by David Meyer
By now, her heart was beating like a drum. She switched streets and found the crowd starting to grow around her. That actually made her feel a little better. A crowd was a good place to hide, much better than a semi-empty street.
She managed to remain anonymous all the way to Pine Street. Turning right onto the cobblestone road, she saw her destination. Opal Gardens, five stories tall, was just one of many buildings that lined this section of street. But it was easily the most impressive.
The front façade was home to dozens of gardens. Or rather, it was one massive garden, divided into lots of little sections. Strips of bright green grass, dotted with colorful flowers, decorated many elevated platforms. A number of white trellis’ floated down the angled structure, supporting a variety of vines. Higher up, metal beams jutted and curved outward, supporting additional platforms, ones that were filled with a variety of exotic plants.
Kayden chanced a peek at the façade. It was utterly beautiful. She especially enjoyed how the rich variety of colors blended so seamlessly together. It was as if a great artist had painted it onto the landscape. And in a way, she supposed, that was exactly what had happened.
She took a whiff, inhaling the wondrous, textured aroma of flowers and leafy plants. Was something like this possible in the physical world? Not now, of course, but what about in the distant past? She had her doubts. Such was the advantage of a digital landscape, she supposed. It could be anything, limited only by the programmer’s imagination.
A giant opal, glimmering in the street lights, hung from the building’s front entryway. She crossed under it and hiked up some well-lit steps. At the top, she studied the buzzer panel. Right away, she saw Virdo Diamond listed alongside the button for 4-P. She strongly doubted he was home. But even if he was, she saw no reason to telegraph her presence.
She turned her attention to the other names, scrolling through them before finally selecting Neel Davhi. Neel was a mathematician and thus, under her charge in the Formal Sciences sector. Selecting the appropriate button, she gave it a good pressing, then smiled up at the camera.
“Hi, Kayden.” Neel’s voice, stilted as always, emerged smoothly from the speakers.
“Hey, Neel.” She gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry to bother you like this. I’m trying to drop off something for Virdo, but he’s not answering his buzzer. Could you let me in?”
“Sure thing.”
A buzzing noise rang out. She opened the door before he could change his mind and rushed inside. The interior was just as beautiful and aromatic as the façade. Quaint gardens ran alongside the walls. Pools of water, surrounded by flowers and plants, punctuated the opal-colored floors. Lovely little bridges allowed residents to cross the water.
Clearly, Opal Gardens had been designed with its name in mind. As such, she couldn’t help but wonder about other apartment buildings. Garnet Farms, for instance. Had Emma intended it to look more like a farm? One decorated with copious amounts of garnet, perhaps? If so, it gave credence to her theory that Emma had died before getting a chance to finish Luminosity. Assuming, that is, that it could be finished. Perhaps Emma had intended the city to be a constant work-in-progress. But her death, along with the Broken, had brought that dream crashing to the ground.
Kayden hurried over a bridge and into one of several seating areas. Picking out a comfy chair, she sat down and opened her backpack. Inside, she retrieved a laptop, which she proceeded to open. She hit some keys, waited a few seconds, then scowled at her screen.
She wasn’t close enough.
Closing her laptop, she stood up and headed back over the bridge. Locating the stairwell, she walked up a few flights. At the fourth floor, she peeked out into the hallway. A tall woman was just exiting her apartment, so Kayden waited for her to vacate the area. Then she hiked over a short bridge that covered yet another strip of garden and made her way to 4-P.
Stopping just outside the door, she put her ear up against the opal-colored surface. She listened for a few seconds, but heard nothing. Stepping back, she surveyed the hallway. Normally, she would’ve sat up against one of the walls. But the gardens made that impossible.
After some thought, she returned to the stairwell and perched herself upon the little bridge. Using the backpack as a desk, she set her laptop upon it. Opening the device, she hit a sequence of keys.
She finished going through some steps, then took a long look at her screen. A nervous, yet relieved, smile crossed her face. She’d accessed it!
