Caring for the egg montage
For the last week, Natalia and Paloma had been taking care of the egg. The codex revealed a new page detailing the care necessary. Paloma reacted annoyed when she found out it required…more agar. Other than that, it required constant body heat so Natalia would sleep beside it and she would bring it to class. All the students were fascinated by the discovery and would like to imagine what a compakin would mean. They didn't adhere to the image in the codex and started brainstorming different creatures that it could become. They had a painting and drawing sesison where one drew a goat with wings, another painted a cat with a scarf, and another student envisioned an alien with a tophat. Another one painted a small blue fox that slept on the moon. They were having a great time with the egg, and it quickly became like the class mascot. Everyone would take turns caring for it, and Natalia felt safe, knowing how much they cared for it. As the days passed, she felt closer to it and could swear she could feel movement from inside the egg. Whenever someone would ask, she'd say it's a science project for the kids. Nobody seemed to mind that was nowhere close to her given subject. The egg started out very small, almost could fit inside of Natalia's cupped hands. But part of caring for it meant slabbing pieces of newspaper with agar and plastering them around it until they hardened. It seemed to be absorbing them and very quickly, it was growing to the size of a melon.
Then, one day, Natalia got a letter: We would like to invite you to the funeral of Leon Diaz-Abbatini To be organized by Apex Technologies and held in Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico.
Paloma- Should we go? Natalia- It seems to only be addressed to me… Paloma- It will be next week. Why would they have it so much later? And Apex…isn't that where you used to work? N- Yes. Why would they be organizing his funeral? I know Leon was an important man, part of the group that ended the AI god. Paloma- What was it, the Hidden or something? N- The Unseen, yes. Paloma- How he met Monty, right? N- Yes, and they also worked on the Yosemite-C together. How I came to know the two.
Later that night, Natalia struggled to fall asleep. She held the egg next to her like a comfort blanket. She was technically on leave from her job, she should probably keep a low profile. At the same time, she couldn't shake the feeling there was more to it. Could they know about the egg? Why did Leon leave behind such a thing for her? Knowing Apex Technologies and the CEO, letting them find out about the egg would be a terrible idea. It would be best to skip the funeral.
Planning to infiltrate the funeral
The next day at class. Paloma- We need to sneak into the funeral. The whole class seemed to agree. Natalia- I was just thinking the opposite. Ivan- They can't be up to any good. So many people have been coming in lately to arrange the funeral. It's a big event but why are no locals invited? Hotels are full and they seem to be looking for something. Even the school is overrun with outsiders. Paloma- They seem to be looking for something. And we know what that is. Girl- We can't let them have Codi!
Codi was the nickname they gave the egg, based on the elaborate name and "Codice". They had a point, but they would be exposing themselves further.
Natalia- Even if they are up to no good, we shouldn't get involved. Paloma- Not get involved, just make sure they stay out of the lab and keep their greasy hands off of Codi. Natalia- I've already arranged to stay home that day. Paloma- But they're interviewing people who were close to the Professor. Girl- It's true! They interviewed me and my parents yesterday. Natalia- I'll just hide the egg upstairs while they interview me. Ivan- The guide says it's critical to keep the egg in contact as it's closer to hatch. It's almost the 2 week mark! And it's been moving around more. Girl- We should hide the egg in the lab. That way we'll know they won't find it. Natalia- That sounds like a terrible idea… Paloma- Then how about we just hide it with you… Natalia- In the school? They seem to be already searching around here… Paloma- No, hide it in plain sight. Miss Sunday, how would you like to be pregnant?
Later on, at work with Monty.
