by Candice Lim
“Your action of kidnapping your colleague is what is against the Ethics! You should face judgment!”
“In Asia Nova, we base everything on evidence. It’s best to say nothing when you have none.” smirked George.
“You have evidence of me breaking into the lab and stealing stuff?” I snorted, folding her arms.
“There are cameras everywhere. Anyway, President Prof. Peyton would like a word with you.”
Distant footsteps rose to a crescendo. Seconds later, my eyes met with a third figure behind George and Tracey. He stepped out from the shadows, revealing a man with a receding gray hairline. George and Tracey bowed and greeted him with much respect.
Peyton wore a suit like George’s but in dark gray. What caught my eye most was the golden brooch on the left side of his chest. It was in the shape of a double helix. A certain memory flashed before my eyes and disappeared. I remembered seeing this logo before.
A deep plummy voice spoke my name. “Roxy Riley?”
There was no mistaking the voice I always heard over the radio nowadays. Only now. It lacked the warmth in his words used to pacify his audience.
I nodded.
President Peyton dismissed Tracey. She retreated down the white corridor. “Are you aware data theft and trespassing are two of the gravest offenses in the Community?”
I gathered my courage. “President Prof., I have no idea what you have been told.”
President Peyton raised an eyebrow.
I glared at George. “This man held my mentor Hershey captive in the Underlab. Is kidnapping someone less of a crime?”
George cut in. “President Prof., I am sure you are not going to listen to her.”
“George, it is my responsibility to ensure no fallacy in my judgment.”
George’s smirk evaporated into thin air.
“I suggest we take a tour of the Underlab.” said the president.
George cleared his throat. “Your wish is my command.”
The same disembodied voice greeted them at the door of the Underlab. The instance I set my eyes on where the horror took place, a gasp escaped my throat. It still looked the same; glowing sapphire glass screens dotted the benches. Machines of all shapes and sizes were set up in every corner.
But the container and Hershey were no longer there.
“So, were you saying George kidnapped Hershey and had kept her here?”
“The last time she was here,” I spat, didn’t bother to conceal my anger.
The President asked George, “Then, can you explain Hershey’s sudden disappearance?”
“Hershey has decided to retire early,” said George. “Prof., I can show you the footage. There’s no point we waste our time down here.”
President Peyton regarded George and turned to the serious-looking men in black armor behind him. “You.” He jabbed a finger at one of them. “Collect the footage and run a full check.”
The man nodded dutifully and left the Underlab.
George could easily deceive President Peyton but not me. Not when I’d witnessed the whole freak show happened in this lab. I lunged at George, forgetting the two escorts shadowing me. Two strong hands grabbed my shoulders, holding me back.
“Then, where is Hershey now?” I screamed, losing control.
George sucked in a long breath and shook his head at her theatrics. “The last time we talked, Hershey said she was going to Graybridge.”
“How convenient! You really take me for a fool, don’t you? You can spit out anything and it passes as evidence? And whatever I say is invalid! That’s how it works, huh?”
President Peyton raised his hand. “Roxy, I must remind you. You have the right to defend yourself and wait for a lawyer to represent you. But you do not have the right to accuse others in a ridiculous attempt to free yourself.”
“Of course, you’ll side him. Perhaps you are a part of this conspiracy!” I snapped and regretted it. I didn’t just say such a thing to the highest power in Asia Nova.
The President went speechless for a couple of seconds. “If you suspected Hershey was abducted, why didn’t you file a report?”
“Because―” My thought went to Vaxine and I stuttered. “I didn’t know what to do. I was scared.” By the derisive look on George’s face, I knew how dumb it sounded.
The President narrowed his eyes and glanced at George, then his squad. “What on earth were you scared of?” His round belly bounced as he snickered. “You didn’t seem to be scared of the consequences of breaking into a forbidden area and stealing data but―”
“No, it wasn’t like that!” I was at a dead end. I couldn’t snitch on Vaxine. However much I hated to admit, I owed my life to Vaxine.
George stood between the President and me, his back against me. “We’re wasting too much time on this, President. This girl’s knowledge poses a threat to the good name and security of the Community. I don’t understand why you would want to listen to someone who snuck into a forbidden lab and stole important data.”
President Peyton looked away, something in his face suggested he disagreed with what George had said, to my pleasure.
“We have no idea what she’s up to next, but I can almost guarantee it is not good. I believe we all are clear as Hershey is not here. It is time to send the prisoner back to where she belongs.”
A blend of awe and abhorrence churned inside me. It sounded so real. I almost believed I was the ultimate villain. No surprise President Peyton would buy it. George was a genius, too bad, for the wrong cause.
