by Candice Lim
“I told you I am going to settle it if you would give me a little time. If I were to babysit you from now on, there’s no end to it,” Vaxine snapped.
“I’ve got a better idea. You let me go and I won’t stand in your way. You can do everything you want all by yourself!”
In a beat, Vaxine acquiesced. “All right.”
“Really?”
Vaxine relaxed her grip and nodded. “You are free to leave.”
Leaving Vaxine was easier than I thought. I’d prepared to put up a fight.
Vaxine shrugged in resignation. “Be careful in Whiteshore. Good luck.” She moved aside as the elevator doors opened.
I smiled in appreciation, unable to contain the relief exploding over me. The next instant, I grabbed my phone and dashed into the elevator. I drew an ‘L’ for ‘lobby’ on the panel and mentally counted my change, hoping I’d enough to call a cab. My paranoia told me walking was a bad idea under the present circumstances.
Vaxine stood with her hands held behind her back as the doors closed. The second before they did, Vaxine let slip a furtive smile.
I frowned and felt the elevator juddering to a halt. I almost fell over when I grabbed onto the silver railing for balance. When the trembling stopped, the display flickered and went black, followed by the two white strips overhead.
My heart thumped so loud it was the only thing I heard. I scrabbled at the panel. Nothing worked. I banged my fist on the chromed door. “Vaxine! What did you do?”
A familiar voice blared from the speakers overhead. “Looks like you’re trapped. Most unfortunate.”
I looked up and saw only darkness. My fear morphed into rage. “Screw you! What did you do? Let me outta here!” I fumed yet my voice was cracking.
“Not until you learn to control yourself, kiddo.” I could picture the contempt on Vaxine’s face. “Take your own sweet time to reflect on your actions. After that, we’ll talk.”
“Who do you think you are? Bitch!” I spat but regretted it. “Wait, wait. I didn’t mean that.”
“Take caution in your tone with me. In the meanwhile, get used to having this bitch as your senior. See you!”
“Wait, wait, Vaxine, don’t go!” I slammed my fist on the metallic door but all I got was more silence and darkness. Finally, I gave up and slid down to sit.
11
PEYTON
President Professor Peyton was at his cedar wood desk when there was a knock on his office door. He was turning 50 in a couple of weeks and in what seemed like the blinking of an eye, he’d held the highest government position in Asia Nova for five years. Asia Nova emphasized scientific and intellectual development and that was what he achieved, as a valedictorian for all the schools and universities he’d attended, First Class Honors for both his double degrees, multiple PhD theses, all which made him the ideal candidate for the Community.
The people loved a professor like himself and voted him as the sixth president of Asia Nova. Peyton loved his job. Asia Nova had always been a peaceful nation. They had the best scientists to keep things in check, until now…
“Come in.” He looked up at his secretary.
“Prof., Dr. Adenine Cash wishes to see you,” said the old lady with a strong old-world accent.
Warning bells went off in Peyton’s head. Adenine Cash was a name he hadn’t heard for a long time. He had almost forgotten it and now he wished he could wipe it from his memory and reboot his mind for good measure.
“Send her in.”
“I knew you would say that,” said his secretary wryly. Peyton pressed his lips together as she went out.
Five seconds later, the mahogany double-doors were flung open as Cash made her grand entrance. She strode towards him, long silver coat billowing behind her, in the way Peyton had missed.
“Hello, Prof.” A broad smile split her lips.
Despite the breezy scent of her perfume, Peyton detected ulterior motives for her visit. She stood waiting for him to signal to his two bodyguards to leave the room. The two burly men standing at the door traded an uneasy look.
“Don’t worry, Cash and I are old friends,” Peyton assured them.
They both nodded and marched through the door as it closed behind them.
When they were alone, Cash teased at Peyton. “An old friend? Is that how you always refer to me?”
Peyton pursed his lips but managed a smile. “Adenine, it’s been years. But you are still that sophisticated smart woman I met back then.” He observed the red-haired woman in front of him, looking for any hint of changes. There weren’t many, except a few fine wrinkles around her eyes. “Why are you here?”
Cash examined the bronze statue beside Peyton’s desk. At the statue’s base, were the carved words, ‘Professor Zelda Rose. The Pioneer and First President of Asia Nova. Circa 1820’. Grabbing a chair, Cash sat down as she crossed her legs in a familiar elegant fashion. She had not changed. She was still the cool, calculating woman Peyton once knew and still loved.
Cash leaped forward. Agile as a cheetah, she lurched for the wooden photo frame on his desk. Peyton tried to stop her, but she outmaneuvered him. Cash flipped the frame around. A grin spread over her face when she saw the photo and turned it around to face him. An old photo; Peyton and Cash on their holiday. The younger smiling Cash wore a scarlet bikini and mirrorshades. Peyton donned bright yellow Hawaiian shorts, putting on a cool serious look.
