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  “We have to go back,” she demanded with urgency.

  “Relax, Milo is a big boy, I’m sure he can survive on his own without a babysitter. Let’s just rendezvous back at your place and wait for his call.”

  “What if something bad happens to him?”

  Then I guess we’d be waiting a long time, Aris thought. He was wise enough not to say what he was thinking since any apathetic display toward her friend would likely upset her. He had no idea who Milo was, but judging by how Alex was reacting, he was obviously important to her.

  “I’m with you, Alex, don’t worry, we’ll find your friend.”

  “Thank you, Aris, that really means a lot to me,” Alex said smiling, temporarily allowing another emotion to seep in. They headed back through the crowd like salmon swimming upstream.

  Unbeknownst to Milo, a guardian had him in his sights. In the guardian’s retina, the following information was displayed:

  NAME: MILO RION

  AGE: 18

  GENDER: MALE

  OUTSTANDING WARRANTS: NONE

  Milo felt an uneasy presence consume him, almost as if he was being watched. It was an odd feeling to have in a crowd, but Milo was compelled to follow up on his intuition. He slowed his steps momentarily to look back. As he did, he noticed a tall brawny guardian coming his way. Milo immediately began to run. A thousand bodies moved in front of him like a dizzying tornado, but he did his best to push through. He knew he could not outrun the guardian, but he could at least outmaneuver him. He dodged through the crowd in a sporadic pattern, took off his coat, and changed levels in an effort to evade his pursuer. He made it to the edge of the large opening in the pyramid before he looked back again. This time, the guardian was nowhere in sight.

  He entered the pyramid and looked for a place to hide.

  Alex called Milo again, but it went straight to voice mail. That was now the fifth unanswered call. Alex was really starting to worry. She wasn’t quite sure if it was some strange sixth sense that she was tuning into or paranoia, but she sensed something was seriously wrong.

  Alex walked slowly through the crowd, which by now had thinned out considerably, looking for any sign of Milo. Aris trailed behind, trying hard to mask his indifference.

  “Milo!” he called out flatly.

  There was no answer and no trace of him. Aris finally convinced Alex to go up to her apartment and wait for Milo’s call.

  Chapter Five

  After entering the Megaplex pyramid for the first time, Milo was overwhelmed with a sea of people. He followed the general flow of traffic while peering over his shoulder periodically.

  There were many streams of people flowing in various directions. The current Milo was in carried him into a truss tram. Entering the tram, Milo packed in tightly with the other fleeing passengers. When the tram doors finally closed, the small enclosure was packed so full that he could hardly breathe. Just before the tram made its ascent, Milo snuck a peek over his shoulder and did not see any guardians in sight.

  A pleasant synthesized female voice greeted passengers through the internal speakers, “Welcome to the Megaplex pyramid. The next stop is: Grand Marquis Echelon.” Milo had no idea where that was, but was relieved he was no longer being pursued.

  The tram quickly accelerated up the Southeast truss and came to a stop one level above the ground floor. The doors opened, allowing some people to exit. Milo spilled out with the others, which gave him a chance to catch his breath. Inhaling deeply, he filled his lungs with the fresh-filtered, oxygenated air. The smell of moist plant life was the most noticeable aroma.

  Milo spun around to take in the view. He went from a closed confined space to a massive expanse of natural-looking grass and leaves. Everything was so serene, even the people were moving slower. There were no more frantic herds of people screaming in fear. Life, it seemed, had gone back to normal. He walked over to the edge of the pyramid, which was covered with slanted glass, and peered out over the horizon. He was just twenty stories off the ground, but the view was incredible. He could hardly imagine what it was like on the top tier.

  After gazing out across the magnificent cityscape, Milo headed toward the park – a botanical garden that combined artificial plants with real ones. It was all very well designed to create the illusion of a park in paradise. There were even speakers concealed behind objects, pumping out sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds, further selling the illusion. Within moments of his arrival, he felt his nasal passage fill with fluid and start to drip. He quickly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his nose. Feeling woozy, he pulled the cloth back and noticed it was filled with blood. He figured it had to do with the lack of moisture in the air combined with the altitude.

