Chapter 5

 

Emma woke up in a fully reclined chair that was cushy and hugged her body. So comfortable. The room she was in featured black walls and floors with a single row of lights running along the ceiling. A series of fish tanks glowed inside rectangular slots along one wall, their reflected light creating a soothing place to relax. Chairs like Emma’s were lined up along the center of the room. A few were occupied.

Mrs. B watched a big yellow fish swimming up and down the tank. She noted Emma’s reflection moving against the glass. “Welcome to The Authority.”

Emma tried to focus her eyes. Did she fall asleep?

No…Mrs. B had sprayed something in her face and poof, she was out. As her eyes finally cooperated, Emma’s first impression of The Authority was that the place looked like some new-age aquarium.

“Sorry for putting you under sedation. But our location is a secret. I hope you understand.”

Once the grogginess had worn off, Emma followed Mrs. B out of the fish-tank area and into a sprawling, open-office area with two levels. Glass walls separated most of the offices and meeting rooms. Everyone could see everyone else. It was bright, using yellow, white, and light brown as primary colors. A second area was designed like a jungle, using fake or real trees. There were these large, green pods scattered throughout the jungle. Inside these pods were comfy chairs in a semicircle.

“We moved into this facility a few years ago. You won’t find this type of office at the CIA or MI6, for that matter. We keep secrets, yes. But not from each other. We need to see each other through the walls. Feel we are a part of one team, which is important when we’re working alone on our assignments,” Mrs. B said. “Most of these people are involved with risk assessment. They analyze data and make recommendations for future operations. Our eyes and ears in the world.”

Emma followed Mrs. B into a different section of the vast complex.

“And this is what we call the labyrinth.”

They entered a maze of dark blue walls, floors, and ceilings. The only light source was a series of white strips running along the top and bottom of each wall, their glow providing an ominous vibe to the area. Glowing white letters pressed into the walls identified different destinations…

CAC Division

EQ Division.

IT Division.

TR Division.

FO Division.

SH Division.

“The labyrinth always reminds me of a starship set from one of those science fiction movies,” Mrs. B said. “I’m afraid I can’t take you deeper into the labyrinth without the proper clearances. It’s our most sensitive area.”

They emerged from the labyrinth and headed back to the fake jungle area. Mrs. B picked a green pod and sat inside it. Emma followed. Mrs. B rested her hand on a pad, which came alive with options to select. Mrs. B touched a selection and the door to the pod slid into place and sealed. She touched another button and the pod emitted a slight hum.

“What did you just do?” Emma asked.

“I engaged the cone of silence mode. Have you ever seen the 1960s TV show Get Smart?”

Emma shook her head.

“Never mind. Inside joke. The cone of silence mode scrambles any device trying to capture audio or video within fifty feet of the pod. It also gives false readings to any thermal-imaging device. What we say in here will be private. So what do you think?”

“This place is amazing.”

“And I didn’t show you the truly amazing things inside the labyrinth. But I’d like to.”

Emma detected the hard-court press from Mrs. B that Grandma had warned her about. How eager Mrs. B was to sign up her granddaughter. But what Grandma didn’t understand was that Emma had to do something. Even if The Authority never existed, Emma needed to find out what had really happened to her dad. The lack of answers created this dark chasm inside Emma and her life couldn’t go on without finding a way over it. Maybe these people could help her find that bridge.

“What plan were you talking about?” Emma asked. “The one to use me as cover.”

Mrs. B placed her hand over the pad again and a menu appeared. Her fingers flicked through some choices before a 3-D projected image of Europe hovered inside the pod.

“Basically, you’ll be playing yourself. A representative of your father’s conglomerate, visiting Europe to do your own investigation into your father’s accident. In secret, you’ll be providing my field operatives cover identities as part of your entourage. This will allow them to investigate the people and places your father visited in Europe right before his death.” Mrs. B paused. “I have something else I’d like to show you.”

She selected something else off the menu, then removed a tablet from a charger slot in the wall.

“Take a look at this.”

Emma took the tablet and touched her finger to the screen. Only two folders were on the desktop.

 

The Authority Information Guide.

The Gems Project.

 

“The Gems are a special group of young ladies under my command. Each girl possesses different skills that make the team diverse and flexible as an intelligence unit, especially in places where adults can draw too much attention. I need a fourth girl to balance the group and I think you would be perfect.” Mrs. B leaned forward. “Despite my enthusiasm…please don’t feel pressured. I don’t want you to rush into any decision. Take that pad with you and read about the organization and about the Gems. Walk around the place and look around. The only area you don’t have access to is the labyrinth. Do you understand?”

