by C. A. Fraser
“You should answer the question. Mr. Landis is trying to save us all.” Curtis replied his voice still had the slight nasal tone to it that Wren remembered.
“Enough!” Landis slammed his fist on the arm of the chair. “Give me the location or I will ensure you never have a chance to find him.” Wren felt anger bloom inside her at the threat. Her vision widened and she could pick up more energy in the room. Power and communication transfers stood out brightly. She focused on Landis and was shocked to see a form behind him. It was deep shade of red almost black and loomed over Landis. It looked identical to her quantum visitor from earlier except where that one had been bright and clear this one was almost opaque and reminded her of dried blood. She breathed in releasing her anger and shock. As she observed Landis and the entity above him she could see tentacles of red energy extending from the form moving towards her as if it were testing the quantum connection between them. Wren fought the urge to terminate connection immediately and instead focused on Nathan.
“Nathan do not threaten me. If you have nothing else this conversation is over.” Wren replied calmly refusing to let him shake her. She then turned her eyes to Curtis, the red of the entity was a shadow just over his shoulder. She looked in his eyes searching for a hint of why he was there and found nothing.
“Curtis it was nice to see you and please take care of yourself.” Wren said wishing she could warn him of whatever was in the room with him. Before either man could respond she spoke.
“SIA sever the connection.” The wall went black Wren continued to stare trying to pick up any trace of the entity. When she was satisfied there was none she turned from the wall. She strode out of the room to find Simon. She would need his support more than ever now.
Wren found Simon and Kelly in the great room of the safe house. It was an old home that had been updated to withstand the changing climate and to interact with current technology. Wren could see two transports sitting outside the house through the large windowed wall behind her two friends. When Simon saw Wren enter the room he quickly stood concern causing his skin to deepen in color.
“Wren what are you doing?” he said rushing to her. She smiled. No matter what was happening his concern for her always made her feel better. Kelly rose as well but moving towards Wren with the portable scanning unit she had for basic triage.
“What has happened Wren?” she asked while beginning a quick scan.
“There is too much to explain, Kelly. We all need to leave now. The house has been found and we are no longer safe.” Wren’s reply stopped any questions that remained with Simon and Kelly both sensing the urgency. Simon immediately moved and began gathering their few possessions. Wren turned to Kelly and hugged her quickly. The woman returned the embrace with a strength belied by her thin frame.
Pulling back Wren whispered, “Thank you for everything.”
“It was nothing Wren.” The woman replied a slight blush gracing her cheeks.
“You should leave Kelly. I do not know how much longer we are safe here. Go to the NDP, find Worth and tell her Landis is up to something.”
At the mention of Landis Wren saw a flare of anger in Kelly’s face which was quickly suppressed by the woman. “I will get there as soon as possible, Wren.”
“Goodbye Kelly and please tell Tim thank you for my gift. It was a wonderful reminder of the past.” With a wave to Simon, Kelly strode out of the house and rushed to her transport quickly disappearing from view. Wren and Simon both continued gathering their belonging. Wren finished in the main room while Simon moved back to the room she had been resting in. She turned as Simon came back into the room carrying the box and photo she had left in the bedroom. His face was filled with emotion and tears were hanging in his eyes threatening to fall as he looked at the photo. He cleared his throat and shook off the emotion when he saw her.
“Do you know where he is?” he asked a slight tremor in his voice betraying his emotion.
“I know our next step.” Wren replied quickly taking the box and resealing the picture in it. Wren grabbed Simon’s hand and quickly led him out of the house to the transport.
FIVE
Wren and Simon had been in the transport for several minutes and were putting as much distance between themselves and the safe house as possible. The late afternoon sun hung behind them and cast shadows in front of them as they moved into the city. The hum of the transport’s drive was a comforting distraction from their current worries and they rode in silence.
The transport itself was a wonder of technology utilizing the same field technology that was used in the molecular curtains and invisible fencing used to keep the newly hostile climate out. It created a barrier between the machine and the ground which allowed the machine to float silently and ride smoothly. Movement was created by fluctuating the field much like the magnets on a Maglev train which also enabled a relatively high speed and excellent maneuverability.
Wren was watching the myriad buildings that made up the outskirts of Washington DC stream by considering all that she now knew. The windows were clear and easily seen through but from the outside they were mirrored like the rest of the vehicle to prevent observation and ensure the riders privacy.
Wren silently observed not only the city but the streams of information moving invisibly through the air. AI and communications moving effortlessly to their destination were long smudges and starbursts in her eyes due to the speed of the transport. Molecular curtains and fences were bright smears to her. She could even see the faint traces of power cabling in the walls of the buildings. It all held an ethereal beauty that captivated her. There was so much she still did not know.
