Terra Nova- the Wars of Liberation

by Tom Kratman

  The guard picked up a handset, and after a few moments, spoke to someone on the other end. Marko could hear clicks and hissing, even a meter away. He kept his voice low enough that Marko couldn’t make out what he was saying, and his face gave no indication of, well, anything. Kid had good control, or this was routine enough that it didn’t warrant any thought on his part.

  Probably the latter.

  After a minute of silence, a few questions, and several requests to repeat the last statement, the guard hung up.

  “You’re clear, sirs,” he said, turning back to them with two badges. One, marked “temporary” he gave to Ivey, the other had Marko’s name and picture on it. He nodded at Ivey. “You will need to visit the guard station inside to get a picture taken. These badges will be returned to this gate when you exit.”

  They took them, clipped them to their shirts, and walked into the building.

  The demolition team had been busy, working in shifts around the clock to prepare for the install team. The ballroom’s floor had been cordoned off, keeping most of the more curious staff at bay, as well as providing a more or less “safe perimeter” for the workers. Nothing would slow down the work like a staff member getting hurt on-site.

  Things were proceeding well, and more importantly, on schedule. The area where the fountain would sit had been stripped down to the bare concrete, with twenty centimeter holes bored in three separate locations, roughly equidistant from each other. These would match up with the location of the beverage tubing.

  The fountain itself would sit over the top, covering all the inner workings from view, and the wood flooring would be replaced to make the whole thing seamless.

  Marko found the demo supervisor, a tired looking man holding a large cup of coffee and a clipboard. His expression showed tension, satisfaction, and exhaustion in equal measures.

  “Berto,” Marko said, approaching. “How are we looking?”

  “I’m looking like hammered shit, Marko.” the man said, grinning. “You’re looking like someone that has actually gotten a few hours’ sleep.”

  “Only for now, my friend,” Marko said, “Only for now. Next week, you’ll see a different man.”

  He took the proffered clipboard from Berto and glanced through the pages. Things were progressing as they should, with the demo team scheduled to finish soon.

  “This looks good,” he said. “The install team will be here in a few hours, to pick up where you left off. Anything they need to worry about?”

  “Nothing major, the floor will need bracing under the fountain, of course, and there is a small water leak near where you’ll be putting the refrigeration unit, but that’s easily fixed.”

  “Excellent.” Marko said, handing the clipboard back. “Keep up the good work. I’m going to show Mr. Ivey around, and bring him up to speed.”

  Berto nodded, clapped Marko on the shoulder, and returned his focus to the proceedings.

  Marko beckoned to Ivey, walking in the direction of the security office. Twenty minutes later, they both walked out, Ivey clipping his brand new badge to his shirt. The bored looking security guard at the desk had barely glanced at the man’s ID before punching his information into the difference engine. Incorrectly. Twice. By the time they had everything correct, the guard was visibly annoyed, handing the final badge across the desk with a snarl.

  Marko passed the elevator, preferring to take the stairs to the basement storage area. Ivey remained silent, but the few times Marko glanced at him, seemed to be taking mental notes about their surroundings. Given that he still had no idea what the man’s purpose in this was, Marko tried to put it out of his mind, focusing on his purpose.

  He continued on down the narrow corridor to the main storage area, mentally measuring the width of the hallway and comparing it to the size of the equipment that would be carted down it. The demo team had done a good job of clearing the hallway of the assorted accumulated stuff that had cluttered it previously. Give a person space to put something, and it would inevitably get filled. Junk drawer writ large. He’d check the various rooms leading off the hallway on the way back.

  As they entered the large storage room, he saw that his team had marked the floor with neon pink paint, laying out the dimensions and location of the large walk-in cooler, and the supporting equipment. Marko nodded in satisfaction, before turning to examine the walls.

  Several holes were cut into the walls, just below the ceiling level, each about fifteen centimeters in diameter. The beverage lines would be fed through those, leading into the rooms they had passed previously, eventually terminating under the fountain. Smaller holes had been drilled into the walls as well, spaced throughout the room. Marko nodded—All appeared to be in order.

