Marital Law Page 9

“Why would...?” I stopped myself when I saw the look Sonia gave.

  “Just do it. Familiarize yourself with the area, and the people,” Sonia said, and then she turned to go back inside.

  I was left with a hundred questions, but I knew I couldn't ask any of them. I spent the next hour or so hovered over the fire barrel, thinking, trying to figure out what Sonia Rashellus was trying to tell me without actually telling me.

  When I finally went back inside, I was no closer to an answer than when I started, but I resolved to do just as mother had told me. After practicing with Adeline, I would head to the Capitol, and observe—I guess.

  Chapter 12

  It felt odd traveling to the Capitol alone. I'd only been there on two previous occasions, both of which involved my entire family. The first was for MOM’s official address to the people, a message broadcast throughout the world. It was a joyous occasion, one I'd been looking forward to for months.

  I was eleven when I first came to the Capitol, and I still remember sitting on my father's shoulders when Marcella Munford walked out for her speech. At the time, I thought she looked almost mythical. She towered over everyone, her voice boomed like rushing water bursting through a dam, and she had numerous people throughout the crowd passing out when she touched hands with them on her way towards the speaker. To us, she was a goddess.

  My next visit was shortly after I turned fifteen, and even though Marcella Munford still held her high stature, she no longer seemed mythical to me. She looked older than I remembered, and skinnier. I wondered if she might be sick, but I'd dare never voice such a thing. I knew good and well where the sick ended up, and I couldn't fathom our supreme ruler being sent to such a place. But I did question where she might end up if she suddenly became ill.

  Now at the brink of sixteen, I found myself walking along the outer perimeter of the Capitol, taking everything in, just as Sonia had instructed. The place no longer felt majestic, and I was no longer in awe of the structure or MOM. I couldn't help but wonder why. Was it tied to my time in the forest? If only I knew.

  The walls of the homes surrounding the Capitol were massive, thick concrete. They had rounded archways, and the majority were painted an ugly flat black. The more I walked and took everything in, the drearier my attitude grew. It was depressing, not appealing in the least. MOM was known for her dark, drab colors, something everyone in Providence strived to emulate. But I found myself a bit put off by it.

  As I made my way around the southeast side of the Capitol, I noticed the homes there were in ill repair, many barely even standing. These weren't visible from the main gates, and I found myself wondering why MOM would allow her people to live in such a state. Not that they were any worse off than the homes we lived in Providence South. We scavenged whatever materials we could get and painted any color we happened upon. Nothing was uniform, none of the homes similar in size, shape, or appearance.

  It took me a good hour to make my way completely around the Capitol. When I entered the main gates, two monitors met me there with their spears crossed, preventing my entrance. I showed the customary papers and waited while they verified my number and heritage.

  Every family member in Providence was given a number upon birth, and those digits were tied to their physical home address. It was MOM’s way of tracking us, of knowing exactly who was entering and exiting the Capitol.

  I had nothing to worry about, but still I felt a little angst. I wasn't doing anything wrong, but Mother's request that I come here at all, left me a bit on edge. Not that people didn't venture to the Capitol in hope of just catching a glimpse of MOM. Such pilgrimages occurred all the time. It was Sonia's secrecy, her insistence that I come here and not ask any questions that had me on edge.

  “State your business at the Capitol!” said the monitor holding my papers.

  “I just came to see the meeting center where MOM will hold her next address to the world,” I replied, not in the least intimidated by the two men. Secretly, I harbored resentment at MOM for allowing men to serve as monitors, even believed it would be detrimental if the Capitol came under attack.

  The male sex was too emotional and couldn't be depended upon to hold up in true battle. Sure, they had been successful at bringing in a few of the smaller Munford Law offenders, but that could easily be attributed to the sheer number of them.

  The monitor harrumphed, and then handed me back my papers. Separating, the two allowed me entry. Inside, I continued my exploration. It was like seeing the place for the first time.

