jordanabina
***THIS IS A ROUGH DRAFT OF THE FIFTH CHAPTER FROM MY SCI-FI NOVEL TRESKA VORN. IGNORE GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. COPYRIGHT @JORDANABINA 2023
When Weyland’s eyes opened, the greenish color had faded from within them, but they were still heavy with fear. Weyland woke to the smell of sleep fog flooding the spare pod where he lay, his mind still replaying the video of the young woman in white taking out a group of Leaf officers. He replayed images of the woman in his apartment, her familiar voice, those green eyes.
Namira? Is that even possible? How are you here and what has happened to you?
Weyland didn’t move. He lay motionless, staring up at the ceiling of the space. The chaos raging in his mind rendered him paralyzed, crippled with questions, and soaked with uncertainty. In three short hours, the third wave of the tally would begin and Weyland would be required to attend with the rest of the city. Something Namira had said specifically not to do. Katsu ran into the room in a flash, fully dressed and equipped with movement gear.
“I’ve downloaded the coordinates from Ora and am going to figure out a way for us to get there without moving through any tally zones. It shouldn’t be too difficult—”
Weyland shot out of the pad with a look of disgust on his face. “What are you talking about Kat? I’m not going anywhere near that girl!”
Katsu stood still in disbelief. “You’re not being serious Weyly, are you? You heard what she said—Hey! Your eyes aren’t green anymore, interesting,” pointing at Weyland’s face.
“Who the blitz is the prophet anyway?” asked Weyland with a tinge of annoyance in his voice. “Why are you so ready to believe some murderer who killed actual Leaf officers in the sink? We don’t know anything about this person.”
Katsu paused to gather himself, realizing that Weyland was avoiding the truth about the identity of the green eyed woman. Weyland’s eyes dropped to the floor, his face revealed a troubled mind, Katsu approached him and put his hands on his shoulders.
“Weyly, you know who that was don’t you? You know.”
“I don’t know anything.”
“Yes, you do. It was your sister, it was Namira—”
“That’s impossible Kat! Think about what you’re saying for a second. Namira is on Trell Vrain, she’s been there since the blackout and she hasn’t made contact with us once in all that time! You think she would seriously come here and not come to us first? Oh, and she can fight people now? It’s ridiculous.”
Katsu met Namira a year before leaving for Treska Vorn. Being the same age, they studied at the same school but Katsu’s grades bumped him up and advanced him into Helix University ahead of schedule. If it weren’t for this fact, Katsu would’ve never made it to Treska Vorn before the blackout.
“And besides,” Weyland said, losing his breath, “this is not Namira. Namira doesn’t look anything like that. Are you really telling me that you think my little sister is capable of killing those Leaf officers?”
“Weyland—”
“No. Stop! I don’t want to hear anything more about this. In fact, don’t speak to me about this again! We’re done. Since the moment I woke up yesterday my life has been a living nightmare.”
Weyland slid down the wall and sat on the ground, cupping his face in his hands. He didn’t know what to do or what to think. Fear, left unchecked, tends to eat its victims from the inside. After a moment passed, Katsu joined him on the floor.
“Weyly. It’s Namira. You saw it too, I know you did.”
“Let’s say I did then, what the blitz do you expect me to do about it? Do you really expect me to just miss the tally and meet up with her? You watched the same video I did! You showed it to me yourself! What if we get caught? What if we are seen as part of some terrorist network—”
“Weyland. It’s Namira, it’s your sister. Do you really believe she’s a part of a terrorist network? Think about it.”
Down on the streets below, the first wave of the tally was beginning. Weyland and Katsu heard the speakers from the Leaf officer trucks blaring directions and they moved over to the window to get a closer look. People from all over Katsu’s section were making their way towards a huge tent set up between a main square in the streets of the Centrum.
“Attention all citizens, if you are scheduled for the first wave of today’s tally, please make your way towards the counting center now. Please remember to bring identification with you. If you do not have identification with you, you will need to return home and retrieve it. Without your identification you can not participate in the tally. Failure to do so will require the assistance of Leaf security. Thank you for your cooperation.”
