day 11 content warning and 2 day writing

Vine said. “First you need to understand that though I am a minor here I am considered an adult in Alda, fully able to enter into legal contacts. However I don’t think that was what you wanted to know. I had some money saved you from various things, though I wasn’t sure just what I was going to do with it. Then as you likely know a couple of years ago the homestead act was passed. I understand it caused some controversy here.”

Jul said. “Just a bit. That was about the only thing we heard about the east. Was how it was being considered and how foolish it would be to put natural recourses under privet control, that was just sitting us up for another crises.”

Vine nodded. ”That was what I thought, in truth though it has cut down a good bit on the illegal mining and lumbering. In case you don’t know what the act did was give people to buy land at cheep prices. Each adult is able to get so many acres, the location, type of land and weather or not you will be building a house on it all affects the amount. That was the easy part of the bill. The part that took it longer to pass was that it lets a employer claim land for everyone they have on contract as long as those contracts meet certain regulations involving education and payment. I decide that would be a good use of my money, and as I took some that was in a problem area and built houses on the land I was able to get a sizeable amount per-person. The last tax statement I saw before coming here had more acres in it for some reason, and I didn’t have time to find out where they were.”

“Sounds like you have it all worked out.”

Vine said. “I might be an adult in Alda but that is not where my Father chooses to live. When he decide I should move in with him I did fight it for a time. But he compromised a lot, and fighting was feeling petty so I came. Here I am a child, and so I am subject to those rules. I still don’t sew why your education laws do not have a way to test out of high school. But so be it. So Keven what does your test say? Is it any better?”

Keven looked at his papers and fought to keep his face straight. “I don’t know. It says I should go into government or business administration. What do you?” The last of what he said was lost to the laughter that filled the room. “I will take that as a no. In truth I haven’t really thought about a career for myself. I just know where I want to be. I will be going east, but beyond that it never mattered much. I am sure I can find something.”

One of the boys in the room nodded. “That makes since. You’d stay with Jul, as you have forever. You two are ment for each other. Paul, you going east to?”

Paul said. “Well I certainly am not going into media relations. I don’t have the stomach for it. Yes I hope to go east and study ancient history. Keven you know you will have a place with me. But you better let Jul do the business administration. You do not have a head for numbers.”

One of the boys laughed. “There you go Keven you and Jul can just trade roles.”

Keven said. “That might not be a bad idea. I do enjoy cooking. How about it? We go move in on Vine and you to get your schooling with her and I keep you all in food.”

He said. “Get real guys don’t keep house. They earn the living.”

Keven said. “Why? Think about it Hank. I see nothing wrong with it. Folks should be able to do what ever makes them happy without worrying about being the wrong gender. But perhaps that just means I belong east. So Hank do your test fit you?”

Hank said. “They are not what I expected but I am really to trust them over my childish self, unlike you.” By not weighing in the teacher got the conversation he wanted. There was more back and forth about gender roles and jobs. For some it was the first time they had thought for there selves. He just set back and let it happen, speaking only if they asked him something.  Vine smiled this was more what she thought school should be. Learning how to think, not being told what to think. At one point the door opened and Vine expected the conversation to be rained in when she saw the principal, but he just nodded and went on.

After school as there were walking down town, talking about the class Keven said. “Vine I am sorry, I shouldn’t have involved you like that. It just happened. I truly didn’t mean it. I was just irritated.”

Vine said. “I didn’t think you meant anything about. It just flowed from what had been said was all.” She looked at the wall and saw a name of someone she knew was dead. She had the urge to answer, to tell whoever it was what she knew. “I wonder. Is there an art store around here? One that sales colored grease pencils or makers?”

Keven blinked at the change. “I think there is one around the corner. I haven’t seen any stickers in this part of town.” He was all ready moving. When they turned onto the street they saw a lot of the shops were boarded up. The art store was there but the signs in the windows said it was holding a going out of business sale. Frowning Keven opened the door and they entered.

There were a couple of punks trashing the store, the owner, who had the metallic hair of an easterner, was trying to stop them. Paul said. “That is enough. “ And stepped in front of them, so they could see just how big he was.

The punks looked at him then the others. “Just having some fun. Not like we need the freaks. Not killing no body, where’s the harm?”

Paul said. “If it was you parents store and someone came in and started trashing the place would it still be harmless?”

“We are human not mutes. What you one to?”

Paul said. “Everyone in here is a person and should be treated as such now get out or we will help you leave.”

“Freaks! Come on we don’t need this.” The teens left, swaggering down the empty street.

The store owner said. “Not that I am not grateful, but you real shouldn’t have done that. You are asking for trouble. Don’t go defending us. No matter how hard it is. You might have been able to blow him off but your friend there would have been in trouble if they had of asked her I bet. Think. I wasn’t being hurt. If I had not been so foolish and stayed open this week after the cop said they were going to stop patrolling I wouldn’t have been in this mess.” Keven was picking up things that had been dumped. “Weren’t you listing bit? You have done to much! Don’t help any of us unless you can do it in away that argues with it. You girl, explain. And get what after so your not talking to me.”

