Hard Wired Trilogy

by DeAnna Pearce

  He beat her to it as his call rang through when she entered her room. His smile lit up the large screen in her sitting room. She forced a pleasant look, despite her inner turmoil. He had a way of doing that to her.

  “You won’t guess my news.”

  Ari plopped down on the couch anxious to talk to him as well, though it would have to be off line. “You’ve been assigned project manager?”

  “I said you couldn’t guess.” He enthusiasm was contagious.

  “Okay, I give.”

  “My mom’s coming here.”

  Pausing in the middle of reaching for a drink, her gaze lashed back to the screen. “What?”

  “They said since I have earned an official position, they are able to review family requests.”

  That sounded great. Almost too great. “Did you request it?”

  “No. I guess there was something about it on paperwork when we first came.” His eyes looked so happy. He looked like… he was finally getting something he’d wanted for a long time. Despite what he said about leaving his mother behind to accompany Ari, she knew it bothered him. “I just can’t believe it. It’s all coming together. She’ll work an administrative job with a decent wage and an apartment. This is a dream come true.”

  Her stomach dropped. A cold feeling traveled down her body. Her plans, her ideas of being free of all this, and then VisionTech offers Reed the one thing he’s always wanted. She forced a mask in place, a guard to the truth going on inside.

  “When is she coming?” Ari hoped maybe they could change plans. Get her out of the country another way, another time.

  “I still have to convince her to come, which may be the hardest part. They have to schedule a meeting. My mom doesn’t even like VRs so it may be a little bit.”

  Swallowing, Ari blinked back tears. They did this on purpose. VisionTech knew she wasn’t happy, so they brought more people here to keep her here. They probably would have sent her family here if they hadn’t gone underground with Tessa.

  “What’s wrong?” Reed leaned forward.

  “Nothing,” Ari responded fast. “I’m just not feeling too great. Tired.”

  “I’m sorry. I wish I could be there, to help. Which actually brings me to my next point.”

  “Which is?”

  “Niomi said I was also approved to get a room next to yours.”

  Even though Ari knew this was another ploy on the part of VisionTech, she couldn’t help the happiness spreading in her chest. She’d been so lonely lately. “That would be great.”

  “Now that I have an official position, I can request co-habitation status. I have to be careful of what I tell others is the only thing, really. I didn’t want to assume you’d want to live with me, but they said I could have a room in your wing.”

  “That’d be great.” Ari had asked for this several times when they first arrived on the island. She didn’t want to tell him the real reason for VisionTech’s decision. How could she? How could she ruin this dream of his? On the island, he can have a future and career he only dreamed about. His mother could have this too. And in time they could move wherever they wanted. Even then, why would they? Working here was as close to paradise as one could get.

  It may be a death sentence for Ari, but it would be a great life here for Reed. She had derailed Reed’s life for long enough. Though it felt like her heart was tearing apart, she found happiness in Reed’s future and joy. With so much practice lately living other people’s lives and detaching from her true emotions, Ari had no problem exhibiting the joy she should feel.

  “Are you okay?” He leaned forward, his brow creased. “Is it my mom? I’m sure we can get Marco and your mom here too.”

  She forced herself to act happy. “It’d be great if you two could be together.” It wasn’t a lie. She always admired his mom’s loving attitude despite her hardships. “Promise.”

  “Good, should we go out and celebrate?”

  “Definitely. How about that place up high in the trees? Could you snag us another reservation?”

  “Probably. I’ll give them a call and get back to you.”

  “Message me. I’m going to head to bed.” Ari watched him on the screen, memorizing every aspect of his imperfectly perfect face. “And Reed?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I love you.”

  He paused, the declaration not new, but must be surprising. His soft lips curled up in a smile. “I love you, too.”

  “Goodnight,” she said and clicked off the screen.

  That was how Ari wanted to remember him, blissfully happy and obtaining everything he deserved in life. VisionTech wasn’t a bad company as blood-sucking companies go. Hailey had said the same thing. Ari loved Reed enough to give him the life he deserved. Even if that life meant she was not a part of it.

  Chapter 33

  New messages pinged on her screen, telling her she’d slept in. Slices of sunlight cut into her room behind heavy clouds. It looked like another storm was coming. They weren’t kidding about the rainy season here.

  Rolling over, she opened her messages. The first one was from Niomi reminding her of her therapist appoint at ten today followed by a workout. Ari groaned, not looking forward to it either. A week off didn’t feel like time off with this crap.

  Next one was Reed telling her that if they wanted to go back to the tree top restaurant, they would have to go tonight. Another storm was due to come in and expected to last the rest of the week. At least she had something to look forward to after her therapist and Niomi.

  Getting out of bed, she lost herself in thoughts of Reed. Realizing that this may be the last date she got to have with him. Realizing she no longer had an appetite, she didn’t bother going out to the kitchen but grabbed something in her room. When she reached for a juice from the small fridge, a note fluttered to the ground.

  It wasn’t Jewels’ handwriting, but looked sloppy, probably Tamar’s.

  Meet us by the beach at 5:15 if you can. We’re calling in the storm.

