by Tanya Ross
A red door to his left opened, and a Sciolist stepped out. “Will Verus, please.”
Will’s saliva caught in his throat, provoking an embarrassing gurgle. He coughed. A Sciolist! Why? His brain raced with all kinds of thoughts, but his heart seemed to stop. A bleep from his Alt registered a drop in points. He jetted to his feet, hoping he at least appeared cheerful and confident. He took a deep breath, pulling his own mood up with the force of a tsunami. He had to be at least stable. Glancing at his Alt, he saw the points edge up.
Silent as a sleepwalker, he followed the Sciolist through the door.
Better to not say a word until I know what this is about.
The Sciolist, a male with frizzy hair in what Will imagined was his forties, said, “Sit, please. A counselor will be with you soon.”
“A Counselor? I’m being counseled?”
“Yes, Mr. Verus. We care about you. Have a splendid day.” He exited through a door in the back.
Will started counting his breaths, quieting his mind. “…55, 56…”
The back door opened, and a gold-clad gentleman entered. A Level Eighteen, no less. An Elite. Will allowed his awe free rein.
“Winslow Liberalis—you can call me ‘Win.’” The man gave a tight Tranquility salute, to which Will responded. “Have a seat, Will.”
Will’s knees were a trifle weak, so he fell a little bit into the chair. He bit back a thousand questions.
“Congratulations to you for your amazing Status change, Will. And on your appointment to the Plauditorium. Excellent.” The man smiled.
Will nodded. Shazz! He was gripping the arms of the chair too tightly. In spite of Winslow’s words, this didn’t seem like a congratulatory meeting—not one bit.
Win continued. “As you know, Tranquility requires strict adherence to the Accords.”
“Of course. I’m dedicated to the laws,” he told Win.
“You’re in violation.”
The words sunk in like a brick through water.
“What? How?” Had they caught him looking up information? Had Austel found out and reported it? Were they tracking the searches? He would have to come up with an explanation and fast, or he could be looking at more than just counseling.
“Will, you know that you can’t be developing a relationship with a Level Eight. Ember Vinata is a Level Eight.”
Ah. They’ve noticed his calls and paired it with his extreme Alt highs. They know I’ve been with her—and they have her on it, too, no doubt. Shazz! Not good. He forced his mind into thinking about HER instead of the violation. He needed to keep his Alt points up.
“Sir, please,” Will said. “Ember is a friend, and I’ve had to help her through some difficult times. She’s—she’s a good person. I’ll admit she’s beautiful, but a relationship? I do think she’s beneath me, Sir.” His voice quaked with a put-on arrogance. He hoped his lies would convince Winslow. The one thing the Alt couldn’t do was measure a truth against a lie. That is, unless his emotions betrayed him. As he distorted the facts, his mind chanted “Traitor, traitor!”
“Yes, yes, of course,” Winslow replied. “I understand you want to help. But we have to be sure, you know. You cannot see this girl again, Will. If you do, you’ll have an in-depth counseling next time. This could be a Purge-worthy offense…or more.”
“I take my vows as a Plauditor very seriously, Mr. Liberalis. I would never let my city down.”
“You are a good citizen indeed, Will. Here’s looking to a bright future for you.” With that, he showed Will to the door where, as he left, Will felt the man’s eyes boring into the back of his head.
Will’s stomach soured. He knew the threat of further action was real, and he meant what he said to Winslow. His deepest desire had always been to be a devoted citizen. He wanted to rise up in society. He wanted to prove himself. He desperately wanted to elevate his parents’ Status through efforts in the government. But he also loved Ember. She moved his heart in ways he had never known. The choice was torturous. Who would he betray?
