Chameleon (The Domino Project Book 1)

by K. T. Hanna

  “I thought you said adrium is a parasite. Doesn’t it need something living to survive?”

  “It needs electricity to give it life. That is all. Machines run on power as well, and there is no humanity to temper the alien hunger for destruction.” He sighs, a light flush to his cheeks. “My directions were to create a weapon. The ultimate weapon. Duty to GNW demanded compliance.”

  “But Dom is so...so human.”

  “He is not just twelve because I had some whimsy and decided hey, I like the number twelve, my dear. He is the twelfth in the line of attempts at creating what he is. My first attempt survived a measly eleven minutes, but it was more than I had hoped for. Dominos do not grow; they are incubated at full size for months and it takes a long time to mature. But the first three I made had varying rates of immediate failure. They ranged from eleven minutes to three days.”

  Mathur sighs, his eyes downcast, before continuing. “By the time it got to that stage, GNW was very interested in my experiments, a lot more than they should have been, or than I should have let them be. I fixed the incubation problem only to find the synaptic fusion with the adrium wasn’t holding up. The adrium was too heavy. By the eighth, I finally had it and number eight lived for six whole months.”

  “Nine and ten could not harness the ability to shift. It literally drove them crazy. Eleven? All I can say about him is, he was close, but not perfect and his light went out at just over twelve months. I spent the next six months perfecting everything theoretically before I incubated Dom.”

  He smiles triumphantly. “And I was right. He was human enough to adapt and was so in tune with his adrium body that it was beautiful. Able to camouflage himself at the drop of a hat, alter appearances. He could run; lift a transport. I had lived every little boy’s dream, Sai!” His eyes sparkle as he speaks. “Guess what I did?”

  “What?” she asks, caught up in his nostalgia.

  “I created a superhero! He was, or he could be. And do you know why the dominos they created in my absence are inferior to my boy, to the closest thing I have ever had to a son?”

  Sai just shakes her head.

  “Has Bastian ever told you what my psionic strength is?”

  Sai blinks at the quick change of subject. “Everyone is taught that. You’re a healer, like me.”

  “Exactly. While the instructions I left with the facility when I ‘died’ are technically correct in every aspect of their creation, Dom was created and nurtured with the use of my ability. The new versions will never be the same unless I can work with them, and even then, it is doubtful.”

  “Is that why he’s ill? Is he blocking the other dominos out?”

  Mathur nods. “He was not meant to communicate with their wavelengths. They are all slightly out of sync with each other, and even more so with him. He can open and maintain a communication line with them, and they have been using up his strength bit by bit to keep themselves whole.”

  “You see...” He pats her hand. “It is a failsafe. His brain has shut itself down so it does not have to deal with the interference coming from the others. Even if they have damaged him again, Bastian can help restore Dom’s mind with the trigger word. A reboot is not what you think. Usually, without his direct consent, it cannot be performed. He is not a Damascus, not a machine. It is an invasive cleaning of his adrium and human junctions. It takes a while and can cause temporary amnesia.”

  “As long as we get the others and fix them, we can save them all?”

  “It is very possible.” Mathur looks at her for a second, a frown at the edge of his smile. “Did I answer all your questions?”

  “Why don’t people know?”

  “Sometimes, people do not like the truth. He is strong. He is almost invincible. People do not need to fear him more than they already do.”

  Sai blinks down at her teacup.

  “Can I ask you a question, Sai?” His tone is serious, his eyes intense.

  She nods in response.

  “How do you feel about Dom?”

  Taken a little aback by the question, Sai mulls it over and feels the heat rise in her cheeks. “I miss him,” she says simply.

  Sai suits up in her room, admiring the blending capacity of the adrium-woven material. Nothing like the dominos, but it resembles a dense liquid as it makes contacts with her skin. She walks out to find Aishke standing there only half-finished. “Here,” she tucks Aishke’s collar under and to the side, and presses down until the clasp hits. “Like that. Sometimes it can be tricky.”