People were already flooding the streets and making their way towards the counting centers. Men, women, and children all journeyed through the once busy avenues of the Centrum. What yesterday was a chaotic mix of vehicles, people, and light had transformed into what looked like a still and sterile abandoned city. Weyland found it eerie.
“This is crazy Weyly.”
Weyland nodded without making a sound.
“Well I gotta go man. Whatever you do, don’t leave and don’t go to the tally. Let’s talk when I get back.”
“Wait, what?” asked Weyland as Katsu headed for the door. “Where are you going? Wait, wha—”
“I’m in the first wave dummy, that tent is like a rocks-throw from here. As soon as I get back we can figure this out together.”
“Didn’t you hear what Namira said?”
“Aha! So you do think it’s her,” shouted Katsu smiling and pointing again at Weyland.
“That’s not the point,” said Weyland shaking his head, “She said not to go the tally. She said—”
“No, she said you were not to go to the tally. She didn’t say anything to me and I was standing right there. In fact, she didn’t even acknowledge my existence, but that’s nothing new right? I’ll be back and let you know how it goes. Do not leave.”
The lift door was closed and latched before Weyland could do or say anything in reply, he just stood there waiting for someone to tell him what to do next. Weyland got up to look out the window; he could see Katsu walking below. The back of his jacket illuminating a customized scheme of color. He looked up towards the window and waved; then, in a moment, he was lost in a sea of people, flowing with the tide towards the huge tent up ahead. Weyland found thinking of anything else besides Namira impossible.
How long has it been sister? How could you have changed this much in just three years? What about mom and dad? What happened?
One week before leaving for Treska Vorn, Weyland’s parents planned a going away party for him and invited a few of their friends as well. Weyland could have invited people too, but they had already invited Katsu before he even knew the party was happening. Within a week of meeting Weyland, Katsu was a part of the Lykaios family. Weyland suspected they liked Katsu more than him sometimes. Everyone except Namira, that is, who seemed annoyed with Katsu from the start. Garrick, Weyland’s father, never missed an opportunity to brag on his kids.
“Attention everyone. I just want to say thank you to everyone who joined us this evening to celebrate our son Weyland. Weyly has been a bright boy ever since the day he was born.”
“Dad, come on,” said Weyland with a flushed face, “don’t do this to me.”
“It’s true, it’s true. Our Weyly has always been one to finish what he seeks out to accomplish. He works hard and now that drive is taking him to Vorn to continue his studies. Although we haven’t always seen, well, eye to eye,” motioning to his ear, insinuating the body tech Weyland had, “he has made us very proud.”
Garrick, along with the rest of Weyland’s family were organics. None of them besides Weyland had any body tech or augmentations synched to their bodies. Garrick had always resisted the flood of pressure to enhance one’s own body in any way that wasn’t natural. It came from a deep conviction that one day the human race would look back to regret it. As time went on, it seemed his feeling was wrong as the human race advanced astronomically because of the enhancements, but Garrick held to the belief that there was an unseen element to all people that would never fully integrate with technology. On Trell Vrain, Garrick was somewhat of a thought leader in this regard. When Weyland first came home with the security circuit installed into his ear, his father was mortified and didn’t speak to Weyland for a week. It only took a day or so for most of the organic community to find out as well. After some time, Garrick returned to normal and their relationship continued on as before. But the moment wounded both of them, and the pain has remained. As time passed and Weyland continued to increase the amount of digital augmentations, Garrick was disappointed but never outwardly gave any sign of having noticed.
“Our son is destined for great things and we believe that this journey to Vorn is only the beginning. God has been good to us and has also provided a friend for Weyland to journey with,” said Garrick smiling at Katsu.
Garrick was a spiritual man, something Weyland never considered to be of any real value. Garrick’s faith influenced many of the choices he made for his life and family.
“Katsu, please keep track of Weyland—”
“Yeah right! Someone needs to keep track of him!” laughed Namira.
“True, true,” replied Katsu with a shrug and a quick glance at Namira.
“Alright, alright you two,” Garrick said laughing, “but seriously, Weyland we love you and we’re so proud of you. We look forward to coming and visiting you and dropping off your sister in a year as well. Raise a glass for my son Weyland, we love you. Cheers.”
With glasses raised, a voice broke out in the crowd, “Real death!”
The rest responded, “Real life!”
