The Strange

by Masha du Toit

  Contents

  Teeth

  The Visitors Arrive

  Disinfectant

  The Gute Fee

  Quarantine

  The Lazaretto

  The Void

  Hiding

  Drugged

  The Gremium

  The Laundry

  The Train

  Blindfolded

  Wiped

  The Diadem

  Through the Airlock

  Scent

  Sorting

  Darted

  Isabeau Decides

  Oorschot

  Skritti

  Knives

  Tracks Across Gremium

  A Song in the Dark

  Thandeka

  Drowning

  Going Outside

  Moving Lights

  Noor and the Menha

  Ashurbanipal

  End of the Line

  Crush

  Fail Safe

  Hugin and Munin

  The Rescue

  Stepping Through

  Epilogue

  The Strange

  Masha du Toit

  © 2018 Masha du Toit

  Teeth

  “Teeth.”

  Constable Elke Veraart poked at the charred fragments with a piece of wire. “Human teeth. And these are bits of bone.”

  “You’re sure?” Elke’s boss, Hoofdinspecteur Dolly Ngcobo, steadied herself with a manicured hand on the incinerator’s door.

  “Sure.” Elke sat back on her heels, trying not to breathe too deeply. The incinerator chamber reeked of ash, burnt rubber and the fumes of a disinfectant so strong it stung her eyes and nose.

  “Do we know who it could be?” Dolly turned to the workers crowding the corridor behind her. “You lot have any ideas?”

  “Kipper’s been missing since three days ago,” said one of the workers. “I bet it’s him.” The speaker was a burly young glim, an algae tech Elke often saw working at the tanks on her daily patrol of Works level.

  “What about his badges?” said a young woman behind the algae tech. “Those bits of metal. Kipper had all these badges...”

  Elke looked more carefully at one of the blackened lumps, warped and charred but still recognisably oval, and stamped with a star. “Come have a look,” she said to the woman. “Recognise this?”

  The woman pushed through the crowd. She was small, almost child-sized, her bronze skin patterned with pale tattoos, and wisps of dark hair curled from under her tight, waterproof cap. The name Ghatak was embroidered on the pocket of her algae-stained overalls.

  “Hard to say, with it all burnt so much.” Ghatak considered the charred remains with calm interest. “Kipper collected Prussian army badges. Kind of looks like that, don’t you think?”

  “Kipper?” Elke rose from her crouch. Ghatak and Dolly stepped back so that she could get out into the corridor.

  “That’s what we called him,” said the algae tech. “Kipper. Short for something.”

  “Benderek Kiprosomov,” said Ghatak. “Old guy. Realworld. Been in the Eye forever.”

  Elke dusted her hands on her trousers. “Did you know him? Work with him?”

  Ghatak shook her head. “Nope. I’m a biotech. He’s a mech, and pretty much a loner. Always worked by himself.”

  The crowd of technicians and mechanics murmured their agreement. They were glims and realworlders, some with safety goggles pushed up on their heads, others wearing stained aprons or rubber gloves.

  These were the people who kept the Eye going. They maintained the air and water filters and oversaw the processes that converted waste into energy.

  “Meisje got anything to add?” Dolly said as she stripped off her latex gloves.

  “Not with this disinfectant stink.” Elke looked at the white gardag, who was waiting at the far end of the corridor. “This stuff kills her nose.”

  “When you’ve recorded all of this”—Dolly gestured at the incinerator—“ bag those ashes. We’ll see what the tests show.”

  She turned to the crowd. “You people can go back to work. If any of you know anything about mijnheer Kipromosov, give your statements to Constable Veraart. And you,” she said to Elke, “come to the office when you’re finished.”

  She tucked her gloves into her handbag and pushed her way through the dispersing crowd of workers, her heels clicking on the concrete floor.

  “Poor old Kipper.” Ghatak was still looking at the heap of burnt fragments in the incinerator tray. “What a way to go.” She smiled wryly at Elke. “Not much for you to work on, is it.”

