A Magical Dream

There was nothing more tragic than dying from falling coke. Amelia shifted her body to the right, narrowly avoiding black chunks of minerals beating from above. All the slaves agreed. It was one of the few things they all agreed upon. After all, when God asks them the reason for their death, it should be something grand, something exquisite enough to die because of. Death from falling rock, just sounded absurd.

She yet again twisted her body. Coal gleefully shot down, exploding beside her feet. Her manacled dirty feet. It was ingrained in dirt, black and wrinkled, bleeding hesitantly onto the floor. Washing her feet with what little water the Sarjaalan daily gives no respite; her black feet emerges again the next day, after only 2 hours of mining. She grimaced. A small grit scraped across her dried skin.

Amelia looked around. Miners trudged about her. The Sarjaalan Mining Company had bought them from their parents, sold for hundreds of dollars to be put on one of their breathtakingly humongous mines. Dozens of workers worked alongside her, eking out scraps of coal worth nothing to them. She hefted the rusted shovel, and thrust it deep into the blackened soil, unnatural showers of dark soil raining down. It was all melancholy and sorrow; the sight behind her, as workers donned once yellow helmets and dragged around onto dirty earth mounds of coal.

The mining ground was a large oval. Step by step as it delved deeper into the earth it staggered outwards; a span of 5 levels, still digging down. Amelia’s quadrant was on the 3rd floor, her fellow mates placing explosives, closing their ears and eyes to the pain. Precarious slopes for buses and trucks to transport coal and people up and down the mine were no comfort, and shoddy buildings jutting out here and there for “breaks”, lived to remind people, that their lives had no breaks. And yet, inexplicably, life shuffles forward here.

Amelia was 12 when she was willingly whisked away to work for the company; her parents had chosen money over her. Perhaps they felt unburdened on two accounts - one less mouth to feed, and more money than the two of them could ever hope to earn. But she could not complain. At least she wasn’t on the bottom floor, the one with the tunnels.

Strong hard men worked there. Bushes that failed to hide their ferocity. Muscles that bared their potential for mindless violence. Their settlements were on the edge of the compound on level zero, starting earlier than most, ending later than most, herded like wild dogs, snarling against their chains, by the drones. They would snake into the tunnels, clean as an unwashed toilet, and by night, come out looking worse. Amelia and her friend Lornie stood against the tides of sleep to watch them depart and arrive, marveling at every man, such extraordinary humans deigned to work like dogs. She had felt lucky to have set eyes on them, yet lucky not to be amongst them.

Settlement 3 has all sorts of weird rumors about the tunnels. Old Ma Lorien would hotly whisper how the mine was on top a living creature, coal secreted as it settled deeper into the earth. Wiry Marcus would scoff, rebuking such a bastardly thought, and launch into a winding tale of his own adventures, which usually ended up valiantly fighting a drone, and jumping bravely towards death, to ensure the future survival of the human race.

But when most of them had finally turned down the light guzzlers, closing the solar panels for the night, Lornie would whisper, her eyes half closed, her lips chapped from the day’s work, worn down fingernails red with irritation gripping lightly her blanket, “I think the only difference between those men and us, is that, they have a wall above their head, and we don’t.”

Sometimes, Lornie was cryptic like that.

But lest Amelia forgets the drones; the pride of the Sarjaalan, the W3P0s. Or like how Old Ma Lorien cackles, the Winged. The demons. Large encased propellers hold up its body with sinister precision, its red, gleaming body that sharply surveys everyone with its camera holes. It was segregated in two, the larger part of the body loaded and covered with sensitive sensors, and the smaller, lower part shouldered with metal limbs that dangled as it floated around. And even below that, attached to its body in the form of a cylinder, was its harpoon gun; with a locked harpoon.

It frightens Amelia, every time the roving eye of the demons fixate on her. Occasionally, a demon comes closer, to make sure the miners are doing their work right, whirring whistles pounding their ears, gushing wind forcing them down, as they inspect them. The drone would then speak, either ‘continue’, or ‘hold your shovel better, or, ‘you’re not doing your best’. The last one was a warning. It was a warning for Decommission.

The evening bell rang, a deep gong reverberating across the mining grounds. People stopped work simultaneously, mechanically moving towards the yellow trucks that brings them up. Up back to the surface, where freedom taunts them the hardest.


When Amelia was brought to Sarjaalan headquarters, and soon after sequestered here, she had entered the lone gates, just like everyone else. The reinforced metal gates, with its own squadron of demons, marked the beginning of Sarjalaan’s 5th mining grounds. To think that they already own 5 mining grounds! Amelia didn’t even own her skin - the tattoo on her right wrist with Sarjaalan’s logo still itched and hurts, angry swellings still pockmarking its edges. The mining ground was encircled by fences linked to the gates, and stood between Amelia’s settlement and the gates.