  Ivey seemed interested in the smaller penetrations.

  “These holes,” he said, “What are they to be used for?”

  “Electrical, drain lines, compressor lines,” Marko said, looking at the man. This was the most he’d asked about the actual operations since he’d met him. “Why?”

  “I assume these components will be run from a central location, say a breaker box, or something similar?”

  “Yes, and to the compressor located on the roof of the building.”

  “Excellent. I’ll need to see them.”

  “I don’t see why.”

  “It’s none of your concern at the moment. I need to see these areas, and you will show them to me.”

  “I don’t like your tone, Mr. Ivey.”

  “I don’t care, Mr. Saavedra.” Ivey gave him a cold stare. “I have a job to do. You have an agreement to facilitate that job. It occurs to me that, in the normal course of your responsibilities here, examining these systems would be completely natural, and shouldn’t raise any issues.”

  “I’m not arguing that, Mr. Ivey. I’m arguing that I’m not your servant, nor in your employ.” Marko crossed his arms. “I deserve more respect from you than you are providing, and I need that to change.”

  “Mr. Saavedra,” Ivey said, a tight smile pulling the corners of his lips up slightly. “Would you be so kind as to escort me to the locations I desire to examine? Pretty please. With sugar on top.”

  “Since you asked so politely, Mr. Ivey, I’d be happy to do so.”

  “Thank you,” Ivey said. “It would’ve been unhelpful to have had to kill you.”

  Marko had no doubt Ivey meant it.

  Isabelle looked at him from across the table.

  “What’s wrong, dearest?”

  Marko steeled himself. He’d been putting the subject off throughout dinner, knowing that he couldn’t hide anything from his wife. He’d been silent since he’d sat down, barely tasting his meal. Normally, he’d relish each bite, never failing to be amazed at Isabelle’s skill with simple ingredients. Tonight, however, his mind was elsewhere.

  “Marko, I know something is bothering you,” she said. “You haven’t been with us this evening.”

  He glanced at Estrella and her older sister, Alessandra, both enjoying fresh cream and berries. Isabelle noticed, nodded, and turned to their daughters.

  “Alessandra, why don’t you show your sister your new dress? You may take your desserts with you.”

  Their oldest, familiar with her mother’s hints, nodded.

  “Yes, Mama,” she said, gathering up her dish. “Come on, Little Star, we can play dress up.”

  “Now Marko,” Isabelle said when they had left. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  “I need you to take the children to your mother’s until I finish this project.”

  “I don’t understand, Marko,” she said, frowning. “You’ve never asked us to leave before, no matter how stressed you were.”

  “It isn’t that, beloved,” he smiled, hoping that it would look sincere. “It’s just that I’ll be working nights, and needing to sleep during the day.”

  “I understand,” she said, with a sly grin. “And I know you’ll be less inclined to sleep if we are home alone.”

&
nbsp; Marko chuckled. She was right, no matter how tired he’d be, having the house to themselves would be a strong temptation to stay awake.

  “It isn’t any farther from Estrella’s school, I don’t see any issue there,” she said, tapping a finger to her smooth cheek. “And, I have been promising Mother a visit for weeks, now.”

  She nodded, signaling the decision was made. A stray lock of brown hair, still untouched by gray, fell forward over her brow. Marko reached forward to brush it back, gently.

  I wish I could tell you, dearest, that my fears outweigh any need for rest, he thought, as his wife pressed her head into his palm.

  The truth of the matter was that he didn’t know what Ivey’s plans entailed. He’d insisted on delivering the fountain himself, and had been extremely curious about the installation process. Marko had found nothing out of the ordinary with the piece afterwards, but still had a nagging suspicion.

  Ivey was dangerous, ruthless, and determined. Something told him that his “statement” could invite repercussions. And if, somehow, Marko was held to blame for any failure of the man’s mission, well, the implied threat against his family had been made.

