“What? Have you ever heard the old saying, ‘Be careful of what you wish for?’”
“How can anyone ever be careful about wishes? I know no more about the future than you. All I know is this moment and how I feel.” He heard her release a heavy breath near him and so he stopped his steps. “I am far too changed and have seen too much of the world’s grandeur to return to a simple, sheltered life.”
“So, you’ll leave her? Just like that?” The anger in Lynden’s tone shocked him. “What a joke. I never saw you as the impulsive, fickle type. Is this about my dad’s stupid request?”
“No, not at all.” Coal’s forehead wrinkled. “In truth, she does not desire my rescue and rejected my hand twice.” His shoulders fell from his normally straight posture as he surrendered his heart to the past and to the future. “I love her,” he said, “and always shall, but we will never be. Not in the way I had wished, at least. It was only recently that I realized how foolishly I had behaved toward her. We are destined to be friends, not lovers.”
“Recently?” Lynden asked, her voice small. “God, tell me you’re not punishing yourself?” Worried he might say the wrong words, Coal paused a beat in an attempt to think through a response. But Lynden misunderstood the silence and came unglued. “Are you for real? Not innocent enough to fight for her anymore?” She taunted. “Sorry for ruining your wish.” Coal grabbed Lynden’s hand to stop her from leaving, but she yanked it away. “Don’t,” she spat. “What an asshole move!” She slammed the door in her wake.
***
Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
— Rumi, 13th century A.D. *
***
Sunday, October 18, 2054
New Eden Township, Salton Sea, California
The squeak of a body shifting across leather was the only sound Fillion heard at first.
“Pull back your hood so I may verify identity.”
Fillion flushed with anxiety at the sound of his dad’s voice. It shimmered and vibrated as if a living thing, taking hold of him. Its claws pierced his tender layer of confidence. Even his feet tingled with adrenaline-induced nerves. When had he become so afraid of Hanley?
The community—fake and built on lies, yet real and honest—had absorbed Fillion as one of its own. And he had let down his guard, feeling safe and understood. Giving in to his desire to belong. Giving in to his yearning for something meaningful. Despite his non-sentimental take on life, Fillion had already placed several items into the chest carved and crafted by his Grandpa Corlan: a willow oak leaf, iron nails, a piece of a splintered spinning wheel, an herbal joint, a linden leaf. Each object was tied to a memory, a reminder of the “family” he would leave behind.
Family.
Small beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, but he refused to fall into a state of panic. Fillion flipped the hood off his head and glared at his dad. A smile formed on Hanley’s face and rage trickled into Fillion’s bloodstream in response.
“Medieval life suits you.”
Fillion schooled his features to remain expressionless and allowed his eyes to do all the talking. He wasn’t the same person from two weeks ago. Norah’s words, to remember he had value and worth, whispered to his faltering courage, and he lifted his head a little higher.
“You summoned me?”
“What do you think of the world I created?”
“Impressive,” Fillion said, choosing his words carefully since Leaf was listening. “Except one thing. You forgot to include a stone circle. The meadow would look badass with one. I didn’t think a man of your caliber and vision would overlook such an important detail. So disappointing.”
“That could be your mark on this world. Your gift as the new owner,” Hanley quipped.
“Maybe.” He lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug. “Every fantasy culture needs folklore and magic. Makes a LARP more exciting.” Fillion narrowed his eyes slightly. “Wait, magic already exists in New Eden in the form of technology, right? Clever.” Rather than satisfy his poke, Hanley switched subjects and Fillion internally sighed with irritation.
“I understand New Eden has experienced unrest since you entered.”
“You understand?” Fillion laughed with offense. “Jeff tattling on me or do you have a different informant?” Hanley simply stared as if he was waiting for Fillion to get to the point. “Just because I refuse to bow down to you doesn’t mean I’m the source of unrest. A man lost his father and is looking for answers. A sheltered generation just met its first stranger. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
“I know your ways, Fillion. Since you were a boy, you’ve had a hunger and thirst for something to fight for, something to defend and protect. And when you cave in to your activist tendencies, every move is subtle and cunning. You don’t like the attention, preferring to work from the shadows, a perfect smokescreen to execute your shrewd agendas. Why do you think I chose New Eden Township for your sentence?”
