NOBODY'S LAND

June 2133

That night, after Maia left my flat, I sat on the sofa, staring at the floor. My jumbled thoughts wouldn’t let me focus on anything, with all the new emotions overwhelming me. Not knowing how to deal with it, I tucked these feelings away and carried on with my days. After that, I returned to work at the hospital, and once I stepped into the building, Takashi informed me that Vital, the head nurse from the blood bank, was waiting for me in my office.
“Good morning, how are you? Dr. Taylor would like to see you. Shall we go to him?” This man respected no time I asked for. I walked slowly, very grumpy. It was only eight in the morning, I barely arrived at my work, and Taylor was already calling me.
We reached the quietest sector, despite being packed with people. Among them were those participating in research or those who would donate or receive blood.
When I stepped into his office, Taylor was already waiting for me. He came from Kinshasa, the Eighth City.
“Good morning. Good to see you.” He smiled and gestured for me to sit. “Sorry to bother you, but you should know…”
I sat down, frowning. “She agreed to send samples of her blood, but she won’t come here.”
Taylor stared at me with bright eyes. “Would she agree if we paid?”
“Believe me, she’s not that kind of person.” I smiled soberly. But who knew what kind of person she really was?
He put his hand on his chin, thoughtful. “Alright, we’ll have to work with that. Is it okay if we collect weekly samples? It would suffice for the research I’m conducting.”
“I suppose that won’t be a problem.” I shrugged.
“Where can we find her? I can send a droid to collect the samples.” Taylor looked at me expectantly.
“That’s not necessary. She’ll only agree if I collect them myself.”
He pursed his lips in disagreement. “Won’t that be inconvenient for you?”
I shook my head. “It’s fine. When do you need the first sample?” I wanted to end this conversation quickly.
“This week, if possible. Then weekly collections.” He smiled, trying not to sound imposing.
“I’ll check my schedule. You’ll be notified.” I stood up, hearing his thanks in the background.
I messaged Maia and we agreed to meet next Friday.
I went through my week calmly, receiving results and issuing reports for CogniSynth. Although I had a bad feeling, especially because I would see Maia so soon, I still wanted to meet her. When Friday arrived, the thought of our meeting made my heart skip. It was so strong that I wanted to smile for no apparent reason. The worst part was when Takashi gave me dreadful news:
“A volunteer died from complete failure of the cerebral cortex neurons.”
I opened the research policy he sent me. Volunteers received a daily fee, but in case of severe damage or even death, they or a designated person received the prize. A sum which, according to Morey, was a ticket to Zênite.
“Hmm, alright…” I almost smiled. “As serious as it is, this was expected.” I stifled a laugh, covering my mouth. Takashi remained apathetic. I cleared my throat, composing myself. “Contact UNITED Insurance and notify the designated contact. It’s the first volunteer we’ve lost, and I hope it’s the last,” I said very seriously, sending him the certified insurance.
The time to meet Maia arrived. I gathered the equipment for blood collection and went to Centralia. While waiting, with the sun rays warming my face, I closed my eyes. Then a shadow fell over me. I opened my eyes and Maia was there in front of me. Close, too close. I let out a muffled scream, putting my hand on my chest.
She laughed. “Did I scare you? It wasn’t my intention. Did you wait long?”
“No.” The tingling in my stomach worsened.
“Alright. Shall we go inside?”
The place was familiar… it was… that hotel/café from the night I blacked out? I recognised the place where Maia left me sleeping that night. Everyone looked at us, but returned to what they were doing instantly. We headed for the room.
Maia was wearing a blouse, even in almost dry weather.
“Don’t you feel hot?” I asked as she opened the door.
“I don’t mind.”
I tried to stay calm with her blunt reply.
The huge window illuminated the reddish interior, making me feel less nauseous. Maia took off her jacket, revealing a black T-shirt underneath. I could see the scars on her arm and neck.
Was that why she was wearing the jacket?
She sat on the sofa, and I stood in front of her. We both stared at each other.
“C’mon, I don’t bite, y’know?” She tapped the sofa. I forced a timid smile and sat next to her. “Unless you ask,” she whispered so close to my ear, blowing her breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
Pretending not to hear what she said, aware of the slight blush on my cheeks. I took the blood sample collector and asked for her arm. Normally, the Rhea androids collected the blood, as they were able to localise the blood flow with precision. I only found one good vein in her hand to draw blood from.
