“It’ll be heavily guarded,” Miranda murmured in thought. “But if we can get our hands on them, it’ll help out a lot.”
“There were only a handful of men who moved in too, but they had set up heavy weaponry at the posts,” the other added.
“Take Booza with you and set up the hit. Make sure it’s there. I don’t want you blowing our cover for nothing.” Miranda gave them a final nod as they disbanded into the hall. She turned to Riki. “Riki, how’d it go?”
“Greens have been chipped and fed.”
“Good. Tomorrow, I want you to prep Booza for the raiders.”
“I’ll do it first thing in the morning.” Riki nodded before pulling me forward. “Come, Nadia. I’ll show you where you can sleep tonight.” He pulled me away before I had a chance to speak. Maybe he thought I was going to say something stupid. He knows me well already.
In the small part of the station Miranda used as her agent’s private quarters, there were two rooms at the back. Inside each were three mattresses lined up across the ground. “The others won’t be back for a while. You can sleep here.”
I settled in after Riki locked the door behind me. Living beneath the surface sealed off any source of natural light. My heavy eyes told me it was nighttime, but I still couldn’t sleep. My mind reeled backward and forward. Thinking of everything, worrying about everything, imagining what was going to happen to me, to Diesel and Annie. I had chewed an ulcer into the side of my cheek.
Outside my door, Miranda and Riki whispered in conversation. Did Riki notice me freeze up? Would I be seen as soft? I squeezed my eyes closed. By the time I had actually fallen asleep, Hound was in my face, licking me awake.
“Wakey, wakey, newbie. You’re in for a treat today.” Riki stepped over to pull me up from bed.
I quickly got dressed and followed Riki into the dining hall for breakfast. Running pipes framed the room. Water squeezed out through the cracked plastic and left puddles across the floor. It was a good reminder that this base actually belonged to an abandoned subway and not an accommodation for a terrorist organization. It was cold, the lights overhead were weak and the kitchen was nothing more than a fridge and stove installed against the corner. The cook’s clothes had discoloured beneath his sweat, and like the pipes, left a wet trail beneath him.
Instinctively, I searched for Diesel among the bowed heads but he wasn’t here. We joined the end of a long line to get our food. It felt like a high school cafeteria but instead of backpacks filled with books they were filled with weapons. Well, actually it wasn’t that different, after all. Our meal was eggs, warm porridge and toast. Perishables. Interesting.
We sat near the wall, away from the others, who were grouped by rank. The tables and chairs were crammed awkwardly against each other for space. I studied them carefully trying to pick out who was in charge and who to avoid. There were also cameras angled across the hall. I was careful to duck beneath them. As we were eating, a man smacked Riki’s food off the table. The bowl of warm oats splattered to the ground. He kept walking, muttering the word ‘freak’ as he passed. Eleven cycles of life and it seems some still could never get past their own insecurities. Hound licked the food up.
“A bully of yours?”
“A secret admirer, actually,” Riki boasted, unfazed about his ruined breakfast. I gave him half of mine.
“Seriously? Must be very secret. He doesn’t seem to know.”
“He just shows it in his own adorable way.”
“Interesting way to show affection. So… you like boys, huh?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Riki leaned back in his chair. “You know how the saying goes. ‘Love has reasons which reasons cannot understand.’ ” At my blank expression, he added, “It’s by Blaise Pascal.”
“Sheesh, who knew you were such a romantic.” A smile cracked my face. It almost hurt to grin. I hadn’t used those muscles in a long time.
“R can also stand for Romeo.”
“Romeo? What’s that?”
“As in Romeo and Juliet. Come on, you must have heard of Shakespeare’s most famous tragic love story.”
My cheeks burned. “No, I err…I never finished school.”
“Never?”
“Didn’t see the point. I’d already done it so many times.” I cleared my throat.
Riki nodded. “Literature and drama are pleasures our minds can no longer enjoy. If there were any books left of it, I would suggest you to give it a read. Pretty sure even the net lost it during the Expunge attacks.”
