"The what?" I ask.
"You don't remember anything about last night, do you?" She asks.
I shake my head. " I have no idea what's going on. Where I am?" I say.
" I understand that you're confused, Sam. But don't panic. I'll explain everything to you. Follow me". She says walking towards another hall. "Centuries ago, on Earth when the discrimination against Bionics was at its peak, a group of Bionics formed a secret underground community. During those days, it was normal to see humans verbally aggressing Bionics, diminishing them for leaving behind part of their humanity." She opens a door to a small room. ".. Arriving at E8, everything seemed to be fine during the first years, so the members of this community decided to start life underground to avoid being in unnecessary contact with ignorant humans. Like any community, we needed a ruler, so, the only founder of the community that was alive implemented a monarchy regime that would be ruled by a Queen under his guidance, also giving a name to our little community: The Colony. Unfortunately, as time passed, humans seemed to remember that Bionics existed, causing more Bionics to join our community seeking a safe place. Verbal violence turned physical, and many Bionics from the Colony started to fight back...that brought us problems. In the eyes of society, Bionics were nothing more than half-human minority scum. We were then forced to hide our true selves to avoid problems. The colony was getting bigger and the ideology spread throughout the whole planet. It was then created 12 underground sub-colonies, each one ruled by a Queen, in 12 cities across E8. Every sub-colony works for the well being of the whole Colony. Now after what happened yesterday, and the information we got from a Bionic about E9, every sub-colony is getting ready to fight."
" What happened yesterday?" I ask.
"That's right, you were out. The club was attacked. Somehow, a group of extremists found a way in and killed 8 of us before we got them, we suspect that there might be a traitor among us." She says
"And what about E9?" I ask.
She stops for a moment and gasps. "Sam, what do you think Representative Ware is coming here for?" She asks.
"According to the media, environmental reasons," I answer.
"As if." She giggles. "Droids in E9 started to correlate "evil" and "wickedness" with "humans". It's true that E-Niners are slowly destroying their planet. But that's just an excuse for the Droids to do something against them. They want to force the humans out of E9, even if it means...war."
"So...Representative Ware..." I wonder.
"Yes! He came here to ask help for what's more than a probable war." She says.
"But what does that have to do with Bionics?" I ask. She chuckles.
"Sam you're a smart girl. Tell me. If war brakes out, who do you think are going to be the "jews"?" She asks.
I stay silent. She turns around and takes her top off and lifts her skin, a fake skin, that hides her bionic parts. Her right arm up to her shoulder.
"See? This is the real me." She says. I've never seen a Bionic up close before, at least not that I was aware of. It's beautiful...But there's something that doesn't add up.
"But why did you bring me here? Why are you telling me all this?" I ask. She faces me and smiles.
"Silly question. Obviously because..." She stops for a moment and the smile that once adorned her face, turns into a sulk. "...wait...so you they haven't told you yet..." she says slowly.
"Told me what?" I ask confused.
Deliberately she ignores tge question, puts her top back on and rushes out of the room.
"Please stay here!" She asks as the door closes.
She starts talking to someone outside. Even though I can hear them, they're speaking in Mupi, so I can't understand what they're saying. I wonder why Olivia stormed out of the room when I asked her that last question. Anyways right now, my priority is to get out of here and go back to Allenori safely. There's something weird going on and I don't even want to imagine what can happen if I just stay here.
I see a roof window on which the sunlight comes from. I can't reach it like this, so maybe if I stack some things up I'll be able to reach the window and get out of here.
There are only a table and a chair in the room, hopefully, it'll be enough. I put the chair on top of the table and climb it. I can open it but I'm not high enough to get out yet and I'm too scared I'll fall and hurt myself if I jump. "Just jump pussy!" I think. That's what Becca would tell me if she was here. I look at the door and then at the window. I jump and luckily manage to hang on the border of the window, but in the process, the chair fell. They stop talking outside so it's probable that they heard the chair falling. I can't go back now...
"Sam, are you ok?" I hear Olivia calling me from outside the room.
It's now or never. I build strength in my arms and rise. I'm almost out when I hear the door opening.
"Wait, Sam! Don't go! It's dangerous out there!" She screams.
