Jackson (6 page)

“You weren’t at breakfast,” he said, holding out his hand to me.

I stepped forward and took it, allowing him to pull me down beside him and into a hug.

“I know this is hard, but Flora’s body lasted longer than the doctors ever said it would,” he continued. “Her anemia was severe, and her heart did all it could for as long as it could.”

I pressed my lips together as angry tears stung my eyes. Yolanda would believe this same story. That anemia had killed our friend and not an overdose of behavior-modifying drugs administered by aliens against our will. The realization pricked my emotions, making twisting my insides even further.

“We’ve got to bury her soon,” he continued. “Between the heat and no embalming procedures, we can’t spare time. I was going to try and put something together for this afternoon.”

“Where is she?”

“Some of the women have her in the kitchen area. She’s wrapped up tight in a clean sheet, and they’re preparing her for burial. It’s like something out of the Bible.”

I sat up and looked at him. “You believe in that again?”

He shrugged. “I’m thinking maybe it’s like you said. Just because we didn’t know about aliens, doesn’t mean everything’s a lie. We still have hope.”

I bit my lip. Gallatin had done what I’d asked. He’d restored my brother’s hope. Still, I was so hurt, so betrayed.

“What if I told you it’s all a lie? Us being here. There are no chips, and we can just leave any time we want.”

“We can’t do that,” he shook his head.

“But we can! I’ve been to their cabins. There’s more of us than them here now.”

“What about Cleve?”

In a flash of shame, I realized I’d never asked about him. Or the boxes.

“Besides,” my brother continued. “They’ve got powers. They can do things with their minds. I saw one of them cut through a rope without even touching it.”

“Right,” I sighed as my insides crumbled. “I heard.”

“But it’s going to work out. My faith has been renewed like the eagle!”

I nodded. “That’s good. What time is the service?”

“D’Lo’s preparing a place for her now. I was thinking as soon as he’s done.”

The thought of D’Lo out digging a hole in the rain made me cold, even in the warm air and my thick coveralls. I couldn’t shake the mounting heaviness, and as the hiss of falling rain grew louder outside the screens, I knew I had to go to Flora. I couldn’t bear the thought of her lying on that cold metal counter alone, with only aliens by her side.

“I’m going to sit with her.”

My brother nodded, and I walked back to the door. As I passed Yolanda’s bed, she and Roxie gave me pitying looks.

“I’m sorry about your friend,” Roxie said. “She seemed real sweet.”

“She always tried her best when we were in school,” Yolanda said. “I guess her heart just couldn’t do it any more.”

For a moment, I stood there staring at Yolanda. I couldn’t believe it was that simple. Just like that, she didn’t remember this morning. The stomach pumping, me crying, the dry heaving, the drugs. She’d stood there with me and witnessed the whole awful thing, and as far as I could tell, all of it was gone.

It made me both fearful and sad. This was my future.

“I guess,” was all I could manage in reply. I pushed through the door into the damp air.

* * *

F
lora’s body was wrapped like a mummy in a clean, white sheet and lay on the same metal counter where she’d been that morning. Someone had put tiny purple flowers all around the folds and a small bouquet of Black-Eyed Susans was placed across her chest where her heart would be. The gesture should’ve made me feel better, but it didn’t.

If they hadn’t come, this never would’ve happened. She’d still be alive, and I wouldn’t be feeling this pain. I’d still have my best friend. I sat on a stool beside the counter and ran my finger down the side of the linen.

“I’m so sorry I let you down.” My voice cracked. “I’d give anything if I could make it right again.”

I remembered how we’d been friends back in school, and how I’d looked out for her and helped her when she got tired. Maybe her life would’ve always been cut short, but it wouldn’t have been because of something like this. Her last days would’ve been happier. She would’ve been free, not a prisoner and afraid.

The screen door creaked open behind me, and I heard someone easing it closed to prevent the bang that usually followed. I looked up to see D’Lo crossing the empty space to where I sat.

“Why does it always rain at funerals?” I asked quietly.

“And weddings.”

“It’s actually supposed to be good luck at weddings.”

“You doing okay?” he asked, pulling my head into his side. We were quiet a moment. “Braxton says he’s ready. You going to say something?”

