Caste (The Corporation) Page 9

  The thought of a safe escape is overridden by a whispered voice from the back of my mind. The Corporation’s looking for him for a reason, which could work to my advantage. If they want him enough to advertise for him, they'll want him enough to pay highly. Or at least I hope they will.

  I slide the knife out of my waistband and hold it in my hand, heavier than I remember it being only a few moments ago.

  The red of the Untouchable's shirt fades in and out as he moves around the corners and walls of buildings. What he’s doing? I shake my head. It doesn't matter.

  I stretch my fingers tight over the wooden handle, testing how different positions feel in my palm. I settle for the simplest way. When he darts down a side street, I push myself away from the building and step out into the road.

  Careful not to make noise, I start to hunt my brother's cure.

  ७

  Something changes in the brain when you know surviving the next few minutes is determined solely by your ability to go unnoticed. That simple truth blares at me as I emerge from my shadowed safety. If the stranger turns around and sees me, there's no telling how he'll react. Suddenly, the dark isn’t so deep.

  Our last encounter flashes across my mind, and my skin tingles. My life was in his hands that night, and he played with it, like a cat playing with a mouse. I shift the knife in my fingers, stooping over and moving as silently as I can across the road.

  This time will be different. This time, I’m the cat.

  My skin prickles with awareness, and suddenly it becomes too hot under all of my layers. I try to keep my breathing slow, even, and unnoticed but it's difficult because of my pounding heart and the sudden lack of oxygen that surrounds me. Every sense I have is focused on the side street just ahead, the street he disappeared down.

  I peek around the corner and down the dark corridor. I can almost make him out half way down. I take a deep breath, preparing to sprint silently into the darkness and take him by surprise.

  “There you are!” a bright voice declares behind me.

  My eyes shoot up to my prey. There’s enough light I can make out his head as it whips around in my direction. For a moment, we’re frozen, staring at each other.

  “What are you doing?” Journey asks.

  The stranger turns and runs down the alley, disappearing around the next corner, the sound of his boots hitting the paved ground, letting me know I wouldn’t catch him today.

  “Karis?”

  It was a pipe dream anyway, I tell myself as I face my friend. “What are you doing here?” I ask with a sigh, putting the knife back in my waistband. I don’t think she’s noticed it.

  “Well aren't you in a mood this morning,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest.

  I rub at my temples, willing for patience to come. “I've got a lot going on right now.”

  Her voice softens. “I know; that's why I'm here.”

  So she isn't mad at me anymore. It's no surprise; we never stay mad at each other long. “It's early, how'd you know

  I'd be here?” I ask.

  Her smile returns. “You're my best friend, Karis. When bad things happen, the last place you want to be is cooped up inside your apartment. You'd rather be working than doing nothing.”

  Journey does know me best. I try to hide a reluctant smile. “What if I hadn’t left early? What if I’d decided to go to work at the normal time?”

  “Then it would’ve been a long morning for me. I've been waiting for you since before the bulletin.” She hooks her arm in mine and pulls me back towards the main road. “Now come on; let’s get a sweet roll.”

  I let my eyes search the end of the alley once more. I'm not sure, but I think I see the Untouchable wave.

  ७

  Back on the main road of Neech, more and more citizens filter out into the morning. Shops at the fringe of the market are starting to lift their metal shutters from their doors and windows. I can already smell the sugary scent of the sweet rolls.

  It’s colder this morning than it has been the past couple of days. As a result, the streets are relatively silent. Citizens’ faces are tucked down into the collars of their dusters, hands crammed into pockets, eyes on the road ahead.

  “Listen,” Journey says as we walk. “I'm sorry about how I reacted the other day. I would’ve done the same thing if I were in your place.” She pauses for a minute, biting her lower lip. “I know I've said it before, but it wasn't Kerick who got Ajna sick.”

  “I know,” I say.

  “Does Eta know what it is yet?”

  “No.”

