by Eliza Green
‘Of course he is. He... They killed my...’ He couldn’t say it. Saying it would make it true.
She took another step forward. ‘Your wife?’
Bill’s heart hardened. ‘What the hell do you know about that?’
‘I’m sorry,’ Laura said in a calm voice. But her trembling hands said she was anything but. ‘I have information and I know you’re looking for answers. I need you to understand the Indigenes are not to blame.’
It had to be them. Isla had disappeared while on Exilon 5. ‘Who else could it be?’ Bill kept his eyes fixed on Stephen, in case he made a move. He swiped at Laura again hoping to catch her arm, but she stayed out of his reach.
‘The government, Bill. It’s been them all along. Deighton was responsible for Isla’s disappearance. The board members ordered her to be killed.’
He dropped his arm and straightened up. Shock widened his eyes. ‘What?’
‘I’m sorry to tell you this way, but the World Government and the ESC are involved in bad things. Isla got too close to the truth. She got close to the Indigenes and tried to help them.’
‘Yes, and the Indigenes turned on her.’ He glared at Stephen who had his head lowered, but not his eyes.
‘No.’ Laura stood between them and placed her hand on Bill’s chest. Her touch softened the edges of his rage. ‘Listen to me. It wasn’t the Indigenes. They had nothing to do with her disappearance. It was Deighton and Gilchrist. She’s dead.’
Bill shook his head at her. ‘You’re lying. If she was dead, they would have told me. Where did you get this information from?’
‘Files about the investigation. And letters.’
‘Letters?’
Stephen moved suddenly; Bill snapped his attention back to him. He pushed Laura’s hand away. But she remained where she was, acting like a buffer between them.
She pleaded with the Indigene. ‘Please, I know it’s difficult being here with us.’
Stephen lifted his head, eyes on Bill. ‘I need to know why you were investigating us. Tell me and I will leave.’
‘Please, your fight is not in this apartment. It’s not with me or the investigator.’ Laura grabbed Stephen’s arm, like he was an ally—a move that turned Bill’s stomach. ‘We are all caught up in the government’s drama. We are seeking answers, like you. We are fighting for the same thing.’
‘Let him go, Laura.’ Bill made a tight fist. ‘If he wants a fight, I’ll give him one.’
‘Not until he understands what he is.’ She looked at Stephen. ‘If you still want to fight us after what I tell you, then go ahead. We don’t deserve your forgiveness.’
Bill tensed at her invitation. ‘You don’t know what you’re saying. You have no idea what he’s capable of.’
‘I know everything about him. His origin, his creation.’
Both he and Stephen stared at Laura.
‘His creation?’ Bill shook his head. ‘What are you talking about? What do you know?’
‘If you’re going to help each other, you must know everything about him, including where he came from. You have to know what he is. Are you ready for that?’
‘Tell me, what is he?’ said Bill.
Stephen’s stance remained rigid. His wild eyes fixed on Laura, also waiting for her answer.
Her gaze flicked from Stephen to Bill. ‘He’s human.’
Her words hung in the air.
Bill unclenched his fists. ‘He’s what?’
‘Human,’ Laura repeated.
‘Yes, I know I am,’ said Stephen. ‘This is not news to me. But why are you also called “human”?’
Bill couldn’t believe what he was hearing. She grabbed her arm and shook it. ‘Where did you get this information from? How do you know this?’
To her credit Laura kept calm. ‘I’ve recently seen information that I wasn’t supposed to know. Trust me I’m not making this up.’
Bill released her and stared ahead of him. None of this made sense. He looked up at the two before him. A more urgent thought entered his mind.
‘How many visitors are you permitted to have?’ he said.
‘What?’
‘How many visitors. Think.’
Laura shook her head, confused. ‘I don’t know. I rarely have any. Why does that matter?’
He shook her arm again. ‘How many does this block allow?’
She thought it over. Then her face fell. ‘Crap. Only one...’