“I don’t know what to say. Except that it’s my fault, and I’m so sorry.

A large, warm hand clasped my shoulder. “How could it be your fault?”

“I could’ve worked harder. I could’ve moved faster.” Tears choked my voice, and he pulled me to him.

“You did the best you could.”

I wasn’t sure that was right, so we were quiet, staring at her wrapped body.

“She always liked that song from church about flying away,” he said. “Why don’t you sing it?”

“I don’t think I can sing, Dee.”

“I’ll help you. And Yolanda knows it.” He took my arm. “We gotta do something for her, Pren.”

I nodded as another prisoner entered the room with a heavier blanket. They transferred her body onto it and carried her out as if she were on a stretcher. The little bouquet slipped, so I caught it and carried it in my arms, following behind.

D’Lo had found a pretty place up the hill under a pear tree. It was leftover from where a house must’ve stood years ago, and there was a little patch of grass growing around it. They got to the spot and Braxton helped lower her into the ground. My eyes flitted to the bruises on his neck, and everything I knew prevented me from listening to his words. I wasn’t sure if I even believed them myself anymore.

Yet something in me couldn’t give up. It was all strange and unreal how these events were forced on us, but I had to keep going. I had to follow my plan. It seemed so long ago that I used to remind myself every day, but I had to find Jackson.

D’Lo stepped forward and motioned to me. Braxton was finished speaking and they were piling the dirt on top of her body. Yolanda started the song. No music, just the sound of our voices and the falling rain.

When the shadows of this life have gone

I’ll fly away

Like a bird from these prison walls has flown

I’ll fly away

I’ll fly away, oh glory

I’ll fly away

When I die Hallelujah by and by

I’ll fly away.

My voice wouldn’t go above a whisper, and when we finished, my brother added an
Amen
. Everyone turned and walked away, but for a moment, I couldn’t move. All I could think of was Flora flying away like that bird from the prison. Like that bird I’d seen sitting on top of the fence that first day with Cleve. Cleve, who I’d all but forgotten about.

I didn’t know how long I stood in the rain staring at the sky. I was soaked through when I finally reached forward and lay the black and gold bouquet across the top of her grave. I watched the dirt mix with my tears, and when I turned back, I saw Gallatin standing beside a tree. He was soaked as well, and it looked like he’d stayed with me the whole time, waiting.

A different pain rose in my chest at the sight of him, at the memory of the loss he was grieving and the knowledge that he wanted to comfort me like I’d comforted him. But I didn’t stop. I didn’t make eye contact or smile. I couldn’t speak to him now, and I didn’t know what I’d say if I did. The lines were restored, and we were on those opposite sides again, only now I didn’t need him for information. I had all the information, and I knew nothing was keeping us here. My body was free of the drugs, and I knew the way out. I was leaving.

Back in the dorm, a dry pair of coveralls waited on my bed for me. A small box was also there, and when I opened it, I found the delicate silver necklace Flora always wore with the little heart locket. Her earrings were also there. I peeled off my wet clothes and slipped the chain and silver locket around my neck. The earrings I left in the box. I didn’t bother getting dressed. I simply crawled beneath my blanket and closed my eyes. I’d sleep until nightfall.

––––––––

E
verything was quiet when I opened my eyes again. I couldn’t tell what time it was, but from the sounds of sleep in the dorm, it was well past bedtime. As quietly as possible, I slipped out of bed and into the pair of dry coveralls. I found my second pair of canvass sneakers, and I tied my hair back in a ponytail. I should’ve had Roxie braid it out of my face, but I hadn’t felt like being around anyone, Yolanda in particular. Her lack of memory was too disturbing.

I was just at the exit when I noticed the lights were on in the dining hall. I looked all around the yard, but I didn’t see any guards. Of course.

It was time for me to run, but I wanted to know what they were doing in there. Maybe they were adding the drugs to the food supply. Maybe I could stop them or somehow mix things up so our friends were more alert when we returned to free them. If the aliens were even still here then, and if we still remembered any of this.

I crept across the wet ground avoiding puddles until I got to the back door, where I could hear voices. Several males were inside talking, and one of them was Gallatin.