“Yes. Of course.”

Mrs. B smiled and opened the green pod, leaving Emma alone inside it.

Emma leaned against the cushions and processed everything she had seen so far. The tablet went into screen-saving mode as it waited for her. Emma touched the screen and it flashed back to life. She tapped on the first folder.

It gave a general overview of The Authority. There were no names used. Managers and controllers were assigned random letters and addressed in person as Mr. or Mrs., depending on gender identity. Station chiefs, agents and other field assets were assigned an animal. Some examples given were Great Dane, Cricket, Lemur, Salamander, and so on. The only exceptions were members of the Gems and Stars projects. Emma wondered what the Stars Project was about.

Next she clicked on The Gems Project folder. Three girls were listed as members; their real names and pictures were not shown.

The first Gem was code-named Emerald. She was seventeen years old. Half English and half Jamaican. Her skills took up two pages of her bio. Leadership. Marksmanship. Surveillance. Emerald was even a trained pilot in single-engine aircraft and helicopters. Emma was impressed. She just got her driver’s license a few months ago and this girl could fly a helicopter.

The second Gem was code-named Sapphire. She was sixteen, the same age as Emma, but that was where the similarities ended. Sapphire was a computer whiz and science nerd from Saudi Arabia. At thirteen, Sapphire had created a science fair project about zero-g agriculture that got her invites from NASA and the European Space Agency, plus a waiting scholarship to MIT. Emma couldn’t believe this girl. Sapphire would take one look at Emma and know instantly how stupid she was.

The last Gem was code-named Ruby. She was sixteen and her family lived in Okinawa, Japan. Ruby was trained in four different fighting styles: kickboxing, jiu jitsu, judo, and kendo. Ruby’s skills also included scuba diving, gymnastics, and jungle survival training. But unlike the two previous girls, there was a new section under Ruby’s bio labeled reprimands…

 

Failed to follow procedures.

Disregarded controller’s orders.

Used unauthorized RPG rocket to destroy ex-boyfriend’s motorcycle.

 

Emma read that last sentence again. She used a rocket to destroy a motorcycle? Ruby sounded like a psychopath.

How could Emma seriously work with these girls? She was a nobody. These girls flew helicopters, survived in jungles, got scholarships to MIT, created science projects about zero-g agriculture…that was insane. All Emma did was eat, read, and go to school. These three girls would take one look at her and laugh their butts off.

Her? She’s part of our team? What a loser. She can’t even drive a car without hitting a dog.

Emma put down the tablet and decided to have a look around like Mrs. B had suggested. She entered the large open area and climbed up the circular staircase to the second floor. Rows of people were at their computers. Glass walls surrounded them. Two men were having a conversation, but stopped when they saw Emma near them. Their eyes fell to her chest and Emma was disgusted. But then, the men completely ignored her. Emma touched the plastic badge pinned to her chest and realized they were only checking her badge.

She tilted it upward to read it…

 

CAC Guest Level 1

 

Emma wondered what CAC meant and why she was guest level one. No one said anything to her so Emma kept looking around the office. Numerous dry-erase boards hung on the walls. Some had titles such as—

 

Casualties of MOSSAD Operation Condor

North Korean Intelligence Operations in Hawaii

Uganda Army Coop Probabilities

Russian President Assassination Plot and Conspirators

CIA Space Drones

 

Emma caught one group watching a large monitor with satellite images of shoppers on a street. The corner of the frame had letters in Chinese. She had no idea why they were watching that street.

Emma went back down to the lower level and explored another portion of the complex that was adjacent to the labyrinth. She found a cafeteria with dark, solid-rock walls. The individual tables were thick and luxurious looking, the chairs big and comfy. Clean plastic trays were stacked to the side and waiting to be used on the buffet. Some dishes were steaming under the lamps. Salad was in another section. Desert in the other. Kitchen workers grinned and kept the island serviced.

Emma glanced at a hanging menu listing special drinks. Special food requests. And homemade shakes?

She had a horrible weakness for sugar.

“How much for a shake?” Emma asked one of the men.

He glanced at her badge. “It’s a free service. What shake would you like?”

In five minutes, Emma sat at a table, enjoying the best chocolate shake she’d ever tasted.