“I am astonished you still keep this on your desk.” She glanced at the photo and turned to Peyton again. Another smirk. “And you are still single? With your qualifications, I am sure the queue will be long.”
When she tossed the picture frame at him, Peyton snatched and slid it into one of the drawers.
“You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you here?”
“You heard about Cranax?” Cash checked her nails.
“Who hasn’t? It’s all over the news.”
“Cranax is the result of one of our experiments.”
“You didn’t…?” He almost jumped up.
Cash raised her hand and whispered, “I’m telling you because I trust you, Peyton. You won’t give it away, right?”
“It depends on what you’re going to say next.” Cranax was no joke to him. Especially when it would decide the fate of his presidency. “So, what’s your plan?”
“I have the antiviral drug.”
Peyton couldn’t suppress a smile. A thousand lives had been taken and if he could present the cure, all the credit and glory would be his. He glanced over at the bronze statue with its unseeing gaze. It would be his in no time, Peyton thought excitedly. “Fully viable? No side effects? Passed all trials?”
Cash nodded. “The only catch is you have to finish the full course, when there is no full course.”
His smile withered. “How’s that a cure?” Peyton snapped, feeling cheated.
“You don’t have a choice.” Cash cocked her head to one side. “It’s been a week now. Thousands of lives at risk. Your research is still at the preliminary stage. My team has worked on this for years. Who are you going to listen to? This is our only hope.”
“Have you sent it to the Ministry for approval?”
“That’s why I came to see you. To tell you to whip their lazy asses into shape.”
Peyton knew exactly what she meant. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Cash. It is against all―”
“The Ethic?” Cash snapped. “Lives have been sacrificed and all you care is the damned Ethics! You’re putting your reputation before the fate of mankind.”
Peyton shook his head in despair. The past rushed into his mind as though it happened yesterday. But they were not bickering like the lovers they used to be.
Cash was undeniably smart but she was always going against the law, condemning it as an obstacle to her grand ambitions. If he was anyone else, he would have gladly done it her way. But he was Professor Peyton, the President of Asia Nova. He was answerable
to everyone in the Community.
Cash placed her hand on his, the touch stirred up memories in him with a bolt of electricity. He’d almost forgotten how blissful this feeling was, how it used to melt all his fears away.
Peyton looked up and held her gaze.
“Can we sort something out?” asked Cash. “We’re talking about saving Asia Nova lives. Last week Cranax hit Graybridge. Yesterday, Whiteshore. Soon, Cranax will find its way to Corn City. Then, you and I are in deep trouble.”
Peyton could not argue with her. He nodded and grabbed her hand, rubbing his thumb against her knuckles in a familiar, sweet fashion. “All right. I will take care of it.”
Cash’s smile returned to her face.
“You’d better be ready for the press.” Peyton picked up his red phone and an inaudible conversation followed.
“All settled.”
“I am always ready, Peyton,” winked Cash, her hand moving closer to his crotch. “I’m thinking if you’re free tonight, we could grab a drink or something.”
12
MANDY
Mandy couldn’t believe it when she caught the footage of Whiteshore over the news. She felt betrayed and hated knowing she had been foolish enough to confide in Tracey. She stormed into the auditorium just before George’s lecture began and saw Tracey chatting and laughing with her girls in the back row. Her fury skyrocketed. She hurled her bag into an empty seat and caught everyone’s attention. Even Tracey’s.
“What happened?” asked Bulk in his usually grumpy voice.
Mandy glared at Tracey.
Another Genetics lecture passed without meaning. As George dismissed the students and left the auditorium, Mandy tailed Tracey after shoving her way through the departing herd of other students on their way to lunch.
“Tracey, we need to talk,” Mandy hollered from behind her and her friends. Some students threw her disapproving looks to remind Mandy she was still in the auditorium but she didn’t care.
Tracey waved her friends away. “I’ll catch up with y’all later.” When they’d all left, she turned to Mandy and crossed her arms, acting ignorant. “So, yeah?”
“Don’t act like you know nothing, bitch!” Mandy spat, breaking into a fresh fit of wrath.
Tracey gasped, acting surprised. A few students turned in their direction and shared the same look. Mandy shot them a death stare. They averted their eyes and scurried through the door of the auditorium.
“You look like you want to murder me,” said Tracey. “What have I ever done?”
“Made me trust you,” spat Mandy, hurt and anger betrayed her voice. “I only told you about Whiteshore. No one else.”
Tracey rolled her eyes in dismissal. Mandy’s fist struck Tracey right in the face with a sharp crack. Shocked beyond words, Tracey held her throbbing jaw as the blood dripped from her nose. “That was just a warning. Watch your back around CU.”
13
ROXY
A shaft of light streamed through the crack made by the opening elevator door, blinding my vision. I raised my hand to cover my sweaty face and peered through the gaps between my fingers at the silhouette of a woman framed by the light.
