Utopia

by L. J. Higgins

  The metal cavern reached out for at least a third of the entire floating city. Small makeshift homes lined the floor, each of them made of scrap tin, metal and fabric. They'd created their own society down there, out of the eyes of the Elite families. Fletcher's family.

  “How did your sister know to come here?” I asked as I followed Fletcher through the labyrinth of homes.

  “She's better off explaining it all to you. I was young when it happened. Hence why you don't remember her.” He paused for a moment before turning left.

  “How can we not know about all of these people?”

  “You don't see what the Elite doesn't want you to see. Who do you think grows our food, cleans the streets, and look after the Elite? Not every day Utopians like yourself. These people do. Many of them are the exiled and after here the penalty is death.” He made a sudden right turn, and I had to jog to catch up.

  “I always assumed the exiled were sent to Earth?”

  “That's what you're supposed to think. There's lots of secrets the Elite families hide from us. And if you believe my sister, it gets a lot worse… Here's her place.”

  He took off in a jog towards a lean-to made from metal scraps, and poked his head through the fabric curtain being used as a door.

  “Fletcher!” Her cheerful voice sang from the house before she stepped through the faded green curtain, embracing her little brother. Maya's curly blonde hair hung a little past her bare shoulders, the olive green of her shirt dark against her light skin. “Who's this?” She placed her hands on her hips. “Hang on, you have to be Aurora. I've heard so much about you, and your beautiful red hair is a dead giveaway.” She strode over to shake my hand.

  I twisted my plait between my fingers before giving her my other hand to shake.

  “Okay, don't be all creepy. Aurora's in trouble,” he told her.

  “Trouble? Quick, come inside.” She took a hold of my hand her eyes darting around us as she hurried me into her home.

  Chapter Four

  Maya's dwelling wasn't as small as it looked from the outside, but it was still much smaller than the dwelling I lived in. There was a sitting area, with a kitchen of sorts to the side, and a curtain hung at the back which I assumed was the entry to her bedroom.

  “So what's happening?” Maya asked.

  “Officer Banks burst into Aurora's house last night. Aurora escaped, but he shot her mum and they've been trying to hunt Aurora down ever since. Only problem is, we have no idea why,” he told her.

  The story was more complicated in my head. The emotions mixed with a story that sounded impossible and made it feel like a year had passed, not twelve hours.

  “Is your mum okay?” Concern filled her eyes.

  I replied with a shake of the head as I stared at my feet.

  Maya's eyes were wide at first, then they narrowed as though she was in deep thought. “Look, I don't know why they want you. But if I know anything about the way things are run up there, it must be to cover up a secret.”

  “Maya…” Fletcher protested.

  “Look, you brought her to me, so she needs to know the truth.”

  “Your version of the truth,” he argued.

  “The truth, Fletcher. You don't want to hear it because it taints your daddy's reputation.”

  “He's your dad too, Maya,” he shot at her. “Look, if you don't want to help us and you're going to fill Aurora's head with your theories…”

  “The truth.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Whatever.” Fletcher mimicked her stance.

  Watching them argue sent my head in a spin. I'd dealt with so much already, I didn't need them arguing over something so stupid.

  “Can you two quit it?” I cut them off. “I want to hear what Maya has to say. I'll decide for myself if I think it's true or not.”

  Fletcher glared at his sister but remained silent.

  “Okay, so I'm not sure if Fletcher told you much about me?” Maya started.

  “Nope, I didn't know you existed until a few hours ago,” I said.

  “Is that right?” She looked towards Fletcher, who shrugged. “Well, I'm part of a rebel group based in the city. After I confronted Mr. Saxby –“

  “Our father,” interrupted Fletcher.

  “Our father,” Maya continued. “I confronted him about what I'd heard about the Elites being to blame for the end of the Earth. You know what he did?”

  I shook my head.

  “He locked me up in our house to keep me from being 'brainwashed'. Lucky for me, the rebel group I'd learned the truth from helped me escape.”

  “So you believe the Elite are to blame for the end of the Earth?” I asked.

