In Revel, it was raining. Drops fell from the sky, shattering against the metal structures of a city that kept its glassy eyes open every minute. The city lived its life both day and night. The residents of Revel woke up in their beds every morning, went to work, toiled, and returned home. Day after day, they sank into an endless cycle of oblivion. Nevertheless, this was exactly what people wanted. They could afford to relax by the lakes, travel to other cities, and consume nutrient-rich food every day. Entertainment diluted the routine of work. And for this measured life, people were ready to work day in and day out, doing the same thing. Day turned to night, and at sunset, darkness reclaimed the lands taken from it by the light at dawn. The city lived.
The urban train raced through the air in a magnetic tunnel. Huge structures built atop skyscrapers supported the tunnel that ran through the entire city. Only the outskirts of Revel had ground tracks, and even they used magnetic cushions. In one of the carriages, on one of the seats, sat Ioanna. She placed her bag on the adjacent seat. Opposite her sat Richard Robinson, calmly observing the roofs of buildings passing by through the window. He watched as hundreds of Ethers sliced through the air beneath the train. Thousands of people hurried to work. Each had their own path. Some rushed to factories located beyond Revel, while others were late for corporate buildings where their usual workplaces awaited them. Photos of families, pets, and homes had long been projected on their computer screens. They all worked for the benefit of the Consolidated Nation. And the Consolidated Nation existed for them. Everything was for everyone.
Ioanna touched her wrist and activated the dormant systems of the Pulse. A standard screen projected a few millimeters above her forearm. Sliding her finger close to her skin, she switched screens. Opening folders, Ioanna read new messages from colleagues. One of them, Thomas Morph, was already waiting for her at the District Council Hall. He was supposed to work with Maria but was now waiting for her.
Scrolling through her contacts, Ioanna saw Jonathan. Her finger hovered over the call icon, but at that moment, a notification about a transfer popped up at the top of the screen. "Volkov," Ioanna thought. She still felt the weight of her choice but couldn't yet tell her brother about it. She only hoped he would understand. John always understood everyone. He knew why people made certain choices. He could put himself in their shoes, and then the picture became clear to him.
"Have you been to the capital recently?" Richard suddenly asked, leaning slightly forward to catch her attention.
Ioanna was too absorbed in her thoughts. His voice literally pulled her out of the whirlpool of reflections she had been in for the past half hour.
"What?" Ioanna asked, confused, as she returned to her thoughts.
"The capital? Have you visited it recently?" Richard repeated, realizing that the girl across from him hadn't heard his question the first time.
"Once, a long time ago," Ioanna replied, recalling how many years had passed since she first set foot in the capital. "And you?"
"Is this an interview?" Richard clarified with a smile.
"No," the girl replied softly, "it's just a question."
"It was several years ago. Professor Crockford and I had just received permission to start Project 'Fracture.' At that time, the project was in its initial stages. The first designs for energy disks were being prepared; talk of reservoirs was just beginning..."
"You've come a long way..."
"It doesn't matter how long or difficult the path was. The main thing is to achieve success, Mrs. Averino. The Third District showed us what can happen as a result of a mistake, and our task is to prevent it from happening again. That's why Martha refused to go to the capital. Even though the Fracture Machine is ready for launch and all checks have been completed, even one hundred percent readiness is too little for success."
"I understand, Mr. Robinson," Ioanna agreed calmly. "In your case, one hundred percent readiness is insufficient."
"This is a big step for our world. We are trying to overcome the last few hundred years. And it's a strange feeling of anticipation because we will do it in a week."
"I'm sure many are feeling this way."
"And you?" Richard asked, leaning slightly forward. "Are you feeling it?"
"I experience many different feelings, and anticipation is one of them."
"That's natural," the professor smiled gently. "We, humans, are capable of feeling a multitude of emotions simultaneously. That's what makes us special."
"Sometimes I wish I didn't feel them at all," Ioanna quietly commented.
"On one hand, that's true, but on the other... don't emotions make our world more beautiful?"
"Sometimes they make it worse, Mr. Robinson."
"But not always, right?"
"I agree with you."
They looked into each other's eyes, each immersed in their thoughts. Raindrops shattered against the train windows. Finally, the train arrived at the needed station. "District Council Hall station," a female voice announced over the speakers. Dozens of people left the train, and Ioanna and Richard were among them. Before them loomed the District Council Hall. Almost a hundred floors were filled with employees carrying out their duties. The District Council Hall resembled a beehive, where everyone was an element of one large system, a cog in the machine of a bright future. The metal doors slowly opened, and Ioanna stepped inside.
The light from the lamps reflected off the walls. In the center of the hall stood the distribution devices. People approached them, placed their palms, and glass elevators descended from above. Once inside, the capsule closed and lifted the visitors upward.
