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Chapter 18
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“Trust simultaneously destroyed and saved those of us who made it out alive. I should’ve taken action sooner…should’ve trusted those I could count on with the information I had so much earlier. Once I did though, I believe the trust we held in each other was the one thing that saved our lives.” Radical Archive – excerpt from Veronica Quibs personal commentaries on the history of the Blithe Spirit
An underlying sense of urgency seemed to permeate the meeting despite the cushion of time they all had to prepare. Through the briefing, Veronica’s head kept wandering back to the past couple of days as she replayed scenarios, conversations, and outcomes. “Are there any questions?” Ruby asked. Veronica finally lifted her head from the fog. “I have one,” she said. “Do we have alternative plans? What happens if this backfires? I’m accustomed to having a Plan B… and sometimes even a C.” Ruby chuckled. “I’m afraid that if this plan fails, we won’t have much need for any further plans. If they catch on to us, we can all pretty much count on knowing the end result.” “Every situation contains possibilities; even hopeless ones.” Veronica sat back in her chair. When Ruby didn’t show signs of responding to her, she sighed internally. “That’s all I had to ask.” “Very well, are there any other questions?” Ruby asked. She peered around the room awaiting an answer. With nary a response, she moved the conversation forward. “Todd has the surveillance team working around the clock on the target location documenting routines, aberrations, personnel, and everything else pertinent to the mission. Most of that is already in your mission reports, as you’ve read, but they’re continually keeping an eye out in case the Central Government increases security as the new systems go online.” Veronica raised her hand again. “Sorry to interrupt, but I have another question.” Ruby nodded. “I’d like to do some reconnaissance with my team separate from that. Is that okay?” “Certainly, but run it by Todd before you head out.” “Thank you,” Veronica said. “Moving on,” Ruby said. “The last order of business is training between now and mission day. We’ll forgo morning briefings between now and the day before the mission so you can devote each day to preparing for the big day. That doesn’t mean sleeping in either,” she said. She directed her gaze at one member of her A team in particular. “It means up bright and early each day so you can get gym time in before the machines fill up. It means eating well and light. It means physically and mentally preparing yourself for the arduous task ahead. Any questions?” A few minutes later, after leaving the briefing and meeting up with her team in the cafeteria for coffee and breakfast, Veronica decided to clue her team in to why she asked her last question. “We need reliable first-hand information. I know Todd and Ruby run things differently here, but I believe the best way to ensure success is to do the hard work yourself.” “Do Griff and I have to go?” Allison asked. “We’ll just be restless and in your way.” “You’re probably right,” Veronica said. “It’ll just be Maria, Robert, and me heading out tonight.” “Tonight?” Maria asked. “So soon?” “There’s no time like the present,” Veronica said. She looked around the cafeteria as it began filling up with the morning shift. “You two, meet me top side at nine tonight sharp. Until then you’re all dismissed.” Veronica needed them to all leave since she knew who’d be walking through the doors within a few minutes. While she waited, Veronica grabbed a cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal to pass the time. One by one she watched each person enter, most in a zombified half-asleep state. She only had to wait ten minutes before the bouncy blond hair entered – an unmistakably noticeable event in a sea of sleep deprivation. Molly took one look at Veronica sitting alone across the room and her entire demeanor changed. It morphed from happy and light to dark and brooding with a strong chance of emotional outpours. Veering off from the breakfast line, Molly approached Veronica’s table directly – not even bothering to feign subtly. “G’morning Molly,” Veronica said. “Can we talk?” “I’m not sure yet,” Molly replied. “But I hate not talking to you.” “Well sit down and let’s catch up. You can hate me again after that if you need to,” Veronica said. Somewhere in the brief exchange, Veronica noticed a smile beginning to work its way across Molly’s face, and it made Veronica breathe a small sigh of relief. “So how are things going with your new role?” Molly asked right away. “You don’t waste any time getting to the point, do you?” Veronica asked in an amused voice. “You know me,” she responded. She shrugged her shoulders and smiled sheepishly. They talked for more than an hour, falling back into a comfortable routine almost immediately as if no time or anger had come between them. Around them, breakfast ended and the cafeteria cleared out, giving way to those simply wishing to work at a table alone with a cup of tea or coffee. At the rear of the cafeteria, various windows (with a different cuisine at each station) fell into shadow as the lights dimmed everywhere but the front seating area. After a brief pause in conversation to grab a coffee, Veronica returned to their quiet nook and resumed the conversation. “Enough about me, tell me about you and Chad.” Molly scrunched her nose and squinted her eyes disapprovingly. “He’s been nearly unbearable lately.” Veronica decided to play dumb. “Oh? Is everything okay between you two?” “I don’t think he really wants to marry me Veronica. It’s terrible.” “Perhaps you should slow down and let things cool off a little before pursuing marriage,” Veronica said. “That’s the story of our entire relationship, and I’m sick and tired of it,” Molly