by Van Forson
My dad’s words were not comforting. He wasn’t the one who had to face my friends and somehow explain this mess. I had just clawed my way to popularity at school, instead of just being the weirdo without a Code Type, and now here I was once again the centre of negative attention.
“Dad, you don't know how it feels to have the entire school talking about you behind your back like you’re some sort of freak!” I exploded. “I swear I’m never going back to school.”
“Of course you are,” Bibi snapped.
“You can’t make me!”
“Of course we can Keziah, stop being so dramatic. The Authorities are happy this incident has nothing to do with you. I suggest we drop this. Now!” Bibi yelled.
“Will everyone please stop shouting,” Milan said. “A life was lost today in that schoolyard, right in front of Kid’s eyes. It’s a deeply upsetting time for us all.”
“A criminal was annihilated by the Guardians before any real harm was done. Those are the facts so will everyone please stop being so emotional before this gets silly.”
Milan shot Bibi as stern a look as she could muster. “It’s ok Kid, you’ve got the weekend now to relax, and perhaps you can take a few days off school next week, to let this all die down.”
Bibi turned to his wife disapprovingly, “We can’t do that Milan. We cannot constantly shield her from the real world. That’s the problem with your Type, you’re just too soft.”
“I’m not soft,” Milan protested unconvincingly, “I just don’t want Kid to go through any avoidable harassment. The world is so cruel these days. Perhaps it’s not such a bad idea for her to stay away from school for a while?”
“If Kid gets time off then I’m not going to school either.” Jet jumped in.
For Bibi that was the final straw.
“Jet, your whining isn’t helping matters. This is about Keziah, not you.”
“It’s always about Kid! You never listen to what I have to say.” Jet hollered.
I rolled my eyes, “Stop being such a drama queen and grow up.” On this one occasion, I agreed with my dad.
“I'm not a drama queen. I’m thirteen, and I am grown up. I'll show you; I'll show all of you!” Jet stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.
Milan started after Jet. Bibi stopped her in her tracks.
“Let him go. This is exactly what I mean when I tell you our children are far too sensitive. That’s why I keep insisting we should have them Code Type tested. I’m sure they’ve got far too many of your compassionate genes and far too few of my logical ones.”
“No Bibi, I will not allow it,” Milan finally put her foot down, “the process is too painful to inflict on them. Their Code Type status will become apparent, with time.”
“But Kid is almost sixteen years old, and she’s showing no signs of a Type.”
“I know her Type should have become apparent by now, but she is a slow developer.”
“Argh! Would you guys stop talking about me like I wasn’t here,” I snapped. How embarrassing that my parents were discussing my private issues in front of me.
“I’m sorry sweetie. This is all too much for all of us. I really don’t feel comfortable leaving you tomorrow, so I'll stay home.” Milan decided regretfully.
“You can't miss your annual general conference this weekend Milan, you’re the guest speaker. If anyone stays at home with the children it’ll be me.” Bibi huffed, “I’ll catch up on some research data or something.”
I really didn’t want to be a burden. My parents had been excitedly planning this trip for ages. Plus it would be awful for my ma to go and dad to stay behind at a time like this, he would be annoyed and therefore annoying the entire weekend.
“Look, I'm fine. Ma you shouldn’t miss your conference. Both of you should go.”
“I suppose we could put Auto Nan in charge of the children for the weekend.” Bibi offered as a logical solution.
“That’s totally not cool. We’re not babies; we don’t need a nanny to look after us.” I protested.
“Ok, maybe there’s another option - ” Milan began.
“It’s not up for discussion,” Bibi wouldn’t allow his wife’s people-pleasing ways and his daughter's strong will to deter him from his decision, “Auto Nan will watch over you for the weekend and report back to us. If there are any problems, we’ll be on the first light speed transit back.”
“Okay, whatever,” I mumbled. I had no fight left in me.
“Darling are you sure you’re alright? Help us to help you.” Milan pleaded.