  Finally, she hands Ash the long blade the girl has been practicing with. “It’s no use against a crossbow, but if you can’t tell one’s coming, then you’re doing something wrong.”

  Ash nods. “I wish I wasn’t shaking. I wish I could be as brave as you.” Her violet eyes look panicked and scared.

  “I’m not at all brave. I’d like nothing more than to run away and find somewhere no one has ever heard of GNW. But I don’t want to regret anything in life. There’s right and wrong, and the wrong needs to stop. It’s as easy as pretending you’re brave and just doing it, okay?”

  Aishke nods again.

  “Good. You keep that knife, and stay close to me. Don’t be a hero unless it’s an easy catch. We have work to do. Got it?”

  “Got it.” Ash grins nervously.

  “You’re brave, remember?”

  “Got it, sir!” This time her smile is genuine.

  It’s not long before they join Mathur on the navigation deck. Sai twists her hair, hoping it’ll stop her teeth from chattering. In and out, just in and out, she tells herself. No casualties. Get the drugs, get what prisoners they can, and get out of there. Strike hard at their core, and let the whole world know the truth—even if they don’t remember it for long.

  Mathur’s usual smile is absent, replaced by a frown that tugs down strangely at the corners of his lips. He catches Sai’s attention and motions her over. “We have a problem. The other dominos are functioning outside their usual parameters. I thought we had more time.”

  “No dominos guarding the lab will be a plus, but will they help us or them?”

  “There is no telling. Though Dom has had his reset, Bastian informs us the trigger is not working.”

  “Dom doesn’t have a trigger.” Sai almost laughs, but stops at Mathur’s expression.

  He shakes his head. “Trigger word. For when they reset him —to help him keep the advancements he has made since his creation. A way to seal off his experiences, his memory, himself essentially.”

  Sai blanches. “He doesn’t remember me?”

  “He does not remember anything right now. It should slowly come back to him, but for now, he is in his original state until we figure out what is blocking his trigger.” Mathur’s tone is kind, but that’s not what Sai needs.

  She sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. “We’ll deal with the dominos if and when they try to run interference. Focus on rescuing those we can. Take all of the Shine we can get our hands on so the grids can only tap into already drained reserves. It’s not a Damascus-level malfunction, is it?”

  “Not even possible. They are suffering a loss of self, rampant confusion.”

  “So, as far as we know, they’re not dangerous, just having an identity crisis.”

  Mathur raises his eyebrows. “In a manner of speaking.”

  “Like I said, then—everything to plan unless something interrupts us.”

  “We have received the blueprints of Central from Bastian. What it amounts to: Dom and Bastian think there is more than one facility for this type of...research.”

  Sai swallows and keeps her eyes on him.

  “We need this trip to count.”

  “Will Bastian be coming back with us?”

  Mathur shakes his head and Sai feels a moment of irritation. He looks at her apologetically. “I am sorry, little one. We need him on the inside to chip away. Help us take them down from the inside out.”

  She laughs and pushes down the flare
of emotion Bastian’s stubbornness conjures. “That’s fine. We’ve got this.” The bravado sits strangely, an awkward pretense she hopes will become reality.

  “Now, for the serious business.” Mathur pauses. “Iria wants to go with you.”

  Sai blinks. “She can’t. Her offensive abilities are practically nonexistent, and her response times are too slow. I can’t take someone with me who may be more of a detriment than a benefit.”

  “I’m glad you said that.” Mathur seems relieved. “I will let her know that the answer is still negative.”

  “If everything goes smoothly, maybe she can help me do the final perimeter sweep. Maybe,” Sai says grudgingly.

  “Oh! Thank you, Sai.” Iria darts out from behind Mathur and practically strangles her in a tight hug.

  Disentangling herself, Sai glares at her. “It’s not a promise. It’s a maybe. If we start losing people, I don’t want you to be one of them.” By the end of the speech, Sai’s voice is barely audible, but Iria nods, smile shining regardless.

