Kuro: A Land in Eternal Night

Chapter 7.5: In Search of Answers

Drake hesitated for a moment, then tried again. "Citizen #232192476, Riordan, Drake".

The monitor was silent for a brief moment. "Retina match confirmed. Citizen Riordan, Drake. You are free to wander around Sector 2 and enjoy yourself. However, your access is limited at this time to the Upper Plates. You do not have clearance to access any of the lower areas. If you intend to leave the city limits, you must secure clearance for travel with your immigration officer. If you feel this message is in error, please contact your local immigration office."

Drake took a look at his communicator once more. Other than a very terse and cryptic message, the rest of it had been nothing but a series of numbers. "The Goddess waits where she is needed most," the message started, followed by a long series of numbers and letters. Drake assumed that the government had already intercepted this message and was actively trying to decipher it. He had no time to lose.

"You're hopeless, Mopey." Ava's dry voice interrupted Drake's concentration.

She gave him a mischievous smile. "Stand aside, sir."

She went to the terminal, put her eyes to the scanner. "Citizen #232445172, Faselheim, Ava."

The terminal sat silent for the same amount of time. Then it finally responded. "Retina match confirmed. Citizen Faselheim, Ava. You are authorized access for visitation purposes to all three Plates. Additionally, you are granted specific access into Sectors 3 and 5 as well as to Sector 6." Drake look at her in open surprise.

Ava smiled and winked at him. "We weren't always rich, Drake. Dad found a way to move up in the world. He was hard-working, smart, and most of all, hungry. That is an unstoppable combination in the right person, and it sometimes carries people farther than they or anyone else thought possible."

Ava motioned for Drake to come closer. "This is a part of my past I don't show just anyone, she said in low tones. "You are someone important to me, Drake. I don't say that lightly." She brushed her dark curls aside again. "You asked me back there if I had ever been to the Utter Darkness. The answer is yes, Drake. And there are not many who come from there who want to remember what is was like, much less go back."

Ava's eyes softened, and she smiled. "Let's go."

The metal door to the Border Gates of Sector 2 slid open with a smooth mechanical motion. "Access is granted for exactly one week from today as authorized by Taiyou-Shi security protocol #8501. Please note that you are responsible for finding room and lodging during your travels to the other Sectors. The Taiyou-Shi government cannot take responsibility for any lost possessions or harm sustained to one's person as a result of travel to the Lower Plates. Please enjoy your visit and enjoy the rest of your day."

Ava was all smiles at this point. Drake narrowed his eyes at her. "You're enjoying this aren't you?"

Ava smiled even more. "Why, whatever do you mean sir? Are you referring to my enjoyment of your utter shock at who I was, or your utter amazement that I, for the once, am ahead of you by several steps? In any case, you don't even need to answer. The look on your face is priceless. It is reward enough for me, sweetie. Now, let's get on with this. You want to find out more about what your sister's message said. I have bought us exactly a week."

Drake paused. "Ava, what I am asking you to do is dangerous. Are you sure you'll be fine?"

Ava nodded. "I sent a message to my folks just now saying I'll be going on a brief trip with you. They won't be happy, but they'll know what it's all about."

Drake was reminded he needed to to the same thing for his parents. He worried a little about sending a message, knowing full well they would worry. He thought it best to keep it brief. "Gone for a few days for a camping trip. I am sorry I forgot to tell you. I won't have easy access to a communicator. Love you all. Drake."

The pair went through the doors into the cold, sterile environment. Screens were everywhere, containing news and travel information. Rows of transport receptacles were lined up side-by-side.

"Have you ever been to the Utter Darkness?" Ava smiled at Drake as they entered and prepared for descent.

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