After Impact: After Impact Trilogy, Book 1 (16 page)

The bright orange orb hanging high in the sky blinded Ilium temporarily. After living underground for so long, it was downright painful to see. He squinted for several seconds and then shut his eyes to give them a rest before taking a single step forward. After a few minutes of this, he opened his eyes for longer stretches of time.

Rich green vegetation and land that once dotted the world was no more. All of the furry animals, large and small, which once darted across the landscape, did so no more. No birds chirped in the sky or flew. In the place of the once green world, full of life from every corner, stood an eerie sea of red. Rusty red rocks, red mountains, and thin wispy red clouds. The cities, ball parks, hotels, restaurants, and other edifices which once loomed large in the skyline were now buried beneath the red sand dunes. No water remained on the desolate surface.

Despite the dismal scene before him, and the abysmal situation which sent him outside, there existed a certain beauty to being outside of the confining walls of the habitat. The walls constantly pressed down, around, and above him, suffocating any possibility for true love, beauty, art, or anything which helped make life, life. Out here, in the open space, he was alive. It didn’t matter that he wouldn’t be alive long, due to his oxygen tank. He was alive for now.

Looking at the analytics overlay display in his helmet, the temperature was near freezing, but his suit provided plenty of insulation. Radiation levels were almost back to normal, as well. However, it was still above the recommended threshold. When Ilium was living inside of the habitat, he tried not to think about what happened to those left behind. How they might have died. What they may have seen. However, this sight left little to the imagination.

Kael ran down the long corridor to his father’s office, pushing people out of the way as he ran.

“Father!” Kael yelled, out of breath as he entered the office.

The President pivoted around from his position of looking at the simulated window which displayed a beautiful green mountain range with rolling white fluffy clouds flying across a bright blue sky.

“Father, you have committed a grave error. You have sent the wrong man to his death!”

“Speak plainly, son,” the President said, his face frowning.

“Ilium is innocent. Viggo is the one who has been conducting human experiments behind your back.”

His father’s face fell. “Are you sure of this, son? Do you have proof?”

“Yes. I also don’t think he is working alone.”

The President frowned. “Son, the Council has always been thorough in their investigations of such matters. IF what you are saying is true, then it is possible other traitors are amongst us,” the President said stepping away from the wallscreen and moving closer to his son. “Traitors that are in my inner circle.”

“Yes,” Kael said.

The President stood closer to Kael, until only a few inches were between them. “So I sent an innocent man to his death?”

Kael nodded. “Quickly, Father, you must order him to return to the habitat.”

The President hesitated before stating, “I am sorry son, but I simply cannot do that.”

Kael stepped away from his father. He truly beheld his father’s face, something he hadn’t done in some time. This job had clearly aged him, even in such a short time frame.

“Father, what do you mean you
can’t
? The HOPE habitat depends on us correcting mistakes once found.”

“I mean, son, that I cannot admit my mistakes in front of the entire habitat like that. Whoever is in charge of orchestrating such a large coup d’état undoubtedly planned all of these events to transpire so I would be embarrassed. As I am. To admit to a mistake would undermine my authority or possibly create civil unrest. As leader of this habitat, I cannot allow this to happen.”

“Father, what are you saying?”

The President let out an exasperated puff of breath as a thin firm line formed across his lips. “I mean, he must remain outside.”

Ilium continued to walk in the bright heat of the sun. The sky no longer featured rich shades of blue, purple, and green as the sun set. Instead, a brilliant red light shone and cast an enflamed glow upon everything.

He checked the time on his helmet. Thirty-two hours were left. He had been walking for a while, taking shelter under rocks periodically. He needed to find some form of shelter from the bitter cold that was sure to descend upon him at night. The planet, as a result of the substantial loss of atmosphere, could plunge into nights so cold that dry ice would form.

He licked his lips. He had been given one jug of water for his journey. He hesitated to drink from his water jug as he wanted to survive as long as possible, which would require every ounce of water he carried.
I’ll wait to take my first sip until right before I go to bed.

