by Simone Pond
Joseph stood up. “Are you okay with that, Ava?”
Her throat tightened the same way it did before a competition. She couldn’t let David know how uncomfortable he made her feel—if he sensed any weakness, he’d pounce. She puffed up her chest and smiled. “Of course,” she said.
“Don’t worry. She’s in good hands.” David patted her shoulder.
“I’ll see you tonight.” Joseph gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Save me a seat for dinner.” He walked away, leaving Ava alone with David.
“Are you sure you have time for me?” Ava asked.
“I want to hear more about your systems.” David helped Ava up and escorted her out of the cantina.
They walked side by side through the village. Ava’s legs were a little shaky and she moved at a slow pace. David gripped her arm to assist.
“I’m fine, thank you,” she said.
He continued holding her arm. “In the village, everyone contributes,” he said. “Depending on skills, each person is assigned to an area of expertise.”
“We have a similar system.”
“Not exactly. We do it the old-fashioned way. Watch how a child develops and where they excel. Insiders are pre-programmed with specific skill sets.”
“You certainly know a lot about where I come from.”
“We’ve been studying the Insiders for a long time.”
Ava’s feet began to ache. “Do you mind if we sit for a moment? My feet hurt.” They stopped under a tree and David helped Ava to the ground. She removed her sandals to let her bandages breathe. “I wish I could walk barefoot. This grass is so soft. Not like on the Inside.”
“Why don’t you tell me more about the Inside?”
“I’m trying to forget.”
“I know this is an adjustment for you, I’ll give you a minute.”
Ava leaned against the trunk and watched the trees swaying in the breeze. The rustling of leaves soothed her. If David weren’t two feet away, she could’ve closed her eyes and drifted to sleep. But he wasn’t going to leave her alone. Not until she gave him what he wanted. “I’m ready if you want to continue walking,” she said.
As they walked through the village, Ava told David everything she knew about the City Center’s mainframe and the type of technology used for the virtuals and training simulations. She explained the Arena events and the various forms of entertainment. She told him about the Successor Candidates and how she had been training for the last eighteen years to compete for Queen—a position she had no interest in winning. As a matter of fact, the entire Royal Court proceedings bothered her.
Ava stopped and pointed to a field. “Are those real animals?” She had seen them only in movies, or the virtuals.
“That’s the farm.”
She leaned on a wooden fence and watched. The larger ones stood around eating grass, while the smaller ones scampered about. “I’ve told you everything I know. It’s your turn. What are those?” Ava pointed to some birds.
“Chickens.”
“For eggs, right?”
He nodded and smiled. Ava liked this side of David.
“What are those big things over there?” she asked.
“Cows. For milk, butter, cream.”
“I love cows.”
“Sometimes we use their meat as a food source.”
“You eat them?” Ava couldn’t imagine eating something living like her.
“Yeah, some animals are bred for food.”
“I’ll stick with the milk, butter and cream. What are those?” Ava pointed.
“Lamb.”
“And those are dogs, right?” Ava pointed to a couple of four-legged animals chasing each other and rolling in the grass.
“Yeah, dogs.”
“Like Rags,” Ava said.
“Rags?”
“Lillian’s dog.”
“You know about Lillian?” David’s tone shifted.
“I read the first part of her journal.”
David stared off into the distance. “Do you know the whole story?”
“I know about the elites destroying everything and creating the City Center to breed humans and start a new civilization. I know about people escaping the plantations and starting the villages.”
“That’s just part of the story.”
“I want to know the rest. But nobody is telling me. I deserve to know.”
“The only thing you need to know is you belong to Morray. You’re his property. And he’s going to destroy our village to get his property back.”
“I know you don’t want me here, but I couldn’t let Joseph die. And I couldn’t go back after I helped him escape.”
“He shouldn’t have gone in the first place.”
“He wanted to help us. He risked his life to give us the truth we have the right to know.”
“He did something foolish and you saved yourself, Miss Rhodes.” David stepped away and began heading back toward the village.
“How do you know I won’t help my people?” Ava called out.
“Because it’s not in your nature. You were programmed to be Queen. Nothing more.”
Her chest caved in as though the air had evaporated from her lungs. She fought to stay strong, but the tears came out. “I never wanted to be Queen. I don’t want to be a part of anything,” she cried.
David turned around and walked back over. He handed her his cloth.
“How many of these do you have?” She laughed, wiping off her face.
“We should get back, Miss Rhodes.”
“You can call me Ava.”
“Let’s go, Miss Rhodes.”
They walked back to the medical hall in silence.
*
Evening fell and shades of violet spread across the sky. Ava sat in bed and listened to the sound of children playing. She wanted to forget her conversation with David, but his words weighed down on her. She had abandoned her people and put the village in danger. She couldn’t shake the nagging sensation of guilt. She could surrender to Morray. But what if he attacked the village anyway? He probably would. How was she supposed to help her people when she didn’t have the entire story? Would it matter? If Morray got her back, he’d wipe out anything she had learned on the Outside. Morray controlled all information inside the City Center. She walked to the window and watched the villagers make their way to the cantina for dinner. At night everyone ate together.
