Unsuitable

by Dawn Norwell

  But Zander was the only one who opposed the lack of activity above ground. Others saw it as a blessing, Athena included. The unsuits were getting restless, eager to return to their home and the way their lives were before being disrupted by the Syndicate’s attack.

  Zander tried to argue that something wasn’t right, that we should stay hidden until we were certain there wouldn’t be another attack, but Athena shook her head.

  “We can’t hide forever, Zander. We’ve already spent half of the year underground being overly cautious,” she’d said. “Our home is up there, above the surface, and it’s time we return to it. If the Syndicate tries something else, we will deal with it then. Otherwise, we need to have faith that everything will be okay.”

  Zander’s opposition to the idea was transparent, but he stopped arguing. I suspected a part of him was just as eager for fresh air and sunshine as the rest of us were.

  Crews had been going above ground at regular intervals, repairing damage to city buildings, and using their advanced knowledge of living in the wastelands to clear the radiation. Thankfully the attack had been minimal, and there would be no long-term effects on the city. Athena suspected the Syndicate lessened the intensity of the attack once they learned of my escape the dome. Even with Concord’s advanced technology, nuclear weapons were scarce, and they weren’t willing to waste more missiles than they had to when Nova would have already been warned.

  I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t left the dome when I did, if I had been too late to give Athena a heads up. Would the Syndicate have put their all into the attack? Would any of the unsuits have survived the assault? I shivered, thinking about Athena or Ximea being killed, of the possibility that Zander might not have made it. I was more thankful than ever for Leilani’s warning.

  Eventually, an all-clear was given, and Nova started making preparations to move back to the upper quadrants of the city. There was an unmistakable alacrity in the air. Everyone was more than ready to be back above ground, especially me. I’d never gotten to see the higher levels of Nova; I was relocated from the hospital wing straight to the underground bunkers. After months of hearing about the beauty of upper Nova, I was ready to see it for myself.

  “Before we begin the disbursement process,” Athena said, standing before the auditorium of residents who were chattering happily, “it is important that we have restrictions to avoid possible exposure. Our radars have not detected any TIM activity for a few weeks now, but we still implore you to use caution because, sooner or later, they will come. They will not hesitate to imprison any unsuit they come in contact with,” she explained. The idea terrified me; if I were to get captured, it would mean my immediate execution.

  “It is important that you stay within a three-mile radius to the outside of the city. This is as far as our radars can reach. If you roam beyond the safety zone, you are putting us all at risk. Is that understood?” she asked. The crowd murmured their agreement. Athena smiled. “Then let’s continue to our homes in an orderly fashion. May glory be to you all,” she said, touching her forehead with her right thumb and placing her fist into the air.

  “Glory be!” Nova said in unison, replicating her movement. Influenced by the exuberance surrounding me, I followed their lead, earning dirty looks from nearby citizens.

  Slowly but surely, we assembled on the elevators, dozens of us crammed into the small metal box as it ascended to the higher levels at a terrifying speed. I chewed my fingernails anxiously. Zander sensed my fear and grabbed my hand, caressing it soothingly with his thumb.

  “You’ll love it above ground,” he whispered in my ear. “It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”

  I nodded, hoping that he was right. The only home I had ever known in Nova was under the earth’s surface. Though I was excited to see what the city above was like, I felt exposed and unsafe. There had been over one hundred floors separating me from the Syndicate for the last six months. Now, I would be in the wide open.

  When the elevator came to a stop, and the steel doors opened, we were all temporarily blinded. We’d been underground for so long that the sun seemed like a foreign object to our unaccustomed eyes. I blinked rapidly, trying to dislodge the bright spots from my sight, but it took several minutes for my vision to adjust.

  When I was finally able to see again, my mouth popped open with awe. No amount of narrating could have prepared me for the breathtaking beauty of aboveground Nova. It was like a majestic wonderland.

  The colors and hues surrounding me were exquisite, unlike anything I had ever seen before, almost causing me to wince with their vibrancy. The heavens seemed brighter than I remembered, the powder blue sky stretching for miles, disrupted only by the occasional fluffy cloud.

  Although parts of the city were worn down and certain areas had been damaged beyond repair from the missiles, there was a homey and comfortable feel to the town. The aesthetics of upper Nova were breathtaking, the complete opposite of the things that Concord valued. I smiled as I took in the setting. The excitement was nearly palpable.

  Birds chirped high overhead, their captivating melodies resonating through the serene countryside. Unlike the synthetic stuff in Concord, real grass tickled at my ankles. Its vibrant green hue was striking in contrast to the yellow dandelions sprouting through the soil, hell-bent on surviving the poison seeping into the ground around them.

  Solar panels were set up to absorb the sun’s intense rays, converting it into usable energy that powered the homes and buildings. I could fully appreciate what Zander meant when he said that the people of Nova were survivors. Even the Syndicate hadn’t thought to use solar energy to power the city, relying solely on the leftover power plants from the old days to provide energy. In some ways, it was like Nova was more advanced than Concord was.

  It amazed me how everyone trusted one another in Nova. Children ran joyously through the streets with no supervision, enjoying the fresh air for the first time in months. That sort of thing would never be permitted in Concord, where minor children had to be within an adult’s command at all times.

