City Center, The (17 page)

The Plan

Joseph awoke to
stabbing pain in his right calf. Rebecca sat next to him, patting his forehead with a damp cloth. Things inside the bunker were much quieter, which was a good sign.

“Meds must be wearing off,” he said.

“Good to see you’re still with us.” She held out a glass of water. “Hopefully I can get you fixed up.”

“I need a status update.”

“According to the latest reports, Peter took out a large portion of the ground units, and any remaining Officers retreated. The battle is over, sir.”

“The women and children?”

“All safe and sound in the foothill bunkers.”

“Losses?”

“Our village was very fortunate. We had zero civilian casualties. No damage to the crops either.”

“What about my men?”

“So far, we’ve lost about thirty-eight. No final count yet.”

“The nearby villages?”

“Unfortunately, Carpenteria suffered great losses.”

“Where are the survivors?”

“We’ve been bringing them to our village. The medical hall is at full capacity, but the wounded are being tended to.” Rebecca looked to the ground. “I’m sorry about what happened with David. And Ava.”

“All those years feeding Morray information.”

“He had all of us duped.”

“He’s gone now. I need to focus on Ava. Please tell me I haven’t slept through Graduation Day.”

“Tomorrow’s the big day. But why don’t we focus on getting your leg fixed up. It’s time to change your dressings.” She handed him some antibiotics.

“It’s pretty bad, huh?” Joseph looked the wound.

“Muscle damage. Forty stitches. The bone’s okay.”

Joseph closed his eyes while Rebecca removed the bloodied bandages and wiped down his leg with disinfectant. He thought about Ava. He was sure Morray would work double-time to get her back to perfect physical standing in time for the ceremonies. What he didn’t know was whether Morray would make her compete to keep up appearances, or make her pay for her disloyalty. But who knows with Morray? His interest in Ava was excessive—he had flown in and personally retrieved her from the Outside. She appeared more than a body replacement. He wouldn’t be surprised if Morray kept Ava all to himself, like David suggested. Either way, he had to stop Morray and get Ava back.

“Man, that burns.” Joseph squeezed the mattress.

“I’m sorry, but it’s deep. Do you need another dose of codeine?”

“I want a clear head.”

“How about some numbing agents?” Rebecca asked.

“That’s fine, as long as my mind is sharp.”

“I know you won’t listen to me, but I think you should stay here rather than risk an infection.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right, but I know you’re gonna do your best to get me back up and running. Or at least limping.”

“I can manage the pain and hopefully the antibiotics will ward off infection, but if you overextend yourself you could cause permanent damage.”

“You keep dressing the wound and numbing out the pain, and I’ll deal with the consequences.” He patted her shoulder. “I don’t plan on doing this alone. Get me Peter. And a pot of coffee. And a map.”

“You need to get some rest first,” she said.

“I’ll rest when I know Ava is safe.”

*

Peter entered the bunker. Joseph waved him over.

“Good to see you up, sir.” Peter shook Joseph’s hand.

“I heard what you did and I’m proud of you. You’re a hero,” Joseph said.

“I was only following your instructions, sir.”

Rebecca brought over a fresh pot of coffee. “Don’t let him overdo it. That leg is in bad shape. I’m starting to question his mind. He’s either delirious, or manic. Maybe both.”

“Have a seat,” Joseph said to Peter. “I’m working on a plan to take down Morray. And get Ava back.”

“Or obsessed,” Rebecca sighed and walked away.

“I’ve worked out a strategy,” Joseph said.

“Sounds like a big undertaking, and all due respect, you’re not looking so good.”

“That’s why I need your help. I’m not waiting another eighteen years. That hovercraft was a gift and it’s key to pulling this off. How comfortable are you with the system?”

“I’ve figured out most of the functionality.”

“Do you think you can get it back online and synced into the Morray’s mainframe?”

“What are you thinking, sir?”

“We’re taking a trip to the Royal Palace to get Ava. So we have to be synced to the mainframe. We’ll need to override the entire system so we can get our men inside, like I did for those three minutes, but longer.”

“How much longer?”

“About ten minutes.” Joseph pointed to the map. “I’ve been working on ground entry strategies. The ceremony starts at noon tomorrow, and every single resident, along with Morray and his elites, will be in the Arena.”

“What about the Officers and guards?”

“Thanks to you, they’re down a lot of men, giving us the advantage. And they won’t be expecting us. Nobody will.”

“Then what?”

