The Collection

by Shannon Stoker

  “Why help Mia?”

  “I felt I owed her that,” Rex said. “I don’t enjoy death. It is part of the job, but I take no pleasure from it. My actions resulted in the death of one of her companions. If I was going to live a new life I had to make amends.”

  Mia was shocked. Her heart was breaking again, thinking about Whitney’s death. Rex had a heart? He felt guilty for Saint Louis. Mia didn’t know how to feel about his admission. While he was trying to make it right, Whitney was still gone.

  “So you’re not passionate about stopping America,” she said. “How do you feel about stopping Grant Marsden?”

  “The man deserves no respect,” Rex said. “He shows none to any other people, regardless of their status in the world. His actions involving Mia’s disappearance were poorly planned and executed. Above that he fails to admit fault and learn from his mistakes. He is indecisive. If Grant Marsden rises to power America will burn to the ground and destroy the rest of the world in the process. I do have a problem with that.”

  The screen changed again to show Grant’s face.

  “We are anticipating an announcement,” Eleanor said. “That Grant Marsden will be declared the next grand commander of America.”

  “No,” Mia said.

  Rex was right about one thing: if Grant led the country, that would mean a darker, harsher reality for America. Mia didn’t want to imagine the possibility that her home country could become an even more horrible place to live.

  “We need to stop him,” Mia said.

  “How?” Eleanor asked.

  “I can come forward,” Mia said. “If I’m still alive it will destroy his credibility.”

  “But how do we prove you are who you say you are?”

  “He has a file on her in his house. Complete with pictures, fingerprints, her blood analysis,” Rex said.

  “Wouldn’t he destroy it?” Eleanor asked.

  “Not a chance,” Rex said. “He won’t stop trying to destroy her. If that file disappeared he would be throwing away any leads and any way of gathering information on her whereabouts.”

  “Interesting development,” Eleanor said.

  “You two are discussing me like I’m not in the room,” Mia said.

  “The two of you are a great asset,” Eleanor said. “During your tenure at Affinity I would like to invite you to join the External Tactics division.”

  Mia’s heart jumped into her throat. This was the branch Sarah had warned her about. Rex agreed quickly, but Mia wasn’t sure this was the life she was after. She thought about learning computers with Sarah or driving for Zack. Those options still left Mia with a somewhat normal life.

  “I need to think about it,” Mia said.

  The corner of Eleanor’s lips curled upward.

  “Take all the time you need. The offer does not expire,” she said. “I think that is all for today.”

  Eleanor rose from the table. Rex and Mia stood as well. They walked back outside in silence. Once they reached the fence Eleanor placed her palm on the keypad and the fence opened again.

  “Mia, can you make it down the mountain by yourself?” she asked.

  “You’re not coming with me?” Mia asked.

  “Rex made his decision, and I’d like to spend some time picking his brain,” she said. “We need to move forward with our plans. Once you have made your choice, please let Zack know.”

  Mia felt out of sorts. She nodded and headed through the gates and back to the main path. Part of her was angry she wasn’t asked to stay with Rex and strategize on how to stop Grant. But then she remembered she had been asked; it was she who had turned down the opportunity. Mia had an important question to ask herself, one whose answer she was unsure of. What would be better: living a life aiding a noble cause or living a life fighting for the noble cause?

  Chapter 62

  As soon as a member is no longer capable of completing all the physical requirements of Affinity, he or she will transfer into inactive status, unable to hold positions of authority.

  —Internal memorandum from Affinity

  “I don’t want to take orders,” Andrew said.

  Mia walked back into the meeting room, a little shocked Carter and Andrew were still seated.

  “It’s not like that,” Zack said. “We have to defend the camp. That means learning combat skills. There are no sergeants or generals. Everyone must go to training though.”

  “It sounds like an army to me,” Carter said.

  “We’ll check it out this afternoon,” Zack said. “And you’ll see then.”

