The Enhanced Series Boxset

by T. C. Edge

  96

  Adryan wakes me before leaving for work at the usual hour, proving that the High Tower isn’t going to come to a halt for anything, even the death of one of its senior members.

  “Life goes on,” he tells me, setting down a hot chrome flask of coffee on the bedside table. “What are you going to do today?”

  I stretch out my weary limbs and quickly work through the plan of action I formulated last night in my head. None of those thoughts turn verbal, though, given how I’m intending on keeping Adryan out of the loop on my mission to help Sophie and Rycard.

  “Oh, not much,” I say. “I’ll just catch up on some rest and let the dust settle, as you say.”

  “Good plan. By the way, I spoke with Lady Orlando just now. Your brother is safe and sound.”

  “Yeah, I know. I spoke with him last night. I guess she didn’t give you any more info on what they’re up to then? Zander was typically tight-lipped…”

  “Afraid not. Just that it was an important part of the plan, that’s all. It doesn’t surprise me. Lady Orlando doesn’t do anything unless it’s been fully thought out.”

  He drops down and kisses my cheek, before briefly glancing up at the picture of my parents behind me. A small frown drops over his eyes as he looks at it, and I follow them.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask.

  He peers closer, and then shakes his head.

  “Nothing. I just…feel guilty.”

  “Why?”

  “I promised I’d find out about your parents. But with everything that’s been happening…I don’t know, I haven’t had much of a chance.”

  I lift my palm to his cheek, cleanly shaven and smooth as it is each morning.

  “Don’t worry, Adryan. It doesn’t matter right now.”

  He looks down at me, and I smile at him to make it clear that he doesn’t have to feel bad about it. And as I do, he leans in again, and this time kisses my lips. It’s little more than a peck, and he quickly retreats.

  “Sorry…” he mumbles. “Sometimes I just…I see…”

  “Shhhh,” I whisper. “You don’t have to explain.”

  And with a note of awkwardness settling in the room, he departs.

  I begin my day as soon as he leaves, jumping up out of bed, showering, dressing in my usual outfit of sky blue pants, t-shirt, and sweater, and heading straight down to the atrium to see just what the situation is outside.

  As soon as I step out from the lift, I get a sense of the greater concentration of City Guards lingering around. They spread in greater numbers around the main doors, with many more clearly visible outside.

  I suspect that it will be the same on the floors above, or at least the levels that are deemed to require protection. Yet, for the most part, the heightened security will be concentrated around the paths into the building, and not inside of the High Tower itself. If that’s the case, then perhaps I won’t be so hindered after all.

  Other than the increase in security, however, life appears to be going on as normal, within the atrium at least. Over at the main desk, I see two receptionists I don’t recognise doing their usual thing, tapping away on their touchscreens and multi-tasking as only a Savant can.

  Across the marble floor, various other Savants continue to spread in from outside, coming into the building to work. There’s nothing to their expressions to speak of the assassination of one of their senior members, barely a word spoken as the drones march in and set about their days.

  It’s such a weird sight, really, given what’s just happened. And yet, it’s as if nothing’s happened at all.

  One cog, large though it may be, has been irreversibly damaged and will need to be replaced. It will be, and probably very soon, and the machine will keep on running. That’s how it goes here. No one will shed a tear for Commander Fenby. No one will let any measure of fear enter their minds, worried that this might be the start of something worse.

  They’ll all just continue to do their jobs, all the little cogs just turning, so that the big machine keeps on running. No matter what.

  Baffled by the sight, I wander towards the main doors and set my eyes over the scene. Already, most of the construction for the botched ceremony has been taken down, the stage and stands gone, with only a few supports still being dismantled.

  All around, and up on the balcony, the investigation continues, with various areas still closed off where the attackers were thought to have made their assaults from. The same goes for the window ahead, up on a building not far off from the High Tower, where both the pulse round and sniper bullet originated.

