The Committee met in the large conference room next to Inside’s main control room, both within Quadrant G4. I had argued for the new levels to be built in a different configuration than the existing levels without success.
With so many changes happening so fast, they Committee thought a new design would just confuse everyone. So level five resembled levels one through four—a three by three grid, like a Tic Tac Toe board. The four corners were labeled Quadrants and the middle sections were Sectors. Starting from the top row on the left, the first Quadrant was A, then Sector B and Quadrant C. The middle was Sectors D, E and F and the last row had Quadrant G, Sector H and Quadrant I. Just add the level number and any idiot could find a location.
I arrived at the meeting two hours late. Slipping into an empty seat beside Jacy, I glanced around the long oval table. The Committee had been comprised of one representative fromeach of the nine upper families and one leader from each scrub area like hydroponics and waste-water. Eighteen in all. Since an even number could cause problems when members voted, a nineteenth spokesperson had been added.
Despite repeated requests that I become the nineteenth member, I refused, preferring to be a part of the Committee as a consultant only. They elected Jacy.
After my initial surprise at his appointment, and, when I thought it through, it made sense. He had taken over the organization and leadership of the rebellion when I had been captured by the Pop Cops. Plus he was well connected through his network of people in the lower levels.
I leaned close to him. “What did I miss?”
“They’re trying to decide which group can move into level five.”
“Group?” That was new.
“Once all six new levels are completed, the Committee thinks the nine families can share five levels and the scrubs, broken into groups by areas can live in the other five.”
“That won’t work.”
“I know and you know, but try and explain it to those eighteen.” He swept his hand out. “They’re still thinking in terms of uppers and lowers.”
Which reminded me. “Are you aware of the labor strike?”
Jacy stared at me with a guarded expression. “Yep.”
“How do we get the workers back?”
“By having the uppers get their hands dirty for once.”
And Jacy just proved he also thought in terms of uppers and lowers. If I was being honest, I did as well. That was the problem. But I couldn’t figure out a solution.
Why should I? I’d done my part and found Gateway, led the rebellion, and discovered the Expanse. The multiple scars on myarms, legs and torso from Pop Cop Commander Vinco’s knife proved I had sacrificed for the citizens of Inside.
I had also lost my closest friend, Cogon. He had acted more like a brother, and I missed him so much my heart ached as if it was rusted and brittle. Cog would have loved organizing the construction crews. He’d have insisted on perfection before moving onto another level.
Slouching in my chair, I let the Committee’s voices roll over me. They didn’t need me. The Committee would take us to the next stage.
After listening to the sixth scrub area representative list the reasons they should be the first to move into level five, I willed the clock to move faster. These meetings were a waste of my time. I could be spending these hours with Riley. The session went on and on. Assisting the Traitor with surgery grew more appealing with each minute. I lasted until hour fifty-nine.
“I’m outta here. I’m helping the…Doctor Lamont,” I whispered to Jacy.
“Will you be back before the vote?” he asked.
“Why? Nothing I say changes their minds.” Frustration and weary welled, but I swallowed them down.
“You’ve given up, Trell. That’s not like you.”
“Sitting in endless meetings for twelve weeks isn’t like me either. I’m a big picture girl.” I tried a smile, but Jacy kept his frown. I made a sudden liberating decision. “Tell the Committee I’m resigning as a consultant and going back to what I do best.”
Shock, anger, and censure warred on Jacy’s face. His lips moved for a moment before he spoke. “And what do you do best?”
“Explore. Wehaveno idea how high up the Expanse’s ceiling is. What if I find another hatch at the top? There could be another Expanse filled with supplies. That’s just as important as arguing over who gets to move into the new levels first.”
I left before he could respond. For the first time since the rebellion, I strode through the bland white corridors of Inside feeling light as air. I couldn’t wait to tell Riley!
My good mood dissipated once I arrived at the infirmary and spotted Emek’s colorless face. Grimacing with pain, he clutched his sheets in tight fists. He wouldn’t respond to my questions. His skin was cold and clammy. The Traitor wasn’t in the main room so I raced to the back.
She prepped for surgery. “You’re early.”