  “Nope.” Elke crouched again, peering at the ashes. “You can say that again.”

  ¤¤¤

  When Elke finally returned to the office, Dolly was at her desk with a sheaf of papers spread out in front of her. While Elke was still dusty from the incinerator, Dolly looked as neat as ever. She’d donned a new head-wrap, a length of yellow-gold cloth that contrasted strikingly with her dark skin.

  “Here.” Elke handed Dolly several pages torn from her notebook. “These are the statements I got so far on Kiprosomov. I put the recordings in the system, and the remains have been handed in for testing, but that’s going to take a while.”

  “Anything in here I should know about?” Dolly tucked an errant braid into her head-wrap and glanced over the notebook pages.

  “Nothing much.” Elke pulled out a chair and settled into it, one hand automatically dropping to caress Meisje as the gardag curled up at her feet.

  “Description of Kiprosomov, when he was last seen, all that. Nobody knows how he ended up in the incinerator, but it looks like an accident. Apparently, the fail-safes on the incinerator door are broken, so it’s always standing open. The thing’s only supposed to operate when the door’s locked, but that’s inconvenient, so the mechanism got disabled. Been like that for years, from what I can make out.”

  Dolly gave a disapproving sniff. “And nobody reported it?”

  “That’s the way it goes, sometimes.” Elke pulled at Meisje’s ear, and the gardag closed her eyes with pleasure. “The cleaners prefer it that way. They can pitch stuff in without fussing with locks. The extractor fan’s strong enough to stop the smoke getting into the corridor, which is why we never noticed.”

  “An accident.” Dolly tapped her pen on her lips. “Could Kiprosomov just have stumbled in there?”

  “Could be. Guy liked to drink, apparently.”

  “But wouldn’t there be marks showing that he tried to get out? And surely he’d call for help, or make some kind of noise. Did anyone hear him?”

  “You ever seen one of those incinerators in action? Over in seconds. Not much time to scream.”

  “So, he might just have fallen in. Or somebody could have killed him and used it as a way to get rid of the body.”

  “Yep.” Elke stretched out her legs and settled back in her chair. “But who? And why? Kiprosomov seems a pretty harmless sort. Nobody had any strong feelings about him, that I could find. I’ve not found anyone with any reason to get rid of him.”

  “In that case,” said Dolly, “it doesn’t sound like you’ll need to spend much more of your time investigating it. Which is a good thing, because something’s come up.” She put Elke’s notes into a file. “We’ve got some top-level people from Nexico and Torka visiting. Diplomatic tour.”

  “Nexico and Torka?” Elke’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “As in—they’re working together now?”

  “They are indeed.”

  “I liked it better when they were stabbing one another in the back.”

  Dolly picked up a message paper and read out loud. “...in the spirit of cooperation, and in the recognition that we share the goals of free trade, we are setting aside the superficial differences that have se
parated our companies in the past...” She put the paper down. “We’ll see how long this ‘spirit of cooperation’ lasts, but in the meantime, this could be dangerous for us.

  “We need to be on good terms with all the businesses that ship goods through the Eye, but Nexico and Torka have been trying to push the limits for years now. They’ll be trying to get more seats on the Eye coalition. They might get more influence if they work together.”

  “And then,” Elke said gloomily, “they could do something about those pesky laws that prevent them from trading whatever they want. What do they call it? ‘Free trade for a free people’. We’ll have a flood of contraband biologicals, weapons, hell, probably slaves, too. That’s where the other Eyes are heading. I’ve heard stories about Bifrost, and who knows what goes on in the Nexico Eyes.”

  “Absolutely. But the point is, these people will need to be watched. We can’t afford any kind of incident.”

  “Great. So, I get to bodyguard them.”

  “Not quite,” said Dolly. “They have their own guards. I want you to keep an eye on them, watch out for anything that might develop. We don’t want any of our more passionate citizens taking matters into their own hands.” She slid a piece of paper across the desk to Elke. “These are the visitors’ names, and the apartment they’ve been assigned up in Solar. The sooner you make contact and let them know who you are...”