  Milo found a bench nearby that was unoccupied so he walked over to it and laid down. With his head tilted back, he held the handkerchief over his nose to stop the bleeding. It was at this time when he looked at his access pod and noticed several missed messages.

  “Read new messages,” Milo commanded with his nasally voice.

  “You have five new messages,” a voice said before it began reading them out to him.

  Milo was about to reply to Alex’s messages, but before he could, a towering frame came into view, diverting his attention. The guardian who had been pursuing him earlier was now standing over him.

  “Thought you could run and hide, didn’t you?” the guardian said in a baritone voice.

  “How did you find me?”

  “We can always find you.”

  Milo tried his best to remain calm, but on the inside he was terrified.

  “That little chip in the back of your neck, it comes in really handy for identification and tracking purposes.”

  “What did I do?” Milo asked as he was dragged to his feet.

  “You ran from me.”

  “Well, to be fair you were chasing me. Besides, that’s not a crime.”

  “What were you doing at the rally today?” the guardian asked.

  “I was doing the same thing everybody else was doing, just listening to what the Leader had to say.”

  “But not everyone was just listening, right?”

  “I suppose that’s true, some were watching and listening.”

  The guardian was not too happy with Milo’s antics and squeezed the back of his neck with his powerful grip.

  “Ahh,” Milo screamed in agony. “Careful, you wouldn’t want to crush my tracking device — then how would you find me?”

  Milo was handcuffed and escorted back down to the main floor where a row of guardian transport vehicles were stationed. He was placed into the back of one of the vehicles with an assortment of ragtag derelicts who appeared to be an unfriendly bunch. They didn’t even so much as look at Milo or acknowledge his presence in any way. Milo followed suit and remained to himself.

  The doors were sealed and the vehicle rose off the ground. The smooth ride downtown offered Milo a moment to gather his thoughts. He knew he hadn’t done anything wrong and would likely be released by midafternoon, but still, being arrested and handcuffed was never a good thing. The next time the transport vehicle stopped, Milo and the others were being hauled out and placed into one of the holding cells where they could be processed into the system.

  The cells were packed with people that looked just as haggard as him. Milo stuck to himself and tried not to make eye contact with anyone. He figured he was in the company of some dangerous and deranged criminals – society’s misfits.

  A middle-aged woman approached Milo, displaying a friendly smile. “May I sit with you,” she asked.

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I’m Mara, Mara Miletus,” the woman said as she subtly bowed her head.

  “Milo Rion, pleasure to meet you.”

  “It’s unfortunate we’re meeting under these circumstances,” she said with a slight smile as she looked around.

  Milo gave a forced smiled back.

  “Your first time in jail?” the woman asked.


  “You can tell?”

  “You seem a bit nervous, but that’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

  “Judging by your nerves, I’d say this isn’t your first time.”

  “No, this definitely isn’t my first time and probably not my last, but don’t let my calmness fool you, I’m nervous too,” she said, winking at Milo.

  “May I ask why you are in here?” Milo asked.

  “Oh nothing really, just spoke my mind. And you?”

  “I didn’t do anything,” Milo said.

  The woman laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” Milo asked, almost taking offense.

  “This jail is probably filled with people claiming they didn’t do anything.”

  “Well, most people in here are probably guilty of something.”

  “Just like you, right?”

  “Listen lady, I don’t know what you’re getting at, but I didn’t do anything…really!”

  “I know – I know, you’re innocent, got it,” she said as she passively held up her hands and smiled.

  “That’s a nice jacket by the way.”

  “Thanks. Apparently it was the wrong choice of outfit today. Had I known it was the uniform of choice for a terrorist cult, I would have worn something else.”