  None of them noticed Mia walk in. Then Zack looked up and saw her.

  “Mia,” he said.

  Andrew and Carter turned around to see her. She saw some relief on Andrew’s face, but Carter seemed indifferent.

  “Where’s Rex?” Zack asked.

  “He stayed with Eleanor,” she said.

  “We were about to break for lunch,” Zack said. “Meet me in the fields in two hours. We’ll catch a training session and you two will understand.”

  Carter and Andrew stood up. Zack went to the back of the room with a stack of papers.

  “How was your morning?” Mia asked. She tried her best to smile.

  Before either of the men could respond, Zack spoke. “Mia, could I speak with you in private?”

  “Wait for me outside?” Mia asked.

  Carter didn’t respond, he just walked toward the door.

  “What is with all the secrecy?” Andrew asked.

  “It’s not secret,” Mia said. “Just a job offer.”

  Andrew raised an eyebrow.

  “I’ll tell you everything after dinner,” Mia said. “When we have some free time.”

  “I’m not free then,” Andrew said.

  Mia knew he had disappeared last night after dinner too.

  “I can come with you,” Mia said.

  “No,” Andrew said. His voice was sharp. “I mean, after everything I need some space. We’ll talk about it later tonight?”

  Mia nodded. Andrew had been known to want alone time, but Mia didn’t know why he would have it prescheduled. He raised his hand and gave her arm a quick squeeze for reassurance before walking out. Once his hand was gone Mia looked down at where he had touched her. It was tingling. Even with everything that was happening he could still ignite something in her. She didn’t want the feelings to fade.

  “Mia?” Zack asked, breaking her out of her trance.

  She walked up toward him.

  “Did Eleanor ask about the militia?”

  “No,” Mia said. After this morning Joseph’s militia didn’t seem as big a priority as yesterday.

  “Good,” Zack said. “ET was informed, but they haven’t commented.”

  “Why is that good?”

  “They’re leaving it to Internal to handle,” Zack said.

  “Is there any news?” Mia asked.

  “There is a convoy,” Zack said. “Stationed right outside our borders. They won’t step foot onto the land though. They must have some type of electronic sensors. They’re staying just beyond the view of the cameras.”

  “How did they find us?”

  “I think we were followed,” Zack said. “Remember how we heard the car, but then it never attacked? Stayed out of sight?”

  Mia nodded.

  “Did you give any more thought as to what they want?” Zack asked.

  “I still think it’s me, Carter, and Andrew,” Mia said. “We escaped.”

  “No,” Zack said. “That doesn’t make sense. You’re just three people and they are a business almost. It would be a waste of their resources to track you. Did Carter or Andrew take something from them?”

  “The clothes and the car,” Mia said.

  “We searched the vehicle,” Zack said. “Nothing important in there.”

  “They asked about it though,” Mia said.

  “If we give it back my guess is they’d leave us alone,” Zack said. “I still have the ban in place on
anyone leaving camp, but soon the people will have to know what’s happening.”

  “Do you think the militia will attack Affinity?” Mia asked.

  “I don’t know,” Zack said. “They’d regret it if they did, but I’d like to avoid that at all costs.”

  “Why would they regret it?” Mia asked. “Aren’t you scared? What if they win?”

  “Let me show you something,” Zack said.

  He pushed open a side door and walked into a computer room. There were screens all over the wall.

  “The whole jungle is wired,” Zack said. “Everyone here is a trained fighter. If they step foot on our land in a hostile manner we can detonate bombs. We know our jungle. The rest will infiltrate from the trees. Even if they sent all their forces here we could still take them out.”

  “But your land would be destroyed,” Mia said. “And they’re trained too. What if someone from Affinity is hurt in the process?”

  “That’s why I want to figure out how to make them go away,” Zack said.

  “Did you try talking to them?” Mia asked. “Point-blank ask these men what they want?”

