Beginnings Have An End
Chapter Three: Growing Pains
And heeeeeere she is!
The alarm clock buzzed angrily in Six's sensitive ears. Her small hand batted at the clock, turning it off with a sigh. The humid sunlight of South America danced across the large bed, which she shared with nine of her .
She sat up, the lightweight sheets left behind. Cybers 1 through 10 shared a room with Cybers 11-20, a long bed for each group of ten. Just through the next door, Cyber 29 was probably already awake. For some reason, the two of them had bonded over the few years they'd been capable of long term memory, and they were nearly inseperable-both physically and mentally.
Six took care not to wake her bedmates, but Cyber 10 opened one eye at her. Y'd think, on a weekend, you'd sleep in for a little, he grumbled, and turned over.
Flushing with light embarrassment, she crossed the room and poked her head around the doorframe. 29 was struggling into his blue T-shirt, his shorts already on. Six looked down at the large shirt which she had slept in and shrugged. It would do for now, she decided. It was still early morning, after all, and the others wouldn't wake up for a while yet.
29 rubbed at his nose and looked up, smiling broadly at Six. he whispered, tugging on his small sandals. I found a way onto the outside wall.
Six quietly walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. We're gonna get in trouble, brother.
Nah. We'll be careful. Promise.
But what about the maids-
Shh! Just follow me.
Still apprehensive, but trusting of the younger Cyber, Six followed him out of the room and down the hall.
It was easy to get into the courtyard; it was large and open. Most of the Cybers spent their recreation time in it. 29 led her to an ivy-covered wall. Careful of your feet, he warned, some of the vines have thorns.
I'm not scared, she said defiantly, and began climbing the wall after him.
At the top, he moved over, helping her up with one hand.
She looked out over one of the rare grassy fields of the mansion. Wow...Do you see that tree out there? Six pointed to a cliff, where a bent, old tree hobbled along the edge.
I want to go there and climb it someday soon, 29 said quietly. I hate this stuffy old place.
She looked at him, confused. But why? Momma's very nice and kind to us, and the servants like us, too.
No, they don't, Six. They don't have brains for themselves. Haven't you seen their eyes? They aren't smart. They're creations, like you and me.
Her eyes widened. What are you saying? We're real kids, we are! Momma always says so and she's always right!
29 shook his head. Haven't you noticed how much alike we all look? It's creepy. And look at these clothes. It's like they don't want us to be different. Like we're all mindless slaves.
But we've got minds...Don't we?
29 hugged his (slightly) older sister. Yeah. We've got minds. Don't worry. He leaned his head against her shoulder. But don't you feel cramped in here? Like there's something more you could do, but somehow they won't let you?
Sometimes. But maybe that's because I finished reading all the books in the library.
No...it's something else...something inside us; can't you tell?
You're too smart, 29. Why can't you just be happy? I know something bad's going to happen soon. Can we just enjoy today?
He pointed out at the tree. We're going to climb that tree. It's going to be our special tree.
Our special tree?
Forever n' always.
Eva sighed and twisted the phone cord around her fingers. Vonnie...you're sure?....No, I don't want them to have to.....That's cruel. You can't just let them.....now? No, NO, I won't have that stuff hurting my children!.....That's because they ARE my children. Vonnie, please, you don't understand......they're not your Fixed Idea pets, they have minds and personalities! You should have known....no. I won't. I can't, not yet. They're only six and a half, Vonnie, not yet, please not yet....
She sighed as one of the maids came into the kitchen, a platter of pancakes held in her left hand. There's not another way?...I don't like it. THEY won't like it. But if you want it that way...Yes. Yes, I'll tell them....I know....Yes, I do, but... Eva chewed on her lip. I just don't want you to do this to them. No, no, don't say anything else. I won't do it...Give me one more year....All right. I'll tell them to get it ready when it arrives...Yes. You too. Goodbye. She hung up the phone, and the maid, Laurie, spoke up.
Begging your pardon, ma'am, but what was that all about?
He wants all the Cybers given their first treatment of sustenance. To make them completely dependent on it.
Ah. Insurance policy?
They're just children, Laurie. This could change their lives forever...and he doesn't know about the side effects of it, yet, either. Except that it enhances their muscle power.
Laurie set the platter down. What should we do?
Eva rubbed her temples. He's sending a crate of the sustenance down. When it arrives next week, tell the Cybers to assemble in the medical room, in their lines...and then we'll just have to go from there.
Yes ma'am. Laurie left the room, and Eva slid to the floor.
Vonnie.....WHY must you desire to control the world...and why must you use my beloved children?