Unsuitable

by Dawn Norwell

  “That’s enough,” I said sternly, worried that she was going to get us in trouble. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to stay here, do exactly what we’re told to do, and live our lives the way they were intended to be lived. Now stop all of this talk before the TIMs overhear,” I begged, glancing around anxiously.

  Lei stared at me for a moment, her mouth pressed in a tight line. Though she tried to hide it, I could see that she was hurt by my rejection.

  “No, you’re right. I’m being stupid,” she backpedaled, reading the panic in my face. Then she gave me a large, comforting smile, one that I now recognized as the same counterfeit grin I plastered on my own face to get through the day.

  It wasn’t long after this that Leilani and I stopped speaking, each going our separate ways as we trained for our future career paths. Looking back now, I realized that our conversation had never truly changed Leilani’s opinion about life inside the dome. She just told me what I wanted to hear, appeasing me because she knew I couldn’t handle the truth. Until the day that she died, she still believed that there was a world outside of the dome, one that held her chance at a new life, something better than our dismal and monotonous survival in Concord. She believed it so much she was willing to die to find it.

  Even back then, Lei knew that this was no way to live, trapped in a bubble with a tyrannical government controlling our every move. She had hoped for more, was eager to find a better life for herself elsewhere, the same way that I was now.

  Things had changed since that conversation in the park. Time had hardened my heart, had helped me to see things clearly. I could no longer deny the injustices I’d been blinded to at that young age. I’d finally seen enough discrimination in my twenty years to understand where Leilani was coming from when she spoke of running away.

  Concord was no sanctuary, but a prison led by dictators who didn’t give a damn about us. They would do whatever they needed to do to remain in control, even if it meant murdering innocent people. Because they knew there was nothing anyone could do about it.

  She may have gotten there before me, but thanks to Lei, I was thoroughly convinced that there was life beyond the wall. Now that she was gone, I was determined to carry out what she had been unable to do herself- proving that there was more to this world than what we had been taught. I would do everything that I could to save this other society before the Syndicate demolished the, destroying their world like they did with everything else they touched.

  A myriad of emotions ran through me as I contemplated my escape, but the one feeling I didn’t have was regret. I realized that there was nothing about my old life that I would miss- not my training to become a doctor, not our way of life in Concord, not the few friends I’d made by pretending to be someone I wasn’t. I knew deep down that I was doing the right thing, that I needed to leave Concord before I lost what little bit of my true self remained.

  Though I was excited about the prospect of a life of freedom, I couldn’t stop the fear deep inside. What would happen to me if I couldn’t find this city, or if it never existed at all? Were the wastelands really full of toxic chemicals that would eat away at my skin and organs until I was essentially a puddle of human waste, or was that just another lie the Syndicate told suits to keep us in line?

  I pushed the thoughts from my mind; I couldn’t worry about that right now. No matter what lay beyond the dome, my decision was already made, and there was no turning back. All I could do was focus on how to get past the guards and TIMs.

  I knew that escaping Concord wouldn’t be easy, but Lei had a solution for that as well. Inside the box, there was a key labeled escape hatch. I racked my brain, trying to figure out what lock the key belonged to.

  There were only a certain number of exit points in and out of the dome. There was the main entrance, but of course, that would be heavily guarded. There were also a handful of businesses with high-security clearance, who had access to the wastelands for their outside provisions: the gas company that brought in oil from beyond the dome; the power plant that brought saltwater from what little remained of the oceans; the research clinic who created our medications.

  The clinic- of course! Leilani would have known that the research clinic and medical center were in the same building. Considering that I attend class there daily, no one would think twice about seeing me there.

  Finding the hatch, on the other hand, would be a different task altogether. Concord had been successful at building its fortifications strong enough so that we could keep out unwanted wanderers. Normally this would be a good thing, but in this instance, it was a hindrance; if others couldn’t get inside, then I would have a difficult time getting out.