  “Too risky,” Zack said. “Our security system can halt all electronic devices that cross the threshold, but it can’t stop bullets. I’m not sending anyone down there; it’s too big of a risk. I was hoping they would send one man in here, but so far nothing. I’m going to drive down there soon, so I can get a better look and make sure their numbers aren’t growing.”

  “What happens if they are?” Mia asked.

  “Then we will prepare for battle,” Zack said.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t have been so aggressive,” Mia said. “When they had their guns on you. If we’d only talked to them then instead of attacking . . .”

  “You did the right thing,” Zack said. “When someone has a weapon pointed at you it’s the only way to react.”

  “I’m having a hard time keeping this from Andrew,” Mia said.

  “Don’t tell him,” Zack said. “He’s still recovering. Finding out the men who tortured him are so close might make him snap.”

  “Snap?” Mia asked.

  “If I were him I would want some revenge,” Zack said. “Wouldn’t you?”

  Grant. He had tortured Mia in a way. Chased her across the country, taken her friends’ lives and almost her own. Mia had the chance to get some revenge; by joining ET she could accomplish that goal. Revenge wasn’t what she was after though. Mia wanted a stable, normal life, away from him and the horrors of her past.

  “They’re waiting for me outside,” Mia said.

  “I’ll see you at the fields this afternoon,” Zack said. “Keep thinking about the militia. What could they want?”

  Mia nodded. She went back into the main room and out the front doors.

  “You’re popular today,” Carter said.

  He was leaning up against the building. Andrew was standing next to him.

  “Zack wanted to know about Eleanor,” Mia said.

  “What about Eleanor?” Andrew asked.

  “I’m really hungry,” Mia said. “Can we go eat?”

  Andrew nodded and Carter kicked off against the building. Mia knew Andrew wanted to protect her. He’d always made that clear. Now Mia had the opportunity to protect Andrew, but keeping this information from him still felt a lot like lying.

  Chapter 63

  All American refugees must be given asylum in Affinity camps. They may not be permitted to join our ranks, but we will give them the chance to prove themselves regardless of any previous affiliations.

  —Internal memorandum from Affinity

  Lunch was awkward. Carter, who normally provided the conversation topics, was staying very quiet. Mia didn’t want to accidentally tell Andrew about the militia or go into her meeting this morning, leaving little to discuss. Once they were done eating the group left the mess hall.

  “We still have an hour,” Carter said. “I’m going to take a walk around.”

  “Do you want some company?” Mia asked.

  “No,” Carter said. “I’ll see you two at the fields.”

  He ran off, leaving Andrew and Mia alone.

  “Just the two of us,” Mia said. “It’s been a while.”

  Andrew’s eyes shifted back and forth.

  “Are your memories coming back?” Mia asked.

  Andrew nodded. “Not all of them,” he said. “I still don’t remember you on the beach, or my arrival at the militia camp. It’s like they’re coming in backward too.”

  “And the headaches?” Mia asked.

  “Better,” he said.

  “Good,” Mia said.

  She knew his memory of kissing her was gone. She wondered if Andrew remembered walking in on Mia and Carter. That was the night Mia’s world collapsed for the second time.

  “What are your thoughts on Affinity?” Mia asked.

  “Where else would we go?” Andrew asked.

  Mia shrugged.

  “Travel the world,” Mia said. “Just the two of us. Start a life together.”

  Andrew’s eyes widened. Mia wondered if his feelings for her were lost as well.

  “Could you do that?” Andrew asked. “Knowing what you know now, could you walk away from the fight?”

  “Do you think Affinity will win?” Mia asked. “Stop the Registry and mandatory service?”

  “I’m not sure,” Andrew said. “And I’m not talking about me. I’m talking about you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Mia, you care about people,” he said. “Would you be happy knowing there was suffering going on in the world? When you had a chance to help stop it, even if you were doing something small like cooking food for a group of rebels, could you walk away?”

  Mia didn’t have a response. Cooking food didn’t seem like a good way to help when she had the option of contributing so much more.

