by Eliza Green
He felt Isobel go still beside him.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘Search for “Serena”. She came from one of the medical facilities. She helps to govern District Three on Exilon 5, along with your Stephen.’
Ben tapped the console with his fingers. ‘Do you think I’ll ever meet him again?’
‘Who?’ Isobel concentrated on the screen, her eyes flitting as she read the documents.
‘Stephen.’
‘Maybe, if you leave this planet someday. I don’t think he’ll risk coming back here, not after he was almost killed.’
‘What?’
‘You didn’t know about that? Probably hidden in one of your precious government documents. He and another Indigene called Anton came to Earth to assess the planet the humans came from.’
Ben froze. ‘Before or after he met me?’
‘After. I already told you. Your meeting with him was the catalyst for several things.’
A catalyst? He’d thought Isobel had been telling stories. He shook his head and searched for the name on-screen.
Several returned documents detailed the experimentations, the hosts held illegally for three days and the success with marrying Susan Bouchard’s code with Anton’s to create Serena.
‘Wait. Serena was made after Stephen and Anton came to Earth?’
‘Yes.’
‘And they came to this planet because of me?’
‘Because of the conversation between you and Stephen. You revealed to him what you were.’
‘I don’t understand.’
Isobel sighed. ‘You told Stephen you were human. In the history books, our ancestors had used that term, but the name Indigene had stuck. We always called you “surface creatures”. Stephen and the others thought of you as nothing else.’
‘How could the Indigenes have missed that?’
‘Easy to do when the Elders forbade any contact with the humans. My creation came after Serena, and in the process they gave me all the past memories, the history of the Indigenes.’
‘Shit.’ He never realised how messed up everything had got, because of him; how he had almost destroyed a race because of his selfish eight-year-old self. He swiped at his eyes.
‘It’s not your fault,’ said Isobel. ‘Serena was the best thing to happen to the Indigenes, to Stephen.’
Ben turned back to the report. It was short but he found something more interesting beneath it: a partial schematic of the medical facilities at Harvard.
Ben sat back and tapped the console. ‘Look.’
Isobel examined the drawing of one level of the facility, located just below the surface.
‘Yes. I can see how their design might work, if nothing but earth existed above ground.’ She frowned and pointed to a sketch of a vaulted ceiling. ‘You see here? This is a weak point. If you don’t reinforce well enough, you will have problems down the line. You mentioned that the Fortress was built underneath buildings?’
Ben nodded. ‘Sofia says it’s under the old science research building at Harvard. It used to house an arboretum that stored genetic information to restore plants and animals on Exilon 5.’
Ben located the building and pointed to it.
Isobel nodded. ‘There’s a green area in the middle of Boylston Hall, Weld Hall, that’s the science building, Grays Hall, and the Widener Library. If they’ve built the medical facility under the green area with the entrance as part of Weld Hall, then the heavy library is the most likely cause of the partial collapse.’
She made a bridge with her hands. ‘If you have a vaulted ceiling at the point of the heaviest load, here...’ She pointed to the edge of the library. ‘Then you’ll create fissure cracks in your structure. I fear that’s what has happened to the medical facility. They built it without considering the weight that lay above it.’
‘But other facilities are built in the same way, all underground, under buildings.’
‘It depends on the height and weight of the building up top and whether the load is evenly compensated for below. The library is a large structure. It’s entirely possible they designed the tunnels to compensate for the load of Boylston, Weld and Grays, which are smaller buildings, but didn’t consider the much heavier Widener Library building.’
‘So, can you help the skilled workers to repair their tunnels?’
‘Possibly. But Albert must convince them they need me. They may have closed off that part of the facility and have more pressing issues to worry about.’
‘Like what?’
‘A mechanic, a medic. Depending on their circumstances, they may need those more urgently than a structural engineer.’
‘Can’t you just fake other abilities like you did with the empath ability?’
Isobel shifted in her seat. ‘I never assisted in the construction of these tunnels when I was human. While my memories of that time are sporadic, I’m vaguely aware of the tunnels’ existence. When the doctors changed me into an Indigene, my human abilities became supercharged and I could see into the rock and identify any weak spots without specialised equipment. I cannot fake how to fix machinery because I never learned it as a skill, and I know even less about human anatomy. I faked the empath ability because we all possess it to differing degrees, and humans don’t understand how it works, anyway. It was why Serena chose me to find Jenny Waterson when I returned.’
‘Because you could fake reading emotions?’
‘No, because I could learn to “fake” fast.’
Ben wondered if Stephen’s concern for his eight-year-old self had been real or fake. He had probed him for information both times they met. Maybe all Stephen had wanted from him was information. His heart fluttered at how easily the Indigene had broken down his defences. He’d felt so used afterwards.
He nodded at the schematics, swallowing back a hard lump. ‘We can’t take these with us. Can you memorise them?’
‘No need. I understand now how the tunnels work. I can analyse structures fast when I need to.’
Ben stood up. ‘I think we should head back. I’ll need to grab a few things before we get going to Harvard.’
Isobel frowned. ‘You’re not coming with us. It’s too dangerous.’
‘I’m not leaving you and Albert to fight this alone.’