Vine said. “This area of town was all gypsen born owned from the looks of it. The powers that be have decide that what was going on here is acceptable. Stopping it will just make you a target.” She changed languages. “Camp servile rules, do what the ones in power say and turn your backs on the abuse. But this isn’t the camps, and I don’t know that I can. Moving east?”

The shop owner nodded. “Yes, and you should be as well child. It isn’t safe here. Might as well be back in the camp, and you better remember how to act. Time to play guard or get out and I can’t pass.”

Vine nodded, and changed back to the other langue as the bell over the door chimed. “Let me check these on this scrap.” She wrote something down and then nodded. “I have taken you stock of graffiti markers and some paper. The others have some as well.  I can see you are far to busy to ring us up. And by your rules I would be forced to cheat you anyway. So here this should cover everything.” She handed him some coins with the page she had written on. “That should see you though.”

He looked at the money and the note. “This is to much.”

Vine said. “We will pick up a few more items then. Art supplies don’t come cheep. I am getting the better end of the deal. Good day ma’am me and my friends will get out of your way, and let you shop.” The other shopper was clearly another gypsen born as she had gold eyes and copper hair.

She moved to strafing up the mess. “Bunch of punks.”

The owner nodded. “But not the way you be thinking. They tried to help. Wanting to get there selves in trouble. Even bagged there own goods and over played.” The door closed on what ever the reply was. Vine led the way back to the wall and sat down by it the other crouched down by her.

Jul said. “A bit cold place to sit.”

Vine said. “I just need a minuet then I will get up. I knew it was getting bad but.”

“What was that about?” Paul asked.

Vine said. “The least I could do was make sure he had a place to cross safe. I owe him more than that. In another life I.” She stopped and took out one of the sets of maker and put the rest in her school bag and turned to the wall Taking one out she started to write. “He should have killed me. I don’t know why he didn’t.”

Keven looked at what she wrote. “Pulled apart by mules?”

Vine said. “I was told that he failed to wash the court yard and so one of the kids found an old apple. That was his punishment, that just one of many stories of the camps. I thought you all had found a copy of Komac by now. He got demoted over publishing that book as they classified the work he put into translating this. So he got demoted. Where as this boy got killed because a child found an old withered apple. That is why you can’t do what you did.”

Jul said. “This isn’t the camps they don’t exist.”

Vine said softly. “Look around you. This is how the reports say they started. I have been debating  showing you all something. Now though I know I have to, he is right you know enough to getting to trouble. Can you all arrange to stay over tomorrow night? Tell you folks we need a movie night after all the tests. And guys, remember this is all just graffiti on the walls. You don’t know what it says. Save that we worked out bits might be map cords.”

They blinked. Keven said. “They will go for that. My folks have been asking why we haven’t spent a weekend together. They will help, if it is need. But this isn’t making a lot of since. How did you hear about that? Things that went on in the camps do not get talked about.”

Vine said. “I will explain then, but I need a few things to help me. To help you.” They clearly didn’t like that answer but did not push.

Later, at supper a couple of the others asked to have friends over for the weekend and got eager yes. Vine said. “The others will be coming over to watch some shows and hang out tomorrow. I thought we just have a pizza in my room or something and make a night of it. Keven’s folks have been wondering why they haven’t had a weekend and I have that big screen for the computer that should be used. I am sorry I now realize I should have asked first. Still not used to the whole parent thing. Um we will be staying in my room so will be out of the way.”

Ethisbth said. “That sounds like fun, and no trouble to add pizzas and sodas for you as well.”

Daved said. “Just what will you be watching?”

Vine said. “Some eastern horror stuff, which why I thought it best they stay. I didn’t want them going home scared or there folks might get even more worried. I am going to hunt some lighter something for recovery, but it will likely go late.”

Daved looked suspicious but nodded. “Say you never go a chance to tell us the results of you test. We were to busy laughing at the others.”

Vine said. “Well as far as I know every girl in my class got the same thing.” She paused, and took a sip of her drink. “Housewife. Though some had teacher added. Guess to get us to do our part and stay out of the work force. So glad I do not have to worry about it. Jul might have a bit more of a fight, but doubt if it will add much to it.”

“Why would she have a fight?”

Vine said. “Well if the border is still open when they are of age all of them are planning on heading east for school. Even knowing they will have to settle for a pre-university they feel it will be worth it. There parents I imaging will have different thoughts.”

Jea said. “Why wouldn’t the border be open? It always has been.”

Daved said. “There is no reason it won’t be. Now then ice cream?” Vine just shook her head.

Chapter 8

The next day once they were in Vines room with the door shut, Paul said. “All right we are here, and haven’t asked, but I am tired of waiting.”

