Author: Kate Leslie
Category: Other
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“Yes,” he answered curtly.
“Don’t you prefer sitting up front with us?” Becka nodded towards their parents.
“No,” Max answered just as brusquely.
“Why?” She was insistent.
“I like to chat with young people.” He crossed his arms.
“You cannot do that at our table?” Becka’s tone grew sharper.
“Not enough young people there,” Max replied defiantly.
Annoyed, Becka frowned. “It didn’t seem like you were having a nice chat, more like an argument.”
“We weren’t. Anything else on your mind?” Max dropped his arms and took a step back to the table.
“Do whatever you want.” Becka walked off.
Mia turned in time to see Becka hurrying out the door. Max’s parents and Becka’s mother must have witnessed the scene for they eyed Max reproachfully.
Max returned to the table and sat down. His eyes went back to his parents’ table. He huffed and rose. “Please excuse me.”
“You have my blessing,” Phil remarked.
“Phil!” His sister admonished him again.
Mia watched Max as he left the dining room.
“What did I say?” Phil thought Max’s action confirmed that he always did what his father demanded.
Vi placed her face in her hands. “It’s not fair that Becka puts so much pressure on Max. He’s only eighteen. I mean, she’s four years older.”
“Your point?” Phil asked lightly. “He likes when others tell him what to do.”
Vi threw her brother an angry look but dropped the subject.
Now Mia had the opportunity to share her thoughts from this morning. “I might have an idea,” she began, explaining how she was considering spreading the news.
“It would be seen by the majority, certainly,” Phil agreed, “unfortunately, I don’t know of anybody who could arrange for our message to be played.”
“What about Isa?” Mia mused aloud. “She could ask her brother, he has contact with a group of rebels. They should have the necessary technology and knowledge considering the goals they want to achieve.”
“That’s right.” Phil scratched the back of his head. “Although, that would mean bringing in another person.”
“Sooner or later, it would be necessary. Anyway, once the message is out everyone will know. That’s the goal, right, besides, Isa is okay. She would never stop us or rat on us,” Vi pointed out.
“I think it’s worth a try,” Mia agreed.
Phil raised his hands. “As you wish.”
“I’ll see if I can catch her alone later,” Mia offered.
Mia loitered in the lower sub-level waiting for Isa. Fortunately for her, it was not long before Isa walked alone down the hall. “Can I talk to you?” Mia asked.
“Of course, little one, always, I already told you so.” Isa continued to her door, opened it, and stepped aside, looking at Mia. “Do you want to come in?”
A quick glance assured Mia Isa’s partner Nick was not inside and she entered.
Isa sat on a chair and pointed to another for Mia. “What is it you would like to talk to me about?”
“I don’t know how to start,” Mia said.
“Then start from the beginning.” Isa gave Mia an encouraging look.
Mia took a deep breath and, although initially a bit hesitant, told her about yesterday’s experiences. When Mia described the incident at the registration office, Isa’s gaze turned serious. As soon as she finished, Isa sighed. “Well, you created a nice mess. Don’t get me wrong. I understand you had to do something. I’m merely sorry that it ended like this. So, how can I help you? You want me to talk to Phil’s parents? Or explain to everyone?”
Mia shook her head each time. “I don’t want everyone to know yet, maybe someone will try to discourage us.”
“Well, considering how you went about it so far, it might not be a bad idea.” Despite her words, Isa’s voice expressed compassion.
“Your brother,” Mia came to the actual issue, “joined a group of rebels. We were wondering if they know someone who could air a message of ours on the public monitors. We want to alert the public and spread the news that the authorities made false accusations. People should know the truth about what happened.”
Isa eyed her thoughtfully. “They might have the person you’re looking for; I just can’t promise they’ll want to get involved. And it should happen soon. I agree. I will try to contact him. All communication is encrypted, but even that is not a guarantee it’s completely secure. Certain words should not be used. Most people have no idea of the surveillance capabilities of the technical devices that are supposed to make our lives easier.”
Mia briefly squeezed Isa’s hand and stood. “Thank you!”
“Don’t mention it. I’ll get in touch as soon as I know something.”
22
Ben
After class, Ben first ran his penalty laps around the training ground before going to lunch. Daniel had kept a place reserved for him, even had a tray for him with today’s lunch ration.
Ben sat down. “Thanks.”
“Don’t sweat it,” Daniel replied. “And, all done?”
Ben nodded. “Yep. It helped me clear my head,” was his pleasing answer. Daniel scrutinized him but refrained from commenting on Ben’s statement. Maybe he finally realized that they could not talk freely in here.
After lunch, they headed to weapons training together. Daniel seemed to be looking forward to it, then again, Ben assumed that was because he was good at it. Ben had noticed his aim was improving. Shooting at targets seemed unreal. Like shooting something in a computer game. All that would change when aiming at a human. Who could pull the trigger then?