“That’s where Ava comes in. She’ll address her people. Show them the truth.” Joseph paused. “Listen, I know this sounds unrealistic, maybe even crazy. But it’s not impossible.”

“How, sir?”

“With this,” Joseph held up Ava’s internal microchip. “I’ve uploaded some pertinent information onto it. We just need to get it into the mainframe.”

“I guess I better get to work.” Peter shook Joseph’s hand.

“One last thing. Locate another EMP device. I lost mine somewhere by checkpoint three when David was trying to kill me. We need a backup plan.”

Peter nodded and left the bunker. Joseph studied the map. The plan was solid. He had considered every angle and possible outcome. It had to work. This would be his last chance. He folded the map. If he were going to pull it off, he needed some rest. He closed his eyes and thought about Ava. He hoped he could reach her in time.

*

“Sir.” Rebecca tapped Joseph’s shoulder.

“What time is it?”

“4:30 a.m. It’s time.” Rebecca changed his bandages again and helped him outside to where Peter waited by the hovercraft. They flew toward checkpoint one and landed in a clearing. Several Jeeps drove out of the woods, and hundreds of men gathered around Joseph and Peter.

“Men, we’re about to embark on a mission our people once thought impossible. It’s been many years since the elites destroyed civilization for their own benefit, killing millions of innocent people they deemed unfit. But they overlooked one simple truth: all men are created equal. Lillian and her people fought against tyranny, and because of them we’re here today. Our people have survived. Morray has failed at destroying us. And I believe we survived for one reason: to take down this corrupt elitist system, once and for all.”

“Peter has given instructions and coordinates. I’d like to remind all ground troops to remain in the subterranean tunnels until you’re given orders to move into position at the Arena. Remember, no movement until you have orders from me, or Peter. While you’re out there, I want you to remember what our people have been fighting for since Lillian’s day. Freedom. It’s now our turn to do the same for Ava’s people. Today we put an end to Morray. Godspeed, men.”

Peter helped Joseph back to the craft. They rose up high above the trees and shot across the basin, heading toward the massive white palace on top of Griffith Park. Joseph’s plan was to get Ava out of the palace, then head east to the City Center, where they’d enter the Arena to complete the final mission. Getting into the palace would be the most difficult part of the plan. Morray would have high levels of security protecting his domain.

Peter lowered the hovercraft into a patch of trees along the side of the mountain, just below the palace.

“Let’s sync to the mainframe and get the palace feeds,” Joseph said.

Peter pulled up the main monitor and typed in a string of codes, which pulled up additional screens. “These are mostly feeds of the City Center. Morray has some hardcore firewalls.”

“Can you pull up a schematic?”

Peter typed more codes. A hologram of the Royal Palace illuminated. Joseph studied the structural layout and zoomed in on specific areas. None of the rooms were named or labeled. Navigating the place would be difficult.

“Sir, look at this. We’re in.” Peter had pulled up a live feed of the interior. He touched the screen and scrolled through the hallway, at the end he turned left and scrolled down another one. At the far end there were two men guarding an enormous crystal door.

“He’s gotta have Ava stashed in there. It’s the only room with guards standing by. Figure out the location,” Joseph said.

Peter plotted the location on the 3D render. “It’s located at the far end of the west wing. Now I need to figure out how to open the geodesic dome.” Peter searched the multiple monitors tabulating binary coding. Minutes passed and he still hadn’t found the access codes. “I’m not sure I can get in.”

“Try a few more…” Joseph froze. He watched a hovercraft lowering down. They were caught. Peter attempted to force the craft into manual mode, but the system was locked.

“They’ve got control, sir.”

The system panel began beeping. The Officer had locked in on their craft, preparing to blast them to pieces. The beeping grew louder and faster.

“Jump!” Peter yelled and pulled Joseph out of the craft.

The missile launched and was heading straight toward the craft—the explosion would wipe them out.

“Backup plan,” Joseph yelled. He held up the EMP device and flipped the red switch. The electromagnetic pulse rippled through the atmosphere—everything powered off. The missile lost momentum, veered off its path and skidded out into the bushes. The Officer, who was now defenseless, jumped from his craft and ran toward the bushes. Peter chased him, firing his pistol.

“Don’t move!” Peter yelled.

“I request to be terminated,” the Officer shouted.

“Trust me, I’d love to take you out, but we need your access codes.” Peter shoved the Officer back toward the hovercraft.

Joseph had already rebooted the systems panel. “You’re going to open up that geodesic and get us inside,” he told the Officer.