I manage to get out but now I'm under the impression that I know too much. That now I might be a target. Regardless, I just have to find the nearest Tube station and I'll be fine, but by the look of the surroundings, it'll take some time. It's just an open field, with some trees and bushes. No! There's more! I can see the Kalmari sea on my left. I must be in the outskirts of Faliaici. That must be why Olivia said it would be dangerous out here. But going back there is not an option, so I run, as fast as I can. I can't even call anyone for help since left my phone back in the colony or whatever that was. I see a small house upfront. Looks inhabited so it's probably a good idea to hide there for some minutes. All of this is weird. It looks like it was all a plan since we met, to bring me to whatever this is. I didn't feel or see malice in her eyes towards me, but anyway, why me? Does she think that...no, it can't possibly be that. It would be obvious. It's probable that they're after me right now. I shouldn't have gone to that party.
But enough of that, I have to keep going, Faliaici is close. As soon as I get into the city I'll just have to find a busy street. I get out of the house and start running, but after some meters, I feel something in my chest, a sudden pain. A pain that burns like fire, for a moment, and then turns into an icy numbness. The edges of my vision start to darken as I glance down noticing the blood stained on my chest. My breath becomes heavy and waver, with shallow gasps. Looking up I picture a silhouette coming towards me with a gun on its hand. The last things I can think about are my sisters, my last moment with each one of them, my journal and the promise I made to Jade...I'm losing consciousness...
.................................................................................
"Shit, last night's party was crazy!" I say as I wake up.
Damn, it's midday already!? Can't even remember how late I came back last night. No one's in the room but me. Those two must've gone out already for sure. I don't remember seeing them when I got here.
I look at my phone to check my messages. Nothing. Maybe Sam forgot to text me to tell where she is, so she must be close. Well, gotta eat something and go to work. Thank god I only work afternoons on Saturdays.
Arriving at "Over9Thousand" I meet Gale Edwards and Simon Ayala.
"Sup' guys?" I say as I arrive.
"Damn Rebecca! You look awful." Says Gale trying to mock me mentioning the fact that I had not slept as much as I should last night.
"And yet, I still look better than you". I say in response.
Simon laughs at this. "Savage as always." He says.
"Savagery Over 9 Thousand. Pun intended" I say as we all laugh. ~
The bar is already crowded, so I quickly go change and get ready to work. I get behind the bar and guess who's my first client? None other than Elon Hodges.
"Look who it is. How you doin' Elon?" I ask
"Hey, Becca! I'm fine, what about you?" he asks
" Doin' great. Sam has been worried about you," I say
"Yeah, I know. But now I'm the one worried. I texted her yesterday but I haven't had an answer yet. Do you know where she is?" He asks.
"Sorry, I don't know. She went to a party with our roommate last night, haven't seen her since." I say
"Sam went to a party?" He asks surprised.
"Yeah I know, sounds crazy. She actually went to a party. Try to call her". I suggest.
"I've tried already but she doesn't answer". Says Elon.
It's unusual for Sam not to answer her phone. Especially if it's Elon calling. I'm starting to think that there's something wrong. I feel something in my chest...It's weird. I have to go look for her.
"Well, maybe she's busy doing something and hasn't her phone around. She was looking for a job, lately, so she must be in an interview or so". I say.
"If you say so," He says. "If you have news from her, text me," he says leaving.
I have to go look for her. Something is wrong...I feel it.
"Hey, Gale!" I call. "Something really important came up, I have to leave. Can you take my shift, please?" I ask.
"You just arrived, and I'm already on my way out." Says Gale.
"I know, but it's something urgent. I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't. Please!" I say.
He gasps.
"Sure, But you owe me one though," He says hesitating.
"Sure". I say as I take my things and leave
I don't know where to start looking since I don't know where the party was. The best I can do is to ask some of the people inside the campus if they have seen a girl that looks exactly like me, but with long straight hair. Unfortunately, no one has seen her. Maybe she called dad or mom. I try to call dad first but he doesn't answer. He must be in a meeting. I call my mom, but I doubt Sam has talked to her since they're not that close. She picks up.
"Be quick, I'm busy!" She says.
"Hello to you too mom! I'm fine, thanks for asking..." I say ironically.
"I'm sorry honey, I've just been really busy. Is it something urgent?" she asks
"No...Yes! I mean...Sam hasn't called or texted you has she?" I ask.
