CODES

F O U R T E E N

The protests were everywhere. Every corner of the streets, outside buildings. I was sure if they had the ability, they'd fly their signs high in the sky. But Province law forbid that part of their ability to speak. And I for one didn't want to look in the clouds, at peaceful freedom allowed to all living creatures, only to see an "I HATE CODES" message.

Yet, as Xerses and I pulled up to Provincial Hall, that's exactly what I saw. Written in red ink, too. I hate Codes.

Stepping out of the transportation vehicle we'd ordered to get us to work, my gaze landed on the group of protestors seated outside, taking a break on top of the hall's stone steps. Some of them had coffee in their hands, others food. When I walked up the steps, they watched me. Eyes following my every step.

I had to stare at them back.

"You know there's nothing they can do, right?" Xerses stopped outside the hall's door, waiting for me to come to his side. I did, but I took the slowest steps. I made sure to lock eyes with the protestor seated at the very top. He held the bite of the egg sandwich in his cheek, not chewing. His stare may have been silent, but I knew in his head he shot every curse and swear my way.

It's all right, mother fucker. Back at you.

"Rog." Xerses put his arm around my shoulder and guided me through the hall's main entrance. "There's nothing they can do, nothing they have against you. All y'all are safe in Province's eyes."

"Yeah?" As the door shut behind us, I glanced at him. "Tell that to the memory files in my head."

Xerses pursed his lips. Didn't say a word. How could he? I was right. And he'd pointed out the secret that had to have been in all Codes, not just me:

Parts of our memories were deleted; our wrongdoings. And that deletion affected some more than others. I couldn't help but wonder if that's how Malfunctioners came to be; more missing data than they had to function.

How bad were their crimes?

Reaching the receptionist's desk, both Xerses and I reached for the tablets assigned to us for the day. The girl scheduled to work the computers didn't lift her eyes to look at us. Nor we at her. In silence, we walked toward the elevators.

Their crimes couldn't have been worse than mine.

The main lobby of Provincial was quieter than it'd been the day before. But the Restoration area was livelier, happier. We were welcomed by smiles when we stepped onto the floor. By hugs.

Clara practically rushed out of the back office to grab me in one. A tight one. And after the morning I had, I grabbed her back, just as hard.

"Baby." Clara's lips pressed against my cheek as she laughed.

Xerses, who stood beside us, sucked his teeth and shook his head as he laughed, too. "Y'all can't get a room? Jeez."

"Can't." Grinning ear to ear, Clara turned and looked at him, her hands pressed slightly against my chest. "Erica and I were following up on Malfunctioners today. Some passed a screening this morning. Some still need more time." Pointing at the back office, she nodded. "Luke is actually in yours right now. I was about to go over the screening."

"Oh yeah?" Xerses lifted his brows and stared ahead at his office. He slid his hand over his head. "Perfect timing, huh?" He turned and looked at me, hinting at the meaning behind what he said.

Having a Malfunctioner ready to test so soon meant he could see if there were any hidden files within them, too, just like mine.

Nodding, I agreed with him. "Yeah, it is," I said with a weak smile. "Have fun."