“You’re wasting your time. Security is at the highest level.”

“Just get me inside,” Joseph pointed his gun at the Officer’s head.

“Go ahead and shoot me. I’m dead anyway. Morray doesn’t believe in second chances.”

“You get us in and I’ll keep you alive,” Joseph said.

“You’ll never get to him. Whatever you’re planning, he already has a better plan.”

“I’m giving you a chance at redemption, but you’d rather die because you’re afraid of Morray? Why don’t you just give me the codes?” Joseph pressed the gun into the man’s cheek.

“I’m not afraid of Morray. I was programmed this way.” The Officer reached up and pulled the trigger on Joseph’s gun, shooting himself in the face. Blood and brain matter splattered everywhere. Joseph shoved the body to the ground.

“Now what, sir?” Peter handed him a cloth.

Joseph looked at the mangled Officer. Half of his face had been blown off. “Salvage his eye and remove his chip finger.”

The Most Important Day

Graduation Day, 5 a.m.

The team of
Beautifiers dashed around the room. Ava sat in the lounger while they prepared her for the ceremony. One of the ladies twisted her auburn locks into majestic heights, while another slathered layers of enhancers onto her face. The head Beautifier made adjustments to five different dress designs displayed on separate holograms. Ava couldn’t believe how fast Graduation Day arrived. Just yesterday she was polishing her solo performance for
Giselle
, and now she was picking out her wardrobe. Time raced forward, blurring the days leading up to the most important day. And why was she at the Royal Palace? She figured it was part of the tradition. The team of Beautifiers focused their attention on her appearance, doing their best to ignore her questions.

“Where’s Helena? And James? Are they here too?”

“Yes, yes, they’re somewhere in the palace.” One of the assistants answered.

“The other Successor Candidates are here too?”

“Um-hmm.”

Something felt odd. It bothered her that she couldn’t remember Helena mentioning the palace. Her mind was fuzzy.

“Oh my, my. I’m having trouble, my dears. I cannot decide which says ‘Queen’ more than the others.” The head Beautifier stepped back, admiring the array of sparkling gowns.

“They’re all lovely,” one of the assistants said without looking up.

“I think any of them will do,” the other one said as she focused on painting Ava’s eyes.

“What do you think, Miss Rhodes?”

“Oh, they’re all beautiful. I trust your opinion. You know what the people want. I’m not good with decisions.” Ava thought the gowns were beautiful, but she didn’t care about her wardrobe. She wanted someone to explain why she was at the Royal Palace, and why she felt so dizzy. “When’s the last time I ate?”

“Oh, you don’t eat on a day like today!”

Ava closed her eyes and tried to remember something other than practicing for
Giselle
. She looked out the window. “That’s the ocean. The real thing,” she said. Her words sounded familiar.

“Well, of course, dear.”

“How long have I been here?”

The ladies ignored her and continued with their work. The doors to the chambers slid open and Chief Morray entered the room. Her heart dropped to her stomach. Should she stand up? Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do for the Creator? She couldn’t remember. He looked much more powerful in person than in the holograms or news feeds—tall with broad shoulders and a chiseled jaw. He had on a black tuxedo and shiny shoes. He puffed out his chest and filled the entire room with his massive presence. Should she address him? Was he supposed to speak first? And why was he here?

“Miss Rhodes,” he said with a wide grin, approaching her lounger.

Ava stood up—the blood rushed to her head. “Yes, I am she.” She looked down to avoid his eyes, and focused on the assistant decorating her toes with jewels.

“I am Chief Morray.” He slipped on a pair of black-framed glasses and observed her up and down. Why did he care so much about her appearance?

“Yes, I figured that, sir. Pleasure to meet you on this most important day.” Ava bowed her head and curtsied.

“Please sit,” he said. “How are you feeling today?” He moved into her personal space and the assistants stepped back, giving him room. He kept looking at her eyes, making her feel exposed.

“I’m feeling fine, Chief Morray, sir.”

“How are your accommodations?”

“Everything is just lovely, sir. They’ve been doing all the work while I’m just sitting here.” Ava looked up at him. “Actually I’m wondering why I’m sitting here, sir, at the Royal Palace. Is this something all Successor Candidates do for Graduation Day?”

He leaned down just inches away from her face; his breath warmed her cheek. “Hmm.” He opened her eyelids wide and examined her pupils.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Miss Rhodes. This is a new tradition I started this year.” He stood behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders. “Miss Rhodes, tell me something. What’s the last thing you remember?”