Hanley looked at him as if brimming with pride. Fillion clenched his jaw and looked away. Was his dad right? Did he use people like that? Possibly, but not intentionally. Not like his dad. There was something lurking beneath the surface here. Everything Hanley said and did was never as it appeared. Ever. Which brought Fillion to the next point of confusion.
His dad wanted Fillion to fight for New Eden Township? Defend the community? Red flags waved in his mind. Was everything, including solving the Watson deaths, just a distraction so Fillion would bond with the community and desire to become owner? His spirit deflated, crushed by the idea. All the energy he expended was probably for nothing, a smokescreen to execute Hanley’s own shrewd agendas.
In a lighter tone, Hanley asked, “Any leads yet?”
“If I give my full report now, does this mean my sentence is over?” Fillion arched an eyebrow.
Hanley chuckled. “I am afraid the terms of your sentence are non-negotiable.”
“I could walk out and leave whenever I want. You’d have to send me to jail then, right?”
“Others can walk out, but not you. The entire staff at N.E.T. as well as those working surveillance and communications know not to open The Door for you.” Hanley shifted in his chair and continued in a businesslike tone. “Even though I am weak where you’re concerned, you broke the law, son. These are the consequences.”
A cocky smile formed on Fillion’s face. “At least someone in our family pays for their crimes.” They stared at each other for several seconds before Fillion relaxed into a posture of cool detachment and gave his dad a bored look. But his heart hurt with the betrayal. “We’re not having this chat because you miss me. So what do you want?”
“You misunderstand me, as always. Your mother misses you. So does your sister.”
A caring look warmed his dad’s face and Fillion swallowed. Had that look ever been true? Did Hanley ever mean it once? The words ticked across Fillion’s mind until the answer came. It was a trick, as usual. Hanley confessed that Fillion’s mom and sister missed him, but didn’t claim any such sentiments himself. Just an accusation that Fillion misunderstood him. Shame. Always shame. A pain in Fillion’s chest nearly brought him to his knees. This was the first phase. Charm. How could he have been so stupid?
“How is your eye and nose? It appears the apothecary took care of your needs.”
Rage surged once again as Fillion thought of his sister. But he clamped down on his jaw, refusing to give Hanley the satisfaction. A faint smile appeared on his dad’s face, one that was smug and arrogant, before vanishing within a blink.
“I wanted to remind you that your job is to serve time by working off community service hours and help solve a crime—not restructure the society I created.”
A flippant remark begged for release, but instead, Fillion remained calm and said, “I’
m not restructuring your society. The community is course-correcting. Every generation has its struggles, and the second gen is modifying their world to accommodate their needs.”
“And here I thought you were the poster boy for no movement,” Hanley bantered. “You’ll make a fine Gamemaster one day, Son of Eden. But now is not your time.”
The kind smile remained on his dad’s face, even though it didn’t reach his eyes. You are an entirely different character, son. Hanley’s words baited him and Fillion refused to bite. Instead, he shifted on his feet and angled his head with impatience.
“You isolated an entire generation,” Fillion countered with mild disgust. “Your grand experiment worked. They’d rather spend the rest of their lives confined to their world than integrate with modern society.”
“I never thought I would see the day my son would take life seriously. Or his role.” Hanley leaned back in his chair and raised his eyebrows. “And why do you believe the second generation wishes to remain confined and isolated?”
“Stockholm syndrome.”
His dad chuckled and shook his head with placating humor. The fake sound grated on Fillion’s nerves, and he rolled his eyes and looked away. “There’s the familiar snarky reply. Even someone as intelligent and clever as you doesn’t reform that quickly. Your characterization is good. Have you fooled the community as well, Dungeon Master?”