  The Capitol building itself was painted bright white, in contrast to the black of everything else. It stood many stories above the other homes, and the architecture was pretty intense. It had many sharp angles and the roofline was so steep, I couldn't imagine anyone being able to stand long enough to lay the clay tiles in place. The place was by no means impenetrable. The sheer amount of glass windows and doors made it more than a little vulnerable to attack.

  If I were in charge, the Capitol building would've been constructed of straight brick and mortar, no windows at all.

  The area where MOM gave her speeches was paved with light brown colored pavers, and they had somehow created a mural of MOM’s face in the center. Up the steps about ten or so feet above was the podium, an odd-looking structure made of a steel frame and more glass. It was see-through and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why. I had heard that MOM liked to wear short dresses and on occasion a skirt or two, but surely this structure wasn't to show off her legs.

  Feeling a little silly, I resolved to make one last trek around the perimeter of the compound and then take my butt home. Starting on the southeastern side, I noticed how the homes butted up to the forest, and how even the wall there looked rundown, neglected. It was almost as if this area wasn't part of the Capitol or had at least been ousted.

  Hearing movement, I pulled up short when a young girl a few years younger than me suddenly exited the home I found myself staring at and started making her way towards me. I braced myself, unsure of what to expect.

  It was said that the people chosen to live inside the Capitol walls were extremely loyal, fanatical almost. I pictured little Marcella Munford robots, created to do her bidding at any cost. And I wasn't sure why this suddenly seemed like a bad thing to me. At one point in my life, I would've given anything for MOM, but now—now I wasn't so sure.

  “Hello, there. May I trouble you just for a second?” said the young girl as she stopped a few feet in front of me.

  “No trouble. What can I do for you?” I replied, fearing inside what she might ask.

  “I’m Elisa, and my family and I could really use your help. You see, we’re starving and our garden was ravaged last night. I’d appreciate any assistance you might be able to provide.”

  Surprise, shock, even a bit of anger came over me. How could anyone inside the Capitol be in need? Surely MOM would take care of them. “I, I'm sorry, but I don't have anything on me right now. I’ll tell you what though, if I come back, I could probably bring you something then.”

  “It's okay. I just thought you looked like a nice girl, and figured I'd ask. I haven't seen you before in the Capitol. Do you live here? Are you new?”

  “No, I live out in Providence South. My name is Sidnie,” I replied, offering my hand for the customary shake.

  The girl, Elisa, glanced around, for what I assume was to ensure no one was watching, and then she gently squeezed me hand. Her tiny paw was only half the size of mine, and her weak grip told me she was definitely in need of nourishment.

  “How many are in your family, Elisa? Are there others here in Capitol lacking food?” I asked.

  Hearing a door open, I looked over my shoulder at the home to the west of the one from where Elisa had manifested herself and saw a small group of girls about her age, make their way towards us. I saw Elisa tense up when she noticed them.

  “Who's your new friend, Elisa?” asked one of them. The girl looked bigger than the others, maybe double my size. Sh
e was loud and pushy. I hated her immediately.

  “My name is Sidnie. What can I do for you?” I replied, doing my best not to punch the girl in the face.

  “We just came over to ensure Elisa wasn't bothering you. Elisa knows she's not supposed to bother strangers. Isn't that right, Elisa?”

  “I was just introducing myself. I wasn't bothering anyone,” Elisa protested, and I could tell from her voice she was afraid of the girls.

  “Is that true? She didn't by chance ask you for anything, did she?”

  Seeing Elisa silently mouth “say no, say no,” I replied, “She was just being friendly. She asked nothing, other than my name.” If I had my spear I probably would've smacked her upside the head with it, but we weren't allowed weapons inside the Capitol, so Big Mouth got a temporary reprieve.

  “Good. Then let us be on our way,” said Big Mouth. She stopped a few feet away and said, “You should probably get home now too. Don't you think, Elisa?”

