Exile

Moey immediately dispatched Saginaw to fly through the window of his workshop office and grab the headset that he had hidden there. Saginaw flew out, crossed the yard, and then went in through another window. It was their bedroom.

Saginaw dropped the headset, grabbed the edge of a pillow, and pulled it to the side. It then picked up the headset, placed it where the pillow had been, picked up the edge of the pillow, and pulled it back into place, completely concealing the headset. Then, Saginaw exited through the window and launched high into the sky.

Saginaw watched from high above, tracking Marina, who was on her way home, and simultaneously watching the security measures unfolding at and around the Big House. Moey sat below in the command center watching and waiting. What did I do? I lost my temper. Stupid. We should have just tried to win him over for the next thirty days. He probably would have reconsidered. Idiot! I hope Marina— Suddenly, he saw Marina from overhead. She was walking home, head hanging low, and Buddy and Ajay each held one of her arms, keeping her stable and moving her along. It was heartbreaking. They entered the house, and Marina went straight to her bedroom and lay down. Moey watched it all through the open windows. He sent the signal to the headset, and he saw her jump, sit up part way, and look from side to side. Then, she turned around and probed under the pillow with her hands. He saw her pull out the headset and put it on.

“Mo?”

“Yes, Marina. It’s me. I’m sooo sorry.”

“What did you do? They are looking for you! Are you safe?”

“I’m below. You can come see me, but always be careful. They will be watching you, assuming you might lead them to me.”

“They already went through the whole house before I even got home. I can see the mess they made. All the doors in your shops are open. But the boys will handle it.”

“Thanks. Please don’t hate me.”

“I don’t. But you’re an idiot. How can we fix this? If you were telling the truth, he will never stop chasing you. He … he will kill you.” Marina started choking up.

“I was telling the truth. It’s all here. They were all friends. Utah did the act, but he was their puppet. And then they blamed him. But he escaped. And twenty years later, he got his chance at revenge. A guy like him doesn’t forget. He was a killer.”

“Oh no!”

“Yes. Your father became the Chair by killing his own brother. RJ suspected it, but he didn’t have the time nor energy to prove it. His final energy was spent with me, making sure that he passed the secrets to me so that your father wouldn’t find out. But I have had more time now to look at various pictures.

From Saginaw’s images, I saw that they were all friends. I later saw Perry and Jacob pursuing Utah. I already knew a long time ago that there was a conspiracy. But when Utah tried to kill all of them, it became completely clear what had happened.”

“So, what do we do?”

“I hate to say it, but your father is supposed to join Saul in less than thirty days. If he appoints Jacob … well, let’s just say that Jacob will need to have an unfortunate accident.”

“What?”

“He is also guilty of murdering Rex, but I can never share the evidence with the council. If your father wises up, he will appoint you. Then after he dies, I suppose I will reappear.

Then, you can take me back … or have me killed.” Marina laughed. “Mo. You always know what to do. Of course, I will take you back. I miss you already.”

“Me too. I probably have to stay down here for at least thirty days.”

“Do you have enough food?”

“Yep. I don’t know why, but I had a feeling something might happen, so I loaded up the place. You will be questioned.

You are the most likely person to know where I am. So, tell them that I left you a note saying that I had left for Victory.

Keep that headset well hidden, but make sure you can hear the tweet. It’s easier for you to call me, because I’m not going anywhere. Call me anytime.”

“Okay, darling. Talk to you soon.”

The next morning, soldiers came to the front door looking for Marina. They took her back to the Big House.

“I have nothing to say to you. I know he was wrong, but you did it!” Marina spoke boldly to Christopher, having no concept of fear when it came to her own father. “You made him go crazy with this talk of Jacob. It’s making me crazy too!”

“Darling, calm down.” Christopher was completely level, unmoved by her emotional outbursts. “Do you know where he might be?”

“He’s gone!” she replied angrily. “Gone to Victory.”