President Peyton drew nearer, George shifted to give way. His eyes rested on me as a stern expression formed on his face. “A piece of advice for you, Roxy: I believe you did it for fun. But you should know whatever you did would pose a threat to the advancement of Asia Nova in all aspects. So, you will be dealt with professionally.”
The two hands on my shoulders tightened their grip, digging deep into my bones. The guards manhandled me towards the door when I wriggled free and turned to the President. “What are you going to do?”
A sneer curled at President Peyton’s lips. “You’re not too young to think of the consequences. Your offense is greater than those who deceive and manipulate. You do the math.” Then, to George. “Don’t cross the line.”
The metallic click of the latch sliding open echoed across the hallway. I was jostled into another cell. I caught myself and prevented another embarrassing fall. The dented door slammed shut followed by the sound of the closing latch.
Dirty blotches of scum and blood or rust marked the graffitied walls. Peeling paint stretched from floor to ceiling and insects infested every dark corner, raising goosebumps all over my skin. Four rusted bedposts propped up a louse-infested mattress. Next to the so-called bed was a clogged toilet bowl. A dying bulb dangled from the high ceiling. My prison conditions were getting more severe each time.
“Examine your actions. Remember, repentance is the key to a better future.” The President departed. Heavy footsteps scuffled away.
George was still at the door of the cell. By his triumphant smile, I foresaw there would be a celebration.
I fixed him with the most intimidating glare I could muster. At this stage, I had nothing left to fear or lose. “Happy now? You can peacefully take over the world without me being in your way.” Even in my usual tone of voice, it resonated across the four mud-colored walls.
“Don’t worry yourself with our business. I wish I could advise you sooner, but you are already here.”
“I don’t.” My lips trembled in anger. “I don’t give a damn about you. What were you even thinking?”
A contemptuous snort. He glanced at me sideways. “Cash, to be honest.”
I hadn’t met Cash personally. But how could George fall for someone like that? “You―you did all this, all for Cash?”
George nodded.
“What is it in her you love so much you’re willing to jeopardize your own nation for that
woman?”
“No no no. Not that Cash.” George grimaced as though the name itself left a bitter taste in his mouth. “I mean, cold hard cash. Money. We are making big bucks out of this. Who would pass up such a wonderful chance to hit the jackpot?”
“I would!” I snapped. What he just admitted was an offense to the entire human race. When he arched his brow, I added, “Not everyone is as money-minded as you are!”
“Apparently, being born with a silver spoon in your smart mouth does give you an advantage over me. Your parents must be proud their daughter has grown into such a noble and benevolent person. Alas, they might be dead. Things got pretty intense in Whiteshore. Might not have the chance to see how much of a person their beloved child has become.” His voice pregnant with scorn. “Too bad the little girl has to learn to live on her own. The moment of truth will reveal your true nature. Desperation will lead you home, to the real you.”
“My parents are not dead!” However I tried, the cold wind of doubt threatened to extinguish the fire in my heart. “And even if they are, I will not put my own benefit before mankind.”
“Innocence, how sweet!” laughed George. “There is only one way to find out.”
“What the hell did you do to Hershey?” I grabbed the bars. The dangling chain slapped the metal with a loud clank.
“Oh, talking about Hershey, I found a lot of likeness in both of you; always trying to deny human nature. It’s written in our genes the lust for money, possessions, power.” He gazed into the distance. “We are civilized beasts, after all.”
“What did you do?”
He pivoted in my direction, bleak eyes darting at me. “Forget it, Roxy. She’s as dead as your parents. As dead as your future.”
A sharp chill ran down my spine. He had killed her. I stood slack-jawed at the fact.
George hooted with vulgar, perverse laughter; a sound I was getting too familiar with. I lost my voice. Whatever I said would not change a thing anyway. George was bewitched by his lust for money. “That’s all I can say. My last advice to you: Drop your case, Roxy.”
14
VAXINE
For the third time, Vaxine had passed Hershey’s room in the research facility. The same unnerving feeling struck her. When she put her hand to the doorknob, the voice in her head began to yell at her not to do it.
She jerked away, feeling guiltier. With a grunt and a stomping of her foot, she resumed marching to and fro. She couldn’t bring herself to commit treason. Hershey would not approve of it. As far as memory served, Vaxine had never broken this taboo before. But she did for Roxy Riley.
Once the burn of the pepper spray had passed, Vaxine crept into the control room but it was too late. As expected, Roxy was gone. She had underestimated Roxy to be that slick and capable. A spark of anger flared through her.
Roxy was going to pay for the damage she’d caused to her system and her ego. If the Community caught her, it would foil Vaxine’s plan for Hershey’s escape. Speed was the only solution. Vaxine had many talents. Coming up with clear cut plans even when the world was in turmoil was one. It always happened, ideas dropping into her mind like rain from the sky. Whenever her eyes met the golden bold word HERSHEY on the door, a pin of guilt pricked her soul but soon dissipated.