  “Well,” Isabelle said, “if I’m not to see you for a while, I should make sure you remember me.”

  She stood, taking his hand and leading him away from the table. As they walked through the house towards their bedroom, he could hear Estrella’s laughter. Her sister would keep her occupied for the time being.

  Isabelle entered their room, turning to face him. She ran her hands through his hair as she leaned into him, her soft lips finding his. Marko gently nudged the door closed behind them.

  Marko started, the heavy pounding on his door dragging him unceremoniously from his dreams. He checked the clock—only four hours since he’d fallen into bed, exhausted. The last several days had been long, a minimum of eighteen hours on site, if not more. Out of the last thirty-six hours, he’d been able to catch three hours sleep, one hour at a time.

  What the hell? he thought. There must be some mistake.

  He racked his brain as he staggered upright, trying to determine exactly why someone would be here at this hour.

  “I’m coming, dammit, don’t beat it down!”

  As he worked the locks on the sturdy, heavily reinforced wood, he congratulated himself for his foresight in replacing the original frame and structure. What had been here when he’d moved in all those years ago would’ve come crashing down at the first set of blows.

  And people criticize me for overbuilding?

  He swung the door open to see Ivey, staring at him with his cold eyes, tool bag slung across his body.

  “Oh, it’s you,” Marko said, sighing heavily. “What could possibly be so urgent that you couldn’t let me get a full night’s sleep?”

  “It’s noon, Mr. Saavedra. You’ve been asleep for sixteen hours,” Ivey said flatly. “Look carefully.”

  Marko blinked slowly, comprehension dawning. The hazy light from the overcast day didn’t help to reconcile his internal clock, but he could now hear bird song mixed in with the sounds of a neighborhood going about its daily business.

  “Why are you here, Ivey?” Marko scowled at the man in front of him. “My debt is paid, you got the access you needed.”

  “There’s an issue. A malfunction, if you will, in the plan.” Ivey said. “Access is limited to critical personnel only. As you are listed as critical in case of emergency, your presence is needed.”

  “How is this my problem?”

  “I’m making it your problem. I can’t get in if you don’t get me in. Access, Mr. Saavedra, that is what you agreed to provide. You will provide it or you will be in violation of your agreement,” Ivey’s eyes were flat. “And all that entails.”

  “I get that you’re on some secret mission here, but lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.” Marko started to shut the door.

  “Talked to your wife and children, lately, Saavedra?”

  “What are you implying?”

  “Nothing. Just curious how they are doing at Isabelle’s mother’s house.”

  “How did you know that?” Marko had told no one where they were going, and had urged Isabelle to leave after dark.

  Ivey continued staring at him, his only expression a small uptick in the corner of his mouth. Marko desperately wanted to slap it off him, but had a strong hunch about what would happen if he tried.

  Ivey seemed to read something in his face.

  “Shall we, Mr. Saavedra?”

  Marko nodded.

  “Name?” the bored-looking guard said, glancing up from his clipboard.

  “Marko Saavedra and Richard Ivey,” Marko said.

  “Purpose of visit?”

  “I was told there’s an issue with my equipment, and it needs immediate attention.”

  “The fireworks begin in thirty minutes, sir, the reception shortly after,” the guard said, emotionlessly.

  “Exactly,” Marko said, “I need to get this fixed now. We wouldn’t want the Shah to be upset, would we?”

  Any resolve the guard had faded at his employers title. Orders or no, the risk of retribution from the Shah overrode any possible punishment from a superior officer.

  “Your assistant is prohibited, sir.”

  “There’s equipment that weighs over two hundred kilos. Do you expect me to move it myself?”

  “Sir, other guards will be available . . . ”

  “And do these guards know exactly how to fix the machinery? Or what tools I’ll need to use?” Marko’s exasperation was only half feigned. “You said it yourself, there’s only a short time before the reception. Less, now. I need Mr. Ivey to get this fixed quickly. His badge is next to mine. He’s been cleared for the last week. Why is now any different?”