Natalia- They kids want us to go into the funeral. Are you going? Monty- I was invited, but of course I'm not going. Natalia- They want me to hide inside the lab until the egg hatches, which should be soon… Monty- You can't always hide it inside your backpack. It will be easier once the compakin is born, but also harder to hide… Going into hiding in the one place they've already searched is not a bad idea. And I can help you sneak in during the main event. Natalia- The main event?? It sounds like the worst time to do it. Going in the day of the event sounds like exposing myself. Monty- I know the people they hired to inspect guests at the door. If I take their place, I can make sure you go in undetected. You'd just need to make your Natalia- What if they come asking questions today? Monty- You need to lay low until then. The Hacienda is crawling with their people right now. They clearly don't want anyone but guests and the staff near at the main event. Natalia- Paloma wants to pretend I'm pregntant… Monty- Why is that girl so smart? Natalia- Not you too…
Girl used her theater and makeup skills to help Natalia act the part. They added blush to her cheeks and prepared her walk and lines. Paloma helped craft a harness to hold the egg safely and add a layer to make it more realistic to the touch. Natalia worried she might look too pregnant, so they added a layer to make her look heavier. Since she had been going out with her backpack on the front, they probably couldn't tell she wasn't pregnant if they had spotted her already. The plan was to stay out of their sight until the event and look very pregnant until then.
At the Funeral
The day of the event, Paloma showed up as her doula. With a bag for everything for the egg and also for Natalia to stay for a day or two in the lab. While at the gate, something went wrong and Monty wasn't the one checking Natalia, but Paloma's temper took care of him not patting Natalia too much and giving extra considerations to the pregnant woman at the funeral. Natalia acted the part of the distraught mentee.
Inside the Hacienda, it was a veriable who-is-who of important people. Natalia wasn't sure of why they invited so many influential people, but this made her more alert. She even spotted Lena Pretova and her father, as well as Julia Valdesienne. These were the people who once controlled the world and who led it to its current state. And from the looks of it, they still enjoyed insulation from the harsh realities of the current state of it.
Once they were in, she needed to know why they were gathered here. Were they here to mourn Leon or something else?
Paloma came up with the idea of bringing a t-box with internet connection to find out who the important people were. Surprisingly, most had a public profile. Natalia would then use her social engineering skills to strike up a conversation and dig for information.
Natalia- I can't believe Leon is gone. He was like a father to me. Were you close to him too? Guest- By no means! He was responsible for offloading everyone from the Yosemite-C, haven't you heard? Natalia- I just can't believe he would do that! Guest- It's true. He wanted to doom us all to the same fate as him and all the other lowlife.
Natalia- An honor to meet you, sir. You were one of the Unseen? I wanted to thank you for your service. If we are here now, it's because of you. Unseen Member- Clearly. Natalia- Is it true you were the mastermind behind the plan to unseat Oculus? Unseen Membr- Of course. If it were up to Leon we would still be enslaved. That good-for-nothing man. Natalia- Why show up in that case? Unseen Member- I couldn't pass up the chance to reunite with my old group.
After getting a feel for the crowd, Natalia and Paloma regrouped near the entrance to the basement. She was feeling deflated.
Natalia- They all look down on him…they're so cruel. Paloma- Yeah…Professor Leon had a past, from what I reckon. But he was a great teacher. Very smart and caring. Natalia- I feel like that's the Leon I knew, but I just can't seem to remember much about him. All those memories were lost in the Yosemite-C. Like one third of my life… Paloma- It seems like we're in the clear, though.
Evading Arcturus
That's when Natalia saw those burning, yellow eyes. Across the room, she spotted Arcturus Valdesienne, the CEO of Apex Technologies. She had seen him many times on screens but only twice before in person. She remembered those piercing eyes and his cold gaze. And she felt a chill the moment their eyes met. Oh no, he knew who she was.
She immediately turned away and broke the line of sight, talking to another guest and trying to blend in. But she could feel him looking her way. Did he know who she was? She was only part of the HR department. There was no way…unless there had been reports of her whereabouts. Officially, she was taking care of a sick relative. She needed to avoid him at all costs.
Natalia- The man with the amber eyes. Do you know him? Paloma- That's THE asshole, right? Like top asshole in the sea of assholes? Natalia- Yes, basically. My boss as well. Paloma- Isn't that what I said? Natalia- Keep an eye on him. We need to get into the lab before he gets too close.
