then we will be long gone. On the far side of the lake I believe there is another entrance that leads to the surfaces, an entrance that has not been used by anyone for a very long time. I think we may be able to use this as a means of getting to the surface.”
“Ok so we will try to grab as much extra food as we can during dinner so we have enough to feed the two of us on the trip. But once we leave will you be able to take us somewhere to live on the surface? We’ll probably never be able to come back here, people will wonder what has happened to us, there will be questions and we’ll be in a lot of trouble,” said Lili.
“Let’s worry about that when the time comes, for now let’s worry about the immediate need of getting the food we’ll need for our journey,” said Kev.
“There are many places outside of the large cities on the surface of the planet that the A.I. do not inhabit, where we can visit and settle. Perhaps in time we can bring others to the surface so they too can see the true beauty of the planet that belongs to all of humanity,” said Dawn.
“That would be a great thing if we could once again live as our ancestors did,” said Lili with a huge smile.
“Well it’s almost time for dinner, we should eat as much as we can and stash as much as possible without being seen,” said Kev.
“Right, I’ll wear my pants with big pockets,” Lili laughed.
Kev left and went to his room to change while Lil changed into her big pocket pants in preparation to stash as much food as they dared. She told Dawn they would be back soon and to be ready as soon as the lights dimmed.
Kev left the room worried even more than before that Lili was getting herself into far more trouble than she’d ever been. She was talking about breaking the most sacred of rules. He knew he’d have to do something in order to keep her from getting into too much trouble, whatever it was it would be for her own good and he was sure it would be nothing too serious.
After he went to his room and changed he made his way to the chamber of the council. He found councilor Tor pouring over his books. He looked up when he heard Kev enter, “Kev, what can I do for you today?” He asked.
“Councilor Tor, I am worried about Lili, sir. I fear she’s being led astray. There is a strange guardian in the compound telling her lies of a world above ground, telling her how it is filled with beautiful creatures and plants and telling her how we could all go and live there the way our ancestors once did.”
The councilors face twitched a bit as he listened to Kev’s story of the plan that had been made for the night. “Have no fear Kev all will be dealt with. Continue on with your plans for now, don’t let her know you have come to me or she may find other means of leaving the safety of the farms. I will speak with the rest of the council and we shall intervene at the docks,” said the councilor
“As you wish councilor,” said Kev as he made his way out the door and headed towards the dining area to meet up with Lili.
Lili left the room and found Kev waiting for her as they made their way out to the common area and jumped in line to fill their trays. They both made sure to be at the end of the line so no one would noticed the amount of food they were piling onto their plates. They managed to get seats near the end of the long table that had slightly less people nearby, there were usually several seats left open for various reasons, sometimes the kitchen staff ate in the kitchen area and there were also those that became ill or injured who would now be
Michael Cox, R.A. Gilbert