Garrick looked at Weyland with an apologetic smile and shrugged his shoulders, “Well, I love you kid.”
Weird. Why am I thinking about these memories now? It’s been a while since I thought about that day. It was one of the last times I saw my mother and sister. And my father, how long has it been?
Weyland sat counting the time, hoping to see Katsu walk back into his apartment. He tried to talk himself into coming up with some sort of plan and to make some sort of decision about what to do but it wasn’t happening. His mind drifted into memories.
It was Garrick who took Weyland to the sky station on the day he left for Vorn. They sat together in silence most of the way, both of them unsure of what to say. Garrick, feeling his moment slipping away, began to speak.
“Weyly, how do you feel?”
“I feel great dad, seriously. I’m nervous but excited.”
“That’s great. That’s how you should feel. But there’s a few things I want you to know before you leave, nothing bad, just important.”
Weyland was a little unsure of himself and even more unsure of what his father would say next. Weyland sensed a bit of uneasiness in his voice.
“I’ve made a few calls ahead to Vorn asking a few people to be available to you—”
“Dad, no way—”
“Just listen Weyly. I didn’t embarrass you or anything and it’s just Mr. Eizō anyway. I told him that you’d be checking in once you arrived and that I’d appreciate it if he checked in on you too.”
Weyland laughed and rolled his eyes. “That guy is crazy dad—”
“Yeah I know, but I trust him and you’re going to be living very close to where he is. I want you to check in with him once you get settled in, do you understand?”
“Yes,” sighed Weyland, “Is that it? I thought you said you made a few calls?”
“I may have also transferred some money into an account for you.”
“Wait really? Why? I told you, I’ve landed a job and—”
“That’s not the reason. Listen to me carefully. For reasons I think are important, I’ve opened up another account for you using a different last name than Lykaios. You’re attending Helix as Weyland West. I’ve used this account to pay for your first round of tuition. Because your account is linked to the school, this will be the name they have on file.”
Weyland was turned towards his father in disbelief and confusion. He couldn’t think of what his father’s motivations for this might be but could tell by his face that it was serious. Before Weyland could respond Garrick continued.
“I respect your decision to not remain organic, it’s a choice everyone has to make for themselves. While I may disagree, my love and devotion to you was never based on what you did or didn’t do. I love you because you are my son and God decided to make me your father. It’s one of the greatest honors of my life.”
“Dad—”
“Let me finish,” replied Garrick. “With that said, your mother and I have sensed a growing tension between the Leaf council and the organic community, especially since the organic community is growing rapidly. I have no idea what that may mean for the future, but just to be safe, I’d like you to be cautious. Keep your nose down, don’t get into trouble. Listen and follow the lead of the Leaf council. Do you understand?”
“Dad, seriously this is too much—”
“Weyland,” said Garrick in a voice that spoke to the man inside of Weylands heart, “do you understand?”
“Yeah, sure, of course.”
“Good. You’re going to change the world Weyly.”
That was it, that was the last time we spoke in person. It’s been so long. But you’re right, I need to keep my nose to the ground. I’m not missing the tally, that’s the easiest way to get into trouble.
Weyland shot up to his feet and looked at the time.
Just over an hour before the third wave of the tally takes place in my section, I need to get moving.
“Ora, we need to get going. Sync up.”
A beep behind his ear confirmed her presence.
“Weyland, are we not waiting for Katsu?” asked Ora.
“Not anymore. We can’t risk being punished or under any type of suspicion, not with the day we just had. If they were to search my apartment or do any types of extensive tests on me, who knows what might happen?”
“Do you want me to message Katsu and tell him we’re leaving?”
“Yes, but alter the timestamp to say you sent it an hour ago, that way he’ll think he missed the message and won’t come looking.”
“It’s done.”
Weyland splashed water on his face, noticing his eyes had returned to their normal color, “Good.” In a moment he was in the lift, then on the street. As Weyland stepped back out into the cool Rivix air, he stood still for a moment, not exactly sure what he was going to do. The streets were now filling up with people coming back from the first and second wave of the tally all with a type of medical band around their arms. Never before had this part of the city been this quiet, you could hear the conversations between people as they walked past. There had never been a day like this on Rivix since Weyland had first arrived. The Leaf council ordered all vehicles to be grounded, all business to be closed, and all non-essential lights to be turned off. The electram was still in operation but due to each tally center being within walking distance, there was really no use for it.
