I never thought about the difference between light and dark. With Pendomus being tidally locked, it’s always perpetual daylight.
Once again, Kani takes off, prancing down the stairs while the rest of us try to keep up. When we finally reach the bottom, another man with a red shirt stands at the entrance to the city’s circular encasement. From the stairs, you don’t get an accurate gauge of how high the walls are, but they’re immense—a good thirty feet high or more. The doors are enormous metallic beasts, and I wonder how they could possibly open.
“Hey, Patric,” Trae waves.
Patric is carved from the same mountain as Ash, but his dark hair is cropped short. He blinks and doesn’t say a word. His deep cheekbones reveal black eyes in the flickering torches on either side of the entrance.
He sighs and steps aside to let us pass. No awkwardness or questions about who I am.
There’s a loud metallic thud, followed by a ticking sound, and the doors pull apart on their own. Once inside, the circular walls are like a gentle hug wrapping around you. The buildings inside are primitive in their design, built with stone and wood. They’re angular, and square, with the uppermost levels open to the artificial sunlight. Everywhere I look is the color green. Green trees, plants, and flowers.
The air is fresh and musky. Sweet and bitter. Yet all of the smells blend together perfectly.
Deep shadows are cast by the candle-lit lanterns hanging across the pathway of polished stones.
“Trae,” I tap him on the shoulder, “why aren’t most of the lamps electric?”
“The generator isn’t big enough for the kind of power it would take. Besides, we wouldn’t want the Helix to discover us,” he says, “They’d notice a huge power draw like that. Besides, more important things need electricity.”
“Do you have one at the Safe Haven? A generator?”
He nods, “Yeah. Ours is a lot smaller, though. With only three—four people,” his eyes flash to me, “we don’t need much.”
“Where did the generators come from?”
“The original one came from Earth,” he says, “Our engineers dissected it to figure out what made it tick. From there, it’s been adapted for the specific needs of the Lateral based on our energy accessibility. At least, that’s what the engineers tell me when we play cards.”
Wow.
My mind was so set on just acquiring the knowledge I need to get inside the Helix—to protect myself. It had never occurred to me the Lateral was something this spectacular.
“Runa, before we go to Landry’s I need to stop and talk to Delaney. Either you can come with— or Kani and Fenton will take you straight there. What do you prefer?” Trae asks.
“Who’s Delaney? Is he the leader of the Lateral?” I ask, my insides suddenly jittery.
Kani snickers,“Yes, she is. The one and only.”
“Oh, whoops,” I respond, considering. The Helix has always given the illusion the people are in control of themselves. So an antiquated system like government seems a bit hard to comprehend. “Let’s see Delaney.”
The outdoor torchlight accentuates Kani’s cheekbones as she says, “People know what they can do to help, but no one is forced into any roles they don’t agree to. We need a leader to keep us united. People, as it turns out, are unpredictable. Even the normal ones.”
Kani and Fenton wind us in and out of buildings before turning up a set of stone steps. Fenton smooths the side of his head, winks at me and raps on the door.
After a moment, it swings open, and a small woman steps out. She’s dressed plainly, but elegantly. Her cream-colored shirt contrasts nicely with the rich, dark brown of her skin and the dark curls of her hair. She’s quite tall and exudes a commanding presence.
“Hello, everyone. Ash told me you were on your way,” she has a twinkle in her eye as she nods to me.
Trae takes a step forward and the two of them embrace. “Hey, Delaney. This is Runa. She’s—gonna be sticking around,” he sighs, “She’s the one I found out in the woods, being attacked by the Morph—but I’m sure you know all of this already.”
“Hello, Runa. Won’t you come in? We have much to discuss,” Delaney extends her hand to me.
I accept, and she ushers us into the small house. After walking through an extravagant entry way, the main room she leads us to is open. It has a small seating area with large cushy chairs set predominantly in the room, and a large wooden table off to the left side.