  “We believe they are keeping us on the floating cities for two reasons: one is to control the population who survived the events leading to the destruction of the Earth, and two is to cover up a secret.”

  “The secret being?” I cocked an eyebrow.

  Fletcher chimed in mimicking his sister's voice, “it was their fault the world ended the way it did.”

  “Exactly,” replied Maya with a smug grin.

  “You think your dad killed all those people?” I asked.

  “Not only our father,” replied Maya. “All four of the Elite families.”

  “So each floating city is run by a family who played a part in destroying the earth?” I couldn't believe what she was saying.

  “Exactly.” The conviction in her voice floored me. I slumped backwards against the wall.

  Fletcher broke our conversation. “That's her theory, Aurora, doesn't mean it's real. There's no proof.”

  “There was proof. But they killed him,” she bit, but her stare softened as she realised what she'd said.

  “Maya,” Fletcher warned, peering through the doorway keeping watch.

  “Who?” I asked. Flashes of my mother's murder sliced through my thoughts, making me wince.

  “Sorry, Aurora. It was your father. Benjamin Adams,” replied Maya.

  “My dad? But why?” The sound of his name sent pangs of heartache through my chest.

  “Maya,” Fletcher said peering through the doorway.

  “Fletcher, she deserves to hear the truth,” Maya argued.

  “This is all too much. She's just watched her mum die and been chased over the whole of Utopia by the Utopian Guard. Can we just sit down, have a cup of tea and give her a chance to calm down?” Fletcher asked.

  Maya looked to me for my reaction. Fletcher was right. I wasn't sure my brain could take any more information at that point. It already throbbed as though it was about to burst.

  “Sorry, Aurora, I'll make us a cup of tea,” said Maya before rummaging through her kitchen.

  “Are you okay? You've gone a weird grey colour,” asked Fletcher, holding me by the arms.

  I shook my head, my vision blurring in front of me before sprinkles of light appeared.

  “Here, I'll lay you down.” Fletcher guided me towards a mattress on the floor and helped me lay on it before propping my head up with a pillow.

  “Water,” I managed to mumble.

  Fletcher disappeared for a moment before returning with a cup of water. He helped me sit up and take a sip, my stomach churning as the water hit it.

  “You've had a big night and morning, and your body's still trying to heal. How about you have a sleep? You're safe here,” said Fletcher.

  I nodded, letting my heavy eyelids fall closed.

  * * *

  When I awoke, my head wasn't as light as before, but my stomach was till queasy. To my right lay Fletcher, fast asleep. Beside him lay Maya. Our three bodies took up most of the floor space.

  I pushed myself up to a sitting position. My cup of water sat next to my bed. I lifted it to my lips, enjoying the feeling of moisture wetting my dry mouth. My stomach growled. How long had it been since I ate?

  “Aurora, you okay?” Maya's whispered voice came from the other side of Fletcher.

  “Much better, sorry about that
,” I said, placing my cup down on the ground.

  “Don't be silly. You've been through so much, it's understandable you were worn out.”

  “What time is it?” I asked.

  “It's not even lunch time. I thought I'd have a rest while you two caught up on some sleep.”

  Fletcher snorted but didn't wake, making both Maya and I laugh.

  “He's lucky to have you, you know,” she said, smiling down at him.

  “I'm not so sure about that. If it wasn't for me he'd be hanging out in his bedroom at home, not on the run from the Utopian Guard.”

  “He wouldn't be doing it if you weren't important to him. He talks about you all the time, you know.”

  “What are you trying to say?” I'd heard people say things about my relationship with Fletcher before. People found it hard to believe we were just good friends.

  “Nothing. Just that I'm happy he has someone he can count on. Being an outcast has made it hard for us to have a real relationship. I'm glad he can have that with you.”

  “Do you remember me at all? From when you lived with Fletcher?” I asked.

  “Only pieces. I remember that red hair of yours,” she said.

  “It's a bit hard to forget when I'm the only redhead on Utopia.”

  “This is true.” She smiled.

