“Everyone. But this is the last place they’d think to look.”
“Why’s everyone after you?”
“They blame me for what happened to Lucian and Tristan. They don’t understand. But you understand, don’t you Coralie? We’re both outcasts and we should help each other.” Varian was desperate, shaking and sweating.
“Tristan, too? Then, it’s true. Arlo and Nico killed him?” Dax and Ian must have been too late, she thought. Then it hit her. “What about Dax?”
“Who cares about Dax? I’m the one being hunted.”
Coralie backed away and ran to the door. She opened it and screamed, “Dax! Dax!”
“Coralie!” Dax called out from down the hall.
“There he is!” Keiana shouted.
Varian stepped into the hall and saw Dax, Keiana, Ian, and a mob of others heading his way. He bolted, heading into the main area of the bunker. He saw the social area, and beyond it the foreboding exterior hatch leading to the world outside the bunker. He ran to the hatch and turned the hand wheel. His hands gripped the wheel coating it with sweat. If he stayed in the bunker, he would be cornered with nowhere to run; outside, he would be free, with unlimited places to escape to. Yet the virus and other dangers awaited him outside. Varian was conflicted. Then, he heard voices and saw his pursuers descending on him. He pushed open the hatch and clambered out.
Varian was prepared to see anything – except the sight that greeted him. He saw at least a dozen boots and wrapped his arms around the closest one. He looked up and gasped in surprise. “Covid!” He tightened his grip, clutching Covid’s leg. “Please! You must protect me from that mad mob.”
“You saved us the trouble of knocking,” Covid said. “Now, what are you talking about?”
Destine turned to Archer and Robin. “Can you two and Maga tie up all the horses? It sounds like we may be needed inside. We’ll leave the hatch open for you.”
“Sure,” Archer said.
Corona, Kai, and Destine stepped through the hatch into the bunker, followed by Covid and Varian. They were greeted by a wave of shock and joy from their friends. Fiona, Nessa, Tristan, Corbin, Coralie, Blaine, and Esme had joined Keiana, Ian, and Dax in the social area. Many others were exiting their rooms and pouring in to find out what all the commotion was about. Fiona embraced Corona, although Coralie cautioned to stay a safe distance from the returnees in case they had been infected.
“No need to worry about that, Coralie,” Kai said. “As far as we can tell, the virus is gone and has been for many years.”
“We can go outside safely and begin building structures above ground,” Covid said.
“What’s it like out there?” Keiana asked.
“It’s a vast land, larger than you can imagine,” Covid said. “There’s incredible beauty and incredible danger. There are also survivors: some good and some evil. There’s love and family, hardship and perseverance, and death. And we’ve only scratched the surface.”
“Yet we’ve made friends.” Destine said. “Three of them have come back with us.”
A murmur went through the crowd. “Where are they?” Nessa asked.
“Outside securing the horses,” Destine said. “They’ll join us inside the bunker shortly and then you can all meet them.
Nessa cocked her head. “What are horses?"
Covid laughed. “I think you’re going to enjoy the answer to that.”
“Not to mention going for a ride in my not-a-sports-car once its battery is recharged,” Kai said.
“Your what?” Nessa asked.
“It sounds like you’ll all have some interesting stories to share,” Keiana said, “but first, we have a pressing matter to attend to.” She pointed to Varian.
Covid followed her gesture. “What’s this all about?”
“Since everyone’s present, we need to determine Varian’s fate.”
“Don’t tell me you’re dumping Varian as leader already?”
Keiana’s mien turned deadly serious. “Not only has Varian proven unfit to lead us, he has shown he’s unfit to be a member of our community. We must decide whether he should be banished from the bunker or if his misdeeds warrant the loss of his life.”
“Huh?” Covid exclaimed. “We’ve been gone a few days and you’ve all taken leave of your senses? The death penalty is something out of our history books; it would never be condoned in the bunker. We don’t kill each other.”
“Varian did!” Nessa exclaimed. “He killed Lucian! And he almost killed Tristan!”
Covid, Corona, Kai, and Destine shared a shocked expression. Corona shook her head, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Lucian. “Lucian’s dead?”