“Wow, your blood flow is terrible. You need to drink more water.”
I received only silence as her response, as always. Despite her sharp eyes watching my every move, she seemed tense, with an expression I would recognise from miles away. Was she afraid of needles? I sanitised the area and was ready to start when she signalled me to stop.
“Just a moment.” Her eyes followed the needle. I couldn’t help but laugh, and she grimaced. “Hey.”
“You get beaten up, get multiple broken bones, and are afraid of a simple needle?”
“It’s not that… it’s…” She closed her eyes, letting out a long sigh. “You can go.”
I chuckled. When the needle went in, she flinched. “Finished.” I took the blood sample stored in a transparent container.
She stared at the object. “Wow, this is my bloo…” Her blood pressure dropped immediately. Seconds later, she woke up, looking around. “Wh-what?”
I shook my head, laughing. “Unbelievable.”
“Is that it, then?” she asked, reverting to her cold demeanour. Those glimpses of vulnerability she let slip usually lasted a few seconds, until she wore the mask of indifference again.
“That’s it. The research lead would like you to donate these samples weekly. Will that be a problem for you?
“No, not at all. Send me a message, and I…” She leaned closer, and I could see all freckles on her face. “I’ll make time for you.”
I quickly moved away and stood up. “Alright. So, until ne…”
“Hey, hey… what’s the rush? There’s a floor here with large windows. You can see a beautiful sunset. If you wanna join me.” Her voice was almost inaudible as the words faded from her mouth. Maia looked at me expectantly.
I sighed but agreed. It’s not like I had anything else to do anyway.
We arrived at the 165th, an empty floor made of concrete with vast windows, nothing more. The smell of paint permeated the atmosphere, as if the place had just been built.
I approached the glass, focusing on the view, when Maia put her arms around my shoulders, catching me off guard.
A multitude of buildings covered the horizon, but the sunset peeked through the metals and polluted sky. However, I couldn’t focus on the landscape anymore. All my attention was on Maia’s arm around me, her hands resting on my right shoulder. A subtle touch, but due to my heightened awareness of it, her touch weighed on me. Her chest moved as she breathed.
Details, just details, I thought nervously. How long does she intend to stay like this? There was no way. I was inevitably aware of her.
“I-it’s beautiful,” I stammered.
She sighed. Her breath brushed against my neck. Oh dear.
“Not as beautiful as the view from your place, but I like it,” she whispered in my ear.
I was like prey in front of the predator. A predator with hands on the prey, enjoying playing with it.
Maia straightened up, and I felt her eyes on me. Realising I couldn’t sustain her gaze, I continued to admire the sunset, trying to focus on the orange and faded gray tones. We stayed silent for a long time until night fell upon us.
“Shall we go?” She squeezed me a little more, shaking all my structures. Why was my heart racing like crazy?
“Yeah.”
At the entrance, Maia stayed by my side and stood still, as if waiting, I don’t know what, but she was waiting.
“So, are you gonna… wait for the bus?”
“Oh, sure.” I snapped out of my reverie, opening the holoscreen. “Okay, it’ll arrive in ten minutes.” I subtly moved on my heels.
“Uh-huh.”
I looked everywhere except at her. Isn’t she going to say goodbye? This was the time she’d say farewell, right? My thoughts were swirling. She always left first. Anyway, the notification that the bus was nearing honked. I walked towards the stop.
“Are you not going to say goodbye?” Maia gently grabbed my arm.
Goodbye? Huh? “Y-yes… of course. See you,” I quickly said, hiding my embarrassment.
She let go, smiling tenderly. “See you.”
I felt her gaze on my back as I got on the bus. When I looked out the window, she was already gone.

***

“Hey,” Kiara’s voice entered my head. “Hey!”
I snapped out of my reverie, surrounded by a grey mist with a yellowish dust mingling within the fog.
“Finally. Put on the mask,” she pointed to my face. “The mask.”
“Okay.” I placed it on, surprised by its lightness.
“Look at me.”
