City Center, The (12 page)

“Whaaaaat?” Ava jerked upward. Her shirt was soaking wet. The man from the first checkpoint, the one in charge, stood over her. “That was horrible.” Sweat beaded across her forehead.

He held out a cloth. “Pretty bad nightmare?”

“A night what?” Ava took the cloth and wiped her face.

“That’s what we call bad dreams. I don’t know why.”

“Whatever it was, I’m glad it’s over.”

“I wanted to check on you.” He walked to the end of the bed.

“I’m sorry, but I forgot your name.”

He pulled back the sheet to examine her feet. “David.”

Ava wondered why someone at his high rank would waste time checking on her. She figured he wanted information about the City Center, but she didn’t have much to offer. For whatever reason he was there, she didn’t like being alone with him. She put up her guard. “Thanks for checking in, David. Rebecca’s been wonderful. I’ve been sleeping since morning. And the pain has subsided.”

“I heard about your run-in on the beach.”

“That was my fault. I asked Joseph to take me to the ocean. I had to see it up close.”

“While I don’t approve, at least we know Morray has you on an alert list and has Officers searching for you. He wants you returned in one piece. That means he won’t attack without warning. Gives us a little time to plan before he attacks.”

“Maybe he won’t attack.” Ava knew Morray would do whatever it took to retrieve his property. If he let this breach go unpunished, he’d look weak. David opened a jar and spread some gooey substance onto Ava’s feet. The balm penetrated her skin—a cool tingling moved through her body. “What is that?”

“Aloe and some other natural ingredients to help with the cuts and muscle trauma.” He spread the salve onto her shins and moved up her legs, kneading gently into her muscles. His touch made her uneasy, but she welcomed the relief.

“You don’t have to do that, sir. Rebecca is a most excellent body technician.”

“A what? Oh right, that’s what you call nurses. Rebecca’s out. Besides I’m educated in healing the wounded.”

“But don’t you have more important things to do than deal with me?”

David ignored the question and continued massaging Ava’s legs, keeping his blue eyes focused on her. He reminded Ava of an Info-tainer with his strong jaw and straight features. He had a domineering presence that commanded attention. He was handsome, but almost too perfect. She looked away, bothered by his relentless ogling.

“He’ll come for you.” He kneaded deeper into her muscles.

“Joseph?”

“No. Morray. And when he comes for you, he’ll take us down. That’s why I’m here. I need your help.”

“With what?”

“Intel for battle.”

“I don’t think I’ll be very useful. I could explain some of our technology, not how it works, but what it does. But I’m a bit tired. Can we talk later?”

“Are you having any withdrawals?”

“From what?”

“The chemicals in your water supply.” He handed her a glass of water.

“I’m not sure. Maybe.” She sipped the water.

“You need to re-hydrate and detoxify.” David watched until she finished. “Take care, Miss Rhodes. I’ll see you soon.”

The sky grew dim and twilight settled over the village. Lanterns illuminated the room. Rebecca returned to apply more salve to her feet. Ava wanted to ask about David, but decided to wait until she had a better understanding of how things worked in the village. She drifted to sleep to the chirping of what Rebecca called crickets.

The Village

Morning sunlight streamed
through the window. Real sunlight. Ava stretched—renewed and revived. Her feet no longer throbbed and the knots in her muscles were gone. She wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and eased her way over to the window. Only a hint of pain remained. Outside a few children ran through the field laughing and playing some sort of game. A tiny bird appeared in the window, zipping up and down, in and out, momentarily dipping into the hanging plant. Ava studied the agile creature.

“Hummingbird,” Rebecca’s voice came from behind.

“It’s so lovely.”

“You look much better.”

“I feel much better.”

“I want to take you to the cantina. You need to eat. And people want to meet you.”

“Me? Why?”

“Joseph is a pretty big deal around here, and you saved his life.”

“I think it’s the other way around. He saved me.”

“I laid out a dress on the bed. I’ll meet you out front.”

Ava put on the simple white cotton dress and slipped her bandaged feet into a pair of sandals. Instead of pulling her hair up into a bun like always, she let her auburn locks cascade over her shoulders and down her back. She met Rebecca outside and they walked through the middle of the village toward a covered area with rows of tables where people gathered to eat. A few girls followed at their heels, whispering.

“She’s so pale.”

“Did you see her eyes? They’re so sparkly.”

“Her hair is so pretty and shiny.”

“She looks like an angel.”

“She looks like a butterfly!”

Ava thought the children were beautiful and innocent; she wondered how different things would be inside the City Center with them in it. She remembered her lonely childhood—she’d been training for Graduation Day since her first steps. Morray had stolen so much from her people, even their childhood.

Rebecca walked to an empty table in the cantina. Many of the villagers looked over and smiled. Ava thought of the café in the South Sector where the mid-ranking residents would wave or ask for a hologram capture. She smiled at the irony of escaping her famous life on the Inside, only to have a similar situation somewhere she had never been. Some of the villagers approached the table and shook her hand, extending warm welcomes and gratitude. Others placed small bouquets of wild flowers on the table. They were pure and understated—no makeup or decorations in their hair. No face glitter or sparkling jewels. Their faces had lines and imperfections, and they were beautiful.

