Disruption by Shirvington Jessica

Author:Shirvington, Jessica
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2014-04-21T16:00:00+00:00

Getting in through the homeless shelter was so easy it was almost funny. There were so many people in the shelter, so many people fighting for survival in this society, that no one paid much attention to me. Once I was in, however, my task became more difficult. The maze of tunnels was disorienting. I lost my way on a number of occasions, and questioned whether Gus might’ve been right this time.

When I realised I was just feeling sorry for myself, I sucked in a few deep breaths and got back to work.

Eventually I found the community. It was the largest I’d seen. That alone should have encouraged second thoughts, but I was determined to continue so I pushed on. I surveyed the point I’d selected on the map carefully, ensuring it was the best spot to drop rope.

When I couldn’t see anywhere better, I got on with it, sailing down the black rope on a relatively short drop and onto the roof of one of a handful of interconnected buildings. I jogged straight to the far side of the structure. I knew from the blueprints that this building had high windows and, given that the air vents were too small, they were my best option.

Finding a spot to anchor another rope, I tied myself in and edged over the roof, positioning my feet on the wall.

I inched towards the first window only to find it was locked. On the third one, I hit the jackpot. I squinted through the glass before I carefully slid it open.

I found myself in a sparse kitchen attached to a dining area where the tables and chairs were bolted to the cement floor.

Given the time, I imagined most of the negs were heading towards their dorms to meet their 10 p.m. curfew. I waited patiently just inside the door until I saw a young girl walking down the hall. She didn’t look much older than me and she was alone.

As she passed me, I opened the door and pulled her into the kitchen.

‘What the hell –’ she started, attempting unsuccessfully to yank her arm free.

Urgently, I put a finger to my lips. She was smart enough to stop talking and I was glad. I didn’t want to have to put her down.

The girl’s eyes went straight to my clothes, pausing at my waist. Slowly, I released my hand and lifted the edge of my T-shirt, exposing my bare hip and proving that I wasn’t a neg.

‘You broke in,’ she deduced.

It seemed an obvious thing to say, but most negs never dare to consider the possibility. They are taught there is no escape, so how could anyone break in?

I nodded then passed her a picture of my dad. ‘Have you seen this guy? Is he in this community?’

She glanced at me, then at the photo, before nodding slowly.

My stomach flipped.

‘He’s not here, but I’ve seen him,’ she said quietly. The way she seemed so timid and restrained made me relax a little.

‘Where? Where have you seen him? Please! Is he still alive?’

She passed me back the photo.

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