  I tried to suppress my fears and focus on the task at hand. Leilani’s smiling face flashed before my mind, helping to calm me. I knew that my friend would never lead me into harm’s way. She had a well thought out plan; all I had to do was follow it. I needed to trust her.

  Leilani’s reaction at the ceremony had taught me one thing- I couldn’t underestimate our government. Lei had loathed the Ceremony of Sanctions and the Syndicate as much as I did, but there was a better way to embrace this hatred. I had to be smarter, more resourceful, better at hiding my intentions than she had been. I had to become the enemy that they never saw coming.

  I turned off the shower and gazed at my chestnut face in the mirror, surprised to see a different woman staring back at me. The timid, careful girl from a few days ago was gone, replaced by a fierce and resolute warrior.

  I knew that I didn’t have all the answers, but I trusted Lei. If she told me that I had to go, I had no choice but to follow through. Sure, I had my reservations; who wouldn’t in a situation like this? But if there really were innocent people who would be murdered in a few days’ time and there was something I could do to stop it, I had to try. I couldn’t live with the guilt hanging over me for the rest of my life if I didn’t.

  I knew what I had to do. It wouldn’t be easy; in fact, it would be the most dangerous thing I’d ever done in my life. But if I didn’t take the risk, who would?

  Zealous butterflies danced in my stomach as I considered being free of the Syndicate, of living in a world where I had control of my own destiny. With a final look of resolution, I left the bathroom with my head held high, ready to face whatever future may become mine.

  CHAPTER SIX: FEARFUL FAREWELLS

  W hen my alarm went off the following morning, I crawled out of bed, feeling surprisingly refreshed. It was like the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. I got dressed and met Cora outside my apartment, giving her a heartfelt smile. She eyed me skeptically; I couldn’t blame her. I had given her so many insincere smiles throughout the years it was probably bizarre to see me genuinely happy.

  Get it together, Kai, I scolded. I was a terrible liar, and I worried that the deception would show on my face. The last thing I needed to do was draw attention to myself. I couldn’t give the Syndicate a reason to suspect me of treason, or I would be facing my own trial at next month’s ceremony.

  As Cora and I passed a group of TIMs, I averted my eyes. My heart hammered in my chest, my nerves amplified. I might be able to deceive Cora and the members of the Syndicate, but it would be a hell of a lot harder to delude advanced androids whose rays could see inside the deepest parts of me.

  Would they be able to register that I was contemplating my escape at that very moment? Could they sense the small, wooden box burning a hole in my pocket? I stroked the soft material anxiously, praying to whatever deity would listen that I could make it out of Concord without being caught.

  When the TIMs flew past without hesitation, I let out a relieved breath. As Cora and I walked into the medical building, a small smile formed on my face. I was still nervous about what the day would bring, but I also felt more confident now. If I could fool the TIMs, I might stand a chance of my escape going through without a hitch.

  Leilani had left me everything that I needed to leave this place
behind; I just had to find the escape hatch, and follow through with the plan. Though the notion terrified me, a larger, more dominant part of me felt free for the first time in my life.

  **********

  The only thing I could think about during class was where I could find the escape hatch. It was in this building, that much I was certain. But it was sure to be hidden; the Syndicate wouldn’t want Concord citizens stumbling upon it accidentally. Finding the time I needed to search the building without raising a red flag would be difficult.

  I ran through every scenario I could think of, each seeming more dangerous than the one before it, and most resulting in my execution. I chewed my nails nervously, my confidence diminishing as I went deeper down the rabbit hole of Leilani’s plan.

  Maybe this was a bad idea.

  Had I thought things through? Was fleeing Concord really worth the risk I’d be taking? I had almost dissuaded myself of taking the chance, but then I remembered that there was more at stake here than my own life. The community outside of Concord was oblivious to the dangers that threatened them at this very moment. I was the only one who could help them before it was too late.