Joseph walked over with a plate piled with warm eggs and potatoes and doughy pastries. “Hungry?”

“Starving.” Ava stared at the food. Where to start? Her meals usually consisted of protein shakes or salads, unless—of course—she was cheating on her diet with Delilah.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Rebecca is a miracle healer.”

“I was happy to help.”

“Thank you again, Rebecca.”

Rebecca held Ava’s hand and stood up. “I have to get back to the facilities. See you later today.”

Joseph motioned for Ava to start eating. He took a warm biscuit from her plate and spread some butter into the middle; it dripped into the nooks. Ava followed his lead, then took a huge bite—the sweet buttery bread melted on her tongue.

“So many flavors…” she mumbled with her mouth full.

“All natural. No genetic modifications. No synthetic materials or chemicals. Try the eggs. They came from our own chickens.”

“Chickens?”

“I’ll take you to the farm after breakfast. It’ll be easier to show you things.”

“How is this possible?” she asked, scooping up some fluffy eggs. “I’m staying here forever,” she said between bites.

“Good morning, Joseph. Miss Rhodes.” David approached the table. Ava sat up in attention and put her fork down.

“Sir,” Joseph started to stand up, but David shook his head.

“Good to see you out and about, Miss Rhodes.” He touched her shoulder.

She pulled back, but smiled, to feign some semblance of politeness. “I’m feeling much better.”

“Good to hear.” David pointed to Ava’s chin and handed her a cloth. “Joseph, I’ve dispatched some men from Lompoc. They’ll be here at 0900. You’ll get them prepped as soon as they arrive.”

“When?” Ava wiped her face.

Joseph checked his watch and took one last bite of his biscuit. “I’m sorry, Ava, but I gotta leave. We anticipate Morray taking action in the next day or two.”

“I was starting to think everything was okay. That Morray would eventually forget about me.” Ava pushed away the plate, no longer interested in eating. The only thing on her mind was Joseph going into battle.

“Morray will be coming for you, Miss Rhodes. He’ll spare nothing. Be certain everything is not okay.” The gravity of David’s words punched Ava’s stomach. The reality of the situation became clear—it was her fault the village was in danger. If she stayed, Morray would attack and kill all those innocent people. If she left…

“I should go. Is there some place far away from here you can hide me and tell Morray I’m gone? If I remain in the village, everyone is in danger.”

“That’s not going to stop him. He has to retaliate for Joseph’s violation, which is why I didn’t support the mission in the first place.” David took his cloth back from Ava and began folding it. “Either way, if you’re here or somewhere else, Morray is going to attack.” He tucked the folded cloth into his pocket

“I don’t regret what I did,” Joseph said. “With Ava, we have a chance to change things.”

David laughed and shook his head. “You’re a dreamer. Get to the barracks. I’ll stay with Miss Rhodes to gather as much intel as possible.”

Joseph stood up. “Are you okay with that, Ava?”

Her throat tightened the same way it did before a competition. She couldn’t let David know how uncomfortable he made her feel—if he sensed any weakness, he’d pounce. She puffed up her chest and smiled. “Of course,” she said.

“Don’t worry. She’s in good hands.” David patted her shoulder.

“I’ll see you tonight.” Joseph gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Save me a seat for dinner.” He walked away, leaving Ava alone with David.

“Are you sure you have time for me?” Ava asked.

“I want to hear more about your systems.” David helped Ava up and escorted her out of the cantina.

They walked side by side through the village. Ava’s legs were a little shaky and she moved at a slow pace. David gripped her arm to assist.

“I’m fine, thank you,” she said.

He continued holding her arm. “In the village, everyone contributes,” he said. “Depending on skills, each person is assigned to an area of expertise.”

“We have a similar system.”

“Not exactly. We do it the old-fashioned way. Watch how a child develops and where they excel. Insiders are pre-programmed with specific skill sets.”

“You certainly know a lot about where I come from.”

“We’ve been studying the Insiders for a long time.”

Ava’s feet began to ache. “Do you mind if we sit for a moment? My feet hurt.” They stopped under a tree and David helped Ava to the ground. She removed her sandals to let her bandages breathe. “I wish I could walk barefoot. This grass is so soft. Not like on the Inside.”

“Why don’t you tell me more about the Inside?”

“I’m trying to forget.”

“I know this is an adjustment for you, I’ll give you a minute.”

Ava leaned against the trunk and watched the trees swaying in the breeze. The rustling of leaves soothed her. If David weren’t two feet away, she could’ve closed her eyes and drifted to sleep. But he wasn’t going to leave her alone. Not until she gave him what he wanted. “I’m ready if you want to continue walking,” she said.

As they walked through the village, Ava told David everything she knew about the City Center’s mainframe and the type of technology used for the virtuals and training simulations. She explained the Arena events and the various forms of entertainment. She told him about the Successor Candidates and how she had been training for the last eighteen years to compete for Queen—a position she had no interest in winning. As a matter of fact, the entire Royal Court proceedings bothered her.