The hours passed, and the stars shone in the night sky as he traveled across the harsh terrain. His helmet displayed he was thirty miles northwest of the habitat. His pace had slowed tremendously, as now his lungs burned with every breath he took and his limbs felt like they were weighed down by concrete slabs. He paused and peered up to notice the stars which loomed so large and unobscured by the night sky. He once loved the charcoal colored tapestry and all of the brilliant white Milky Way constellations woven throughout, but without any shelter it was foreboding. He swallowed hard, his thirst beginning to overtake him.

So this is how it all ends,
he thought. His side stung like something stabbed him with a knife. His swollen ankles didn’t aid matters.
I should have exercised more in the habitat. But of course, they only fed us exactly enough calories to complete our tasks. Never more, never less.

After all of the time in the habitat of constantly hearing the low hum of electronics, he now found the only noise was that of his own breathing and heartbeat.

Why am I walking? Why am I even trying? What do I hope to find in this desolate place? I might as well sit here and just rest.

As Ilium sat down, his boot scratched against something. It was grey. A seed of hope sprung up in his heart, which he dared not give heed to.

Shelter!
His heart soared at the thought. Feverishly, Ilium dug into the dirt and scraped away the red dust from the grey piece of round metal which slightly jutted out from the ground. A large wheel appeared which took all of his strength to turn. After several turns, the hatch door opened.

He cautiously lifted the door up. Tapping his wrist, the suit’s flashlight turned on. He had saved it until now, as each use drained the battery. He could detect what appeared to be an underground compound with wood paneled walls, a sofa, and a mattress in the far corner. A couple of open cans with dried food lay in the middle of a table, along with a few weights for exercise.
Whoever lived here must have been pretty flush with cash. To not only have enough funds to build a shelter, but enough money to furnish it warmly.

“Anybody home?” Ilium yelled.

Since no one answered, Ilium lowered his body unto the ladder and placed his feet on the pegs which led down into the buried shelter. Then he carefully closed the lid before climbing down.

Once he hit the floor, he took note of the size of the bunker. He had about a foot and a half of room above his head, so it wasn’t too claustrophobia inducing. He scanned the room to see if the air was breathable. It was not. His eyes fell to a NBC air filter mounted vertically on the wall which could work if manually turned. After turning the crank for fifteen minutes, he took a small breath of air. He removed his helmet and immediately dry heaved. Quickly, he placed his helmet back on and after several moments, began to breathe normally again.

What on earth is that smell!

Ilium shined his light on the table with the rotten can of food.
Could all that stench come from that?
A small object reflected off of his flashlight in the corner. Turning his light towards the object, he grabbed onto the table to stop dry heaving.

Outside of her dorm room, Avalon met up with Skylar and Xin.

“Thank goodness you are back,” Xin said.

“Yeah, Kael rescued me from the crazy scientist,” she said.

“I can’t believe they did that to Ilium,” Xin said.

“I know. I don’t know how, but we have to figure out a way to rescue him,” Avalon said. She noted that Xin was talking far more than usual. Then her eyes turned to an uncharacteristically silent Skylar.

“How is Brody doing?” Avalon asked Xin.

Xin shook his head. “We went to the infirmary, where he was last seen. He is not there anymore.”

“What happened?” Avalon asked, not sure she wanted to know.

“I hate to have to tell you like this,” Xin shook his head. “On such short notice and under these conditions. But his medical record said he flatlined.”

Avalon was aware this could happen. But it still didn’t prepare her for what she experienced. The world slowed down. Silence became its own sound. Xin reached out for her hand, but she waved it away. Then after a few moments, the world returned to speed again and Kael had joined the group.

Kael could tell by Avalon’s face that she had learned the news of Brody’s death.

He placed a hand on her shoulder. But Avalon knocked it away.

“You were there! How could you let this happen? To Brody of all people!” Avalon yelled at Kael.