But he seemed locked on to them, following their every move. More so on Natalia, as Paloma could easily move unspotted.
Paloma- It's not working. He follows you with his eyes wherever you go. Natalia- We need a distraction…should you approach him? No… Make a scene? Paloma- That man is locked in. A bomb could go off and he wouldn't leave you out of sight. Natalia- Then…perhaps we do need a b-o-m-b. Paloma- Are you trying to make my day?! Natalia- A metaphorical one. An emotional b-o-m-b. Paloma- Of course that's where your mind would go to… Natalia- More effective and focused. Paloma- I was partial to the tranquilizer dart. But we're missing the dart and the tranquilizer. Plus those muscles look like they're made out of steel. Natalia- They might be. Paloma- Hooly…do you think I could rock a frame like that? Natalia- Focus. Do you know the other Valdesienne in here? Paloma- Ah-ha. Mummy lady with the metal arm? Natalia- That's the one. If he's an asshole, she's the literal mother of all assholes. Get her in that room over there. Paloma- How??? Natalia- Tell her I'm having complications. We'll hide in there and wait for the b-o-m-b to go off. Paloma- Roger
Julia Valdesienne was surprisingly receptive to Paloma's plea. They went into the room and hid in the closet. Soon enough, Julia showed up, slightly confused to find the room empty. Then Arcturus followed.
Julia vs. Arcturus
Julia felt a sudden chill. That was her son. In front of her. She had hoped to get a chance to speak to him, but didn't want to force him. She wasn't about to miss her opportunity. He quickly turned to leave when he saw her, but not before a dash of hatred passed through his face. She knew she had to get him to stay.
Julia- Congratulations. A- I don't need your praise. Goodbye, mother. Julia- Don't you want to know what for? A- I really don't care. Julia- You've kept Austin safe. I know how important that city is for you.
Arcturus stopped on his tracks. His body tensed up. She had been practicing for this moment for so many years. The chance to atone for her sins…
A- I really don't care what you have to say. J- I'm sorry.
Arcturus turned around
A- Sorry? Sorry for what? Getting all of us in this mess or for sabotaging my life's work? J- I'm sorry for not being there when you needed me. A- Ha. I've never needed you. If you haven't noticed, I've built myself up from the ground up. J- But you've kept the last name. Even if you're now Arcturus, you'll always be my Julius. A- How narcissistic can you be? "Julius". I bet all you ever wanted was for me to be one of your clones. Well, I'm stronger than you could've ever been. J- I know I was not a good mother to you, or to Aure-- A- Don't you dare say his name. You don't get to say his name. All you deserve is to be lost to history. Your name will be a synonym of hubris and evil, if you're lucky. I will remake the Valdesienne name and make it my own. J- Oh, Arcturus…you are so much like me… A- I am nothing like you! I am saving the world while you were dooming it for your frivolous desires, your purses and your skin creams. You and your buddies wanted to play God while I'm out here, breaking my back to save what's left of humanity. Why don't you die off already, you hag? J- "Hag"? If you're saving the world, why are you keeping Austin safe at the expense of the neighboring towns? A- I am trying. J- We don't try, we just do. A- Argggh!!
This was quickly getting out of hand. J- Look, I'm just trying to help you avoid making the same mistakes I made. A- If you want to help me, why don't you just die already?! The world would be better off. Everyone in this goddamn funeral would be better off. That's the only good thing Leon did in the last 10 years. Leaving us who are willing to do the hard work alone. J- You could learn a thing or two from him. He changed his ways and was one of the only people who knew the real you. A- There is no real me! This is the real me! And look at him. This is the face of the man who will fix TDS and get us back in the Yosemite-C. J- … A- Say it! Admit it. …No, it doesn't matter. I don't need your worthless approval. I am my own man and I have even decoded how to bring Fitz back. J- Bring him back??? A- Leon left me a gift. I overrode it with Fitz's AI. J- You can't be fool enough to mess with people's AI… A- He was a better leader than you ever were. He will help guide us into a new age. I've found the key Leon left behind. He was hiding it here, right under our noses the whole time. J- Julius, stop it. You are running straight into a cliff! Have you learned nothing from the past? A- I am learning everything. The only way to go on the right path is to understand what went wrong and on what we were already right. I will bring about a new age where humanity will be harder to kill. And there will be no place for people like you. J- … A- Goodbye, mother. I hope the next time I see you will be in your funeral casket.