“It didn’t take much to nail him,” a voice I was pretty sure was Ovett’s said. “They must not be eating much out there.”

“What do you want me to do?” Gallatin sounded resistant.

“Neutralize him. We don’t want him waking up and disturbing the others.”

I pushed up to my knees and peeked over the wall. Sure enough, it was Ovett and another male alien whose back was to me. Gallatin was with them, and he leaned over a bound figure. The captive’s arms were tied behind his back, and it looked like blood was on his face and bare chest.

Gallatin positioned his head so that his chin fell back and
OH!
The sound slipped out of my mouth before I could clamp my hands over it.

It was Jackson!

“Did you hear something?” Ovett looked in my direction. My heart hammered in my chest, and I couldn’t even breathe. “Soso, see if there’s anything out there.”

I ran without even looking at the male alien headed my way, and with trembling legs, I made it to the back entrance of the dining hall. As quietly as possible, I turned the handle and eased the door open praying it wouldn’t squeak. It didn’t. Then I slipped into the kitchen area and over to the door leading into the hall where the men stood over my long-lost boyfriend.

Gallatin was on one knee at his side. I exhaled slowly, not knowing what to do. So many feelings rushed through me at once.
Jackson was alive!
He was captured. I had to save him!

“I don’t know why you’re involving me in this,” Gallatin said. “All I can do is make him calm or change his memories. You’ll have to drug him to keep him down.”

I winced at Gallatin’s words, at the fresh wounds their drugs had inflicted.

“You’re a Guard now,” Ovett said, but his tone made me pause. He was smiling, but his voice was sinister.

“That’s right,” Gallatin said, rising to his feet. Standing, he looked Ovett in the eye, and he seemed to sense what I did. Something was up.

“What purpose do you think that Order still serves?” Ovett asked. “Is it to reestablish the old ways or to maintain control over the people regardless of who’s in power?”

“I haven’t made contact with my fellow Guard yet, but it’s my understanding we all want the same thing. Our way of life restored.”

“You’ve never lived our way of life a single day, and you’re very young to be taking on this role. Are you sure you’re ready?”

Gallatin’s posture was tense, and my concern for him split me in two. “Cato thinks I am. Anyway, my promotion was beyond our control. My uncle—”

“Your uncle could never have reached your grandfather without being allowed. Unless he’s become even more powerful.” Ovett paced slowly, his heels clicking on the concrete floor. “Your sister feels much pressure to protect you, and she’s under much pressure to restore order to Gliese and bring us home safely.”

“The Guard cannot be missing a member or they’re no use—”

“Which is precisely my point.”

Gallatin’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure I understand.”

“If your sister had a mate, someone of her own nation and a former cabinet member like myself, we could go back to Gliese and garner the support of our countrymen.”

“Acona has the planet under terrorist rule. He has guerilla soldiers in every major city with Warrior outposts established in all the crucial points.”

“Your father was of the Warrior nation,” Ovett said. “Why should I believe you won’t turn and be loyal to his brother once we’re away.”

“My grandfather never did, and it was his own son,” Gallatin snapped, anger seething in his voice. “I can show you proof of my reason to hate Acona.”

He held out his arms.

“Yes, yes. I know of your injuries. His attack on you at Pellagasi was... disturbing. And the loss of Sontag, well, I’m not sure your sister has fully recovered.”

“She still mourns him.”

“He’s dead.”

Gallatin studied the man a moment. “I would never betray Cato,” was his only answer.

Ovett took a deep breath and turned. “Well, there’s nothing but time now. I’ll go and fetch Shubuta about this one. Keep an eye on him, will you?”

“Of course.”

The two alien men left and only Gallatin, me, and unconscious Jackson remained. I thought about what I’d just heard, how it sounded like Gallatin might have trouble ahead, but I couldn’t help him with it. And if my former alien-friend-whatever was telling the truth, soon it wouldn’t matter. We wouldn’t even remember... Loss again ached in my stomach, but I ignored it, rising to my feet. I entered the dining hall determined to take Jackson. Gallatin wouldn’t stop me. I wouldn’t let him.