He turned away but she grabbed his wrist. ‘I promised Albert I would bring you back safely. We don’t know what to expect at Harvard. But it’s no place for someone of your age.’
‘Nor is it a place for a man in his eighties.’
Isobel twisted his wrist until it felt like the bones might snap. ‘Okay, fine. I won’t go.’
‘Good.’ She let go.
They left the digital library and hitched a ride back to Waverley. On the way back, Ben conceived a plan to follow them to Harvard.
24
Albert had just finished up his conversation with Sofia when Isobel and Ben returned at midday. There had been no patrons in, and Pete had disappeared soon after Isobel and Ben left. He sat them down at one round table and listened as Ben explained what they’d found. Isobel, stiff and with a wary look in her eyes, added what she could.
Half an hour later, Albert had filled his grey satchel with oxygen canisters. He slung it over his shoulder and felt around in his pocket for his mask that would protect him from the poisonous air outside. Sofia waited for him by the door mask in hand; she wore a heavy coat over her grey trousers and ripped blue sweater. Isobel at her side towered over her, eyes focused on something above her head.
‘Do they know what to do?’ Albert said to Sofia.
‘Si. They will barricade the door once you leave.’
‘Absolutely no more refugees, otherwise we’ll all have to find somewhere else to live. We’re to meet Jenny at Hope Street.’
Ben walked towards the door. ‘Right, let’s get going then.’
‘And where do you think you’re going?’
‘To Harvard. You can’t stop me.’
Albert did, with a hand to his ch
est. ‘I can and I will.’
Ben’s eyes flitted between Albert and Isobel. ‘Isobel needs me to protect her.’
Albert laughed. ‘I think it’s us that need protecting. Nice try.’
But Ben was adamant. ‘It was my idea to go to the library, Albert. I have a right to go.’
Albert pulled Ben away from the others. ‘I’ve never really told you what to do, not that you would have listened to me, anyway. But I’m asking you now. Please stay here.’
‘But I can help—’
‘It’s too dangerous. You and Kevin are the only family I have. Plus, I need you to keep my stock safe from Pete.’
Ben folded his arms. ‘How’s he going to get in if the place is barricaded?’
Albert leaned in closer to his ear. ‘That worm has a way of getting inside. I’ve had enough of him and his excuses. I don’t care if Marcus promised him a free pass here. No more.’
‘Stop treating me like a kid, Albert. I can be useful to you out there.’
‘I know.’ Albert sighed. He hated keeping Ben on a short lead. ‘You’ve shouldered more responsibility than most sixteen-year-olds. That’s why I want you to stay here. Let someone else take responsibility for the world, for a change.’
‘And what if something happens to you? Who will protect you?’
‘I have Jenny and Isobel to help. We will all look out for each other. Take a step back from adult responsibilities and be a teenager for a while.’ Albert checked his watch. ‘If we’re to make it there and back before curfew, we need to go now.’
Isobel nodded and said to Ben, ‘We won’t be longer than half a day.’
☼
Getting past the gate guards was harder than Albert expected. They searched his bags, quizzed him about the dozens of canisters in his satchel. When he told them he wanted to get them repaired at the next neighbourhood over, it seemed like the guard wouldn’t let him pass. But when one resident standing in line collapsed and drew the guards’ attention away, Albert slipped past, unnoticed. He looked back at the collapsed man to see him wink at him when the guard had turned away.
A short time later, Albert, Isobel and Sofia arrived at the spot on Hope Street where the vehicle belonging to the underground movement had first picked them up. Jenny stepped out from a darkened doorway hidden by a large car.
She cast a quick glance over the group. ‘Are we waiting on more?’
‘No, this is it,’ said Albert. ‘Sofia knows the way and Isobel might be able to help.’
Jenny watched Isobel, her mouth set in a tight line.
‘Were you expecting someone else?’
‘Yes, your boy Ben.’
Albert shook his head. ‘This is no place for a sixteen-year-old. We can manage, just us.’
‘And how cooperative will Isobel be without him?’ Jenny marched over to the car and spoke to the driver. ‘Tell Greyson the trip’s off.’
‘Wait! What?’ Albert stepped forward.
‘I thought I made my feelings clear about Ben coming today. I can’t risk Isobel backing out of this when we may have just one shot to speak with the skilled workers.’
‘I never promised to bring—’
‘Marcus thinks Greyson and I are a couple of harmless vendors. I can’t risk one of his associates seeing me today if this is nothing more than a leisurely stroll. Ben was our best chance of convincing Isobel to help.’
‘I said I would consider your offer,’ said Isobel.
‘Consideration is no good to me. I need cast-iron guarantees. This goes beyond Waverley. We’re riding a shit-storm here. We might not get another shot at this if we fail.’
Jenny leaned in the window and spoke to the driver a second time. Albert couldn’t believe what was happening.
He walked up to Jenny. ‘Wait. We need this. We can’t survive without life support. We’ll all die. We have to try. Isn’t it enough that Isobel’s here?’
‘I’m afraid it’s not.’ Jenny circled her finger and the vehicle’s engine hummed into life.