  After a short hesitation, the guard nodded.

  “You have forty-five minutes. Then you will be escorted from the grounds. Sabir will show you the way.”

  “And if it takes longer?”

  “Make sure it doesn’t.” He handed over the badges. “I’ll need to look inside that bag.”

  “It’s just tools,” Marko said, exasperated. In truth, he hoped his expression would cover his nervousness. “The same tools we’ve carried in for the last week.”

  “I’ll need to search the bag,” the guard said again, “No entry without search.”

  Marko glanced at Ivey, who seemed unaffected by the situation, maintaining his usual level of stoic silence. He did, however, slip the bag’s strap off his shoulder and hand it to the guard.

  This did nothing to lessen Marko’s tension, until, after a few seconds of poking around inside, the guard passed the bag back.

  “Proceed.”

  Sabir led them into the building, stopping just inside the door of the servant’s entrance.

  “Where to, sirs?” he said.

  “We need to go into the basement,” Ivey said. “Where the refrigeration equipment is located.”

  Sabir looked at Marko for assurance.

  “That’s a good place to start,” Marko said nodding. He moved to the side slightly as a group of children passed them, giggling as they ran.

  Sabir in the lead, the trio made their way down the stairs and into the basement hallway. Moments later, they approached the locked door to the storage room. Their escort unlocked the door, swinging it open and standing just inside as Marko and Ivey walked in.

  Marko made a show of looking inside the cooler, examining the pressure regulators and dispense equipment.

  “Odd, nothing seems to be out of place in here,” he said. “Ricardo, do you see anything wrong?”

  Ivey walked past the guard to stand next to Marko, leaning past him as though examining a regulator. His breath buzzed in Marko’s ear.

  “I need you to distract our escort,” he whispered. Louder, he said, “Everything looks okay to me. Shall we check the cooling unit?”

  Marko nodded, exiting the cooler and moving to the
refrigeration device. Both pumps hummed softly as he squatted next to the machine, slowly running his hands over the steel body.

  “I think there’s something . . . Excuse me, Sabir, could I have you shine your flashlight over here? It’s hard to see.”

  Sabir said nothing, but removed his compact light from its pouch next to his sidearm, clicking the button as he did so. Bright, focused light momentarily blinded Marko before he could turn away.

  “Aah,” he said, holding up a hand to shade his eyes. “Thank you, but I need it over here.”

  Sabir snickered slightly, apparently amused at Marko’s discomfort, but took two steps forward.

  “Hm,” Marko said, “still can’t quite make out . . . Could you bring the light a little bit closer please?”

  He pointed at the far corner of the square unit, waving the guard over with his other hand.

  “It’s just back here, if you look, you can see exactly what I need.” Sabir stood next to him, leaning over the unit slightly, playing the light back and forth over the machine. “That’s it, right there. Now hold it steady . . . ”

  Sabir grunted in surprise as Ivey’s forearm slid around his throat, followed by a sharp gasp. The young guard went limp, and Ivey slowly lowered him to the floor, withdrawing the knife from the man’s back as he did so. After quickly cleaning and resheathing the blade, Ivey took the guard’s sidearm, spare magazine, and keys as Marko looked on in shock.

  “What have you done?” he said, softly.

  “I’ve eliminated an obstacle to my success.”

  “No, you’ve committed murder. That means I’m an accomplice. My family will suffer for this, and I’ll be put to death!”

  “That is a chance I’m willing to take. Besides, he’s still alive.” Ivey looked down at the guard, whose mouth opened and closed silently. With a quick movement, he cut the man’s throat. “Now it’s murder.”

  “Are you serious?” Marko stared at Ivey, feeling his eyes widen as his jaw dropped. “This is no time for joking! I fulfilled my part of this deal, well beyond what any reasonable man in my position would.”

  “This reminds me of an old saying,” Ivey said, smirking. “I am altering the deal, pray I do not alter it further.”