said. She let out a loud, forced sigh. “I think it may be time to just cut ties and be done with it.” Veronica felt torn. On the one hand she wanted more than anything to tell Molly she should break up with Chad so she could swoop in and help him recover. On the other though, she cherished her friendship with Molly too much to ruin things, even if it was over the first guy she’d gone gaga over years prior. She took a sip of coffee, taking a moment to savor the cream and sugar swirls swishing around her mouth. “Are you saying that because you’re mad at him, or because you really want to end things with him?” Veronica tried to stifle the mental images of banging her own head against the wall. “I don’t know… probably a little of both to be honest.” Molly didn’t seem to notice Veronica’s reluctance to answer. Relieved at Molly’s typical oblivious observation, Veronica decided to change the subject. “How would you and Chad like to come on a stake out with me tonight? I’m doing surveillance at the mission site for next week, and I’m down by two team members.” “Are you serious?” Molly said. She clutched her chest unconsciously, let out a gasp, and flung her whole body across the small table to hug Veronica. The entire cafeteria looked up simultaneously at the loud display. “It’ll give you and Chad time together where you’re not allowed to talk much. I think that’s probably best for both of you right now,” Veronica said between gasps for breath through Molly’s bear hug masking as the Jaws of Life. “Thank you so much!” Molly fell back into her red plastic chair with a loud thud. “It’ll give us time to hang out, plus I know you’re dying to get in on this mission,” Veronica said. “Meet me at my quarters tonight at 8:30. We’ll meet the rest of the team top side at nine from there.” “I can’t believe this,” Molly said. She stood up from the table, still in a daze, and seemed to float away. “I have to tell Chad… I’ll see you tonight!” she said before exiting. Veronica sat back in her chair and looked around the room. The emptiness and solitude felt soothing. With the hours and days to come, she had to take solace in every moment of stillness she could savor. The coffee sitting in front of her still had miniature plumes of smoke curling up like breath from a witch’s cauldron, beckoning her to take a sip. The silence wouldn’t last though as Veronica could see Todd approaching out of the periphery. She pushed her chair back in expectation of his arrival, ready to stand up to greet him. “No need for formality,” he said. “Mind if I join you?” Todd asked. Veronica held a hand out to indicate the seat opposite her at the table. “What brings you to the cafeteria at this time of morning? You’re usually locked away in your office right about now.” “Observant,” he said. “I’ve actually come with an additional assignment for you, if you’ll have it.” Intrigued, Veronica sat up in her chair and leaned forward. “Oh? Do tell.” “You’ve met and become acquainted with Lorelei by now. I thought I’d start off her facility rotation with you, if you don’t mind. Since you two know one another, it should facilitate her into a routine easier.” Veronica’s eager face froze a moment, unsure of how to respond. Though she was indeed becoming fond of the woman, she wasn’t entirely sure spending day and night together would serve to seal that bond so much as drive a wedge between them when they grew tired of one another. Regardless of her own feelings though, Veronica knew the way she was expected to respond to such a request – if it could be called something so voluntary. “Of course, sir. You should know though that I’m planning a surveillance mission tonight. I was actually about to head to your office after my coffee to let you know.” “That’s perfect. You can take her along with you. She can get exposure to that along with team mechanics,” Todd said. Veronica began having difficulty disguising her objections to the arrangement. With her mouth gaping, unable to push out any agreeable noise or utterance to support Todd’s suggestion, Veronica nearly nodded her head in affirmation. “I know it’s a lot to ask,” Todd began. “She just arrived Todd,” Veronica finally said. “Isn’t it a bit early to put her in the field on a mission already?” “We all learn at different paces Veronica. You of all people should realize that,” he said. Veronica wasn’t sure if that was meant as an insult or compliment. She let the comment slide for the moment. “So I’m clear to take a team out tonight?” “What do you mean ‘a team’? You’re not taking your full team out?” Todd asked. “Allison and Griffin requested the evening off, so I’m substituting a couple of other experienced personnel.” “As long as they’re trustworthy. This is an important mission… I don’t want just anyone on it. Understand?” he said. Veronica felt a spark ignite somewhere in the back of her head. She couldn’t quite place the feeling, but Todd’s words struck a cord somewhere inside her. She’d have to examine the feeling later when she wasn’t face to face with him. “Gotcha sir. Is that all?” she asked. “It is. Good luck tonight,” Todd said. He stood and walked out of the room without another word. Veronica sat, dumbfounded, wondering what the hell just happened. One thing was certain though – he wanted Lorelei there as a distraction. He planted her in the suite as an annoyance, and now on her team as a road block. It was becoming increasingly clear to Veronica that Todd was aware of her meddling, or at least aware that meddling could occur. And that led to only one possible course of action: Veronica would have to act like nothing was wrong. The more she reacted to Todd’s pressure, the more he’d be able to confirm she was on to him. She had to act like Lorelei’s presence meant nothing more than he trusted her. Thankfully, it didn’t look like it would be too difficult since she and Lorelei seemed to be warming to one another. One