Triplicity

Chapter 10 - ISAAC

"Identity confirmed. Officer Wilborn. Unlocking."

The door to the archives slides open quietly. Telling myself to act completely normal, I walk past the two guards flanking the entrance. The archives room is mostly dark, lit only by lamps on the ceiling that emit a soft, blue light. As the door whooshes shut and my eyes adjust to the dim lighting, I cross over to a metal square on the floor and step on it.

I hear a soft click as the plate senses my weight. The lamps glow brighter, illuminating the rest of the room. A platform rises from the ground in front of me. I tap the touchscreen on top to open the menu.

A bulletproof glass wall, newly repaired after the rebels' attack, separates me from the actual files. The lamps on my side turn off to make the documents more visible. I'm plunged into shadows. This doesn't help my claustrophobia, but I force down my rising panic. I can't waste time.

Much to my annoyance, it had taken me a couple of days to get permission to visit the archives. Despite the fact that I'm an officer, all requests to view secure areas in the Center now went through the Chancellor. To my relief, Valerie had approved me with no comment and what I hope was no suspicion. I probably have an hour here before the guards begin to think something fishy's going on.

Time to work.

The archives are like a library—files could be checked out, and there was a return deadline. The electronic system also records everything searched on the touchscreen control panel. For this reason, I can't risk typing anything overly uncommon. I type in the appropriate text box, hit ENTER and watch words flash across the screen:

SEARCH FOR: THE GREAT SLAUGHTER

SEARCHING...

143,866 RESULTS FOUND

Besides being claustrophobic, I'm also squeamish. I avoid the images tab, which I know will show the more grisly details, and focus more on the text-based records. Many articles were written after the event was over, the news industry not having been set up until nearly five years after we'd arrived on E-2106.

Recognizing my high-clearance security status, the more hidden articles show up as well, telling another side of the story. It was true that the Great Slaughter began over a power disagreement—which of the three cities would act as the "capital" of our Earthen nation. The other side of the story, however, talks about the formation of the Triangle rebellion. Countless reports of protests of increasing size appear before my eyes. I scroll through them as fast as I can, not daring to spend too much time on one.

After a while, I get to the largest of the revolts. I pull a microchip from my uniform pocket, then insert it into a tiny slot on the side of the screen. I select the articles and hit BORROW. A whirring sound reaches my ears from the other side of the glass. The files—more microchips, millions of them—start to move. A small pouch moves between them, collecting chips as they fall. When the articles have been retrieved, the pouch drops into my hand through a hole in the glass.

The chips are small enough that they cost next to nothing to make, which is why the files are kept in them. Of course, there's a backup in case anything goes missing, but no one cares if they're gone. The real problem for us in the Center is what people can do with this type of information.

I get some more common files to seem less suspicious, then make for the door. The guards don't give me a second glance, much to my relief. I set off down the hall at a brisk pace, checking my watch. Resalia's plan for these files is to use them as fuel for the citizens who are too scared to rebel. Lian Hua, who is still on maternity leave, can deliver the files to the base. I just have to get the pouch and the microchip (which is the only way to access the borrowed files) to her.

This is the first drop-off out of the many I'll have to do, so it's fair to say I'm very nervous. I reach my quarters and find my way to the window overlooking the eastern part of Apex. Our rendezvous point is a large building that has long since been abandoned. It was originally a science museum, but it closed due to lack of visitors. Unless it's a rare work holiday, everyone's too busy.

From my window, I can see the museum. There's no disturbance. I'm assuming Lian Hua has already left her house (with a friend to watch her children), and is now en route to our meeting place. It's time for me to move.

Five minutes later, my hoverbike is floating just outside the window. (This time, I pay more attention to how far I throw it.) I climb on and check to make sure my window is closed. Then I turn myself and the bike invisible, and speed on my way.

Resalia warned us to operate under the cover of night. It's late, but not extremely so. It wouldn't be too suspicious for people to still be out, especially gangs. Hopefully there's no one near the museum.

I land a couple hundred feet away from the main entrance, parking my bike behind a nearby bush. I tie a black cloth around the bottom half of my face and carefully step out into the open, keeping my gray cloak wrapped securely around me. If anyone sees a blue coat out here, that's sure to raise some suspicion.

I'm supposed to meet Lian Hua at the back of the museum. I creep forward, crouching beside the bushes that line the path. The old building towers over me, its walls a dirty grayish color. It's eerily quiet. I draw my pistol and keep moving.

To the left of the museum, I find a rebel bike hidden in another bush, sticking out just enough to be seen. I pass it and head for the corner. My boot lands in a puddle of water and I freeze at the sound, looking around wildly. My surroundings look deserted. There's no one around to hear. I let out a breath and turn the corner.

The night plunges everything into darkness. I look around the wide, empty space, trying to squint through the shadows. My eyes find Lian Hua sitting against a fence, resting her head back.

"Lian Hua!" I whisper.

She doesn't respond. I check my watch and curse silently. She must have fallen asleep, having to care for a newborn earlier. I check around me once more before making my way out. Lian Hua's in another puddle. I frown. Did it rain before I went out? "Lian Hua!" I say again as loud as I dare. "Wake up! It's—"

A ray of moonlight breaks through the clouds, brightening up the fenced-in area. I look up at the sky and blink a couple of times to adjust my eyes to the suddenly blinding light. We're much more visible now. I've got to move fast.

When I turn back, I'm surprised by how large the puddle is. Lian Hua's red shirt is soaked through. An uncomfortable feeling rises in me, telling me I have to get out now, but my gaze travels up. To the actual white of her shirt, to her mouth hanging slightly open, and finally to her eyes. Wide open, staring glassily back at me.

Dead.