Yes, thank you... How about your dad?
He is fine too. The bomb didn’t affect his floor.
Glad to hear. Stay safe.
Levi thought it was nice of Kierra to text him. Ding. It was Talon.
OMG, I heard what happened! Please tell me you and your fam are safe.
Yes, where are you? I’m coming over. We have to talk.
6108 Allen Street North Apt 36
I’ll be there as soon as I can.
“Ooo, is that Kierra?” Bockie asked. “Run along. After they have checked the building for structural integrity I am going to help clean up a bit. You should spend the night with Bale again just to be safe. I will be there later tonight.”
Levi gave her a hug. “I am so glad you’re safe.” Then he left to go see Talon. They had things to discuss.
…
It took Levi much longer to get to Talon’s than expected. The government of Ohmani had declared a state of emergency and closed most of the streets and all the bypasses in fear of more attacks. As a consequence, Levi had to walk most of the way to Talon’s apartment building, which took him awhile to find on foot. Luckily, it was on the ceiling as well. When he finally arrived, he quickly filled her in on the new developments.
“Bale, your mom’s lawyer, is my uncle? I can’t believe this guy lied to me,” Talon said disappointingly.
“It doesn’t feel good when people you love keep things from you, does it?”
Talon looked at him sideways, getting the point. “No, it doesn’t. So,” she began trying not to smile, “you love me?”
Levi did love Talon but he hadn’t meant to say it in such an unromantic way, this time. “You’ve heard me say it a million times to you.”
Talon laughed. “I know. It’s still strange getting used to our…transition.”
Levi understood what she meant. He picked her up and put her on his lap. “Is this strange?” He kissed her then with a soft mouth, taking her bottom lip and gently suckling it.
“No,” Talon said after he pulled away. “Nothing feels more right than kissing you.” She bent her neck and took control of their next kiss, sweeping her tongue into his mouth like the most graceful dance.
Levi lost a little bit of control then. He moved Talon off his lap and laid her down on the couch, watching her stunning hair spill over onto the floor below them. He paused to take her in, feeling her beauty radiating from the inside out and filling his heart. Talon smiled up at him and then wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down. They spent the next while kissing, and fulfilling all the daydreams and releasing all the pent-up energy from their years of holding back. She was amazing, Levi thought – looked amazing, tasted amazing, smelt amazing, felt amazing. Levi found his hands worshipping her symphonic curves, loving the feel of her womanly crescendos underneath his palm. When he reached her breasts Talon whimpered seductively and arched her back, pressing against the large expanse of his chest. Levi’s body reacted, and he pushed his hips against hers instinctually. Her legs wrapped around him and she also lifted to meet him in the primal dance. Suddenly, Levi realized where they were headed and pulled away.
“Talon,” he said breathlessly, “I don’t think we should.”
“No, no, you’re right. We just got a little carried away. I’m sorry.”
Levi frowned. “Don’t be sorry. I loved it, it’s just not the right time.”
“I know,” she agreed, sitting up. “By the way, I’ve never…” Talon paused, looking down uncomfortably, “…been with anyone. I thought if I opened myself up physically or emotionally to someone they would find out about me somehow. Holding onto that secret kept me so….imprisoned. With you, I can be myself.” She met his eyes with the same trusting vulnerability he had seen the night before.
“I love everything about who you are,” Levi said, taking her face in his hands.
“Plus,” she added, “we have some pressing…business to get done first.” She stood up, all business. “We’ve got to get up off the couch and head over to this Revolution Lounge. I’ve heard of the place…I think it’s in the Underground on the floor.”
“Great,” Levi said sarcastically. “The Underground isn’t my favorite place to go. I feel like I’m in purgatory whenever I go down there.”
Talon laughed. “Yes, the Underground does seem rather sinful, doesn’t it? I wonder if they’ve reopened the bypass. HoloTV on, news,” she said, the verbal command turning on the holotelevision.
“…number of casualties is still being determined but at least three hundred deaths have been confirmed between the four bombings with another five hundred bomb-related injuries reported by local hospitals. At least three conference attendees have been confirmed dead, leading many to believe that, just like the spaceport bombing, members of this conference are being purposefully targeted. These serial terrorists obviously have no regard for the hundreds of innocent people killed in the process. So far, there is no confirmation on which individuals are responsible and we still do not know much about the first bomber, Jivine Holendough. Sources tell us that the identity of the second alleged spaceport bomber is still confidential until their trial…”
Levi shot up from the couch, ready to jump through the screen at any mention of his mother’s identity. Her name could not be associated with this horror.
“The Ohmani government issued a state of emergency following the bombing. All departure flights are cancelled until further notice and major roads surrounding the bomb sites have been momentarily shut down. All public schools are closed tomorrow. The conference has not been cancelled at this time. The pedestrian and west side bypasses will be re-opened in the next hour but all citizens are advised to stay indoors this evening.”
Talon quickly shut off the HoloTV. “We shouldn’t watch anymore of this right now. I’m so sorry, Vi.”
Levi stood seething. “I don’t understand any of this. Your mom, my mom, the Jivine lady, and the bombings — it makes no sense!”