“You ready?” Rebecca held up a long white dress made of delicate fabric. “I thought you might want to change.”
“This is so beautiful. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” Rebecca smiled.
Ava put on the dress and Rebecca braided her hair. She caught her reflection in a mirror—ethereal and radiant, even without makeup or hair decorations. This is what freedom looks like, she thought. Rebecca wrapped a shawl over Ava’s bare shoulders and then they walked out.
Along the main pathway lanterns dangled from poles, creating a soft illumination throughout the village. Everything looked so peaceful and quaint, not like a place soon to be in the throes of battle.
Inside the cantina families, friends and neighbors sat together at the wooden tables; conversations buzzed in the air. Young boys and girls carried out large plates of fresh vegetables, potatoes and corn. Rebecca found a spot in the back and they sat down. Ava looked across the rows of people and noticed David. He was staring at her. She smiled, but he turned away. He was hard to read—this made her uneasy.
“Hi.” Joseph sat down next to Ava—he looked drained, but happy to see her.
“Hi,” Ava said.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Hungry. Tired.”
“I want to talk to you about something—” Ava began to speak, but the room became silent. At the front of the cantina an old man stood up. She marveled at his white hair and creased face—she had never seen anyone his age. Everyone in the City Center retired at thirty-six then disappeared off
to Ret-Hav to live out their remaining years.
“Father,” he spoke. “We thank you for the food we are about to receive. For your gracious blessings and everlasting love. Thank you for your provisions and your protection. There is a time for everything and a season for everything under the heavens. Just as there is a time to be born and a time to die, there will be a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. And there will be a time for war and a time for peace. Father, as we approach this time of battle, we ask that you stay with us and guide us. Protect our men and women. Spare our children. And bring us back to a place of peace.” He glanced around the room of villagers with their heads bowed down. “Eat up, everyone!”
Though his words sounded hopeful, Ava had no idea what was going on. She turned to Joseph and whispered, “Who was he talking to? I doubt you have assimilated assistants out here.”
Joseph grinned. “He was talking to God, and since I’m sure you don’t know what that means, why don’t you eat your food before it gets cold.”
“But I want to understand.”
“That would take a lifetime to explain, and like most of us you still wouldn’t fully get it. For now, let’s keep it simple. He was talking to our Creator.”
“You mean like Morray?”
“Two entirely different things. Our Creator gives life. Morray takes it away.”
“You’re right. Let’s save this discussion for another day.” Ava bit into a buttery roll.
“You’re going to get sick eating that much butter.”
“It’s worth it.”
After dinner everyone left the cantina and many gathered around a fire pit to share thoughts about the upcoming battle. The plan was to send the women and children to the bunkers alongside the mountains while the men fought. By this point Ava’s guilt was overwhelming. She hoped watching the fire would ease her heavy heart. The flames flickered and danced. The villagers began to play instruments—she had never seen music performed. They strummed and sang melodies. War loomed, yet they played on. She leaned against Joseph’s shoulder and listened late into the evening.
On the way back to the medical hall, Joseph held Ava’s hand. He interlaced his fingers with hers. “I’m leaving the village tonight,” he said.
“I thought you and your men were going to protect it.”
“We are, but around the perimeters. We’re setting up multiple defensive lines.”
“That makes sense,” Ava said.
“Since you’re doing better, I’m hoping you can help with the women and children tomorrow. Will you?”
“Me? I don’t know, Joseph.”
“You’re fully capable.”
“I’ve never been in a real battle. Remember how I reacted with the Officers at the beach? I hid under the Jeep.”
“You’re still alive, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but how can I help others?”
“I need you to be strong. Like when you helped me escape.”
“But that was familiar territory. This isn’t.”
“You’re a warrior, Ava. And a warrior can fight under any condition.”
“You might not see the real me.”
“I see all of you. I wish you could.”
Ava looked up at Joseph—the lantern’s light reflected in his brown eyes. Her heartbeat thumped in her ears. Her breathing quickened. She wanted him to kiss her again. To wrap her into his arms and carry her away. To a safe place far away from harm.
“Let’s get you to bed. Tomorrow’s a big day.” He pulled her in close and hugged her.
“When will I see you again?” She closed her eyes, memorizing the moment.
“After we take down Morray’s men.”
“What if…” Ava began.
“I’ll be fine, Ava. I promise.”
“You make a lot of promises.” Ava looked down.
“And I’ve come through on all of them.”
“You still haven’t told me the rest of the story. And now there’s going to be a battle. This whole thing is my fault. I should’ve stayed behind.”
“Like I told you, it would’ve happened eventually. Maybe not like this, but Morray’s been gunning for a battle. I’ve been gathering information and while David doesn’t agree with me, I know I did the right thing. You’re the catalyst for change. And I will tell you the rest of the story.”