Kael’s face fell. “I am sorry about Brody. I didn’t want him to die. I didn’t create the virus or any of this mess.” He shook his head. “I am trying to help. I am on your side.”

“You keep saying that! There are no sides! There is just evil Viggo and us!”

Kael spoke again. “I am working right now to get Ilium back in this habitat. I told my father everything I know about Viggo and his treachery.”

“And?” Avalon asked angrily.

“He acknowledges what is happening, and states he will quietly handle the situation.”

“So what about Ilium?” Xin asks.

“He refuses to order Ilium back inside, despite my efforts, because he doesn’t want to undermine his authority or appear weak before the constituents.”

“What?” Avalon yelled, her fists balling up in anger.

“The only thing that stands between Ilium’s return is your father’s
pride
?”

“He is
still
my father,” Kael said icily. “Let me work on this.”

“No,” Avalon said, shaking her head. “You already tried. Meanwhile, every hour we waste in here is another hour Ilium spends out there!” Avalon pointed. “He only has what, thirty six hours? He has even less than that now!” Avalon shouted, beating her fists on Kael’s chest.

Kael let her assault him until she found herself swimming in tears. Then he tried to wrap his arms around her.

“Don’t!” she shouted.

“Look, Avalon is right,” Xin said as he looked at Kael. “We have tried your way.”

“What are you suggesting?” Kael asked Xin.

“That you let us try,” Xin said as he stood next to Avalon.

Xin waved his wrist over the sensor. He stormed right through the large double doors which separated the rest of the habitat from Accipio Hall and continued walking towards the President’s office. Avalon stood right beside him.

“When did you change the access?” Avalon asked.

“I always had access,” he answered with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

Xin had more sides to him than Avalon knew. She always figured him for the quiet, always play by the rules type.

As they rounded a corner, Avalon and Xin spotted two guards standing outside of the President’s door. The guard’s stood at attention, shoulders squared with alert eyes. Both guard’s wore their hair he same short style, similar to that of old school Marines. Avalon and Xin ducked into a recessed corner.

“What are we going to do?” Xin asked, pointing at the guards.

“We’re going to distract them,” Avalon suggested.

“Or we can be more direct,” Xin countered.

“Well, which is it?” Avalon whispered.

Brody poked his head around the corner and examined the muscular guards.

“We’re going to be direct,” he answered.

The two stepped out from the recess and stood in front of the guards who protected the President.

“What are you here for?” a tall guard asked, frowning.

Shorter guard said, “I think I remember this girl. She’s the one from the cafeteria.”

“Oh yeah…the trouble maker,” taller guard said, his face darkening as he smirked.

Avalon swallowed her fear and said, “I need to speak with the President.”

The guard studied her for a minute before answering, “Well, I need a million bucks, but you don’t see me complaining.”

As the two guards chuckled at the horrible joke, Xin balled his fist up. Striking a guard meant two weeks without food. Right before he reared back, Kael walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Let them through,” Kael ordered the two guards.

“But sir, your father has requested that no one be allowed entry.”

“Let them through. I won’t ask again,” Kael demanded in a tone that left no room for negotiating.

The guards hesitated, but ultimately allowed Avalon, Xin, and Kael inside.

“Son, what are you doing here? And it is great to see you again Avalon,” the President asked.

Normally, Avalon would respond back to the President’s greeting in kind. It was expected and customary. However, she chose to remain silent lest she say something that would get her locked up.

“These are my
friends
,” Kael said giving Xin a sideways glance. “Avalon and Xin are here to convince you that you should allow Ilium to return to the habitat.”

The President ignored Xin and looked directly at Kael. “I told you my decision, son. Why have you—”

Avalon cut him off. “Unless you let my friend return to HOPE habitat, you are going to have a mutiny.”

The President’s eyes widened as he took in this information.

“What did you say?” the President asked as he stepped closer to Avalon. Xin stepped in front of Avalon in a protective gesture. Strangely, Avalon did not feel threatened by the President, though she knew she should. Kael stood to the side, careful not to appear to take sides.