“I know, but this Utpal guy might be a good lead. Who knows, maybe he’s the one who set off all those bombs. Axella, Ohmani, Utpal, Bomb,” she repeated slowly and grew quiet. “Have you eaten?”
Levi could not think about food at the moment. “No.”
“Well, the city isn’t reopening the bypass for another hour. Let’s eat dinner and then head over to find this guy. If Utpal does murder us, at least we’ll die with a full stomach.”
…
A couple hours later they were on the PB headed to the floor of Ohmani. From his aerial view, Levi watched the light fade over the metropolis – watched shadows grow and creep between buildings, matching the darkness that had befallen hours before.
“This way,” Talon indicated after they had landed on the other side. She was looking at her phone for the directions. “The opening is on the west side. We’re going to have to take a taxi.”
As they drove, Levi felt like he was looking at a different city through the cab window. Many businesses were closed, and without the hundreds of luminescent signs everywhere the city seemed dull. The streets were eerily empty compared to their usual hustle and bustle as most people opted for the safety of their homes. Those who did venture out walked in a mournful silence or in hushed conversations. There was also an increased police presence, with an officer on patrol every few blocks.
The entrance to the Underground looked similar to the one near his hotel, except there was a line of people waiting outside. Talon and Levi took their place in the line, which was moving slowly forward.
“Can you believe this?” A young black-haired woman in front of them turned around and said. She had jewels covering her face in a checkered pattern, the skin showing through a light pink. She was wearing a long black leather trench coat that threatened to touch the ground if she so much as bent a knee. “They are running security checks on every single person going into the Underground,” she huffed. “Like a bomber can’t get into one of the million secret entrances all over the city. Oh
yeah,” she began after seeing Talon’s eyes go wide with surprise, “businesses dig through the crust like a bunch of rats trying to see the light. Like seriously, I’m about to go find another way in here. I’ve got places to be.” She looked at them for agreement.
“Err, yeah. We just moved here so we still don’t know much about this place,” Levi said.
“You must be concerned about all the bombs and stuff. I promise, it’s not usually like this,” she said waving a hand absently through the air. “Once this conference is over it will go back to normal. So, where are you all headed tonight?”
“The Revolution Lounge,” Talon answered.
The woman looked at them strangely. “Why?”
“We heard they have good drinks,” Levi said, suddenly feeling like they said too much.
“Hmm,” the girl humpfed, turning back around rather coldly.
Levi and Talon looked at each other confused. “What did you find out about this place on the internet?” Levi asked in a whisper.
“Nothing. There’s just a logo on here.” She held up her phone and showed Levi a picture of an oval logo with the words ‘Revolution Lounge,” in which each letter ‘o’ was a classic-looking microphone.
They reached the end of the line and two policeman stood waiting for them to approach. The officers scanned the lengths of their bodies, satisfied with only the staccato-like clicks made during the process. After looking through Talon’s bag and checking both their ID’s they were given the go-ahead to pass on. The Underground seemed less affected by the day’s events, maybe because the tunnels were naturally claustrophobic. As always, Levi’s senses were blasted with the dissonant mixture of sounds, smells, and fashion tragedies. Talon went to stand in front of the map straight ahead of them.
“The Revolution Lounge is in lot 651, here…about one click walk back this way.” Talon said pointing to the path they were going to take.
They began walking, following a curved corridor to the right. They passed a woman crying on her knees. She had dropped her phone at her side and was screaming ‘no’ between echoing wails. Levi then noticed a snaggle-toothed man hungrily eyeing Talon from his dark corner along the wall. Levi laced his fingers with hers and dared the man with piercing eyes to make even the slightest advance. A high-pitched yelp then caught his attention, and he turned to watch two men beating on another with glass beer bottles while they screamed at each other in another language. In fear of meeting the same fate, he looked straight ahead again and saw a group of wild horses giving Talon dirty looks. As the girls walked by, the sound of their high heels resonated through the tunnels like the thunderous clapping of hooves on cobblestone.
Levi suddenly felt unsure of bringing Talon with him to find Utpal. The situation they were in was potentially dangerous, and Levi wished more than anything that she was safe and away from danger. But, he reasoned, she deserved answers more than anyone. Although he had become fiercely protective of his eagle, he would never dream of clipping her wings. Talon’s strength and independence was one reason why Levi loved her so much, but he still couldn’t help but feel uneasy with their current surroundings. How could he not? Unlike the surface, where worry and melancholy were dominant, there was a sort of sick energy down in these dark halls. They were the people, after all, who chose to come out; who chose to gamble with danger, and Levi could tell it excited them. Indeed, all of the conversations Levi overheard revolved around the bombings in one way, shape, or form.