  “You got it, boss!” She salutes and runs off before Sai can say anything else.

  “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” Sai suddenly feels cold. Everything is piling up and her gut clenches in that tense way she knows isn’t good.

  Mathur shakes his head. “Never have regrets, Sai. It ruins your life.” His eyes take on a shadow for a fraction of time, and then it’s gone. He looks down at her and places a gentle hand on her shoulder, reminiscent of Dom. It’s strangely comforting as he points out of the massive window in front of them. “Do you see it?” he whispers to her.

  She squints at first, but then she sees it, on the horizon: Central’s tall buildings, with the sun glinting off their woven protection.

  Their destination. Their target.

  Sai stands on the ground underneath the Mobile, frowning at the slim pieces of metal currently supporting it. She’s glad they’re usually on the move and not resting on the flimsy-looking poles. The sun is sinking in the sky, and the chilly air makes her shiver involuntarily.

  Aishke taps her on the shoulder. “You okay?”

  “Mhm?” Sai keeps her eyes on the disappearing sun. “I should be asking you that question.”

  “You’re not much older than me, are you, Sai?” Aishke’s expression is thoughtful.

  “Not much older at all. Why?”

  “I just...” Ash squares her shoulders and stamps one foot. “I need to learn to depend on myself and help you, not hinder you.”

  Sai smiles. “You’ll do fine. I think you’ll surprise yourself. Just no heroics, okay?”

  Aishke nods and returns the smile.

  “Am I interrupting something?” Kayde’s eyes sparkle, but she’s easily amused if Sai is any judge.

  “No.”

  She grins. “Reporting for duty, ma’am.”

  “Cut the crap, Kayde. If everyone starts pulling this, I’m quitting before we go in.” Sai fumbles in the pocket of her suit, frowning until she finds the small reader they engineered to fit her forearm and straps it into place. Kayde’s bright blue eyes always feel like they’re boring into her soul. She frowns at the reader, as if it can change that. “Besides, you’re technically not coming in with us.”

  “Spoil all my fun.” The grin is firmly affixed on her face, but no longer reaches her eyes.

  “You sure you’re up for this?” Sai jokes, trying to alleviate the tension around them. Kayde may be irritating sometimes, but everyone is too stressed.

  “I can take Harlow on with my eyes closed.” She winks, and Sai laughs.

  “Just make sure you do. There’s no second take to show the world.”

  “Sure thing, boss.”

  “Stop that,” she says automatically and inserts the earpiece, shaking her head as it molds to fit. “I’m not sure I like this route, but at least we have a guide.”

  “Who’s guiding?” Aishke asks.

  “We’re taking Mason—or he’s taking us.”

  Aishke frowns.

  “I believe his words were: I want to hit Deign where it hurts.” Sai glances at Aishke who’s fighting a giggle. Much better.

  “Are you talking about me?” Mason says, suddenly behind her. Too quiet. It’s a good thing he’s on their side.

  “Talking about my team, Mr. Mason, sir!” Sai glances at her watch as the sun dips further, and she tries to ignore the persistent uneasiness tingling down her spine. It won’t be so bad once they’re on the move. They’re so close to the city walls, she wants to reach out and touch them.

  She can see the advertisements that play inside the domes as they flicker in and out, in a twisted reverse rendition. They’re not meant to be seen that way. It’s too easy to remember how normal she once found them.

  Mason is their tunnel system guide. Sai isn’t sure she wants to know how the tunnels got put into the city or why, but what was used to sneak Bastian and Shine out, can be used to sneak the Exiled in.

  There are several exits, including one out into the type of block Sai grew up in. Everyone they can reach will be given a chance to get out.

  Two full teams and her own are ready to pour into the facility itself. Sai takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, throwing out her hope and wishing for someone to catch onto it and make it true.

  The adrium net overlaying the Mobiles highlights the red in the last of the sunlight. It’s deceptive in its camouflaged state. Even in its engineered form, the parasite is beautiful.