They began with military drills. Once they were given permission to stand at ease, everyone received their weapon. As usual, they practiced disassembling and assembling their weapons as well as memorizing each part’s function. After that, they practiced the proper shooting stance, how best to hold the weapon, and how to draw it quickly. Then they had to stand still for a while with their arms aimed at the target. Afterward, they had to draw their weapon and aim it steadily at the target. Over time, their arms grew heavier and it was no longer so easy to keep one’s aim steady. “No matter the circumstances, it’s important your aim is spot on. Eventually, you will handle heavier weapons and keep in mind that targets can move.” Why not say moving targets? Because he referred to live targets, meaning, according to Ben’s reasoning, human targets.
At the shooting range, Ben sought out Clara again and managed to get in line behind her. She turned around to face him. “Hi!”
Ben glanced around before he whispered to her that Daniel had already asked him twice about their conversations. Clara stiffened. They did not exchange words for the remainder of target practice.
Before they separated, Clara turned once more to Ben and stared intently at him like she wanted to say something, but instead, she left. Ben watched her go. They had to find a way to stay in contact with each other. He merely did not know how. She was one of the few like-minded, who shared his worries and fears.
After another lesson and dinner, they returned to their room in the barrack. Ben showered and lay down on his bed. The others were engrossed in deep conversations. Soon it was lights out and quietness settled in. Ben was still worried about Mia. Why ask him all those questions? Were they searching for her? Why? Where could she be?
He longed to talk about it with someone. But there was nowhere to talk in private apart from a few minutes a day. In closed rooms, there was always a good chance you were being listened in on. Daniel and he appeared to be growing further and further apart. But he had lots in common with Clara. She had become his ally. Nowadays, it was easy to talk to her. He wondered if he would have mustered up the courage to speak to her if they had not been taken away. If he had asked, would she have gone out with him? Would they have kissed? He woul
d never receive answers to those questions. They would never see their home again.
23
Mia
In her quarters, Mia told Vi and Phil about her conversation with Isa. She finished with, “All we can do now is wait. I’m hoping it’s not for long. Ben has limited time.”
“Since we’re short on time,” Phil said, “I suggest we think about something for you to say.”
“For a change, you make sense,” Vi agreed. “And it shouldn’t be too long. We probably can only hack the public broadcast system for so long. The message has to be short and to the point.”
They voiced some ideas and discussed them until eventually, they had one everyone liked. Mia should introduce herself with her proper name as well as mention her brother’s name to make the message more personal. Then briefly describe what happened, making sure to point out the false accusation, and end with asking the people for help.
“It’s not fun being the good boy,” Phil commented, self-satisfied, after Max gave into his father’s wishes and sat between him and Becka for dinner.
Later on, Isa was waiting in the hallway for Mia and indicated she wanted to speak to her.
By the time Mia, together with Vi and Phil, entered Isa’s room, Nick was there. Mia hesitated and glanced at Isa. “Should we come back later?”
Isa looked sideways at Nick. “No, it’s okay. He knows.”
The three exchanged puzzled looks. Another person who knew.
“Can anyone help us?” Mia asked.
Isa nodded. “Yes, as long as you make it quick. I’ve been in touch and notified someone who came highly recommended. Somebody has to meet him tomorrow for the final instructions about the when, where, and how it should take place. To exchange that information digitally is too dangerous. It could end up in the wrong hands.”
“I’ll go,” Phil immediately spoke up.
“Make sure you watch your back,” Isa pointed out, “and just drive there and back. No detours. No reason to take unnecessary risks.”
“Now why would you think that needed to be pointed out to me?” Phil complained.
“Shall I accompany you?” Mia asked, feeling that she had to be doing something herself, not only have others do it for her.
“No,” everyone protested at the same time.
“Someone might recognize and report you,” Isa pointed out. “And then Phil will be in danger too.”
24
Mia
Mia was lying awake in bed, contemplating every possible scenario that could go wrong. Again and again, she asked herself if they were doing the right thing or if they should simply blow it off. Although, what about Ben? By now they must have figured out they were related. Phil might be right. Being a person of interest, could keep Ben safe. They might succeed in making other people curious enough to start asking questions about the abducted adolescents. She was restless again and rolled from one side to the other.
“Are you awake?” she heard Vi whisper from her bed.
“Yes.” Mia switched on the light and sat up. “I didn’t sleep much. I hope we’re not making a mistake.”
Vi turned on her side and propped herself up on an elbow. “Time will tell. But I think it would be a bigger mistake to simply stand idly by. When is there ever a right time? It takes initiative.”
Soon after, Phil burst in. “I see you’re dressed,” he said to Mia. “Damn.”
Mia and Vi rolled their eyes.
Phil sat down next to Mia. “I’ll leave right after breakfast.”
Mia placed a hand on his arm. “Watch out for yourself,” she said urgently. “I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.”
Phil grinned at her. “Don’t worry. I can handle myself.” He stood and walked to the door, then turned around again. “And remember, act like you usually do. Nobody should notice anything different. Meaning, take your time, you are expected to oversleep.”