“Are you all right?”, a whisper. From Lornie.
Amelia smiled. Lornie was huddled beneath her jacket, shivering from the evening cold. Her cute nose, drooping from its perch, twitched sluggishly, as she spoke.

“I’m just thinking. Maybe we should cook something up today. It’s gonna get messy tomorrow. Old Ma and Mister won’t like us slacking around like last year.”

“Yea. I know. Amelia..”. she saw her hesitate. Something seemed to be on the edge of her tongue, quivering, as she hunched beside Amelia sick with fear. Eyes wet from more than just the cold wind. She came to a decision.

“Amelia, it’s Old Ma’s last day tomorrow. Jacky was reminding everyone. It’s already been two months since her retirement.”, Lornie covered her mouth, eyes comically scrunched close, as tears streamed down.

“Oh.” she had nothing to say. But her body clutched at her heart, falling down a bottomless tube, soundlessly screaming for help. Yet another detail of the mining grounds. Old people get killed.
It felt so obvious now. Jacky’s uncontrollable eyes, Marcus’s muted silence, Mister Johnson’s simmering grief. Poor, poor Old Ma. She was visibly suffering from her fate, an all too familiar sickness spreading through her body, infecting her mind, damaging her systems. Fear.

The truck stopped just outside their apartment, and they wordlessly got off. Jackson was waiting for them. His hands shoved in his jacket to escape the cold. He glanced at Lornie, wet tracks trailing down her cheeks, and nodded at Amelia. Jacky was their rations manager. It was self appointed but, no one really cared.


“She’s inside. Be nice”, he muttered as she passed him.
Their apartment had 7 floors, with a common living room, and a kitchen. Drab photos of Sarjaalan CEO’s hung on thin hooks, pale reddish pink paper hugging the walls. But the room they emerged into that night was more miserable than it was dready. Jumpy Marcus couldn’t muster a glance at the newcomers. Bertha, the frumpy communal nurse appeared stuck, set in a monotonous routine as she massaged Mister John’s foot. Jackson closed the door behind them, and all but ran into the kitchen.

Amelia looked at Old Ma, seated in the only chair in the apartment, her usually sharp gaze blunted. She stared at her, and a moment passed between them. It was a moment of great value to Amelia, as Old Ma shared the whole of her life with her; the pains and the joys, of great learning, and even useless frivolities. They both understood. After tonight, Amelia will never set eyes on Old Ma.

Later that night, as the heady silence that suffocated the living room eventually floated into each person’s sleeping room, Lornie spoke.

“Amelia, are you gonna wake up early to watch it?”
Brief silence.

“Aren’t you?”

She left it at that.

Streaks of brilliant orange broke the blue sky, clearing the inky blot of night. The morning was still suspended in a dazed innocence, of a baby waking. Warm winds hugged Old Ma’s ankles, as she walked to the edge of the mining grounds and looked down. Tiny plants, shockingly green against the dry earth mingling with charred stone silently whimpered, shuddering amidst the heat of the rising sun. A shrill whirring whistled behind her.

“Mdm Lorien. It has been 2 months since you had applied for retirement. It is time to say goodbye. Are you prepared to leave?”, the demon hovered behind her. Old ma’s legs already began to ache, from standing too long.

“Yes”

“Sarjaalan wishes you a good journey, and thanks you for your dedication and service. Your family will be notified, and paid accordingly. Do you have any message”

“No”

Her family? More like the monsters who sold her for money. G--

The harpoon thrust fast and deep into her back, blood splashing onto the sandy dirt. The woman died immediately. A small comfort as her body was hauled up into the air, and brought far, far, far away into the distant horizon.

Amelia closed her eyes. Mourning, as the manacles around her feet created lines across her skin.

⟰⟰

“Pick it up again”, Vern roared.

He grinned wide at Riad. Riad’s body hurt, his talwar skidding across the floor. The sleek sword suddenly stopped shaking, and Riad’s panting was the only sound reverberating around the practice room. Master Vern was as calm, his shoulders upright as he regarded him with amusement.

Riad picked up his talwar, and stood ready for the second onslaught. Vern leaped forward, his sword cutting the air, firmly planted feet pivoting his body around. Riad curved back, blocked the first swipe, kicked his leg outward, and rotating his wrist around, brought his talwar fast to his Master’s neck. But as he did this, Vern hooked his own foot onto the oncoming leg, and pulled, and Riad lost balance, and Vern smashed into Riad, and Riad fell again, his talwar splaying widely.

“You’re slow”

That was an understatement.

“Riad. Riad. You must flow. Flow like the water, as your Talwar swishes across the sky, a million lions behind one swipe as it coils like a snake. Where is your focus?”