additional thought occurred to Veronica. To confirm her suspicion, she had to speak to Ruby. After finishing her coffee, Veronica ventured over to Ruby’s office and knocked on the door. When Ruby responded, she walked in, took a seat, and laid it out. “Did you mention tonight’s surveillance to Todd yet?” Veronica asked. “I actually passed him in the hallway earlier after our meeting and mentioned that you’d be dropping by today. Why do you ask?” Ruby said. “Ruby, I need to tell you something, but you have to promise it will just be between you and me,” Veronica said. “Certainly,” Ruby said. “What’s wrong?” “I mean it. What I’m about to tell you cannot leave this room. My life as well as yours could be in danger if anyone finds out we’ve discussed it.” “Veronica, just spit it out!” Ruby said impatiently. Veronica spent the next hour detailing everything she knew about Todd, his connections to the Central Government, the shadow drive, and his use of Lorelei to thwart her snooping. She ended with Lorelei’s conveniently timed placement on Veronica’s team. Ruby sat speechless in her chair. She threaded her hands together into one large fist, then leaned in to her desk, elbows first, finally placing her chin on the two-handed fist. Her brow crinkled in silent and horrified contemplation. She stared into Veronica’s eyes searching for any sign of deception or malice, but found only cold, naked truth. “You can’t tell anyone Ruby. Not even Lorelei,” Veronica said. “I need her to remain a pawn right now.” "What do you mean?” Ruby finally said. “If Lorelei finds out Todd’s just using her against me, she’ll begin acting differently. Todd will notice.” “You’re right,” Ruby said. She began biting her lower lip unconsciously. “I wish you would’ve told me all of this sooner.” “I didn’t know if I could trust you yet,” Veronica said. “I’m still not sure who I can trust other than Molly and Chad, to be honest. I needed to bring you in on this out of necessity.” Ruby nodded. “I understand. So Molly and Chad know?” “Chad knows; Molly suspects, I believe.” “Anyone else?” Ruby asked. “My team knows a traitor is in Blithe Spirit, but they don’t know who it is. I figured it would be best to give them bread crumbs and let them find their way on their own,” Veronica said. “That way, when they find Todd at the end of the road, it’ll be their investigation, not my suggestion.” “Good thinking,” Ruby said. “And I can vouch for every member of your team. I hand picked each one of them myself.” “So where do we go from here?” Veronica asked. “Keep everything going as planned. Do the surveillance, let Lorelei tag along and learn the ropes… the whole nine yards. I agree that Todd is beginning to suspect you for whatever reason based on what you’ve said. Do you have anything in your suite that could implicate you?” “I keep everything on my tablet terminal. And it goes everywhere with me,” Veronica said. “Even the shower?” Ruby asked. She raised one eyebrow and let out a hearty chuckle. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” “You have a point though,” Veronica said. “If I ever do leave it sitting in my suite and Lorelei’s not there, Todd could just walk in and access it. He’s just as tech savvy as me too, so I know he could access all the information inside.” “You’re right. Perhaps you should create a shadow drive of your own on that tablet and begin keeping all of your research there,” Ruby said. “I’ve already begun building it actually. I’m glad we’re thinking along the same lines.” “Me too,” Ruby said. “I hate to say this, but I’ve seen this day coming since Todd took over Blithe Spirit. Something just didn’t seem right when he was chosen as the successor.” “You mean he rigged it?” Veronica asked. “I mean whatever Todd is planning, he’s been doing it a very long time… and that means he’s ready for a lot of contingencies. Long term planning allows for that sort of thing.” Ruby sat back in her chair and swiveled around to look at the holo-window on her rear wall. The holographic image made it seem like she was looking out at a stormy coastline as dark black and gray clouds began rolling in from the ocean. “And I fit into that plan some how,” Veronica said. “That’s the way it seems. The correspondence you saw makes it sound like the Seattle Project may be up and going again,” Ruby said. “But they never rebuilt. I know that for a fact,” Veronica said. She had to hold back the emotion banging around in her head at the mere thought of more children trapped in facilities elsewhere. “They could’ve built one anywhere. They may not even have a physical edifice this time around; their trials may have evolved into something completely different,” Ruby said. “Like field tests,” Veronica said, finishing the mutually shared thought. “Just watch what you eat and drink Veronica. I need you if we’re going to find out what Todd’s doing and stop him.” “And I’m going to need you too,” Veronica said. “I’m too old for that conversion therapy,” Ruby said with a wave of the hand, dismissing the notion. “They’re evolving, just like you said. Who says you’re too old? Besides that, I wasn’t just talking about you being converted,” Veronica said solemnly. “Put together everything you have on Todd and hide it in your shadow drive once it’s completed. Can you have it finished by tomorrow night?” Veronica nodded. “Why?” “I need you to talk to Chad and Molly when you can separate them from the group tonight. If you can’t tonight, get to them tomorrow. We four need to meet outside the facility tomorrow night and go over everything as a group. If we’re going to find out what Todd’s up to, we’re going to need every pair of eyes and ears we can get.” “What are you going to do until then?” Veronica asked. Ruby smiled. “I’m going to do what I do best: dig for information.” |
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The Radical Chronicles is Copyright © 2009 by Tim Peacock.