Dax stepped forward. “Beaten to death by Varian’s enforcers, Arlo and Nico.”
“Enforcers?” Destine asked.
“His henchmen,” Dax said. “They kidnapped Tristan and were going to throw him into the furnace.”
Corona was shocked. “This is unbelievable.”
“Obviously, we need to choose a new leader,” Destine said. “Since Covid received the second highest vote, I propose he be declared our leader.”
“Hold on!” Keiana exclaimed. “I got as many votes as Covid. By that standard, I should be declared the leader.”
“We don’t need another leader plagued by hubris and poor judgment,” Dax said. “Or are you forgetting you also played a role in Lucian’s death, manipulating him into writing that song?”
Keiana bowed her head. “That’s not fair, Dax. I never meant—”
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” Dax said. “What you intended is irrelevant; only what happened matters. And what happened is a thirteen-year-old child is dead because you saw him only a pawn in your Machiavellian power play against Varian. I saw a dead little boy lying battered and bruised, in his bed doomed by your machinations, miscalculations, and poor judgment.”
Corona stepped forward. “We can hold a new election later but for now we must decide Varian’s fate. We need to choose a judge. Since Covid and Keiana got the most second place votes in the election one of them should be the judge, but as Keiana’s been accused of poor judgment, the duty should fall to Covid.”
Keiana saw the crowd nodding and decided not to push the issue. She didn’t care who became the judge: Varian’s fate was sealed. He would either be banished or executed. She was more interested in the longer-term question of who would lead the bunker.
“All right, I’ll do it,” Covid said. “Varian you’ve been accused of causing Lucian’s death and Tristan’s attempted death. Are you guilty?”
“No,” Varian said.
“Liar!” Keiana exclaimed.
“He’s telling the truth,” Esme said. “He told me he never ordered Arlo and Nico to kill Lucian and he didn’t know Lucian was dead until the morning we all found out. And Varian didn’t know they tried to kill Tristan until I told him.”
“You’re sleeping with him,” Kai said. “You’d say anything to save him.”
“Possibly,” Corbin said, “but Esme’s still right. I overheard Arlo and Nico. Varian only sent them to beat up Lucian. They admitted they accidently killed him while beating him up. And I also heard them plotting to kill Tristan: it was obvious they hadn’t discussed it with Varian.”
Varian sighed in relief. He shot Corbin a thankful smile.
Dax gave Corbin a quizzical look. “What’s you angle, Corbin? You never volunteer any information unless you benefit from it. Is Varian paying you for an alibi?”
“Absolutely not. I merely thought it was my civic duty to reveal what I had overheard.”
“So you’re not receiving anything in payment from Varian?” Dax asked disbelievingly.
Corbin fidgeted. “Varian’s not giving me anything to say this. However…”
Dax arched an eyebrow. “However?”
Corbin frowned. “He is supposed to give me six thousand credits later tonight – payment for another business transaction unrelated to this
matter – and it occurs to me Varian can’t pay me if he’s been banished or executed.”
Dax displayed a self-satisfied look. “So you do have a reason – six thousand reasons – to say anything to save Varian.”
Corbin grimaced. “Yes, but what I said is nonetheless true.”
Covid looked at Varian. “It seems everyone speaking on your behalf has an ulterior motive.”
“I don’t,” Tristan said. “Arlo told me Lucian’s death was an accident. Varian didn’t send them to kill him but he did send them to beat him up. And he did send Arlo and Nico to kill me.”
“No, Tristan,” Varian said. “I swear I never sent them to kill you.”
Tristan turned to Blaine. “Tell Covid. Tell him how Varian made you lure me to the furnace room where they were waiting for me.”
Blaine turned pale. “Actually, I never spoke to Varian. Nico came to my room and told me to tell you Varian wanted to meet you to apologize. I had no idea it was a trap to kill you. Now that I’ve had time to think about it, it does seem out of character for Varian to want to apologize. I think Nico wanted me to believe Varian was going to be there to apologize so I could sound convincing to you. He was scamming us both; I don’t think Varian knew anything about it.”