  Calling in a storm? Ari wondered what that all included and how one called in a storm. The idea intrigued her until she remembered her date. Maybe she could meet with Tamar and Oliana first then meet Reed. It may be a good cover as well. She sent Reed a quick message confirming plans and telling him she’d meet him there at 6pm.

  The idea of a date tonight kept her mind busy all morning, until her therapy appointment. Walking down the hall, Ari wondered what therapy meant. Granted people had psychologists, but most used the VR for that. Simulations geared to heal people of phobias, psychological disorders, and for anything the programs couldn’t fix then surgery could help. When one could have all the great doctors in the world in one program, why would one doctor on the outside be so special? She had never heard of talking to a person face to face.

  She stood in front of the white door in her smart suit—which she was instructed to wear—waiting to be let in. Doctor Davis’s name ran across the electronic panel. After a few moments, the door hissed open and the therapist greeted her. Her skin was flawless like expensive china, and up close, her bright green eyes looked ever more manufactured—definitely a plastic. “So good to see you again, Ariana.”

  “You can call me Ari, everyone else does.”

  “Okay, Ari, please take a seat.” She motioned to the long blue couch against the wall. The small office was decorated in neutral tones, calming tones with sparse furniture.

  “Do you know why you’re here?”

  Ari shrugged thinking that was really a good question. Granted, what she knew and what she was supposed to know were two different things. “I messed up on my last mission.”

  Doctor Davis laughed lightly. “You didn’t mess up, dear. There were circumstances beyond your control.”

  Ari stiffened as the doctor called her dear but didn’t say anything. Instead she renamed her Doctor Plastic. Tessa would find that fitting.

  The doctor didn’t seem to notice and continued to talk. “Niomi and your supervisors calle
d me in to make sure you’re happy here.”

  How kind of them. “I’m fine,” she said instead.

  “You look great. But being so young without your family can be hard on a teenager. I heard Reed and his mother may move into your wing. I suggested that. Having a community and support system is important for your health, especially when dealing with stressful situations.”

  It didn’t seem like the woman wanted an answer, so Ari remained silent.

  “Why don’t we start by how you are doing with your work and social life?”

  This wedged right under Ari’s patience. This doctor, perfect as a woman can be, who must come from a different universe, wants to know about Ari’s life. This doctor must be paid a lot. Granted Ari didn’t want to create unnecessary problems not with everything else going on. So, Ari shared, just a little, trying to stick to the truth as much as possible. There was a reason Niomi wanted Ari to wear her smart suit. It traced her blood pressure and other vitals that could read her better than some therapist.

  Everything continued along with Doctor Plastic being so supportive and kind nearly made Ari puke. Then, just when Ari was ready to leave with five minutes left of her appointment, the real question came out.

  “Tell me about the other warper in the VLEX?”

  Ari swallowed. “I told Niomi all that I know and put it on the report.”

  “Yes, I’ve read the report, but I’m curious. Have you ever met her before?”

  Breathing slowly to get her vitals back to normal, Ari replied, “She looked familiar. I probably saw her before at lunch or something. How do I really know if she is a warper?”

  Doctor Plastic glanced down at Ari’s hands twisting in her lap. “You know you need to tell us if you meet another warper?”

  “Why? So, you can recruit them?” Track them down, manipulate them, and work them to death was what Ari really wanted to say.

  “No, for your protection. We want to keep you safe in and out of the VLEX. And surprise guests can cause a lot of problems for you.”

  And a lot of problems for you too. “I understand.”

  “Do you? Do you understand how important you are to VisionTech? Niomi and Vinh consider you family. Our goal is to make you content as possible.”

  Anger rose, bristling at the lies that poured so easily from this woman’s mouth. How many years would this have gone on? Until Ari’s brain snapped? This company lying over and over until there was nothing left of her. Ari leaned forward this time to make herself perfectly clear. “I. Understand.”

  Chapter 34

  Blocking, striking, and pushing herself to the limit physically, distracted Ari’s mind. Harder and harder she struck out at Niomi with the staff, pressing her trainer to retreat. The clash of wood on wood echoed through the forest, scattering the nearby wildlife. It gave a rhythmic steady beat that calmed her nerves as Ari’s heart pounded along.

  For the first time, she found she had the upper hand. Instinct and training kicked in, and when an opening presented itself, she thrust the staff forward, hitting Niomi in the thigh. Her trainer crumbled to the ground, while Ari stepped forward pausing the staff an inch before it hit Niomi’s throat.

  Looking into her eyes, Ari realized the haunting shadows under Niomi’s eyes were guilt. She let Ari get this close because of her remorse. Ari didn’t want this woman’s pity. Niomi must have known all this time what would happen to Ari if she pushed herself too much in the VR. All the rules, the exercising, the overprotectiveness wasn’t for Ari, it was to keep a million dollar asset alive.

  Niomi’s silent gaze told Ari more than Niomi knew. Ari stepped back lowering her staff. “I’m going to go shower.”

