by RaeLynn Fry
“It's everything that surrounds our city,” I say. “The desert.”
Dhevan's fork drops to his plate with a clatter. “No, it's everything that surrounds my city.”
All my pent up frustration comes out. “What is your problem?”
“I have a problem with people who try to pretend to be someone they aren't. So, you're my problem.”
I thought we were back on good terms. Or, as good as our terms have ever gotten. I guess I was wrong. Ansel and Mae sit back and watch the exchange with bland expressions.
“I've done nothing but try to help you people; risking my life to bring you the truth, defying my father to be with Karis. Volunteering to come out into the Further to bring back hope of something better and help to make that happen. Before I came, you all were too scared to do anything. You were fine with the status quo!”
“You people? That's what I mean. We're from a different city, not a different world. But in your head, you're better than us, thinking you're our savior. We don't need you to change things; we were doing that on our own.”
“But how long has it taken you? And where's your fire? Most of the citizens of the Outer City are too spineless to do anything. It wasn't until I started doing the newsletters—”
“Don't even get me started on the newsletters.” Dhevan throws his napkin down on the table. “How could you possibly know anything about Neech when you've grown up inside the palace of the Corporation's walls in the heart of Dahn? Your hands are smooth and soft from lotions and soaps and baths. Ours are hard, calloused, and stained with dirt because of the work we’re forced to do so you and your kind can keep living your cushy life, refusing to believe what the world is really like.”
I sit back in my chair. “So that’s what you really think of me?” I knew I wasn't his favorite person, but I had hoped, because Karis cared so much for him, we could at least be friendly. “That my intentions aren't good and I don't really want to help?”
“How could you? Helping us would risk the comforts of your life.”
“I want to help because it's the right thing to do. I want to help because my father is an evil man doing bad things. I want to help because things need to change. Because everyone deserves to be free and have the kind of life they can make for themselves, not the kind of life someone else decides they should have.”
There's a rigid silence in the small room. I know I’ve far from convinced him, but I've said enough to make him reconsider some of his beliefs. I hope.
“I think this one will fit right in,” Mae says with a satisfied look on her face. “He has the heart and the passion to lead the change.”
“And so will this one,” Ansel says of Dhevan. “He has the fire and the strength to make the change. They’re a good team. If they don’t kill each other, first.”
I pick up my plate and take it to the counter, setting it down. “I've lost my appetite. I'm going to my room to wait for the others. Call me when they get here.”
“Sit down,” Mae says with finality. “This conversation isn't over. In this house, we don’t leave fights un-fought.”
I don't know what it is about mother figures, but they seem to have a power to make you obey, whether you want to or not. I take my seat and look at the table cloth. It's yellowed by the years, and I see small stains of meals past. I wonder what lives this tablecloth has seen, what conversations and families.
“Where exactly does each of you come from?”
“And no fighting,” Ansel adds.
Neither one of us adds anything. Maybe waiting for the other to speak.
“I don't care who answers, but one of you'd better,” Mae says.
I keep my face in the direction of the table cloth, but drag my eyes up to look at Dhevan. He's looking at me, too, but I'm not able to read his expression. I take a breath and sit up a little straighter, so that I can be heard better. “Feel free to correct me at any point you think I'm wrong,” I throw at Dhevan.
“No problem,” he says.
“Boys.”
“Dhevan is from Neech, or the Outer City. I'm from Dahn, the Inner City. As you can guess, my city is surrounded by his city. It's nicer and wealthier and all on the backs of those living in the Outer City. Neech is dirty, and broken, and poor. They are the slaves of Dahn.”
“Why is that?” Mae asks.
“Both of our cities are run by the Corporation. A large organization that is supposed to run our cities to the betterment of both.”
“But they only run it to the betterment of themselves,” Dhevan says.
I nod slowly. “That's true. The Corporation is headed by one man, President Akin Hughes.”
Molly and Ansel sit up straighter. “Akin Hughes, ya say?” Ansel says.