I sprang up and ran towards the woman, every step fueled by growing rage. But I was met with nothing and crashed onto the ground with a pained yelp. I flipped over and with gritted teeth at Vaxine staring back. A sneer twisted her face.
“You murdered my parents! I could have gone to Whiteshore to rescue them!” I seethed, every word dripping with hatred. “You are no different from Cash! Both of you are heartless!” I picked myself up.
Vaxine clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “I saved your life, you ungrateful―”
The disapproving sound infuriated me. I charged Vaxine at full speed, bringing both of us down. On top of her, I raised my fist and brought it down on Vaxine’s face. Vaxine, being the more experienced fighter, wrapped her fingers around my wrist and squeezed hard. The intense agony made my eyes water. I writhed to free myself. Attempt failed.
“A simple ‘thank you’ would have sufficed.” Vaxine jammed her elbow into my chest, knocking the breath out of me.
My hands scrabbled at my pocket until I felt the hard bulge of the small can of pepper spray. Aiming at Vaxine’s eyes, I pressed the nozzle hard. It emitted a fine spray and enveloped her face.
Coughing, Vaxine tumbled me off. I briskly peeled myself off the floor and looked around, rapidly blinking my eyes. The fume scorched like acid and blocked my throat. I broke into a run when I spotted the emergency door, its small red light flashing in welcome. Vaxine lunged forward, trying to throw her arms at me but closed onto nothing. For the first time, Vaxine missed her target.
I flung the door open and sped down the emergency stairwell until I found another door marked ‘EXIT’. Vaxine was in hot pursuit on the stairs above, still gasping for air. I didn’t waste any time and flung it open.
The first rush of fresh air in days washed over me and I took deep long breaths of it. Energized, I ran under the shadow of the facility and found myself surrounded by thick forest. The sun was low in the sky as it neared dusk.
There were no signs of life around the place, as though no one had been inside since the day the facility was established. As though the only way getting in or out was through the secret passage we had come in. Vaxine would catch up in no time. I was short of pepper spray and carried no other weapons. I stayed close to the outer wall to escape the CCTVs.
Every side of the perimeter looked the same and I was lost until I heard faint waves in the distance. That was my cue. I peered through the trees and saw the beach at the other end. If I followed along the shore, I could reach a place to call for help. Drawing in a deep breath, I took my first brave step towards the woods. I squeezed through the undergrowth. Tangled vines were hung from tree to tree like a massive cobweb.
My progress was painstakingly slow but better to be safe than sorry. After what felt like an eternity, the sound of crashing waves grew closer and louder. The sea rippled in the golden dusk. The welcome sight renewed my strength and I moved faster towards the beach.
Bliss filled my soul as I stepped out of the muddy ground and sank into the pearly white sand. Ripples of relief washed over me like the gentle waves to the shore. The chilly evening breeze stroked my cheeks in comfort. A stream of hot tears rolled downy eyes. A mixture of happiness and sorrow overcame me.
I dug my hand into my pocket for my battered phone. As I stared, the temptation to call was stronger than ever, but caution won. If I were to call my parents and they survived, George would still be after them and me in no time. But if they had not, no point in doing it.
I swiped to activate GPS and tracked my way along the shore to the nearest town. “Destination: Casablanca. Distance: 1,300 away. Drive safe,” my phone chimed. I let out a sigh. It’s going to be a long night.
☣☣☣☣☣☣
With a tap of my phone over the cab’s payment scanner, fifty dollars exchanged hands and there went a week’s worth of pocket money. Financial attenuation was nothing in the grand scheme of what was happening these days.
“Thank you,” beamed the chauffeur. The cab sped away into the distance and out of sight.
I drank in the sight of the Alps apartment block. A relieved sigh escaped me. My battery was going flat soon. I was standing under the beam of yellow streetlights.
It was strangely quiet. Even the café usually harboring many nocturnal coffee lovers was bizarrely empty. Four waiters and waitresses stood by the door, eyeing me as a hopeful customer. I walked straight past, killing their anticipatory smiles, and towards the apartment.
White light washed over the empty lobby and I felt paranoid. Perhaps because so many people wanted to kill me. Then there was Vaxine, trying to stop me from getting to Mom and Dad.
Glancing around furtively, I turned the corner and bumped into a raven-haired girl, who gave me the shock of her life. Only when I
realized it was Tracey, who lived in the same apartment, I sighed in relief and calmed a little. Unlike me, Tracey was outgoing and her friends were everywhere. She was always hanging out around the Alps and CU with different people.
Tracey jumped in shock too. She stared at me wide-eyed.
I turned to the glass door and looked at the reflections. My brows drew together so quickly my head jerked back. My hair was out of shape and looked like I just got out of bed. My face was pale as a ghost. No wonder Tracey was shocked.
“Roxy Riley? Is that you?” Tracey squeaked.
“Yeah, I think so.”