“Well, that makes sense. I can’t believe I actually considered him for the Chair.” Christopher shook his head in disappointment. He looked over at Bobby and nodded. Bobby left the room quickly, presumably to mount a pursuit. “I will draft a decree that will be irrevocable. He is never to return to Eden, even after my death. When I’m gone, I can’t stop you from going to see him, but I will not have him trying to disgrace my legacy with his lies. If he returns, he will be arrested and executed.” Christopher watched for her reaction.

“Please, Father!” Marina started to cry. “He made a mistake. He will apologize.”

“No! My decision is final.” Christopher paused to let his words sink in. “Now, I need you to make a decision. But with all of this crying and weakness, I don’t know if it’s the right—”

“What decision?” Marina pressed.

“I have reconsidered my position regarding Jacob. I want you to be Eden’s first woman Chair.”

“Me? But what about my husband?”

“That’s why I said that you must decide. I have told you my decision regarding Moey. I want you to be the next Chair, but you must let go of him for the sake of your sons. You need to think about them. They are too young to lead. If the family line is broken, they may lose their chance.”

“I … I’m not sure.”

“Oh, come on! You are my daughter, not some obedient house maid! Take your stand!”

Marina thought for just a moment. As she assessed her fears, the strongest was that her sons would lose their chance to lead. You bastard, she thought. What chance will I ever have to bring Moey back unless I am the Chair? None at all. Once he’s gone, anything can happen. I will take his decree and burn it.

And everyone will welcome Moey back with open arms, I’m sure.

How can he stop it?

“Thank you, Father. It’s not an easy decision for me, but the choice is clear. I accept your offer. It will be my privilege to follow you.”

“Brilliant! This is so exciting! We will have a big announcement and a grand event to celebrate.” Christopher hobbled out of his chair and shuffled to her. They hugged for a while. “I am so proud. But I am so sad to be leaving.” He started to get emotional. “Jacob will be thrilled.”

“He will?”

“Yes, of course. He wasn’t suited for this. It was my mistake. He will be a great supporter.”

My mother will be the most thrilled of all, finally finding some dignity in her life. She will come to live with us in the Big House, Marina imagined.

“Thank you, Father. It’s wonderful. The boys will be thrilled. I need to go tell them.”

“That’s fine, Marina, but I expect you back here every morning to help me. We have a lot to do and not much time.”

“Yes, Father. I will see you bright and early.”

As Marina left, Jacob entered from the adjoining chamber, where he had been listening closely.

“Well played, Chris. She bought it completely. Too bad.

She will be very disappointed.”

“Better her than some ambitious councilman who would fight me. No. You were right. She will forgive me eventually. As long as she knows Jojo is in line for the Chair whenever he’s ready. She won’t mind being passed over. You always had the best ideas, Jacob. You have literally saved my life once again.” Christopher caressed the still-fresh scar on Jacob’s shoulder, where he had nearly fallen victim to Utah. Then, the two men hugged affectionately.

“It sounds incredible! Except the part about me, of course. But I agree. Once you are the Chair … Wow! My wife the Chair. I love it. Anyway, like you say, we will work it out. But even if we don’t, you can come visit your caveman every night.”

“That’s true. But I think you will lose your great tan, and you won’t be much of a runner anymore.”

“Yeah. I think I would go crazy down here. That’s why we need to get me out. So, here is the plan. First, we need to tell Jojo that Buddy and Ajay are leaving for Victory in seven days. I have chosen a place for them to meet, and I will make maps. I will tell Jojo tomorrow. You talk to the boys tonight, if possible. Tell them to prepare. We are skipping out on the festival, so they will be disappointed, but it is the perfect time.

“You will act sad and devastated, but strong. The boys were lured by me … not your fault. You are now Christopher’s daughter first and a mother second. The boys will come to their senses someday. Okay?”

“Yes.”