Arcturus stormed off and Julia could feel her whole spirit breaking with only her metal limbs holding her together. She wanted to die. He was right…he was right about everything. No, she couldn't give in. She still had work left to do. She would die tomorrow, if she had to, today, she had to make sure her sins didn't keep spilling like oil in the sea. She had to meet with them. After she left the room, she stopped for a moment and glanced back. It was that doula girl and the pregnant woman.
The Unseen in the Lab
Paloma and Natalia rushed out of the room and walked as fast as they could while remaining unconspicious. There was a man playing the guitar in the courtyard and it seemed the even was dying down. It was the perfect opportunity. They followed Julia Valdesienne at a safe distance, she was going in the same direction as them. When they got to the lab's entrance, it was wide open and they could hear some faint voices in the distance. Natalia- Let's wait. Paloma- No, let's get closer and hide. I brought my amplifier.
They could clearly hear some familiar voices. It seemed to be Lena Petrova, Minister Sharma, Mr. Thorne, Dr. Kenji Tanaka…even Commander Rostova and Kaelo Al-Shabani were there. Natalia knew little about them, but what she knew was that these were all historic figures who would never gather in the same room. At least, not if they could help it. A gathering of the Unseen… And now, Julia Valdesienne was joining in.
The amplifier picked up the relative position of where everyone was standing, spread out around the lab. Lena spoke up first.
Lena- Picked it up clean. Rostova- We were here as soon as it happened. Within the day. Kenji- Within the day or…before the day? Rostova- We all know the drunkard finally had enough. It was a matter of time before it happened. He didn't leave anything of value behind. But we had to make sure. Thorne- Leon was a sad man, that is true. But he was also a traitor. If someone aided in his departure, I say they did the world a favor. Sharma- It's a shame he never found his way back into the light…these notes are downright depressing… Thorne- Serves him right. It's his fault we are out of the YC. It's his fault we can never go back… Rostova- As well as your boy's, right Julia? Julia- We can stay here and argue about whose fault it was, but things clearly aren't getting any better. We need to organize again. Thorne- Organize? We're not joining your little militia group, Julia. The Green Hands are just children playing in the mud. Sharma- What do you have in mind, Julia? Julia- We came together before againt a common foe. We can do it again. There is evidence of movements that are making progress. This area right here is a testament to that. Cuernavaca was hit hard by climate catastrophe and it's now thriving. Lena- Thriving? It's basically a small town with a farmer's market. We need to find bigger solutions for Seattle and Moscow. I was just talking with Arcturus about what he's done with the environmental shield there. And TDS symptoms seem to be decreasing in severity. Julia- It won't last. Did he tell you how much water it needs or about the effects on the surrounding communites? Kenji- You're too judgmental of the boy. Rostova- This is hell on Earth, Julia. Our only option is to go further with technology than we've done before. Julia- And build another Oculus?! Sharma- We cannot have that, Commander. I see the value in Julia's concerns and we should consider where out interests overlap. Don't you think so, Dr. Al-Shabani? Kaelo- Yes…I've been looking into what those communities have been doing. There is real potential in there. If we only could share our findings. Thorne- So collaborating with Leon, were you? Are you looking to follow in the traitor's footsteps? Kaelo- No, Mr. Thorne. But we know it's a matter of time before the rest of humanity wakes up from the YC. And we will not be able to manage that influx this time. Lena- Easy for you to say…TDS has been running rampant for us. Some people are going catatonic. We can't worry about what is coming when we're already overwhelmed by what is happening! We must worry about ourselves. Sharma- And what do you think, Ihor? Lena- My father and I are in complete agreement. If we don't save ourselves, there will be nothing left for us to save tomorrow. Julia- Leon was the first of us to pass away. We are all that's left of a time when the world was connected. If we don't capitalize on this chance, it will slip away from