  Elke scanned the paper, then folded it and tucked it into a pocket. “So much for investigating this Kiprosomov thing. By the time these guys are gone, all the trails will be cold.”

  “You think there’s something to investigate, then?” Dolly raised her eyebrows. “Not just an accident?”

  “Too soon to tell,” said Elke. “I’d like to spend a bit more time on it. Can I have the morning, at least? I’ll take Meisje for another sniff around Works level.” She got up. “Maybe she’ll find a scent.”

  “Do that. But before you go.” Dolly patted a folder on the edge of her desk. “I see you’ve not filled these in yet.”

  “Oh. Yes.”

  Dolly regarded Elke quizzically. “Is there a problem, Veraart? Something you want to discuss?”

  “Uh— No, no problem. I been pretty busy, that’s all.” Elke picked up the folder. “I’ll take this home with me so I can look through it tonight.”

  “I thought this was something you wanted. It’s an excellent opportunity—”

  “Absolutely.” Elke nodded, avoiding Dolly’s eyes.

  “I thought you’d be excited,” said Dolly. “It’s a big promotion. Managing the Kaapstadt gardag unit is no small thing. You’ll be paid a lot more than you make here with us. Of course, it means leaving the Eye, but you can’t stay here forever.”

  “That’s true.”

  Dolly pressed her lips together. “Look at me, Veraart.” She waited till Elke met her gaze again. “This is a good thing. Ncita has gone out of his way to create this position for you. Honestly, Elke, you’re wasted here in the Eye, and you know it. Look how you’re perking up at this murder investigation. It’s the first case in ages that’s not just routine domestic violence, petty thievery...” Dolly shook her head. “We’ve not even had any decent leads on smuggling for months. You’re bored.”

  “Do you think so?” Elke ran a hand through her hair, smoothing it around her horns.

  “And I know you don’t want to talk about it, but Jinan Meer’s attempts to frame you were pretty successful. Despite everything we’ve done to clear your name, there are still people who believe her lies.”

  Elke’s jaw tightened. “Does that matter?”

  “Reputations matter.” Dolly’s voice was neutral, but her gaze was unflinching. “If people think a constable of the Babylon Eye colluded with smugglers, it undermines our work, even if it’s not true.” She smoothed her hands over the desk. “Promotion’s a good thing, Elke. You can’t stay constable forever.”

  “Why not?” Elke picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder.

  “You’re not joking.” A small frown creased Dolly’s forehead. “So, you are having second thoughts.”

  “No, no.” Elke tucked the folder into her bag. “I’m just tired. When is Aspirant September arriving?”

  “Haven’t heard yet, but I expect a message from Ncita any day now. Anything else I should know about?”

  “Not really,” said Elke. “Oh, something came up last night in Solar. Domestic incident— A guy was kicked out of his apartment by his lover.”

  Dolly quirked an eyebrow. “Assault?”

  “Not so far as I can tell,” said Elke. “The lover claims his partner’s sick and he doesn’t want to share his germs. It’s the kind of thing that blows over once everyone has had a chance to have their say.”

  “Well, keep me posted.” Dolly picked up her pen and opened one of the many files on her desk.

  Elke closed the office door quietly behind her, and stood for a moment, eyes closed, before she strode off down the corridor with Meisje at her heels.

  ¤¤¤

  “But it’s a done deal, isn’t it?” Mack Jack pushed a crust of bread around his bowl, mopping up the last of the sauce. “Ncita set up this job for you and this replacement dude is coming in whenever he’s coming in.”

  Elke liked watching Mack Jack eat. He did it like he did everything, thoroughly and slowly. She knew that his leisurely ways made some people think he was mentally slow as well, but nothing could be further from the truth.

  For example, there was the speed with which he picked up languages. When she’d first met him, they’d hardly been able to communicate. Now he spoke like a native realworlder, although with a unique accent.