  Remnants of trees lined the outskirts of Nova, damaged from the impact a few months prior, but determined to persevere. Bubbling brooks flowed along the outside of the city with small, moss-covered walkways that led to the other side.

  The center of the town gave way to a large courtyard surrounded by vintage-looking buildings that housed small storefronts, the public school, government offices, and the communal mess hall. Most prominent of the edifices was a little white church, still completely intact, with a tall steeple that reached high into the blue skyline. The spire housed a bronze bell, shimmering in the mid-day sunlight. Looking at the church, you’d never know that missiles were dropped on the city just months before.

  Some of the buildings were incinerated from the nuclear attack, their remnants still smoldering even after all this time. Many others were dilapidated and decaying from nothing more than age. Others were built to last and had made it through the attack unscathed.

  The quaint, cozy homes of the city, differed greatly from the towering skyscrapers that I was used to. They were modest structures made out of brick and stone, replicating a style from the early 2000s, their timeless designs mimicking that of buildings from before the war.

  Beyond the city limits, field after field of bright sunflowers stood tall, their bright yellow petals gleaming in the sun’s warm rays. There had to be thousands of them.

  “We use them for the radiation,” Zander explained, catching my stare. “The plants are versatile in various climates and easy to manage, making them the ideal choice for cleansing the soil. It took years for our forefathers to discover that they helped draw the isotopes from the earth, but when they did, it was a game-changer.”

  My eyes widened, impressed by the ingenuity. Zander’s forefathers worked these contaminated fields, sacrificing their bodies to remove the layers of impurity so that, one day, their children could have an easier lif
e. Their sacrifices were not in vain because, now, Nova teemed with life. It wasn’t like the contaminated wastelands that separated Nova and Concord. Here, it was almost like the Dominant War never happened.

  I glanced around, fully appreciating the unsuits for the first time. Nova was a diverse city, rich in every culture known to man. If not for the barcode embedded onto my wrist, no one would think twice about my dark skin or scrawny physique. Every race, age, and physique were reflected in the citizens here.

  Some individuals had additional attributes, like birthmarks on their faces or missing extremities, which would have led to them being cast away from a place like Concord. But, if the Syndicate could see them now, coming together in laughter and camaraderie, exhilarated to have escaped the hellish underground for the first time in months, I doubt even they could deny their beauty.

  My world had expanded tenfold, and I could see clearly for the first time. I was once blinded by the cloud of deceit draped over my eyes by the Syndicate, but now I could see clearly. Despite their physical variances, despite their individualistic ways of thinking, each Nova resident was beautiful in their own way.

  Zander interlocked his fingers in mine, interrupting my reverie. “I have something I want to show you.” He gave my hand a gentle tug, guiding me down an alley, and to the next street over. We stopped midway down the lane, and I eyed Zander questioningly.

  “When I found out we were coming above ground, I asked my mother if we could have this house,” he said, pointing to a small cottage ahead of us. “I used to walk by it every day to go to school, and I immediately fell in love with it. It’s been abandoned for a while and is a little older than most others, but I feel like it has… character.” I could sense Zander watching me nervously from his peripherals, but I only had eyes for the house.

  It was a beautiful little cottage that was tucked away in a tiny alcove, nestled in a small grove of mature trees that towered over its structure, hidden from view from the courtyard. The building was constructed of grey and brown stones, and deep green moss cultivated along the walls in a way that added to the ambiance of the cottage. Beautiful flowers sprouted freely inside the white picket fence, the marigold and periwinkle buds adding a warm and welcome quality.

  The building was relatively modest, just large enough for a family to live comfortably. By Concord standards, this house would seem substandard, made a mockery of by the suits who preferred large, grandiose homes. But to me, the cottage was perfect. I smiled at the idea of living here with Zander, of the memories we could create within those four walls. Standing in the street, staring up at the building, I already felt at home.

  Zander cleared his throat impatiently. “Do you like it?” he asked, fidgeting anxiously. “I can get us something else if you don’t.”

  I grinned and wrapped my arms around his waist. “It’s perfect. Thank you,” I whispered.

  He let out a sigh of relief and draped his arms around my shoulders, enveloping me in a warm embrace. We stood in the street for a long time, holding one another as we gazed at the beautiful cottage, at our future home.

  **********

  Zander and I wasted no time settling into the cottage. I loved the rustic feel of the home, with its exposed wood beams, stone fireplace, and the trees just outside. Right away, I opened the windows and let the cool autumn wind blow in, relishing in the quiet, the only sound that of the rustling leaves just beyond the house. I inhaled deeply and smiled, the fresh air good for my soul.

  After a moment of basking in the breeze, I went back to unpacking my scarce belongings and scattering them about the house. The first thing I did was tuck the photo Athena had given us into a small picture frame and set it on the fireplace mantel. My eyes filled with tears of joy as our fathers stared back from the other side of the glass.

  Wiping my eyes, I placed the small jewelry box Lei had given me beside the photo. It was a welcome memento of our childhood memories and a constant reminder of the price she had paid so that I could be where I was now. I would never take her sacrifices for granted.

