by JN Chaney
KAI: I should hope so, Master Gel. The rest of the Leadership will not be pleased if your plan was all for nothing. Do you understand?
GEL: Yes, sir. However, despite the stumble, our objective was achieved. The boy will be monitored and analyzed, and whatever secrets his biology holds, we will uncover them in due time. Let us stay the course, Master Kai, for the sake of our future.
KAI: Save the false patriotism, Analyst. Remember who you are speaking with.
End Audio File
Tower of the Cartographers, Everlasting
February 27, 2351
Lena Sol could hardly believe what she had just witnessed on the monitor. Two sentry units had been tasked with securing a single individual near the southern border—the human male named Terry—only to enter into a heated encounter. The confrontation not only resulted in the death of a pilot, but nearly got the target killed as well. Was this my fault? she wondered, replaying the footage for the seventh time. Am I the one responsible?
She was the one who discovered Terry’s whereabouts. It had started here, right at this very console. If she’d never filed that report, the pilot would still be alive…and Terry wouldn’t be—
She stopped herself. What was she doing, questioning her actions like this? She knew better than that. Everything she did was for her city. All was for the good of Everlasting…wasn’t it?
It had to be, yes. The city came above everything else, every individual’s needs. Every desire and want. She could not question herself. Not now. Not ever.
Still, Lena could not escape the feeling in the back of her head. She hated herself for it…for whatever this was. If only I’d never found that facility in the quarantine zone, she thought, not for the first time. None of this would have happened to me.
A light appeared, blinking red to indicate a message. It was from Master Gel, requesting her presence in his office. Could it be about the footage she had just watched? Perhaps he’d been monitoring her activity and found it strange that she’d rewatch the same thing so many times.
Quietly, Lena deactivated her terminal and left. She made her way through the tower to Master Gel’s office, passing a few familiar faces, but saying nothing.
When she arrived, the door was already open, and the secretary told her to go ahead.
The Master Analyst sat behind his desk, looking as though he’d been waiting. “Welcome,” he said, motioning for her to take a seat.
“Good afternoon, sir,” she answered, trying not to show her nervousness.
He gave a slight nod. “Please sit.”
She did as he ordered, then waited anxiously. Was he going to send her to get a memory cleanse? A rush of panic filled her stomach. She wanted to leave. Run away and hide inside a box somewhere. Not sit here and be punished. I knew I shouldn’t have looked at the footage. What was I thinking?
“There’s something I need to discuss with you,” said Master Gel, pulling Lena from her thoughts.
“Sir?”
“You have done a remarkable job with the work I’ve given you. As a result, I’m promoting you to level-eight. You will be a vice-administrator starting tomorrow.”
Lena blinked. Did she hear that right? Level-eight analysts were typically twice her age, with years more experience. “Excuse me, sir, but did you say—”
“Level-eight,” he confirmed. “That’s right. You will be placed in charge of your own subdivision, answering only to the resident level-nine. The work will be demanding, but it’s also essential. Congratulations.”
The sudden promotion caught her off guard. Was she dreaming? She’d wanted her own subdivision ever since she was in training. How could this be happening? “May I ask what subdivision, sir?”
“Of course. I’m putting you in charge of the Argos outpost in the Bell Ring Isles. We’re researching a certain type of natural gas beneath one of the islands, which is only found in a handful of other locations on the planet. We believe it holds significant value.”
“Argos,” she said, letting the name sink in. She remembered reading about it during one of her briefings last year. Argos was an inconsequential facility located far to the south, about as far removed from Everlasting as one could get. “But sir, I don’t have any experience with—”
“Please, no need for modesty. You’ve proven yourself quite capable. I believe you will adjust quickly. The current administrator will oversee your work and training, and will assist you with the transition process. His name is Nudin Kur, and he’s expecting your arrival sometime tomorrow afternoon.”
“Tomorrow?” she asked. “So soon?”
“Is that a problem?”
“N-No, sir,” she answered, regretting her previous response. She had to be careful about questions. Too many of them implied noncompliance, and such habits would not be tolerated. “I-I am very thankful.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” said Master Gel. “Please go and pack your things. My assistant has your orders prepared. Medical first, I believe, followed by Supply. You’ll receive everything you need, so there is no reason to return to your home. The shuttle departs tonight.” He raised his hand toward the door. “I expect good work from you, Analyst Sol. Don’t let me down.”
Lena paused, debating whether to ask if she’d done something wrong, but stopped. No questions, she reminded herself. She got up from the chair and proceeded to leave.
She headed down the hall toward the transport bay, but stopped when she rounded the first corner. A wave of panic had taken hold of her, and she felt herself being pulled in multiple directions. She wanted to run home and away from this moment, this feeling. What had she done to deserve this? Argos was the kind of place they sent incompetent workers. Working there would only kill her career. It was little more than punishment. Why would the Leadership do this to her?