  “The new job’s a done deal,” Elke said. “I just don’t know when exactly it’s happening. I’ve got to wait for the aspirant to arrive, and then I’ve got to train him on the job. So, it will still be a while before I have to go.” She blew out a breath. “It’s going to be strange, leaving the Eye. I’ll miss you guys.”

  She glanced at Mack Jack, but he didn’t seem to have heard her last remark. He ate another crust and wiped his fingers on a serviette. “Who’s this new guy then, who’s replacing you? Got any experience?”

  Elke felt a surge of irritation at herself. She was acting like a needy teenager, fishing for reassurance from Mack Jack. He was what he was. What did she expect him to say, “I’ll miss you Elke, please don’t go”?

  She finished the last of her drink. “His name is Aspirant September. Still in training as a gardag handler. Apparently, he’ll only graduate when I’ve finished showing him the ropes here.”

  Mack Jack raised his eyebrows. “Couldn’t Dolly get a better deal than a guy who’s as green as all that?”

  Elke shrugged. “I guess it’s politics, as usual. Nexico and Torka agreeing with one another for once. Neither of them wants us to have too much clout in the Eye, so they’re happier with a green recruit. But it’s still a big deal getting both a handler and a dog, even if the team is still a bit wet behind the ears.”

  Mack Jack piled their dishes on a tray and shoved his chair back as he got up. “Sounds a bit dodgy to me.”

  She followed him to the front counter of the cafeteria, where he dumped their trays.

  “When are the kids arriving?” Mack Jack pushed his way through the crowd that blocked the exit. He was a cargo glim, with wide shoulders and hands like shovels, but Elke thought that people stood aside for him because of his easy-going nature rather than his size. Everybody liked Mack Jack.

  “They’re arriving tomorrow,” she said. “Early. First gate.”

  “And you’ve sorted out where they’ll be staying?” Mack Jack slowed so that Elke could fall into step beside him.

  “Diesel’s organised all that. Some cubbies not too far from mine. It’s just for a few days.”

  “Will be nice to meet them at last.”

  “You’ll like them. They’re great kids.”

  It had been about eight months since Elke last seen the Muara, t
he ruined beach resort out in the Real world, where Noor, Ndlela, and Isabeau made their home. She looked forward to seeing them again and wondered whether they had changed much. It would be great to show them the Eye and introduce them to Mack Jack and her other friends.

  It was late, and the lights were already dimming in the high-ceilinged hall outside the cafeteria. People were strolling and chatting, or gathering in groups, making plans for their evening.

  Elke and Mack Jack walked in companionable silence towards the roost where Elke had her cubby. Meisje trotted ahead of them, her white tail curved over her back. When they reached the turnoff to Elke’s roost, they paused. Mack Jack smiled down at Elke, standing close to her. He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You want company?”

  “Maybe not tonight,” said Elke, turning her face into his touch to soften her words. “Had a long day.”

  “No problem.” Mack Jack dropped his hand.

  Neither of them wanted to be the first to move away. Meisje, already some way down the roost, gave an impatient bark.

  “Hey, cool it, you,” Elke called to her and smiled at Mack Jack. “She’s getting more bossy every day.”

  “She’s the queen.”

  “She is,” said Elke. “See you then.”

  “See you.” Mack Jack kissed Elke lightly on the lips and strode off.

  She stood watching him until he was out of sight in the evening crowd.

  What’s my problem?

  She liked him. She’d been attracted to him from the moment she’d met him at his stall, selling the lovely bottled gardens he made during his free time. Their relationship had developed in easy stages, from friendship, into a comfortable love-affair wholly unfamiliar to Elke whose previous relationships had all been intense, fraught, dramatic, and brief.

  Mack Jack was a good guy. He was uncomplicated, kind, and a generous lover. He didn’t try to pressure her into a long-term commitment, and he never played emotional games.

  But lately, the closer he came, the more she found herself backing away.

  I just don’t know what’s good for me. She gave herself an impatient shake and set off towards her cubby. Sometimes I’m just not a very nice person.