by Drew Cordell
“There was nothing anyone could have done. I was just fortunate Inquisitor Zaris caught wind of the attack. Do they know who was responsible?” I asked him. Bracken’s face was ashen.
“Yes, a terrorist cell from the Slums. The Omniscience Engine verified the threat of another attack was too great, and the Supreme Leader had no choice but to abandon the Slums as previously discussed to preserve the project and protect the remaining populous. Power, water, and infrastructure in the Slums have been cut off. I’m sorry, sir,” he managed.
Tears spilled down my face. “When did it happen?”
“Three days after the attack. There was nothing I could do; the Supreme Leader sought counsel from all the houses and the decision was unanimous. To preserve the project and protect the Mids and Olympus, they decided the Slums had to be abandoned. It’s been dark for almost six weeks now.”
“Can anyone survive down there?” I asked.
“The Omniscience Engine predicts eighty-six percent of the Slum’s population will die by the end of these next two weeks.” His response quiet and solemn.
I sunk back into the bed. My hope of seeing Caeldra, Master Aarlen, or anyone in the Guild ever again was quickly fading. How would I accomplish anything without their help? I felt cheated, and it seemed like everything had been pulled out from beneath me while I was trapped in a coma. It wasn’t fair.
“When can I leave? I don’t want to stay here anymore,” I murmured, trying to keep my head level and focus on Bracken.
“I’m going to take you back today, but I’m afraid you won’t be very mobile for another week or two while your body recovers. You’ll need time to get your strength back. We’re taking two medical robots with us to monitor your condition and lead your rehabilitation sessions twice a day to get you back on your feet. They’ll also be able to adjust settings on your new arm if the connection doesn’t feel right.”
I nodded, reaching up and wiping the tears from my eyes. “It’s the medicine; it makes me emotional,” I said, needlessly defending my sign of weakness in front of Bracken.
“You’ll not be judged by me, sir. You’ve been through more than most people endure in their entire lives,” he replied, giving me a weak grin. “I’m glad to see you awake.”
I returned his smile and was helped into my wheelchair by the medical robots. My legs felt like rubber when I tried to put weight on them, and it was worse than it had been the last time I woke up from the coma. The robots packed my belongings and helped me change into some of my own clothes. After that, I was pushed into my transport ship along with two of the medical robots and flown back to my house. I couldn’t help but stare at House Aera and think about Mary as we passed during the flight. It was already late evening, and the sun was descending in the sky, casting peaceful orange rays upon the marvelous, sparkling glass of the buildings below. I remembered the pictures of the sun that I had seen in the Slums. They had been plastered onto the Government’s banners and posters, tacked onto walls in Collection Parlors for everyone to see, but they didn’t look anything like the real thing. It was beautiful in a way nothing else could quite match.
The hospital had been somewhere in the massive building that housed the Absolute Knowledge project, and the thought that Infinitum was constantly watching sent shivers down my spine. I hated Infinitum. I hated what it had done to those I loved, and the hate it possessed for everything as it pursued its mission with calculated brutality. Mary had gotten hurt because of me, and she knew it, too. The painful lies that had wedged us apart were the least of my worries now, dwarfed by the wounds inflicted by Infinitum as the result of my actions. I hurt the one I cared for the most, and I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I lost her for good.
Even with my cloudy mind, I knew there was no use in reliving the past. I had to be better, do better by Mary, do everything I could to protect her from an enemy that was nowhere and everywhere at the same time. There was no telling if Infinitum had developed another physical form yet, but I had to keep my guard up and retrain my mind.
The flight back was painfully long, and I struggled to remain awake as the dull thrum of the engines tried to coax me back to sleep. When we arrived, I was wheeled back into my house and upon insisting I could handle it, was permitted to take a bath. My skin felt chalky having not bathed in water for almost two months. I was surprised to see there were other humans in my house now wearing clothes in my colors. The majority of them were contracted for specific tasks that required more specialization than the robotic staff could offer. There were a few men and women throughout various parts of the house working on a variety of things. I decided I’d take the time to meet them when I was feeling better.
“I won’t embarrass you by babysitting you myself, but I’m afraid I have to insist that one of these medical bots watch over you just in case. I don’t want you passing out and slipping under the water. I’d be out of a job,” Bracken said with a wink.
After agreeing to the fair compromise and accepting help from the robot in getting into the tub safely, I plunged into the pale green water and adjusted a control on the glass which filled the tub with clouds of eucalyptus and mint steam. I welcomed the heat of the vapors as I breathed in, trying to clear the dullness from my mind and return feeling to my numbed body. The heat worked its way through my skin, and I felt alive again for the first time in weeks.
Though I felt less artificial, there was a growing pain in my bicep that was crawling up my arm and into my chest. It was a hot pain and felt as though molten needles were being jabbed into my arm at odd intervals. Pain was good. It meant the painkillers were fading, and I’d regain some of my mental composure. It had been too long since I’d had a dose of painkillers, but I had to gauge the pain and reduce the intervals in which I took the meds. If I did it correctly I’d be able to ween myself off the drugs, but it would put my pain tolerance to the test. My arm still hadn’t fully healed, and the transition period which could last for weeks was incredibly painful.