Bill raced over to the Light Box’s hardware control unit and opened a panel at the back. He removed a small disruption device from his pocket and placed it beside the sound interrupter he’d attached upon his arrival. He re-routed the Light Box signal through the disruption device.
‘Do you know if they’re monitoring your apartment?’
‘I... don’t know.’ Laura stared blankly at the door. ‘Will they check?’
‘It’s likely. This disruption device confuses the Light Box sensors. By re-routing the signal through it, we can predetermine the number of signatures it will detect. It should be picking up just two. But they’ve probably already detected the three of us. I’d be surprised if they didn’t send a team out to check the anomaly.’
Laura looked shocked. ‘What do we do?’
‘We need to cut our numbers by one. Then I’ll remove both devices before they see them. When I do, there can only be two of us here.’ Bill thought of an idea and spoke to Stephen. ‘Can you do that fast blurry thing you do?’
Stephen nodded. ‘Yes, that should work.’ He explained to Laura who looked confused. ‘I can move at a speed that renders my form invisible to the human eye. It should fool the sensors long enough for them to not detect my presence.’
‘They’ll be here shortly.’ Bill looked Laura over. Her purple uniform peeked out from under her coat. ‘Change out of that and into something more casual. Then follow my lead.’
☼
Five minutes later, there was a sharp rap on the door. Stephen took his cue and disappeared into a blurry haze right, before their eyes. Laura gasped then forced her eyes to the door. Bill removed both the signal disruptor and sound interruption device. He hoped the sensors could no longer detect Stephen.
Grabbing hold of a casually dressed Laura, he kissed her on the mouth. She went limp for a second before she tensed up. He held her tightly—probably a little too tight—as he jerked the door open. Two officers stood in the hallway, one male and one female. Both carried Impulse Tasers and Buzz Guns in their hip holsters; Bill noticed their hands were poised over the latter and deadlier of the weapons. Neither officer introduced themselves.
‘We have reason to believe you’ve violated the building safety code,’ said the male officer. ‘Our sensors register a third person in the apartment. This is a serious offence and punishable by law.’
Bill looped his arm round Laura’s shoulders and pulled her even closer. Both her warmth and the apple scent wafting up from her hair did little to ease his tension. ‘I’m sorry, officers. That’s entirely my fault. You see, it’s our anniversary, and I only have two hours with this gorgeous woman before I have to go back to work.’ He stroked Laura’s hair. She smiled and laid her head on his chest.
The female officer narrowed her gaze at Bill. ‘What career line are you in?’
‘Shipping. I’m a pilot.’
‘Where do you work out of?’
‘Sydney, mainly.’
‘And what about you?’ She turned towards Laura.
Laura hesitated. Sensing her discomfort, Bill gently pushed her away. ‘Is this interrogation really necessary? As you can see, it’s just us here.’
‘Rules are rules,’ said the male officer. ‘I’m afraid we’re going to have to check for ourselves.’
They both stood back from the door and allowed the officers to enter. ‘As you wish. You’re free to check.’
A nervous Bill scanned the room, but he couldn’t see Stephen anywhere. Damn, he was good.
The officers carried out a sweep of the
apartment, but couldn’t find a third person. The female officer followed up with an independent scan, which still registered just two signatures, besides their own.
‘All clear,’ she announced warily to her partner. Turning to Bill and Laura she asked, ‘This doesn’t account for the third person you registered ten minutes ago. Care to explain?’
‘I’m so sorry. That was my fault.’ Laura laughed and touched a hand to her heart. ‘I’d arranged a surprise for my boyfriend. You see, the guy came to install a virtual package upgrade for the Light Box. You know the one where you can holiday in any part of the world without having to leave your armchair?’ She shook her head. ‘He’s addicted to his virtual world. I mean, who isn’t, these days?’ The male officer mumbled in agreement. ‘Well, the guy was supposed to finish up earlier, but got delayed. Then this idiot came home earlier than planned.’
Bill shrugged his shoulders at the officers in a what-can-you-do way.