us. Rostova- Sweet words, Ms. Valdesienne. But the path forward is already laid out and you are too naive to see it. The Union will see that humanity has a future, even if it requires making some sacrifices. Sharma- It's true we've all experienced the benefits of technology, but we cannot forget that we've already exceeded our expected lifespan. And some of us like Dr. Al-Shabani do not enjoy the same benefits of our long-gone society. Thorne- If you people find a way to agree. Let me know. For now, I am out. Julia- You will all suffer the consequences. We will gather again for the next funeral, and then it might be too late. Kaelo- That we might. But there is no point in breaking what fraigle peace we've come to find today. Let us keep in touch, even if not as allies. Sharma- Well said, Dr. Kenji- Cough. I have other matters to attend to. As nice of a reunion as this was, I do not believe there is common ground for our goals. Lena- That sadly seems to be the case…call me when you start facing the real consequences of TDS. Rostova- I will reach out when we have the solution. We are close. We can build an intelligence that will help us reach for the answer. Julia- …
Meeting Julia
The amplifier showed someone walking their way, so Natalia and Paloma decided to retreat, but they were unable to hide in time so they acted like Natalia was experiencing some pains.
Julia- You know, they might not be able to tell, but you should be standing with your shoulders back. You're supposed to have been carrying this weight for months now. Your body gets tired and compensates in the wrong way.
Natalia was frozen for a moment and didn't know how to react. The only thing that came to mind was… Natalia- I'm sorry. Julia- For the lie or for luring me into the fight earlier? Natalia- …both. Julia- …
Julia started to turn to leave.
Julia- I'm sorry too. For everything and…for your loss. Leon was a complicated man, but you seem to be the only one actually mourning him here. He deserved better. Natalia- He did…I don't remember much of him. But I feel like he did. Julia- It seems we've all forgotten who we used to be. We'd do well to remember. Perhaps you can do something to honor his memory. Somebody should… Natalia- I…could. Julia- You would? A speech, perhaps? Natalia- I wouldn't know what to say. I have so few memories of him. But I can't seem to shake the feeling…he was a kind man. Julia- Then don't give a speech, but please, share the bond you had with that man. We will all one day share his fate, whether we realize it or not. Being forgotten is a fate worse than death… Natalia- I don't think I'm ready. Everyone here…they seem to hate him. Julia- And that is their right. But you are not seeking consensus of his memory. You are sharing the part you knew. We all make mistakes, more and more the longer we live. Grant his spirit some rest, at least so he can know he touched one heart…
Her words resonated with Natalia. She might not remember the man…but she could feel his spirit. That kind and misunderstood man. He was an idealist, and that rubbed off on her. Perhaps…she could be brave for him. Just for one moment…
Kathy's Song
She approached the man with the guitar and whispered to his ear. "Simon and Garfunkel?" The man seemed to know the song from long ago. She knew it used to be one of Leon's favorites and she knew the lyrics well. Everyone. May I have your attention for a moment? The chattering stopped, some people who were headed to the exit turned around. I know Leon was a complicated man. I've spoken to some of you and can understand there are mixed opinions or even negative memories of the man. I don't have many memories of him… Like many of you, I lost years of my life to a project that we all believed in. A project Leon believed in. We might not be gathered today with the same experience, but we're all here to remember the same man. And I might not have the words to tell you about him, but I can feel what he meant to me… Let me share a glimpse of the man I knew…
The guitarrist caught the cue and started playing. She braced herself, holding on to the fleeting courage before she came back to her senses and realized the terrible mistake she was about to make. She let her feeling guide her.
I hear the drizzle of the rain like a memory it falls soft and warm, continuing tapping on my roof and walls and from the shelter of my mind through the windos of my eyes I gaze beyond the rain-drenched street to England, where my heart lies.