“Do you know him?” I ask, a bit surprised.
“Do you think the group knows exactly what it is they have here?” Ansel turns to Mae.
“How could they have?” Mae says back.
“No, no. You're right. They would have had no idea.”
“We know all about Akin Hughes,” Mae says, focusing back on us.
“So you know, then, that Ethan is his son?”
Her eyes widen. “A second son?”
My face heats up and my fingers get cold. “A second son?” I say, a bit breathlessly. “No, that's wrong.”
“It's very much right. His son ran away from Dahn years ago and found us. Twelve years, in fact.”
“You have a brother? And he's out here?”
Mae nods for me.
“He's not my brother,” I say, glaring at the tablecloth. I never wanted to be Akin's son, and when I found out I wasn’t, I was relieved. But knowing he has a real son—that I'm replaced, so easily, in the seconds it took to speak that truth—upsets me more than I'm comfortable with.
“Oh, get off it, Ethan!” Dhevan snaps. “Now you're going to pout and be upset because you're not Akin's one and only?”
I shoot up out of my chair, scraping the legs across the floor in a loud commotion. The dishes on the table top clatter noisily as I slam my fists down on the wooden surface. I muster all my hate and irritation into the look I shoot at Dhevan and it pushes him back a little.
“I say that he is not my brother because he is not my brother. Akin Hughes is not my father. My mother and father were killed to guarantee their silence. As were all the people who ever knew me or loved me. The real me. I was stolen from the life I knew, the people I loved, because of the sick and twisted desires of an insane man.
“I was made to forget everything sacred to me and indoctrinated with values and beliefs and ideas that were not my own strictly to further Akin's agenda. I’m fighting this war because it’s my war to fight. It’s my home, and I want back it back. It’s the memories lost that I have the right to reclaim! And when the time comes, I will watch the life fade from the eyes of the man who took everything from me. So ditch your misplaced hatred and put your energy into something that will actually make a difference!”
The only sound that fills the room is my heavy breathing. I close my eyes and take a calming breath, slowing my heartbeat back to normal. I pull my chair up and sit down, straightening the silverware and toppled glass.
Ansel, Mae, and Dhevan give each other wary glances. Dhevan speaks quietly, with a little bit of an apology to his tone. “I didn't know.”
“Obviously.” I pick up my napkin and fold it over on itself. “Neither did I until about a week ago. It's coming back in bits and pieces. I still don't remember everything. But the nightmares I’ve been having are apparently old memories trying to resurface.”
“What about Karis? Does she know?”
I shake my head. “Things happened too fast. I didn't have time to tell her. Eta knows, but that's only because the nightmares kept waking us both up at night. She concocted a tea that helped me remember what really happened.”
“How did you manage to forget an entire life?” Ansel asks.
“The Corporation reserves the right to take a S
ponsor from a Jatis. A Jatis is a ceremony where our eight-year-olds find out what their calling is. It's not a common occurrence. There have only been three that anyone living can remember. I was the second. Karis' little brother, Ajna, was the third.”
“Karis?” Mae says.
I look up. “Someone we both care deeply about.” Mae nods. “When the Corporation takes a Sponsor, there's a drug that's given that wipes out the person's past and lets the giver create whatever history they want. That's what happened to me. The drug isn't permanent, though, and needs to be administered on a regular basis. If it isn't, then old memories start to come back.”
“And that's what happened to you?”
“Yes. And now I know part of the reason why I was chosen. Akin's real son ran away. He needed a replacement.” My words don't escape the bitterness I hold.
“And Akin's son is coming with the people who are coming for us?” Dhevan asks.
“The people who are coming for you have been looking for Neech and Dahn for a very long time. More importantly, they've been looking for Akin.”
“Why? Who are these people? What do they want?”
“They want what you want, freedom. And they've been working hard to make it happen.”
“What do you mean?”
A new voice answers the question. “I think it's time we tell them the real history of the Corporation.”