  “Is that what you think we are – a terrorist cult?”

  “Wait, you’re with them? You’re one of those lunatics that incited a riot at the rally?”

  “You should be careful with your words, Milo, they can get you into trouble.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”

  “So you’re with them?”

  “Yes, I am with them, but we’re not lunatics, nor are we terrorists.”

  “Then who are you?”

  Chapter Six

  Alex woke up just as the sun was rising. Her body felt energized and relaxed despite it being her first night sleeping in her non-hyperbaric chamber bed. She made herself breakfast in her tiny kitchen and then sat by the window to admire the view.

  She had not begun to look for a job, but felt there was no need to rush the process. With the entire day free from obligation, she was able to do whatever she liked. She thought she would start her day by exploring the pyramid to see all that it had to offer. As far as she knew, most of the tiers were residences, offices, and hotels and offered little in terms of attractions. Each floor had its own markets and amenities, but the Grand Marquis Echelon was where all the parks, shopping, and recreational facilities were located.

  After breakfast, Alex took the tram down to the first level. When she exited, she was immediately greeted by the same lush and serene park that Milo had visited the day before. Heading into the park, she walked passed the same bench where Milo was arrested. Had she looked closely, she may have even seen a few drops of his blood that had dripped from his nose less than twenty-four hours earlier.

  The Grand Marquis Echelon was massive. Continuing through the park, Alex was met by a labyrinth of retail shops, restaurants, themed rides, and the world’s largest indoor water park. She spent a few hours walking around the shops and greeting the occasional person who recognized her.

  It wasn’t until noon when she received the call she was waiting for.

  “Milo, where are you? I was so worried.”

  “I was arrested and questioned in connection to the protest,” he explained.

  “Arrested! Why were you arrested?”

  “Apparently I fit the description of the protesters. Once they determined my innocence, they let me go.”

  “Where are you now?”

  “I’m standing in front of the jail. I’ve just been released.”

  “Alright, wait there, I’ll come meet you.”

  Milo stood on the street outside the jail waiting for Alex. When she arrived, her face lit up with delight. “Milo!” she called out. “I’m so glad you’re okay. We were so worried about you,” Alex said as she threw her arms around him.

  “We?” he said. Not a moment later, Milo saw who Alex was referring to.

  “Why did you bring Aris?” he lamented.

  With her arms still wrapped around him, she whispered in his ear and told him to be nice.

  “Hello Aris, good of you to make it.”

  “I’m glad to see you’re still in one piece.”

  The two exchanged pleasantries, but neither of them was being sincere.

  They got back into the taxi and Alex instructed the automated driver to take them to Union and Lexington.

  “Driving to… Union and Lexington,” the robotic voice repeated.

  Once in the vehicle, there was an awkward silence that loomed. Eventually, Milo broke the tension and asked Alex to show him the enhanced images of her again. Alex was thankful someone was talking and happily obliged. She dislodged her access pod from her arm, loaded the images, and handed it to Milo.

  “The first one is what I should look like at thirty,” she reiterated, primarily to fill the silent void. “This next one is what I should look like at forty, and, finally, when I’m fifty.”

  “Huh,” Milo said.

  “What is it?” Alex asked.

  “Well, it’s probably nothing, but I think I met this lady yesterday.”

  “Really?” Alex asked, fully captivated. “Where?”

  “She was in jail with me. She introduced herself as Marylee or Myla or something, I can’t remember. She told me she was the leader of the protesters.”

  “The crazy people from the rally?” Aris asked.

  “Yes, but they’re not crazy.”

  “Oh no, not at all,” Aris retorted. “We practically live in utopia under a benevolent leader and they’re instigating riots. I say we shouldn’t get too carried away with this since we have no idea who this lady is. All we have to go on is Milo’s spotty judgment and failing memory about some random lady he spent a few minutes with while under duress.”