Are they trying to get rid of me? she asked herself. Did I do something wrong? Maybe they believed she’d grown too close to the visiting humans, or perhaps she’d made her reservations on Terry’s capture a little too obvious.
She buried the feeling, knowing she had to do what her superior had told her, knowing she had to fulfill her purpose. No one refused an order from a member of the Leadership, no matter how much they might disagree. Transferring to the middle of the ocean was the last thing she wanted for her life, but there was no getting around it. The city relied on the sacrifices of its citizens to survive. Not the other way around.
Everything is for the city, she told herself. Capturing Terry, letting the pilot of the sentry die, lying to Doctor Curie and Johnathan Finn, moving to Argos. All was for the good of…
She felt sick to her stomach. An upset in her chest and throat. Walking quickly through the hall, she stepped into one of the bathrooms and headed to the nearest stall. Lena lifted the seat cover, then fell on her knees as her stomach seized up and returned her breakfast.
Afterward, with shaking hands, she flushed, and felt a lingering heat on her face. Sweat dripped from her forehead, and she fell back against the wall, trying to catch her breath.
Lena had only ever been loyal to the Leadership. She had done everything they’d ever asked. Why, then, were they so eager to throw her away?
******
A White Room
February 27, 2351
Terry opened his eyes to a bright light. He was on his back, strapped to a slab of cold metal. Above him, there were several rods pointed down at him. They were attached to some sort of machine, which seemed to be interconnected with the ceiling. He tried to move, but felt the sudden sting in the spot where the spear had pierced his flesh. He was still weak from the attack, it seemed, incapable of his full strength.
Footsteps echoed from the other side of the room. A man cleared his throat. “He’s awake,” said the stranger.
“Shall we begin the first procedure?” asked another voice.
The first one gave a confirmation. “Careful with him. He’s all we have for now. Biopsies only.”
Terry tried to move, b
ut the straps were tight around his wrists and legs. “Who’s there? Hey, where am I?”
The strangers didn’t answer. Instead, the machine above his head began to move, twirling the rods with some mechanic rhythm. They stopped, and one of the rods extended, splitting in half to reveal a thick needle. It lowered to his chest, and he screamed.
******
Fifth Medical Building, Everlasting
February 27, 2351
After picking herself off the bathroom floor, Lena made her way to Medical. Despite how she felt about her current situation, she had no other choice but to follow Master Gel’s orders.
One of the doctors greeted her and told her to sit. She did, and waited patiently to be seen. One last checkup before tomorrow’s journey to Argos. Once she received confirmation of her good health, she’d be on her way. Go here, go there. Medical, Supply, Argos. Never where she wanted. Always where they told her. All she had ever tried to do was serve Everlasting, yet this was her reward.
A quick image of the video footage flashed in her mind—the sentry lifting Terry’s limp body off the ground, preparing to bring him back to the city. Upon seeing this, one of the natives had charged the unit with a weapon, trying to stop it. The sentry knocked him away with ease, disabling him. Was that man a friend of Terry’s? Was he trying to save him? She pushed the memory from her mind. It was better not to think about such things.
Better to forget it altogether if she knew what was good for her…but Lena could not forget. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the guilt.
The doctor arrived with an injector in his hand. “Put out your arm,” he told her.
She did, and he pressed it against her skin. She felt a cold sensation as the device injected the substance into her arm using electrophoresis. It was completely painless.
“That’s all from us. You can go,” he said, removing the needle.
She nodded. “Thank you.”
She let herself sit there for a few minutes, not wanting to leave. If she did, it meant going on to the next location. Another link in the chain, pushing her further toward Argos and away from her life in the city.
Using her implant, she called up an image of the city. It materialized into a hologram that only she could see, floating above her lap. Using her fingertips, she zoomed in and out, twirling the three-dimensional image around like a toy. After a moment, she tapped the building she was currently sitting in. The Fifth Medical Building on the eastern half of Everlasting, nestled between four other medical facilities. She wondered which one contained Terry, the alien from another world. John and Mei’s friend. The one she’d watched on the screen, who’d very nearly perished.
But what if he was dead, after all? The question lingered in her mind, dancing with her fears. How would she live with herself, knowing she was responsible? An anxious flutter ran through her stomach and chest. She had to find out before she left for Argos. She had to know, at the very least, if the boy from Earth had survived.
She went to the access hub and entered her authorization code, which allowed her to browse the logs. She ran a quick search through the database for any mention of Terry, but found nothing. She tried again, this time using the terms alien and Earth. Several entries appeared, but they were all associated with Doctor Curie’s people and the information Everlasting had learned about their planet to date. Finally, she searched for incidents involving the southern border.
Several appeared, mostly referring to the ritualistic practices of the tribespeople who made a habit of sending their females through the wall. According to one report, this had happened a few weeks ago, resulting in several of the natives’ deaths at the hands of two sentry units.