We all turn in our seats. Standing in front of us is a tall, tough looking girl, her blond hair pulled back. Next to her, is a slightly taller boy with a scruffy jaw. His chin is square and his hair is down to his shoulders.
Dhevan's voice holds nothing but disbelief. “Kavin?”
“It's good to see you again, buddy.” Kavin's smile is bigger than life. He takes the farmer into a hug that contains several hearty slaps to the back.
“You’re not dead!” Dhevan says when they pull apart.
“Nope, decided to skip that part.”
“I’m glad to see it. Is Akin's son with you?”
“Kayde? Nah, he doesn't usually make these runs with us. Not enough excitement.”
My stomach sinks. D’mitri expects me to bring back Akin's son. Karis’ Pair is alive and well. Life as I know it is changing again.
And once again, I don’t know where I fit.
Acknowledgements
This book was a long time coming. Three years to the month and one postponement later, I finally had a sequel to CASTE! A lot went into that delay (an amazing addition to our family, a very hectic life schedule, increased dance goals, and good old procrastination). Thank you, everyone, for sticking with me and keeping me going with your love and feedback.
There are always too many people to thank, but I need to at least try. As always, all my thanks goes to the Lord who gave me this talent and passion to write and to his Son for loving us all enough to die for each and every one of us.
To my husband and daughter for loving me, making me laugh (and giving me my beautiful crow’s feet), and making my life so much richer. And for my husband’s constant faith in me, encouraging me to keep going and reach for the stars.
To all my beta readers who were brave enough to read OUTCAST before everyone else and give me their honest opinions about what needed fixing and what was best left alone. It’s not easy to give your honest opinion sometimes, but these gals were awesome! Rose, Angela, Tiff, Diana, & Nicole. I wish I knew a word that expressed more than just a mere ‘thank you’. You helped make this book the best it could be. Diana, you especially, helped me to realize I’m, not as good with commas, as I gave, myself credit, for. But hey, GO DELTA! ;)
To the SMN gang: We totally are an amazing group of people. Nights of terrifying movies, good food, better desserts, and even better drinks are just what every girl needs. Diana, Kari, & Tiff…here’s to screaming like a girl and the constant reliability of The Google (who always supports me when I need to prove that a puma and a mountain lion are, in fact, the same exact animal).
Finally, to my bff Tiff. I love that you can make me laugh the way you do. We really are awesome. Did you see how many mentions you got in this? ;)
The who’s who and what’s what of The Corporation Series
(Fair warning, reading this before reading Outcast may or may not result in spoilers. Continue at your own risk)
Akin Hughes (Aa-kin) - The President of the Corporation and Ethan Hughes’ father
Ajna Singh (Ah-jnah) - A Candidate, little brother to Karis, newly acquired Sponsor for the Corporation
Ami (Amy) – A member of Karis’ sewing circle at The Factory, the oldest person in Neech with stories of Before
Ansel (An-sul) – An old curmudgeon at a farmstead in the Further with his wife, Mae; takes in cargo from the Untouchables and gets them suitable for delivery
Aral (Air-al) – The oldest young person in Kari’s sewing circle, a bit naïve
Badri Yuddh (Buh-dree You-duh) – The head of the Corporation’s Guards, lead strategist for war and training and anything military
Bak Amul (Bok A-mool) – An Artist from the Inner City, sent into the Outer City by the Corporation to give faulty Marks to any citizen who asks for one, as a means of controlling any possible uprising
Bev – Sister of Mae, helps out with the Cargo from time to time
Biodome – A synthetic, Corporation made force field of sorts that controls the weather and temperature of the cities. It’s rundown with holes in some portions. It also acts as an invisibility shield from anything or anyone that is traveling by through the Further, gently pushing them away
Cain Malik (Cane Mal-ick) – Dhevan’s father, works in the fields with his son
Candidates – Children who are eight-years-old and who are getting ready to go through their Jatis