  Their investigation, really, isn’t worth conducting. They know full well who was behind it, and unless they managed to capture one of the Nameless as they fled – which I’m sure they didn’t, seeing as Zander never mentioned it – then they’ll have little to go on.

  What I’m most intrigued by, of course, is how exactly they got in and out without detection. Most likely, they did so via the use of their ‘allies’, of which they have many. As Zander told me, they have support all over the city, and clearly have nurtured relationships with the right people to help give them access.

  If only they’d just done this when Cromwell was there during my own ceremony, I think. Then I wouldn’t have had to be dragged into this mess at all…

  With security currently tight around the High Tower, however, I have a little trouble getting through. Reaching a temporary checkpoint, I find myself being briefly questioned by the City Guard on duty. It’s no surprise to find that it’s a fully armed and armoured Brute, and with everything on high alert, he’s rather less cordial than I’m used to.

  “What do you require beyond the High Tower?” he asks suspiciously.

  “I’m just visiting a friend,” I say. “They’re in Inner Haven, it’s OK.”

  “What’s the purpose of the visit?” comes his booming voice.

  “Just…a catch up, that’s all. I am allowed out of the High Tower, aren’t I?”

  “Everything is on high alert, Mrs…”

  “Shaw.”

  “As I say, Mrs Shaw, all citizens of the High Tower, and all of Inner Haven, are being advised to stick to their predetermined duties. Anything beyond normal protocol should be avoided.”

  “I don’t have a predetermined duty,” I counter. “I’m just seeing a friend. There’s nothing to worry about.”

  “I suggest you return to the High Tower, Mrs Shaw. You will be safe there.”

  Oh, forget this…

  With a flash of my eyes, I spread an order into his mind.

  Let me pass, immediately, I demand.

  It takes hold in an instant, and from behind his visor, I see the giant Brute’s demeanour change. He steps to one side and nods me through the barrier.

  “You may pass, Mrs Shaw,” he says.

  “How kind of you,” I offer with a smile, drifting through and quickening my step until I’m far enough away from the High Tower so as not to be burdened again.

  Unfortunately, I’m accosted several more times as I pass through the city on foot, working my way towards the western end of the Outer Spiral where Sophie and Rycard live. It reminds me a little of how Outer Haven has become in recent weeks, the people barely able to go more than ten metres before running into some grumpy Con-Cop. Now, it appears to be the same around here, Inner Haven itself coming under tighter scrutiny.

  Still, having escaped the cordon around the High Tower, I’m not grilled to such an extent, and am able to reach Sophie and Rycard’s apartment without needing to resort to any further mental manipulations. Knocking on their door, I find Rycard quickly ushering me in and shutting the door tight behind him.

  “Did Sophie do what I told her?” I ask, reaching the living area where I see a single bag packed and waiting.

  “Yes. She took Maddox to work with her,” says Rycard. “They’re both over in the southern quarter now.”

  “And she didn’t have any problems getting there? I assume security at the gate
was pretty tight.”

  “Tighter, yes, but she has the relevant documentation to get in and out. I assume you managed to speak with the Nameless, with your brother?”

  Last night, I told them all about Zander, and that I’d get straight in touch with him to help. I’d assured them that he’d comply, knowing the bargaining power I hold. The source of that power, however, I kept securely to myself. I suspect that, should I tell either Rycard or Sophie about my mission, they’ll try to talk me out of it.

  Then again, I’m not so sure about Rycard. His hatred of the Consortium and their latest doctrine is palpable, a fair enough state of affairs given they’ve taken one of his eyes and permanently damaged the right side of his handsome face.

  He’s even taken to calling himself a ‘half-Hawk’ a somewhat derogatory nickname used to describe Hawks, like him, who only have good use of one eye.

  However, if he learns of my mission once he’s with the Nameless, that’s fine by me. For now, I’d rather not muddy the water.

  Answering his question, I inform him that Zander is ready for my order.

  “I spoke with him last night,” I say. “He’s ready, as long as you are.”