  I ran my finger along the Tiger Lily that was engraved in the rosewood, smiling as I read the inscription.

  “Only the brave are truly free.”

  I hadn’t realized until now just how true the words were. Had I not found the courage to follow through with Leilani’s plan, I would still be stuck in my redundant life in Concord, oblivious to the world beyond the dome. And I wouldn’t have met Zander.

  Our relationship had been a test of bravery in and of itself, two very different people from very different places who somehow found one another. We knew that people wouldn’t like our relationship, but we gave it a go and overcame the odds, despite the stigma associated with it, choosing love over all things. Taking a chance, knowing that there was a very real possibility of getting my heart broken, was as much an act of fearlessness as defying the Syndicate had been.

  She who is brave, truly was free. I decided, from that point forward, that I would live my life by the mantra on the box, choosing to be brave in all things. I would take the chances I was always too cowardly to take, and let come what may. I would accept the consequences as they came, and learn from them to become a better version of myself. I could never thank Leilani enough for giving me that ability.

  **********

  Since we could only use what we could salvage in Nova, I quickly had to figure out how to be resourceful and found that I was pretty good at it. I quickly learned how to recycle “trash” and turn it into something beautiful. It didn’t take long to fill our monotone cottage with color, from using scraps of dyed glass to create mosaic art, to taking old bottles and painting them with intricate designs, before filling them with Tiger Lilies from the garden.

  I was even undertaking my own chandelier, hoping for a replica of the one in the Athena Suit. I knew how much the fixture meant to Zander, how special it was that his father had created it. I hoped that this would bring a little piece of Lokas into our lives.

  No matter how long I stayed in aboveground Nova, I never took for granted its breathtaking beauty. I could only imagine how extraordinary the city could have been before the Syndicate attacked it, damaging portions beyond repair. For so long I had lived in the insipid city of Concord with its golden buildings and streets so pristine you could eat from them; small-town life was very different for me, but I enjoyed every moment of it.

  As I walked home from work one day, I found myself whistling. I could hardly believe it; I had never whistled before. But, I was so filled with joy at how things were going in my life, I couldn’t bear to keep the music stifled inside of me. I laughed as birds in nearby trees twittered happily in response to my joyous melody.

  As I stepped onto the porch of the little cottage and placed my hand on the doorknob, voices inside the house caused me to pause.

  “I know you don’t like the idea of war, Mom, but I don’t think we have any other choice,” Zander said fervently. “If one of the TIMs has taken a member of the community, the Syndicate will quickly realize that we’re alive and aboveground.”

  “Geome was trained in the most intense interrogation methods we have, Zander. I don’t think he will break so easily. Our secrets will be safe with him,” Athena said, but she didn’t sound so sure.

  “Maybe so, but a person can only handle so much pain before they give in. We have to be prepared in case he talks, which means that it’s time to start getting ready for battle,” Zander said. I could hear him pacing across the living room. “We have to strike Concord before they can hit us; it’s the only chance Nova has of surviving.”

  “You know that isn’t an option,” Athena said, slamming her fist on the coffee table in frustration. I jumped at the sound. “I will never understand why we can’t just get along. It shouldn’t be this hard!”

  The couch cushion creaked as Zander sat down. “The Syndicate doesn’t want to get along with us. They want us to submit to their will, or die fighting. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have atta
cked in the first place. They’ve been trying to take us out for decades because they’re afraid of us, and rightfully so!” Zander bellowed. “I say, let’s give them something to be afraid of!”

  “Even if I agreed, I couldn’t approve a war. It would be suicide. I can’t send our men and women into an angry beehive when we’re so inadequately equipped,” Athena sighed. “The Syndicate has advanced weaponry and androids that will sense us coming miles away. We’d never be able to keep up.”

  Unable to sit silent any longer, I opened the door and walked inside. Athena’s eyes widened in surprise at my appearance. Zander got to his feet and rushed to cover up the battle plans that were lying on our kitchen table.

  “Hey, Kai,” Zander said nervously. “I didn’t expect you to be home for a few more hours.”

  “The clinic was slow, so Ximea told me to go home early,” I said, weary.

  “We were just… watching TV.” He scurried for the remote control and quickly pressed buttons, causing the small box to come to life.

  “You don’t have to pretend, Zander. I could hear you talking through the door.” His face grew repentant at being caught in the lie.

  “Since you’re already here, Kai, I could use your opinion,” Athena said, patting the cushion on the couch beside her. I sat down and looked at her curiously. “Do you think Nova should play it safe, or make the first move, as Zander suggests?”

  “I-I don’t know,” I stuttered, caught off guard by her question. I was no expert in military ambushes or tactic of war. I had no secret weapons in my repertoire that would sway the battle in our favor. I was the last person she should be asking.

  “Please, Kai,” she said, her blue eyes urgent. “Zander and I are too close to this thing. We need an outside opinion. You’re the only one who knows both sides.” I shook my head, but she continued to stare at me expectantly.

  I sighed. “Well, I think that you’re right. It would be suicide to go up against the Syndicate.” Athena gave Zander a smug smile. “At least, it would be without my help.”