But that’s not what made the streets feel so dead, it was the Leaf officers, they were everywhere. The white and green uniform and movement gear of each Leaf officer seemed to be on every corner of Rivix. They stood guard with weapons, but for what? They looked ready for a riot, not a simple tally in each section.
“Are you seeing all these Leaf officers Ora?”
“Yes, there are more Leaf officers on duty today than I’ve tracked here before.”
“But why?”
“I do not know Weyland.”
“Let’s block any foreign frequencies from tuning into our transmissions.”
“It’s done.”
Weyland entered the electram to journey back towards his section, it was completely empty. He sat near the back of the first car and released his headgear. The air was clearer and cleaner than on most days, he figured that’s what happened when no one was riding it.
Two more stops and we’re there. Let’s get this tally over with and get back to why my body had such a malfunction yesterday.
The electram stopped, the doors opened, but no one entered. As the doors began to close, a hand of a Leaf officer jammed its way through at the last second. The doors reopened and the officer entered slowly. After looking around he noticed Weyland, and giving him a once over, took a seat at the end of the car facing Weyland. The officer didn’t release his face shield which made it impossible for Weyland to see if he was looking at him, but his head was directed straight towards him.
“I’m not picking up any transmissions or interference for this officer Weyland,” said Ora, “I will tell you if I do.”
I can’t just throw up my face gear now it will be too suspicious, and I can’t respond to Ora without it. I’ve ridden the electram a thousand times with Leaf officers, there’s no reason to think this is any different. Hurry up you stupid tram, one more stop.
As Weyland’s spot approached he left his seat and headed towards the door, the officer did the same. They stood shoulder to shoulder waiting for the doors to open and release them from the awkward tension that was surely building, at least for Weyland. The wait was over, Weyland heard the gears squeak and the doors fly open, throwing a gust of wind into his face. Weyland wasted no time in stepping out and reengaging his head gear. As he turned the Leaf officer followed.
“Citizen, stop for a moment,” commanded the Leaf officer. Weyland turned and faced the voice that called him.
“Is there a problem?” asked Weyland, trying to sound normal.
“Where are you headed? Have you been to a tally station today?”
“I’m on my way there now, I’m in the third wave of my section.”
“You are due to report in less than 15 minutes, did you know that?” asked the officer, now taking a step forward.
“Yes, of course, may I be on my way then? You wouldn’t want to hold me up right?” Weyland said with a chuckle.
The officer didn’t laugh and didn’t move, he remained silent long enough for the all confidence to flee from Weyland’s body.
“Be going then,” said the officer, “and get a move on it.”
Weyland wasted no time and left quickly. With the lack of people in the streets and all vehicles downed, Weyland was able to make it to his tally station in less than ten minutes. As he turned the corner he was met by a mass of people standing in lines pointing every which way. There were thousands of people and hundreds of Leaf officers giving directions and pointing people towards the shortest queue.
“All face shields must be removed and identification must be at the ready. Please move forward and find the nearest line,” said an officer through a vehicle mounted microphone.
Here we go.
“Ora, when we get to the front, transfer yourself back to Kat’s place, understand?”
“Yes, Weyland. Are you sure you want to go through with this?” asked Ora.
“I don’t have a choice Ora, if I don’t show up for the tally, it’s only a matter of time before they come looking for me. But if I show up, perhaps I will avoid suspicion even if my levels aren’t normal, at least they know I wasn’t trying to hide anything. They’re probably the best people to tell about what happened in my sleep pad anyway. What do I have to hide?”
“I can think of a few things,” replied Ora.
The line Weyland had chosen was moving rather smoothly and he was already half way through. He stood behind two older ladies, who looked like twin sisters. Standing behind him was a group of Helix students who were joking around and accidently bumped into Weyland who shot them a glance.
“Sorry man,” said the student closest to Weyland.
“No worries.”
Up ahead Weyland could see what looked like a series of kiosks with one Leaf officer inside of each. As each citizen approached, they walked through a full body scan and then sat in a chair next to what looked like a leaf doctor. Then, upon sitting down inside a small office, the glass would tint white, making visibility impossible from the outside.