  He sucks in a deep breath. I can tell that this is difficult for him, leaving his home, his job, everything he’s even known. And while it’s all been forced upon him, it remains a difficult step to take.

  Peering through his increasingly narrow left eye, he stares at me with a pain across his visage.

  “Do you think this is the right thing to do, Brie? Are we making the right choice?”

  I feel strangely honoured for him to ask me that. Me, of all people, who’s been similarly dragged from the life she knows and had her entire world ripped from beneath her feet. I’m winging this like anyone, and still don’t consider myself as a good person to give advice.

  “You don’t have a choice, Rycard,” is all I say. “Not if you want to keep your family together.”

  “But Maddox…what sort of life will he have out there,” he says, casting his eyes to the wall and the city of Outer Haven beyond. “I have no choice, and nor does Sophie. But our son...he could stay. He could be raised in safety here. What sort of life will he have, growing up running and hiding and living in the shadows?”

  “A free life,” I say, stepping forward. “A free life, Rycard, that he won’t get here. And a life with you and Sophie. A life with his parents.”

  He nods, my words helping to strengthen him again. All he really is, beneath the pained grimace, is a man who wants to see his son safe. I know he’ll give his own life to see that happen, and Sophie would too. But truly, with war looming, nowhere in this city is going to be safe.

  Nowhere.

  “You’re right,” he whispers, still staring through the window, casting away the doubts from his mind. “So what happens now?”

  “We stick to the plan,” I say. “Go and meet Sophie across in Outer Haven, and take her to the northern quarter. I’ll tell my brother to meet you in the market in district 2. He’ll know who you are by the bandage on your head. From there, he’ll get you to safety.”

  It’s a simple plan, but one that comes with little risk. Aside from the threat of Con-Cops and Stalkers around the northern quarter, they should be largely inconspicuous. Right now, the eyes of the city are on Inner Haven, and the High Tower in particular. There may be no better time to escape than now, before the Consortium offer their retaliation.

  And you can be sure that, right now, they’re up there plotting their next assault.

  “You’ve done a lot for us, Brie,” Rycard says. “I won’t forget this. If I can help you at any point, I will.”

  “Help Sophie,” I say. “This will be more difficult for her. That’s all I want in return.”

  He does a little bow, and a reflective smile graces his mouth.

  “You’re a good person,” he says, “and a good friend. I hope that your reason for being here, whatever it is, pays off for you. Just be careful, Brie. The High Tower is nothing but a nest of snakes. If you turn your back for even a moment, they’ll strike you down.”

  And don’t I know it…

  He steps in, and gives me a brief hug, before moving over to collect the only luggage he’ll take with him, nothing but a single backpack filled with the most essential of items.

  He’ll be fine, I know he will. In fact, he might just fit in quite well down there, joining the fight, battling against those who wronged him. But it’s really Sophie I worry about, so sweet and soft as she is. There’s a stoicism to her that I’ve seen, and yet living down there in the darkness and the dirt will take some getting used to.

  But as long as she’s with Maddox, and Rycard, that’s all that matters.

  With a smile and a nod, the half-Hawk departs, leaving me alone in his apartment.

  And in the quiet, I once more shut my eyes, call for Zander, and hear my brother’s voice echoing back.

  Northern quarter, I tell him. The market in district 2. Look for a man with a bandage across his right eye, and a brunette woman with a baby. I’m counting on you, Zander.

  I’ll see them to the underlands, Brie, he assures me, his words tight. That’s all I can promise.

  What do you mean? I ask, a tension filling me.

  I mean that, right now, no one is properly safe here. You have to act fast, sister. The Consortium are closing in…

  But the assassination of Commander Fenby…won’t it slow them?