“I will guide the boys, protect them, and watch them at all times. Don’t worry. They can outrun and outswim any soldiers, and I will keep them away from any trouble–soldiers, wolves, whatever.”

“Can I watch them too? Can I talk to them?”

“Yes! Sure you can. I will connect you. We will all connect like a family that is apart but together. Use the headset.

You will be able to see them too. Just come down here when you can.”

“I will come see you tomorrow after I meet with Father.

I miss you already, Caveman.”

“I can’t wait.”

Days later, in the early evening, Marina, Buddy, and Ajay made their way toward downtown. The pre-inauguration was a formal event and was by invitation only. Jacob had planned it down to the last detail. The gala was held on the grounds of the Big House, as well as in some of the large halls inside it.

Everything was decorated ornately with flowers and small buffets scattered throughout featuring delicacies and a wide variety of fermented and distilled beverages. One example of how Eden had departed significantly from the customs and norms of Victory was its gentry class, which consisted of council members and other high-ranking government administrators and military leaders, as well as successful merchants and scholars.

This echelon of society floated above the rest, along with a cadre of observant and clever hangers-on, including beautiful women and ambitious pretenders of little means.

Marina and the boys went in through the side entrance.

They were early, having plans to make a slight detour before joining the party. Once the shelter door opened, Buddy and Ajay sprinted in ahead of Marina, who walked in casually.

She entered the habitat area, where Moey was looking a little ragged but was happy to see them. Buddy had him tied up with a big hug that he was reluctant to end. But Moey fought his way to Marina, and the four of them all embraced in a big huddle.

“Darling, you need a shave. You really are my caveman,” Marina teased.

“You would think I have so much free time down here, but actually, I haven’t had the chance to really dive into some things I wanted to learn. I feel like I’m in school again. It’s amazing. I have so much to share.”

“You go ahead, Caveman. Study all you like. But you’re missing a great party. All because you were naughty. But Mama will save you.” Marina smiled.

“Thank you, Mama,” said Moey, giving her a light kiss.

The boys were off wandering and looking at things.

They hadn’t had a chance to do so before and were curious.

They could be heard off in the command center, laughing and making sounds that captured their surprise.

“Boys! Don’t go near the armory! Don’t touch any of those weapons!” yelled Moey.

“Okay!” was the immediate response.

“Well, have a wonderful time.” Moey smiled warmly, feeling proud and full of hope. They hugged and kissed again. “I wish Jojo was here.”

“Me too.”

“I still need to send the details to Jojo. And I will inform Vlad that they are coming and where they will cross the border.”

“Mo, don’t you think we should just wait it out? Why send the boys on this long trip? If we just wait until my father is gone, then it will all be settled.”

“I will be honest with you. I don’t trust your father. I fear that he will not be gone as soon as we think. If the boys stay here and then compete, they will be inducted immediately, just like Jojo. Your father told me.”

Marina stared at him, unable to speak. “You … you think he is lying to me? Using me?”

“Darling, I don’t know for certain, but it’s my instinct; I feel it. If my worst instinct is correct, then I’m trapped here with no way out. By then, the boys are all scattered to the corners of Eden, and you are left all alone, miserable, and betrayed. This is what is going through my mind.” Marina began to cry, and she hung her head. Moey lowered his voice, trying to sooth her. “If we follow my plan, and he does betray you, then the boys and I are out. This means that you can come to us through the tunnels undetected. You can come and go. We will figure out how to deal with your father, but from a position of strength.

He will have no leverage over us. We could … we could … take him out anytime … if that’s what you wanted.”

Marina stared at him in horror.

“Take him out?”

Moey just looked at her, not answering for a while.

“Never mind. You understand my point. We need options.

Besides, with the boys leaving, it makes me look even more like the villain. You have to play the victim. It could strengthen your standing with your father. Align yourself with him. You have to be strong,” Moey pressed her.

