Ariella's Keeper by Michelle M Pillow

Author:Michelle M Pillow
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2011-03-11T05:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

The box-shaped vehicle moved soundlessly over the streets, hovering over the ground as it sped along Asclepius’ self-navigating streets. Two rows of seats faced inward, making for easy conversation. Once the address was typed into the transport’s computer, the occupants were free to enjoy the ride—no driver needed.

Ariella was not enjoying the ride. Medical Supreme Walter stared at her for most of it, clearly disappointed in her tardiness. She tried to ignore the sick feeling she got from the man’s unwanted attention, endeavoring to focus her thoughts on Sebastjan. How the two could be related was beyond her understanding. But, the sameness in their physical appearance confirmed that they were indeed father and son.

“I expected lateness from my son,” Walter had said when Ariella hurried down the stairs to join him, “but not from you. I expect better from you.”

She reached for the buttons next to the window, pushing one so that the outside became more visible. They were slowing near the middle of town in front of the Central Hospital and Optimal Health Centre building. She recognized the giant structure with its thick Corinthian columns and oversized stone arches. Inside, the metal corridors would look nothing like the fine architectural façade.

As the transport stopped, the doors opened automatically, sliding to the side. Supreme Walter stepped out first, then Sebastjan, who then helped her step down. Stone stretched as far as she could see—statues, sidewalks, streets and buildings. Only a little bit of plant life was allowed in the city, and that was blocked by large glass panels.

“Are you all right?” Sebastjan asked, not letting go of her arm.

“Fine,” she lied. In truth, Ariella always found it a little hard to breathe in the sterilized environment.

“Is it because this is where the Divinity portal is stored?” he insisted. “Are you thinking of home?”

“Come on,” Supreme Walter ordered. “They’re waiting on us.”

Inside, the metallic gray corridors of the hospital looked like an endless maze, only the orange lettering on the walls gave directions. Unfortunately for Ariella, she wasn’t able to understand them. The smell of the hospital’s air filtering sterilizer wafted over her. A loud alarm blared overhead, buzzing annoyingly.

“They’ve arrived,” Supreme Walter said, walking faster. “They will be in sterilization right now to check for other dimensional parasites and viruses. We must hurry.”

“Why is he so eager to greet these guests?” Ariella asked. “Does he want something from them?”

“He likes the attention,” Sebastjan answered with a smirk.

Supreme Walter stopped ahead of them, greeting Dr. Lu. The man wore the standard issue uniform for the facility, a long blue coat with red trim. Like everyone else at the hospital, he kept his hair cropped short.

“Welcome back, Sans Ariella,” Dr. Lu said before addressing her husband in quiet conversation. He carried an orange electronic clipboard, which he referred to several times. Sebastjan glanced at Ariella with a slight frown, nodding his head. Then, Dr. Lu reached into his pocket and took out a syringe. Like everything else it was electronic.

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