He told of the Resistance, of Matt and Billy and all the others who had sacrificed their lives to stop the Project. He talked of Isabella Island and the survival stations that were anything but, and of the destruction of NB219 in New Mexico.
“There’s a base they called Dream Sky,” he said. “The Project filled it with survivors, but it’s not like the stations many of you probably went to for help.” A pause. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
The shot changed to one from inside a ward at Dream Sky. The camera panned across the room full of occupied beds. Unlike when Ash had first seen the wards, those lying there were now awake. The camera came to rest on a close shot of one of the patients, a prominent physician that many would recognize from her role as the former Danish prime minister.
“I am Dr. Nina Clausen,” the woman said, her voice surprisingly strong given her ordeal. “I and the twelve hundred other scientists, doctors, scholars, and engineers who have been held at Dream Sky against our will are like you. The only difference is that we have just learned what happened, and that most of the people we knew are dead.”
She described Dream Sky and its purpose. Chloe was nearby, ready to take over if Dr. Clausen didn’t have enough energy to finish, but the former prime minister showed no signs of getting tired until the end.
When she was done, Ash took over again, bringing the story up to date by telling of the coordinated effort across the world against the Project, and the taking of NB016.
“For most of you, this is the first time you’ve learned what’s really been going on. But there are even more out there who aren’t watching right now. I ask that you spread the word. Tell them what we have told you. If they can get to a working television, they can watch this message. We’ll be putting it on a loop and playing it for as long as necessary.
“So, where do we go from here?” He smiled. “It’s not a question for me alone to answer. We will all be a part of deciding our future.”
He paused for several seconds. “The one thing I do know is that if the human race is to continue, it will begin with all of us coming together.”
February 11th
World Population
700,405,916
31
A celebration was held at Ward Mountain a month after Ash made his broadcast to the world. It would have occurred sooner, but Project Eden forces had fought back in several locations, trying to retake what had been lost. Ash had felt it necessary to stay at NB016 so he could help coordinate efforts and ensure that those left fighting for the Project didn’t gain a toehold they could use to rise again. After things settled down, he had left Powell in charge and returned to his children in Nevada.
The day was surprisingly pleasant for midwinter in the desert, so the festivities began with a barbecue outside. Not only were all the base residents there, but the survivors living in Ely — those from Isabella Island and several other groups that’d joined them in the past few weeks — were bused in.
“I suggest the corn bread,” Brandon said as he, Josie, and Ash worked their way through the buffet line. “Had to go all over the place to find enough boxes of mix.”
“You went?” Ash said, raising an eyebrow.
“Sure, why not?” Brandon said.
“Bonnie and Jim from supply went with him,” Josie said.
Brandon frowned at her. “Only because no one’s supposed to go out alone.” He glanced at his dad. “I could have done it by myself, though.”
Ash had no doubt his son could have. Though both his kids still had several years to go before they reached eighteen, what they’d lived through since the night their mother had died had forced them to grow up fast. He’d like to think that now Brandon and Josie could go back to being children again, but he knew that wasn’t going to happen. Just because they no longer had to worry about the Project didn’t mean life was suddenly going to be easy. In fact, Ash was pretty sure it was only going to get harder.
Chloe had saved them seats at one of the picnic tables that had been set up. Also there were Rachel, Pax, Robert, and Estella.
Food was eaten, toasts were made, and alcohol consumed.
“I talked to Sanjay this morning,” Rachel announced. “He wanted me to tell everyone that he and Kusum and their friends wish they could be here with us.”
“How’s he doing?” Ash asked.
“Still a bit weak. But the doctors expect a full recovery.”
“Glad to hear that. I’d, um, I’d like to go see him.”
Josie’s fork paused midway to her mouth as she turned to her father.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere without you and your brother.”
“You’re not the only one who wants to go,” Rachel said. “We’ll get something arranged soon.”
The rest of the meal was accompanied by stories, all greeted with laughter and nods and moments of quiet reflection. At some point, music began playing and people danced.
“Come on, Dad,” Josie said, pulling at Ash’s arm.
“I don’t know, sweetie. I’m not a very good dancer.”
She motioned at the crowd on the makeshift dance floor. “Neither is Pax, but he’s out there.”
“Go on, coward,” Chloe said, pushing at his back. “Dance with your daughter. In fact…” She stood up and grabbed Brandon’s hand. “How about you and me showing them how it’s done?”
As Chloe and his son walked off, Ash relented, and was glad he did.
Sometime later, as the sun neared the horizon and the air cooled, Ash was standing alone, looking out into the vast nothingness, when he heard people approach.
“Dreaming of winning the lotto?” Chloe said.
“Always.”
When he turned, he saw she was with a younger woman of twenty or so.
“Wanted to introduce you to someone,” Chloe said. “This is Belinda Ramsey. She’s one of the people who escaped from the Chicago survival station.”
Ash held out his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
As they shook, she said, “It’s an honor to meet you, Captain.”
“Belinda’s a writer,” Chloe told him. “She’s volunteered to document everything that’s happened.”
“Ah, right,” Ash said. “My kids told me about you. Said you asked them a lot of questions.”
“Yeah, that’s kind of the job,” Belinda said, with an embarrassed smile. “They were very nice to put up with me, and very helpful.”
“So you’re going to write the history, is that it?”
“Pretty much. I was, um, hoping I could schedule some time with you?” she said.
“You should talk to Chloe. She knows more than I do.”
“She’s already hit me up,” Chloe said. “We’re talking in the morning. That does not get you out of it, though.”
“Okay, okay,” Ash said. “I’d be happy to talk to you, Belinda. Can you give me a couple of days, though?”
“Of course. No problem. Whenever you can. I can’t tell you how much I’d appreciate that.” She turned to walk away as if she feared staying there longer would give him time to change his mind, but then she stopped and pulled a flat manila envelope out of her bag. After a few hesitant seconds, she held it out to him. “Here.”
Taking the envelope, he asked, “What’s this?”