  “What am I supposed to do, Maya? I don't want to drag Fletcher down with me, but I have no one else to turn to.”

  “Don't worry about that, I've got it all sorted. Now lie down and have some more rest, I'll explain it all when you're rested up.”

  “Thanks Maya, for everything.”

  “Don't mention it.”

  * * *

  “Rora, Rora, wake up,” Fletcher's voice jolted me from my sleep.

  “What's going on?” I grumbled, squinting up at him.

  “You have to get up. We need to get out of here.” He pulled the flap of the doorway over the opening.

  “What time is it?”

  “I don't know. Six o'clock, but that doesn't matter.'

  “What? Why?”

  “The Utopian Guard, they're coming,” said Maya.

  “But I have so much to ask you. You need to tell me what you know about my father,” I pleaded.

  “There's no time. You two need to go this way.” Maya guided Fletcher and me through the curtain towards the back of her little hut. “Head straight across the lane to Edith's place. She'll look after both of you. I'll be over soon.”

  “Maya, we need to talk to you.” Officer Banks' voice sounded from the front of her shanty, sending goose bumps racing over my skin.

  Fletcher and I hurried through the back and found an elderly lady waiting across the way for us at another shanty. She was shorter than me, her curved spine making her look even smaller again and her green eyes sparkled with kindness. The lady beckoned us inside and we disappeared through the doorway as a guard stepped around the corner. He hadn't caught sight of us, and the woman took us towards the back of her home. She led us into a small room where she pulled sheets of iron across to hide us. She placed her finger over her thin lips, motioning for us to keep quiet.

  “I'm guessing she's Edith?” I whispered to Fletcher, who was crammed next to me in our tight space.

  “Sure is. She's mute, but the nicest lady you'll ever meet.” His heavy breath warmed my face.

  Raised voices sounded from outside. Banging and crashing, Maya swearing and Officer Banks bellowing voice. They were looking for me. Where was I going to go now? Was I going to have to run from these men for the rest of my life? It wasn't going to be a long life, the way things were going. I thought the biggest issue I'd have turning sixteen was spending my birthday alone in my bedroom, not avoiding being killed.

  The yelling and crashing died down. I looked over at Fletcher, who'd balled his fists at his sides. He wanted to protect his sister, but he'd chosen to stay with me instead. We'd been friends since we were five, going to school together and playing in the orchard. I'd thought we were best friends; best friends who told each other everything. Apparently it was one-sided. He knew all about me, but there were so many secrets he'd kept from me. He not only had a sister, but also knew more about my father's death than he'd let on. And not once had he mentioned the Undercity or a rebel force before. I'd always trusted him. But it was obvious he didn't trust me the same way.

  The sound of sliding iron pulled me from my thoughts as the elderly lady's face appeared in the doorway. She beckoned us out with a wave of her hand, and we climbed out from our small hideout.

  “Where's Maya?” asked Fletcher.

  Edith shook her head, her eyes saddened.

  “They took her, didn't they? I sat there and hid while they kidnapped my sister.” Fletcher punched out at the air in frustration.

  Edith reached out and took Fletcher's hand and his shoulders relaxed. She waved her hand for us to follow her and we followed her outside the hut. She guided us at a slow pace through the maze of shanties until we reached a tunnel with a ladder reaching up inside it, much like the one we'd arrived in.

  Fletcher and I looked between each other as Edith pointed up the tunnel.

  “What's up there? Are you sure we'll be safe?” I asked her.

  She took my hands in hers and nodded before pointing up again. She released her grasp and disappeared into the sea of homes.

  “You okay?” I asked Fletcher, attempting to ignore the niggling anger over the secrets he'd kept from me.

  He clenched his jaw but tried to remain calm. “Ladies first.”

  We remained silent as we climbed up into the darkness back above the Utopian undercity. The silence allowed my head to fill with questions which began circling through my mind. What did mum want to tell me? Why did Officer Banks order his men to murder her? Why did he want me dead? Why did Maya think my dad's death was linked with the rebels? And why had they taken Maya? As we reached the top, my head was spinning and my stomach ached. I climbed out of the trap door onto the concrete floor of a room and crouched down wrapping my arms around my stomach.