Hanley chuckled again. Fillion glanced up at Leaf, who gave an encouraging nod. A long pause ensued and Fillion knew his dad was ready to soliloquize, blabbering on with justifications for his decisions to showcase his superiority. When the charm didn’t work, Hanley buffered until the argument formed. And he was done buffering.
“Despite what you may think, I am not the bad guy,” Hanley said. “I simply created an opportunity. Most of these people wanted to escape their lives. They wanted to isolate themselves from the real world. Isn’t that why you joined the computer underground? You seized an opportunity created by the Anime Tech Movement—and they deal in black market operations and support lawlessness, unlike me. But, in your eyes, I’m still the bad guy.” Hanley paused and smiled at Fillion with triumph. “So, you see, how am I responsible for the first generation’s choices? They enclosed their families and chose to isolate the next generation, not me.”
“God, you’re sick! What the hell is wrong with you? These are real people. Their lives are forever affected by your so-called opportunity.”
He wanted to defend the Anime Tech Movement, but knew it was pointless. His dad didn’t care, nor would he listen. To rein in his anger, Fillion let his gaze wander around the room, to look at anything but Hanley. His search paused and he squinted his eyes. Near where Leaf stood, next to a table, was a door. Strange. Was that an airlock? That would explain many things. He wanted to ponder the discovery, but his dad was watching him closely.
Fillion took in a deep breath and released it slowly, getting back on point. “Many residents in New Eden are scared because they have no life skills when it comes to big changes. They know their lives are dependent on New Eden Enterprises, and they feel powerless.”
“Yes, as to be expected. I’ll share your observations with your mother, though.” Hanley tilted his head in a gesture of victory. “I knew you were the perfect solution for New Eden Township.”
Fillion groaned at the amused sound of his dad’s voice, raking a hand through his hair. A perfect solution for what? The Outside world? Something wasn’t right. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something being said between the lines that was alluding him. His eyes flitted to Leaf and then back to the screen. Fillion needed a new tactic. A detail floated to the forefront of his mind and he settled focus onto his dad once more.
“Why didn’t you tell me that Connor had your Death Card?” Fillion tucked his thumbs into his belt. “You looked me in the eye and lied to me. I walked into New Eden without a shred of information, and you want me to believe you’re not a bad guy? You set me up to fail. As usual. It’s what you do, because you always need someone to blame when things don’t work out according to your master plan.”
The kindness dissipated on Hanley’s face and Fillion knew the tables were about to turn. As usual, the charm didn’t work and Fillion braced as his dad buffered. The accusations were about to be flung back his direction and he internally cringed in anticipation.
“I trust you’ve kept your breeches laced? Or did you take something that isn’t yours to have?” The intended barb hit its mark and Fillion angled his head away and lifted his shoulders as his face warmed. Even though he warned Leaf, he couldn’t look at Willow’s brother. Hanley continued and Fillion flinched. “If she gets pregnant, that’s on your conscience. You can’t claim a child by someone who is legally dead.”
“You’re not allowed to talk about her,” Fillion nearly growled. “The world will know they’re alive in a few months. And I thought learning they were alive gave you hope? God, you probably knew it was a scam the entire time.”
“I didn’t know if they were alive. I swear. It was too risky to ask Joel or Jeff directly.”
“If? Risky?” Fillion stilled and studied his dad’s face. “So, what I hear you saying is there’s something for you to gain in their deaths, real or falsified. Do you possess a conscience at all? Joel was your friend.”
“A piece of paper didn’t harm the Watson siblings if they were alive.” A small smile curled Hanley’s mouth. “Perception.” His dad stared at him as if that word held magical properties. “It is what has kept New Eden Township afloat.”
Fillion rubbed his temple and closed his eyes for a couple of seconds. Was “perception” the new watchword? Irritating. “How would they integrate into society after Project Shut Down if legally dead?”
