Why could I run into a burning room, climb up sheer walls, diffuse a bomb, and defy the Committee without hesitation, yet be terrified to admit my feelings for Riley? My own fear had really screwed up not only my life, but Inside’s potential for peace and harmony. I hoped it wasn’t too late for all of us.
The glass tube didn’t glow during my first sweep through the Trava Sector. I had covered about half of the Sector before I needed to return to the infirmary for my shift. Lamont had created a schedule in keeping with the intern ruse. It worked, except I spent my free time crawling through air and heating vents searching for an active computer.
And as the hours passed, the pressure to accomplish something increased. Anything besides how to determine if a wound was infected or not. Half way through week 147,024, I completed the fourth and final sweep through the Trava Sector. Still no results. However by spending so much time in the ducts above the Travas, I learned a few things.
One—they were dangerously bored. Two men had pulled apart a heap of computers to build a couple of hand-held devices. They could be weapons or a way to communicate, I had no idea. But my glass tube didn’t glow so it wasn’t a link to the Controllers.
Two—they planned to escape and release their comrades in the brig.
Three—they wanted to regain control of Inside and protect something or somebody. Which didn’t make sense to me. They already had control. So why didn’t the so called Controllers tell the Committee to release all of the Travas?
My agitation grew and the tension in Inside filled every space. Fights broke out and a number of riots erupted. Anne-Jade’s ISF officers were swamped and many were injured.
When she stopped by the infirmary to check on Yuri, I pulled her aside and informed her about the Travas’s plans.
“They can have it,” she snapped. “Nothing is getting done besides the repairs to the air plant, and everyone has reverted to acting like the Pop Cops are back. They’re keeping to themselves and not helping despite the food rationing.”
“And the Committee?—”
“Does nothing! They’re too afraid. I wish the Controllers would just lay it on the line and tell us what they want.”
Interesting strategy. “Is the Transmission working?” I asked.
“No. The three Travas who Karla named had no clue how to work it.”
“If the Transmission isn’t fixed, eventually it won’t matter who has control.”
“You don’t need to tell me, but the Controllers don’t seem worried about that.
Odd. “What about Hank? Can he fix the Transmission?”
“He’s busy with the air plant repairs. And trying to help us find the saboteurs.”
“Did Bubba Boom tell you who they are?” I asked.
“Yeah. But the five of them disappeared when we tried to arrest them.”
They could have been tipped off. “There aren’t many places to hide.”
“You think? Such stellar intellect, I’m going to promote you to captain.”
“No need to be nasty.”
Anne-Jade rubbed her eyes. Exhaustion had etched deep lines into her face. “Sorry. I don’t have the man-power to search those places. If it wasn’t for Hank’s offer to keep an eye out, Sloan and his cohorts could be lounging in the dining room without having to worry about the ISF.”
“At least with them on the run, there shouldn't be any more attacks.”
“One good thing,” she said.
“One thing at a time.” Which reminded me of my task. “Anne-Jade, I know you're swamped, but can you search the Travas's Sector for the active computer? I've done all I can through the shafts and came up with nothing.”
“We do regular inspections. Too regular from what you've told me.” She sighed. “I think it's time for a surprise visit.”
“Take the glass tube with you. It should pick up anything that is hidden.” I hurried back to my room and retrieved the detector and Zippy for her.”
She raised her right eyebrow. “You keep Zippy in your room?”
“In case I need him. Can you bring him back when you’re done?”