  “My judgment and memory are just fine,” Milo barked. “I say you mind your own business?”

  “I don’t want to get your hopes up, Alex, but I don’t think it was your mum,” Aris continued.

  “How do you know that, Aris?” Milo retorted back.

  “Because Milo, you don’t even remember the lady’s name. Do you expect us to trust your fading memory of what she looked like? Besides, it’s just some lady who resembles an image of what Alex may look like at forty.”

  “This whole thing was your big idea, remember? To find a lady who resembles the image. Or were you just creating a reason to hang out with Alex?”

  “Everyone just calm down,” Alex demanded.

  Silence consumed the taxi once again. After a moment, Alex resumed the conversation.

  “Okay, we know my mother and I were separated at birth, so it’s certainly reasonable to conclude she was a criminal.”

  “Yeah, but she was just arrested the same time as Milo, meaning she was free before. Why then has she never tried to contact you?”

  “Her reasoning for not contacting her is irrelevant,” Milo said.

  “Milo’s right, besides we don’t know she hasn’t,” Alex said.

  “Oh okay, I forgot, you hear voices. On second thought, maybe you and the crazy lady from prison are related,” Aris said.

  “Hey, pal, show her some respect or I’ll come over there and teach you some manners.”

  “Why don’t we just circle back to the jail and ask her if she’s your mum.”

  “Good thinking, Aris” Alex said. “Driver, change course.”

  Chapter Seven

  When the taxi arrived back at the jail, everyone jumped out and followed Alex’s lead. She had a look on her face that conveyed she was on a mission. Her emotions were mixed because she could quite possibly be meeting her mother for the first time since birth. However, if this turned out to be a dead end, or if her mother did not meet her expectations, it would be incredibly disappointing for her.

  Aris and Milo were anxious as well. Milo
was perhaps more excited because he too did not know who his parents were. To see someone he knew reunite with their birth parent was very inspirational for him.

  Alex approached the main counter by herself as Milo and Aris stayed back. Alex explained to the woman the reason for her visit and showed her the image on her access pod. There was a pause, and then the secretary allowed Alex access to the holding cell. Aris and Milo remained behind.

  “So what do you think will happen if this woman turns out to be Alex’s mum?” Aris asked.

  “I’m not sure, but it would be very important to Alex.”

  “You know, Milo, this petty rivalry between us is silly. Maybe it’s time for you to realize I’m a good guy for her and not be so overprotective of your friend. I understand you’re like a brother to her.”

  Milo did not respond. He could tell Aris was probing for more information as to the exact nature of Milo and Alex’s relationship. Either that or he was just trying to get under Milo’s skin. Regardless, Milo did not say a word about it.

  Alex trailed behind two prison guardians. At the end of a hallway was a large room with several holding cells. After being given some basic instructions to make her visit brief and to not pass anything through the bars, Alex was free to roam. The two guardians remained at a distance, overseeing the entire interaction.

  Walking slowly about the room, Alex studied the faces of the detainees who were curiously staring back at her. A few men whistled, but it did not faze her. The majority of them were wondering what a woman as beautiful as Alex was doing in a prison just watching them. They probably thought she was either a student doing a school project or it was bring-your-daughter-to-work day.

  As Alex peered into the crowded cells, one person stood out – a woman with an undeniable air of confidence and an unmistakable resemblance to Alex. The woman appeared to be in her early forties and was quite attractive. Alex circled around to get a closer view, the whole time her eyes never left the woman’s sight. As Alex approached the bars, the woman took notice of her for the first time. Their eyes met and they stared at each other like they were the only two people in the room. It was as if they both knew a secret that no one else knew.

  “Hi, I’m Alex.”

  “Hi Alex, I’m Mara.”

  “Mara, I’m trying to track down my mother, would you mind if I did a genetic comparison with you?”

  The woman looked a bit perplexed, but allowed for the test. The rest of the detainees crowded around Mara and were interested in what was going on.