by Jen Cole
Her face filled with disgust as she spat out the words. “Great fat leeches. Parasites, wallowing in their wealth. They spent their lives eating and drinking and engaging in endless unproductive and unsavory entertainments. When we saw how we’d been used, a great revolution began. Tubes were unlocked and black clouds disabled. People rushed from their silos to the fields, crushing crops underfoot.”
“And you marched on the Executives?” Richard asked, jubilant to learn the H Group would finally meet their Waterloo.
“The Executives live a great many kilometers from the silos,” said Angela. “We quickly discovered that holographic clothing protects from neither cold winds nor from stones and sticks underfoot.”
Richard whistled. “They’ve kept you naked as babes in those silos. Before your revolution can begin you’ll need to clothe yourselves and organize transport and weapons.”
Angela nodded. “It is what we are doing right now.”
Jo broke in. “What are you planning to do with the Executives when you reach them? And what will become of your lives in the silos?”
“These questions are also being discussed. In a way it’s been good we weren’t able to blindly converge on The Company. When we act it will be as one, and wanton destruction and chaos will be avoided.”
Richard couldn’t suppress a laugh. “A revolution by committee!”
“Yes.” Angela smiled, not understanding the irony. “And it’s moving fast. Already several manufacturing silos have been turned over to producing clothing and transport, and plans for improving our lifestyles are being developed. Many approve of Jo’s idea of using the parks and wilderness areas for resorts, and we are already adjusting our cycles to incorporate daily outdoor time, including weekends and holidays.”
Richard was incredulous. “It sounds like you plan to go on living in the silos.”
“Why wouldn’t we? They are a comfortable and efficient way to house the great many thousands in each Safe Place and to keep our resources to hand. All we’ve wanted is the freedom to stride out over our land and now everyone will be able to do this.”
Jo spoke warmly. “I’m so glad your people finally have their freedom. I’ve come to see them as my people too. We’re all part of humanity and the future is now brighter for everyone.”
Angela smiled. “Yes, thanks to you, Jo, and in answer to your earlier question about what will be done with the Executives, many Employees started by demanding their blood, but now opinion seems to be swaying in favor of bringing them into the silos. They can work for their points like everyone else and do their bit to keep our new world moving forward.”
She cleared her throat and spoke solemnly. “Jo, our society owes you a great debt. You will not be forgotten among my people. We have done what we can to assist in getting your life back to normal. The false Kylie Marshal identity has been erased from all storage devices and the detective agencies working for the Hunter have been paid off and informed that the baby has been returned to its grandfather.
As our final tribute to you, we have dismantled the Microwave Time Viewer and passed a law banning any interaction with the past. From now on our energies will be focused on the present and the future. Good-bye and good luck.”
She faded and Richard turned to Jo. “It’s over,” he smiled.
“Almost,” said Jo. “There’s still Simon Brooks. We have to prove he hired Blatman to murder my father.”
Richard tightened his fingers on hers. “We’ll do it together… if you still want my help.”
“Oh Richard.” Jo leaned across the bed, trying to avoid his injuries and began a long, slow kiss.
He put his good arm around her and pulled her close. When they finally surfaced, Jo laughed. “I’ve been wanting to do that for so long.”
He looked into her eyes and spoke quietly. “Jo, before we go any further I need to be upfront with you. Our world will end horribly in seventy-eight years. I won’t be responsible for bringing children into it.”
She surprised him with a wistful smile. “I agree. As it turns out, I can’t have children, but even if I could, I wouldn’t, knowing what we now know.”
He reached for her hand. “At least we also know that humanity again has hope. The H Group will be defeated and the Earth will be repaired. We couldn’t ask for more – except for Brooks and Blatman being brought to justice,” he grinned.
“Well we won’t be short of funds while we’re working on that,” said Jo, returning his smile.
“We won’t?”
“Remember my last question to Fitani?”
“The personal one?”
She blushed. “I’ve seen enough movies to know I’d be mad not to take advantage of having access to the future. Why should the Hunter be the only one to benefit financially? I asked for the winning lotto numbers in this Saturday’s twenty million dollar draw.”
Richard laughed. “Now there’s a girl with her feet on the ground.”
“Well, money buys a lot of things. For one, I’ll be able to hire my own detectives to help get evidence on Blatman and Brooks.”
“Wait a minute,” Richard became animated. “Morris Blatman’s now in custody for attempted murder. The police investigation should discover he’s a hit man. That could be incentive for him to admit to your father’s murder and give up Simon Brooks for a reduced prison sentence.”
“Richard, if you’re right, this may all soon be over.”
Jo’s eyes sparkled as she stretched across the bed to reach his lips.
~~~~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen Cole is a primary school teacher, who specializes in computing.
Over the years, she has written a number of software programs for her students, including TTAPS – a touch-typing program, which has sold around Australia.
Play or Die, her first novel, was begun in 2007 and completed in 2009. It then alternately languished and was polished until publication in 2012.
Jen is now working on her next novel and has written a number of short stories for adults and children, two of which are scheduled to be published by Penguin Australia in 2013.