“Expunge attacks?” My ignorance of history was laughable. I ranked my brain for answers. What the hell was that again? There had been so many wars and shifts in regimes it was hard to keep track. Unless you lived it, of course. Sometimes, it really did feel like everyone but me was invited to some big party and now that’s all they can talk about.
“The collapse of all virtual information, of course. You’ve been taking too much D400. Your brain must be empty.”
“Oh, yes of course. The Expunge attacks. I knew that.”
“Bullshit.”
I bit my smile. “Why are you lecturing me about history anyway? Don’t we have work to do?”
“You’re right.” Riki took my toast and popped the last remaining piece into his mouth. “Let’s go get Booza ready.”
“Who or what is a Booza?”
“It’s no fun to tell you. I’ll show you.”
We left our dishes on the table and made our way out of the dining hall. Riki was excited. He walked at a brisk pace, glancing over his shoulder to urge me to walk faster. I fell into a jog behind him when a familiar voice pulled me back. Diesel’s voice. I immediately stopped in the middle of the hallway and spun back to where Diesel stood at the other end, fists bunched against a man’s throat. He had him pressed to the wall, and leaned in close enough his breath moved the man’s hair.
I slowed and pressed myself to the side. I couldn’t hear the conversation but I could see the strain in Diesel’s neck as he spoke. Was Diesel threatening him? Seemed like Diesel. Seeing Diesel size himself up against the other guy made me notice how small he was. Not small as in height, but in body mass. Skinny. Weak looking. Years in Alpha prison ate him away.
“Hey, Nadia? You coming?”
I spun at Riki’s beckon. When I glanced back, Diesel was looking at me. His body tightened with annoyance. I quickly turned and left.
The corridors crisscrossed in a labyrinth of cold stone and wet floors. Any chances of me sneaking out dwindled into smoke. Plus, where would I go? It wasn’t until things slowed down that I noticed how much my life depended on Diesel. I hated it. I followed him without really knowing what he wanted. My desperation to escape and survive blinded me. Had I been stupid in trusting him the way I have? I had to think of my own survival plan. I would go back to the city, grab Annie and run to Sanctuary. But I doubt they’ll welcome me back, not after everything I did. Maybe if I begged, they’d let me in. I shook my head. No, probably not. Then what about I.O.S? I know their camp was destroyed, but they had different locations. Somewhere near the water, I remember Frankie telling me. I could go there. Work for them…
“Ta-da!”
I blinked out of my daydream. Without realizing it, I had walked into a ventilated warehouse stock full of dissembled robotic parts and human sized androids. They hung on the walls like clothes on a rack, ready to be taken down and worn. Riki climbed a small stepladder set beside a dusty brown robot smaller than the others. Spikes were drilled into its shoulder pads giving it an edgy fashionable look.
“So… Booza is a robot.” I stepped around the machine cautiously. Its black shallow eyes were vacant until Riki hit a switch and a bright red filled the domes. I quickly looked away. “Impressive.”
“They are more than just bulked up body guards with guns. You’ll see. I’m sure Miranda will give you a mission in a few years. Once you’ve proven yourself, of course. If you want the best bot for killing, check out Rocko over here. He’s one hard m
other to crack. Oh, and over here we have the twins. They are basically—” I nodded my head, not really listening as Riki danced around the room, introducing each machine as though they were his close friends.
“This is all pretty cool, but where the new recruits stay?” I asked, interrupting him.
“The new recruits? Well, they stay with the others in the communal sleeping quarters we call No Man’s Land. Why do you ask?”
“Oh… no reason.”
Riki’s smile dropped. “You’re thinking about Krane, aren’t you?”
“No, I wasn’t.”
“Yes, you were.” He approached closer so he could whisper. “No one can know you’re associated with him unless you want to be on the hit list too.”
“What?” My heart rate spiked. “Hit list? Are you saying he’s going to be killed?”
Riki nodded. “The order was placed on his arrival.”
“They can’t do that.”
“Why do you care?”
“Because I… I need him to… Diesel has a plan to take down the Elite. He’s important.”
“He is also a tyrant. Believe me, Krane is more dangerous than useful. Just let the others take care of him.” Before Riki could finish, I pivoted toward the door. “Hey? Where are you going?”