Marina breathed heavily, listening and thinking. “Okay, well, we need to go. I’m going to be the Chair. I need to act like it.”

“Yes, you do.”

“And the first step is that I need to show up for my own party.” Marina walked toward the hallway. “Boys?” she called.

“We’re leaving. Now!” she commanded.

The pre-inauguration festivities were in full swing. Jacob was busy directing the circulation of food and the flow of alcohol, while making small talk with the dignitaries and keeping them laughing and feeling loose. There was music, scantily clad male and female artistic dancers, and culinary displays that catered as much to the eyes as to the taste. Christopher stayed more or less stationary so that his handicap—the pathetic cause of his pending demise—would not be on people’s minds.

Instead, he stood tall and proud. On the one hand, the purpose of the event was to welcome Marina, and on the other hand, it was to bid Christopher a bitter-sweet farewell.

The stodgy older men were not at all on board with a female Chair, though they dared not say as much. Jacob looked over and caught Christopher’s eye. Christopher gestured to him, making a drinking motion, and then waved his arm across the room, which was an order to get everyone drinking heavily.

Marina’s demeanor was stoic and majestic, but she was in fact feeling numb inside. Moey had now planted seeds of doubt, and she couldn’t get her mind off it.

The party went on and on. Marina was becoming exhausted by the small talk, pleasantries, posturing, and everyone’s efforts to be memorable in a good way in the mind of the new Chair. She felt as if the event might never end.

Please save me. A bell sounded, signaling the Chair’s intention to address the attendees. Marina sighed with relief as the gaggle of bystanders waiting for her ear now disbursed or turned on their heels toward the Chair, who was now up on his platform, putting him a yard higher than everyone else.

He scanned the room for Marina, just as Jacob, who was one step ahead, grabbed her hand to lead her to the stage.

After his lengthy remarks, mostly related to his own accomplishments, Christopher started to build up Marina: her intelligence, her character, her level hand, the fact that she was now facing betrayal, and the disappearance of her husband. She was worthy and strong, and she was someone who could relate to everyone and bring fairness and prosperity.

Marina tried not to pay attention, as it was very uncomfortable to be spoken about, especially when she did not sense that the reactions were energetic in a way that would signify genuine support. These lambs, still cowering under the Chair’s firm hand, were ready to morph into wolves upon his final breath. Marina thanked her father for his praise, and she convincingly accepted the challenge and the responsibility. She ran through her remarks with practiced precision and without a single flaw. But it felt as if someone else had taken over her body, as her mind was now so cluttered with disturbing truths that she could not silence.

“Please enjoy yourselves. Keep the party going. Thank you all for coming.” The Chair closed the formal remarks, and the music and entertainment immediately restarted, with Jacob controlling it all from behind the scenes.

“Darling, it is so comforting to know that Eden will be in good hands. It makes my journey that much more peaceful.

Now, your husband has made things more complicated. People have voiced concerns about what will happen. I have assured them that you will abide by my wishes. If he has gone over to Vlad … if he reaches out to you, please convince him to return.

It will be better for him to return and face his responsibilities before I’m gone. Then, you can make a fresh start.”

“Yes, Father. I’m sure I will hear from him. I will let him know.”

“There is very little time.”

“I know.” They hugged, and Christopher kissed her cheek affectionately. She was unable to return the gesture as she contemplated Moey’s ideas of conspiracy, not putting it past her father to cook up such an idea.

Jojo and his squad were doing a running drill. The aim was to simulate an emergency, and the exercise involved running at top speed over a long distance. It simulated a life-ordeath situation, and they were going all out. By the time Jojo reached the bushes where he knew to look, it was over ten miles into the run, and there was not a soldier anywhere to be seen behind him. He slowed down and darted into the small clearing, where he saw the small piece of folded paper; its brightness made it easy to spot against the red clay surroundings.

