Then…

  The chapel was covered in swaths of mourners sitting in short cubicles, each equipped with a virtual reality headset. The floor was raked at a descending angle that circled the main stage. At the center was a man, positioned next to a sealed beige casket. His VR headset concealed his eyes, but Evan recognized the stiff posture and unflinching jaw. His father situated by himself, while Evan was made to sit in the front row with relatives he barely knew. Thankfully Ken was allowed to sit behind him.

  The war had delayed the memorial, but now it was finally happening. A holographic imagine stood to the right of the casket, smiling, and waving at the crowd. Evan choked up. It wasn’t real, but it was the closest thing he’d seen to her actual smile in a while – unshackled of the secret unhappiness she wore in life.

  A man in a preacher’s robe crept to the edge of the stage and said, “the vigil is ready, now. Please, at your own pace, you may put on your visors and speak with the deceased.”

  These vigils allowed mourners to speak with a crude A.I. made to mimic those who have passed, recreated based on the user’s mental projection of them. Evan could talk to his mom one last time, say goodbye, as much as was possible at this point.

  He was frozen. Monster.

  Ken leaned to his ear. “Ok, E-friend?”

  Evan nodded.

  Ken placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s ok, buddy.”

  Evan looked back at him hesitantly. “You think I should talk to her?”

  “Yes.”

  His skin buzzed as he slid the cold VR visor over his eyes. It was just a black screen at first. After a moment, it registered his name, “Evangelos Hendricks Jr.” It was a surreal thing, the anticipation of talking to a proxy version of a loved one, maybe unethical from a certain point of view. But this conversation was for him, and him alone. It would just be an A.I., but it was the closest he’d ever get to seeing her again.

  The black screen peeled back to white, and there she was. Smiling and waving, just like the hologram on stage. She was beautiful. Peaceful, kind, whole.

  Evan’s thoughts translated into words within this virtual reality. “Mom?” He took one step forward, like wading through water.

  “Baby boy.” She took a step forward. A tear weaved done her cheek.

  It’s not really her. No, don’t say that. Embrace it, you idiot. Embrace your mom… With that thought, Evan went to her, each step easier than the last until he was close enough to hug her – But he didn’t. “Mom?”

  Her hands fell to his head. He could almost feel her thin fingers brushing out his hair. “I’ve missed you, Evan.”

  Warmth filled his body, and goose prickles ran after the feeling. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for what I did. I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry.”

  “Shhh.” She bent down to him and pulled up his chin. “You have never done anything wrong, my love. I am so proud of you.”

  Monster. Evan thought. He shook his head; he didn’t want to bring that word into this simulation.

  “Evan, I am so proud-” Her words broke.

  Evan looked up at his mother who was frozen in her smile. The screen flashed to black with a message that ran across it. “Remain seated. An assistant will be there shortly,” and the illusion was broken.

  *****

  Now…

  Evan sat with his father on the edge of a bed.

  His father explained, “They arrested me the night Joseph Krow found out about your powers.” The door was cracked slightly open, letting in the celebratory laughter and conversations coming from the rest of Phoenix One.

  Evan couldn’t believe who he was looking at. This was dad, but with more forehead creases, and greyer hairs streaking his uncharacteristically disheveled hair. His brown eyes were tired things, but his words were warming.

  How unsettling it was, to make it to the end of an epic journey and find that instead of credits rolling, life continued. Was this what heaven might be like? A never-ending overflow of peace, of answers, of being surrounded with the people you loved the most? There were still many questions left unanswered, and despite the warmth that abided within him, he dared to seek the truth before it slipped away again.

  Evan said, “I saw the propaganda videos. I didn’t realize they could fake people that well.”

  Father shook his head. “They’ve been using that technology for ages, but I never thought I’d see myself replaced by a computer. The worst part is what they did with Ken. To hear your own voice like that…”

  “It’s like being in a nightmare?” Evan asked.

  Father nodded.

  “And they gave Monolith over to Crain.”

  “Ah. Yes… that’s, complicated.” Father looked away. There was a moment of silence after this. What should Evan say?

  “I, uh…” Evan started.

  “Yes?”

  Evan stared at his twiddling thumbs. He didn’t know if he wanted to know the answer, but he needed to ask.