He wasn’t about to make his Augur Prize investigative calls near the vicinity of City Hall. He would need privacy. He grabbed a yellow CommuteCar that just happened to be leaving the curb and asked the C-Car to drop him near the Solace Institute. First of all, he knew Ember was there. But the grounds at Solace, thick with vegetation, were also designed for impenetrable silence. The work conducted in the building was sensitive. Emotionally unstable people were examined and treated there. An interruption could derail an analysis or therapy. He could stand just outside the fence to make his calls.
His call to Level Fifteen’s honoree, Andrea Noxa, rang through. He stared at his Alt as he heard a series of beeps, followed by a message. A crisp automated voice intoned, “This Alt is no longer registered to a user.” Okay…there’s a problem.
Next up, number Sixteen. “Alt, call James Candidus.” Again, the call generated a recorded response. No James…
One more to go with Jordan Pietas, number Seventeen. Will remembered meeting Jordan at a public meeting not long ago. He had been impressed with his gracious personality and his sharp wit. Although Jordan, age fifty-two, was considerably older than he was, Will loved talking to him about the city and looked forward to seeing him again. Jordan had great ideas about improvements he was hoping the Elite would approve.
Will tried to be prepared as he spoke Jordan’s name into the Alt. This time it went to voicemail. “Hello, this is Jordan Pietas. Please leave a caring message, and I will happily return your call as soon as possible. Have a beautiful day.” Thank the stars—the Alt was still active. Will felt hopeful again. “Hello, Jordan! This is Will Ver—” An automated voice cut him off. “This message box is full, and messages have not been retrieved for seven days.” Seven days? No one had messages for seven days! Unless…
Will couldn’t wrap his head around this discovery. The ring recipients were either missing or dead. But why? Why would these promising Tranks—so distinguished—be gone before their time? Why was there no news of this, no acknowledgement?
Will was confused about what to do next. He, of course, would tell Ember what he had found. Her mother was not the only one but where to go from there?
Journal Entry #2805
Today I am angry. There seem to be more and more shadows following me. Once I’m able to send more conspirators to The Outside to be burned into cinders, I’ll have a new outlook on life. That will happen today. Once again, I will feel safe.
To tell the truth, other people just never measure up. They are full of excuses. The city needs me as Magistrate. What would become of them if I weren’t here?
--Serpio Magnus, Magistrate
31
Ember’s New Assignment
Ember, feeling like a wild bird that had just had a cage descend over it, stood before the Magistrate. She wanted to flap her wings and make noise, but she knew it would do no good—the cage was secure. There was nothing to do but find out what would be happening next.
“Celebrate?” Ember asked.
“Of course! You are the ultimate emotional control for our people, Ember. For the good of our city, I want to help change and influence all our people to make correct decisions. Detecting their true emotional state is the first step. You are my new right hand, and the symbol of all we uphold. You will work with me, making sure that all decisions are perfect.”
“Magistrate...I don’t even have good personal emotional control. And, I know nothing about government decisions.” Ember shuffled her feet and looked down, unwilling to meet the man’s eyes.
The Magistrate reached out and took her hand. He patted it. “Not yet. Your ability will be developed. Soon you will be psychic.”
Her skin crawled at Serpio’s touch. She desperately wanted to free her hand, but he held it tightly. “I can’t...be that. I only feel emotions. That’s all.” At least he doesn’t know about the dreams. He could take that to the next level. Although I don’t understand them myself…
“Ah, Ember, my dear. You can see a threat—and feel it—among the masses. With your power and my leadership, nothing evil or threatening can ever endanger our city.” He began to rub her hand, and his eyes penetrated hers.
Ember felt Serpio’s zeal like a force field. His deep ambition unnerved her. But more than that, the physical contact between his hand and hers caused an immediate change in his aura. The murky red that surrounded Serpio most of the time morphed into a bright red. Oh my god. He’s feeling desire. Disgust surged through her, enough to cause a sour sickness in her stomach.
Somehow, she’d have to convince him that she wasn’t able to do what he thought she could. And, honestly, she couldn’t. She’d never had abilities like that. “I... umm...isn’t that what the Alts are for? To root out people who don’t fit here?”