Lena continued to scroll through the list, but stopped when she saw something mentioning a downed unit, which had to be recalled. It was currently being repaired. The deceased pilot was briefly referenced as well. A link to another report was tagged at the end of the article. It had red lettering, indicating a highly classified report. Only a handful of citizens would even be able to see this link, let alone access it. No doubt, someone in the Leadership would notice if she continued.
I shouldn’t, she thought, hovering her finger above the holographic text. I could get into trouble. I could—
She stopped herself. She was already in trouble. She was already going to Argos, wasn’t she? Besides, she was leaving tonight. By the time anyone noticed her search, she’d already be on a ship, heading to the middle of nowhere. If anyone asked, she’d tell them the truth—that she was only concerned about his well-being. The Leadership might watch her for a few months, but since she’d be in Argos, nothing would ultimately come of it. All Lena wanted was closure, so why couldn’t she have it?
She took a breath, and then accessed the link. Another report appeared, this time with all the information she’d hoped to find. Images of Terry fighting the first sentry were there, along with some information on his medical status. It said he had been in critical condition, having received several severe lacerations, but was now recovering. Lena searched for his current location. The database showed he was in one of the medical buildings nearby. Not here, exactly, but right across the square outside.
She could walk there in under a minute if she wanted to, but could she really do it? Investigating through the network was one thing, but actually going there was something else. She might receive a memory therapy session if things went poorly. Maybe it was okay to stop here.
She got to her feet and proceeded outside. Dozens of citizens walked in the open square, talking and laughing with one another, largely oblivious to everything around them. She took a seat on the nearest bench, facing the Sixth Medical Building.
She stared at the front door for a long time, still not wanting to leave. Still debating what to do. Terry was in there, somewhere. If only she wasn’t so weak and afraid.
When it seemed like she might never be able to go through with it, she heard a scream coming from across the square. “Bomb!” cried someone from within the crowd.
Lena had almost no time to react when the explosion occurred. It sent a shockwave throughout the square, knocking her to the ground and scattering the mob.
******
A White Room
February 27, 2351
Terry felt the shock when it happened, then watched as the men in white coats scrambled in a panic.
“What was that?!” snapped one of them.
“Look! There’s smoke!” said another. He took a mask and covered his face.
The first one did the same. “What’s going on?” he asked with a muffled voice.
“Another attack, maybe?”
Terry squirmed to get free, but the straps were still too tight. It would be a while before he was strong enough to break them. “Hey, let me out of here!”
But the two men ignored him. “We’re safe as long as we stay here,” one said to the other.
The nearby door slammed open, and someone entered with great urgency. It looked like a soldier of some kind, dressed in a protective suit, with a mask to shield his face. “What are you doing in here?” he asked the two doctors. His voice was odd, almost computerized. He held a rifle of some kind in his hands. “This building is getting attacked! You need to leave. Now!”
“What about him? Leadership has orders not to leave him alone,” said one of the doctors.
The armored stranger glanced at Terry. “Don’t worry. I’ll escort him personally to the Eighth Medical Building and secure him there. I have orders to get every citizen out of here first, so you need to leave.”
“We understand,” responded one of the doctor. He looked at his friend. “Come on.”
“Keep your masks on at all times,” explained the soldier.
“Yes, sir,” said the doctor. He scrambled to put on his mask. “Thank you.”
The two doctors quickly left the room.
The suited individual approached Terry from the side, stopping to look at him. They examined each other
. “Who are you?” asked Terry.
The man only stared at him, tilting his head. “So, you’re the alien, are you?”
Terry didn’t say anything.
“I didn’t mean to insult you. I’ve just never seen anyone like you before.”
Another explosion rang in the distance, shaking the facility. Terry squirmed, trying to get out of the straps. “This is crazy! What’s going on out there?”
“Nothing dangerous,” answered the stranger. “It’s only a distraction.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Do you even know where you are right now?”
“Everlasting, right?” asked Terry.
“That’s right. Do you know what those men were planning to do to you?”
Terry didn’t answer.
“They’re trying to extract genetic information from you. Then they’re going to kill you.”
Terry blinked. “What?”
“You have something inside you they want,” said the soldier.
“No, I don’t. That’s not—”
“You can breathe the atmosphere outside,” said the stranger. “That’s a valuable commodity.”
“You mean Variant? The gas?”
“We call it XM-13. It’s deadly to everyone in Everlasting. Their goal was to replicate the process through which you attained immunity. The people in this city aren’t like the natives outside. They’ll die if they’re exposed.”
Just like the pilot inside the Guardian, thought Terry. “If that’s true, why didn’t they bother with anyone else? There’s plenty of others who can breathe it.”
“Your genes were altered. They didn’t evolve this way. Someone changed you. It makes you unique.”
How in the world did this person know about how Terry was created? What else wasn’t she telling him? “Who are you?”
The stranger gripped the side of the helmet and pulled it off, letting down a bundle of brown hair. Two female eyes stared back. “My name’s Jinel Din,” she said with a grin, “and I’m here to rescue you.”