Virdo’s desktop opened before her. She closed her eyes, took a couple of deep breaths. She focused her energies, aiming them at his computer, at uncovering its secrets. When she opened her eyes again, she was already typing.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard, hitting keys with practiced precision. Meanwhile, she kept her gaze locked on the screen, studying every new prompt, inspecting every new window. Slowly, she began to peel apart his computer, layer by layer.
It took her a few minutes to locate the relevant program. Called StarScan, it allowed the user to access the soon-to-be-completed satellite dish.
She gave it a quick glance, deeming it legitimate. Then she set about building a back door into it, one she could access remotely over Luminosity’s network.
After finishing her work, she packed up the laptop. Pleased with herself, she returned to the stairwell.
Thanks, Virdo, she thought. You just made my life a whole lot easier.
Chapter 14
Kayden had some pep in her step as she strolled outside of Opal Gardens. Hood in place, she descended to street level. Meanwhile, her gaze went to the building across the street. Valhalya, dressed all in black, leaned up against its exterior wall. Looking bored, she crossed her arms and stared off into space. Like she was zoning out or maybe waiting for someone.
Kayden twisted to the left. Jarven sat on the stoop of the next building over, thumbing through a paperback, pretending to read it. As for BeBo, she’d already passed him. He was perched in the lobby, sipping a coffee.
She hiked over to Jarven and knelt down, pretending to tie her shoe. “It’s done,” she whispered.
“Nice work.” Eyes focused on his book, he turned a page. “Any problems?”
“Nope.” Standing up again, she traced her footsteps back to the Opal Gardens’ entryway. She passed by it, walking under a trellis of dangling vines.
Reaching out, she grabbed a vine gently in her fingers. It felt so textured, so real. Was this how vines had felt back in the day? Back when plants still existed? She’d never know for sure. But it certainly seemed possible. Really, if she hadn’t known the truth about this place, she would’ve sworn it was real.
Glancing over her shoulder, she saw her friends. If all went well, they’d leave one-by-one over the next five minutes. They’d rendezvous at Jarven’s apartment. Then Kayden could start working with Virdo’s program.
Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in a while. She cast her eyes about, looking for a vending machine.
Luminosity had been specifically designed to keep its digital occupants in touch with their humanity. When she got tired, she had to sleep. If she fell down, she bruised her knee. And if she was hungry, she needed to eat.
A tall, skinny machine was positioned on the opposite side of the street. An attached sign read, Luminosity Services. She walked to the machine. After checking the dozens of options listed on the display, she hit two buttons, 17 and H.
A paper package popped into the delivery port.
She checked the options again, then hit two more buttons, 4 and Z.
A plastic bottle of Luminosity Cola slid into the delivery port, colliding softly with the window.
She helped herself to the items. The paper package was hot to the touch. Meanwhile, the bottle felt cold as ice.
She opened up the package and quickly wolfed down a Luminosity Cobb. Every bite tasted like heaven, full of textured, nuanced flavors. Next, she uncapped the bottle. She quickly downed the drink, enjo
ying the taste of cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices.
As she took her last sip, a hand touched her side. Startled, she dropped the bottle. Whirling around, a scream raced toward her lips. But instead of Virdo, she saw BeBo. He gave her a smug grin. In return, she whacked him on the arm. “You scared me.”
“Well, let me make it up to you.” Still grinning, he grabbed her hand.
Reaching down, she grabbed the fallen bottle. As he pulled her to the nearby wall, she tossed it into a large receptacle.
Moments later, she slid into a shadow. His lips locked onto hers, so fierce it took her breath away.
Fireworks exploded within her digital brain. Melting into his arms, she returned the embrace. It seemed to go on forever and still, not long enough.
At last, he broke off the kiss. His look turned sly. “I’ve missed you, Kay.”
She couldn’t help but smile. Even now, six months into her new life, she still liked the way he said her name. “What happened to this being our little secret?” she said, feigning disapproval.
“That’s your rule,” he said, going in for another kiss. “Not mine.”
