Bound by Glass

29| Fabricated Lies

I didn't know what I had expected from my transport, but it definitely hadn't been this.

Soundlessly the pod hovered in the air in front of the window, unmoving, clean and completely out of place.

I didn't even know there had been a window in the metal wall, until Allie had pulled away the large piece of cloth which had been hanging in front of it. Behind it she revealed a large window—more like a hole—in the wall, which had a lovely view out onto the next grimy building.

I wondered if I would ever see anything else but high, industrial structures plastered with soot again.

A large gust of wind blew out of the high alley into the room, getting caught in the skirts of my dress and making it swish around my legs. I took a step back, pushing away a few strands of hair which had flown into my face.

A sleek, aerodynamic pod had stopped right in front of the large window in Allie's room. The spherical pod was pure white, with a few luminescent streaks lined across its exterior. It looked big enough for maybe two people, but surely not more.

The door slid open with a faint buzzing sound, letting out a small puff of air. On the inside it was much more spacious than you'd expect from the compact ball which had glided through the air, driven by a machine unknown to me.

I swallowed bodily and glanced over the edge of the window—the pod was hovering in empty air. I could feel something buzzing in the air, though, so I suspected it was probably powered by some high-tech machine. Nerves started to unfold in my stomach as I realised I would have to step into this device.

"How..." I started, unable to form words. The stark white thing looked so strange, alien even, compared to the grimy, brown tints of the buildings around it.

Why would a Higher District carrier ever pass through the Lowers, let alone stop somewhere?

"A favour here, some whispered words there..." Allie said, crossing her arms. "A little bit of hope can achieve a lot, even though it might be the smallest of slivers. Also, I thought it would be a good idea to let Mot try to hack one of these things—it wasn't that hard, apparently."

I took a large gulp of air, staring at the mysterious pod. "Are you coming with me?" I asked, secretly hoping she would. I didn't want to admit it, but I was a bit nervous.

"Sadly, I can't," Allie said to my great dismay. "I cannot be seen in the Higher District."

I took a shivery breath. I had kind of expected that answer.

Allie smoothed down her skirts, lifting up her chin and clasping her hands in front of her body. "Whenever you're ready, my Lady."

I took a deep breath, merging into the role of a Lady.

My name is Tenna Diyawood. I'm from the Wasteland Globes. I travelled to 24th because I am visiting my uncle, but sadly I have found out he passed during the last shift. Now I am focussing on my studies about pre-Globe History instead.

I slipped into the façade of a Lady, straightening my neck and clasping my hands together.

Without another glance back I stepped into the pod, trying to ignore the gaping abyss under my feet. I turned my head back to wave Allie goodbye, but the door closed behind me with a definite click.

No going back now.

Time to find my best friend.

* * *

I couldn't tell how fast we were going. The carrier had no windows, but I could feel a slight tilt when the pod made a turn. It was the only indicator of movement I had. I tried to count how long we travelled through the Globes, but my mind was so full I was unable to focus on counting steadily.