He scooped it up, jumped over a bush, and made his way back to the trail just as he caught sight of the closest approaching runner, who was still quite a distance away. Jojo was eager to read the note, but he knew that he needed to wait. He tucked it into his waist pack and sped up, feeling energized as he anticipated the news from his family.

Vlad awoke suddenly. He was immediately alert but unsure as to why. It was still so early. He had no business to conduct today—only a nice, long run in the morning with his old friends. They would be going upriver to the falls and back, and then he would be going out to the island with his family to swim and watch the athletes train for festival. Too bad about Eden this year, Vlad lamented. Everyone was so eager to return to Eden. There was a lot of disappointment.

His own daughter, Mia, was especially disappointed, as this year, she would have made the cut and competed in the Half Moon. She had trained diligently for just that. After all, she could outrun Elona, even if she couldn’t quite match her in the water. She considered the Half Moon to have been created for her, as it was an event for the best all-around athlete. So, the cancellation was crushing news.

“Father! Can’t we just create our own Half Moon?” she pleaded, filled with emotion and crying, following the letdown.

“Sure. Why not?” he said, trying to pacify her. But at this moment, Vlad felt that something had stirred him. The sun was barely signaling its approach from the east, so it was still almost completely dark. He walked out of his chambers, went through the great hall within the cave, and exited onto the patio. There! Vlad spotted the folded white paper, which he recognized. This wasn’t the first time he had received such a mysterious correspondence. He knew that it was from Moey. But how can they just sneak through here past all of our defenses? Are we completely vulnerable to them? he wondered. I need Moey to answer that. Vlad was determined to get to the bottom of it.

He picked up the folded paper and took it inside. He went to his large study table, lit the lantern, unfolded the paper, and pored over the contents. “How dare he?!” Vlad said aloud.

“He wants me to acknowledge by leaving my letter on the very same table?”

Infuriated though he was, the contents and instructions were clear, and he had every intention of supporting Moey’s requirements to the letter.

Marina and the boys were with Moey in the command center. They were planning the escape, which would take the boys to Victory and then onward to the northwest shelter. For Moey, it would take less than a day—a long ride on two different trains that were far underground. But for the boys, it would take up to twenty days.

“Last time we went through the details of this escape, you boys treated it like a game … an adventure. Now, I can see that you understand the seriousness.” The boys looked serious.

“Ajay, your turn. Take me through it from start to finish.”

“Yes, Pa. First, we go with you on the UV over to the far shore, but not all the way. We swim in at the cliffs and climb up.

That’s where Jojo will meet us.” As Ajay went through the plan step by step, he used the large screen, which showed the real images. Moey had created a map from these images. Later, after hours of review and discussion about the dangers and what to do if they came upon wolves, if they encountered soldiers, and many other scenarios, Moey announced that they were ready. He gave them a motivational talk and then finished with reassurances.

“I will be watching over you boys. If there is danger coming, I will signal you on the headset. If you ever need to reach me, use the headset. You guys are not alone. I am right there with you.” They all hugged tightly. Marina was teary and still wondered whether it was the right thing to do. But she had to trust Moey. He had never let her down before.

“Okay, boys, I will see you tomorrow evening. We will go through the underwater training. Then, we will have one more day in case you guys want more practice underwater.

Then, the next night, we go. Okay?”

“Yes, Pa. We are ready,” declared Buddy. Ajay concurred. Moey smiled at their impetuous, youthful nature.

There was not the slightest sign of hesitation.

Moey then spoke to Marina in private. “Remember, you need to act convincing. I have lured away your boys and poisoned their minds. You are devastated.”

“Yes, yes. I know. Don’t worry. I know how to handle myself.”

“Whatever story your father wants to spin publicly, let him do it. Help him do it! We can clean up all of that later.”

“Darling, we are leaving now. I will see you soon. We can go through it then. We are all very tired. I love you!”

“I love you too.” They embraced, and then Moey checked the security feeds and declared that everything was clear for them to leave the shelter.