Captain Gideon – A Guard in the Outer City, currently training a newbie, PFC Derrik
The Corporation – An organization that stepped up to the plate Before when society and the economy was falling apart. They organized what was left of the world and made the world more efficient. Now they control everything to their advantage, lying to everyone else. The Corporation is run by President Akin Hughes
Déjà Cambrai (Cam-bray) – Journey’s father, one of the head steelworkers, a part of the group that has been helping Untouchables
Dhan – The more upper class of the two cities, filled with the higher castes and home to the Corporation. Also known as the Inner City
Dhevan Malik (Devon Mal-ick) – Son of Cain, works as a farmer in the Outer City, Paired with Journey Cambrai, best friend of Karis Singh and Kavin Sharma, not the biggest fan of Ethan
D’mitri – A distributor of sorts from the Inner City (although he isn’t limited to just Dhan). He spends his time acquiring things that could be of interest to others, namely information; his prices are high and unique
Derrik, P.F.C (Derrick) – A new Guard, spending his time between Neech and Dhan, training under Captain Gideon. He’s a bit arrogant with the attitude that he has something to prove. He’s the Guard that stopped Ethan, Karis, and Rebeka in the Inner City at the end of CASTE
Dirk Aarnok (Ar-Nock) – Husband to Sofi and father of Jules and Kei
Devna – A member of Karis’ sewing circle, known as the biggest gossip in both of the cities
Ethan Hughes – The son of Akin Hughes, being groomed to take over the Corporation one day.
Eta Pillai – (Et-ah Pill-Eye) Medic in Neech, training Ethan as an apprentice, doesn’t have the best bedside manner and is a bit rough around the edges. She’s been studying Maute and the changes it brings to the body of those infected.
Ella Baker – Medic from Dahn, embraces the heritage and culture of the old days. She’s escaped from Dahn and the Corporation, thinks of Ethan as her own son, is now in Neech, on the run from Akin
Further – The desert wasteland that surrounds both cities. It is void of any significant life and roamed by Untouchables, cannibals, and wild animals
Inner City - See Dhan, above
Jatis – A coming of age ceremony every Candidate goes through, in both cities. It is where they get their Mark and are told what their calling in their life will be
Java – The owner of a pub called The Tavern
Jeret Singh (Jear-it Sing) – Father of Karis and Ajna, estranged husband to Rebeka, works at the Lumber Mill and is a part of the secret rebellion that is helping the Untouchables
Journey Cambrai – One of the better seamstresses in the Outer City and works on the garments that go to Dhan. Best friend of Karis and Pair to Dhevan
Jules Aarnok (Jewels Ar-Knock) – A Candidate, daughter to Sofi and Dirk, older sister to Kei)
Kala – Part of Karis’ sewing circle, she’s known as a horrible cook
Kalaen Aboca – A Candidate, son of Toby and Sera, contracted Maute and was on the up and up, but was taken by Guards and then died
Karis Singh (Care-iss Sing) – Works as a seamstress in Neech. She is waiting for Akin to come and get her to work for him in Dhan, because of a deal she made to save her brother’s life, back in CASTE. She’s nursing the Untouchable back to health and when he wakes, they become very close. She was a Pair to Kavin Sharma before he was Released. She became close to Ethan and they talked of being Paired, but lately, they’ve been fighting and have broke up before he went out into the Further
Kavin Sharma (Kav-in Shar-Ma) – Released with his family back in CAST for obtaining a faulty Mark and it started breaking down his body and mind. He has joined up with the Untouchables out in the Further and is a part of the group that picks up the Cargo
Kayde Hughes – Akin Hughes’ real son. A member of the Untouchable group that deals in Cargo
Kei Aarnok – Newborn son of Dirk and Sofi, little brother of Jules. Named after someone important to Eta
Kerick Cambrai (Care-Ick Cam-Bray) – A Candidate, little brother of Journey, helping out with the tunnels under the city, best friends with Ajna
Mae (May) – Married to Ansel and helps run the homestead out in the Further. Cares for the Cargo and fixes them up before they’re picked up again by the Untouchables