  “Wait, Ari—”

  “No. Not today, not right now. Someone I know said there are no excuses.” Quoting Niomi’s words back to her, Ari tossed the staff on the ground. Part of her knew she should be grateful for everything Niomi taught her, but she couldn’t. Niomi kept her alive as part of a job—it was only a job. “I’m taking a night off. We can talk tomorrow.”

  When she stepped out of the shower, the afternoon light had faded behind dark heavy clouds. No rain yet, but it was on its way. Why would islanders think this would be a good time to have a beach party? This storm didn’t need calling in, it was well on its way without an invite.

  Grabbing a plush jacket, she headed outside to meet her two security guards. She had to give them credit, they didn’t even cower against the gushing wind. “Ready?”

  “Are you sure you want to go out in this weather, Miss? It’s going to hit hard soon.”

  Just then a message pinged. Storm coming in sooner than expected. They’re closing the restaurant early because of it.

  Ari wasn’t ready to call it a night. She’d made it through this in a car before, she could do it again. Hitting a button, she spoke a message back to Reed. “Let’s meet at the community center in an hour instead.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the guard roll his eyes. Good. She hated being spiteful, but due to recent events, it was hard for her not to detest anyone who played a part in her employment.

  “Ready guys?”

  “We’re heading to the community center?”

  “I still have to make a stop at the islander’s beach party. They are calling a storm.”

  “I would recommend against that.” The tall one with dark features stared down at her.

  Smiling back, she responded, “Good thing I don’t take recommendations from you. And aren’t you curious what a calling entails?”

  “No.” His stone face didn’t move an inch.

  “I bet he is.” She motioned to the other guard then headed to her car. Her anger gave way to indifference. What could VisionTech do to her that they weren’t already? Granted, she supposed they could step to some seedy methods, but that wasn’t their style. She gave them credit for that. Adviser William would have probably tortured Reed or her family slowly until Ari conceded. But just because they wore a nice face didn’t mean that it was alright that they were slowly killing her.

  She entered the vehicle, started it, and turned off automatic driver. There wasn’t an address where she was headed. Several miles down the beach, it would be easier to drive on the sand even if it was longer instead of navigating thru dense forest. The vehicle was made for an island though, and the wheels pushed through the sand easily.

  Heavy waves crashed against the shore, anxious, like her, of the upcoming storm. Lightning struck off in the distance, causing her to jump. She had lived through several storms, this was just another one. Calm down. Oliana and Jewels must be doing one hell of a dance.

  Despite the wind, a fire roared in the distance, like a beacon calling to her, and Ari pointed the car towards it. The idea of a warm fire and safety in numbers held that anxiousness at bay.

  She parked on the outskirts of the party and walked into the crowd. As the security followed, she turned over her shoulder. “You guys can stay in the car.”

  They glanced at each other, obviously hoping for that same thing. “We need to keep an eye on you.”

  “Don’t you have my electronic tracker?” She rubbed a hand under her VR port. “You can watch my movements. It’s not like I plan on moving far from that fire, and I’ll be back in the car before the storm hits.”

  He pulled out an electronic pad and flashed it at her. “We’ll keep an eye on you from the car.”

  As they turned back, the shorter guard with lighter hair, mumbled, “Can’t see why she wants to hang out with these cavemen.”

  Ari snorted and continued to the fire. Maybe these people were cavemen compared to the technology the world currently had, but that’s what made them real. In a world where the lines of reality blurred, the basics of humanity became the most important.

  The women and men danced around the fire and chanted, their arms lifting while they turned in a circle. Ari spotted Oliana in the midst, her beautiful black hair spinning behind her.

  Ari got lost in the
mesmerizing dance, until Jewels brushed up beside her, long silvery hair let down and flowing in the wind. She leaned close to be heard over the singing. “I hear you want to contact the mainland.”

  “Yes,” Ari nodded.

  “You want to leave?” Jewels watched Ari as if the old woman knew everything without Ari saying a word. “Did they finally tell you the truth?”

  The question stabbed at Ari. She didn’t want to believe everyone knew but her, like an idiot. “How did you know that my job would kill me?”

  “I didn’t. Just guessed. I’m an old woman and have been around through the last warper. But like most white men seeking to make money, they don’t always tell the whole truth.”

  Ari choked on her next word, fighting the instinct to bury herself in this woman’s embrace. This madness called VisionTech had to stop now. She had to talk to Tessa and get off this bloody island.

  “Come with me.” Jewels motioned to someone in the crowd and walked away from the group. In the midst of a few palm trees, the wind lessened with their protection.

  Tamar joined behind them, sweat dripping down his temple and glistening on his bare chest. “Hey, Ari.”

  “Hi.”

  “I talked to Jewels about your situation. We can send a message to the mainland with a ship that leaves tonight. They have to make it out before the storm.”

  “How long until we hear back?”

  “A few days. And you’ll have to pay him.” He ran a hand through his damp hair, getting it out of his eyes.

  Glancing at Jewels, who just confirmed what she already knew, Ari’s thoughts spun with what type of message to send. She could just tell Tessa to come get them. By where was she? The islanders would know. But could Tessa actually bail her out?