  His telepathic voice is a growl now. Nothing will slow them, he says. A new attack is imminent, and their slaves are crawling around the north. Your friends better get to me quickly, and before nightfall. Otherwise, it may be too late…

  They’re coming, I say, my breath caught in my lungs. They’re coming now, Zander…

  Good. I’ll be waiting, but you need to focus on your part. The door is opening for you, Brie. And now it’s your time to walk through it. You have to find a way, dear sister. And you have to do it fast…

  As his words echo in the darkness of my mind, I feel a pulse of adrenaline filling my veins. And then, slowly, his voice fades away, the connection lost.

  I call his name again, but he’s gone. Gone to meet Sophie and Rycard. Gone to help my friends.

  Gone to save them, just as he did Drum.

  And as he said, it’s my time now. My time to act, to focus only on my mission. And so, in that lonely apartment, with only the sound of my beating heart to break the silence, I grit my teeth, narrow my eyes, and march straight for the door.

  97

  With the morning still yet to pass into afternoon, I set straight back out for the High Tower, journeying once more on foot from the boundary of Inner Haven right to its core.

  The constant temperature here, due to the underfloor heating, is welcome today. Above, a heavy swamp of dark clouds have begun to gather, bringing to my mind the threat of rain that, so far, I haven’t encountered here.

  The crack of thunder alerts me to the gathering storm, a heavy, grumbling boom that reverberates through my body and catches me off-guard. The sound is enough to make me jump, my eyes spreading straight to the sky as the first drops of rain begin to tap on my shoulders.

  Despite the pristine nature of these streets, their uniformity and tidiness, I know the danger of acid rain is just as real here as over in Outer Haven. In fact, the odd smell of chemicals that constantly abounds is, partially at least, likely to be down to the anti-toxic spray that coats the buildings and streets at night to prevent any corrosion.

  As I hurry my way along, I recall what Sophie told me about the place during her lessons back at the transition house for girls looking to marry up. During the slideshow about living in Inner Haven, she pointed out that, just like in Outer Haven, there are acid rain shelters here too.

  My mind turns to them as I go, the rain beginning to fall a little more heavily. Immediately, however, sensors pick it up and large awnings begin to spread from the sides of buildings, offering cover to those caugh
t on the streets. Again, it’s similar to the system of protection across the wall where I grew up, although these particular canopies look to be in better order.

  Moving undercover, I note that the patrols of City Guards don’t bother to do the same. Their armoured uniforms give them plenty of protection as it is, not a single inch of skin uncovered and at risk of assault.

  Reaching out as the rain falls, I test the toxicity and realise that this shower is more lethal than I’d have expected, my skin immediately prickling as the acid water spreads across it.

  Given the setup of the streets, however, I’m able to continue on my way undercover, with only the smallest of gaps between awnings to navigate. As I work my way inwards, cutting along the side streets that criss-cross the Spiral as it swirls around the city, I reach something of a dead end.

  Ahead, a long stretch of open space extends before the next protective umbrella across the wide road. Looking up, I see the sky growing ever darker as the storm begins to thrash, a violence imbuing it as the winds whips in, bringing some rain with it.

  By now, the streets have cleared, most people escaping to the greater safety provided by the underground shelters. Despite wishing to get back as soon as possible, I consider that I should probably do the same, waiting for the storm to pass, or at least ease, before heading home.

  The arrival of a couple of City Guards cements that plan, their advice the same.

  “Best get undercover, Miss,” one says. “Here, we’ll escort you.”

  Leading me back a couple of blocks, they deposit me into an underground shelter, where I join a few other residents of Inner Haven foolish enough to be caught unawares by the storm. Unsurprisingly, most are wearing blue.

  The next few hours filter by as I wait for the rain to subside, stuck in the bright, warm, shelter with a flock of frightened women, most of them Unenhanced. It’s frustrating, given the fact that time seems to be running so short. And yet, really, until I find Rebecca alone, there’s not much for me to be getting on with.

  I’m just hoping that, when I get back to the High Tower, I’ll discover that everything is mostly back in order, and that her working hours haven’t shifted somehow. This evening, if all goes well, I’ll be able to sneak out and find her on the communal levels, get inside her mind, and extract the information I need.