“He was right. I do. My whole life has been about other people’s choices, and it’s time I made one of my own—to exercise my own will,” he whispered with certainty. “One of us hasn’t been tampered with by the Alliance. One of us hasn’t had his brained scrambled.” He grabbed the collar of Jaden’s uniform, pulling him close. “One of us can be sure to do the right thing. I choose not to win.”
He let go of Jaden, who straightened up, realizing what Willis was saying. Willis smiled at the thought of making his first free choice.
“I get what your mother was saying, ‘What they did to me cannot change my hope.’ I am a slave like she is. I didn’t know it. For the first time in my life, I have hope. And now, you’d better get going before someone else catches up.”
Jaden’s expression turned resolute at the words of his mother. He placed a firm hand on Willis’s shoulder. “My friend,” he whispered, and ascended the rope. DeLuca protested in quiet mumbles, but he no longer had the strength to continue.
Willis heard the noise of the crowd swell as Jaden made his way to the top of the obelisk. He sat against the side of the obelisk and imagined Jaden taking a deep breath and grabbing the line. Thoughts of his mother were surely filling his mind as he flew down to the finish. Willis peered out at the crowd hoping to catch a glimpse of his parents.
We are so proud of you. His father’s words came to him. Willis noted he’d said ‘are’ and not ‘will be.’ His parents were proud of him, and it had nothing to do with winning the Chase.
The screams of the crowd went wild. Watching the screen to his right, he smiled as Jaden crossed the finish line, collapsing to all fours. Whether it was from exhaustion or relief, Willis couldn’t tell. He guessed it was both. The announcer proclaimed the victory for the Western Alliance. Alliance flags were waving. Anthems were sung loudly. Somewhere, the chairman was cursing to himself.
Willis didn’t notice any of it. He closed his eyes and smiled. He was finally free.
Perryn, where are you? Willis scanned the crowds, his brow furrowed in worry.
Once the race finished, officials quickly ushered Jaden into a holding room right next to the finish line to ensure the Alliance couldn’t have any last-minute influence on him. Any minute, he would be escorted on stage to pass a new law. Willis desperately wanted to find Perryn before that happened. They needed to witness this together.
Crowds were pressing in upon the stage. A section up front lay roped off and reserved for the winning alliance. If Perryn was anywhere, he guessed she would be there. He pushed and shoved his way through the masses of people, two Law-keepers by his side escorting him. Occasionally, people would recognize him, shoving autograph books or cameras in his face. Finally, he reached the yellow and black tape designating his Alliance.
Reporters and cameras were everywhere. Dignitaries were mingling and exchanging enthusiastic and congratulatory handshakes. More people knew him here, and getting a clear view became impossible as the crowd pressed in.
“Willis Thomson, how does it feel to lose the Chase after so many years of training?” A reporter shoved a microphone in his face.
“Is the Thomson family doomed to always be second place?” The question turned his stomach.
“Rumor has it that the Alliance paid you to lose. Is that true?” He ignored this question all together.
“Mr. Thomson, can you comment on the ethics of Coalition access to the racers?” The voice nearby warmed his heart. Sheila posed the real questions. He caught her eye and smiled. She didn’t return the smile with the cameras on but gave him a knowing glance. He saw her gaze move to peer over his shoulder.
Willis turned around and saw them. Through the crowds, he caught a view of his parents. Perryn was with them. Pushing aside the microphones and abandoning his security, he forced his way through the mob. Cameras and flashes followed him, but he didn’t care.
Seeing his goal, the last few people parted to clear his path, and he ran to Perryn. She started to speak, but he gave her no chance. He threw his arms around her, his emotions somewhere between laughing and crying. For a long time, they held each other, relieved to have it all over.
“I knew you’d do the right thing.” His father placed his large hand on Willis’s shoulder. He turned to regard his father.
“I almost didn’t. What they did to me is still there inside.” His lips trembled as his eyes watered. He sniffed to hold back tears. “The doubt is still raging, but I realized what it would cost me.” He clutched Perryn’s hand a little tighter with his final words. She squeezed his in return.
“The chairman doesn’t appear happy.” Perryn chuckled.
Willis looked over at the building where Jaden was being held. The chairman and administrative liaison were both there, clearly wanting access to Jaden, but the multi-alliance guard detachment stayed true to their orders. The chairman settled for giving the liaison a tongue-lashing as they stormed out of sight.
Perryn breathed in deeply. “What do you think Jaden is doing?”
“Not much. They barely give the winner time to clean up and dress before announcing them.” Willis stared at the wall of the building as if he could see through it if he tried hard enough.
On cue, the Coalition anthem began. The chairman started his ascent up the stairs to the stage. His face was contorted and still red from his tirade off-stage. His black clothes appeared darker than usual, matching his expression. Flanked by the usual deputy chairmen and chairwomen, Willis couldn’t help but notice the difference between them. Some of the representatives acted upset, while others stood oddly calm. Today’s Chase already had its divisive effect. Jaden ascended behind them dressed in a suit.
Perryn chuckled.“You think Stan selected that outfit?”
“You think he’d let anyone else do it?” Willis said. Both grinned at the thought of a very proud Stan insisting on selecting Jaden’s wardrobe.