Covid ruminated. “Arlo and Nico can tell us if they acted on orders to kill Lucian or Tristan.”
“You can’t believe bullies like them,” Blaine said. “They bullied me for years.”
“They hurt Tristan even before they kidnapped him,” Nessa added.
Coralie spoke up hesitantly. “They tried to attack me, too. They are bullies… and worse.”
“Then, they need to be dealt with, as well.” Covid gazed around the sea of faces. “Where are they?”
Dax stepped forward bearing a grim countenance. “They’re gone… and they won’t be back.” Her chilling tone precluded further inquiries.
“Good riddance,” Coralie said. “I doubt anyone will miss them.”
Covid ruminated. “Since Varian didn’t order Lucian killed, he doesn’t deserve the punishment of death. But he did order Arlo and Nico to attack and beat up Lucian, making him unfit to lead us. He indirectly, albeit unknowingly, caused Lucian’s death. The only question is whether we should allow Varian to stay among us or banish him from the bunker.” He turned to Varian. “Do you have anything to say in your defense?”
“I never wanted anyone harmed. Not Lucian; not Tristan. I sent Arlo and Nico to frighten Lucian. I knew they were bullies but I didn’t realize they were sadists. I was horrified and sickened by what they did. I only wanted to scare Lucian to stop his criticism. Whether you think so or not, I was trying to be the best leader I could and he and others kept attacking me, especially with that damn song. I wanted him to stop the harassment and give me a chance. I never wanted him hurt, let alone killed. I didn’t kill him.”
Covid nodded. “If he were here, I’d ask Lucian what he thought your fate should be, Varian. Would he accept your explanation? Would he forgive you? I don’t know. Obviously we can’t ask Lucian. But this decision shouldn’t rest with me; it should be up to the one who was closest to Lucian – his best friend, Tristan."
Tristan stepped forward. Varian dropped to his knees before him. “Please don’t send me out there,” he begged. “I didn’t want Lucian harmed. I thought Arlo and Nico would shove him around, scare him, and he’d drop the whole stupid song stuff. I wanted to be a good leader, to help everyone. But I made mistakes, I took advantage of my position. Lucian realized that before I did and tried to tell everyone. I should have listened to his words, seen what he thought I was becoming. But that’s not me, not really. I’m not a tyrant. I’m not a monster. I’m just a kid who wasn’t mature enough for the responsibility I assumed. That, and my poor judgment, cost Lucian his life and that’ll be on my conscience forever. I’m sorry I trusted Arlo and Nico. I’m sorry Lucian’s dead. I’d do anything to undo it if I could, Tristan. But the bunker has been my home all my life; these people are the only family I’ve ever known.” He looked at the hatch. “Out there… I have nothing.”
Tristan had stood impassively, giving Varian a hardened stare the whole time he was speaking. Varian gazed up at him with pleading eyes, realizing Tristan blamed him for his best friend’s death. Tristan took a step closer and spit in his face. He turned his back to Varian, as the spittle dripped down his face. Varian realized he wouldn’t be able to persuade Tristan to forgive him. “Tristan. I deserved that. I don’t blame you for banishing me. I’d probably have done the same in your place.” He paused, and added softly, “I know you won’t believe me now – maybe one day – but I am truly sorry they killed Lucian.”
Destine offered Varian her canteen. “Drink it sparingly. It gets hot out there.”
Covid and Kai each slipped an arm beneath Varian’s underarms and lifted him to his feet. “Corona, open the hatch,” Covid said.
His back still turned to Varian, Tristan said in a forceful monotone: “Let him stay.” Tristan’s laconic words delivered in an unexpressive tone stunned everyone in the social area, especially Varian. Covid and Kai released him, as he fell back to his knees. Emotionally spent, Varian crawled toward Tristan, and looked up at him. “Why?”
Tristan, facing Nessa and Fiona, still didn’t turn back. “Because I’m not you, Varian.” He looked at Nessa and Fiona, who gave him an approving smile, and walked out.
Chapter Eighteen
A Week Later:
Tristan looked up when he heard the knock on his door. “Come in.”