His master shook his head, his lithe body shivering in joy as he drank water from his flask. He turned back.

“You can leave now”, hands waved towards the door.

Loosening his garb, Riad breathed out, and left with his talwar in its sheath.

The Hecan Community has a few conditions a starter member must follow before he can go out into the field. The specified member must be above 16. Riad was above 16. The specified member must have education level B5 or higher. Riad was B4, which was higher. The specified member must have in-depth knowledge in Technological studies. Riad graduated from Fredder’s class last year.

And just before the member has clearance to submit his profile to the Hecan Leaders, he must also in his possession contain express approval by Vern, Hecan’s best fighter. One of their oldest too. And for one year now Vern still chooses to not allow him to fight for Hecan. To be part of the valiant, brave, God-kissed League who fights against their enemies. He hated this.

⟰⟰

The Hecan Community was large. When the four Brother Companies toppled their country’s government, Crofa Mary, their Leader, and her husband Richard Mary started the decade long tirade against the power of the Brother Companies.

“Riad, Shafe was looking for you. She looked really interested to want to speak to you”, Nina smiled at him. “Did you beat Vern yet?”

“No Nina”

Nina looked at him sympathetically, puppy eyes twinkling as she bounded away for her studies. Nina had already received Vern’s approval. Her flamboyant straddled her hips, thin engravings trailing across its length in a splash of blue and red. She’s soon to get her B5, and send in her application to join the League. Anticipation quivered in her voice every time she spoke to him. It was after all, each and every base member’s brightest and largest goal.

Riad felt the briefest flash of pure green envy. But it faded as soon as it came. It’s not her fault he’s not in yet; it was his.

Riad, just like the 1000 of other first level members who joined the cause live in Hecan’s sprawling Centre, the beehive where most of Hecan’s older operatives reside, and where they house their communication station; Riad’s been there once, the basement covered in loads of wires, sprawled all over the rooms like veins, as noisy lights and computers twitched and blinked reflectively. Hundreds of communication channels stay on simultaneously, as thick-glasses work eagerly, transferring and connecting people sympathetic to the cause. It was a big enigma to Riad, and he never thought about it ever since.

The building was on the outskirts of Berandon and Muarius, hidden partially by mountains and hills, and almost inaccessible by road. From the outside, the Hecan building looked like yet another dilapidated building along the mountains. Metal railings bent dismally holding cracked cement. From the inside, just metres from the edge, the scene changes. Riad was amazed the first time he ever entered the building, shock in witnessing the seamless transfer from old to new.

He rounded a corner, and crossed a corridor that opened into the general lounge, where Shafe waited, using her tablet. Dark shadows hung around the corners of the room, as if they were lying in wait to jump out at the perfect moment. Banners proclaiming the great League, with heroic figures like Martha Cawbird and Reyn Kuprus billowing in the muted breeze. Riad wants to be like them one day, fighting the brother Companies, pictures of himself inspiring others behind him. Shafe spotted him, and waved.

“Hey Shafe. Nina told me you wanted to speak to me?”.

“Riad! I was walking across the meeting rooms after my Herbal lessons, when I heard Master Vern and Mdm Greybird speaking.”

She bent towards him, her hair cascading forward in coils of auburn and black. 

“I couldn’t believe it, they were talking about you. I already knew something was weird when Vern wanted to meet you for longer hours per day.. They’ve already planned something great for you.”

His confusion was mirrored in her eyes. What was she blabbering about? Was there something he wasn’t aware of yet. Well, apparently. 

“Shafe, I’ve got history lessons with Mr Cawbird in a few minutes. What’s going on? Vern isn’t pleased with my training anyways, so I’m nowhere close to going into the field now.”

His tablet chimed; History in 5 minutes, and he wasn’t in class yet. The Hecan tablets must be their greatest technology yet. The last governors and politicians pooled in what little money they had to mass produce such technology, and it’s getting harder to produce every year. The tablet itself was rectangular, pale colours of swirling yellow and purple running down its back. The tablet could fold in half; just so that the two long sides of the tablet could meet. It recorded everything about Riad, from his location to his heartbeat, and he could pass recorded audio, or visual information to any computer loyal to the cause - even his friends’ tablets, which he often sent messages to. Looking at it, he realised Shafe had sent him a few messages, with a shock emoji. What a weird girl. He felt bad for not reading her messages beforehand.

“Oh my Riad! Are you even listening? Something big is happening around you, and look at you pudgy faced, you bug face, you slime! Fine, forget this. I’m going to class, be careful ok?”

She hurled the last words at Riad, expressively lashing out at him with her deep eyebrows. Her linen jacket whooshed behind her as she sped away, yellow on the inside, purple on the out. The colours of lionhearted determination - of Hecan.