‘Oh, I’ve heard about that one. Is it any good?’ said the male officer.
‘I don’t know yet. We were planning a quick trip to Bali before you called.’ Bill winked at him. ‘Sun, sex and margaritas.’
The male officer smiled. His gaze lingered on Laura a little too long. Bill grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.
‘One last thing,’ said the female officer. ‘We need to scan your identity chips. For the record, you understand.’
‘Is that really necessary? I rarely get time off, these days. I’m on the clock.’ Bill sighed hoping to appeal to the male officer’s better nature. ‘You know how it is, with the crazy work schedules. It’s tough enough to get time off at all. Am I right?’
The male officer nodded and laughed. ‘I’m just surprised you have the energy. All I want to do is sleep during my free time.’ His tone turned serious. ‘Everything seems to be in order here. Enjoy your evening.’ He pushed his reluctant partner out of the apartment.
As soon as Laura closed the door, Bill removed the disruption device from his pocket and channelled the Light Box signal through it once more. Then he placed the sound interrupter on the front panel again.
His heart thumped too fast. ‘That was way too close for comfort. We should be okay for the next two hours. But then they’ll expect me to leave.’ He spoke to the empty room. ‘You can come out now, Stephen.’ Turning to Laura he said, ‘And you need to start from the beginning.’
50
Two hours ago, Anton had woken up inside a containment unit that heaved with energy. The room smelled like cold and rock, hinting that he was deep beneath the surface. The smooth and rendered walls reminded him of a fancier space than District Three. He hoped his sacrifice had been for something, and that Stephen had not succumbed to the same fate as him.
The Gilchrist woman stood in the middle of the room next to a man called Charles and another man, younger than the pair.
‘What a magnificent specimen he is,’ she said.
Anton watched all three from his prison. They carried no weapons. If he could escape his containment unit he could probably overpower them. Charles looked to be around Pierre’s age, but less agile than the elder. He reached for the invisible barrier surrounding his prison, certain the humans did not know about his high tolerance for pain. The barrier sparked, stinging the tips of his fingers. Grunting, he yanked his hand back.
‘The unit is electrically charged,’ said Charles. ‘Apparently, electricity only slows you down. We’re not sure why it doesn’t kill you.’
Anton straightened up. Watched. Waited.
‘The Indigenes are quick learners,’ said Gilchrist to Charles. ‘The replica identity chip used to gain access to the passenger ship was virtually identical to an original, right down to the wiring.’ Her curious, but also fearful, gaze flicked to Anton. ‘I wonder if this second generation is cognitively more advanced than our original creations.’
Anton rushed the barrier. The electricity stung him again and he yowled. His foot slipped, but he righted himself before he fell.
‘Look at him! See how he moves like that?’ said an excited Charles. ‘Their species was much more primitive in the beginning. Closer to our design, really. Time has allowed their abilities to develop naturally, and in such a short space of time, too. How advanced will the next generation be, I wonder?’
A strange, quiet, mood filled the room. The female came closer to his cage. Anton dropped to all fours—his hunting stance.
Gilchrist’s eyes grew large and she stopped.
Anton reached out for their thoughts, but the barrier—the electricity—dulled his abilities.
‘See what he just did? That hunting stance?’ said Charles pointing. ‘They didn’t do that when we first created them. Primitive animals. Brutes. Couldn’t even talk. But they’ve adapted fast to their new terrain, to their new lives.’ He clasped his hands behind his back, pondering something. ‘Now, if we can replicate their abilities and apply it to our design, we can remove all uncertainties about our future.’
Gilchrist showed her disagreement through a shiver.
Two armed officers entered the room. Anton dropped to a protective crouch when they neared his prison.
Gilchrist came closer to the containment unit, while both officers shadowed her. She’d shaken off her earlier shock at what he could do. This close, Anton could detect some feelings from her. Her fear, in particular, chilled him, but it was at odds with the confident image she portrayed. Anton sensed it wasn’t him she feared.
