Notes From The Underground

Now trying to fall asleep she contemplated the matter again, which made her anxious and delayed her falling sleep. Just as she started to calm her mind and feel her body finally begin to relax the light in her room came on and her door opened. Sitting up in bed, Kourtney rubbed her eyes, as they adjusted to the sudden brightness of the room. "What…" she began, rather loudly.

"Shush!" said Headmistress Echo. "You'll wake the others."

"Is there anything wrong?" as Kourtney her eyes adjusting to the light and her mind still fighting off her pre-slumber daze.

"No, everything is fine. Please get up and get dressed. And do so quietly. When you are done, meet me in my office. And bring a sweater."

"Yes Headmistress" answered Kourtney reflexively. "But may I know why? Are we going somewhere?"

"Yes" said the Headmistress "we are going to meet your mother."

Kourtney sat on the bed dumbfounded. Had the Headmistress suddenly lost her sanity? Meet her mother? How could this be when the woman was long dead? "But…" she finally stammered.

"Shush!" said the Headmistress Echo. "All your questions will be answered soon enough. Get dressed." And with that she turned and left the room, the door closing behind her.

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Although Kourtney found the idea of flying intellectually intriguing, the reality was far from exciting. The transport flew smoothly and noiselessly leaving its two occupants with little or no sensation of motion. The viewports were black as it was nighttime and this further isolated Kourtney from the world outside and prevented her from gaining any insight into their location or the progress of their journey. Not that there would be much information to be gained even if she could have seen outside. Kourtney knew that being on an Island most of the journey would necessarily be over water with little to see but blue sky and sea-green ocean. What she did know was that it was the City to which they were headed. The Headmistress had said as much and unfortunately little else.

They had boarded the transport near the Castle; the weather was cold but clear and Kourtney had shivered in the darkness as she glanced at the stars overhead. She had been glad for her sweater and wrapped it around herself as she stepped into the flying machine. Headmistress Echo had followed her inside and after they were seated the transport quickly departed into the night sky. Although Kourtney was no longer sleepy, she felt a little dazed, as if in a dream where everything seemed surreal. Of course she had a million questions for the Headmistress, and her mind was awhirl with speculations and potential hypotheses.

However the Headmistress seemed to anticipate both her confusion and desire for information. As soon as the transport was underway she said "I am sure you have lots of questions and I will try to answer them the best I can. However you should understand that my information is limited and that I am just as surprised and curious as you are."

Kourtney nodded her head and said "You said we were going to see my mother. Is she alive? If so where is she now and where has she been all this time? Are we going to meet her now?"

"Yes. We are going to the City to meet your mother, and yes she is very much alive."

Kourtney started to speak but the Headmistress held up her hand and said "First of all you should know that I only found out myself a few hours ago."

This was true. Echo had been sitting in her office, working, when Prudence had called. "Good evening Mistress" she replied as Prudence flashed into view. Although Echo had not been expecting Prudence to call that night, she was not surprised either, having been alerted in their last meeting to expect a late-night summons in the near future. Prudence had been vague as to the reasons and Echo had not pressed her for details, preferring not to get involved in what was almost certainly one of Zax's intrigues. Better to just do as she was asked and limit her involvement to what was required. She had done this with great success in the past such as with Kathryn's and Karolyn's judicial reviews, as well as with other matters concerning the 5Ks. Although Echo appreciated the need for Zax to periodically conduct 'external operations' (as Alex termed them) these matters were outside the area of her expertise, and as such, she confined her attention to her own field and her current responsibilities. This strategy had severed her well in the past, and she knew, would do so in the future. Beside, running an occasional late-night errand for Prudence was a small price to pay for the opportunity that Zax had given her.

"I need you to leave for the City in two hours" said Prudence.

"Yes Mistress" replied Echo.

"You will need to bring K5 with you as well."

"What?" said Echo, startled by Prudence's statement.

"I don't have time to go into details now" said Prudence "Her maternity as come into question and her 'real' or actual mother desires custody."