Riad watched her boots stomp away and recede, as they eventually rounded a corner and vanished.

⟰⟰

“Ra-id, are you paying attention!”, Mr Cawbird glared beakily.

Riad instantly regretted losing focus. History was usually interesting, the tale of the usurpers, the brother companies, against Hecan, the people’s army. It was the utopian reality that Riad wanted so badly to be a part of. Especially City Capsits, the second largest company that Riad had suffered directly under once.

“Now, remember kids, normal citizens do exist. They work for smaller companies, who still hold some rights. However, the economy of the country is monetized through the companies, and this means that it changes faster and shapes itself quicker, until people struggle to keep up, businesses quail from market competition. We see this from the coal business of Sarjaalan, whose foreign exports back its strong electronics sectors, and it fluctuates so rapidly, other companies like Samsung, who by the way died out back in the Gold Sickness..”

“Riad, what is the name of the city that City Capsits base their operations from? You should know this; we went through it in our last session.”

Riad looked back guiltily. The whole class waited. Lombard sniggered.

But Riad knew. How could he forget? It was the place he lived in, until he was almost sold away to City Capsits. Until the parents he knew and loved from young, decided they didn’t want him anymore.

“Its Wombedden.”

Riad had a brother. He’s never met him, and doesn’t even remember his name, but his teachers used to praise his great and lovable brother. He was the one one who saved Riad from his parents; smuggled him out from the narrow streets of Lower Bedden, clasping his white toy, as it shuffled in the gloomy darkness.. Riad’s mind wandered to a dimmer past; where light wavered and fluttered even in the day. His name was Amit, the teachers told him, eyes crinkling fondly as they poured their gratitude on Riad. Riad’s big brother, a person to be if he ever wanted to join the League.

But Amit never came to visit, never talked to him or asked after him, and Riad’s memories of his big brother dwindled to the warm blanket of safety that the Hecan Community soon replaced.

Riad’s tablet vibrated. It was break for now, for the rest of the day, it said. That was weird. He turned back to Ashlyn behind him.

“Hey, what is after break?”

“Uh, we have Data Analytics after break. You still haven’t handed in your work remember?”

“Yea”

Riad turned back to his tablet, its notification light winking at his discomfort. Master Vern was summoning him after break.

⟰⟰

The Hecan building was cut in 7 floors. Two basements, and five floors. The basements were authorised personnel only, and level 5 was the comms room. Riad rounded a smooth corner, scuttling robot cleaners making space for him to walk forward. He entered from level 3 onto the spiral travelator heading down to level 1. A wide space, that revealed sections of the floors like malls, had two glass tubes heading from level 4. One spiralled upwards, and the other downwards, like screws that never stopped turning. Riad stepped onto one of the horizontal platforms that jutted out from the travelator surfaces. He saw one of his classmates, and waved hastily at him.

“See you later for Data!”, the boy called.

Riad didn’t have the heart or the stomach to correct him. He himself didn’t understand why he was pulled off his lessons. He had a long way to go before being allowed to go out, and even then he had to shadow older League members before going out alone. Sudden fear gripped him; he wanted to be ready before going out!

At level 1, the platform flattened into the travelator, just as the surface vanished under the walkway. Riad stepped out and entered the canteen. Stalls of various cuisines greeted him, Hecan’s older and retired workers handing out food for customers. Food was free here. Riad got his food, spotted Nina and Shafe sitting together, and made to their side.

“Riad, look to your right,” Shafe pointed, “Crofa, and Richard, and the senior members of the committee, and members of the League. Their uniforms!”

She glanced at Riad, shooting him a worried glare, and went back to gazing at the sleek black capes of the tall League members, walking angels. Riad spoke.

“Guys, I don’t have Data after this. Vern’s calling me up. I can’t seem to understand why, but even Mdm Caw looked at me funny today. And my schedule’s cancelled for tomorrow. Completely.”

“Wait, what’s going on Riad? You’re being pulled out?”, Nina exclaimed in surprise.

Riad looked across the canteen to the left, bright lights absorbed into the black League capes. What were they doing here?

“Guys, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. Vern just wants to scold me for being sloppy that’s all. Or maybe he realised it was me who gave him that sugarless coffee last week!”, I tried for a grin.

The two girls grinned back, uncertainly.

⟰⟰

“Keep you back straight!”, Vern’s sword lashed my back. His talwar vibrated silently. “I told you already. Focus not on the tip of your blade, but of the dance you make with it. Come at me again.”

Whether or not Riad danced, the room was surely twirling about. Riad stepped forward, feinted, and stumbled back, as his Master pressed forward an attack.