Jaden clasped his hands behind his back. He was a picture of confidence, the resolve that came to him on the tower still apparent. In that moment, Willis had no doubts about his decision. Jaden was ready to change the world.
But how would he do it? Willis couldn’t help but wonder. They’d discussed many possible options that could alter the Law from the outright freedom of the slaves to more subtle laws that would force the culture of the Coalition to change over time.
Chairman DeGraaf made his way to the podium, taking a second to compose himself. He wiped the sweat from his shiny forehead, and pushing his oversized glasses into place, peered down at his notes. He fiddled for a few seconds with the sweaty handkerchief which wouldn’t go in his pocket properly. Willis noticed that he appeared to be trying not to look at Jaden.
Things not go according to plan, Mr. Chairman? Willis laughed to himself.
“Greetings and welcome to the loyal citizens of the World Coalition.” DeGraaf began in his usual manner, his voice cracking on the word ‘loyal.’ “This year’s Chase once again serves as a reminder of the humble burden I carry in my love for our global people. That burden is tempered and made bearable by the greatness and purity of our Law, handed down to us by the Law givers. The Law that protects us all.”
“The Law is good!” the crowd responded.
“The Law that preserves us all.”
“The Law remains!”
“The Law that saves us all.”
“The Law is good!”
“This year’s winner shows us that world-changers can truly come from anywhere. As the Law-givers graced us even amidst the anarchy of the world after the Collapse, so too this year’s winner came out of nowhere among his alliance to serve us all with wisdom that will carry into future generations.
“Our Law is perfect. It cannot be changed except at this one moment, by one found worthy through the trial of the Chase. As such, we as a people must persevere. We must be slow to change. We must be patient.”
The chairman looked right at Willis with his final word as if to admit he was down but not beaten.
New plans would certainly be put into place.
“Representing the Western Alliance,” DeGraaf continued, “this year’s winner will grace us and demonstrate the blessing of the Law.”
The chairman stepped aside and motioned for Jaden to step forward.
Jaden strode across the stage to the podium. He scanned the crowd in silence until he found Willis and Perryn. He smiled. “On this day, I stand here representing more than my alliance.” DeGraaf’s brow furrowed at these words. “I represent all people, both free and oppressed. Nations, both privileged and disadvantaged. The rich and poor. The great and least.”
At these words, a few quiet cheers rose from some of the smaller alliances. The rest of the crowd was deathly silent. The deputies on stage squirmed and glanced at each other.
Do it, Jaden, before they stop you. Willis silently urged him on.
“All of us are bound to this Law,” Jaden said.
At this, the chairman stepped forward. “Son, I urge you to be careful of the words you choose to describe the goodness of the Law.” He attempted to cover the microphone. “Lest people misunderstand what you mean.”
“There is no misunderstanding.” Jaden’s voice resonated with confidence.
“I don’t think you understand. You are not properly prepared. I believe we should take a recess—”
Boos from the crowd interrupted the chairman’s words, and he started as he realized the crowd was listening. Cries of “let him speak” rose from the back of the crowd and swelled forward.
“As chairman, I believe it is my humble duty to protect us in the event of a misinformed law being passed.”
A shout came from the crowd. “No, it’s not!”
“You’re as bound to the Law as we are.” came another dissenting voice.
Get it out, Jaden, before it’s too late. Willis silently shouted.
“Citizens, please. Let us take a short recess—”
“It is done.” Jaden’s voice boomed into the microphone. The crowd hushed at his words. The chairman stared at him in shock. “As of this day, I hereby declare the Law fulfilled and complete. It has served its purpose, and all citizens no matter their status in the Coalition are all free from it.”
Thousands of people stood frozen, astonished as the gravity of Jaden’s words were realized. Jaden didn’t change the Law. He’d ended it.
No more Chase.
No more chairman.
No more Law.
The people of each alliance were free to govern themselves.
DeGraaf stood indignantly and stared at Jaden. His face turned bright red and his anger boiled. “Who do you think you—” he blurted, but the crowd wouldn’t have it.
A roar arose, igniting the no-man’s-land between anger and excitement, as people surged forward. Several of the smaller and poorer alliances pressed toward the stage, starting panic in others. People scattered as the crowd rushed the podium.
“We’re free!” Shouts echoed from the crowd.
Others chanted. “No more Coalition!”
Guards surrounded the chairman and ushered him from the stage with the Deputies. At a motion of DeGraaf’s finger, a guard grabbed Jaden’s arm to take him as well. Twisting, Jaden freed himself, and Willis saw him race off the other end of the stage, disappearing into the crowd.
“Willis, what to do we do?” Perryn shouted above the growing noise.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I never thought this far.”
“One thing is for sure,” his father said, “we can’t stay here. They’ll be searching for you, Willis. Come on. We have a private transport waiting.”
“Halt!” a uniformed Law-keeper commanded as if on cue. “By order of the chairman, you’re to be taken into custody.” The officer ran up with three others, pointing his firearm at Willis. His father stepped between the officer and Willis.
“You’ll do no such thing.” Max held up both hands. “My son has done nothing wrong.”