Vaxine stared at the name and finally grabbed the doorknob.
A loud siren screeched. The flashing emergency lights drenched the lab red.
Heaving a long sigh, Vaxine willed herself into the room and felt the wall for the switch. With a flick, the strips overhead snapped on. She slammed the door close, drowning out the cacophony screaming in her ears. Vaxine vaulted to action. She threw her eyes around, over every object she could identify in the room.
The room had been left undisturbed since the fateful day. But even when Hershey was still around, Vaxine had never stepped foot in it, let alone when she was gone. This was the first time she had laid her eyes on it and set her feet inside and it did not fail to fascinate her.
She padded deeper into the room. The floor was gray, the walls white. Three steel bookcases stood around the glass escritoire in the middle of the room. A desktop and unwashed cups and plates with coffee stains and food crumbs sat untouched.
Vaxine smiled at the sight, at the memories filled her mind. Every night, this was where Hershey was, sitting behind this screen and reading tons of journals and theses.
She tore herself away and checked out the bookcases. But these weren’t what she was looking for. The secret stash of gadgets had to be hidden behind these collections of books. The devices would come in handy but she had to find out where they were first.
Vaxine rummaged about through the books. All she found were collections of scientific tomes and journals. She pulled out a volume and a mass of books fell on her. Vaxine shoved them back in place. A while later, her face was glistening with a layer of sweat. Vaxine slumped against the escritoire and crossed her arms. She was on the brink of giving up when something from across the room caught her eye.
A board mounted on the back of the door, words scribbled across it. Hershey’s handwriting.
From the dust of stars, we descend.
To earth of land, we return.
The fault in our genes.
The key to our differences.
She looked closer, trying to decipher the meaning behind this poem. She sighed and looked away. Her eyes fell on a tower of books between the two bookcases. A layer of dust had settled on them and spiders marked their territories. Tilting her head slightly, she read the titles out loud. “Fifty Shades of Genes. A Tale of Two Alleles. The Fault in Our Genome. The Darwin Code―wait.”
She read the message at the board again.
The key to our differences.
The key.
Wait.
The fault in our genes.
“Of course!” Vaxine plunged her hands into the tangled cobwebs and plucked out The Fault in Our Genes. Holding onto the spine of the dark green book, she shook it hard until a muffled thud. Something dropped on the carpeted floor. She picked an antique bronze key.
A fresh dose of motivation pumped into her. The key led to another brain-racking question. At least, she knew she was looking for something for the key to fit in. In the next five minutes, she prowled about the room.
Boxed between thick dusty tomes was a small wooden box. It looked like something belonging to a museum or a haunted house. When Vaxine reached over and tried to lift it, it was stuck, like it had been glued on the bookcase. After several tries, she decided to stick the key into the tiny aperture on the lid. She twisted until she heard a click and the lid popped open. A red button poked out invitingly from its depths.
Her curiosity blossomed like wildflowers in a summer field. She hit the button. A small click, the bookcase jolted and slid sideways.
Vaxine stepped back as the arched doorway revealed another faintly lit room. The secret room did not have the same strips of light on the ceiling like every other room.
“Welcome back, Dr. Hershey,” the mechanical voice announced ceremoniously as Vaxine stepped in. She inched forward, taking in her surroundings.
The second room was half the size of the first one. The air was stale, stagnant, and dead. Cabinets with glass doors glossed with silvery specks lined the walls. Gadgets were spotlighted in the display racks behind the glass doors. They were labeled according to make and model. It looked more like a weapons’ exhibit than secret storage.
Some devices were appealing enough to make Vaxine stop and stare in awe. She knew she did not have the luxury of time to admire every piece. Eventually, responsibility outweighed curiosity, she scanned through the racks quickly, identifying potential weapons. She hadn’t seen most of these, Hershey rarely mentioned them and regarded them as anathema.
Vaxine noticed a pair of Zappers. She swung the door open and reached in for one. The white body of the stun gun had yellowed with age. Hershey was strongly against the use of weapons. S
he said scientists should not harm living beings, even in self-defense. Vaxine believed otherwise, especially when it came to people like Adenine Cash.
Vaxine inspected each part of the Zapper and found the power button. With a gentle flip, a small blue display came to life. Drawing a deep breath, Vaxine held it up, aiming it at the bare wall in front of her. She squeezed the trigger. The antique still worked like magic. It blasted a powerful ray across the room, chipping off the paint and leaving a scorch mark.
“Whoa!” Vaxine cried. Elation coursed through her as though the Zapper had given her some sort of confidence. A beep rang out and she realized it was from the Zapper.
A wisp of smoke rose from the barrel of the gun and the battery bar was blinking. She looked back at the cabinets at the rest of the gadgets. A smile broke across her face.