  “I'm so sorry.” I catch a glimpse of Journey reaching up

  to wipe at her face. “Is there anything I can do?”

  I shake my head. “But it means a lot that you asked.”

  “They could still be alive.”

  My brain chokes. “What?”

  “Kavin. And his family. They could still be alive.”

  “That’s a cruel hope to give me, Journey.”

  “I think hope is the only thing that keeps us alive.”

  “Good morning, ladies!” Sachi is the best baker in Neech, and probably the friendliest too. He’s busy setting up his shop, wiping down counters and securing the metal shutters as we stand at the large open window. His cheeks are flushed, and his forehead is already covered in a thin sweat. Heat wafts out from the small bakery, bringing with it the scent of all things doughy.

  “Sweet roll and jasmine tea, please,” Journey says.

  “Three credits,” Sachi says.

  “Has Eta filed a Petition?”

  “For you, my dear?” Sachi asks me.

  “Um, the same, please.”

  “I’ll get a fresh batch for you girls from the back.” He turns around to fill go our order.

  “We got their Analysis late last night. She was denied,” I say.

  Journey gasps. “They can't do that!”

  “Of course they can, Journey. It's the Corporation we're talking about. If it doesn't benefit the Inner City, they don't see the need,” I say with more bitterness than I had known I had.

  Journey's head swivels around, as if she's looking for someone to be spying on us. “You should be more careful with your words, Karis,” she says in a low voice. “Of course the Corporation doesn't want your brother to die. They only want what’s best for Neech and Dahn.”

  I bark out a laugh, which causes Journey to tuck her chin into her duster, but I lower my voice as the line grows behind us.

  “They could have fooled me. Anyway, the only thing that matters now is saving my brother, and if the Corporation doesn't care about that, then I don't care about them.”

  “Karis,” Journey warns in a serious tone. “If someone hears you and turns you in—if the cameras…” Her voice trails off.

  Sachi comes back with a tray of rolls in one hand and two paper cups of steaming tea in the other, a broad smile on his face. “That’ll be three credits.”

  Journey holds out her wrist, and Sachi scans it for payment. It beeps, satisfied. I hold out mine next.

  “I have a plan,” I say. Sachi scans my Mark, a frown settling deep in his face. He scans my wrist again. His frown doesn’t go away.

  “You don’t have enough credits,” he says, reaching for my roll and tea.

  “I just got paid this morning! Check it again, please.”

  He waves the scanner over my wrist a third time and it buzzes angrily. “Not enough. They probably took out for tithes already.” His eyes turn down at the corners as he reaches to take the roll and tea back. “Sorry, Karis. But I have to make a living too.”

  “It’s okay.” Three credits and I don’t have even that.

  “Here,” Journey says, holding her wrist out.

  “Journey, no, it’s okay.”

  “I insist. Sachi?” Journey’s arm stays outstretched until it’s scanned again. The smile returns to the baker’s face at the happy beep of credits being exchanged.

  “Have a good day, ladies.”
He dismisses us to help the next customers in line.

  “You shouldn’t have done that,” I say.

  “You’re too prideful. You’ve always been that way. It’s okay to need help. It’s okay to ask for it.”

  “But I didn’t.”

  She sighs and hands me my food, taking hold of my elbow and tugging me out into the street. Lowering her voice, she asks, “You said you had a plan? What kind of plan?”

  I take a sip of my tea, letting the hot liquid warm me from the inside out. “I'm tired of the Corporation putting a value on our lives, deciding who’s worthy to live and who isn't. Deciding who we're Paired with and who we aren't.” I stare down at my roll as we walk.

  “I'm sorry about Kavin,” she says.

  I push back tears as my throat tightens. “I'm doing this because of Kavin. And because of Ajna.”

  “Doing what?” she asks in a cautious tone.

  “I'm going into Dahn to get the medicine Ajna needs.”