"You know Sam and I aren't close. I haven't heard from you girls since you moved into campus. Is there something wrong?" She says.
"I don't know...Sam went to a party last night with our roommate and I haven't seen them since. She hasn't texted or called as she usually does. I'm was just wondering if by any chance she called you..." I say.
"How could you let your sister go to a party alone with someone you don't know? How responsible Becca. Have you watched the news? There was a shooting at a party in Vendano." She says fairly angry.
"Vendano..." I murmur. Vendano is mostly populated by Bionics. There are three Bionics I know, that attend this University. My coworker Simon Ayala, the multimedia group leader Kate Ericsson, and Drakov Stin, a Robotics third-year student, apparently the first one to openly introduce himself as a Bionic in this University. He's from Vendano and goes to some parties there. So he might know if Sam is there or not.
"Rebecca, are you there?" I hear my mom ask.
"Yeah, sorry mom, I guess I know where she might be," I say.
"Call me if you have news," she asks.
"Don't worry," I say before hanging up.
I rush to the Boy's Dorm hoping to find him in his room. The boy's dorm, similar to ours, with a rather funny smell. Through the corridors, countless groups of guys, some making out with girls, others drinking, talking loud and doing other typical college boys do in group. After asking some of them where to find Drakov, I rush directly to his room and without wasting a single second, I knock the door. After some seconds, that to me felt like an hour, I hear him coming to the door. He opens it, stares at me with his Bionic eye as if analyzing me, and shuts the door.
"Hey!" I scream and knock again. "Motherfu..." the door opens again.
"There's the right amount for you to have fun and not screw up your brain. Take it and leave the money on the table. And try not to bother me please, I'm busy here." He says
"Amount? What? No, I didn't come here to buy! Do I look like a junkie?! I just want your help to find my sister." I say.
"And why should I help you? I don't even know you." He asks
"Ruba Ku Dasasuno"(Because I'm Underground ) I say.
He stares at me again for a moment while his bionic eye moves again making a weird mechanic noise.
"Not really, but come in. Don't touch anything."He says
I go in. His room is smaller than I expected. Not much different from what I imagine is a boy's room. Nothing seems to be in the right place, clothes, and tools all over the room and empty instant food cups everywhere. He also has a wall full of Bionic arms, probably his masterpieces. He goes, sits on his desk and works on a half-finished bionic arm. There is a Giant reddish hologram in front of him surrounded by 8 smaller ones that display details of the arm.
"So, your sister, describe her to me?" He asks.
"She's just like me but has straight long hair. I don't know what she was wearing yesterday but she was with our roommate, a girl with long blonde hair, blue eyes and..."
"Olivia..." He interrupts.
"You know her?" I ask
"Who doesn't?" He says.
"Didn't know the bitch was that popular," I say
"And you have no idea. Anyways, your sister was in Vendano yesterday." He says.
"How do you know that?" I ask
"My bionic eye is connected to some of Vendano's street cameras. I have access to everything in a matter of seconds." He says
"Now that's awesome," I say amazed.
"I know! I implemented X-ray vision yesterday". He says looking directly at me with a creepy face.
"Dude!" I say covering my chest with my arms.
"Chill I'm kidding! And x-ray doesn't show much more than your bones," He says, turning back to his desk.
"Creep..." I whisper. "So? Do you know where she is?"
"Nope. The cams stopped working last night before the shooting at the club. So when it comes to Vendano, right now I'm completely blind. I have no idea of what happened after the shooting." he says.
He stands up, changes his bionic arm with one of the arms he has on the wall and puts his jacket on and looks at me.
"You're not going to Vendano alone. You're not as Underground as you think." He says.
The hell I'm not! I frequent the underground for years. Do I have to go through a ritual or something to be Underground? But I have no time to argue, I have to find Sam so I ignore what he says. We leave the room and go to the parking lot. He steps on a moto and throws me a helmet.
"Get on," he says.
I put the helmet on and step on. There is a blue light that comes out of his bionic arm as the engine starts. My heart is pounding.
Halfway there we enter the district of Faliaici. It was once a busy and crowded city. Now people just get out of their houses to go to work. Having a killer walking around is not an invitation to stay outside for long.
"Be cool. Police ahead". Says Drakov as he slows down.
"Great...". I say, unpleased with the unfortunate encounter.