"How can that be?" said Echo, incredulous. She was well aware of the facts surrounding the maternity of all of the 5Ks.

"It's a rather long and complicated story, and as I mentioned the details will have to wait for later. Let's just say that her mother, until just recently, had been unaware about the possibility of having a daughter."

Echo was completely taken aback by this news. It raised so many questions, most of them extremely troubling; but she new better than to continue to ask questions. "What shall I tell K5?"

"Tell her that her mother is alive and well, and that she will meet her tonight. I know she will have questions, but tell her that everything will be explained when she gets to her destination."

"Yes Mistress" said Echo. She just hoped that she would be around to hear the explanation also.

Echo looked across at the petite blond young woman seated across from her. It seemed impossible that Zax would turn her over to some woman so quickly and suddenly. Worse it was beyond belief that there could be any confusion concerning her mother's identity. Although Echo had not personally witnessed the births of any of the 5Ks, she was well aware of the details. How could such a thing be possible? Prudence's announcement had left Echo's mind aflutter with questions not to mention totally confused. What was she to tell Kourtney? Especially when she had as many (if not more) questions than her young charge; forcing herself to order her thoughts she continued.

"Mistress Prudence called me with the news. She was unable to supply any details, other than to say that everything would be explained upon our arrival in the City."

"But where has she been all these years? And why didn't she contact me sooner?" asked Kourtney.

Echo looked at her and sighed. "I would like to know that myself. I guess we will both find out soon. In the meantime I suggest you rest the best you can. It promises to be a long and interesting night."

Kourtney wanted to ask more questions, but it was clear that her Headmistress was as much in the dark as she was. Sitting back in her seat, Kourtney wrapped her sweater tightly around her body and closed her eyes. But sleep would not come. A fountain of mixed emotions and questions spewed continuously through her mind. The whole thing seemed so surreal and incredible to the point of being absurd. Still…if her mother were alive then…well the possibilities were endless. Kourtney pondered these over and over as the transport flew silently and indeterminately towards their destination. She was surprised some time later when she felt the slight bump that indicated that they had landed. Looking up, she saw Headmistress Echo standing up.

"Time to go" she said "we're here."

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"What the…" Echo heard Stacy say. The storage facility was pitch black, the nighttime lights that had bathed their surroundings in an unnatural red glow had gone out leaving them in total darkness. Looking around, Erin could see the faint glow of green exit lights in the distance, but otherwise she could discern nothing, not even her own hand just inches away from her face.

"What happened?" she said.

"I don't know…" said Stacy fumbling for her flashlight "something must have failed…"

But before Stacy could finish her speculation all the lights in the storage facility flashed on, blinding everyone with intense white light. All five women instinctively covered their eyes with their hands to protect themselves from the sudden brilliant flash. Erin's eyes started watering and she rubbed them, clearing the tears away.

But before she could regain her sight she heard Kelly say "Oh no!"

Rubbing the last of the tears away she forced her eyes open and her mouth dropped open in disbelief. Surrounding them and blocking every exit were guards from the detention center, dressed in grey uniforms and wearing body armor. But this was not what startled Erin the most for standing at the end of the aisle was a small group of women most of whom Erin instantly recognized: Alex, Laura, Prudence, and Katrina. Erin tried to recover her composure but the sight of Katrina and the others standing calmly just feet away made her heart sink. Katrina! How could it be? It was impossible that she could have found out…

"I can see by the look on your face that you are surprised" said Katrina mater-of-factly.

"But how…" stammered Erin still trying to recover from her shock.

"How did I know you would be here tonight?"

Erin nodded her head, speechless her mind whirling, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Our agent informed us as the exact time" said Katrina.

"But…but that's impossible!" said Erin.

"Given the circumstances, it is not only clearly possible, but in fact demonstrably true" replied Katrina.

"But we found the crackers you gave India…" began Erin.