  “Yes, you're right. It was good to meet you, Sidnie,” Elisa said as she rushed off.

  I watched them all depart, my anger climbing a notch at a time, ready to explode. Calm yourself, Sidnie. This isn't the time, or the place. You are here to observe, nothing more.

  Checking my emotions, I finished up my exploration and headed for the gates. During my walk home, my mind kept returning to Elisa, and her lack of food. I wanted to help her but feared coming back to the Capitol so soon. I didn't want to arouse suspicion, not that I had anything to be suspicious of.

  It was dinner by the time I made it home. I had lied and told everyone I was heading over to Kaylee's to get the full scoop on her time in the forest, so when Adeline asked, “Did your visit with Kaylee go well,” I simply said, “Yeah, she's having dinner at the Capitol with MOM tomorrow. Seems she's an icon now,” I replied with as much enthusiasm as I could muster without falling over with sarcasm.

  “Good for her,” said my mother as she took her place at the head of the table.

  In short order, my father brought in the food and scooped hearty portions onto our plates. After he was seated, we all ate and made small talk. With each bite, I thought of Elisa and the food began to sour in my stomach.

  “Are you okay, Sidnie?” Sonia asked.

  “I'm fine. Just thinking about everything going on. Kaylee's return, the wedding, Adeline's training.”

  “Life doesn't slow down for us to catch up. You have to take one day at a time and try not to get too caught up in the future. Things can change in an instant,” Sonia said mysteriously.

  “I know, it's just a lot, all at once. I'm glad Kaylee's back, and I'm looking forward to the wedding, but I'm also going to miss living here with you guys. I've always looked forward to our meals, our time together,” I said allowing the sadness to fully claim me in my moment of weakness.

  “It's time to make your own memories with your new family, my daughter. And you can still come over and dine with us, every now and then, as well,” said my father. These were the first words he'd spoken, other than asking how much of a portion we wanted.

  “Don't fret too much over that, because I plan to drop in unexpectedly and have dinner with you and Caleb more than you might want,” Adeline said smiling.

  “You are welcome any time you like,” I replied smiling.

  After dinner, I pulled mother off to the side and said, “I went to the Capitol today, as you instructed.”

  “Good. I really don't have anything else to say, other than observe and be prepared,” Sonia said.

  “Wait, I just have a quick question.”

  Pulling me further away from Adeline and my father, Sonia said, “One question and we never speak of this again. Got it?”

  Her tone was intense, her look dead serious. I replied, “Certainly. I was just wondering if you knew about the people on the southeastern side of the Capitol.”

  “I'm aware of everyone inside the Capitol. What is it you are getting at, Sidnie?”

  “Well, I was approached by a young girl today, begging for food.”

  “And what is your question?” Sonia asked.

  “How could there be lack inside the Capitol? Surely MOM would look out for them, right?”

  “One would hope that, but there's a bit of turmoil going on inside the Capitol right now, Sidnie. While I can't go into it fully, I will tell you to file this information away. It might come in handy later.”

  “What's going on, mother? Why did you have me go there, and now you refuse to answer my questions?” I said frustrated.

  “From the start, I told you not to ask me questions, Sidnie. Now's not the time.”

  “When is the time?”

  “You will know. Now I'd appreciate it if you'd look after Adeline while your father and I head into town.”

  “Again? You were just there.”

  Grabbing both of my arms, Sonia said, “Listen Sidnie, I need you to be mature here! You have to trust me on this! Just keep observing and make mental notes. And just know that the meetings your father and I attend are in the best interest of our family.”

  The seriousness in my mother's eyes told me not to push this. She had her reasons, and I would just have to deal with it. “Yes mother, I will do as you say.”

  Sonia kissed me on the forehead, and this made me worry even more. She didn't kiss, rarely showed outward affection towards me and Adeline. Whatever was going on, I knew right then and there that it was serious.