  My teeth set firmly. Yes, this was definitely a bad idea, but it was one that I had to see through. I would rather die knowing that I tried to save their lives- no matter the hazards associated with that decision- than live safely inside Concord for another minute, knowing what I know now. I refused to be the captive of a tyrannical murderer any longer or to sit idly by while other people’s lives were in danger.

  I watched the minute hand move with breathtaking speed as the day passed quickly by. By the time class was nearly over, I had bitten my fingernails down to the quick. Despite my anxiety, despite my lack of having a real, concrete plan, I was out of time. Whatever I was going to do, I had to do it now; I wouldn’t have an opportunity like this again. It was now or never.

  I took a deep breath, trying to gather the prowess to try something, anything, before I lost this chance. I climbed unsteadily to my feet, snagged my backpack from the back of my chair, and walked to the front of the classroom with quivering legs.

  “Mr. Alta?” I whispered, approaching the professor’s desk. “I know we’re in the middle of an exam, but I need to use the ladies’ room. Can I be excused?”

  “Can’t it wait, Ms. Markavitch? We only have ten minutes left,” Mr. Alta said, glancing at the clock.

  I gave him my best ‘it’s a female situation’ shrug. He caught on and waved me away, averting his eyes back to his book, his cheeks rosy as he internally implored me not to divulge any further information.

  I walked quickly, but stealthily, down the hallway, trying not to arouse suspicion. I passed the restroom as nonchalantly as I could manage, heading toward the stairwell instead. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the bright red door, sprinted down the steps, and to the first floor where the research lab was located.

  Now came the hard part- trying to figure where the escape hatch would be, and doing so before the Syndicate realized what I was up to. I pulled the key Leilani had given me from my front pocket, gripping it tightly, ready to use it at a moment’s notice. The ticking clock in the hallway counted the seconds, keeping me painstakingly aware of my dwindling time.

  I walked past lab room after lab room, peering through the doors, but seeing nothing out of sorts, nothing to indicate a secure escape hatch. Where would I keep a hidden exit, if it were me?

  It was one of only a few conduits between Concord and the world beyond; I would want it to be in the safest place possible, within the view of someone I could depend on. Finally, it clicked- the Director of Research’s office. Only a high official could be trusted with something so vital. My shoulders relaxed, feeling better now that I had a destination in mind.

  I was on my way to find the office when the sound of someone behind me made me stop in my tracks.

  “Hey!” I heard a deep voice call. My muscles tensed, and my heart rate quickened. My stomach did uneasy flips, as I turned to see Thane staring at me from down the hallway. “What are you doing here?”

  He took a step forward until only a few inches separated us. I swallowed hard, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm the shaking in my hands.

  “I’m looking for the restroom. The one on the second floor was closed for cleaning,” I lied, hoping the deep blush in my cheeks wouldn’t be too obvious.

  “It’s right there,” Thane said, his forehead creased as he pointed to the door behind me labeled ‘women’.

  “Thanks,” I mumbled.

  His eyes narrowed suspiciously

  “Why are you here?” I asked, trying to stall so I could compose my anxiety-ridden face. “You don’t work in this building.”

  “There’s a TIM in the building needing maintenance,” he said curtly.

  Thane was responsible for the retribution process, which meant he was also over the TIM operating system. And it just so happened to bring him here, to this building and this department, on today of all days. My luck couldn’t have been worse.

  Sweat formed on the small of my back as Thane towered intimidatingly over me. He stared into my brown eyes, measuring me. You couldn’t live with someone the majority of your life and not pick up on their behavioral cues. Despite our many disagreements, even though we were never that close, it didn’t change the fact that Thane knew me well, and he knew that I was up to something.

  As though by the grace of God, a siren began echoing from down the hallway as a tall, lanky man in a white lab coat came running out of a research lab. Part of one eyebrow was missing, having been singed away by the looks of the red welts that were forming. His coat was spotted with soot, and his hair was smoking.