"And neutralized the communications of our agents near your 'Ranch', as I believe you call it" said Katrina completing her statement.

"Then how could India have signaled you? We blocked all communications well before leaving" said Erin. "It's impossible that she could have alerted you."

"Yes, I quite agree" said Katrina.

"Then how?" said Erin.

"You are standing next to the answer" replied Katrina.

Erin looked at the memory block in her hand and at the open door of the container. "But we checked everything. Besides you could have never gotten here this quickly even if a signal was sent from here."

Katrina permitted herself a slight smile and said "You are ignoring the obvious, as you continue to focus on the improbable."

"But I don't understand" said Erin more confused than ever.

"Yes that is clear. Let's see if I can help you a bit. Betrayal is perhaps the oldest and most effective method of overcoming your adversaries."

"But you already said that India could not have signaled us."

"True, but is India standing besides you?"

Erin turned her head sharply and looked at Cathy, who was standing solemnly next to her. As she looked into her lover's eyes, Cathy looked away, past her and towards Katrina. "No…I can't believe it!" she said.

"And that is why you have failed" said Katrina. "I don't think that I need to elaborate on the consequences". Nodding at one of the detention center guards, who moved towards Erin, she continued, "The good captain here will be placing you under arrest. Unfortunately for you and your comrades your raiding days have come to an end, forever."

The captain approached Erin and grabbing her forearm said "By the authority granted me by the state I place you under arrest. The charges are attempted theft, unlawful entry into a government facility, and aiding and abetting the escape of government prisoners."

"What?" said Erin, shaking off the captain's hand on her arm.

Katrina nodded again to the captain, who took a step back from Erin and waited.

"I should caution you" said Katrina "not to make matters worse by resisting arrest. Don't throw away the last remaining opportunities that are available to you and your companions."

Erin forced herself to remain calm. She had discussed what might happen with Cassandra and the others in the event that they were caught inside the storage facility. The discussion and been a grim one with Cassandra cautioning them to expect no less than a decade of servitude (and probably worse) if they were caught. Unlawful entry and theft were serious offenses she had warned. Erin had been ready to accept the risks and the penalties. However she had not expected to be charged with other crimes, especially something infinitely more serious like aiding the escape of government prisoners…"What nonsense is this? You know why we came here. That much is obvious. But we never tried to help anyone escape."

"Maybe" Katrina said. "But we will have to leave that to your judicial investigation for a final decision."

"What!" Erin replied. "You know that's a lie! What prisoners are we supposed to be helping to escape?"

"My dear, although your companion Stacy is extremely technically competent, it was quite impossible for her to know that just a week ago this facility underwent some minor (but at least from your point of view), significant changes to its power systems. In particular, the facility lighting is now linked in some subtle ways with the lighting in the detention center next door. I can't say that I understand the technical details, but I am sure the state will explain them to you, later. In any event, when Stacy interfered with the power in here, it caused an interruption to the power in the detention center, causing the lights to go out in there as well. Now perhaps the matter will be decided in your favor, but as the captain here will be happy to explain, this could have easily resulted in significant problems next door and in particular the escape of at least some of the detainees there."

Erin was dumbfounded. They had clearly been out maneuvered at every turn, just as Cathy had feared. She had no doubt that the recent changes to the power in the building were not a coincidence as Katrina implied. Zax had known about their plans for sometime. But how? Erin could not believe that Cathy had betrayed them. "You hinted that Cathy betrayed us. I don't believe it. Perhaps you have been engaged in some dubious activities also, activities that might not bear closer scrutiny.

Katrina laughed and said "My dear! You still refuse to accept the obvious. I can assure you that your friend Cathy was a willing and active agent on our behalf. However you do raise an important point, I would prefer not to, how shall we put it, publicize her participation. After all there are others that may be adversely affected by such 'scrutiny ´as you call it."

Erin looked at Cathy again but her gaze remained fixed on Katrina. "You're lying!" said Erin, but she had begun to doubt her convictions, and her voice betrayed her wavering certainty.