  “You okay?” asked Fletcher.

  “Yeah, I'm sure I'll be fine,” I replied.

  He shook his head. He didn't believe me, but knew better than to push me.

  “We need to make sure we get your side checked out. I'm no nurse,” said Fletcher crouching down and lifting up my singlet to check out my wound. “It's still inflamed, but I think it'll be okay.”

  As I looked up at him, his eyes widened and his body stiffened. Standing I turned around to find myself face-to-face with a petite female with long, jet black hair. She looked a little younger than Mum, maybe in her mid-thirties. Her dark features were intense, and she held a large knife in her right hand.

  “Who are you?” she demanded, taking a step closer with eyes narrowed.

  It took me a moment to find my voice. “Aurora. I'm Aurora Adams, and this is Fletcher…” I trailed off, unsure if it was safe to give his last name or if I should've been so open with who I was.

  The lady glared at us before her stern features softened into a smile.

  “Aurora Adams. I should've known with that auburn hair. It's an honor to meet you.” She slid her knife into her back pocket before taking my hands in hers and shaking them. “And Fletcher. Maya has told me so much about you, but never did I imagine I'd find you two standing here in the greeting room of our safe house.”

  My muscles relaxed at those two words. Safe house. Edith had lead us somewhere safe.

  “How do you know who I am?” I asked.

  “There will be plenty of time for you to hear about your father and the rebellion later. For now, I will let you know I'm Domino. My partner Lark and I are the ones who gather intelligence and organise the rebellion. Where is Maya? Why didn't she come with you?” Domino looked behind us.

  “The Utopian Guard took her. She hid us just in time,” I replied.

  She raised her eyebrows. “That is troublesome. I'll need you to tell me everything you know if we ar
e to try and free her. I'm guessing you're either here because you require a safe place to lay low for a while, or you would like to join the rebels and help save Maya.”

  “At the moment, it's both for me,” I replied. What other choice did I have?

  “I'm not sure yet. Don't get me wrong, I want Aurora and Maya to be safe. But I'm not about to join your rebel forces,” said Fletcher.

  “If your decision isn't to join us, we'll honor it. Maya has always been important to our cause, and your father was a smart man, Aurora. Maybe too smart for his own good. But he always helped us where he could, so I'll do my best to keep you both safe,” said Domino.

  “How did you know my father?” I asked, curious as to why he was helping the rebellion when he'd been hired as a scientist to assist the Elite families.

  He'd spend weeks away at a time, working on different projects on each of the floating cities. I was jealous he got to fly in the airships while I had to stay at home with my mother who didn't like me, and I'd miss him every time. But each visit he'd bring me back a gift, and I could feel how guilty he'd felt for leaving me with my absent mother so often. She did love me. That's what he'd tell me. She just wasn't good at showing it. Even when he died in a work accident, I thought it might bring Mum and me closer. I'd needed her, but instead she'd pushed me further away. I was lucky I'd had Fletcher, even if he was keeping secrets from me. It'd been four years since my dad died. But I missed him as much as the day it happened.

  “We'll talk more about your father later. I'll get you a glass of water and a plate of food, and you can shower and change into fresh clothes. When Lark comes home, we'll discuss this further.” She squeezed my shoulder before leaving the living room.

  “Do you trust her?” asked Fletcher as Domino left the room.

  “I have to. What choice do I have?” I asked. “If you don't want to do this, you can go home. I'm as safe as I'm ever going to be.”

  “I'm not leaving you with these strangers, and I still need to help Maya.”

  I couldn't help but smile. I was pleased he wasn't going to leave me yet.

  We walked through the doorway leading down a hallway until we reached the end where Domino stood next to a bookshelf beside a projector wall. Every house had a projector wall so the Elite could make announcements and share news. Usually it was to tell us how amazing they were for saving the human race. But a bookshelf was rare, and my eyes kept wandering over to it. I'd read many of the books I was authorised to on my computer tablet, but never had I held a real book in my hands.