  Chapter 13

  Marcella Munford

  She was livid. The monitors had once again failed to capture the dwellers, and Lucius wasn’t faring much better. In her dreams, she could hear them taunting her. Sometimes, she even believed she saw them in the Capitol, laughing in her face. She hated them, all of them, even the children.

  Seated at the head of the table inside her war room, Marcella Munford went around the table, meeting the eyes of her generals, one by one. Having broken the monitors down into basic military-based fighting groups, Marcella had only called the generals commanding the ground operations in for the special meeting.

  The monitors guarding the Capitol weren’t involved in the fight against the dwellers, but she was beginning to wonder if maybe they would fare better. Couldn’t do worse.

  After giving each one the stare of death, Marcella said, “Generals, can anyone tell me why we are still having the same conversation we’ve been having for the last fifteen years? Do any of you know how bad this makes me look? What a terrible ruler I must seem? After all, I can’t even get rid of a handful of misfits.”

  “My queen, if I may?” said the general at the far end of the table.

  “No, General Redding, you may not. Every time we sit here, I listen to your excuses. Frankly, I’m sick of it. Can anyone, other than General Redding, tell me why you can’t do your jobs?”

  A tall, lean gentleman suddenly stood to his feet and said, “No excuses, my queen. Yes, we have all failed you, but we just got word that Jeremiah and his companions have been venturing further outside their normal boundaries, and we already have a platoon lying in wait, ready to ambush them and bring them here to you.”

  “Well, well, General Solomon that would be good news, if it actually came to fruition. You see, I’ve been down this road before with all of you, and it always leads to failure. So, I tell you what I’m going to do. From now on, every time one of you leads a failed mission, you will be banished from Providence! It’s that simple! Since you were the first to speak up, General Solomon, this mission is now yours! Do you all understand?”

  Once the shock subsided, the generals all nodded their agreement. General Solomon looked sickly, as if someone had just poisoned him.

  “Very well, then. You are all dismissed.”

  Marcella had a stack of pencils in front of her, and she spent the next few minutes breaking them, one by one. She felt like chewing them into tiny pieces with her teeth, but she knew that would only hurt her gums, and prove pointless. Besides, what she really wanted was to s
nap the necks of the generals. She chastised herself for not getting rid of them sooner. They’d been given way too many chances already.

  ****

  She hated meeting with Caine, but it was necessary if she was to keep the Badlanders out of the Capitol. Marcella knew their numbers were steadily rising, and she'd eventually have to rid the world of them as well, but for now, they provided her a service by getting rid of the sick and aged. They died, and their bodies were consumed by the Badlanders. It saved her monitors the time and manpower of having to clean up after them.

  Marcella hoped to eventually just send the old folks directly to the Badlands, and then she'd no longer have to deal with them at all.

  She'd attempted to get Caine to take care of the forest dwellers, but even Caine feared Lucius's savages. There seemed to be no winning for Marcella. Lucius had promised the savages would eradicate the dwellers, but so far, he'd only managed to capture about fifty or so of them. At that rate, it would take another ten years to capture or kill all two hundred and fifty of them.

  Even with all the assurances in the world, Caine still wouldn't venture into the forest. But he had no problem voicing his threats of sacking the Capitol if Marcella didn't increase their food supply.

  Standing in front of her mirror, Marcella meticulously plucked her eyebrows, ensuring her nice well-kempt look. She pulled her hair back exposing her muscular shoulders, her strong jaw line. She'd had one of her many servants cinch down her corset, forming it tightly around her bosom, highlighting her cleavage. She knew Caine was a different breed of man, but he was still a man, nonetheless.

  Having promised the Badlanders ample food supply to get them through the winter, Marcella knew the reason Caine had called the urgent meeting. She had to stall him, just long enough to clear the forest. Then she'd feed every last one of the dwellers to him and his people.

  Traveling to the far eastern corner of Providence, a spot where few lived due to the high radiation levels from the war and its proximity to the river (it took a good two hours to get there and transporting water through the highly mountainous region was difficult at best.)