Katrina shrugged and said "Have it your way then. It makes little difference." Motioning to the captain she continued "as our business here is concluded…"

"Wait!" said Erin thinking furiously. It was impossible to believe that Cathy would betray them. She had been against the idea of raiding the storage facility from the beginning, and once they had agreed to execute their plan she had been a reluctant but albeit active, willing and even invaluable participant. Besides, what motive could she possibly have…"You would have us believe that Cathy betrayed us, but I think there is something else you are trying to hide. You hinted as much. Why should Cathy cooperate with you and against her friends?"

Katrina looked at Erin coldly and said "For the simplest of reasons: blood is thicker than water."

Erin frowned. Katrina was taunting her by talking in riddles. She was clearly trying to cover something up, but what? The mere fact that she had decided to come here and participate in their capture was telling. Erin knew that she was missing something, something obvious that she had clearly overlooked. In the back of her mind she struggled with an elusive thought that was now nagging her, like a forgotten name or word that lies just out of memory's reach. But the more Erin struggled the more it eluded her. "What are you talking about" said Erin.

"Why Cathy's daughter of course" said Karina.

Erin was shocked. Looking at Cathy again she said "What…" But she stopped as her eyes followed Cathy's gaze. She was not looking at Katrina as she had first surmised, but rather past her at the petite blond young woman standing besides Echo. Erin had not paid the pair any attention up till now, but the resemblance was unmistakable now that she looked more closely. The girl was perhaps 18 or 20 years of age and she had Cathy's eyes and…"No!" she said. "It's impossible!"

"You keep insisting on denying what has been clearly demonstrated as fact" said Katrina.

"But how…" began Erin, her mind fighting to find a rational explanation. She had no doubt that the young woman next to Echo was Cathy's daughter. The physical resemblance was striking. But how was this possible? She had known Cathy almost all her adult life; the last twenty years of which they had pretty much spent together. When could she possibly have had a daughter? And why had she not mentioned it? Then the realization hit Erin like a slap across the face and she could feel her knees become weak as the blood drained out of her face. Twenty years…no! It couldn't be! "Cathy…"

But there were tears in Cathy's eyes and Erin could see that she was struggling with her emotions, fighting to keep control of herself. "Please Cathy…say its not so" said Erin.

Kelly looked at Stacy and then at Erin and said "I don't understand. Cathy has a daughter? How is this possible?" But Erin remained silent, her gaze fixed on Cathy. Becoming frustrated Kelly said "Will someone please explain?"

Katrina sighed and said "It's all rather straight forward, if not a somewhat sorted affair. If you recall Cathy spent some time with us on Zax Island about two decades ago, when you tried to pay us a nocturnal visit. She has obviously neglected to tell you the details of her stay."

Kelly remembered the raid on the Island and how Cathy had been captured and forced to spend almost a year there before they had secured her release. A year in which…"Surely you're not implying that she had a child while she was on the Island" said Kelly.

"Like I said, apparently Cathy neglected to supply you with the details."

'But why? How?" said Kelly.

"The why and how are simple enough. After her capture, she was immediately arrested. Her judicial investigation was held on the Island; Zax of course supplied her with the best of legal counsel, but I'm afraid the facts were quite clear and the evidence overwhelming. Within a week, she was convicted and sentenced to diapered servitude. Zax requested that her case be sealed from public view. The request was granted, along with another request that she be sold at private auction to…"

"Zax" completed Stacy.

"Yes, quite so" said Katrina.

"But how did she…" said Kelly.

"Get pregnant?" said Katrina.

Pregnant! Oh no! "Surely you didn't…" began Stacy.

"But, of course" said Katrina. "Zax was still engaged in its breading program, and the slave Mari had tragically and suddenly lost her fetus; the very night of your raid, in fact. They tell me that given her age, this was not unexpected. Unfortunately, there were complications that left her unable to repeat the processes, so Cathy was substituted instead."