“I have to warn him.” Panic rattled me but my exit was blocked as the two raiders from yesterday walked in.
“Riki! What’s taking so long? We’re waiting!” One of the raider’s signalled for Riki to move. Her dark coloured buzz cut hair stood on end military style, rounding off her small head like a prickly lollipop. The woman next to her had hair polished white that stopped at her neckline. It drained her warm skin of colour, making her appear paler. She looked down at me.
“Oh, new girl? How are you fitting into the FRIM life?” My attention shifted to her nose ring, it hung like a golden snot string from her nostril to the piercing in her earlobe.
“I… It’s fine. I’m fine.” My mind felt scattered.
“You look like you’re going to be sick. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to the smell. I’m Callous and this is Patricia.”
Buzz cut girl threw her fist into the other’s shoulder. “Fucker, call me that again and my next hit will be your face.”
“Oh please! Only small dicks have code names.”
“Newbie doesn’t need to know who I am. Look at her, skinny piece of shit. Pretty sure her entire weight is the same as one of my legs.” She looked me up and down, smirking. “If we can’t sell her ugly ass then she may as well be puppy meat.” My fingers twitched but the muscles fattening her arms and chest was reason enough to stay quiet.
“Come on, say something, dog meat.” She poked me. I clenched my jaw. Don’t say anything. She shoved again, harder. My fingers curled. Don’t say anything, Nadia. “I know you can speak, bitch.”
I meant to turn away, but instead the words flew out. “Touch me again, grandma, and I’ll punch your menopausal shit-eating face into the wall.”
Patricia lurched forward and grabbed me by the collar. Oh fuck! I snapped my hands to where her fists bunched beneath my chin. She was strong, stronger than I had anticipated.
“Oh, please!” Callous rolled her eyes. “Don’t play with your food, Pat.”
Patricia didn’t loosen her grip. She walked me into the wall as I choked where her knuckles pressed into my throat. She threw two punches into my side. Left then right and drove her knee upward. I wheezed beneath her sharp jabs. Pain radiated from my ribs. A signal rang beside us as robotic limbs squeaked. Booza disconnected from its perch on the wall and grabbed Patricia by the back of her neck. Red flashed the room.
“Unauthorized conduct. Analysis R11AP8, inappropriate behaviour, report despatched.” Effortlessly, the machine shook Patricia off me and tossed her across the room. Riki scrambled out of the way as the robot grabbed me. I jerked my head down, but it forced my chin back up. Red flashed. The scanner beeped.
“Invalid validation, clearance required. Imprint undetected.” Its voice droned, scanning my eyes. “Imprint undetected. Imprint undetected.” The tongs of its fingertips started to heat up. I grabbed at its wrist, squirming beneath it.
“Get it off me!”
“Fuck! Riki?” Callous shouted in between bursts of laughter. “Quick, turn it off!”
Searing heat gripped my jaw just as the machine powered down. I dropped down the wall as its limbs swung loose. Red eyes faded into black. Riki slumped against the control panel.
Callous helped Patricia up while still howling with laughter. “Ha ha ha, that was hilarious. You’re such an idiot. You know you can’t do that shit in front of the bots. Though, would’ve been funny seeing you after a week in the pit.”
“Damn, forgot it was on.” Patricia rubbed the back of her neck. “Don’t think this is over, mongrel. When I get back, I’m gonna give you a thrashing of five lifetimes.”
Chapter Seven:
I couldn’t think about buzz cut girl, or the robot, or anything else Riki had tried teaching me. All I could think of was finding and warning Diesel. It was agonizing waiting for time to pass. As soon as I could, I bolted for the main dining hall hoping to find him. I waited for hours, well after dinner, and the moment he walked across the threshold I pulled him to the side.
“Diesel, I need to talk to you.” It was hard to hide my relief. They hadn’t gotten to him… yet.
“Nad— What are you doing?” Diesel’s arm stiffened where I grabbed him.
I quickly noticed the colour of his uniform, the black smears of ash and gunpowder had soiled his grey sleeves. His skin glistened against the light, but I wasn’t sure if it was sweat or oil that coated him.