“Ora, can you put the conversation at the kiosk through to my ear,” asked Weyland as quietly as he could.
One of the ladies turned around and looked up at Weyland with an odd expression and asked with a shriek, “What did you say young man?”
Looking surprised and not wanting any unnecessary attention, Weyland smiled and quietly said, “Oh nothing, I was talking to myself, I’m sorry.”
“I’m unable to tap into the audio from inside the kiosks, there must be a block installed into each one,” said Ora.
Blitz.
“You have an incoming call from Katsu, do you want to take it?”
“I can’t, my headgear is not allowed and I don’t want him to know I’m here.”
The first of the two ladies was admitted into the room. Weyland watched as she passed through the body scan with ease; two Leaf officers stared at a screen on the opposite side of the larger machine.
What is all this equipment for? I thought this was supposed to be some sort of census?
From a distance, Weyland thought he heard shouting. The others in line were all drawn to the sound as well, their heads all pointing in the direction of the raucous, like wheat in the wind. It was a child, but whether they were crying or screaming was unclear. Then a woman’s cry pierced through the crowd.
“No! Oh God, someone help—”
Silence spread through the tent, then a low hum of conversation. The moment passed and the tally continued. The woman who had entered the office a few moments before was now exiting wearing a bandage on her right arm. She waved to her friend and exited out the back as instructed.
“Next,” commanded the Leaf officer to the woman standing with Weyland.”
“I guess it’s my turn,” she said walking away.
Weyland wondered if she was talking to him but chose to remain silent. The students behind him were highly amused by something, but Weyland didn’t know or care what it was. His mind drifted to Namira. In a moment, all the fear he had felt when looking into her eyes had returned. The slow drip of panic began to enter his mind and he was beginning to wonder if he had made a mistake in coming to the tally.
Namira, what could you have possibly thought I would do? How could I not come? Leaf council has made it very clear about the consequences of missing the tally. But why? Why would you ask? Why wouldn’t I trust you? Why didn’t you come to me first?
The woman exited the office, and made her way out.
“Next,” said the Leaf officer, not looking at Weyland.
Why would you risk so much? How did you get to Vorn in the midst of a blackout? What’s so dangerous about this tally?
The Leaf officer looked over towards Weyland who was lost in his thoughts. “Citizen, let’s move!”
This is wrong. I can’t be here. I gotta get—
“Is there a problem citizen?” The Leaf officer was now standing very close to Weyland who regained his composure. The students behind him had cautiously taken a few steps back.
“Sorry sir, I forgot something back at my flat. I’m going to need to go grab—”
The officer dropped his face shield and interrupted, “Do you have ID?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“That’s all you need,” shoving Weyland along towards the scan, “let’s keep this thing moving.”
“Transfering home,” said Ora, Weyland made no reply.
The long body scanner was approximately five paces long and was designed to work by having a person walk through it. Weyland had seen something like this before but never in person and never outside of a hospital.
The Leaf officer pointed towards the end of the scanner, “Walk through slowly citizen.”
Weyland felt a slight tickle down his spine as he slowly made his way towards the kiosk. He tried not to look at the officers staring at the screen and kept his eyes on the exit at the end of the row. Quite suddenly, the tips of his fingers began to tingle and burn, but just as they did, he had walked out of the range of the scanner. For the first moment, there was no movement behind the screen until the officer stood up quickly.
“That’s enough, see your way to the kiosk.”
Weyland looked behind him. His eyes found the students in line, completely at ease and without a care in the world. This tally meant nothing to him a few days ago, but now he was nervous and unsure of himself. He made his way into the kiosk and a leaf doctor was sitting at a desk with one chair in front. Weyland took his seat. The windows engaged the tinting feature and now the room was silent, apart from the typing from the doctor on the keypad in front of him.
Weyland breathed a heavy sigh, attracting the gaze of the doctor. “Feeling okay today Weyland, is it West? Is that correct?”
Weyland nodded and tried to remember how we acted when he felt normal, “Yes, that’s correct.”
“I’m going to ask you a series of questions for our database and do a quick bio-check and let you on your way,” said the doctor smiling.