Serpio dropped her hand, but instead, put his arm around her shoulders. “It’s not enough, my dear. With you, we’ll never have to worry about Alts being hacked. Or lies. You can easily detect those.”
She squirmed inside; internally she seemed to be screaming. “Don’t you think I’d love to see lies if I could? Believe me, I’d have had a use for—”
“Ember, Ember...You can’t do this alone. You need help. And that’s where I come in. I have big plans.” He removed his arm from her shoulders only to turn her to face him. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked directly into her eyes, as if this act would make her accept what he had to say.
Ember felt she was a true prisoner. I’m going to be in service to the Magistrate? I don’t want this! I should feel honored, but I don’t. I’m being used, and nothing will ever be the same.
“But first, we introduce you to the entire city as our new superpower. Tomorrow morning, from the Plauditorium, we we’ll broadcast the good news to all of Tranquility. On every screen. On every street corner.”
One more try… “Magistrate. That’s...quite an honor. But I don’t like attention. I’m shy. With my...handicap, I can’t have a lot of people around me.”
“Nonsense. You’re a gift. Time to let the world know.” His words stirred with excitement. He smiled broadly, revealing some tiny age-related lines around his eyes. He panned the air with his hands. “You will need uniquely special clothing—something that sets you apart from every other citizen.” He looked her up and down and then turned her around, akin to examining an unusual specimen under the microscope. “A golden gown with glittering shoes, yes. And then, a cloak of all the colors of Tranquility in velvets and satin. You will be above all in exquisite finery.” The Magistrate’s aura flared into green. Ember felt it fill her very lungs. Green was a serious warning sign. He was feeling excessive power. So scary.
“Pardon me, Magistrate, but this is too much. I—I’m concerned I’ll disappoint you. Already I can see my Alt is showing my distress.” Indeed, it was true, but Ember had to do more to talk the Magistrate out of his crazy idea. If only I could use my abilities that way. “I’d like to go home now, if I may. It’s been an exhausting day.”
“Ember. Of course. You’ll need to go home to a well-deserved rest. I am aware all of your possessions are packed up already for your imminent move from Purple Vale. Tomorrow you’ll return, and we’ll move you into my official residence. I can’t have you far from my side. My personal CommuteCar awaits outside to take you home. Nothing but the best for you from now on.”
Ember felt like she was going to puke. I must talk to Will! He needs to know what’s happening! “I appreciate your kindness, Magistrate. You are truly good. But I’d prefer one last opportunity to be a part of my normal life. I need time for this to sink in. It would make me happiest if I could walk for a ways and then catch a CommuteCar of my own.”
“As you wish, for now. Happiness is the most important thing. Tomorrow my private car will be at your abode to pick you up at ten. We have much to do.” The Magistrate spoke to his Alt, and the door to the chamber opened. “Oh, by the way…after today your Alt will be a thing of the past.”A Sciolist who seemed to appear like magic offered Ember his arm and escorted her to the exit.
Oh. Oh. Oh. Her head felt a rush as she stepped outside into the fresh air. The compressed quiet of the Solace Institute was her only comfort.
32
Xander’s Plan
The flurry of another fight had energized Xander’s group. Their new identity seemed to transform them as well. They were eager to get on with their adventure.
“Guys—let’s get these uniforms off the Tranks. I’m gonna wear one, and Jasper, you wear the other.” Never one for modesty, Xander stripped off his clothes, smiling in pleasure as he caught the eye of a few of the girls. He teased Jasper when he darted behind a tree to make the switch.
“Okay, Phoenix. Gather around. We need a plan.” The group surrounded Xander, their respect evident in their acute attention. “We’re goin’ into the city. I don’t know where this transport goes when it gets there. We take it to where we can get out, and then we’ve got to hide. We’re outlaws and we’ll be easily spotted once we arrive. This is gonna be a big gamble…we could be imprisoned or killed. So if you wanna leave, you know the way back to Camp.”