  Mason nudges her. “Focus, Sai. We’re in countdown mode.” His words are stern but gentle, and she chides herself for getting distracted. Plenty of time for that later. She refuses to wonder if there’ll actually be a later.

  The sun finally hits the horizon, and Mathur directs the scouts to take out Central’s guards in the vicinity. They don’t have to wait long. The blending abilities of body armor go a long way in the twilight.

  Mason gives the signal to move to the hidden entrance. The words echo through their earpieces. They move out in double-time, two across, Mason and Sai at the lead. She steels herself and squeezes Aishke’s hand as she reaches out for her, giving her the assurance they both need. It takes a five-minute jog to get to the tunnel entrance and inside.

  There’s no turning back now.

  Bastian makes his way down the corridors toward the meeting room. The sun hasn’t sunk beneath the horizon yet, and stray rays of light bleed through the halls. He pauses to make a comment and corrects himself just in time. It’s been hard to get used to Dom’s absence over the last few weeks, but there’s been more than enough to concentrate on.

  He squares his shoulders and sobers his expression before stepping into the corridor leading to the room. He’s not the last to arrive at tonight’s meeting. Deign tends to call them at differing times to keep people from getting complacent, while reinforcing that she is, indeed, in charge. Bastian glances around the room with feigned indifference. It’s not where he wants to be right now, but it’ll do.

  Deign grasps his hand and shakes it, eyeing his gloves with distaste. “You never trust me, do you?”

  “When have you ever known me to trust anyone?” He raises an eyebrow and watches her flush at the words. Sometimes it’s all too easy pretending to be something he’s not, with a slight twist on the truth.

  Zach eyes them both warily as he enters the room.

  “Hey, Zach.” The fondness in Bastian’s tone isn’t forced. No matter what, Zach will always be the first friend he had.

  “Good evening, Deign.”

  She barely glances at him. “Hello, Zacharai.”

  Zach scowls at the use of his full name.

  Bastian has to stop himself from laughing at them both. His nerves are acting up in anticipation, and his head feels a little ditzy considering he had to dull with Shine. It takes a while longer for everyone to arrive, greet each other, and get seated.

  Deign stands and fake-smiles at everyone. “Let’s get down to business.”

  She’s alway
s loved the sound of her own voice, so Bastian settles down to listen. The lights flicker. He schools his face and waits.

  Deign glances at the lights and frowns but continues on. “As you’re all aware, the outer blocks of the United Conglomerate are largely populated by those less fortunate.” The words carry a faintly mocking disdain. “Due to an unavoidable rise in illegal Shine distribution, the circle of poverty is creeping closer to the city centers.” She pauses enough for her words to sink in, and Bastian grips the arms of his chair to stop from jumping up and smacking her in the face. “We need to get them away from the working sector of the cities—through any means necessary.”

  The mumbling around the table disperses as the intercom flares to life.

  “What is it, Frances?” She waves a hand over a section of the table to activate her side of the security’s intercom.

  “Ma’am, we seem to have lost our connection to the labs with the power surge just now.”

  Deign sighs. “Doesn’t this usually happen? Isn’t this just one of the power outages?”

  There’s a pause on the other end. “It’s off-schedule,” Frances admits, “but does occasionally happen.”

  “Then don’t bother me again until you know something is wrong. We’re in the middle of a meeting,” Deign snaps, her tone cold.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Frances cuts out.

  Just before Deign can start speaking again, the lights flicker off.

  Harlow clears her throat as the lights come back on. “I need to get down to the security station.”

  Deign raises an eyebrow. “Seriously? Can’t you just open that fiddly little thing in your hand, or blink your eyes, and control it from here?”

  “Not if the main systems require attention. It’s not that simple.”

  Deign waves her away. “Go with her, Bastian,” she says just before the intercom starts buzzing with white noise. “Go! Before this drives me insane.”

  The intercom falls silent, and one security image flickers over the wall behind them. It only shows one brief shot. Just one moment of people there and then not.