  “What I’m trying to say,” Andrew said, “is that I know you. If we left this place you would be miserable.”

  “I’d be miserable without you,” Mia said.

  Andrew smiled and kicked the ground a little. He put his hands in his pockets and looked at the sky.

  “I’m not good at this,” he said.

  “At what?”

  “That night in Saint Louis,” he said. “When you tried to kiss me I should have let you.”

  “You did,” Mia said.

  Andrew’s eyebrows scrunched up. His lips pressed together in a quizzical look.

  “You kissed me once,” Mia said. “It was right before Grant attacked.”

  Mia hoped this would bring some comfort to Andrew.

  “So you don’t need to worry about being bad at this,” Mia said. “You showed me how you feel already.”

  Andrew’s lips flattened out and his eyebrows relaxed. Instead of seeming calmer though it was like a new anger ignited inside of him. Mia could tell he was clenching his jaw.

  “What’s wrong?” Mia asked.

  She lifted her hand to touch his cheek. He stepped back.

  “They took that from me,” Andrew said.

  His eyes went vacant. He was somewhere else.

  “I’m still here,” Mia said.

  “They ripped everything from me,” Andrew said.

  “It’s over,” Mia said. “Look to the future.”

  Mia saw Andrew’s fists were clenched into tight balls. He lifted his arm and Mia took a step back. He turned around at the last second and slammed his fist into the wooden building. Mia heard the sick crack of his knuckles making contact with the wall.

  She rushed toward him and grabbed his arm, pulling his hand into hers. All four of his knuckles were sliced open. The skin around them was growing red. Mia expected to see a dent in the wall after how hard he had hit the building. Mia looked at Andrew. He didn’t appear to be in any pain.

  “Why did you do that?” Mia asked.

  He kept his head straight. Mia pried his fist open. His fingers were shaking and some blood was starting to roll
down. His hand was starting to swell up.

  “You need a doctor,” Mia said.

  “What?” Andrew asked.

  He shook his head and pulled his hand away. She saw his face fill with pain and shock.

  “Andrew, what’s going on?” Mia asked.

  “Tell Zack I’ll be late,” he said. “I need to see Dr. Drum.”

  Andrew started walking away, cradling his hand.

  “Wait,” Mia said. “I’ll go with you.”

  Andrew didn’t stop or turn around; instead he picked up his pace. Mia was too stunned to chase after him. She had just witnessed the effects the militia had had on Andrew. Zack was right; if he discovered their existence right outside the gate, Andrew would be likely to burn the whole jungle down to get back at them. Now the militia rose as a priority on Mia’s list. She needed to find out what they wanted.

  Chapter 64

  It is crucial we do not worry ourselves with the problems of the world. Affinity’s only concern is for our brethren back home.

  —Internal memorandum from Affinity

  It didn’t take long for Mia to find Sarah. She was stationed at the same computer tower she’d shown Mia yesterday. Mia arrived at the building and walked inside the circular section. There was Sarah, seated in front of a screen, typing away. Mia’s presence startled her.

  “Mia,” she said. “How is orientation going? Are you on your lunch break?”

  “Is anyone else here?” Mia asked.

  “No,” Sarah said. “What’s wrong?”

  “I need to figure out what the militia wants,” Mia said. “I need them to leave us alone.”

  “Zack thinks they’ll give up and leave soon,” Sarah said.

  “Or they’ll get reinforcements and attack,” Mia said.

  “I’m more of an optimist,” Sarah said. “Affinity has never had a full-scale attack. Not in our lifetime at least.”

  “Is there any way to talk to them remotely?” Mia asked.

  Sarah shook her head.

  “Not unless we threw them a radio,” Sarah said. “But Zack would never let you get that close. It’s too dangerous.”

  “What about their car?” Mia asked.

  Sarah turned around to the computer and the screens changed. The image of a parking lot showed up.