‘Wait.’ Isobel stepped forward. ‘I’ll help if you promise me not to involve Ben in this.’
Jenny held her hand up to the driver. ‘Then tell me what your skill is.’
Isobel took a deep breath. ‘I was a structural engineer in my past. I heard about the partial tunnel collapse. Ben and I examined the schematics for the medical facilities in Harvard, so perhaps I will be of use to the skilled workers.’
Jenny appeared to mull it over. Albert couldn’t bear the wait. Then she opened the door to the vehicle.
‘Get in, before anyone sees us together.’
Albert released a breath he’d been holding. He caught the brief glance that Jenny gave the driver; a look of relief. And for Albert too; the conversation could have gone either way.
He settled into his seat, impressed that Jenny had tricked Isobel into helping by using Ben as bait. If she hadn’t, he had no idea what could have convinced the Indigene to help.
The vehicle sat eight in total: two seats at the front and six in the back, three facing three. The driver sat up front with a man Albert hadn’t seen before, while Jenny sat in the back facing Albert, Isobel and Sofia. The driver gave the car a simple command and it moved.
‘How is your friend?’ said Jenny. ‘The German man?’
‘He’s dead,’ said Albert.
‘I’m sorry to hear that.’
‘Are you?’
‘Of course I am.’
Albert snorted. ‘I only ask because sometimes you come across as cold as Marcus.’
‘Well, sometimes to fight the scum, you have to get inside their head.’ She half-smiled. ‘I assure you, we have feelings like everyone else. It’s just that we have seen far more than you ever will. We know how ruthless certain people can be. Give them an inch and they’ll take everything you own.’
‘And I’ve seen my fair share of misery over my time.’
Jenny smiled. ‘I assure you this life you live today doesn’t even scratch the surface. People have been treated far worse than the residents in the controlled neighbourhoods.’
‘Do you really believe there’s a technology expert living among them at Harvard?’ said Isobel.
Jenny nodded. ‘Someone’s sending the encrypted message, and it’s not us.’
‘And you want to trade my skill for one of theirs?’
‘That’s the plan.’ Jenny looked out the window.
‘Will I have to stay with them?’
Jenny looked at her. ‘Is that why you’re so hesitant to help?’ She shifted round and leaned forward. ‘Do you know why Stephen and Bill Taggart sent you back here?’
‘They said you needed my help.’
‘Nothing more?’
Isobel shook her head.
‘They sent you here to set us free. All of us.’
Albert frowned. Was that true? Was Isobel that important?
‘Albert says you’ve seen inside their facilities,’ Jenny said to Sofia. ‘What can you tell us about the inner perimeter?’
Sofia nodded, as if remembering. ‘Few people get past the outer perimeter, but I did. Once. There is new security now. Cameras, lasers... boom! Before, there was little.’
Albert frowned.
‘She’s talking about the roving cameras,’ said Jenny. ‘They roam the property. The lasers might mean there’s some modification to a security system they had before. But the outer perimeter fence is protected by an electrical force field. We know they’ve strengthened it since the last time we tried to find their entrance. They use a hologram on campus to disguise the exact location of the facilities.’
Albert leaned forward. ‘How?’
‘Think of a maze. You turn one corner, and you think you’re at the centre, but it turns out you’re somewhere else entirely. The hologram runs around the entire perimeter and probably the immediate vicinity, too. We will need to find a particular building, but don’t be surprised if the same place pops up again when you turn the corner.’
Albert adjusted the satchel on his lap, rattling the canisters. ‘Isobel and Ben researched the tunnel designs before we came here.’
Isobel nodded. ‘A series of vaulted ceilings in the tunnels support the weight of the campus buildings. We use the same design in the district tunnels on Exilon 5, but we reinforced weak spots using baronium, a metal alloy that doesn’t seem to exist here. If the tunnels for the medical facilities still use steel in their designs, it could explain the partial collapse in the Fortress’ structure. I should be able to determine where the problem is by assessing the buildings up top.’
‘The hologram could be an issue,’ said Jenny. ‘You won’t necessarily see anything out of place.’
The car crossed over the Robert F. Kennedy bridge and headed north-east. Albert noted the better quality of the roads past the city—the car didn’t bump as much—and the lack of obstacles that didn’t hinder their route. The criminals used the same routes to get in and out of areas fast, so they would have to be wary. The car jerked forward as it picked up pace, forcing Albert to yank his seatbelt tighter across his body.
‘Do you have rocket engines in this car or something?’
Jenny laughed. ‘No. There are two types of cars left on Earth. Fast ones and really fast ones. We hid all the really fast vehicles. It’s over 200 miles to Harvard from here. We should make it in less than an hour.’
Albert tried to settle in for the remainder of the journey, but any sudden change in direction, no matter how small, jerked his stomach and made it hard for him to relax. When the road straightened, the driver risked a faster speed. Tensions remained high as they discussed the likelihood of their success. They all prepared for the fact that they might not get close to the outer perimeter, let alone the entrance to the facility.
True to Jenny’s prediction, the vehicle pulled up close to Flagstaff Park and Massachusetts Avenue forty-five minutes later. They climbed out and the driver sped off.