A holograph appeared beside her, displaying all her information:
Name: Kiara - Type: android - Age: unknown - Class: Aurum - Status: Inactive
“See? The mask’s nanites interface with your nervous system. It only affects you while you’re wearing it. Now pay close attention to what I’m about to say: we’re entering Nobody’s Lands. When we get there, avoid speaking. If someone talks to you, ignore them. I’ve set you in as an active Class 1 mercenary.” She parked the car. “Let me do the talking, ‘kay?”
“Okay.” My voice sounded strange.
“If all goes well, we’ll get information on your contract.” Her expression darkened. “Now, pull the seat next to you. It’s simple, just pull it up.”
I put my hand in the gap, easily pulling up the seat, and what was inside made my eyes widen. My blood ran cold. WHAT WAS THIS?
Before me lay an enormous arsenal of weapons, accessories, bullets, even explosives.
“Take one. It should be right in front of you. It’s already loaded.”
“B-but…” What was she asking of me? I swallowed hard. “I-I…”
“Don’t worry, you won’t use it. It’s just that every mercenary carries a weapon.” She must have noticed my panic. “Hey, relax. I’m here. You won’t use it. Just holster it on your hip.” Kiara winked.
I had never imagined touching a gun. Just the thought of the possibility… I took a deep breath. My hands were shaking. She said I wouldn’t use it. So I wouldn’t use it. I almost dropped the revolver but decided to grip it with exaggerated firmness. As soon as I touched it, a connection ran through my nerves. I saw a holograph: No target. Six loaded bullets. None triggered.
Kiara continued, “All weapons connect to your nervous system to enhance efficiency in their use.”
The fear and weight of holding it were overwhelming to me. I searched for the right words amidst a sea of confusion. “I-I… I don’t… want to know about these things. I want to save lives, not take them.”
“I know, I know. It’s just for the show.”
My self-confidence plummeted to zero. I blew air through pursed lips. It was only temporary. I holstered it and tried to forget that the gun was there.
In Nobody’s Lands, the white mist disappeared, giving way to winds filled with yellowish dust, a mad mix of chemicals and harmful agents. Piles of trash, stacks of bones… A bile rose in my throat. A pile of bodies. Some of them looked freshly dead.
I closed my eyes, burning with the urge to vomit.
“Don’t do that.”
My tear-filled eyes met hers. I was about to break down, but I held myself together as much as I could.
“Hold on tight, alright? You can do it. Right?” She gave me a reassuring smile.
No, I couldn’t. How could anyone endure this situation? It was too much.
“Hey, relax. It’ll be okay.”
I thought of Maia and forced back the tears. She had been here long before me, when she was just a child. I had to endure. I wiped my watery eyes, composing myself.
“Better?” Kiara asked in a calm voice.
“Y-yes, I’m okay.”
“Good. Ready?”
“Yes.” I tried to sound confident, but I must have sounded desperate.
As soon as she stepped out of the car, I followed.
“Stay close,” she whispered.
It took me a while to get used to the sight. Swirling, hot winds mingled with dense yellow clouds. Corrupted holograms displayed firearm ads and war imagery. Stacks of electronic devices, from ages long past to hundreds of useless prosthetics, rose many meters from the ground. Among them, stacked one on top of the other, were metallic tents where people made their homes.
As we advanced, everyone avoided looking at us. Or rather, they avoided looking at Kiara. She carried an enormous machine gun on her back. I wondered when she had put that on, but I was too distracted to even think about it.
Finally, we arrived at a commercial centre. Crowded tents and fervent shouts from robotic device vendors filled the air. Sweaty mercenaries, armed to the teeth and accompanied by fierce animals, glared at anyone who dared to look at them. But what shocked me the most was the number of children. Armed children.
I averted my gaze, unable to continue seeing that situation. No, I had to look. Maia had been one of them.
We stopped in front of a large rusted aluminium door. The side walls were made of compacted trash bins. I avoided thinking about the smell, grateful for wearing the mask. The place was so horrible that I wondered how it could exist.
We entered a closed environment. Doors opened on both sides, and businesses sold more technological items like implants, although some were outdated versions. People crowded the bars and virtual reality rooms. Casino holograms enticed, with pixelated money flying around. People screamed excitedly or fought against the machines. A hologram at the entrance said, “No robotic parts accepted. Only e-coins. Don’t insist.”