With a tight smile she said, ‘We’re not here to hurt you. Think of us as your friends.’ She touched a hand to her chest. ‘My name is Daphne. I’d like to call you something other than Indigene.’
She waited for his answer. Charles muttered in an excited way. Anton said nothing.
‘Not interested in talking?’ She dropped the pretence and a new chill entered her friendly tone.
‘Perhaps he can’t communicate in the same way we can,’ said Billings.
‘The Indigenes can learn languages.’ A puzzled look crossed her face. ‘In fact, I’m surprised they haven’t created their own by now.’
‘What if they have?’ said Billings. ‘What if they can communicate without words?’
Gilchrist raised an eyebrow.
Even without his full range of skills Anton sensed her desire to be in charge. She also thrived on order. But in her arrogance, she’d missed the point Billings had been astute enough to make.
Her friendly act disappeared. ‘You can drop the charade now because I’m not buying it. I can keep calling you Species 31 or Indigene, but I would rather call you by your real name.’
His silence kept him from the truth of why he was here. ‘My name is Anton.’
‘Anton!’ Charles clapped at the back of the room. ‘What a human name. Not surprising, I suppose, considering what stock you came from.’
Anton straightened up. ‘What do you mean?’
Charles squealed. ‘Did you see how fast he just moved there? Marvellous.’
It wasn’t the first time the hairs on the back of Anton’s neck had stood up. The humans had been looking for Bob Harris. They’d been expecting him, which meant the original Bob Harris must have reported an anomaly with his chip. What bothered him now was the why. Why was Anton here? He worried Stephen was in a similar containment unit, being quizzed in the same way.
But they had yet to mention him by name, real or false. The pilot had only flagged one alias on board—his.
‘By the way Bob Harris, your use of the chips was very clever. I assume you had an accomplice?’ said Gilchrist.
Anton released a quiet breath. They were fishing for information. That meant Stephen must be safe.
He shook his head. ‘The human who owned it was careless with his identity chip.’
Gilchrist frowned. ‘Why were you in such a hurry to get out of Dock 10 then? Our records show Colin Stipple illegally commandeered the flight out with one of our best pilots on board. Who is he to you?’
�
�Nobody. A distraction.’ How the lies flowed in the face of danger.
‘You went to a lot of trouble to create the distraction. What sob story did he give you?’
‘A dying relative. A termination clinic.’ He shrugged. ‘It’s the truth.’
Gilchrist laughed once. ‘And I don’t believe you’re that naive.’
His pulse thundered in his ears. Anton shrugged again. ‘I figured you were on to me, so I used the human as a distraction. It almost worked, didn’t it?’
‘Not really. We were on to you from the moment you set foot on the passenger ship.’
Gilchrist pinned him with a cold hard stare. She was trying to read him: his facial expressions, the way he held his hands, how he stood. Anything that might reveal a hidden clue. While he had no history with these humans, he understood better why Stephen hated them, or why certain Indigenes targeted them for sport.
A smiling Gilchrist applauded his performance. ‘You are quite the little actor. Fortunately for you, when we spoke to the pilot she backed up your story. Still can’t figure out why she lied.’
‘I’m afraid it’s no story. Colin Stipple needed my help. I used him to delay my capture.’
Charles stepped forward, hands behind his back. He’d been quiet for a while. Now, he was smiling at the ground. ‘You still haven’t answered an important question. Why are you here on Earth?’
‘You first. What do you want from me?’ Gilchrist came closer; his nervous energy spiked.
The old man chuckled, narrowing the gap between them. The uniformed officers shadowed him. Charles was clearly someone important.
‘What don’t we want from you?’ he said. ‘The list is too long.’
Gilchrist lifted her chin, to assert dominance in a room where she had none. ‘Answer our questions first and we’ll answer yours. We caught you trespassing on our planet. You are a risk to our national security. We have one missing identity chip on Exilon 5. But the chips don’t work in new hosts. They’re set to work with the biology of the original recipient. How long did it take to replicate both chips leave Exilon 5?’
