop us discovering what really happened that night.”
“We found blood on the master bed,” he said his head drooping to avoid their responses. He picked up a paper clip and pulled it apart as a distraction. “It was forensically tested and found to be your sisters. The cadaver dogs also picked up a scent in that room. We all suspected foul play, but the whole crime scene had been contaminated with friends searching for little Elley. And your father explained your sister suffered from nosebleeds. Of course, your mother backed him up in every way.”
“Everyone was interviewed including all the staff. Conflicting stories and rumours abounded all of which muddied the wat
ers. The hired vehicles were checked, and blood and secretions were found in Mr Theodore Hemmings car, but after that, the trail goes blank. The sea would be the most obvious place to hide a body. In fact, murderers often choose water over land. I have the forensics here.” He bent over and took a file from a box beside his chair. “Here it is. You can take that with you and examine it properly but keep it hidden I don’t want any more trouble,” he said pushing the file in Jonah’s direction. Then he brushed dandruff off the shoulder of his faded blue suit.
“So you think she’s dead?” Felicity said in a thin voice as the aching wounds of her past sprung open. “I’d always felt and believed she was still alive.”
“Our main suspects were Theodore or your father or both. Two witnesses came forward stating they’d seen Theodore return to the boat. Your father was also seen.”
“Why weren’t they arrested?” Jonah asked.
“Your English police and press stood in our way. As you know, I was dragged through the courts, and numerous gagging orders were put in place. All extremely suspicious.” Bonnet resumed his original position with his bony hands supporting his chin. “I’m truly sorry, but that is my belief.”
Anxious thoughts buzzed around Felicity’s head. She hadn’t really pictured her father as a murderer or Theodore even though she’d known they were by her sister’s bed. “Could it have been an accident?”
“You would expect an accident to be reported. However serious, most parents would do anything to save the lives of their children even if it meant putting themselves in a desperate position.”
“Is there any chance she could still be alive?” Felicity said. She wanted to have hold of anything which could fend off her feelings of doom.
“With deep regret, mademoiselle, I believe not. Elley’s gone from us. Best to put it behind you and forge a good life for yourself.”
At that moment Jonah’s phone rang. “My apologies it’s my friend and colleague from the force,” he said his face brightening. “I will be back shortly.” Felicity watched as he leapt to his feet and took the door leading into the corridor.
“There is something wrong with this case. The conspiracy runs deep. The British establishment is involved and is keeping an iron grip on the media. Individual morals have been erased by this powerful group. How far it goes, who knows.” Bonnet clutched his hands as though in prayer and lent forwards. He studied Felicity’s face thoughtfully until she felt uncomfortable beneath his gaze. “Let all this go – it is not safe for either of you. Please do not pursue this matter further.”
Jonah marched back into the room as though he was on a mission. “Thank you so much, Bonnet. Your information was a great help in our pursuit for the truth,” he said holding out his hand. “We will be in touch. I’m afraid we’ll have to hasten back to England as I have another matter of which I need to attend.”
“Thank you for giving us your time and help,” Felicity rose and hurried to the door where Jonah had already exited.
“What’s up?” she said as they descended the narrow step and out onto the street.
“Taxi or walk?”
“Walk I need to get some money from the cashpoint we passed down the road,” Felicity said trying to keep up. “Slow down.” She caught up with him and grabbed the sleeve of his coat. “What was that call and what’s the sudden hurry?”
“We can’t have secrets on our road to recovery, right?” he said breathlessly.
“No, we agreed. We must trust each other even if we can’t trust the rest of the world.”
“That was Baron, my work colleague. He has come across an unusual case,” Jonah said his low voice threatening to be drowned out by the traffic. “A diplomatic plane flew from Norway and landed at Heathrow carrying a secret cargo. The crates were collected by people saying they worked for the British secret services. When one of the cleaning staff went to clean the plane, they noticed blood streaks near the hold, and when they looked inside, they found the body of a woman. It was reported to the police, but as far as anyone knows, no further investigations were carried out. The airline has asked him to investigate. He looked at CCTV and came across the image which looked like one of the bastards who kidnapped my sister. It seems they’re at it again. Now I’m in a hurry to return to England.”
“But it’s not your case,” Felicity said not wanting him to leave.
“If there’s any chance they’re people trafficking again I must do my best to prevent any more ruined lives. They belong in jail.”
“Okay, I understand, but they could have taken a return flight out of there.”