I stopped myself from snorting ironically at ma’s constant concern yet lack of a backbone. In the end, she always gave in to whatever my dad decided. It wasn’t her fault. She was designed that way.
“I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
I left the room under my ma’s worried gaze and my dad clapping his hands together to conclude the matter. “Well, that’s that then.”
Upstairs, in my room, I flopped wearily onto my bed.
“Track fourteen,” I instructed and the latest song from my favourite band, the Allstars, played.
I exhaled loudly. I couldn't get the Harlequin's face out of my mind. Everyone kept saying it was a dangerous intruder, but I had looked right into her eyes, and I refused to believe that the child staring back at me was a threat. In any case, she had spoken to me, told me the ‘Time is now!’
Time for what?
I curled up into a ball and hugged my pillow tightly for comfort. The day’s events weighed heavily on my mind until I drifted into an uneasy sleep.
Dreaming is a must,
Where truths are softly spoken.
So in the land of nod,
Keep your third eye open.
Three: The Living Dream
Bright artificial light bounced from one transparent or reflective surface to another. The glare stung the witchy-looking woman’s eyes. She blinked rapidly surveying the premises. The maternity hospital was a completely see-through building. She shifted uneasily in her polyester nurses uniform. She didn't like being so exposed or the pristine manner of the Upper Worlds.
The nurse smiled politely at her co-worker, a Guardian model Neil 2000, who made small talk in its predictable pre-programmed way.
“A lovely set of newborns aren’t they?”
“Yes.” The nurse agreed, keeping a watchful eye on the parallel rows of several glass incubators, each crib containing a new life.
“Beautiful bundles of joy,” the robotic security said enthusiastically.
“Mmm Hmm.” She nodded in agreement, scratching her long, wart-ridden nose.
“So perfect in every way.” He blabbed on.
“Quite true.” The lady yawned loudly, exposing the golden teeth in the back of her mouth.
She glanced at the clock projected into the middle of the room, it read; 02:00 hours. Right on time two men, a tall one and a small one walked down the long shiny silver corridor towards the nursery. The tall man had luxurious mahogany toned skin. He was dressed in an expertly tailored bright purple suit. He glided smoothly across the walkway, taking powerfully elongated strides, which kept his majestic six foot five frame moving at a steady pace. The small man’s crooked body rested heavily upon a twisted cane as his little feet pattered in quick succession to keep up with his companion. His receding hairline sprouted an impressive waist length silver ponytail, which waved behind him gracefully as his cane scraped along the metal floor, not so gracefully. The tooth grinding sound echoed around the clear clinical walls and alerted the lady and the Guardian of their arrival.
“Excuse me Nurse Zono,” Neil 2000 said politely as he exited the secure plastic partition and approached the two men.
“You're excused,” Zono said, watching the Guardian like a hawk.
“Good day Sirs,” Neil said cordially reading their eye scans.
Neither pair of irises matched the hospital system, or any database on the Upper Worlds.
“Access den
ied,” Neil reported sternly. “You are trespassing. State your business or leave the premises immediately. Otherwise, you will be annihilated.”
Such talk was an idle threat to the likes of the tall and the small man. The powers vested within them could wipe out a thousand of this type of old fashioned robotic machinery. But they didn’t have to move a muscle. The lady, Zono had this one covered.
The nurse appeared behind the Guardian, “Sorry, Neil. Your chat bored me to tears, but I still don't like to have to do this to you.”
With one flick of her bony wrist, she created an ionised field that powered down Neil 2000, and he fell to the floor with a thud. The action was as effortless as swatting a fly. Zono swept a mass of frizzy black curls back underneath her white cap, overriding the system and releasing the emergency button to let in her guests. Unperturbed by the commotion, the tall man and the small man sidestepped the broken robot and walked into the glass inner sanctum.
Without speaking a word, Zono extended a long, knobbly index finger and the men followed her direction. The three cohorts walked through the nursery in silence until Zono stopped abruptly in front of a cubicle. There they stood in a triangle formation around the crib as they held counsel.