“Riad. The committee will meet today.”

His blade clashed against Riad’s talwar, and Vern pivoted around, slapping Riad’s face. Hard.

“Daft dimwit. Idiot boy. You should watch my body. Waiting for my sword to strike is a novice mistake. Idiot.”

He shook his head, and moved away from Riad.

“If you don’t want to learn, go away.”

Riad wasn’t aware of what he was doing until he finished it. Raising his talwar high, he pounced forward on his Master, just as Vern brought up his sword, twisting fluidly. Their swords clashed again; but Riad’s body had other plans. His left hand shot up, and shoved his Master body back hard. His Master’s balance was already precarious; he fell down hard, groaning as air was slapped out of him.

Riad breathed hard and heavy. Lights blinked around him, as he calmed himself down. How dare his Master degrade him so! Anger pulsed across his face, dizzying him with blood. Barely containing his anger, he looked at his fallen Master, and was surprised to see his Master grin in pleasure.

Words so carefully structured dissolved.

“That was well thought, boy. But of course, you should not strike your Master in the back, so don’t do that again.”, he paused, and stood up silently. “Sorry, felt weird to look up at you.”

He ruffled Riad’s hair.

“The committee is going to call you. Tonight. I suggest you get back to your room, and pack. Something’s changed in Hecan. I can feel it.”

Vern suddenly looked at Riad, looked through Riad. His eyes glimmered wetly, and Riad couldn’t fathom why. A million moments that they’ve spent sparring together flickered through his Master’s eyes, stored forever, meant only for the both of them. It almost pained him, but his Master then spoke his final parting words to his student.

“I give you my permission to join the League”

⟰⟰

Riad felt like an outsider. All the classes were on level 3, and Vern’s was deeper in level three from the travelator than any other class. So as he heavily shuffled back to his own room to level 2, he crossed other students seated in their classes, attending lessons like any normal student should.

Riad should feel great that he’s going to join the League, but ever since he left his Master’s room, he felt glum despair welling up in his head. Some unknown pressure seemed to contort his path, as if it forced him to walk towards an inevitable end. He spotted Nina and Shafe, and waved at them as they spotted him. They only returned concerned glances.

He got on the spiral travelator, and got off as the platform hugging the travelator came close enough. Suddenly his tablet vibrated again. He received clearance from Crofa to use the Material Elevators.

Major Community meetings, League Interviews for base level members, and secured housing for important members, all are situated on level 4. The only way to cross from the third level to level 4 is through the 6 Material elevators. Riad was summoned to the Rubber elevator, to attend that night’s meeting.

Well, at least attending the meeting will explain a few things to Riad.

Dinner was slow and uneventful. Other students from Riad’s class came checking on him, and Riad repeated the same story over and over again, that he was supposed to have a meeting with the Hecan Committee, but he didn't know why. Nina and Shafe sat beside him, repeatedly moaning, asking, what's going to happen, what's he going to do?

At last, when the giant monitor above the tablet chimed the end of dinner, his own tablet vibrated, calling him up to level 4.

Riad experienced a wave of feeling, a peculiar uneasiness about meeting the Hecan leaders. A fish out of water, floundering about on land. The Rubber lift opened for him, thick doors smoothly parting. To reveal the lift, artfully padded in a rubbery texture of yellow and purple.

“Riad! That’s you right? Walk with me man!”, a strong man, dark purple garbs snug against his body gripped Riad’s arm hard, and pulled him in.

His hair was cut to the edge, fuzzy points curling out from his head. His whole body screamed power to Riad, and as he smiled, a strong grin erupting from his face, his eyes brightly lit. Riad felt engulfed by this strong presence, and quietly followed the man in his stride forward.

“I’m Nathan. Good to see you come early to the meeting. Do you know what’s going to happen? Anyone told you yet?”

I shook my head. We got off the lift at Level 4, a narrow dark corridor greeting us. Cold Bluish marble coated the walls on either side, grim lights hanging above. Deep foreboding clung to the air. We rounded a corner. He was still waiting for my reply.

“No, I don’t know anything. But-” 

“This is bigger than any one of us Riad. It concerns the existence of Hecan. You were never meant to be little kids hiding in the Hecan basement, but growing warriors to fight against the brother companies. Remember that. The rest of them in the committee still desperately wants to keep you here. But I know your brother. He won’t stop for anything else.”

And after dumping this knowledge onto Riad, he continued to pull him until we reached the doors of the meeting room.

“Steel yourself man. That’s all I’ll say”, he left Riad, a wave receding from the beach, leaving behind cold lumps of rock and damp wood. Riad swayed slightly. His brother?

Nani.