The walls are adorned with objects on the walls. Large, inner parts of colorful flowers. The sun, set into the dead trees outside. A pair of hands—they’re worn, like they’ve worked hard in their years.
“What are these?” I ask, taking a step forward.
Kani’s the first to speak up, “Paintings.”
“Paintings?” I repeat.
“I didn’t stutter. Yes, paintings. These are mine. It’s a form of artistic expression—which I suppose means nothing to you, being from inside the Helix,” she smacks her forehead with the butt of her hand, “When I can’t find a way to express myself in words, I paint.”
“Seems like you can express yourself in words just fine,” I reply.
The guys cover up a snicker, and Kani scrunches her face.
“Yeah, well, you don’t know me very well yet, now do you?”
I step forward and take in the vibrant colors. I had no idea people were capable of making things like this. Creating such—beauty. With our voices, with our hands.
For ourselves.
Everyone takes a seat in one of the oversized chairs and Delaney sweeps her hand out, “Please sit, Runa.”
I take the seat nearest Trae, sinking in further than I anticipated.
Delaney smiles and sits in a large wooden chair with red, gold, and black woven through its upholstery. “Traeton, Landry tells me you were experiencing seismic activity in the Haven. Did you figure out what caused it?”
Trae shakes his head, “No, not conclusively, but the Haven’s exit has been collapsed. We need to do some recon topside. Things aren’t right out there.”
“How do you mean?” Delaney asks.
“Fer starters, we jus’ watched Runa’s brother burst inta flames,” Fenton says, leaning forward with wide eyes.
“He did what?” Delaney’s eyes darken and she turns to me, “My goodness, child. Are you okay?”
An upsurge of emotion wells inside me and I bite my lip to keep it from quivering.
Trae leans forward, resting his forearms across his knees, “We’re not really sure how it happened, to be honest. There was some sort of creature out there— it attached itself to her brother’s legs and … well, incinerated them both.”
“Unbelievable,” She whispers.
“We need to invest some time at Landry’s researching into a possible lead to the seismic attack, as well as Runa’s brother’s attack. As much as I think the mission with Ash is important, I believe whatever is happening right outside our door poses a bigger threat. We’ve now had two attacks in under a week.”
“Perhaps. Runa, can you explain to me what happened to you? Why would the Morph attack you?” Delaney’s dark eyes are serious as she waits for my answer.
“I don’t know. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, I guess.”
Kani flits her eyes at me and leans toward Delaney, “Did anyone tell you Trae found her inside a hollow tree filled with water?”
Delaney looks to me and I nod in confirmation.
“The Morph has some unusual characteristics you and the rest of the team should know about,” Trae says.
Delaney places her fingertips over her lips and leans forward, “Go on.”
“It’s now my belief that the reason no one has ever seen the Morph, is because it’s invisible,” Trae says.
“If that were true, how would you know it was there?” she asks.
I sweep my bangs behind my ear, “It was hard not to take notice, since it did this to me.”
The creases in her forehead g
row deeper as Delaney stands and walks closer to me. The intensity in her examination is overwhelming as she takes in my wound, the colors of my eyes. She never inhales or acts surprised. She just —looks.
“It also got her leg. Right here,” Kani points to my right calf.
“How long ago was this?” Delaney asks.
“Four days,” Kani answers, awe tinting her voice.
“Hmmm,” Delaney’s lips tug downward, “Runa, I find your story particularly fascinating for two reasons. The first, obviously your miraculous healing. The second, the attack itself. It brings about some very problematic results.”
“Problematic? I don’t understand—” I shake my head.
“What do you mean?” Trae asks.
Delaney returns to her seat and sighs. Her fingertips flutter against her lips as she looks between the four of us. “It’s problematic … because the Morph doesn’t exist.”
12
Runa
“HOW CAN YOU SAY the Morph doesn’t exist? Take a gander at her,” Kani snickers, pointing at my face.