“With all due respect,
sir
,” Avalon said allowing the sarcasm to drip from the word like sap from a tree, “I have reason to believe that someone is already threatening not only your life, and your control, but potentially the lives of everyone on board. I don’t know exactly who is behind these events, but I think the first way you could remedy this situation is by letting Ilium return to the habitat.”

The President cocked his head to the side. “Remind me why I should do this again?”

“Because it is the right thing to do,” Avalon answered. “You know my father voted for you, more than one hundred years ago. He said you stood for something. I wonder if you still do today.”

The President bristled at her comment as he stepped over to his wallscreen. He fixated on the portrait on his desk of his wife, the one he had to leave behind when he entered the habitat.

Avalon knew she shouldn’t provoke the President. Yet, the words kept spewing from her mouth in her desperation.

“You know, you two barging into my office could be considered a threat. A threat to our survival. I could throw
both
of you out of the habitat,” he threatened.

At this, Kael spoke. “Father, will think about your wishes overnight,” he said giving his father a glance. The President said nothing in the affirmative, but he didn’t say no either.

“But Ilium only has so many hours left!” Avalon shouted, unable to help herself.

Kael winced at how much she cared for Ilium. However, he could not blame her. People often fell for those with whom they were in close proximity. How he longed to have someone who would stand up for him, fight for him, like that.

“Enough. I will think about this overnight.” The President said. “I know exactly how many hours he has left.” He paused. “Guards, usher them out. And another thing— a word to anyone about what has been discussed in this room and the deal is off.”

Xin, Avalon, and Kael were ushered out of the room.

Then the President turned to the guard inside of the room and said, “Bring me Viggo.”

The security guard nodded his head and returned to the lab.

Viggo was still slumped over on the floor but aware.

“What are you doing here?” Viggo managed to say.

“I am here to take you to the President,” the large security guard said as he took one of Viggo’s wrists and handcuffed him.

“For what?” Viggo said with wide eyes.

“Treason.”

Viggo ambled with the guard to the President’s office.

The guard threw Viggo on the President’s couch. The President walked over to Viggo and stood above him as he spoke.

“What have you done? Who do you really work for?” the President inquired.

“What makes you think I work for anyone?” Viggo spat.

The President sighed. “The fact you were always a follower, Viggo, not a leader.”

Viggo rolled his eyes.

“I have ways of making you tell me what I want to know. You of all people realize this, as you designed the drug yourself.” The President stated. “Your duty was to help us develop better plants and improve life on this habitat. Now, I uncover that you weren’t working on fixing our problems—you were creating
new
problems.”

The President studied Viggo’s face. But it was indecipherable. He continued to speak, “You were only concerned for yourself. I also know that your experiments resulted in the deaths of the lives we were entrusted with.”

Viggo did not look the President in the face but instead looked at the wall.

“Look at me, or I will make you look at me,” the President said.

After Viggo’s continued refusal, the President ordered, “Send him to the holding cell.”

As the guard grabbed Viggo’s arm and lifted him off of the couch, he yelled, “You think you are safe. That everyone is loyal to you. But you don’t know. Many of us disagree with you. At the proper time, we will show ourselves, and it will be your head.”

“Out with him,” the President calmly stated. “And Viggo, it is by my mercy that I am letting you live. You
will
tell me everything you know.”

The security guards ushered Viggo out of the room.

I don’t know what I expected to find. It makes sense. Of course, it would only be bones. It has been over a century,
Ilium thought.

The object was a small wristwatch which belonged to what he presumed was the father. He counted four skeletal remains with tattered clothes attached. A father, mother, and one girl.
They didn’t last long, as the girl did not develop into a woman, judging by the skeleton.
In a corner were stacks of books and boardgames, something considered ancient. The bunker had a small fridge, wood stove, and a restroom and shower area partially hidden by a Japanese folding privacy screen.