Crofa Mary was a gaunt woman, aged and looming above everyone else. Her husband was her shadow, silently ebbing in and out of her back. Other unnamed members shuffled to their own seats, faceless men and women who glanced at Riad with sympathy, then forgot him just as soon. The meeting room had an oval table, with seats with names behind them. Riad, not meeting anyone’s eyes sat on the seat with his name ‘Riad Amouz’, and briefly glanced at Nathan.

Both Marys were standing and nodding to all the entering participants. And as soon as the last person entered, Richard slumped forward and closed the door.

“Okay Richard, do you want to begin?”

“No it’s ok Crofa, you may begin”, a timid whisper wafted from his lips, as he glanced at her face, eyes not quite meeting her eyes. His body scrunched up against itself as he slouched. He was afraid of her. Riad could see it plainly enough. He couldn’t however see why everyone seemed to accept him so readily. How does such a cowardly dog deserve a place in the committee, let alone at Hecan? He focused his eyes on the tall woman, the blazing beacon as she stared back at him, beginning to speak.

“Oh well”, her face was set with an affectionate resignation, as if she expected such from him, and she looked around, “I will begin this meeting then.”

The group of them chuckled good-naturedly, and slowly settled into the seriousness of the meeting. Riad felt a slight tickle at the back of his neck, a wet discomfort; cold anxiousness. He didn’t like this seriousness.

“Esteemed friends. The Hecan Community is at risk. We are at a crossroads after the situation at Wombedden, and it’s imperative that we take some form of decisive action now, or risk the destruction of our Community. One..”

“Excuse me? What happened at Wombedden?”, the whole room looked at Riad. It shamed him deeply that he disturbed Crofa’s speech, that he looked down and uttered a sorry. In fact, Riad had silently tapped the person next to him and asked him the question, but Crofa had heard it too. But she looked at him with an expression of sympathetic delight. Like a dog that finally remembered its tricks.

“Ah Riad. I almost forgot the presence of our youngest recruit here. And of course, his lack of knowledge. Do you remember your brother Amit? Our bravest and most valiant brother, who saved Hecan not once, or twice, but many times over”, she looked away, her eyes glimmering in the artificial light, “He went crazy. Destroyed a City Capsits silo, and went renegade on us, destroying his tablet. Biggest explosion in the history of Wombedden, you could see it from far back. His trio partners went offline with him, them fools. Mind you Riad, they were all high class League members.”

She lapsed into a reflective silence. All the others beside Riad muttered and murmured under their breath.

“Um, Madam Crofa, I thought it’s a good thing to destroy enemy resources?”, Riad asked.

Suddenly Crofa glared at him so viciously, her face warped into the wrath of all evil, her skin torn and livid, hair writhing with life, and suddenly she changed back to the gentle protector, shifting so quickly Riad was sure no one else saw it.

“Boy, you may call me Crofa. And, while it’s good to destroy resources, if City Capsits believe we’re behind this attack, they might focus on us strongly and destroy our operations. You want that? And anyways, such resources were mainly for the people under their control, and Hecan does not believe in starving innocent people. Ok?”

Riad understood that logic. But her shifting emotions confused him. He glanced at Nathan, who looked back at him, nodding a small shiver of confidence. Who was the true Crofa?

“Anyways, our plan now is to penetrate into Wombedden. And meet Amit, probably talk to him, and see what we could salvage from the situation. Our intel suggests that he might be hiding among the common people in Eastern Bedden, along the Warzi Lane. He has some influence there”, Crofa’s eyes darkened again, “He took out two of our loyal League members as soon as they entered the lip of that cursed Lane. We suspect he’s teamed up with locals there, and set some, some sort of intelligence net. Set eyes on all the people there. Amit is smart. Fast, and disciplined.”

She smiled at Riad.

“Amit took you away from that place, and he’s now bringing you back Riad. The Committee intends to send you from Hecan Quarters, here, to Wombedden, where you will meet Amit, and talk to him for us. The specifics will be shared later, and the way to reach there is all mapped out. I want you Riad, because, you are his brother, and maybe he’ll see sense through you. It is very precarious, Riad. Our relationship between the people we speak for, and the companies who enslave them. Mind that when you speak to them, and hold your thoughts strong.”

She looked back at us, and waved a lazy hand behind us. The table in front of every member suddenly came alive with information; a map denoting his travel, costs and equipment, travel date and time, name and registry number of all the members sympathetic to the cause, who will help them in their mission. Too much information for Riad. He looked at her, her smug grin roving over everyone.

“If you have any questions like young Riad just did, ask me now. Let’s plan.”

So this was what it’s about. Riad was going into the field. To talk to the brother he’s never met. He could see the eyes of each member. Doctor Patrick, a senior member was critically gazing over the information, enlarging and clicking deeper with two fingers. They didn’t like it, Riad realised. Just like Master Vern.