“Stand aside.” The officer cocked the gun in his hand. “We have orders to take this traitor into custody by force if necessary.”
Max stepped closer until the pistol was inches from his head. He spoke calmly. “You can’t have my son.” The air froze as the tension of the moment surged. Willis would not see his father killed.
“Please—” Willis started when the officer suddenly lurched to the side, his pistol skidding along the pavement. His body crumpled to the ground from the force of Kane’s blow, who proceeded to strike the next officer in the jaw.
“Get out of here!” Kane bellowed as he turned to flee, the remaining two officers following him. He shoved his way through the surging crowd beyond Willis’s vision.
“Come on.” Max led the way, and they ran.
The four of them scrambled away as the crowd reached the stage, which was promptly turned over. A few climbed the wreckage and incited the rest of the crowd. Cheers were shouted. Fists were thrown into the air. Coalition and Alliance flags were torn in protest. The Thomsons and Perryn ran through the mob to a corner of the property. There, they jumped into a car that waited.
“Whose car is this?” Willis studied his parents’ faces for answers.
“I told you, Son, that I know what it’s like to serve the Alliance. Your mother and I came prepared. Let’s get to the landing pad before this gets out of hand.” Max Thomson fired up the engine. The tires screeched as the car tore out of the area. Narrowly avoiding the still running throng, Max turned down onto a utility ramp that exited on the non-public side of the grounds. Willis looked out the window at the chaos of the crowd until it was finally obscured by the buildings. Tendrils of smoke curled into the air—someone must have lit something on fire.
“Wait, we can’t leave without Kane and Jaden.” Perryn leaned forward in her seat.
“We’ll never find them in this,” Brenda spoke breathlessly. “Kane bought you time to escape, and I think he’d want you to take it.”
Willis remembered to the way Kane had looked at him on the station after the officers tried to arrest him. “He would. I hate the thought of it, but he wouldn’t want us to go back for him.”
“And what about Jaden?” Perryn held her breath, waiting for his answer.
Willis thought about Jaden’s intentions after the Chase. Willis knew Jaden would have one thing on his mind, and it wasn’t running away. “He’s got his own plans.”
He sat down, feeling the need to catch his breath. He noticed Perryn was equally electrified and wide-eyed. Half an hour later, they sat aboard an Alliance jet provided to the Thomsons. Willis’s parents sat silently together facing him.
Perryn leaned up against him, her head on his shoulder. “What does this mean for the world now?”
“I don’t know. People are going to have to make a choice. I guess that’s the point. They get to choose,” he said. “They’re not slaves to the Law anymore.”
She looked up at him, studying his face. “What about us? What does it mean for us?”
“Rest, I hope.” He returned her gaze. “I’m tired.”
“I could go for that.” She settled back into his shoulder.
She closed her eyes and moved closer to him. Willis glanced at his parents who smiled approvingly. A few minutes later, she was asleep.
“They won’t leave us alone, will they?” Willis whispered to his father.
“We have a secluded place we can go. We prepared it years ago, knowing the day would come when you would return. We’ll see how this plays out and decide when to come out of hiding.”
“Why come out ever?”
“Willis, your friend changed everything. He gave the world a chance for a new life. The Coalition will do its best to keep that message from getting out. What do you think that means?”
“It means someone has to tell them.”
“Someone?”
“We do.” He breathed deeply, thinking about his words. “We have to tell them.” Willis sensed his father was right. They would hide for a time, but e
ventually they would have to tell the world what Jaden had done.
Willis peered out the window of the jet at the horizon. He couldn’t remember ever seeing a real sunset. The colors were breathtaking hues of red and purple as the sun sank into the cloud cover below. He took in the sight and thought about the station and his years of training. He considered Jaden and how he’d stop at nothing to return to his mother. He quietly thanked Kane for rescuing them and hoped he had himself escaped. He thought about Perryn and their future together. He thought about tomorrow.
And he thought the sunrise might be still more beautiful.
Epilogue
Sheila Kemp sat in her seat aboard the Alliance jet on the way to see her sister. A blinking cursor on her computer stared at her, daring her to start her article on the Chase which had ended in chaos two days earlier. Flights worldwide were delayed due to the event, and she was finally able to return, choosing a route that would let her visit her sister.
She and Tony had done their best to capture the images of the brief riot. It’d been mostly the damaging of property and a lot of anti-Coalition clamor, but nothing like that had been seen in many years. Rumor had it that the last two days had been filled with small outbreaks of unrest in some of the poorer alliances, but the Coalition was keeping a tight rein on the media.
Coalition officers had rushed in about twenty minutes after the uprising began and made several arrests. The riot hadn’t been planned and was carried out mostly by law-abiding citizens unused to being in trouble. A couple of visible flashes of handcuffs and most dispersed quickly.
“I can’t believe they took my camera,” Tony muttered to himself a couple of seats over. Officers had been waiting near the tents of the journalists. Every camera with footage had been promptly confiscated.
“Tony, it was a live feed. Even without the footage, the world still saw what happened.” She tossed him a smile.
“Still, that camera was my baby.” He crossed his arms, pouting in his seat.
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