Mrs. B’s cane clipped against the tiled floor as she made her way to Emma and sat down. The large bald man followed and stopped a few feet behind her.

“I see you’ve discovered the shakes. That does look scrumptious. Do you mind if we share?”

Emma shook her head.

“Aardvark? If you would, do find me a spoon.”

The large bald man nodded without a word and left.

Emma couldn’t help herself. “Did you just call him…Aardvark?”

“Of course, dear. That’s his name. Didn’t you read the pad I gave you? The code names?” Mrs. B lowered her voice. “Aardvark is sensitive about his name. Don’t make fun of it. The last man who did…well, he can only eat soft food for the rest of his life.”

Aardvark arrived with her spoon. Mrs. B took it from him. Aardvark bowed and said nothing.

Mrs. B tasted Emma’s shake. “What do you think of the place? Does it interest you?”

Emma would be lying if she said it wasn’t interesting. “How old was my mom when she joined The Authority?”

“Angela was eighteen. That’s when I told her about what I really did during the day when she was at school.”

“She didn’t know until she was eighteen?”

“Being a part of this organization is a serious decision. One for a mature mind. You have a good head on your shoulders, dear. I believe that you can make that decision wisely.” Mrs. B brushed back Emma’s hair. “You look a lot like your mother. Same eyes. Same cheekbones. She was beautiful too.”

Emma concentrated on her shake. “From what I remember, Mom was much prettier than me.”

“You’re both quite beautiful.”

Now Mrs. B had stopped sounding like a woman in a position of power at a spy agency and more like…her grandmother.

But Emma had a grandmother. One that didn’t want her anywhere near this place or this woman.

“My grandmother didn’t act very happy to see you. Why is that?”

Mrs. B folded her hands on the table. “Your grandmother thinks the world would be a safe place if we destroyed all our weapons and just loved one another. Then, every human being would be happy and the earth would be this peaceful blue jewel tucked into the fabric of the Milky Way. Don’t misunderstand. It’s a pleasant dream. But it’s still only a dream. What she doesn’t realize is people like her need people like us to protect them. The artists. The visionaries. Those who elevate our societies. Those who fight for justice and equality. Those who fight against tyranny. They need people like us who are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect them.”

Emma and Mrs. B finished up the delicious chocolate shake. The bald man named Aardvark removed the glass and spoons.

“The day is fading. We should get you back home,” Mrs. B said. “Aardvark will take you.”

“Will I have to be knocked out again?”

“I’m afraid so, dear.”

“What if…I joined The Authority?”

“Are you absolutely sure? This is not the same as signing up for a raffle. This would be a major commitment. Your life will never be the same.” Mrs. B pressed her lips together. “No, perhaps you should sleep on it. Yes. That would be best. Tell me your answer tomorrow. Aardvark? Be so good as to escort Emma back to the relaxation room and prepare the girl for her trip back home.”

Aardvark bowed and held his hand out for Emma.

Emma didn’t move. “If I join, would you help me punish those who murdered my dad?”

“We will bring them to justice. That’s all I can promise you,” Mrs. B said. “I don’t want you to join for revenge. I want you to join because you want to make a better world for all of us.”

Aardvark waited for her hand.

“Okay, then. I don’t need to sleep on it. I want to do it.”

Mrs. B turned in her chair, a serious note on her face. “Your father’s dead. Avenging him won’t make the pain inside you disappear. You’ll have to live with it for a long time. But I’m offering you a way to direct that anger and frustration into something positive. Do you understand what I’m proposing to you?”

Emma crossed her fingers. “I do.”

“As a field operative, you could become injured. You could become crippled. You could lose your life. Again, do you understand what you are stepping into, Emma?”

Emma hesitated at the word crippled. She glanced at the deep scar on Aardvark’s throat. She thought about her dad and what had happened to her mom. The world wasn’t safe. No one was totally safe. But if joining The Authority would give her the confidence she needed to hunt down her dad’s killers…then that was what she wanted.

“Where do I sign up?”

Mrs. B released a smile. “Report back here tomorrow after school to begin your training. Due to the time constraints of the mission, I’m afraid you won’t go through the standard six-month TR program. However, we will focus on giving you the skills for the mission itself. Aardvark? Miss Emma can take the scenic route home now.”

Aardvark nodded and again offered his meaty hand. This time Emma rested her palm on his. They walked over to the elevator landing and stepped inside the middle elevator. Aardvark pushed a button and they went up.