“Crofa, I want to reiterate what I’ve told you before, stress on this point; is it really necessary to bring the boy out? We have talented League members who can get to him, surely it is much more convenient for us and the boy included?”, Patrick rumbled.

“Doctor Patrick,”

“And even if we are to send this boy, who will go with him? He surely could not go alone. Who else should we rope into this madness? Should I hold up my breeches, and waddle into enemy territory, strapped with old bones and quivering fingers?”, his body shuddered then, as if agreeing with its owner.

Others nodded emphatically, and Riad waited. His breath hitched. Perhaps they did expect him to go alone? But Crofa smiled, a cat smile. She laughed heartily, and tapped her fingers onto the table in front of her.

“You forget Doctor Patrick, that we have two League members with us right now. Nathan, and Verasa, who has retired for the day. Rest, from her hard travels. These two will accompany Riad. Moreover, Hecan Quarters exist to create new operatives, and if I recall quite clearly, Riad is close to two members, Nina Alafin, and Shafe, who are ready to join the League too. Doctor Patrick, I suggest you do not get too sentimental to these students, and stay focused on Hecan's missions.”

The air tickled Riad’s back again, as Crofa’s gaze burned into Doctor Patrick. The gaping man closed his mouth, his next words forever held within him, as he shivered like a threatened man.

Soon, the meeting ended. A few more details were passed; Crofa revealed more withheld secrets that seemed a great deal to the men and women beside Riad, he couldn’t understand it anymore. For him, the world has changed. Nobody asked Riad’s opinion, and in the span of two hours, everything from the shoes he was meant to wear, to the weaponry he was allocated was planned for him. And yet nobody asked him, if he wanted to go, whether he wanted to meet his brother. Whether he wanted to leave Hecan Quarters. Walane.

“They leave in two days. Begin preparing my friends. Richard, get the door for them. Nathan, I will see you and Verasa for a briefing tomorrow morning. Riad, come here please.”

Crofa nodded at everyone who left, and finally, the room was quiet. She rounded on Riad, and stared at him for some time.

“I don’t like what you did back then. It hurt me”, she paused, staring at him from long eyelashes he just discovered she had, “But its alright. I must be a witch, to use you kids so. How woeful this world has become. I hope you’re prepared Riad. You must convince Amit, and bring him back home. You can do that for me right? For Hecan? We are characterised by our smart, planned strikes, and strive to be revolutionaries, rather than reckless rebels. Oh Amit.”

She looked at Riad, her eyes not meeting her empathetic words. It looked more baleful to Riad. Riad spoke, partially to end the hurtful silence, and to quickly finish the uneasy conversation.

“Yes. I will talk to him. Madam Crofa, Its time for me to go back and rest for my mission.”, Riad turned back, and willed himself to walk without haste. He didn’t turn back to look at her, even when she spoke again.

“Crofa. Its Crofa!”

⟰⟰

Riad sat silently on the edge of his bed. Thoughts broiled in his head. Is he truly ready for this, or is he being pressured? His life was running before, but suddenly it felt like it was jumping, leaping from edge to edge. He didn’t feel comfortable with tearing his friends away from their lives for this. For what his brother has done. Unconsolable anger suffused Riad. He felt like a trapped balloon. He wanted to meet Amit, if not for Hecan, for himself, and grab his collar and shake him. Why did he abandon him? What if he gets captured because of his brother, tortured by the same people who his brother saved him from before? What a joke that would be. One big fat cruel joke.

Both Nina, and Shafe had messaged him through the tablet. Even a few of his classmates asked him if he was sick that day, advising him to visit the doctor on Level 2, instead of letting it go like last time. He didn’t message the news to them yet. He suspected Vern would talk to them too, and Crofa would explain the issue by the end of tomorrow. Riad wondered why Vern didn’t attend the meeting. He was after all an honorary member of the committee, and his words were valued. Dismissing it, Riad reached back, and lay quiet on his bed.

His door made a noise. Riad ignored it, and continued to stare at his ceiling. The plain ceiling stared back, devoid of colour, of emotion. Riad tried to commit it to memory. After he left, he won’t ever set eyes on it again. His door made another noise. Riad looked up.

Someone was outside his door, making deep shadows from beneath his door.

“Hello?”

The person stopped shuffling, but resumed his knocking. So that was what the noise was. Riad pressed the open button, and the door slid open. Richard Mary crept in, wearing a dark clothing, and an even darker expression.

“Close the door boy. Are you daft? Can’t you hear my knocking?”, he whispered.

Riad couldn’t find words. The cowardly dog became Courage the cowardly dog! The man stood taller now, his shoulder higher. His servient expression was so completely erased Riad couldn’t completely recognise him. Bold features marked him, and when he gave Riad a stare of unblemished arrogance, laden with so much superiority, Riad quailed.