Her interaction with the quantum at the safe house had left her with more questions. Quantums were hard to communicate with at even the most basic level. An extended interaction with one quickly became a one sided deluge of information that even a nanid enhanced brain struggled to keep up with. Wren felt overloaded.
With a small sigh she turned to Simon. He was slowly surveying the scene outside glancing back occasionally to check for any possible pursuit. The red of his skin was dull and reminded her of rust. She could still see his implants connection to the outside world as a swirl of red coming from the left side of his head. As she focused on him the glow began to spread across his skin slowly flowing down his neck to his shirt. It faded under the material but she could still make it out. Wren realized that she was seeing the nanids connection with each other on Simon’s skin. It gave Simon an aura and overall disconcerting appearance.
Wren pulled her gaze away. She needed to establish some level of control over her vision. She could go mad with all the sensory input she was receiving. Wren felt the transport slow and begin to maneuver through the city. SIA was guiding the transport back into the city at Wren’s request. Wren closed her eyes the swirling colors of the bustling city making her head ache from the strain of trying to interpret it all.
“Where are we headed Wren?” Simon’s voice cut through the silence. Wren opened her eyes focusing on his face hoping to minimize the effect of all the lights surrounding them.
“We are going to visit my mother.” She replied. Wren looked back out the transport’s window it was easier now that they were moving more slowly. All the swirling colors were more well defined and easier to observe. As she observed the movement it shocked her to see forms inside the swirl. She realized these were the AI. Most were vaguely human in shape but she could pick out several that reminded her of the birds in the Colorado mountains by their size and graceful movements as they navigated the city.
There was a small AI that reminded Wren of her namesake keeping pace with the transport. It was small with its main body composed of varying shades of blue. As it flitted above and around the transport, small white lines of light trailed behind it. Wren followed the lines and saw they led into the transport. She realized she was looking at SIA. This was her companion for all these years and it was beautiful. Wren felt tears begin to form in her eyes and pu
lled her attention forward to see how close they were to their destination. She could feel Simon’s stare from his seat next to her. Wren turned to him focusing on his eyes.
“We need to say goodbye, Simon.” She said. She felt the tears renew when she saw comprehension slowly dawn in his eyes.
“We are leaving.” He said the finality of it hanging in the air.
“Yes. I also have to retrieve something from my mother’s belongings.” She did not bother to mention whether or not they would ever return. Wren sighed reaching out to take Simon’s hand. It was a comfort to have him by her side. She looked forward once more. The cryonics center where her mother was cared for was looming in front of them. The transport slowed and stopped at the entrance. Wren let go of Simon’s hand and moved out of the transport. After gathering their bags Simon followed behind her. He slowly scanned the area for possible threats. She could tell he was still bothered by the attack at the NDP transport station. She did not blame him it had been mere hours ago and the trauma was still fresh in their minds.
“The area is secure, Wren.” SIA said. It was almost as if she was attempting to soothe their unease. Wren did not know how the AI perceived human emotions if at all. They moved away from the transport SIA securing it behind them. The windows darkened and the drive cycled down to minimal power keeping the transport mere inches off the ground. Wren strode toward the entrance Simon slightly behind her. She knew if she turned around she would see SIA hovering over them both and felt a small sense of relief knowing that both of her companions were with her.
The amount of AI and communications at the building was much less when compared to the rest of the city. This reflected the mission of the center. Its purpose was to care for those who either had debilitating disease or were attempting to skip through time to a better future. Wren did not like coming here. The building was drab and gray with no indications of its purpose. It was several stories high with few windows and just the one entrance. The afternoon was slowly fading to evening and did nothing to improve the appearance of the building or Wren’s mood. She always felt hopeless when she came here.
It all stemmed from her mother’s reaction to her father’s disappearance. Her mother was the only person in her life who had made her question whether she was right about her father. Natalie Fore’s reaction to Wren’s assertion had been one of anger and confusion. In her mother’s mind Stephen was dead and there was nothing left for her. She had always been fragile and Stephen had always ensured she was cared for and protected. With his apparent death Natalie was broken completely and never recovered. Wren and Simon had finally been forced to bring her here until they could find a way to bring her back from the despair which enveloped her.
Wren and Simon stepped into the building the molecular field covering the entrance faded momentarily as they moved through. The inside of the building was a stark contrast to the outside. It was brightly lit with wood floors and soft white walls that reminded Wren of the foamy tips of waves as they made their way to the beach. There was a large waiting area with a reception center. The area was flanked by a room with a complete history of cryonics and the nanids which enabled the field to finally succeed.
As they moved to the reception center bypassing the room and waiting area a man entered. He was tall with dark hair and the smooth features of nanid enhancement. He seemed troubled as he approached them but covered it with a quick smile.