Nessa stepped inside. “I’m not disturbing you, am I?”
Tristan shook his head. “I’ve just been lying in bed thinking.”
Nessa climbed onto the bed and sat at its foot. “What about?”
“All the changes this past week. It’s weird having strangers in the bunker.”
“Don’t you like Archer and Robin? They seem nice. Maga doesn’t talk to me, though.”
“I spent a little time with Archer; he showed me how to shoot an arrow. Next week he’ll have to show me how to hit something with it.” They both laughed. “You’re pretty when you laugh.”
“You told me that before.”
“It’s still true.”
“You always make me laugh.”
Tristan grinned. “That’s my job: I’m the bunker’s jester – the clown, the funnyman, the prankster, the comedian. But these days, since Lucian died, I’ve been the sad clown. What you do when you lose your best friend?”
Nessa shrugged. “I guess you let someone else be your best friend.” She edged closer. “Can I be your new best friend?”
Tristan wiped away a tear and nodded. Nessa snuggled up beside him and placed her head on his chest. “I miss him, too.”
Varian paused as he was passing the infirmary. He poked his head in when he noticed Fiona rifling through a cabinet. He stepped inside. “Is someone sick?”
“No. One of the younger kids cut himself. I know we have some adhesive bandage strips in here somewhere.”
Varian looked from left to right. “Where is he?”
“It wasn’t serious enough to bring him to the infirmary. He doesn’t really need the bandage: the younger kids wear it as a badge of honor.”
“Varian the tyrant king would have called that wasteful. Whereas you realize a bandage can serve an emotional need as well as a physical one. You’ve always been one of our most compassionate souls, Fiona.”
Fiona blushed. “Maybe I just see people differently. Little boys try to put on a brave face but their cuts and bruises hurt the same as girls’ do. They think not showing pain makes them appear strong but I know deep down they need a hug and a sympathetic ear.”
“When Lucian’s death was announced, you were the only one who defended me. And you did it again when they were all ready to banish me.”
“I know you, Varian. Maybe better than you know yourself.” She shook her head. “You’re not a murderer. You have weaknesses and moral failings but you
can learn to overcome them.”
“I wish everyone else felt that way. They look at me like I’m an inhuman monster.”
“They heard you accused of sending your enforcers to beat up Lucian; they put themselves in his place and imagined it could have been them.”
“I never wanted Lucian harmed; the idea was to scare him.”
“I know, but instead you scared everyone else. They don’t trust you anymore. You’ll have to regain their trust. It’s going to take a lot of work. And time. Eventually, people will realize the real villains were Nico and Arlo.”
“Still, I must share some of the blame. I shouldn’t have even had enforcers, let alone sicced them on Lucian.” He shook his head. “Putting guys like Arlo and Nico in a position of authority… What was I thinking?”
“You’ll make a fine leader one day – when you've had sufficient time to acquire the necessary maturity and judgment. You’re not a bad person, Varian; but you could be so much better.”
Varian chuckled. “No one will ever trust me to be leader again.” He turned serious. “I know I’ll never be in charge; that’s not what I want anymore. I’d settle for…” His voice trailed off.
“For what?”
“Whenever I see Nessa and Tristan I can’t bear to look at their faces. To see such hatred, and to know I deserve it…”
“They don’t hate you. I talk to Nessa all the time. I’ve told her you never meant Lucian any harm.”
“Maybe, but I know Tristan hates me. He despises me.”
“It’ll take a lot of work to earn his friendship but he’s a fair person. When he realized you weren’t behind Lucian’s death or the attempt on his own life he kept you from being banished.”
Varian nodded. “He showed me mercy but not forgiveness. Given my hubris, would I have done the same?”
“He set a standard to which you may aspire. You can be just as fair, as noble, as compassionate if you try, Varian. I have faith in you.”
Varian looked into her eyes. “You always have, haven’t you Fiona?”
She smiled at him.
“Now that we can leave the bunker, a lot of people like to sit outside and watch the stars at night. If you don’t have plans this evening, would you like to join me outside?”
The QuaranTeens, #1 Page 14