Delaney stands up and walks behind her chair, clutching onto the back.
“Lane, what you’re saying makes no sense. Runa’s proof— ” Trae begins.
“What I’m about to tell you is strictly confidential. The only reason I’m telling you any of this is because these attacks,” she points in my direction, “your attack, Runa, comes as a complete surprise. I don’t like surprises. I’m going to need your help to figure out what actually did this to you.”
“Spit it out, Lane,” Kani retorts, “What are you saying?”
“The Morph, or rather, the mythology of the Morph—came from us,” Delaney blinks deliberately, and her lips press into a thin line, “Trae, you know better than anyone in this room why.”
Trae’s face is completely expressionless, but he tips his head in response.
“Whoa, whoa … Wha’?” Fenton says.
“I wasn’t attacked by a mythological creature. This is real.” I shine the damaged side of my face at her, my anger bubbling to the surface.
“Precisely,” Delaney raises her eyebrows in acknowledgement, “Which is why I’m going to need you to show me where this attack occurred. Come to think of it, can you draw me a map?”
“We don’t have time for this. I need to get to—” I stop abruptly, unsure how much I want to divulge to this woman who’s evidently been lying to everyone.
“Runa,” Delaney starts, trying to sound reasonable, “I understand you may be on a different mission, but I’d appreciate your help. The safety of everyone here—including you and your friends—depends on it.”
Well, this sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
I hang my head in defeat. I need to find out more information on my brother’s killer— not wasting time here.
Kani stands and puts a hand on her hip. “I can draw you a map to the area where it happened, but that’s as good as it gets, Lane.”
Delaney’s back is ramrod straight and she pulls at the bottom of her shirt. “I see. Well, a map should suffice—for now. However, if we can’t locate the creature in question, we will come find you for more information.”
In a swift movement, Delaney reaches into a drawer on the underside of a small table to her left. She takes out a small flat object and passes it to Kani.
I watch in awe as the blank paper goes from nothing to explaining the terrain and location of the Tree. Kani’s hand flits back and forth with precision and speed as she pours out her knowledge through her fingertips.
A few moments later, Kani’s hand comes to a stop, and she tries to pass it over.
“No, I need details too,” Delaney says, “Details only Runa can offer. Can you write for her? I assume she’s never done it before, based on what you’ve explained.”
“Uh, what kind of details do you need from me?” I ask.
“Do you remember anything specific we should be aware of?” she urges.
“Well, the sonic resonator Trae used made it release me. At least, we think that’s why.” Kani’s hand scribbles furiously at the paper and Trae nods in agreement. “I remember three huge claws on its paws—drenched in my blood,” I shudder.
“It was completely invisible?” Delaney leans against the table and crosses her arms.
“I had no idea the Morph, the creature, was beside me at first. It was deadly silent. For some reason, it took a particular liking to my eye. The attack didn’t happen right away—”
Delaney listens to the rest of the details. When everything has been written down, Kani gently folds the paper and places her hands over top.
“I’ve been thinking. Before I hand this over, we deserve more answers,” she tells Delaney, her eyes flashing, “For example, how did the mythology of the Morph come from you?”
“Kani’s right. This ain’t tha sorta thing ya jus’ go aroun’ hidin’ an’ think we’re all okay wit it,” Fenton says.
“Kani, there are some things you don’t need to know,” Delaney states calmly.
“If I wanted more cryptic, I would have stayed in the Helix, Lane. You can’t tell us something like ‘you made up the Morph,’ and not expect me to ask why?” Kani laments.
“Delaney taps her lips with her pointer finger, “It was for security reasons. We needed a cover.”
“For what? Making sure everyone obeys you?”
“No, Kani,” Delaney whispers, her eyes narrowing, “People go missing from the Helix all the time … and never go back. Why?”
“Because they end up here,” Trae says calmly. So far, he’s the only one taking this news with complete stride.