A breeze blew through, stirring the dust. The crew stood firm.
“Once we have a proper hiding place, and we know we’ve been undetected, we’re gonna try to get into the Plauditorium. Our goal is to take over the pulse of the city. Thanks to those stupid Tranks, we now have guns. No one will be expecting any intruders—we know that. But we have to take it one step at a time, and plot as we go. We’ve got no other options or anyone on whom we can depend on the inside.”
Xander fielded a few questions—mostly concerning their ability to stay hidden. He tried to reassure his team, but it was going to be a crapshoot.
“Time to get in the back of the transport, folks. You’re gonna be packed in there, but the journey shouldn’t be long. Get your gear and say goodbye to The Outside. Our lives are gonna change, one way or the other.”
The group picked up their things, talking animatedly among themselves and joking about the body odor they would create inside the vehicle, some threatening to fart on purpose. One of the crew, Gabriel, boasted he would be the first to board. Dropping his sack of supplies, he found an electronic panel that had a button. One touch and the door in the back of the carrier released and scrolled up. Immediately it was clear that the vehicle was not empty.
“Xander—we gotta take stuff out,” he yelled.
“Well, do it. We need to get rolling,” Xander called from up front.
Gabriel grabbed onto the end of a cylindrical package. The dark, opaque plastic was warm and moist to the touch, but was easy to grip. What gave him trouble was the weight. “C’mon, you all. I ain’t doin’ this by myself. Damn thing is like stone.”
A few guys jumped up onto the platform and hauled out the first bundle, dropping it to the ground and going for another. There were two bales left, so they set to work.
Xander wanted them to hurry up. They needed to get back to Tranquility before the sunset. He knew the gates wouldn’t open to them after dark. Suddenly, the thumping and grunting he heard a minute before was extinguished by a blunt silence. A woman’s scream rang out. Was there an attack? Another Trank? A Greelox? Scurrying to the back, Xander pushed through the group gathered in a sloppy semicircle. His eyes fell on a waxy corpse, laying on the ground, its plastic cocoon unraveled.
“Get ‘em all out,” Xander directed with a slight shudder. “So we now know for sure. They were here to burn bodies. Tranquility is not at all what it claims to be, and we’re gonna turn it upside down.”
33
Will’s Silver Lining
Will craned his neck to see the door to the Solace Institute from his position outside the fence. He was hoping it wouldn’t be long until Ember emerged. It was driving him crazy wondering what was going on in there. He gritted his teeth wishing he could be doing something for her…a physical exam at Solace frequently did not end well. And after making the
calls, he was now concerned about the city’s safety—more than a Plauditor should. He would need to get answers but told himself that there had to be a reasonable explanation for each of his calls reaching a dead end—he just couldn’t think of what it could be. And Ember was so innocent. He would have to figure out at least how to spin this inexplicable and appalling news in an upbeat way. His Alt and hers depended on finding the silver lining, no matter what. And he’d have to do all this without putting them in danger. Because the city was targeting him for the relationship, they would have to be extra careful. No one could know any of their meetings, and he decided to keep his visit to City Hall a secret from her. She had enough to worry about.
At last he saw her emerge from the building. She stood there for a moment as if she were lost, trying to get her bearings, and then stepped off the stoop. He whistled to get her attention, hoping it would penetrate the corral of silence, but her head didn’t turn in his direction. Time to get within eyesight. He looked around and hoped for camouflage. He loped over to where the gate would let her out. As she saw him waiting there, she stumbled a bit before unlatching the gate. “Oh, Will! You’re here!”
Will hugged her tightly. “Are you kidding? It’s been so difficult not to worry! How are you? What’d they say?” The words spilled out in a rush.
Will felt Ember wilt in his arms. She broke away and met his eyes. “I’ll tell you, but when I do, you need to be prepared. You’re going to be shocked.”