“I need to make sure. Put them back behind bars or worse,” he said striding ahead. “I’ve had enough of all this insidious deceit.”
Jonah’s pace slowed as they walked down a tree-lined street. A car was driving slowly behind them. Felicity glanced desperately over her shoulder and was clasped by terror when she set eyes on a man too formally dressed in a long black coat. Her pace increased. Every step she took echoed with the fear that they were being followed.
“I’ll get the cash, and then we’ll flag a taxi,” she said wondering if her suspicions were paranoia caused by being in a strange city as darkness descended. They stopped in front of the machine. Jonah anxious to leave shifted on the spot.
“Shit, my accounts been cleaned out. That’s not possible. The one thing I’ve never wanted for is money. I’m good with it not like my brother who squanders every penny of his allowance.”
“No worries, I’ve got cash,” Jonah said unconcernedly. “Let’s just get out of here.”
“You don’t understand,” she said. “This is my parents cutting me off. Showing me, they’re angry at me for rocking the boat.”
Felicity felt a shape, a body which had moved too close. She grasped her shoulder bag tight and pulled it into her side. Then she was shoved onto the hard ground. Glancing up she saw a black-gloved hand spray something into Jonah’s face. Some of the substance sprayed onto her skin as she tried to rise, whipping across her cheek and stinging like nettles. Jonah was coughing, spluttering, choking. She could hear his breathing becoming more constricted as he collapsed. In garbled frothing words, he directed her to run.
Now standing, Jonah lay at her feet entombed in writhing pain and anchored to the ground. The car had stopped, and a figure leapt out. To regain her bearings, she whirled around to see the first man his eyes locked into hers and his hand lifted. Instinctively she raised her arm barring his attack. She swiped downwards with all her might, bone shattering against bone then before she could register the pain she twisted around and sped away. Passing headlights flashed into her eyes, and street lights flickered on. Overwhelmed with fear with the scream of her own voice ringing out, she darted in and out of the shoppers shaking them from their mundane thoughts. Quietening she ran into bustling department stores and out into dark alleys. Desperately she peered into the darkness and listened hard for approaching footsteps. Time past and her panic peeled away leaving her with the new fears of how to rescue Jonah and how to return home without a penny to her name.
Fairground
Chapter Ten
Irvin interlaced his fingers into Holly’s, and they smiled at one another. Happy under the slate grey sky. Her appearance at his family home had given him the motivation to begin living his dream. They’d kept a low profile, hiding out in his room and playing computer. He humoured his father by pretending to agree to all the plans for a more sensible future while remaining determined to stick to his goal of becoming a YouTuber.
Breaking into the old fairground was easy. Although chained the gate was rusted into a position which left a large enough gap to squeeze through.
“This is our calling,” he said as they drifted into the forest of twisted metal. “Goddamit, this place is deliciously creepy.” He switched on the live feed on his video recorder and panned the surroundings picking out the details of smells and sights for his audience.
“This place has the familiar stench o
f abandonment,” he said speaking in a friendly manner. “Everywhere we visit there’s the same smell of cats urine, foxes and decay.”
“It really makes your skin crawl,” Holly chirped in. “It’s the faded signs and that feeling that the laughter has died. The carnival has pulled out of town leaving everyone disappointed.”
They’d agreed before heading out that they wanted to bring something more to their explorations which others seemed to have missed. The chance to tell a story, to add a thrill and to exploit the whole atmosphere of mystery.
Irvin scanned the eye of the camera over faded signs. “Lives long lost and forgotten. Enticements for sideshows, bumpy rides, candy floss and hot dogs.”
“Simon wants to know if we could go on any rides,” Holly said, glancing at her phone.
“Sorry mate, what’s left is perilous,” Irvin said climbing onto a Waltzer. “All rust and jagged metal.” He tried to swing one of the chairs, but it wouldn’t budge. “This bumpy ride is over’” he added, entering the control room and placing all his weight on a lever and pressing down.
He jumped back onto the ground littered with metal, wood splinters and general garbage. Irvin swung the camera up to the rollercoaster, an intimidating crumbling skeleton. “We don’t do heights either.”
“Delphi wants to know if there’s a ghost house.”
“We can hunt around for one,” Irvin said as they ventured further into the derelict park. The sound of grating metal caught their attention, and they turned to film a children's play area. A swing amongst a row of three was moving back and forth under its own momentum.
“That made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up,” Holly said regarding Irvin with a fretful expression. She bowed her head to return to the normality of the messages.