In the virtual reality area, players had tubes connecting their mouths and private parts. I blinked, completely perplexed. What the hell was that? Was their addiction so great that they had to eat and excrete through tubes? A brown liquid passed through one, answering my question.
I turned forward, still in shock. Ew, how disgusting.
In the other entrance, two Class 8 mercenaries, holding machine guns, scrutinised us.
“Who do you wanna talk to, mate?” one of them asked in a high-pitched voice.
“Cron.”
“He’s in the usual spot. You know where. In that throne.”
The other chuckled at his observation. “Are you here for the thirteen million contract, right?” He smiled, revealing missing teeth. “Second inactive Aurum to show up today.”
Kiara grunted, sounding disinterested.
“Do ya know who was the first?” The other elbowed him to shut up, but he continued laughing.
“Whatever.” She said impatiently. “Move aside.”
Both obeyed without blinking. I followed her, and one whispered, “I think he hasn’t finished yet. What about you? Wanna bet? An arm?”
Then the voices faded behind us.
We passed a bar, where Kiara entered the first of three doors, then we crossed a dark corridor where sticky greenish liquid oozed from the walls, until we reached another bar. A woman slept with a gun in her hands, and a guy followed us with his eyes.
A giant man was sitting on a golden toilet. He was probably almost two meters tall, with strong tattooed arms and a belly like a tank. His mask had a shark mouth design, with two tubes connecting to a tank on his back, filled with a reddish liquid. His blond hair reached his shoulders, matching his dangerous gray eyes. But there was something friendly about him.
I was standing before the mercenary leader, Cron, a 42-year-old cyborg.
Below, two people knelt before him. An android without arms and a young woman. I noticed blood splatters on her front and glanced down at Cron’s bloodied hands. His gaze was full of hate towards them. I wanted so badly to close my eyes, but then I remembered where I was. I stood tall. What the hell was that?
“Kiara,” his voice thundered.
“Cron.”
“To what do I owe this honour?”
“You know.”
“Course, course, the contract. But first, how about a little help?” He raised an eyebrow, settling into his throne. “I’m in a dilemma here. See these little shits? I don’t know if I should shoot her in the head and his damn chest…” He chuckled at that. His laugh sent shivers down my spine. “Or take them to the chamber. Yeah… that chamber.”
“Depends on what they did.” She shrugged.
“Tsk. They stole my kid, my little piglet, my baby. The bastards took Malani’s mask off, and he died.”
“Malani was already old. You were prolonging his life for too long. They did an act of mercy.”
Cron banged on the aluminium. “SO WHAT? He was my pig. The person who gave him to me died. She can’t give me another pig.” His lunatic eyes widened, and I held back from trembling.
“Da fuck? Buy another one,” she said, following his crazy conversation. What kind of talk was that?
He stopped, looking around. “It’s not a shit advice. So, you suggest the shot?”
“Yes, the shot.”
Shot? What…
The colossal man rose swiftly, drew his gun from the holster with astonishing speed, and shot the android in the chest. I dug my nails into my palms, trying not to flinch, knowing he had destroyed the android’s core, which carried its entire existence, forever. It was impossible to even retrieve its data.
Cron descended the steps towards us, bringing with him a dark cloud. I wanted to step back but fought to stay put. I couldn’t falter in the face of such a terrifying presence.
“Who’s this?”
“My apprentice.”
“Apprentice?” He grimaced. “How about our little mercenary here learns a lesson?” He reached out, placing the gun in his fingertips. “Shoot that little shit over there.”
Cron leaned over me, scrutinising, reading my soul. I held my breath, tensing all my muscles, struggling to meet his fierce gaze.
“She’s my apprentice.”
“And? Let’s see what she’s learned.” His eyes smiled wickedly.
“Cron!” Kiara barked.
“C’mon, dear, show us what you can do.”
I swallowed hard, saliva slow to descend. A shiver ran down my spine. Then, the deafening blast of a gunshot rang in my ears. I blinked, regretting it instantly. Cron stopped smiling, instead looking at me with curiosity.
He straightened up, holstering the gun. “You’re a killjoy.”
Blood spread across the floor. This time bile rose, burning in my throat, forcing my strength not to vomit. My eyes teared up and I wanted to cry. I wanted to collapse to the ground, but I stood firm, chaining my emotions. Every part of me ached with the desire to scream and run, but I rooted myself firmly.