Once Phil left the room, Vi groaned. “I hope everything goes smoothly. I should drive, not him. Phil’s absence doesn’t immediately arouse suspicion. It is not unusual for him to disappear without leaving word. Phil takes nothing serious, which is why I worry about him,” she added quietly. “He might be annoying at times, but he is my brother after all.”
At breakfast, Phil was his usual funny, smart self. Then he said his goodbyes. Vi retreated to her room and Mia went to perform her kitchen duty. As always, she had to peel or mince this and that. So far, they did not trust her to do anything else. While she was giving Becka a sidelong glance, she imagined a happy future with a husband where she did all the cutting and whatnot and he the actual cooking.
She heard Max’s voice come from the direction of the door, “What’s with that smile on your lips? Don’t say the vegetables are responsible.”
“Why yes they are.” Mia tried to look serious again.
Max came over to her, pulled up a chair, and sat next to her. “Anything I can help you with today or perhaps, impress you with?” He took the knife from her hand and did the slicing for her. “Let’s see if the vegetables can perk me up too.”
Feeling the watchful gazes of Becka and her mother, Mia blushed and hissed, “Give me my knife back.”
“Why? Are you afraid they might turn you into a frog, a pumpkin, or whatever that fairy tale says?” He grinned at her again.
Mia briefly glanced at Becka and whispered, “No, I’m afraid you might be turned into something.”
“Well then, preferably a frog. You know how the princess releases him from his curse.” He raised his eyebrows questioningly and grinned expectantly at her.
Mia cocked her head as if she was thinking about it. “No, I don’t quite remember. I believe the princess tossed him against the wall because of his rudeness.”
“That’s not the version I had in mind.” Max leaned conspiratorially over to her.
“Max, could you come help me, please?” Becka called from the stove.
Max glanced at Mia before he acknowledged Becka. “Is it that urgent? I’ll be over as soon as I’m finished here.”
“Would you help me now or not?” Becka asked impatiently.
Max stood. “I’ll be right back,” he promised Mia.
As it turned out, it took a while longer. And for whatever reason Becka needed his help, it took place somewhere other than in the kitchen.
Once Mia finished her work, she went to her quarters. Edith was sitting in the living room. No one else seemed to be around. Mia greeted Edith and after a brief conversation, went to her room where Vi was waiting for her. “Have you heard anything from Phil?”
“No, but then it’s still too early,” Vi replied.
Mia sat next to her. They did not speak much. Both were too excited for that. By the time Vi had to start her tasks, Phil was still not back.
“He should be back by now.” Vi was gnawing on a fingernail. “What’s taking him so long?”
“I’m hoping nothing went wrong,” Mia stated worriedly.
“Knowing Phil, I’d say no.” Vi considered skipping her chores, but then decided they would be a good distraction. Phil should have returned by the time she was finished.
Mia stayed behind alone. She stood and paced back and forth in the little room. She quickly grew tired of the few feet in each direction, left her room, and joined Edith. Markus was also there now.
He peered at the clock. “I haven’t seen Phil all morning. What’s he up to?”
Now Mia wished she had stayed in her room. This type of conversation would not make her feel better.
“Leave him be,” Edith said. “I’m sure he’ll show up soon.”
Markus huffed but said nothing.
Edith began a light conversation that Mia, as far as her excitement allowed, and Markus, as far as his irritation at Phil allowed, participated in.
Finally, Vi showed up. She glanced at Mia questioningly. Mia shook her head in response. Vi joined her mother.
&nb
sp; There was still no sign of Phil at lunchtime. Markus and Edith were about to leave when Phil finally showed up laughing. Just as if he had not been gone the entire morning.
“Where have you been?” Markus fumed, apparently further put off by Phil’s carefree attitude.
“I had something to take care of in town,” Phil explained calmly and sat next to his sister on the sofa.
“At least tell me that she was pretty,” Markus foamed.
Phil merely grinned to himself.
“You find that funny? Phil, when will you finally start acting responsibly? You could take an example from Max.”
“I’m sorry I’m your son and not Max.” Phil jumped up and stormed into his room, slamming the door shut.
“Markus, don’t be so strict with him,” Phil’s mother said.
Markus huffed. “Edith, we’ve been coddling our kids for far too long. Phil is uncontrollable.”
Mia exchanged a look with Vi. Once the parents left, the girls joined Phil.
“Why were you gone for so long?” Vi asked, “And why even say where you’ve been?”
Phil looked at the two. “Nobody would have believed me if I said I was around. I figured that much.”
“Still, what took you so long?” Vi was adamant.
“Vi, I was not delayed because I was having fun. I would have loved to hook up with a girl for a little tête-à-tête. What happened was the contact Isa gave me was not home and I had to wait for him.” Phil groaned.
“But you cleared everything with him?” Mia asked.
Phil nodded. “He gave me explicit instructions. I already passed them on to Isa. She’ll get in touch with him over the computer. I don’t know the exact technical details. Only that your grand entrance is at 17:00. Your image will be transferred via the camera in Isa’s laptop. You have one minute, two at the most. We have to be on time, if he keeps the connection open for too long, they can trace it.”