The robot helped me into my robe and back into my chair where I was wheeled to the kitchen for a meal deemed necessary by Bracken, who personally oversaw that I “ate a home cooked meal suitable for a Supreme Leader.” Had I not been so stressed about everything and the horrible situation everyone was in, I would have loved to take some cooking lessons to impress Mary.
As expected, Bracken’s cooking didn’t disappoint. The meal he had prepared was a spaghetti Bolognese that made my mouth water and my stomach rumble. The savory and sweet sauce possessed a complex and extremely delicate arrangement of spices and fresh herbs that had no hope of further innovation. I focused on eating a third plate of the spaghetti, then succumbed to the searing pain in my arm and took a dose of painkillers.
I ate a little more than I expected, but then again, it had been weeks since I had eaten food. It had been far too long since I had Bracken’s cooking. Feeling full and sleepy again, I pushed my plate forward and relaxed in the chair. The needles of pain in my arm faded as my meds kicked in, and I worked to retain most of my mental focus. I was thankful I was starting to feel better and decided I would try to talk to Marwin tomorrow. Bracken wasn’t pushing me for information; he was letting me relax and once again get accustomed to my life in Olympus. I didn’t feel like discussing everything in depth with him yet, but I would if he wanted to know what had happened. I’d tell him what truth I could without putting him in danger.
“Thank you for the excellent meal. Your cooking is truly inspiring,” I told Bracken.
“Of course, sir. I wouldn’t have you return home without a good meal. I’m glad to see you still have your appetite.”
“Will it be possible for me to speak with Baron Zaris tomorrow? I’d like to talk to him about what happened. I have questions, and I think he probably remembers more than I do.”
“Of course. I’ll make the call and see if we can set something up. I’m going to have the cleaning robots working through the night. There is a good chance the Supreme Leader wi
ll come to visit tomorrow as well. He will be paying his respects for your valor and doesn’t expect you to come see him with your injuries.”
Adrihel was the last person I wanted to see, but if I had said that it would have broken Bracken’s heart. He lived for the politics, the etiquette, and this strange and lavish style of life that left me feeling alienated. Even if I didn’t want to, I needed to get into the good graces of Adrihel. I was still alive, which meant he didn’t know of my true intentions, not yet at least.
“I’m not sure I’ll be the best host, but I think that would be wonderful,” I said.
“Believe me, he’ll understand. I don’t think anyone is expecting you to host at all. I’ll help as much as possible to make the process painless,” he replied.
I gave him the best smile I could muster and was wheeled back to my room. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was scared to go to sleep. The last two times I slept I had slipped away for weeks. If it happened again, more people would die and I might lose my chance of making a difference. I missed Mary, I missed Caeldra, and I missed the Guild. It was staggering to try to think about everything that had happened in only a few months’ time.
With grave sadness and renewed determination to make things right, I fell into a deep dreamless sleep, content with dealing with the aftermath of my actions in the morning.
I was awoken by the alarm next to my bed and had no recollection of setting it. It displayed 10:30 AM. I struggled to shift myself upright and worked my way into the wheelchair before wheeling myself out of my dark room and into the light of the rest of my house. Bracken was already busy in his study, but walked over as he saw me heading toward the kitchen. Fresh coffee had been prepared by one of my house robots, and another started on some breakfast for me as I took my place along the short table.
“Sir, Baron Zaris will be here in three hours to speak with you. He was happy to oblige and looks forward to talking to you. Also, the Supreme Leader and Supreme Lady will be visiting this evening for dinner. I’ll be cooking myself, but I still have to figure out what I’m going to make. The Supreme Leader won’t be expecting much from you as a host, but do try to remember your etiquette lessons. It’s not often that one has the privilege of hosting for such company.” Bracken’s voice was frantic.
“Of course,” I replied as my coffee and a glass of water was brought to me. I had no desire to see Adrihel, but I knew now he wasn’t my enemy, not my real one at least. The danger I had perceived when I had first arrived here was microscopic compared to Infinitum. Infinitum knew I was a traitor, knew almost everything about me, and knew how to manipulate me. One small slip or infraction of the rules of its game, and I was dead. Infinitum could expose me as the traitor I was and I would be erased, yet it still had reason to keep me alive for the time being. I needed to leverage that. I had reason to believe Marwin was on my side, but had no way of confirming it until we could speak later. I needed answers from Marwin about Edgar and the truth of things.
I gulped down some water and took another dose of the painkillers to dull the pain that had rekindled in my arm. Acting on a whim and without the consent of Bracken, I decided to call House Adrihel and ask to speak with the Supreme Leader.
“Jake?” the jovial, deep voice of Colton Adrihel rung in my ear.
“Yes sir,” I replied, keeping my tone friendly.
“Jake, it’s so good to hear from you. I do hope our plans for dinner are still on?” he asked.
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it,” I responded. “If it would please you, I’d like to invite Baron Zaris and Lady Dunn to the dinner so we could all talk. I haven’t had the chance to speak with either of them yet, and I fear Lady Dunn won’t talk to me for some time otherwise. I really want to make things right between us and fear losing her as a friend.”