“A female offspring has been born to the Monrova family. XX donor mother Milan, a Compassionate Code Type and XY donor father Bibi, a Superior, Scientific Code Type. They have named their baby girl, Keziah.” The automated birthing report informed them.
All three gazed at the newborn in awe. And fear.
“So the miracle stated in the lost scripture is true.” Zono finally spoke to her companions.
The small man slapped his forehead in disbelief, “I never thought, not for a moment, not for a million years that the teachings from the Vortex of Souls would manifest in my lifetime.”
“She was the only female born on the Upper Worlds today.” Zono whispered as if someone could be listening to their conversation. “No mutations and not a trace of a Code Type.”
“If she is truly without Type, that would make the impossible possible. Can she really be made of the same magical stuff as the ancestors?” The tall man asked, his deep bass tones reverberating around the room.
“Let's not be too hasty, let's, not be, to-oo, hasty.” The small man dithered. “Indeed there is no such thing as coincidences, but we have waited a long time, a very long time, too long, for her. We have to be certain, very, very certain that she is the one.”
“If she is the one she will have to work quickly.” The tall man said urgently.
“The Elders established many guiding parties, and the task has fallen to our Trinity to protect her.” Zono reminded her guests. "I always knew we would be bestowed with the honour of watching over her.”
The three peered intently at the infant.
“Such little hands and such tiny feet. What a great weight to bear on shoulders so small?” Zono mused.
“Only time will tell how much she will be able to take,” The tall man added.
“But time, time ticks on, continuously. And ticking time is not something we have the luxury of.” The small man said.
Just then, the baby opened her almond-shaped, big brown eyes and looked into the faces staring down at her. She drew a sharp breath, and her lips quivered.
“Now, now little one,” Zono said as she rocked the crib.
Before she could soothe the infant, her tiny face scrunched up. Tears streamed down her rosy cheeks as she let out an almighty wail. The three mystics looked at each other.
“The battle cry of a leader.” The tall man said defiantly. “And so it is, and so it shall be; mark this advent in history. From this day The Prophecy has begun!”
“Aaaahhh!” The baby cried.
“Aaaahhh!” I jerked bolt upright in bed. It took me a moment to realise where I was. The Allstars music was playing on repeat. A froufrou outfit, I would never wear again, strewn on the floor. Several screens broadcasting all the latest Upper Worldian happenings were switched on. Yep, I was definitely in my bedroom, and it was just another bizarre dream.
I squinted adjusting to the early morning brightness. Heaving myself out of bed, I stumbled out of the room and padded barefoot down the levitating steps.
“Good morning, Miss Keziah.” Auto Nan sprang into action as soon as I entered the kitchen.
“Morning,” I mumbled rubbing my eyes and searching the fridge. Vitamin granules, O2 vacuums, powdered greens and pulses filled my health conscious mother's cooler.
“You’re up early.” Auto Nan said checking the digital display projected in the middle of the room. “It’s 5:01 in the AM.”
“Bad dream,” I grunted, my head still buried amongst the provisions.
I was not in the mood for conversation.
“Not another one, Miss Keziah.” Auto Nan said sympathetically, making a note to add to the report for my parents. “Well, this should help you feel better.”
Auto Nan zoomed into action and in no time at all produced a warm, soothing beverage.
“This is for you with two sweeteners. Just how you like it.”
I smiled, receiving the drink gratefully. It was exactly what I needed, “Thanks, Nan.” I said sipping the sweet liquid and warming to the idea of being babysat.
It wasn’t so bad having a domestic Guardian to look after us while my parents were away. Ma had obviously programmed Auto Nan that morning, for that I was thankful. If it were down to my dad, Auto Nan would have instructed me to clean the house sensors or complete some other menial task as soon as I woke up.
I carefully cradled my drink and took a seat at the kitchen table. On the desktop wedged between my father’s science textbooks, my IM - Interactive Messenger - flashed. I pressed play. The message was from Jet and his being beamed out in front of me in a holographic simulation.