“Ms. Fore! It is good to see you as always.” He said extending his hand to Wren and then Simon. Wren felt a flicker of irritation.
“Dr. Arnall thank you for meeting us I was not expecting you.” Wren replied ignoring the slight glow emanating from the man knowing that she would never see anyone the same way again.
“We would like to see Mrs. Fore, please.” Simon stated. He was never one for small talk Wren thought a small smile forming on her lips. The doctor’s immediate hesitation quickly erased her smile.
“What is it?” She asked.
Dr. Arnall took a breath and then slowly spoke.
“She is not here any longer, Wren.”
Wren and Simon’s shock must have been evident and the doctor quickly resumed speaking.
“It was instructions from the NDP. She was moved to NDP Central this morning. After yesterday’s attack at the transport station Director Worth felt it would be prudent to secure Mrs. Fore for the time being.”
Wren glanced at Simon and could see the shock fading and anger replacing it. She put her hand on his arm to calm him. Looking back at Arnall she asked.
“What of her belongings?”
“They are still in her room,” he replied, “Only Simon, yourself, or your mother can access them as ordered.”
“Take us to her room, please.” Wren stated barely holding her composure as her emotions swirled within her.
Dr. Arnall took them to an isolated part of the cryonics facility past all the monitoring stations and inner workings of the lab. This area was reserved for very specific patients and only himself or members of his core team were allowed within to ensure security for some and privacy for others. He went to the first room in the hall and motioned for them to enter.
Wren stepped past the doctor and into the room. Simon silently followed her with SIA slightly behind him. Wren turned to Dr. Arnall who was standing at the entrance.
“Can you give us some time?” She said her tone indicating it was not a question. The doctor nodded and tapped the side of the door which closed leaving Simon, Wren and the AI in the room.
“SIA?” Wren queried.
“The room is secure Wren.” The AI quickly replied.
“What are we looking for Wren?” Simon asked. As he spoke Wren could sense the tension and coiled anger in him. She smiled at him hoping it would help defuse some of his anger.
“Just a picture.” She said her voice steady and surprisingly upbeat given the circumstance. She turned and viewed the chamber. It was small with room for the cryonics chamber and chairs for visitors. She looked at the empty space where the chamber should be. There were just empty connections and supports where the chamber holding her mother would have rested. Wren felt a sharp loss at not being able to see her mother but pushed it aside. There was no time for it and she could certainly not go to the NDP now. Not with Landis pursuing her. She turned and touched the wall opposite the chamber.
The wall slowly faded revealing shelves that contained all the remaining belongings of Natalie Fore. Wren and Simon stood and stared at the memories of their past neatly arranged waiting for their owner to return. Wren moved to the shelf and began to scan through her mother’s belongings. Her mother had been a collector of antiquities from before the climate shift had upset not only the environment but also all of society. There were many things that Wren had no idea what they were or their function. She carefully began to sift through the different items. Small collectible statues and toys were neatly arranged, along with documents and albums full of pictures. There were also printed books.
Printed books had almost been a thing of the past prior to the environment’s upheaval and now were extremely rare. Her mother had a shelf full of them. Wren smiled. Her mother had not been idle while her father was away for work.
“What picture?” Simon asked. Wren could tell he was trying to be patient and laughed, despite the level of stress they were under. She turned to Simon the smile still lingering.
“The same picture as in the box Simon.” She said and turned back to searching the shelves. “That picture was in my mother’s belongings when we moved her here. It has to be a clue to find my father.” She stated leafing through documents and old albums.
Simon moved next to Wren and started to sort through the various items helping her search for the one possible link to her father. He moved farther down the shelves to the books which were arranged in a row according to author. They had kept it that way for Natalie for when she was brought out of stasis. She had always kept everything orderly and neat so that is how it was. Simon pi
cked up the first book in the row not paying attention to the title or author just flipping through it looking for the picture. He began to go through the books one by one searching for the picture. He was halfway through the stack and picked up the next book to search. It was an old science book from a school that was long forgotten. He flipped it open looking absently at the text and pictures scattered throughout the pages.
He glanced at Wren shuffling through albums of old pictures her mother had collected and could see the determination in her face. She would find her father. Simon knew that. He just hoped it would be the reunion she wanted. He turned his attention back to the book and finished flipping through the remaining pages. He closed the book turning it over in his hands to look at the back and stared. The picture was stuck to the back of the book. Simon wondered how long it had been there waiting to be discovered. Stephen and Wren looked up at him from the picture. He felt a small surge of excitement at the possibility of finding another clue. He turned to Wren.
“Check this one out.” He said handing the book to her. He smiled when he saw her stare at the picture and then smile up at him.