He checked over his shoulder, trying to hide his surprise. “Don’t talk to me. Not here. Not in front of everyone.”
“Just shush. You’re in danger.”
Sweat darkened the areas where his fingers combed through his hair, sleeking it against his head. He growled and pulled me out of the dining hall and around the corner. He pressed me against the wall and stepped in close. The smell of sweat and grime crinkled my nose.
“Are you crazy? What did I say about talking to me in public?”
“I know, but Riki told me there’s a hit out on you.”
“Who the hell is Riki?”
“That doesn’t matter! Diesel, didn’t you hear what I said? They are going to try to kill you!”
“Yes, I know.”
I paused. “What? You do?”
“Of course they would. Most likely they’ll send someone in to kill me in my sleep. I’ve been staying awake these past few nights, waiting for them. Once I kill whoever they send, word will spread. It’s just part of the game.”
“This isn’t a game. You’re not indestructible and you can’t stay awake forever.”
Diesel smirked. “Aw, you’re worried about me.” He reached to pinch my cheek.
I swatted his hand away. “Take this seriously.”
“I am taking it seriously and I know what I’m doing. They want to kill me because I’m a threat, Nadia, which means I’m respected. Hey?” Warm hands curled around my cheeks, lifting my head. Dirt freckled his face, camouflaging with the dark bristles lining his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here where I can keep my eye on you.”
Unconvinced, I nodded. Diesel stepped away and my face cooled. He winked as he turned, his back the last thing I saw before he vanished beyond the corner. Despite it all, I still couldn’t believe in his ability to survive this place. Neither of us would.
I had terrible nightmares that night. It felt real, like I was stuck in thick mud unable to wrench myself free. I couldn’t remember what had happened but I recognised the sensation of fear filling my body. I jerked myself awake, my hands trembling, and my pillow soaked. Had I been crying? I remained awake right up until morning when Riki came to fetch me.
In the dining hall, the atmosphere felt alive with nervous excitement. Something had happened, or something
was about to happen. Whispers moved in drafts up and down the crowd. More and more people left their seats and ran out into the hall.
Riki and I exchanged looks. He quickly dropped his eyes, taking another bite of his breakfast. He knew something. Something he wasn’t sharing.
“What’s happening?” I asked. Hound paced protectively behind Riki’s back. Riki only shrugged. The whispers jabbed me in pinpricks. I strained to hear what the excitement was about. I swivelled around in my chair and went to stand, but Riki grabbed my wrist.
“Don’t get involved.” The stern hint in his voice gave it away. I yanked myself out of his grip. He quickly rose, shouting after me. “He’s already dead. Just leave it.”
My mind didn’t register his words. It refused to. A thick blockage shoved the image away. It was impossible. I started running. I followed the buzz down the halls and corridors, until I reached a crowd surrounding a room. Nausea gripped my throat.
With shaking arms, I wedged my way to the front of the pack. Inside was bloodshed. Three bodies were sprawled across the ground. Stab wounds lined their chests and backs. Faces thumped into disfigurement. Their eyes were half-lidded but glazed, the bodies having been there for an hour at least. Among them, stiff in familiar grey clothes, was Diesel.
His head was turned away, toward the wall. I grabbed my chest. Pain surged upward. Shock. Doubt. It muted me when I wanted to scream. One of the men stepped over and pulled Diesel toward him. He flopped to his side. His white cheek clapped the cold floor. Relief shuddered out. It wasn’t Diesel but a man in similar clothes. I fell away from the crowd and hit the wall.
Blood trickled away from the main conflict, catching the sole of a left foot leaving the scene. I turned and followed it but the smear dried up meters down the hall.
My brisk walk fell into a run. I managed to find my way to No Man’s Land, but he wasn’t there among the hives of bunkbeds and trunks. I ran for the warehouse, the bunker, the dog cages, and yet nothing. Don’t talk to me. His haunting voice echoed. Not here. Not in front of everyone. I shook my head.
Soul Finder (The Immortal Gene Book 2) Page 5