Being taken off guard by the display of kindness, Weyland stumbled into his response, “Sure, I mean yes, sounds great.”
Sure? Really?
The doctor looked at Weyland a bit confused, his eyebrows scrunched together. “Are you ready then?”
“Yes.”
“Good. First, I see here that you’ve lived on Treska Vorn for the last four years, is that correct?” The doctor stared at his screen, his fingers pausing from the typing only when he spoke.
“Yes, nearly four years.”
“And where did you live prior to your time on Vorn?”
“I am from Trell Vrain, the capital city.”
“What brought you to Treska Vorn?”
“Helix University. I’ve wanted to attend there since—”
“Thank you, that’s enough. Have you been checked into a hospital since arriving on Treska Vorn?”
“What—no, I’ve never needed to be at a hospital.”
Weyland wasn’t expecting these types of questions but was somewhat relieved by their ease.
“Have you ever taken the narcotic known as slik or any other type of drug?”
“Absolutely not.”
“I see you have digital upgrades, is this correct?”
“Yes,” replied Weyland.
“In the last month, have you had any abnormalities or malfunctions with the installed tech?”
Weyland paused. The doctor looked up with a smile.
“Mr. West?”
Perhaps this is my chance. Why would he even be asking this unless it was happening to others as well? Even if Namira is caught up in something, it doesn’t mean I am, maybe I just have some virus or disease that corrupts bio tech upgrades.
“Well, I’m not really sure,” Weyland said, unsure of himself, “I might have had something happen to my tech during one of my sleep cycles.”
The doctor spun in his black stool and came around to the side of Weyland. “Would you mind if I had a look underneath your shirt?”
Weyland felt relieved.
“Yes, of course, I figured it was nothing. Do you know—have others been dealing with the same thing?” Weyland removed his shirt and his gear, jacket, and shirt revealing the tech on his chest. “It was just so weird really—”
“What exactly happened, Mr. West?”
“I don’t really know for sure, but I seemed to come out of the sleep cycle before the fog was released—”
“Really, are you sure of that,” asked the officer, putting pressure on the different plates in Weyland’s chest.
“Well not exactly sure but it seemed like it.”
“Is that all?” asked the doctor motioning for Weyland to put his shirt back on.
“There was just a lot of pain in my body, pain I’ve never felt before.”
The doctor made his way back to the desk and entered more information into the console in front of him. Weyland began to realize that his time in the kiosk was lasting much longer than the two women before him. Just as he was about to speak, the doctor stood up from behind his desk.
“Okay Mr. West, everything looks good to me. I’m just going to take a simple blood test from your arm, check your eyes and let you go. This is just to collect data on the overall health of all citizens on Vorn. Can you put out your left arm for me Mr. West?”
Weyland hadn’t received a blood test in years, mostly because due to the sleep pod technology on Vorn, your vitals were tracked during each cycle. Weyland hid his reaction to the twinge of pain as best he could. It was over in an instant.
The doctor removed the needle and put a small bandage on Weyland’s arm, “Ok, thank you Mr. West. Now if you could stand and face me. I’m going to run a simulation that will lower the lights and expose you to a few different types of rays that are found in our galaxy, after which I will take a quick look at your eyes. This will only take a second and the results enable us to see how our eyes have changed over the last century. We’re studying whether or not there are any structural changes as a whole in the population on Rivix.
“So I keep my eyes open, right?”
“That’s right Mr. West, here we go.”
Taking his seat at the desk, the doctor equipped himself with headgear and engaged it. “Here we go, in three, two, one,” hitting a key on the console. The room slowly went black and stayed completely black for at least a minute.
“Relax, Mr. West, the darkness is relaxing your vision and calming your eyes. You will notice the light begin to grow in just a moment.”
Weyland thought he could hear something open from above his head and noticed a soft blue light begin to fill the room. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen before. The light was thicker in some places and thinner in others and it almost looked like it had a physical property to it, like a strange smoke or fog.
What, what is this?
Then, after only a few seconds, the lights were abruptly turned on and the room was filled again with the white light from the panels around the kiosk.
“What was that?” asked Weyland.
The doctor removed his headgear and began to make his way over to Weyland.