  “Karis Rebeka Singh! You can’t just go strolling into Dahn as if you belong there. In case you’ve forgotten,” she grabs my wrist, turning it up, pressing her finger in the middle

  of my Mark, “you don't. None of us do.” She drops my arm, taking a polite breath to cool her rush of hot anger. “Wait a little longer. I'm sure if Eta keeps Petitioning, the Corporation will say yes. They'll understand how important this is.”

  “I don’t have any time, and the Corporation will never see us as important enough. Once a CBA is issued, their finding is final. Ajna has a week, maybe a little more. I can’t sit around and wait for him to die, Journey.” I choke on a sob. “I can’t lose him, too.”

  “The only way through the Main Gate is with an Inner City tattoo, and you don't have one....” she trails off.

  I start to walk away.

  She hurries to catch up to me, lowering her voice. "You can't be serious, Karis!” She drops her voice even more as a man passes us. “You saw what happened to Kavin, the damage caused by the faulty Mark and what the Corporation did to punish his family. Not to mention the fact that there's an Artist out there giving faulty tattoos on purpose. How can you be willing to take that risk?”

  “Trying to save my brother isn't a risk, it's a given.”

  “And what if you get a faulty tattoo?” she asks, hands on her hips.

  “At least Ajna will be safe.”

  “There’s no guarantee you’ll get the medicine in time.”

  “I have to try.”

  “What happens if you don’t get it?”

  “What happens if I do?” I shoot back.

  “Your papa’s willing to trade one child for another?” her voice has an edge to it and her eyes hold a rare fire.

  “He doesn't know—and you're not going to tell anyone about this.”

  “Oh, the way you didn't tell anybody about Kerick?” She folds her arms.

  I spin on her, my eyes pleading. “That was different. You have to promise me you won't tell anyone about this. I can't just sit and do nothing knowing there's something out there that could save my brother.”

  “This is the stupidest idea you've ever had," she says. “Do you even know where to find an Artist that’s off the grid? Or how much it costs?”

  “I have some ideas, and I'll pay whatever they ask.”

  “When are you going through with it?” Journey’s familiar with my stubbornness, and although she may not agree with what I’m going to do, I can hear in her voice that she’ll help me.

  “Tonight.”

  “Tonight?!” She lets out a whistle. “We're going to have to work fast then.” And just like that, she’s on my side.

  “There's no we, Journey. It's just me. I'm not bringing you and your family into this. You've got a good life in front of you: a Pairing with Dhevan, a future family to think of.”

  “But you—”

  “—have nothing left to lose.”

  She's silent for a while. “How are you going to get the money?” she finally asks.

  “My dowry,” I say without hesitation. “I’m not Paired with Kavin anymore, and since there's no such thing as a second one, it should be enough.”

  “And if it isn't?”

  “Then I’ll figure it out.”

  Ten

  I’m sitting on the living room floor between the fireplace and my brother. I post vigil here at every opportunity. Even though he doesn't know I'm there, it’s comforting to have him by my side. It also offers a break for Eta and Papa. Tonight is one of those nights. I insisted they both go down to the Tavern to get a meal and visit with neighbors. Plus, I have a lot of planning to do and can’t get it done with them here.

  I'm darning a pair of socks, passing the time until I leave, when a quiet knock comes at the door. My needle freezes mid-stitch, and for a split second, I wonder if the Corporation’s found out about my plan and they’re here to take me away.

  My heartbeat returns to normal when a familiar voice calls through the heavy wood. “Karis…open the door.” I rest my work on my chair, check on Ajna, and open the door.

  “It's almost curfew; what are you doing out?” I ask.

  “Are you going to let me in or not?” Journey looks cross, but only a little.

  I open the door wide enough so she can pass by and can’t help but notice that she looks a little fuller than normal. “Have you been eating extra?” I ask, looking her up and down, knowing that’s hardly an option. Her duster is pulled taught over noticeably wider hips.

  Journey’s face turns a shade brighter as she scowls. “No, I haven't been. Less, actually, with Sai around.” She looks into our small house. “Where is everyone?”