My mind's distracted and diffused my thoughts are many miles away they lie with you when you're asleep and kiss you when you start your day
and a song I was writing is left undone don't know why I spend my time writing songs I can't believe with words that tear and strain to rhyme and so you see I have come to doubt all that I once held as true
I stand alone without belief the only truth I know is you
and as I watch the drops of rain weave their weary paths and die I know that I am like the rain there but for the grace of you go I
She stopped and closed her eyes, surrendering to the emotion. Her mind struggled to understand what she was feeling and so it started to spin. Faster and faster. Her surroundings blurred away and took her to a remote place, empty and cold. TDS, she knew. But she let it happen and everything kept spinning around her. Like a tornado, the spinning seemed to be taking her somewhere, and it eventually showed her a figure. She struggled to recognize him but allowed the spin to take her there. And little by little, it slowed down, until she was able to hold his gaze. He was smiling at her, sorrowful and thankful. The figure dissolved away and she felt a tug bring her back to life. The egg was thumping all around, it looked like it was hatching and that's when she knew, with all certainty. She backed away and murmured to herself. She ran at full speed towards Paloma, she needed her to hear, she needed to share this secret.
Natalia- He didn't do it. He didn't do it, Paloma. Paloma- What? Natalia- He didn't kill himself. Leon didn't kill himself. Also, the egg is hatching. We need to get out of here.
The confrontation with Arcturus
They turned around only to find the large man with the glowing eyes coming right at her. They wouldn't be able to escape him this time. He blocked her with his body, her back against the wall. A- Beautiful rendition…Natalia Sunday.
He was trying to intimidate her. But she knew there was no way out of this situation but through it. N- Sir. A- Your manager called. You're supposed to be in Austin, not singing silly funeral songs for pitiful men. N- Sir. A- Do you want me to fire you? Is that what you want? N- Sir. A- "Sir, sir, sir". Is that the only thing you know how to say? Do we hire morons at Apex Technologies? N- I am no moron…sir. A- You will report back to work next week. We have no use for your therapy, but someone needs to manage the people with TDS. Do not forget you report to me. Not Leon, not anyone in this god-forsaken country.
He pushed towards her, she could feel the wall pressing against her back.
N- I will stay here, sir. A- Oh, you want to play games? Let's play games. If you have the time to sing and play, you're not working hard enough. I believe…you will come to regret this. N- …
Paloma yelled behind him.
P- Time to go, wart-face. Your carriage is awaiting.
He turned to face her and gave her a look of absolute disgust.
A- Piggies do not talk.
Paloma did not take kindly to this and punched him in the groin. His face flushed with anger and raised his first, making the motion to punch her but stopping himself.
A- Pathetic. I do not hit little girls. You'd do well to know who you're messing with. P- I know. Luckily, I'll never see you again. A- Hm.
Natalia used the opportunity to rush outside. The egg was truly hatching now. She tried to look for a safe place to hide but she tripped on the cobblestone road and instinctively braced the egg and turned away. With nothing to stop her fall, she fell hard on her face. Someone tried to stop her and helped her regain her composure. She sat down, holding the egg, worried about its state.
Person- Don't worry, it's safe now. Let it hatch. She opened her eyes and saw it crack open, one push at a time. From inside emerged a strange creature, it looked like a huge seed with a face. Like a melon with squinted eyes and a small tail. Like a tadpole the size of a small dog. What was this thing…? The person who helped her was no other than Dr. Kaelo Al-Shabani.
Kaelo- A compakin. I thought them all gone. It seems Leon left us all with a gift.
Natalia struggled to understand what was going on. But she could feel something running down her face. Dr. Kaelo took a handkerchief and wiped it off her face.
Kaelo- You should be careful to watch where you're going. I will help you this time, but don't count on it always. Take good care of that compakin, and let it take care of you. They might be our only way forward.
The man got on a vehicle and left. She stayed dumbfounded on the ground and she heard Paloma rushing towards her in the distance. She looked at the newborn creature in front of her. It was smiling and staring intently at her. So vulnerable and strange… Natalia- Codi, huh? …Welcome home.