“Jake, I’d be happy to help. Please invite whomever you’d like to the dinner. I’m sorry to hear about Mary. Give her time and she’ll speak with you; she’s probably just little shaken up from the attack.”
I was playing a dangerous game since I didn’t know the full official story of what they were calling a terrorist attack. Adrihel was an unknowing puppet of Infinitum, but he could still be dangerous on his own if I slipped up.
“I suppose so. I don’t remember everything clearly, I’m afraid. I’m not sure what I did to upset her.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. I suppose she’s upset you refused the terrorist’s instructions despite the fact she was held hostage. If you would have given that thing what it wanted, then you’d both be dead. You are both fortunate Inquisitor Zaris was able to get there when he did.”
“I suppose. I didn’t want her to get hurt because of me, but I had to try to save her life even if it meant losing mine,” I said.
“Of course your actions are admirable. In time she will see you had no choice. I’ll do my best to aid you in pushing that thought to her this evening at dinner. It’s the least I can do.”
“Thank you, sir,” I responded.
“Has Bracken briefed you on the situation with the Slums?” he asked, his tone shifting to caution.
“Yes. I’m not angry. I understand how much of a threat the terrorists were to everything we’ve worked toward,” I said, forcing the searing words out. It wasn’t his fault, I knew that now, and I couldn’t let myself take my anger out on him. This was all Infinitum.
“I know it’s not easy and the circumstances are very regrettable. I just wanted to be sure you were aware so the information wouldn’t come as a shock prior to our meal. I’m looking forward to Bracken’s cooking this evening and we can discuss the decision after dinner over a few drinks man to man. I’m sorry for everything you had to go through and commend your bravery and selflessness in protecting Lady Dunn during the attack. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss? I’m afraid I have another appointment shortly.”
“That will be all, sir. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I’m looking forward to seeing you later this evening,” I replied.
Had it not been for going behind his back and having a conversation with the Supreme Leader, Bracken would have been proud. I had reacted very well to Adrihel’s questions and answers. I was looking forward to seeing Mary and to try to make things right. It hurt to know I had to hide things from her, but I hoped I would be able to explain the reasons why. It was very clear her life was also in danger, and I’d need to explain as much as I could after seeing where I stood with Marwin and evaluating our situation.
When I wheeled myself out of the room, Bracken was staring at me. “You handled yourself well, but please tell me the next time you want to talk to the Supreme Leader so I can set it up.”
“Sorry,” I muttered and truly meant it. I didn’t want to upset Bracken, the man was nothing but friendly and loyal. He was one of the few people I knew I could trust in Olympus, and I knew I’d be lost without his guidance. I only hoped once everything went down, when it was all over, that my actions wouldn’t negatively impact him. I couldn’t do anything to involve him in my treason.
“You do realize you were going to have to tell me we’re expecting more company, correct?” he asked.
It surprised me that I hadn’t even thought about it. The embarrassment of not having enough food prepared for the additional company might have killed Bracken.
“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” I said, avoiding looking him in the eyes.
He nodded then strode off, content with my apology. “I’ll make sure we have a splendid evening, sir. Take some time to introduce yourself to your new staff when you get the chance. They’re all excited to meet you, but I’ve told them not to approach you until you’re ready.”
By the time I had introduced myself to my new staff and had dressed, it was almost time for Marwin to arrive for our discussion. I was nervous to speak with him and attempt to piece together the puzzle scattered across my mind. If he was part of the Guild, then why didn’t I know about him in the first place? Edga
r told me the Guild didn’t have anyone on the top level of New York, and that had been months ago. If Marwin was with the Champions, it would explain why he had spared Caeldra even if she didn’t know who he was. If he wasn’t allied with the Champions, surely he would have at least sent Caeldra to a Collection Parlor for evaluation. The thought that Caeldra was dead reverberated through my head as if a bell had been struck. I thought I remembered Edgar saying something about Caeldra before I passed out, and I had to know what it was. I fidgeted in my chair as I awaited Marwin’s ship. The afternoon air was starting to warm as winter loosened its grasp on the city. Still, even with the warmer weather, it was much colder in Olympus than the Slums which were several thousand feet lower.
Marwin’s ship arrived on my landing platform, and he walked out wearing a heavy wool coat in his colors. His hair was slicked back as usual, and he squinted against the bright sunlight reflecting against the glass of my house. Marwin walked in through the large door where I was seated in my wheelchair.
“It’s good to see you alive and well, Jake,” he said with a smile as he walked over and clapped me on the back.
“Likewise. Thank you for saving my life,” I said, trying to be friendly and keep the questions from pouring from my mouth.
“Anytime,” he replied.
Bracken was standing close by to offer refreshments for the visit. We settled on some coffee and toasted crackers for a snack, then went to my private study which had been decorated during my stay at the hospital. It wasn’t exactly what I would have wanted, but Bracken got it mostly right. Marwin eyed the bottle of liquor Bracken had added to my bookshelf and introduced me to the strange combination of alcohol and coffee.