“I’ve been crucified for the last time, Fillion. Do you understand what the media will do to New Eden Biospherics & Research over this? The lawsuits that will spring up? The government contracts that will be rescinded and renegotiated?” In a softer tone, Hanley continued, “You are full of passion right now. I remember the intense feelings I had for a certain young woman when your age. She made me feel so alive, even when she couldn’t be mine. I was willing to do anything for her, even change the world.”
Was Hanley talking about Della? Or another? Fillion thought quietly for a moment as goosebumps formed on his skin. “You did the change the world. And then created another one.”
Hanley picked a piece of lint off his sleeve and acted as if he never heard Fillion. Instead, empathy radiated from his dad’s face, and Fillion felt that familiar tug. He wanted so desperately for his dad to give a damn.
“There’s no DNA record of Leaf, Willow Oak, and Laurel’s existence,” Hanley began again and Fillion braced, knowing the thrust was coming. As his dad continued, Fillion could almost hear the melodic shrill of Hanley unsheathing his weapon. “Only birth and death certificates exist for them. Biomedical records are easily manipulated, too. The experiment was approved with an allowable margin of insanity. It’s a simple thing to assess her mental health. Leaf’s, too. It’s the first stage of Project Phase Two.” Hanley’s voice carried an eerie calm, his eyes unmoving as he spoke. “I’ll allow him to play King for a little bit, and only because he’s revealed himself to the community. But he no longer exists, and neither do his sisters.”
A clammy sweat gathered on Fillion’s skin. He blinked rapidly as queasiness stirred in his stomach, his dad’s weapon slowly drawing from his gut. Despite the fog building in his head, thoughts came quick and sharp. He needed Mack to get to the underground, stat. The scales of injustice had tipped too far. Hell if he’d allow his dad to lay a finger on Willow or her siblings. Or anyone else for that matter.
The smile on his dad’s face grew wider. “Good. I see my message has penetrated your young lover’s mind. Remember, she’ll never be yours, so keep your distance and keep your pants up.”
“Answer the question. Why did you lie to me?”
“Akiko Hirabayashi�
��s father has entertained discussions of an arrangement. The daughter of Japan’s leading Tech Baron is a superb match. Well done, son. She’s very beautiful, too, I might add.”
He knew it. His dad had plotted out his life, even down to whom he should marry. Fillion turned his back to the camera. Fear slithered through his veins. The panic threatened to consume him, but he took a large breath as his mind uploaded the information.
Fillion met Akiko a year ago, when he traveled to Japan with his dad. It was a last-minute trip, and Fillion had felt conflicted. He wanted to go to Japan, no question, but not with Hanley. Mack was not permitted to tag along and Lynden was still in school. He and Hanley stayed in Tokyo for two weeks, and the majority of that time was spent with the Hirabayashi family.
God, Akiko was so damn sexy. But he kept physical distance. Mack had a cyber-crush on her at the time. Hell, his friend still did. Fillion had zero interest in Japan’s tech heiress, and that pissed her off to no end. She promised Fillion that she always got what she wanted, and she wanted him. Why? It made no sense on a personal level. Whatever her reasons, it didn’t matter. He wasn’t for sale or trade, and he wouldn’t be bullied into marriage for corporate empire building.
Fillion faced the monitor and, by some miracle, kept his face devoid of the emotions raging through him. “Please relay to Mr. Hirabayashi that I am honored by the esteem, but I must regretfully decline any offers of marriage to his daughter.”
“I am afraid that is not possible. I have already relayed your gratitude and interest to their Nakoudo. We’ll travel to Japan in four months for Yuinou no gi. Mr. Hirabayashi agreed to a long engagement so you may attend MIT and then join me on a world tour once you become majority owner. You and Akiko are young yet anyway.” Hanley tapped his Cranium and scrolled behind a privacy screen. “Ah, here it is. Mr. Hirabayashi, in addition to any gifts and monies exchanged during Yuinou, has agreed to a substantial monetary gift, bestowed upon the one-year anniversary of your marriage. He’ll also give you sizable stock in his company.”
Elements (The Biodome Chronicles series Book 2) Page 31