  “Did you tell the enforcers about Ken’s powers?” he asked.

  Father didn’t respond, and Evan knew it was true. That warmth teetered toward the drain of dark truths.

  “Why? Why would you do that to him? We trusted you.”

  The Governor took a deep breath. “I made a mistake, Evan. There was a plan, you see. I wasn’t going to let anything happen to your friend, that’s why I had him brought to my Monolith facility. I thought I could keep him safe there until everything was sorted. But I misjudged what you would do.”

  Brother, not just friend. Adopted son. Son. Evan held back his anger, trying desperately to understand what his dad was saying. It seemed everything could go back to the way it was, they could be a family if only Evan made sure to keep it intact. “It was my fault.”

  “Evan…”

  “I kept trying to use my powers to save Ken, and everything fell apart.” Evan thought about his emotions and how they had driven him to make rash decisions. His fear for Ken’s safety, and his rage that exposed his powers to Krow. He’d tried to help people; he’d always tried to do what was right. But… “Maybe I should have trusted you from the beginning. Whenever I tried to help someone on my own, they or someone else either got hurt, or killed.”

  “No, don’t blame yourself, son.” Father placed a comforting hand on Evan’s shoulder. “There will always be things out of your control, for as long as we have enemies. That is why I will always try to protect you, Evan. No one will break us, understand?”

  No one… Evan nodded and welcomed his dad’s embrace.

  It was good again. He was with his family again.

  Father pulled back and looked at Evan, his eyes glinting for a moment. “Now, it’s been a while since I’ve slept on something other than glass. Would you mind if I…?”

  Evan stood. “Go ahead.” He went for the door, paused only by his dad’s words.

  “I love you, Evan.”

  “I love you, dad.” Evan closed the door behind him and made his way into the main room. He’d managed to grip tightly to hope, and he hoped the struggles had finally ended, and what he saw reassured him that it just might be.

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  Blink and Twitch danced in a circle, music streaming from the ship’s sound system. It was a sound Evan hadn’t heard before. It had twang, and vocals much like Cranston’s, though Evan couldn’t quite understand what they were saying amidst all the instruments. Regardless, the twins laughed and smiled while Cranston, Daniel, Nyla, and even Ken sat around clapping and stomping their feet.

  Vihn leaned against the wall next to Evan. He grinned. “Because of you,” he said, “Rowic was able to get his A.I. into some important files the Feds had at that base, stuff that can really help us in the war. Plus, you saved your friend and brought back your father. I’m impressed. Good job, kid. You’re a rebel if there ever was one.”

  Evan didn’t much know what to say, other than entertaining a, “Thank you, Captain.”

  That got a chuckle out of Vihn, who offered Evan a swig of his flask, which Evan turned down. The old stranger shrugged and made his way back to the cockpit.

  Most everyone celebrated, except for Jeck. He sat apart from everyone else, staring at Evan.

  Should I bother? It might have been pointless, but Evan made his way to the bald man who obviously had some sort of objection.

  “Don’t dance?” Evan asked.

  Jeck frowned. “You really don’t get it, do you?”

  “Get what?”

  “You lost one of your own, abandoned her, and now you all dance like she never existed.” Jeck shook his head.

  It was exactly what Evan had struggled with when they escaped. Luna. The enforcer he’d given hope to, then abandoned for the people he cared more about.

  He sighed. “We couldn’t save her. But we’ll go back. With my dad’s help and the data Rowic got, we’ll be able to figure out what happened to her. We’ll find her.”

  Jeck clucked his tongue. “Fool. You don’t think it’s an oversight that no one here is locking your father up? Blind folding him? He knows everyone’s names and faces now, and he’s the leader of the East, directly under President Caine. What damage he can wrought.”

  This guy had grated Evan enough. “He was arrested and thrown in that prison just like Ken was. He’s no friend of the Federation, any more than the rest of us.”

  “It’s a na?ve wish, really. You don’t think of the consequences.” Jeck threw up his hands. “But I don’t know why I would expect anything different from a crew ran by Vincent.”

  “Whatever, man. Sulk all you want, at least we did something, not just hide in a basement.”