“You’re, him. Richard. Mary”

He made an expression usually reserved for the mentally retarded.

“Of course I am boy. I saw you not an hour ago. Don’t look so flabber-gasted”, he huffed and looked away. “I was acting in front of the devil. Right. That’s what I came here to tell you about. Why did I forget that.”

He looked about, muttering to himself. Then he shifted back to the poor boy, still fumbling for words.

“Listen. Listen to me. I could tell you so many things. So many things about this place that would scare you. Secrets about Hecan, about that woman that will make you squirm at night. But I’m not. Because it won’t help you, nor me, to open cans filled with lice. You’ll leave soon with the others, and I thought it necessary to brief you myself. I am after all a founding father. Mary calls herself a founding father, but I mean, she’s not male so I don’t know how that works. Nobody knows I’m here, I stalled the system. So that’s safe. Yes.”

“Mister. Richard. Why did you not summon me to your place? Or at least tell me through my tablet that you’re visiting my place. Not even my friends do that so. And what do you want to brief me with?”

Riad was brimming with curiosity. Just when he thought it couldn’t get more intriguing, Hecan finds a way. The man’s eyes shuffled and shimmered. Even as he emitted an aura of lazy indifference his mind was active, as it jumped from place to place. Riad was burning to understand why such a man had to quiver and bend under Crofa. It seemed to Riad that both Marys were hiding some secret, hiding behind pretenses, sleeping beneath masks.

“Boy? Are you truly Amit’s brother or some orphan he picked up on the way? Our tablets are tracked. I’m not officially meeting you, and you cannot go yapping about our night visit to anyone. Alright? Listen now. Stick with Nathan. He’ll get you there safely. And I ask you boy, don’t grudge against your brother too much. I myself don’t believe it, but I think he knows what he’s doing. Ah dear Lord watch over him! I must not be gone too long, for all we know Crofa might be waiting when I get back. Ohh the troubles of that. I am not aware of Verasa’s allegiance. That might spell danger. Keep far of her. She’s trouble. Well, probably. I mean..”

“Mister. Is that what you want to tell me?”

“Don’t be an impatient boy. Bravery is rewarded, but don’t be imprudent. You walk from here, in your purple and yellow, black capes swirling about your legs, boy you are asking for death. I’ve seen your stats yet. It’s not oh ho so stay down boy. I came here, because I need your help. A small favour. You’ll have to go down to the basement first thing tomorrow, for technology and weapons equipment.”

“Why though? What's down there? Why should I risk being caught just because you tell me to do so? What’s wrong with Hecan? Who are you?”

“Shut with all the questions boy. I’m Richard Mary. And you’re in trouble. That’s why you should follow what I say. There are a million dangers swirling about you boy. Be stupid, careless, reckless, and snag one; you’ll die. So I want you to know what’s exactly going on here. You’ve lived your happy life for a long time, get real now. Crofa will give access to you and your friends by the end of tonight; if you don’t have it already. I need you to get down there through the Minor Elevators, and, uh its Level B2 by the way, I forgot to mention that before right.” A few mutterings Riad couldn’t decipher, then, “Do it tomorrow, early morning, before everyone wakes up. The woman likes to give her permissions early.”

Something similar to affection passed through the man’s eyes. Riad wondered about Richard’s relationship with Crofa. Why were they slinking about, hiding their intentions from each other?

“But, how will I know where to go? It seems very dangerous to me.”

“Naive boy. What was Vern thinking when he allowed you to join the League. I will stay in touch with you. Here - take this, and keep it in your ear when you leave. No one, not one bloody fool should ever set eyes on you. You hear? Ahh, don’t worry boy. I’ll re-loop the cameras so that they don’t record your movements at all. You’ll be safe.”

The man had given Riad a transmitter, with which he could hear and speak to him with. He didn’t say another word; nodding a terse goodbye, he walked out, soft rubber soles making antisounds, quiet as a cat’s paws. Riad’s door closed, and he slowly sank back, the day’s events pulling him back to his bed, the last thing he heard was the sound of Shafe yelling, “Why did you not”

⟰⟰

Riad didn’t sleep long. His tablet woke him early, and at 5 am, he found himself dressed and ready for his morning scout. Riad found himself gauging the righteousness of his actions. Was he betraying Hecan by evading Crofa, or aiding Hecan, by helping Richard? He couldn’t decide, and he let it go. Too early to make decisions of his own. Riad didn’t know what he was doing at all. He hasn't called his friends yet, and the daily schedule starts at 7 am. He’s safe. Riad wore his sword class uniform - a white overall, that tightly

Unfinished story