Ioanna placed her palm against the glass surface, and a signal sounded. From above, out of nowhere, a cable-less elevator descended. The doors opened, and Ioanna stepped inside. The elevator began to ascend swiftly, leaving the floors behind. Around her, several dozen identical capsules soared upward, occasionally stopping on different floors. One by one, the elevators disappeared, and Ioanna climbed higher. Finally, the elevator reached one of the upper floors, brought the girl to a platform, and Ioanna stepped onto the floor of the Chairman of the Seventh District.
Rounded cutouts in the walls, wall-sized windows, and black-and-white mosaics on the floor created an illusion of sterility. Ioanna had taken a few steps when the doors at the end of the black-and-white corridor swung open, and Marcus Gray approached her.
"Good morning!" Ioanna shouted, hoping someone would hear her from the other side.
The elderly man slowly moved toward her. In this silence, the only sound was the tapping of the girl's heels on the metal floor.
"Hello," the Chairman weakly shook her hand. His hand was old and frail. He smiled peacefully, but it seemed that he might crumble from such effort at any moment. "You must be Ioanna?" Marcus asked hoarsely.
"Maria was supposed to arrive instead of me..."
"Yes, yes. Mr. Volkov already informed about the change."
"I've never been to the House of Councils; it's..."
"Well then, this is your first time," Marcus Gray interrupted. Perhaps he no longer noticed that his interlocutor hadn't finished speaking.
Marcus Gray always remained friendly, even when the conversation turned to something heavy and unpleasant. Many thought he was showing signs of senility or dementia. But he was quite a good Chairman, especially during the crisis that suddenly struck after the incident in the Third District. He actively helped to deal with the tragic consequences of the collapse and sent numerous teams to the areas neighboring the Third. Unfortunately, that night had left its mark on him as well.
"Could you tell me if Armando Averino is in his office?" Ioanna asked quietly. It felt like something heavy was being held in this silence, and any loud sound would shatter it.
"Oh... Is that so!" Marcus exclaimed, though his voice remained just as quiet. "Are you Armando's wife?! I thought you were just namesakes. Yes, of course. He's in his office one floor down," the Chairman spoke very slowly. "Preparing documents, as he will take charge of our district in my absence."
"Would you mind if I visited him? I hope it won't distract him from work."
"Not at all! Of course, you still have time..." he waved his hand and then fell silent for a moment before continuing, "So little time when we hurry, and so much when we wait... And you, Mrs. Averino? Are you in a hurry or waiting?"
"It's hard to say," Ioanna replied with a gentle smile.
"So you are in a hurry, for if you were waiting, you would have said so..."
"Perhaps you are right, Mr. Gray."
"Then you need to go," Marcus Gray shook her hand again. "You can wait or hurry, but time continues to pass. It doesn't care about us."
"I can't argue with that, Mr. Gray..."
"Oh, Richard..." Marcus no longer noticed Ioanna. Richard Robinson's elevator had already reached the floor, and the Professor stepped onto the same platform Ioanna had entered a few moments ago. Slowly, Marcus moved toward the newly arrived Richard. "It's been a while since we last met in person, Richard," Marcus tried to speak loudly.
Ioanna watched the Chairman's back for a few more moments and then continued on her way. It would be unwise to use the elevator for just one floor. Therefore, she decided to take the stairs. As soon as the door opened, the bracelet on her wrist vibrated, and an incoming call signal sounded. Ioanna touched the bracelet with her finger, activating it. A woman's voice came through.
"Good afternoon, you are being contacted by the Department of Population Control and Development Clinic. My name is Christine. I'm calling to inform you that your application for the continuation of our kind and, consequently, the further development of the Consolidated Nation has been approved," the woman's voice was sweet and kind, "When would it be convenient for you to undergo the activation of your reproductive system?"
"Oh..." the only thing Ioanna could utter was... very good news...
"Of course, I congratulate you. You are one of the second vector genotypes. Our analyses and tests indicate one of the highest development indices. According to preliminary forecasts, you will raise an important member of our society who will advance our society and the Consolidated Nation toward a bright future," the girl spoke so calmly that it seemed she had memorized these phrases and was now merely repeating them. How often had she repeated them?
"Thank you very much, but..."
"When would it be convenient for you to undergo the activation of your reproductive system?"
"You see," Ioanna struggled to find the words to explain her situation, "I am currently in Revel, but I will soon head to the capital... Is it mandatory to conduct the vaccination at the application location?"
"Not at all," Christine replied calmly. "You can undergo the activation procedure of your reproductive system anywhere in the Consolidated Nation. Will you be available tomorrow at five in the evening?"
"Yes, I think so" Her breath seemed to stop. Could it be? That meant she and Armando would have a child. She couldn't believe it.
"Great. I am registering your appointment. Tomorrow at five in the evening in the Capital, on Seventy-Second Street at the intersection of Forty-Fifth Avenue, at the Department of Population Control and Development Clinic, Doctor Abraham will be expecting you."
"Okay, thank you..."
"Thank you for your development and advancement of the Consolidated Nation toward a bright future. I wish you luck in this challenging process. The Consolidated Nation appreciates your efforts and you as well. Goodbye." The voice disappeared.