  Jeck closed his eyes. “Sometimes doing nothing is the right thing to do.”

  Evan wanted to tell him that made no sense, but instead he wafted away the negativity in the air and joined his friends. He’d rather dance than waste another moment brooding.

  *****

  The ship passed through the holographic mountains, into the tunnels of Alpha base, and returned safely to the landing docks. Life had returned to normal in the underground city as thousands went about their business much in the way Evan first saw them. Despite the occasional whisper of scouting parties and drone squads, it seemed as though the people were at ease, as they traded, milled about, and lived their lives. Evan and his father wear hoods, of course, seeming as they could still attract unwanted attention if the wrong people saw them.

  Andrea welcomed the whole team with a firm clap as they entered her planning room. The team had grown, and it was bonded. Nyla and Blink giggled with one another, while Twitch and Ken played some sort of finger game, and Cranston chatted with Dad. Vihn and Rowic laughed and reminisced over past operations, while Daniel drifted casually between the various conversations. It was only Jeck who held to the outskirts of the party, practically sustaining a personal raincloud above him. Evan pitied the guy, realizing he’d had a similar disposition not too long ago. But now, he was home.

  The Ark met the Governor at the doorway. Her eyes were like x-rays as they scanned him. He looked none too pleased to be examined in such a manner. She stuck a hand out to him. He took it firmly. Her heterochronic eyes flickered for a moment, and then she backed away.

  “You’re hard to read, mister Hendricks, I shouldn’t’ve expected any less from you,” she said.

  He raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never been fond of strangers digging in my head.”

  “Just so.” She walked to the projection table. “Perhaps you will prove yourself an ally, perhaps an enemy. Time will tell.”

  Father relented no indication that her words affected him. Instead, he said, “Perhaps sooner than you think. I know many things, and I have no reason to hide what I know. My son and I were betrayed, and I’ll do what it takes to make things right. In fact, I understand that your hacker has found some encrypted data that he has marginally been able to decode. He’ll have no need. I’ll gladly give you the codes required for unlocking what he’s found.”

  Vihn narrowed his eyes. “How would you still have valid codes after being arrested? The Feds would have changed them. They’re not that stupid.”

  “I still have close friends. People whom I planted in Monolith and other influential places. Friends whom the Federation owes many debts, and whom the Federation has failed to repay. I, however, have always kept them well accommodated.”

  Rowic’s expression was a dubious one. “You bribed them, so what? What’s to stop them from turning on you? On us?”

  “Because,” Father started, “the man I speak of was there the day Evan manifested his powers, and he’s kept it a secret all of these days.”

  Evan tried to piece together who he could be talking about, because everyone who had been there that day was either in the room, or dead. Everyone, except for a name that he vaguely recalled. “Shwood…”

  Father nodded. “Short for Brushwood. He’s been a friend of my family since I first migrated here from South America as a child, back before it was annexed by the Federation. He helped me assimilate, and I would not have been the governor at all were it not for his loyalty.”

  Shwood… The memories blurred for Evan. He’d heard the name before. Once, only once. It was Unification Day when he had… When his powers had come. He’d only heard the name though, never seen a face. Shwood is what his father called out on that day when mom lay squirming in her blood. Had he truly been the key to his father’s success, and to Evan and Ken’s protection? The idea unsettled Evan, that his family was indebted to some other entity and had never known it.

  “I remember him,” Evan said. “Shwood helped cover the incident with the enforcers on Unification Day.”

  His father nodded.

  Andrea folded her arms. “Then give him a call, if he’d be so inclined to help us.”

  “It wouldn’t be that simple. You might not have realized it, but the Federation intercepts long distance messages from you all the time, I just tend to be the one receiving them, and I rarely give information for free – even as governor. But I’m not in charge anymore, and my friend lives in Dogma Isle. To contact him from here might give away his position, or ours.”

  Actively withholding info about the rebels. If it weren’t for him, would the Feds have located this base a long time ago? More evidence Evan’s father hadn’t been a puppet of the government like the others have said.

  “Then what do you suggest?”

  He opened his palm to Evan. “My son and I can take a team to deliver a message to Shwood in the capital. He is still on the board of Monolith Industries, and he can protect whoever travels there. Once you have the information you need, we can return safely.”