  “Mr. Markavitch, I’m so glad that you’re here!” the man addressed Thane. “We found the faulty TIM in Laboratory 5. Its sensors have malfunctioned, and it seems to be in termination protocol. It has already destroyed most of our samples and assaulted an intern. Please hurry, before someone else gets hurt!” the man begged, his eyes darting nervously around the hallway as though the TIM could attack at any moment.

  Thane groaned. “Stay here. I need to speak with you when I get back.”

  He hesitated for a moment, his jaw set in irritation. We both knew that I would be long gone before he returned.

  In a fit of selfish, sibling enmity, I gave Thane a tiny smile and waved goodbye. He followed the panicked lab worker down the hallway, grinding his teeth the entire way.

  I let out a sigh of relief. Who would have thought that a TIM- the thing that I was most afraid of- would be the very thing that had allowed me to escape Thane’s grasp. For the first time in my life, I was glad that a TIM had been nearby.

  I sprinted down the hallway as screams echoed somewhere in the distance, the rogue TIM continuing to pummel the unsuspecting lab staff. Though I was appreciative of the commotion that made Thane leave me alone, it wouldn’t last long. I had no time left to waste.

  I racked my brain for the location of the escape hatch. If I knew anything about humans in positions of power, they liked to flaunt their ascendancy. The Director of Research was sure to have the largest, most prevalent office on the floor. It would most likely be on the one side of the building that had windows, so he could look out on the city he was a vital member of.

  As predicted, I came across two large, mahogany double doors on the western side of the building. A shiny nameplate to the left of the door read: ‘Dr. Shaltra- Executive Director of Research Operations’ in flashy, golden letters.

  My heart hammered as I realized just how close I was to the hatch. I jiggled the doorknob, pleasantly surprised to find that it was unlocked. I peeked my head inside the room, but Dr. Shaltra was nowhere to be found. I tiptoed inside and bolted the door behind me.

  The first thing I noticed was a large picture frame on the wall opposite me. It was cast with recessed lighting that engulfed the document with an eerie glow. I stepped closer to the framed certificate, realizing that it was
Dr. Shaltra’s diploma. It was surrounded by trophies and photos of Dr. Shaltra receiving many prestigious awards. The look on the man’s face was that of pure ecstasy. He was immensely proud of his exploits, hence the ostentatious monument he’d built in his office to showcase them. I rolled my eyes and kept moving.

  I searched the room carefully, looking for any sign of the escape hatch. I pressed against the wood-paneled walls, but they didn’t give. I tugged at the windows, but they were sealed shut. I moved the man’s massive diploma from its shrine, pulled the photos from his wall, searched behind anything that could be hiding the doorway. Still, I was unable to find the exit.

  I couldn’t slow the increasing palpitations in my chest as time continued to pass with no result. I’d accepted that it wouldn’t be an easy task, but could the escape hatch really be this well-hidden, or had I been wrong and the escape hatch was somewhere else? What if I had interpreted Leilani’s words incorrectly, and I was in the wrong building?

  Outside the office, the explosions and screams that had been resonating through the hallway for the last fifteen minutes had started to quiet. The issue with the TIM was almost under control, and it wouldn’t be long before Thane returned to find me, possibly bringing Syndicate guards for backup. Anxiety turned to panic as I continued to case the room with newfound desperation.

  In a last-ditch effort, I began crawling on my hands and knees, feeling the beige carpet beneath me for signs of weakness. To my utter disbelief, I found a protrusion on the floor beneath Dr. Shaltra’s massive mahogany desk. There, blending in with the light hues of the upholstery, was a small, golden hook about the size of a penny, easily missed by the human eye. I yanked the hook, lifting the carpet to expose the dark floor underneath.

  Embedded in the deep, oak flooring was a daunting metal door with a complex lock. Grabbing Leilani’s key from my pocket, I jammed the bronze teeth into the latch, the incessant shaking in my hands making it a challenge as I tried, and failed, to unbolt the padlock. The trembling intensified as the door handle of the office twisted gently, and then more forcibly, as someone tried to come into the room.