Ioanna was shocked by this news. She was still on the upper floors of the House of Councils, but her mind had shifted to another place. She couldn't believe she had received permission.
She and her husband Armando submitted their application several months ago. She believed and hoped for a positive outcome. But a shadow of doubt always lingered in their conversations. Most of all, she couldn't believe she was one of the genotypes of the second vector. This meant they would be excellent parents for their future child and could raise a person who would create something new.
"We are going to have a baby..." the girl quietly said, not believing her own words. How glad she was that her husband was so close to her. She ran to the office of the Deputy Chairman of the Seventh District, Armando Averino, to share this news. Barely keeping her balance in high heels, she rushed to the door and pressed the intercom button. The doors opened, and she entered Armando's office.
Armando stood by the window, watching as his wife rushed into his office. He was dressed appropriately in a white shirt, dark blue trousers, and a matching dark blue vest. His long dark hair was neatly styled under a headband. His well-groomed beard spoke of the seriousness of his work and the necessity of maintaining such an appearance.
"Ioanna," the man said in a low voice.
Ioanna and Armando had met during their studies. He wanted to become Chairman, and Ioanna wanted to be a reporter. They both fulfilled their dreams.
"Darling, I have good news!" the girl exclaimed, hugging him.
"And what is it?" His voice was so low. This was one of the reasons why Armando captured his wife's heart.
"Well... I received a call from the department... you know which one..."
"No," Armando slowly replied. "Seriously?"
"Yes, exactly!" the girl exclaimed.
"When?"
"Just now, I was by your office."
"That's great! That means..." Armando left her embrace and began pacing his office, thinking aloud, "That means we're going to be parents!"
"Oh yes, darling!" Armando rushed to her and kissed her as only a man who has just learned about the impending arrival of a child in his life can.
"And when is the activation scheduled?"
"Tomorrow, but..." Ioanna's smile faded.
"But what?" Armando asked, puzzled.
"Here's the situation..." Ioanna recalled the events of the previous hours. "Mr. Volkov called me and insisted that I replace Maria in the Capital."
"Oh..." Armando began to be overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. "And I take it you agreed? And that's why you're here?"
Ioanna nodded in response, approvingly but with a sense of guilt.
"It was a tough decision for me," she sighed. "John and I were going to spend a week at the Clear Lakes, and now this..."
"Did you tell him?" Armando's face became serious. He couldn't and didn't have the right to judge or support Ioanna's decision. He didn't even know if his wife had made the right choice.
"No, not yet. And I don't know how to say it."
"But you have to say it..."
"What am I supposed to tell him?" Ioanna asked, not knowing who she was asking: her husband or herself. "Sorry, brother, but I was offered a job, and I chose work over spending my last days with you? We all know that..." Ioanna paused. "That there's no turning back. He will never return! He will never see me and you, let alone our child. And we all know what kind of end awaits him..." The girl's eyes began to water.
"Hey..." Armando said softly, taking his wife's hand. "John... I think he'll understand."
"I know he will, and that makes it even worse." Ioanna hugged Armando. "That was the last chance to see him and spend time with him. And I threw it away."
"But there are calls, video messages..."
"I know, but... what kind of sister am I if I traded my brother for yet another release?"
"A sister who held her brother's hand, which he couldn't feel. A sister who succeeded in sending those idiots from school to the tenth district for several generations, a sister who raised him after... everything collapsed."
"A sister who left him at the most important moment of his life."
"It would have happened anyway... if we're being serious."
"But time..." And then Ioanna remembered Marcus Gray's words that had come from his lips just minutes before. "Time is still on our side..."
"You started quoting Marcus," Armando smirked. "Come on, let's not make a drama out of this. First, call him and let him know. Then we'll see how it goes."
Ioanna took a deep breath and exhaled resolutely.
"Tomorrow I have the activation in the capital; they should call you and tell you when the vaccination is for you."
"Okay, dear," her husband smiled as he looked into her brown eyes.
"I won't be around for a week. I'll return in a week and..."
"Yes, we'll do this. Don't worry, I'll visit Jonathan before he leaves."
"Thank you, darling. Time is running out. The Hawk is waiting for me on the roof."
"First time on the Chairman's Hawk? You'll love it. It's much bigger than the basic Hawks and especially the Ethers." Armando brushed his finger along Ioanna's cheek, wiping away a lone tear.
"I love you," Ioanna whispered. "I'll call John as soon as I arrive in the capital."
"And I love you! Take care of yourself." Armando watched as the girl adjusted her blouse, kissed her, and she left his office. Armando approached the window again and looked out. People continued to walk the streets, Ethers flew through the airways.
The city continued to live, indifferent to the small drama in the office of the Deputy Chairman. Time passed, the Hawk took off from the roof of the Council Hall and headed west, towards the capital. Armando stood still, savoring the good news, but in the ocean of happiness, there was a drop of sadness. And the city continued to live.
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