  I didn’t want to be a piece of the game before, would I willing allow myself to become one now that my father has suggested it? Have I been one this whole time?

  Daniel waved his hands. “Woah, hang on. What the heck is this data, whatever, that Rowic has anyway? Why do we care?”

  The hacker hooked his tablet up to the projection table. An image of purifier armor appeared, rotating in midair. “I found some stuff on purifiers. Names, locations, assignments, and new experimental designs. But beyond that, I think I may have found schematics. Meaning maybe I can finally figure out how to hack the things.”

  Daniel said, “You get drones just fine as is.”

  “Drones run on a network that I cracked a long time ago while they were still being made. Up until now I’ve been subtle about how I control them, but after recent events, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Feds were looking for a way to fix that. Anyway, purifier armor runs autonomously, and each suit has an onboard A.I. unique to each one.”

  “So basically,” Vihn said, “the data he’s found might be enough to hack into one of those onboard A.I.s”

  “Yes.”

  Andrea asked Father, “You helped build Monolith Industries. The machines that come from there have had your touch. Why would you seek to undo everything you’ve built?”

  “My tools were turned against Evan and myself. I have always done, and will continue to do, whatever it takes to protect my family,” he said with that sturdy river of a voice.

  Evan knew now where he got his need to protect others in his dad’s drive to do the same for him.

  “This is crap,” Nyla groaned. “We can’t trust this guy. He’s the reason why things like purifiers exist at all.”

  Jeck agreed, “He’s a snake. You let him in, and he’ll swallow us whole.”

  Anger boiled inside of Evan but didn’t let it take hold. His instincts led him to save both Ken and his father. He’d continue to stand by his family.

  “I trust him. He’s done everything to protect us,” Evan said.

  “Fool,” Jeck repeated.

  Blink jumped up. “Back off, egghead.”

  “Wait,” Evan said before the room exploded into a war of its own, “If you don’t trust him, then he should stay here while I go to Dogma Isle. If something goes wrong, then he’ll have you to deal with. We don’t have anything to lose in trying that.”

  Andrea asked, “Are you sure, Evan? You would be heading into a trap if you’re wrong.”

  “You helped me save my friend. Now it’s my turn to honor our deal and help you defeat the Federation,” Evan said.

  “Hmm, I believe that the deal was to help us defeat your father.” She smirked.

  The Governor didn’t react to this.

  “Very well,” she continued, “Evan will go to the capital city and meet with Shwood. The Governor of the East will stay in our custody, and should anything go wrong, he will answer to us. Agreed?”

  The crew gave varying responses of acknowledgment, followed by an eventual acceptance of it. Evan felt relief. His father would be safe while Evan could prove him trustworthy. With enough blessing, this meeting could help do more damage to the Federation and allow his family a clean chance at a new life.

  Andrea said to Vihn, “You may select who you need on this mission.”

  He faced Evan. “I won’t make anyone come with us. Purely volunteers. But my ship and I are with you, kid.”

  Evan never expected to receive that kind of support from Vihn, but he bowed his head in acceptance, then looked to the rest of the team for their responses.

  Blink raised her hand. “Me too!”

  Twitch thumped his chest and flashed three fingers.

  Rowic tilted his tablet. “Count me in.”

  “Yes, sir. I’m with you,” Cranston said.

  Daniel shrugged. “Sure, why not.”

  Even Nyla joined in. “Fine.”

  The total pledge of Phoenix One empowered Evan. This time they’d all stand by his side. He wasn’t surprised to see Jeck’s disappointed scowl.

  Andrea sighed. “Looks like your team is decided then. Now the question is when and how to get into the city.”

  Father straightened; the politician speaking. “The perfect day is upon us. In fact, Unification Day will be here by the end of the week. Tourists from all over the Federation will be arriving in the city, and you should be able to sneak in amongst them.”

  The team agreed to the plan, but it was a day Evan dreaded. It wasn’t just a celebration for the civil war’s end. It was also the start of the Purifier Initiative… and Evan’s birthday.

  Dear reader,

  WHY WAIT? GET THE FULL DRAFT - NOW!

  https://www.patreon.com/posts/titan-project-1-123237175?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link