“Is this complex underground?” Emma asked.

Aardvark shrugged.

The elevator opened and they were in some sort of room. But the floor was curved and made of polished oak. In fact, the entire room curved like they were inside some sort of ball made of wood. There was a metal ladder in the center. Aardvark climbed up and opened the hatch. They popped through the hatch and Emma realized they were inside a gigantic barrel. A row of such gigantic wooden barrels lined each side of a massive warehouse. Were they inside a winery? Emma had seen pictures of one before, but had never been inside one.

Aardvark held open a door and gestured for Emma to go first. She went through and found herself inside a wine-tasting area filled with tourists, many of whom were nibbling on free pieces of cheese with their glasses of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Emma couldn’t believe this. No one had a clue what was buried just under their feet.

They headed through the gift shop and out into the parking lot. A large sign hung from the main building—

 

Welcome to the Burlington Winery. Napa Valley.

 

***

 

After her morning shower, Emma picked out her clothes and got dressed for school. She discovered Snoopy waiting patiently by her door, ready to greet her for the new day. Emma rubbed his head and Snoopy followed her downstairs into the kitchen, where Grandma was finishing up cooking breakfast.

“It’s a beautiful morning. I thought we’d have our breakfast in the garden.” Grandma nuked a plate of turkey bacon in the microwave, then turned off the heat to the skillet of fresh scrambled eggs.

Emma poured herself some juice and felt the glass chill under her fingers. She still hadn’t told Grandma about her decision to join The Authority. And it was odd that Grandma hadn’t mentioned it since Emma had come back.

Emma wasn’t looking forward to telling her.

Grandma topped Emma’s plate of white cage-free eggs with gouda cheese. Then added the nuked turkey bacon. Next, a fresh biscuit from the dozen Grandma had baked this morning. The fruit was pineapple this time. Emma’s favorite. Grandma and Emma went outside to the garden, parking themselves at the birch table under the lattice covering the deck. Grandma split her biscuit in half and coated one side with a locally produced jam. “What’s wrong, young one? You’re not eating.”

Emma cracked off a piece of bacon and chewed.

Grandma observed her like an owl. “Is the bacon overcooked?”

“No. I like it this way.” Emma shifted her eyes to her plate, cracked off more bacon and used her fork to spear a slice of pineapple.

She sneaked a look at Grandma. Who caught her.

Emma dug into the juicy slice of pineapple and washed it down with juice.

“Something on your mind?” Grandma asked.

Emma knew there was, and it was hard for her to say.

“You better come out with it.” Grandma sipped her coffee.

Emma wiped her mouth with a napkin and sat back in her chair. “Mrs. B asked me to join.”

Grandma hesitated before sipping more of her coffee. “And what did you say?”

Emma hesitated.

Grandma put down her coffee. “You told her yes.”

“There was no pressure and she gave me plenty of time to think about it. But yeah, I have to do this.”

“You don’t have to do anything. You can walk away and be a normal kid. Your future is here in Berkeley, with me. The college is only a few miles away. You can be a vet or whatever you want to be.”

“That’s for after high school. I’m talking about right now. I have to find out who killed—”

“Captain Ahab died as he hunted down the white whale. Revenge consumed him. You’re sixteen. Your future is clear. Filled with possibility. Why soil your heart? Your father wouldn’t want you to do this for him.”

“If something happened to me…Dad would spend all the money he had in the world to find the people responsible, wouldn’t he?”

“Of course.”

“So I love him just as much. And until I can find the people who killed him, I don’t have a future to look forward to.”

“Don’t talk like that.”

“For the longest time I didn’t know what to do. Writing all those emails and calling all those officials and it didn’t do anything. I felt helpless and depressed because I knew I was letting Dad down.” Emma stroked the end of the fork with her thumb. “But now Grandma Laura gives me this chance to finally do something about it. Maybe she’s taking advantage of me…but so what? I’m using her too because I don’t want to stay in the dark anymore, wondering why. Why did my dad have to die?”

Grandma took another sip of coffee. The steam from the cup surrounded her. “Sounds like your mind is made up.”

“It is.”

“And nothing I say can persuade you from destroying yourself?”

Emma crossed her arms. “Nothing.”

“I don’t enjoy the idea of burying my granddaughter next to her mother and father. If you make me do that, Emma…I’ll never forgive you.”