She’d worked hard to keep her personal life under wraps. Even so, she positively swooned in her sneakers. She felt such affection, such attraction for him, that it barely seemed possible. How could such powerful emotions be captured by mere code?
A gasp rang out, coming from the street. Abruptly, BeBo pulled back. His eyes went past her. A frown creased his visage.
Kayden tore her eyes off of him. Turning toward the street, she saw a woman frozen to the cobblestones, her head tilted upward. It was odd. Then again, everything about Luminosity was odd.
A few more gasps rang out. Three more people froze in place. Gazes aimed upward, they gawked at something above them. At the same time, she noticed that the street lights had dimmed a considerable amount.
The dome enclosing Luminosity was pitch black. At night, street lights were turned down low and the dome took on the pseudo-appearance of a starless sky. During the day, the streetlights gradually gained power, shining increasing amounts of light. Eventually, the bright glare overwhelmed the dome and one could almost forget that it even existed.
It was still early morning, meaning the lights should’ve been getting brighter by the minute. So, the dimming took her by surprise.
Her curiosity piqued, Kayden glanced upward. Her eyes peeled wide open and raspy breaths escaped her lips. Quickly, she glanced at BeBo. Like her, his eyes were locked on the dome.
She glanced up again. The dome was still pitch black. But now, four massive pictures were splashed across its surface. The pictures were headshots of Jarven, BeBo, Valhalya, and her.
“Good morning, Luminites.” Virdo’s voice, bold and strong, filled Kayden’s ears. She furrowed her brow, trying to detect its source. But really, it seemed to come from everywhere. “This is Virdo Diamond, Applied Sciences representative to the Steering Committee. Information has come to light that four of our residents are infected with a serious computer virus. The residents in question, depicted upon the dome, are Jarven Quint, Bert Borden, Valhalya Lincoln, and Kayden Kell.
“Now, they aren’t contagious … yet. But they’re almost certainly delirious, caused by the virus eating away at their programming. If we’re going to contain this outbreak, we need to put them into quarantine. And to do that, we need your help.”
Kayden shook her head at the audacity of it all. Virdo had successfully manipulated the dome’s imagery. In addition, he’d managed to broadcast his voice across a large area, maybe even the entire city. She’d had no idea those things were even possible and she strongly doubted he’d figured it out on his own. Indeed, Cormella’s fingerprints were all over this operation.
“Please drop everything you’re doing and hit the streets,” he continued. “Search Luminosity for these four individuals. Again, they aren’t currently contagious so don’t worry about getting infected. If you find them, bring them to the Skyscraper. On behalf of the Steering Committee, thank you for your efforts.”
His voice vanished, but the lights stayed dim. The pictures remained plastered to the dome.
Kayden whipped out her laptop. Hurriedly, she attempted to access the StarScan program. “Drat,” she said at last. “I’m locked out of it. Cormella must’ve noticed my intrusion and decided to fight back.”
BeBo didn’t reply right away.
Turning around, she looked at him. His gaze was still focused on the dome.
“He lied about the virus,” he said slowly. “But why?”
Glancing at the street, she saw the gathered individuals begin to look around. Excited chatter filled the air.
“So that people will think we’re crazy and dangerous. They won’t ask questions, won’t listen to us.” She exhaled. “They’ll just round us up.”
Chapter 15
“How dare you,” Private Stanner sputtered through clenched teeth. “Titus Foster is one ceremony away from being your king.”
Orro took a break from pushing him across the sand. Glancing ahead, he gave Kew an uncertain look. “He’s got a point, Kew. If this goes bad—”
“Relax,” Kew replied, cutting him off. “It’s fine.”
“Yeah, listen to him, Orro. It’s not like you’re doing anything wrong.” Podey fixed the man with a powerful stare. “You’re only imprisoning the rightful king. You’re only committing high treason.”
Orro winced. “My stomach hurts …”
“Shut up, Bloodfiend.” Kew, walking backward, stared daggers at Podey. “Or I’ll spill your guts right here on the sand.”