“But what if you don’t make it back?”
“Have a little faith.” He lifted her chin, leaned down, and kissed her. The world stopped moving—everything around them dissolved. For an instant only Ava and Joseph existed. Together. Until he stepped back, breaking up the moment. “I’ll see you soon,” he said.
She watched Joseph walk away. He held up his head in confidence and glanced over his shoulder to smile one last time. After that kiss, she wasn’t getting any sleep.
The Truth
Ava took her time walking to the medical hall—she wanted to hold onto that moment with Joseph for as long as possible. An endless spattering of stars filled the night sky. She might not have another night on the Outside, and she wouldn’t forget this one.
She reached the medical hall and opened the door.
“Hey,” a voice came from behind. She turned, expecting to see Joseph, but it was David. Did he follow her? Had he been waiting for her at the hall?
“Oh, hi,” she said. “You startled me.”
“Expecting Joseph?” He walked toward her.
Ava avoided the question and stood in the entrance. “I do apologize, but I need to get some sleep. We have a lot of work to do in the morning.”
He leaned in close. He reeked of something soured and unpleasant. “I just need a few minutes to apologize for my behavior earlier today,” he said, edging her into the cabin. It was dark, except for the glow coming off the lantern next to her bed.
“I appreciate your gesture, but no need to explain. You’re under a lot of pressure.”
“Morray’s been looking for an excuse to go into battle. It was inevitable. I’m sorry I jumped on you.” He smiled and swayed back a few inches. “You’re a vision.”
“A vision?”
“You look real nice.” He lost his balance and leaned against the wall. Ava reached out to help him. He grabbed her waist; his hand lingered a few seconds too long. She escorted him to a nearby bed and set him down. What was wrong with him? Why he was off kilter?
“Are you feeling okay? Can I get you something?” she asked.
“That’s not necessary. I’m leaving. Just wanted to extend my apologies.” He gripped Ava’s hand. She tried to pull back, but he squeezed her fingers and yanked her down to the bed. He pressed his lips onto hers. She elbowed him in the ribs and jumped off the bed, standing up to catch her breath. She turned to leave, but froze—Joseph was standing in the doorway.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“David came here to apologize.” She walked over to Joseph.
“Apologize for what?”
David stumbled toward them, adjusting his shirt. “Earlier today I told her this war was her fault. I came to apologize. I guess I got carried away.”
“That’s the truth. I promise.” Ava held Joseph’s arm.
“Got carried away?” Joseph asked.
“Seems like all of us have gotten a little carried away.” David took out his flask, took a sip and offered it to Joseph.
Joseph declined the flask. “Ava, can you give us a minute?”
“Of course, but please know I didn’t want that to happen.” She wanted to pummel David, but now wasn’t time to start a personal battle.
“Go along now, Ava.” David grinned and patted her shoulder. She batted his hand away and walked toward her bed. She stood next to the window and listened to them arguing outside in low whispers.
“Your little fantasy of saving the City Center ends tonight. We’re surrendering her to Morray in the morning. We’ll be lucky if he doesn’t wipe us out even after we turn her over. He won’t let us get away
with taking one of his prized possessions. Hell, he’ll probably keep her all to himself.”
“She doesn’t belong to him,” Joseph said.
David laughed. “You wanna bet?”
Ava’s throat burned. How could David be so callous?
“I’m not giving her to Morray,” Joseph said.
“You don’t have a choice.”
“What’s that mean?”
“That means your loyalty is to your village. And you will obey my orders.”
“All due respect, sir. If we give her to Morray, we’ll be responsible for her death.”
“I’ll take ownership if it means saving our village and the coastal villages from annihilation.” As much as Ava disliked David, she knew he was right. Joseph couldn’t sacrifice thousands of lives just for one. “All is fair in love and war.”
Joseph shook his head and glanced up at the full moon.
“I suggest you kiss her goodbye and get to your location.” David walked off. Joseph returned to Ava.
“I’m sorry I’ve put you in such a difficult position,” she said.
“I wish it didn’t have to be like this.” Joseph held Ava.
“Why did he say Morray will probably keep me all to himself?”
“It’s not a pretty story.”
“I figured, since you keep avoiding it.”
They sat down on Ava’s bed.
“There’s no easy way to tell you, so I’ll give it to you straight.”
“I’m ready.” Ava nodded.
“You already read part of Lillian’s journal so you know about the elites killing off 90% of the population.”
“Yes.”
“And you know they commissioned a team of scientists to create a new and improved human race that would be housed in the City Center.”
“Yes, my people.”
“Well, there’s a second reason for these perfect humans. The elites made a deal with Morray to develop a plan to ensure longevity.”
“Longevity?”
“Longer life spans. Morray figured out a way to digitally code human consciousness and memories into computers and then upload them into other human bodies. First he perfected the shell, then he mastered the upload process. So he and the elites could live indefinitely.”