“Look lame-o. I didn’t appreciate the way you spoke to me last night. Ma and Dad have gone and so have I. Skye’s taking me to UC to find out what the Harlequin wanted from you. Don’t tell anyone. I’ll be back soon. Sayonara.”
The image faded to blackness.
“What?!” I glanced conspiratorially at Auto Nan who was busy tidying the kitchen.
I ran to the house security monitor and quickly scanned Jets bedroom. In his bed I saw a lumpy bump as if he was asleep under the covers. But I knew my brother far too well to be fooled by that.
“Zoom into the bed and x-ray scan,” I whispered.
The camera zoomed in, and sure enough, the lump in the bed was nothing more than a row of pillows. My heart jumped into my mouth. I sat down at the terminal to track Jets router. It didn’t blip anywhere in the house. Now alert, I typed in Jet's coordinates which would show me wherever he was located. The scanner bought up a map of our entire neighbourhood.
‘Blip. Person Not Found.’
I widened the search, and the map expanded to include the surrounding areas.
‘Blip. Person Not Found.’
Desperately I checked the entire city,
‘Blip. Person Not Found.’
Panicked now, I checked the net and quickly found the coordinates for the Outer Limits and typed them in furiously.
‘Blip. Jet Saint Monrova Identified.’
On the map, I saw a blue spot representing Jet. He was nearly off the radar on the Outer Limits crossing into UC.
“No!” I screamed in horror, dropping the mug on the floor sending the beverage splatting everywhere.
Auto Nan zoomed into the room. “Whatever is the matter, Miss Keziah?”
“Nothing. I’m fine. Well, not fine.”
“What can I help you with?” Auto Nan went to work cleaning up the mess.
“Nothing! Er, sorry about that Nan, I’m still a bit shaky from the dream.”
My goodness! Jet was in grave danger. Nobody ever went to UC. I couldn’t believe he was foolhardy enough to venture down there. I needed to get him back home to safety and fast! I couldn't figure out how on earth to solve this mess. But I knew someo
ne who would.
“I think I need some fresh air. I’m going to pop outside.”
I bounded past my Automated Nanny and shoved Jet’s rocket sneakers on my feet. I wouldn’t be caught dead in them on an average day; there was nothing chic about these gnarly flying boots.
“But it’s 5:06 AM.” Auto Nan said.
“I know, just need to clear my head. I’ll be in the garden,” I said hoping her lie detector was not switched on.
“Well put your coat on. The weathers turned, and it’s chilly outside.”
“Yeah, sure,” I said flying top speed, out the back door.
I crossed the yard and raced up the side of Max’s house to his bedroom and knocked loudly on the window. Within seconds a light flicked on, and his blind sprang up.
Max looked at me, more bug-eyed than usual, before cautiously letting me in. He was fully alert. No yawning or early morning disorientation, Max was ready to go as soon as he opened his eyes. I appreciated his Code Type’s efficiency at times like this.
Max checked his self-designed wristwatch, which measured all manner of things, the least impressive of them was time.
“I’m assuming you are aware that it is 5.07 in the AM.” He stated as I hovered mid-air in his room.
“Those things are a waste of essential energy.” Max looked at the boots disgustedly.
I powered them down. I didn’t have time for a lecture on the energy crises. I launched straight in, “Max I need your help, Jets gone to UC! My parents are away at a conference, Nan is sitting for us and has no clue that anything is wrong. I need to get him back home safely and in one piece before she realises and calls my parents.”
Max’s pupils darted to mine reflecting massively in his spectacles.
“You’re a bit old for a Nanny aren’t you?” He chuckled.
“Don’t change the subject; we’re wasting time,” I said.
He had missed the vital point that Jet had run away. And, I was embarrassed that this little neek, dressed in his self-designed grey sleep suit, with a pile of tech in one corner of his room and a mini lab in the other, was laughing at me.