She glared at him, but didn’t respond.
Twisting around, Kew picked up the pace.
Wearily, Titus followed in the man’s footsteps. Sanza was at his side. Stanner and Podey were behind them. With Kew in the front, Orro took up the rear. Six additional men, three on either side, made up the rest of the caravan. Three of them were civilians like Kew and Orro. The other three were soldiers.
Stanner cast a disgusted gaze to his left, then his right. “Like it or not, this is treason,” he said softly. “A price will be paid for your treachery.”
Private Dodan Rex stiffened up. “You think we like this, Stanner? Well, you’re wrong.”
“Then why are you doing it?” Titus asked.
Private Wasso Cliffe, marching along, chewed his cheek. “It’s the Banished, Sir. Once they’re gone, things will go back to normal. You’ll see.”
“Stubbels plans to kill us,” Titus said quietly. “Surely, you realize that.”
The man refused to meet his gaze.
“Anyway this isn’t about the Banished,” Sanza said. “It’s about people unfortunate enough to be related to them.”
“Same difference.” Private Hoto O’Brien cleared his throat. “It’s like Rohor says … blood’s thicker than water.”
“Yeah,” Cliffe added. “That’s why Virda blew up the Lopa twins.”
“Did you even know her?” Sanza asked. “Virda could be a real jerk. But a murderer? Never.”
The trio of soldiers shared a look, then fell silent. Sanza did as well once it became apparent they weren’t listening to her.
Kew led them to the prison and pushed aside the thick curtains. Taking a pair of black rocks from a waiting basket, he knocked them together, producing tiny sparks that rained down upon a torch. The torch came to life, emitting tiny flames and a bit of smoke.
Returning the rocks to the basket, Kew grabbed the torch and led their group down the steps. The temperature cooled a bit and the air became more breathable.
At the bottom, he lit two wall-based torches then slipped his torch into a waiting cranny. He walked to a wall-mounted computer and struck a few keys. A cell door swung open.
“After you, Your Majesty,” he said mockingly.
Titus was tempted to sock him in the jaw. But he was worried about retaliation. Not to himself, but to his friends. So, he hiked into the cell. Sanza, Podey, and S
tanner joined him. Moments later, the door swung shut.
Footsteps struck concrete as Kew, backed by the others, climbed the steps. As they vanished from sight, Titus walked to the back corner and sat down. The others, meanwhile, hiked around the cell, checking things out.
Finally, Podey plopped down on the floor. “Those lousy jerks,” she muttered.
Stanner sank to a seat as well. Lifting a hand to his temples, he gave them a good, hard rubbing. “I’m sorry, Sir,” he said at last.
“This isn’t your fault, Private,” Titus replied.
“Don’t be too sure about that.” He exhaled. “It’s fair to say I saw this coming. Not the treason, mind you. But the conflict. For weeks, I’ve watched Stubbels and his buddies accost the relatives, accuse them of being traitors.”
Podey frowned. “Why didn’t you stop them?”
“I don’t know.” He paused. “Actually, scratch that. I do know. So many people died during the war. So much was destroyed. I think I wanted—maybe needed—someone to blame. The relatives fit the bill.”
“That’s odd. I don’t recall you calling us bloodfiends.”
“That’s because I never did. But still, it felt good to see Stubbels yelling at you guys.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t feel too bad, Lunit,” Sanza said after a minute. “I didn’t try to stop it, either.”
“That’s not true,” Titus replied. “You asked me to step in at least a dozen different times. Unfortunately, I was so focused on finding Dargon that I chose to ignore you.”
“I could’ve done more. I heard the insults, saw the bullying. But I never stood up to it, never offered any real support. I mean, I wanted to. But I always just ending up standing there. I think I was afraid they’d turn on me, too. And, well …” She trailed off into silence, guilt etched across her features.
He furrowed his brow. For six long months, he’d judged the Code of Conduct as fatally flawed. And he’d come to think of his father, King Jayter, as a draconian figure, the heartless enforcer of an immoral law.
