"What? No. I was just thinking—"
"It's okay, kid. You're right — I am too old. Plus, I got terminal cancer. Don't look at me like that — I lived my life. Seen countries rise and fall, wars and ceasefires. The technology boom. The Aberrations, the Devastation, the Imperial War, and now this. The Cataclysm. I guess if I gotta go out, why not at the end of the world? I plan on barbecuing and drinking beer the day it happens. I take this little trip because I have five kids. Eight grandkids. They're all together at home. Waiting. Scared, but together. Loved, you know what I'm saying?"
I nodded, a lump forming in my throat.
He went on, eyes practically closed. "I figure if there's a chance, any chance at all I can save one — just one of those babies… well, I can rest in peace. Knowing I did everything I could. Gave everything I had. That's what it's all about in the end."
"Yeah, I guess."
His eyes snapped open, and his volume shot back up to full blast. "You guess? What's wrong with you, son? Where's your enthusiasm? What are you, sixteen?"
"No, I'm twenty years old, man."
"Who cares? The point is you're a kid. So what if the world is about to go down the drain. Where's your fighting spirit? Where's your grit? You've got the best shot of anyone in this district. You're Havenbound, boy! You're like a goddamned unicorn or leprechaun or something. You should be grinning from ear to ear. You got a shot no one else around here has. Don't be ashamed of it. Revel in it! Keep the fire burning, kid. Carry the torch. Live for the rest us who get left behind. You're the future now. You can be anything you set your mind to. Don't waste that chance. Don't let it all be for nothing."
Well, that had to be about the corniest speech I'd ever heard, but you'd never know it by the way everyone around got to nodding and agreeing from their seats. The tram slowed to halt at the LA station, and they all couldn't wait to get out their seats to clap me on the back, shake my hand, and generally act like I was some war hero coming home. I couldn't believe it. People act strange sometimes, they really do. I couldn't wait to exit stage left as soon as possible. I was so ready to get tossed in a hibernation chamber and take a two-hundred-year nap just to get away from it all.
I looked at the old man. "You're not getting off?"
"No, they'll tell me if there's a cancellation. Fat chance, but the ride is fun. Take care, kid. Make a name for yourself out there."
I nodded and joined the passengers as they exited. Stepping into the station was like stepping into another world. Everything was new and streamlined, like some science fiction movie set. Androids were everywhere, serving as most of the security and staff. A black-armored guard stopped me with a stiff arm into my chest. Its voice was suitably deep and intimidating.
"Verify your identity."
I had already been drilled about the protocol, so I looked up to allow the robot cop to perform an eye scan. I didn't know that meant blinding me with a laser from his fingertip. He followed the torture with a needle stab to my thumb.
"Authenticated as Lewis McKnight, a lottery winner from district forty-two. Report to Orientation for processing." It thrust a finger that direction in case I missed the huge sign indicating the way.
I joined a few other people going in that direction. We all seemed a little lost and nervous, to be honest. Everyone else had full rolling racks of luggage with them, most of which was taking by gleaming silver robot baggage handlers. I was the only idiot who didn't bring anything at all, not even a toothbrush. I got a few odd looks from the rest of them because of that, I guess.
I mean, I really hadn't thought about how long it would be before they put us in hibernation. Was it days, weeks, or months? It could have been months. I didn't know. The Haven sent me an introductory email with a video presentation, but I'd never gotten around to watching it. I'd regret not bringing a change of clothes if it turned out to be a long wait. Unless they put everyone in jumpsuits. In sci-fi movies, everyone walks around in tight jumpsuits. Seeing as how I was pretty skinny, I hoped that wouldn't be the case.
One of the newbies jerked his head at a small crowd of people waiting behind a barricade. "Look at them. Like vultures."
I glanced over. "Who are they?"
He stared as if I'd cursed his mom. "You telling me you don't know?"
"Should I?"
"They call themselves Hopefuls. Show up every day, hoping someone will miss their orientation so they can take the slot."
I grinned. "You telling me you wouldn't do the same thing if it were you on the other side?"
He didn't seem to appreciate my candor, stepping up his pace to get to the front of the line. I didn't mind. He reminded me of one of the main reasons why I'd been so hesitant to get to the Haven in the first place. Just the idea of spending the next hundred years or so bunched up with a bunch of snobs like him was about the last thing I wanted to do.
I took another look at the Hopefuls. Just a bunch of random people, waiting for a near-impossible chance to escape the doom coming around the corner. A woman in the front caught my eye for some reason. It wasn't because she was beautiful or anything. She was pretty plain-looking, to be honest. I think it was just the expression on her face as she stared up at the list of names on the billboard. It was a pleading look, like a silent prayer while waiting for a one-in-a-million chance. Her hand stroked her swollen belly as if to soothe the unborn child who had no idea of the dire situation he or she was in.
It was pretty sad to see. I tried to focus on my own situation. Like the old man said, I needed to see the sunny side of the whole thing. I had a chance most people would kill for. Past time to start appreciating it.
Before I knew it, I was at the counter across from a cheerful dark-haired woman. It looked like she had way too much makeup on, but then I realized she was an android. I don't understand the fixation on making them look human in the first place. It kind of creeps me out, like a mannequin come to life or something.
She flashed perfect teeth in a convincing smile. "Welcome to the Haven of Angels, Mr. McKnight. My name is Flo, and I'll be assisting you in your orientation. I understand you didn't bring any luggage."
"No, not really."
"That's okay. We'll supply you with everything you need for your transition into Haven life and eventual hibernation. Now if you'll simply follow these simple instructions, you'll find…"
I wanted to pay attention to her, I really did. But my attention drifted, and for whatever reason I found myself looking at the pregnant woman behind the barricade again. A service android approached the group, no doubt informing them that there were no cancellations. The woman nodded, eyes glistening with tears. I watched as she turned to leave with the others.
"Mr. McKnight?"
My attention refocused on the smiling android. There was no warmth in Flo's eyes, though. No emotion, no humanity. I was just an algorithm in her database. A numerical assignment she had to quantify.
I held up a hand. "Wait a minute."
"I'm sorry Mr. McKnight, but we have to continue the process. If you'll simply sign right here—"
"I don't want to go."
"I understand if you're having second thoughts. Many first-timers have similar feelings. That's why we have counselors on site. I can pair you up with one to help you negotiate this difficult decision."
"No, it's not that at all." I paused, feeling my legs tremble. "I… want to transfer my residency. I want to give it to her." I pointed at the pregnant woman.
Flo must have sent a wireless signal to the service android because it motioned for the woman to stop. She paused, obviously confused when told to wait.
Flo activated a holographic screen from the countertop. "Do you understand that your decision is final and that you will not have another opportunity to be selected again once you transfer your slot to someone else?"