Ava stopped and pointed to a field. “Are those real animals?” She had seen them only in movies, or the virtuals.

“That’s the farm.”

She leaned on a wooden fence and watched. The larger ones stood around eating grass, while the smaller ones scampered about. “I’ve told you everything I know. It’s your turn. What are those?” Ava pointed to some birds.

“Chickens.”

“For eggs, right?”

He nodded and smiled. Ava liked this side of David.

“What are those big things over there?” she asked.

“Cows. For milk, butter, cream.”

“I love cows.”

“Sometimes we use their meat as a food source.”

“You eat them?” Ava couldn’t imagine eating something living like her.

“Yeah, some animals are bred for food.”

“I’ll stick with the milk, butter and cream. What are those?” Ava pointed.

“Lamb.”

“And those are dogs, right?” Ava pointed to a couple of four-legged animals chasing each other and rolling in the grass.

“Yeah, dogs.”

“Like Rags,” Ava said.

“Rags?”

“Lillian’s dog.”

“You know about Lillian?” David’s tone shifted.

“I read the first part of her journal.”

David stared off into the distance. “Do you know the whole story?”

“I know about the elites destroying everything and creating the City Center to breed humans and start a new civilization. I know about people escaping the plantations and starting the villages.”

“That’s just part of the story.”

“I want to know the rest. But nobody is telling me. I deserve to know.”

“The only thing you need to know is you belong to Morray. You’re his property. And he’s going to destroy our village to get his property back.”

“I know you don’t want me here, but I couldn’t let Joseph die. And I couldn’t go back after I helped him escape.”

“He shouldn’t have gone in the first place.”

“He wanted to help us. He risked his life to give us the truth we have the right to know.”

“He did something foolish and you saved yourself, Miss Rhodes.” David stepped away and began heading back toward the village.

“How do you know I won’t help my people?” Ava called out.

“Because it’s not in your nature. You were programmed to be Queen. Nothing more.”

Her chest caved in as though the air had evaporated from her lungs. She fought to stay strong, but the tears came out. “I never wanted to be Queen. I don’t want to be a part of anything,” she cried.

David turned around and walked back over. He handed her his cloth.

“How many of these do you have?” She laughed, wiping off her face.

“We should get back, Miss Rhodes.”

“You can call me Ava.”

“Let’s go, Miss Rhodes.”

They walked back to the medical hall in silence.

*

Evening fell and shades of violet spread across the sky. Ava sat in bed and listened to the sound of children playing. She wanted to forget her conversation with David, but his words weighed down on her. She had abandoned her people and put the village in danger. She couldn’t shake the nagging sensation of guilt. She could surrender to Morray. But what if he attacked the village anyway? He probably would. How was she supposed to help her people when she didn’t have the entire story? Would it matter? If Morray got her back, he’d wipe out anything she had learned on the Outside. Morray controlled all information inside the City Center. She walked to the window and watched the villagers make their way to the cantina for dinner. At night everyone ate together.

“You ready?” Rebecca held up a long white dress made of delicate fabric. “I thought you might want to change.”

“This is so beautiful. Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” Rebecca smiled.

Ava put on the dress and Rebecca braided her hair. She caught her reflection in a mirror—ethereal and radiant, even without makeup or hair decorations. This is what freedom looks like, she thought. Rebecca wrapped a shawl over Ava’s bare shoulders and then they walked out.

Along the main pathway lanterns dangled from poles, creating a soft illumination throughout the village. Everything looked so peaceful and quaint, not like a place soon to be in the throes of battle.

Inside the cantina families, friends and neighbors sat together at the wooden tables; conversations buzzed in the air. Young boys and girls carried out large plates of fresh vegetables, potatoes and corn. Rebecca found a spot in the back and they sat down. Ava looked across the rows of people and noticed David. He was staring at her. She smiled, but he turned away. He was hard to read—this made her uneasy.

“Hi.” Joseph sat down next to Ava—he looked drained, but happy to see her.

“Hi,” Ava said.

“You’re beautiful.”

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Hungry. Tired.”

“I want to talk to you about something—” Ava began to speak, but the room became silent. At the front of the cantina an old man stood up. She marveled at his white hair and creased face—she had never seen anyone his age. Everyone in the City Center retired at thirty-six then disappeared off to Ret-Hav to live out their remaining years.

“Father,” he spoke. “We thank you for the food we are about to receive. For your gracious blessings and everlasting love. Thank you for your provisions and your protection. There is a time for everything and a season for everything under the heavens. Just as there is a time to be born and a time to die, there will be a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. And there will be a time for war and a time for peace. Father, as we approach this time of battle, we ask that you stay with us and guide us. Protect our men and women. Spare our children. And bring us back to a place of peace.” He glanced around the room of villagers with their heads bowed down. “Eat up, everyone!”

Though his words sounded hopeful, Ava had no idea what was going on. She turned to Joseph and whispered, “Who was he talking to? I doubt you have assimilated assistants out here.”