Ava looked toward the window. She caught a glimmer of light sparkling on the ocean’s surface. The scene looked familiar, but how could that be possible? “I remember rehearsing my ballet solo for
Giselle
. I must have overexerted myself because that’s the last thing I remember.”

“Are you sure that’s it?” he asked, slipping his glasses into his jacket.

“I’m usually not this absent-minded, sir. I’m sorry, Chief Morray.”

“You can call me Morray, my dear.” He stroked her cheek and smiled.

“Morray,” she repeated.

He bent down so only she could hear him. “I have a surprise for you, Miss Rhodes. No one else knows about it yet, so you must keep it to yourself. I will announce it during the opening ceremonies.”

“What is it, sir?”

“I have decided to withdraw you from the competition.”

“Sir?”

“I want you to serve by my side. A position much higher than Queen.”

She forced a smile and bowed her head to conceal her disappointment. Higher than Queen? That’s the last thing she wanted. When had Morray made this decision? He didn’t know anything about her, other than her scores. “I’m honored, sir,” she lied.

“Well, I’ll leave you with your team.” He walked toward the door and turned around. “Any final requests, Miss Rhodes?”

The hairs on Ava’s neck prickled. She swore she had heard him say those exact words before. There was no mistake. This wasn’t their first encounter. There could be only one explanation why she was only remembering fragments: Morray had erased the last week from her memory. That’s why nothing made sense and why she couldn’t remember anything beyond her rehearsal. But why would he do that? To keep her from remembering something. Something so classified he had to remove it. She played along. “No, thank you, Chief Morray,” she said. “I mean, Morray.” He stared off for a few seconds and exited the chambers.

“This one!” the head Beautifier sang out, pointing to the red and purple gown decorated with thousands of diamonds. Something about the dress looked familiar.

“Oh, it’s perfect,” said one of the assistants.

“Magnificent! You’ve outdone yourself!” said the other.

“Have you designed something like this in the past?” Ava asked.

“I would never repeat the same gown! I may have used a previous design as inspiration, but only because it was too lovely to go to waste. Just look at how beautifully the panels flow.”

“What do you mean by go to waste?” Ava asked.

“Oh, dear. Look at the time. We must make haste. Please let my assistants get back to prepping you. The hardest part is solved. We have a gown.” The head Beautifier waited for the gown to imprint, avoiding eye contact with Ava. The assistants gathered by their station, whispering to each other. She knew something wasn’t right—they were hiding something. Beautifiers weren’t known for their cognitive skills. Ava could get the secret out of them if she played it right.

“So, tell me about the buzz. What are the reports saying about me?” Ava asked.

The head Beautifier smiled and nodded, not saying a word. One of the assistants came over to work on Ava’s hands—she focused on painting intricate designs along her fingers and hands. The room was too quiet for a team of Beautifiers.

“Don’t tell me. I’m no longer the favorite?” Ava asked.

“Oh, no, that’s not it at all, Miss Rhodes,” the assistant said.

“Well, what is it? Please tell me. I’d hate to make a fool of myself in public.”

“Miss Rhodes! You would never be made a fool. Everyone is most pleased that you’re still with us.” The head Beautifier spoke up.

“What do you mean still?” Ava forced herself to remain calm. Her heart pounded faster and faster.

“Oh, dear. I’ve said too much. I really must follow orders more carefully. Listen to me, I simply cannot keep my tongue still.”

“What orders? What are you talking about? If you don’t tell me, I’ll send for Morray and tell him that I’m not pleased with your work. I’ll have you removed from my team and you’ll never design anything for the City Center or the Royal Palace ever again.”

“Miss Rhodes, please don’t put me into that position. Here, have a relaxa-mist, you really must remain calm on this most important day.”

Ava stood up. The assistants hurried across the room to their station. The head Beautifier held her head up high, pushing her pristine nose in the air. Ava walked over and got within an inch of her face. “I don’t care about this most important day. I need to know what you meant by ‘going to waste.’”

“Are you sure you don’t need a relaxa-mist?”

“Quite sure. Now tell me.”

“Oh, dear. What to do? I’ll be torn apart either way. Won’t I?”

“Not if you help me. I promise to return the favor.”

“Well, as much as it pains me to say, I did already design a similar garment,” she lowered her head.

“I don’t care about the gown. What was it for?”

“I made it for you, for the Outsider’s trial, but you never made it because you were taken from the City Center.”