  “At the Tavern. Why?”

  “I have something for you.” She pulls a small bag from her oversized coat pocket and puts it in my hands.

  I hear the clinking of metal and feel the heaviness of coins. “What’s this?”

  “My dowry.”

  I thrust the gift back into her hands, but she shakes her head. “I can't accept this,” I say, emotion catching in the back of my throat.

  “I've thought about it, and I want you to have it. I want Ajna around for Kerick. Besides, untraceable coins will go further in the Black Market than credits. The Artist will be more willing to make a trade with you if he knows you have these.”

  “What about Dhevan; won’t he be upset about the dowry?”

  She shakes her head. “I asked him.”

  “You told him what I’m doing?” For a second it feels like my plan is crushed before it even starts.

  Journey stands taller. “Yes, Karis. I did. Because you're my friend and because we can trust him. Now take the money.”

  My best friend crosses her arms and sets her jaw in a way that tells me I have no other choice. My eyes tear up. “Thank you.”

  I’m pulled into a fierce hug and her body squishes under my arms. I pull away and poke her soft stomach. “Your clothes look a little big, and there's more of you than normal,” I say.

  She shrugs off her duster, letting it fall to the floor. “Help me with this,” she says, reaching for the ties at the back of her dress.

  I start with the string and undo the laces. “Isn’t this your

  mother's?” I ask, recognizing the fabric.

  Journey nods her head. “Mine was too small. I needed something big enough to hide it.”

  “Hide what?” I step back when I've finished. She drops the garment down around her feet to reveal another dress underneath.

  It's pale blue with dark blue embroidery along the hem and edge of the sleeveless bodice. The deep V in the back is lined in small stitches of leaves and flowers all the way around to the neck in the front. There’s a shiny ribbon lacing up the back. It's the most expensive dress I’ve ever seen. If I were to live a thousand years, I'd never be able to wear a garment like this. These were reserved for citizens of Dahn.

  “It's beautiful,” I say.

  “I know!” Journey squeals with excitement. “I've
been working on it all week. Feel it.” She holds out the skirt for me to touch.

  The material’s so soft. I’ve never seen it before. Journey seems to be reading my mind. “It's called silk. We're doing a lot of clothes in this right now, but this is the first blue one. I thought it’d be perfect with your eyes. I was right.”

  “This is for me?” I look up at her, shocked.

  “Well you can't go waltzing into Dahn in our Outer City drab, can you? They'd recognize you didn't belong the moment you set foot through the Main Gate.”

  “Assuming I make it through the Main Gate.”

  Journey watches my expression and decides to ignore what I’ve said. “I took it in today to fit your measurements, and since I’ve been able to increase my number of dresses, I’m ahead of schedule. The foreman will never even know it existed or that it’s missing.”

  I don’t know what to say; the words are choked in my chest. “Thank you,” I manage at last.

  She rushes up to me and gives me a hug, and we hold

  each other as tight as we can. Then Journey pulls away. “It’s almost Curfew.” She hurries out of the room and changes, stuffing the dress and the pouch of money into a sack, handing it to me as she slips out the door.

  She gives me a soft peck on the cheek. “Good luck,” she says before being consumed by the night.

  ७

  I tuck myself under my thin comforter when I get into bed. It isn't long after I lay my head down that I hear Papa and Eta come home. Papa's heavy footsteps thunk against the wood as he makes his way up the stairs, a little uneven, which means he's been drinking. I pull the covers tight against my shoulders and turn to face the wall. The door creaks as Papa opens it, trusting it with his weight.

  “Karis,” he whispers.

  I ignore him, lying as still as possible. Eventually, I hear him make his way back downstairs. When the house is still again, I toss the covers from my still dressed body.

  I take a knotted rope of sheets from under my bed and anchor it to the footboard. Even though our house is only two stories tall, I’m pretty sure it’s not going to reach the ground. Jerking on it as hard as I can, I test its grip.