“As I said before the light represen—” the doctor stopped mid sentence as he looked at Weyland. His face, for just a moment, was wearing a look of shock. The doctor, regaining his composure said, “Yes, as I said before the light represented other types of light that may be found in our part of the galaxy.”
Weyland, still filled with relief from the entire experience, didn’t notice the reaction from the doctor and continued asking questions nervously.
“That’s really interesting. When will the Leaf Council release the findings? Will they have any effect on everyday life? It’s really amazing to be able—”
The tone and overall demeanor of the doctor changed. He tripped moving back to his desk, packed up his keyboard and different tools into a small bag below his chair, “Yes, it’s all very interesting citizen.”
Seeing the doctor begin to make his way towards the door he followed him feeling relieved that the ordeal was over.
Wait until I tell Kat about this? This was nothing after all, nothing to worry about.
Weyland was met by the doctor putting his arm out, motioning for Weyland to stop.
“Please remain here citizen, someone will be with you shortly.”
Weyland’s heart sank, “Wait, What—”
The doctor turned, shut the door behind him, and Weyland heard the sound of locks. He frantically pulled out at the handle and pounded on the door but it made no difference. He spun around looking for another way out, there was none.
“Ora! Ora! Blitz!”
Ora had already synched back to Weyland’s flat and had no access to him while he was inside the room. The lights suddenly shut off inside the room and Weyland could hear voices shouting and the sound of feet shuffling just outside the door.
What happened? Did I miss something? That doctor must have found something, something in my blood or—
Then, the memory of the doctor’s surprised facial expression popped back into his mind. Having not noticed it before, it all of a sudden became clear and obvious. Something happened during the light test.
Blitz, what was that light? What happened?
There was a sound at the door, Weyland took a few steps back and stood in the corner of the kiosk. He engaged his headgear out of habit and waited. The door cracked and slowly opened, letting in four Leaf Officers carrying batons. They walked slowly towards Weyland and stopped a meter away.
“Citizen, I need you to turn around and put your hands on the wall.”
“There has to be some misunderstanding—”
“Citizen, I’ll only say this one more time. I need you to turn around slowly and put your hands on the wall.”
“Listen, I don’t know what that doctor said but—”
The closest leaf officer charged Weyland with ferocious speed, smashing his headgear into the wall. The rest of the officers were on Weyland in an instant. Weyland couldn’t resist the natural reaction to defend himself and as he was falling to the ground, kicked one of the officers square in the chin. The officer pulled something from his pack and stuck it directly into Weyland’s side.
“Please stop, you have the wrong person!”
Weyland started to feel drowsy and struggled to keep his concentration. “What did you do to me?”
“Just relax, citizen.”
The officers cuffed Weyland’s hands and stood him to his feet, but Weyland could no longer stand. The officers carried Weyland out the door, back into the mass of people in line all watching with fearful expressions. Weyland tried to cry for help but couldn’t say anything understandable. People flew by him in a blur and he lost the ability to make sense of where he was or what was happening. In a moment he found himself loaded into the back of a Leaf truck and zooming up towards the Sky level.
One of the Leaf officers started investigating some of Weyland’s gear and tech, “What did the doctor say about this guy?”
“Don’t touch him!” another officer yelled. “He didn’t say anything, but it’s obvious that this is the type of person this tally was made for.”
Weyland moaned, “Kat, Namir—”
“What’s he saying?” asked an officer.
“I don’t know and it doesn’t matter, let’s just get him to the coordinates we were sent.”
The Leaf truck positioned itself on the upper level of the Leaf council headquarters on the sky level. They dragged Weyland from the truck and through an exterior door leading towards the inside of the building. They dropped Weyland inside a small cell and closed the door behind them. As Weyland hit the floor, he began to come out of the sleep state he was in.
What, what happened? Where am I? Ah blitz my head hurts.
Weyland heard the voices of officers outside the door. He didn’t move.
“Is this the citizen that was brought here from the tally?”
“Yes sir,” answered multiple voices in unison.
“Thank you officers, you’re dismissed.”
“All of us sir? Shouldn’t one of us stay and—”
A moment of silence followed. “You’re all dismissed. Now!”
Weyland pressed his ear to the cold metal door.
“Yes officer Ferro.”