“Precisely. It was a cover so those inside didn’t come searching any farther than they had to. We needed something to keep the wrong people from finding us. Is that so hard to understand?”
“More like keep people in line,” Kani snorts, “We’ve been just as afraid of the damn thing.”
“No, Kani. That’s the Helix’s job. We have more insight into human psychology. We knew people would latch onto our story, inside the Helix or not. Those in charge behind the scenes needed a way to keep people in the hive and attached to their machines—just as much as we needed a viable reason for disappearance,” Delaney offers.
“How is their goal any different? The outcome is the same for you.”
“Kani, I understand your concern. But we did what we thought was best.”
“I’m sure,” Kani stands and flicks the paper between her fingers, “Take it. Are we ready?”
With a final tip of her head toward the door, Kani turns and stomps out.
“Unreal,” Fenton says, following after her.
“Traeton, can you stay a moment? I’d like a word.”
Trae nods, “Of course.”
“It was nice to meet you, Runa. I’m glad whatever attacked you didn’t win,” Delaney’s lips take on a slight smile, “Thank you for your cooperation.”
“No problem,” I say, turning to the door.
“I’ll meet you guys at Landry’s,” Trae says, his blank expression resurfacing.
I halfheartedly smile and follow the other two out the door. Kani and Fenton stand huddled together with tight lips. The lights are dimmed to a flicker and the shadows in Kani’s eyes look ominous.
The moment the door closes behind me, Kani shoves a finger at the house. “That—woman! All this time, lying to us. I knew it. I knew something wasn’t right. That’s why I went with the guys when they splintered. Everything’s about control. Her control.”
“You said she was the leader. Isn’t control supposed to be part of the job? You know, by definition.”
A part of me wants to be reasonable, but the tension is cause for concern. Truthfully, I’d like to be inside with Trae, hearing what’s going on.
Kani chews on her lower lip, “You would side with her. Whatever, doesn’t matter. Let’s go.”
“Lead the way.”
Kani’s black braid whips around as she and Fenton take off.
Trees, buildings, people—they blur together as we speed walk our way through the crowd.
So many people linger out on the streets, and they turn their heads, watching as we stride past. Some of them even smile, as if I’m any other girl walking around.
A woman sitting on a step leans in and tells a young boy next to her, “See, honey? More people find us every day.”
While I’m sure my white hair stands out, I’m not the only one in NanoTech garments.
Sitting on the ground near a tree, a young woman cradles an infant in her arms. The baby is so tiny. The woman leans in, her dark hair hiding her face as she blows on the baby’s belly. The child flails, making a sound so similar to a giggle. Can a baby so young giggle?
The corners of my mouth twitch upward.
So lucky.
Parents and children—happy together. The thought stirs something inside and makes my heart ache. I wish I had such an upbringing. Now the only person in my life who has ever been kind to me inside the Helix is dead.
The lights overhead continue to dim, and the flame lanterns on the street cast more light than before. The darker it gets, the more prominent the strange little orbs dancing in my vision are; as if they have a mind of their own. I blink, but nothing seems to deter them.
Will they ever go away?
We turn a corner and a tangle of arms and legs move like spiders on a bench, nearly hidden in the shadows of the impending darkness. Their odd shape makes me stop short. They move as if they’re all part of the same object. I take a step closer, trying to get a better understanding of what I’m seeing.
“What the hell? Don’t be rude!” Kani grabs hold of my arm and yanks, “Let’s go.”
Fenton chuckles. “She’ll hafta learn about kissin’ sooner or later.”
“Let’s go with later,” Kani spits back.
I stumble after her, but can’t tear my eyes away. For a brief moment, a face emerges, and I gasp. The tangle of arms and legs is actually two people, lost in their own world. A woman is seated across a man’s lap, his arms wrapped around her waist. Giggling, she throws her head back and he takes hold of her arms, pulling her closer. His mouth traces the curve of her neck and lingers on her exposed shoulder.
The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series Page 11