The guard makes a sign for Drakov to stop and pull over.
"So what do we have here? Two Bionics riding a 3rd generation Evader Kawasaki. I have reasons to believe this is stolen." Says the guard.
"Do I really have to go through this every time I pass on Faliaici? You know this is not stolen." Says Drakov after taking his helmet off.
"I'm just doing my job. And you Bionics are not to be trusted". Says the Guard.
I take my helmet off too."That's some stupid bullshit. The fact that he's a Bionic doesn't give you the right to be an ass". I say.
"I don't think I like your attitude young lady. I will have to take you both to the police station." Says the guard.
"You couldn't keep your mouth shut could you?" Says Drakov looking at me.
"You already know the drill young man. Step into the vehicle and keep it quiet back there." Says the guard as he handcuffs him. "You two, come on." He says to me.
In another situation, I would retaliate since he has no valuable reason to do this. But if I do now, it'll be worse and it will be another problem I'll have to deal with. I get inside and he takes us to Faliaici's Police station.
When we arrive we go to the reception to give our documents and some information.
"Sit there. You're probably gonna spend the whole evening here." Says the guard.
"Asshole" I whisper back at him.
As I sit I see someone coming out from a hall with a guard. It wouldn't have caught my attention if it wasn't a familiar face.
"Olivia?!"I call. She looks down. What is she doing here? Her eyes are red and wet, it almost looks like she was crying. My heart starts pounding again. "Olivia...what are you doing here? Where is my Sam?" I ask impatiently.
"Do you know this lady, Miss Hartman?" The Guard asks her.
"Yes...she's Samantha's sister..." she says.
"Olivia! Tell me! Where is Sam?!" I ask again.
She looks at me, almost like forced to, and tries to say something.
"I'm sorry." She says as she breaks down crying.
"No, no no no. It can't be. How did it happen? Don't tell me she was caught in the attack at the club please..." I ask
"No. We managed to escape the attack, but I couldn't take her to Alenori all by myself, she was drunk, and, it was late. We went to an old friend's house on the outskirts of Faliaici to stay for the night. When she woke up she saw that some of us were Bionics. I tried to explain to her what happened but she got scared and left alone...I went..I went after her but I couldn't manage to find her anywhere...until..." She stops.
"Until we found her body. We searched through the street cameras footage to try to find what had happened, but for some unknown reason, none of our cameras was covering that part of her city. We contacted both police stations, Alenori and Vendano. All the information we got was that she left Alenori last evening and went to Vendano. Every camera stopped working in Vendano two hours before the attack at the club. Apart from that, all we knew was that Miss Leif was with her. So we contacted her to know more about what had happened. Though we have more information now there's still a part of the story missing. We have strong reasons to believe that the Faliaicci Killer is behind this but we will continue our investigations. We're sorry for your loss." Finishes the guard that's with her.
"I'm sorry," Says Drakov.
"Hawø. hawø, hawø, hawø! suwü gi viro o hawø!"(Bitch...bitch, bitch, bitch! Burn in hell you bitch!) I say as I try to free myself from the handcuffs.
"Calm down, it's not her fault. She was telling the truth." Says Drakov as he gets in front of me. "I read her pulsation. I would know if she lied"
"It's best for you to go back to your home town and stay out of sight for some time." Said the guard as he took our handcuffs off. "Here are your documents back Miss Geon. We already notified your parents. Your family will be provided with guards to try to prevent another disaster. Agent Almond will take you and Miss Leif back to Alenori. Please take care." Says the guard.
I break down in tears. I can't believe Sam is dead...
Agent Almond, a woman in her late 20's, takes us back to Alenori. Arriving there is see my family waiting for me. Dad, mom, my two little sisters: Deborah and...Jade, whose long straight hair and her sweet look remember me of Sam when we had her age. I don't wanna cry in front of them but how not to? The more I wipe the tears the more I cry. Unfortunately, the hugs and comforting words are not enough to fill the vacancy in my heart. Maybe it's my fault, maybe it would be different if I had gone with them. Mom was right, I was irresponsible. And now, I lost half of me. Sam is dead...
...