Finally, they reached the Revolution Lounge and Levi was glad not to see a bouncer sitting out front. The entrance was blocked by a pair of red velvet curtains with swooping valances, like ones that might be seen at an old play house. Talon squeezed his hand and led them through the drapes. The inside made him feel like he was back in an early 20th century movie, with warm reds and earthy browns dominating the color scheme. The walls were a rusty brick and the same red velvet curtains hung as decorations throughout the establishment. Soft jazz sounded over the speakers, making the space seem relaxing and intellectual. Leather couches with dramatic curvature were strategically placed throughout the room to allow for many small, intimate conversations. The people sitting in them appeared to be an older and sophisticated type. Between their fingers was either a cigar or a snifter containing a liquid of some sort of brownish hue. The people and the place in general seemed a juxtaposition to the redneck driver and Levi was suddenly confused. Then he heard the faint sound of applause coming from the far right wall. At first, Levi thought he may have imagined it, but when Talon started curiously walking towards the sound he knew she had heard it too.
They were forced to stop when the noise seemed to be coming through a wall that was draped with massive red curtains. At first Levi assumed the noise was coming from lot 652 next door, but then he watched a man with ripped jeans dip behind the curtain at the end of the room. As he walked between the curtain and the wall his body caused the heavy fabric to swell out. Right before the man was about to pass in front of the place where Levi and Talon were standing, the bulging curtain became flat and still once more. They looked at each other, stunned. There was a room behind the curtain, and the man walking back there looked pretty darn unsophisticated, giving Levi new hope.
Without a word they crossed to the end of the room and dipped behind the curtain, feeling their way along the wall. Finally, they reached an opening just wide enough for Levi to fit through without turning sideways. It was pitch black now. Levi took hold of Talon’s hand as he led them down the dark corridor ever so slowly, feeling the cold wall underneath his fingertips. Where were they? The air became stagnant and damp and heavy with tension.
“Password,” murmured a low and ominous voice.
Levi could not see anyone.
“Password,” the man repeated with a bit more urgency.
Levi didn’t know any password. He tugged Talon’s arm, silently beckoning her back towards the curtain. The combination of the secret room and the mysterious voice speaking to them in pitch blackness was unnerving.
“Utpal,” Talon said into the dark, her voice a contrasting soprano to whoever was watching them.
Suddenly a door opened, releasing light into the dark passage. They walked like moths to a flame into the room. A crowd of about sixty people sat looking at a stage that was empty except for a single classic microphone. A few looked at them walking in, but most were transfixed on the unoccupied space in front of them. Talon and Levi took a seat on the opposite side of the room in the back, trying as hard as they could to be inconspicuous but not suspicious. Suddenly, a man walked out on the stage, causing the audience to start cheering loudly. He was dressed in all black, with a black fedora pulled down over his face.
“Good evening,” he began simply, causing a few audience members to whoop enthusiastically from their seats. “A good day, a good evening.”
Talon and Levi looked at each other in shock. The lounge had a raging racist back room. No wonder the woman in the black trench coat had given them the cold shoulder. Levi refocused his attention back on the man speaking.
“First I would like us to take a moment of silence for all those innocent people who were sacrificed today in the revolution against midaki tyranny,” he said, taking off his hat and lowering his chin.
The audience bowed their heads in silence. Levi used the opportunity to reach for his phone. If someone was going to make a confession tonight, he would record it. He held his phone out to the side down near his lap. It was dark enough that no one could see it.
“Our battles have finally grown into a war as others have come to recognize our struggles. History repeats itself, my friends. Throughout time, the oppressed have had to rise above their oppressors and fight for liberation. Now, it is our time to fight against the injustice, the chains. You know, it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that those aliens purposefully sent that asteroid bearing down on us years ago. To control us before we could fight for ourselves. Well folks, they don’t decide our fate, God does.” An
uproar of cheers broke out and the man continued. “They make us sign some treaty with our hands practically tied behind our backs, keep us locked in a cage while they roam free, refuse to make us equals. Whoever did set off these bombs should be praised for standing up to this injustice.”
Levi and Talon looked at each other confused. This man just admitted that not only did he not set off the bombs, but he didn’t know who did. Levi kept his phone on, hoping that someone else would come up on stage and admit to the crime. Ding. He had forgotten to put his phone on silent. It was Bockie.
Just visited your mom in prison. She says she loves you and to stay strong!
After he was done reading it, he lifted his head and noticed all sixty pairs of eyes were on him. Uh oh.
“Do you have a cell phone?” the man glared from the stage, his question echoing over the deafening silence. “Someone grab him.”
Suddenly six men hopped up from their seats and headed towards Levi. He didn’t know what would happen to him then, but his mind only went to Talon’s safety.
“Just sit here quietly. I will figure out something. I promise,” he said to her.
She began to protest and then Levi felt a pain in his upper arm as one of the men grabbed him and forced him to stand. He was clearly out-numbered, and any attempt at physical defense would be futile…and stupid. He would risk Talon’s safety as well.
“Bring him here,” the man said into the microphone.
A tense feeling fell over the room, as all the attendees watched the drama unfold with mob-like excitement. As the men began to drag him down the aisle, Levi decided he had to out-smart these racists with pure wit. He didn’t know how exactly, but talking his way out of this was the best option. He tripped over the stairs as the men half-dragged him up on stage. Even though the lights were blinding him from seeing the hateful faces of the crowd, he could feel them.
“Every sworn member knows never to bring a cell phone. You are a spy,” the man accused.
Journey to Ohmani (Across the Infinite Void Book 1) Page 18