“So be it. I’ve solved your problem.”
“Yeah. So, the thirteen million contract, right?”
“Yes. What are the terms?”
“They’ve paid half and want the target alive. The meeting’s at Iron Ruins.” He cleaned dirt from his nails. “More of the same. It’s an easy target. The Aurums will only get involved if it’s switched to ultra-hard. If you’re thinking of taking this contract, you’ll have to wait.”
I caught on the word ‘easy’, dismayed to know I was an easy target. What did that mean after all? That they could get me anytime?
“And to rescind?” Kiara’s question cut through the air, changing the mood.
Cron raised his head, furrowing his brow. “Rescind?”
I followed his discreet gaze. The woman, once asleep, now had one eye open, alert. The man with her also aimed our way.
“You have to speak to the Mother or Father to rescind this contract.”
Kiara clenched her teeth. “Shit. Speak to them?”
I lowered my eyes. How could they act like nothing had happened? As if Kiara hadn’t just taken a life? My palms hurt from clenching them. I bit my lip hard, unable to process what had happened seconds ago.
The mercenary clicked his tongue, unexpectedly grabbing us by the shoulder, making our feet move involuntarily. “Alright, alright. I’ll escort you out.”
His bloody hand was heavy but warm. Semi-open wounds lined his ashen skin, creating a crust containing a strange firmness, as if metal lined the inside.
We passed the other two mercenaries, and one asked, “Hey, Cron. Were you done when Kiara showed up?”
“Oh, no. She finished for me.”
Behind us, the two talked.
“You owe me an arm.”
“Why da hell do you want an arm, damn it? You already have two, idiot.”
“Because I want to be like John ‘Five Arms’.”
“John ‘Five Arms’ is a legend. You’re just a damn fool.”
I didn’t hear anything else.
Cron slowed as we reached the commercial centre. “Where’s your car?” he whispered.
Kiara pointed to the car, and we walked there.
Cron let go of us and crossed his arms. “Look, you know the respect I have for you. And for Maia.” He stressed. “Now I’m repaying the favour I owe her. I owe her no more. Even in death, she haunts my dreams. Now I can sleep in peace. It was the only favour I owed anyone.” He stared at me, pointing his finger. “I know, she is the target of the contract.”
“Cron…”
“I know, you know. She’s no mercenary. I can recognise someone from Zênite. You did well, she’s reasonable, enough to fool these idiots.” He gestured. “Why do you wanna protect her? I’m glad you came to me. If you talked to Trix or Denden, things would be very different… Now go your way. I’ll pretend I never saw you. It’s all I can do.”
Kiara seemed more relaxed. “You know, to repay Maia’s favour, you’ll need more than that.”
He closed his eyes and clasped his hands in prayer. “Maia, wherever you are, let my dreams be at peace. One more thing. That guy, the one who came here before… be careful.”
Cron turned his back on us.
It was hard to follow that conversation. The weight in my lungs increased with each held breath, squeezing my heart, speeding up my pulse. Then Cron disappeared, taking with him the immense pressure that had been on me.
I collapsed in tears.
Kiara widened her eyes. I couldn’t speak, just cry. Tears flowed like a waterfall. I cried for the pile of bodies, for the families and children at their mercy. For the android and… that girl. I did nothing. Could I have done something? Damn it, she was just a girl. Just thinking about what Maia went through broke my heart once more.
Warmth enveloped me. Kiara hugged me, murmuring softly. “Shh, shh. It’s okay. I’m here.”
I hugged her back, burying my head in her shoulder. Even amidst this desolate scene, I could trust her.
She stroked my hair. “It’s okay now.”
“I feel like vomiting,” I said between sobs.
“Let’s get outta here then.”
In the car, Kiara handed me a bag. I removed my mask and vomited while still crying. A horrible sense of helplessness hit me to my core. I lay on the seat in a foetal position, wetting it with my tears. I stared into emptiness as Kiara drove. Only after a long time, when I calmed down, did I notice my empty stomach.
“Hold on a bit longer, we’re almost there.”
I rubbed my swollen eyes. I was unsure if I could bear to continue. How did Maia manage it? “Wh-where are we going?”
Kiara looked at me through the rear-view mirror. “To Netheria.”

Chapter end