“Taken from the City Center?”

“Yes, yes, the Outsider took you as a hostage so he could escape.”

“The Outsider?”

“Yes, yes, a week prior to Graduation Day, he broke into the City Center to ruin everything. The savages just can’t leave us be! Anyway, he blew up things and killed people, but he was caught. For some reason you were assigned to escort the filthy savage to his execution. So you see, I designed
the
most exquisite garment for the trial, but you never made it because the Outsider took you away.”

“I’ve been gone a week?”

“Yes. I was given orders, in fact, all City Center residents were given orders to never mention this to you, or there would be severe penalties. Any reminders of your situation could cause a post-traumatic collapse and psychological disorders. So, you see, we had to keep silent.”

Ava sat down. “So, where have I been since last week?”

“We don’t know. Chief Morray says it’s best if everyone moves on and continues with Graduation Day as planned. And I think he’s right. Assistants, please get back over here. We don’t have much time. Yes, yes, we must finish our process now, Miss Rhodes.”

Ava closed her eyes, trying to force back the memories Morray had erased
.
She had been to the ocean—that was certain. She remembered the smell of salt and the cool breeze touching her skin. She remembered the sound of waves crashing. And holding a man’s hand.

“I was on the Outside,” she mumbled.

“What did you say, dear?”

“Oh, the view, it’s beautiful.”

“Just think, my dear, as the Queen you’ll get to see this for the next eighteen years!”

While the Beautifiers continued with their painting and polishing, Ava forced herself to retrace her thoughts to the last thing she remembered: ballet rehearsal. But what happened after rehearsal? Normally she had lunch with Delilah at the café. So what did they do after lunch? Did they go to the greenhouse? Probably, since they were so close. Did something happen in the greenhouse?
Think harder.
She remembered alarms screeching and people rushing to transporter stations. Fragments of memories inched back into view. Empty walkways. No one in sight. Only a deluge of streaming news feeds.
Why were you alone?
She flashed back to a man with shaggy dark hair and a beard standing next to Morray’s statue. That must have been the Outsider because nobody in the City Center looked so disheveled.
What did he want?
He gave her a book. She remembered the musty scent and handwritten pages. He had a secret and she wanted to know more. She recalled the dark tunnel and her blistered feet. She wasn’t taken hostage—she chose to leave the City Center. She had wanted to go to the Outside. To find out the truth.

“Miss Rhodes, it is time to put on your gown.” The assistant said, interrupting her thoughts. The last thing Ava wanted to do was put on the dress.

“I’m not feeling well. I need some privacy,” she told the assistants.

“We’ve been instructed to stay with you up until the guards pick you up for opening ceremonies.” The head Beautifier and the assistants carried over the gown. It looked like it weighed twenty pounds.

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.” She stood still while the team fluttered around her, adjusting the layers and layers of fabric.

“Oh, Miss Rhodes! We’ve really outdone ourselves!”

“Yes, you have.” Ava stared at her reflection. She had seen this gown before. She used it to disguise the Outsider.

The entrance to her chambers opened and two guards entered. “Miss Rhodes,” one of the men announced.

“We’re not quite ready,” the head Beautifier stepped forward, blocking them.

“We’ve been instructed by Chief Morray to bring her to his quarters. He needs to discuss some logistics. We’ll have her back in ten minutes.”

“Fine, fine. Just don’t mess up her gown. Do not sit down, Miss Rhodes. And please refrain from touching your face and hair. No touching, period! Unless Chief Morray wants to touch you. For him we’ll make an exception.”

“Miss Rhodes, come with us.” One of the guards nudged the assistants off to the side. The other man took Ava’s arm and escorted her toward the door. When he touched her, a surge of heat shot through her body. She looked at his face. It was the Outsider. She froze, unable to move forward. He looked at her. She knew those eyes. They said a thousand things all at once. He gave her a gentle squeeze and guided her forward.

“I know you,” she whispered as they entered the corridor.

“We don’t have much time. You have to trust me, Ava.” He guided her into a small alcove. The other man stood nearby, keeping watch.

“What is going on? I’m very confused. Morray has attempted to erase my memories, but I keep getting flashbacks of being with you. Why was I with you?”

“I need you to stay calm and listen. I can’t get all of your memory back. But at least I can get everything up until checkpoint one,” he said.

“Please tell me what this is about!” Ava felt shaky from the weight of the dress and the overwhelming fluttering in her stomach. She leaned against the wall.