Today is the funeral in Vaguarmel. I'd never thought I'd had to bury my sister. Everyone's here, even the ones who had only seen her in class. After knowing about Sam's death, Elon was nowhere to be seen, but he appeared today. Even Drakov came though never even having talked to her. Olivia is also here. Tears have been falling down her face all morning long. I saw her talking to my mother for some time. She must be feeling unbearable guilt. But I know its not entirely her fault. It was also mine.
We all wear black as obvious, and a pink accessory since it was Sam's favorite color. Before the burial, some people say some words. My mother, who though not having a great relationship with Sam, said some really moving words. Friends, old teachers, Elon, and a few others had something to say too. Olivia hesitated but finally got the courage to talk. Her words are simple and brief. She didn't look at the audience the whole time, keeping her head down, probably hiding the guilt and pain stamped on her face. Now it's my turn. Shit, I have so much to say, I could spend the whole day here. but I know what to talk about...
"I remember when we were kids our father used to take us to grandpa's house on the countryside. There was a forest not far from it. Every time we went there I used to explore the forest alone. There was this time Sam and I were playing nearby that forest, and for some reason, she decided to explore it alone. Obviously, she got lost. I went out looking for her and after half an hour I finally found her. But we were so deep in the forest I didn't know the way back. She was so scared. I was scared. Maybe even more than her. But I couldn't let her notice that. She was counting on me to find a way back, so I had to be strong, not just for me but also for her. Eventually, we found our way back. That day I promised myself I would always be there for Sam no matter. But now, I was reckless and I broke that promise. She was my mirror, and now I have no reflection. I'm sorry Sam. I will always love you..." These are the words I choose, the words that compose one of the memories I have with her.
After the Funeral my parents ask me to stay in our house in Vaguarmel with them for some days, but I refuse. I can't go home, to our old room, where we grew up, see our old things, sleep on the bed we used to share when we had nightmares, see the pillows she used to throw me for years straight to wake me up. I just can't. I have to go back to University. Agent Almond follows me. It's her job, make sure nothing happens to me.
Arriving, I go straight to the dorm. I also have brief memories of Sam here. I sit on her bed and with no reason I open her top drawer. The only thing inside it is her Journal. The same journal she was writing for the Capsule time thingy. I take it and open the first page. There's her name carefully written in it, flowers are drawn all over the page in tones of pink, her favorite color. The second-page dates from two years ago. My eyes move directly to a part decorated with hearts. Hearts surrounding a name, my name. I can't help but start to cry again.
Someone knocks the door.
"Miss Geon, Drakov is here to see you." Says Agent Almond as she opens the door. He comes in.
"So...how are you holding up?" He asks
"Not the best week of my life, that's for sure," I say ironically wiping out the tears.
"I just came here to check up on you. I'm sorry I couldn't be more of a help for you." He says.
"There was nothing you could do...but maybe there's something you can do now..." I say. I see I got him confused for a second.
"What are you thinking..." He asks somehow suspecting what's coming.
I close my sister Journal. "...help me hunt down the Faliaici killer!" I say firmly looking at him.
"You can't be serious! Your sister just got killed by possibly the best killer in E8's history, and you want to hunt him down? Do you have any idea of how dangerous that is?" He says.
"I'm aware of that, but I can't let it end like this. I know I can't do it alone but with you, I'll probably have a chance." I say. "Please, help me."
"Sorry, but I can't do that. I won't be the death of you." He says.
"Well don't try to stop me then". I say as I walk around him out of the room.
He follows me just to be stoped by agent Almond who gives him a scary look. All my sadness is growing into anger. I swear I will hunt him down and kill that bastard even if that's the last thing I do even if Drakov won't help me. But I know who will for sure. I send him a text and set a meeting place. Agent Almond follows me, keeping a distance but always on the look for something suspicious. I go straight to "Over9Thousand" and wait for about five minutes. Elon finally arrives.
"Hey! Sorry I kept you waiting. I wasn't expecting you to text me all of a sudden, especially after this rough week..." He says
"Don't worry 'bout it," I say.
"So, what's that urgent?" He asks
"I know this might sound crazy and too much to ask, but I want your help to find this killer," I say
He looks at me, maybe trying to figure out if I'm being serious. I keep looking at him, hoping he'll understand and actually help me.
"I don't know how we'll do it and if we'll ever find him. And though it's dangerous, I loved Sam. You can count on me!" He says
I will avenge your death Sam. And this a promise I won't break...