Vine said. “This is going to take a bit, so you might as well get comfortable. Jul that box there is shoes and clothes I can’t wear you might want to look at. No I am not trying to change the subject, just thought she might want something to do with her hands. I have been trying to find a way to tell you this. Came close a few times, but always stopped. This time I can’t, you need to know. This hate is not going to stay confined, you need to decide where you stand. To do that you must know everything.” She looked at her wrist. “Father is going to be upset, but I don’t think it will matter that much longer. I still wonder how he knew about me. See I was made in the camps. I lived in them tell they were closed when I was ten, lved under the laws of them tell I was found in a ditch barly alive when I was tevewl. I think my mother was sure she had killed me. That is the only reason she would have left me alone this long. The ones who found me took me to a hospital. Once I was awake they wanted a name, but they didn’t like my answer. I finely figured out that they didn’t like camp names so gave them the one another mutant had given me, one that I would use when Mother sent me out of the camps without a full cover. Vine Fantly. She, the other inmate, said that everyone should have more than a number, the gauds would have flayed her if they’d heard. Anyway she said I was as tough as the Opeven vines that we used to stretch our rations. So I had to be Vine, the last name was her friends middle name. She said it was only fitting that something of him live on, and I was going to make. She could tell. Why she was so sure I don’t know, but she was. Oddly. Mother had just killed her forth child. She was not above using her eggs in the experiments, but the results tended to disappoint her. Five lived to four, three to seven, only I made it past eight.”

Keven said. “We thought you were born east, we didn’t.”

Vine said. “I made my peace with being one of Mare’s lab rats. I do struggle with some of things she made me do. But camp law, do as you are told and turn your back when the guards are around. No, that is not why I told you. I wanted you to understand. That graffiti comes from the camps. It was one way we passed messages around. You are only getting half of it. We know the guards had that much, and bet they know a bit more. But perhaps not all. I can read it all, therefore I know a bit more about what is going on. It is not just the bulling leading people east. Normal and Candor are refitting the camps and building new ones.”

Keven shook his head. “They won’t. It is illegal. Once it was learned what was done an amendment was made forbidding it. They can’t.”

Vine said. “That is what I thought, so I put the first few off as conspiracy theories. But then there was more coming, some signed. I went looking, and found that the eastern news websites were now blocked. It had been getting hard to get a clean connection to grandfather, but I didn’t worry about it tell then. The next time we had one I asked him. The connection didn’t stay unmonitored long enough for him to answer. But he sent me a coded link that let me into archived news stories. Archives that are misdated. I have the videos cued up in date order so you can see them. First let me show you pictures of the camps so you know what they look like. I hope you can find that these are doctored videos.” She handed out pitchers and gave them time to study them then went to the computer and started the videos. “The first few broadcast it is tricky to date, but after they realized they were being blocked, they make sure to say the date a few times and have it displayed. I started it before the stories appear so you can see the newscasters are the same.”

They watched the developing story in silence. They were up to the end of October when the door opened.  Daved said. “Pizza’s here and I am to find out if you need more drinks. Vine I thought you said horror not history.”

Vine was in place to take the pizza when the annocer said. “That brings it up to housing for eight-hundred at this site. That is dubble. In addition to the refited camps we have seen trucks heading to new locations and heard rumors, but do not yet have confermation that new facilties are being built. We hope to have more next broadcast. Now then this year October has proved to be verry wet in Monthang. So the farmers and ranchers are building on. If you are able to do that sort of work angle your crossing that way if can. Those all ready here. Remember if you are thinking of expanding the government has grants. All they ask is that you include housing. If you are looking for work, here are the boards. To those feeling the west try and angle your crosses close to your indrusty. But know help will be there where ever you manged to get across. We will help as we can once you get to the border. Know that the crossing at Jacksion has been closed, and there are reports of people being detained at Foxglove. Before we move on to the rest of the news let me put our e-mail up again as well as the date. We are not sure how many stations are able to get news out therefore we are trying to cover as many places as we can. If you need to know of a place send us an email, they can be sent in camp, we will our best to fill requests. Now then weather.”

Vine said. “That is horror. That was the end of October. There is an empty chair there. I will go tell her you got interested in the show and that we are good for drinks. Guys get some pizza. You need to eat, even with this.”

Daved said. “Who ever made that did a nice job, but it can’t be real. Don’t let it fool you.” He left the room.

Vine looked at the door. “I can’t tell if he knows, or if he is hiding from it. Anytime I try he shuts me down.” The others had no answer.

Daved said nothing when he delived the rest of the pizzas just sat them down and left. The newscaster rapped up the last broadcast. “As you saw we found no evidence of labs or the other rooms. But that doesn’t mean much. I am scared for those of you west. All legal entry points are now being over checked and few are getting though them. A lot of the other crossing have been closed or are watched. Check the boards and watch before trying to cross. But do try. We will find you if we can, we have people working west, but they are limited in what they can do. But go to the embassy. They will give any aid they can gods and goddess be with you, keep those e-mails come and we will keep this going as long as we can find ways to do so.”

Keven said. “I can’t believe he knows. Is there away to show him this?”

Vine handed each of them a note card. “That is the least secure way in. They likely know about it and will be closing it soon. If not it wont hurt if they find out. I can’t let you leave tell you can act like everything is good. Besides it is to late to go tonight. You joked about moving in with me. Now I am offering not just a home but passage. I know a few safe ways. But do not answer tell you think about it, I don’t know that you can come back if you go. It is not a little move. Now then we are going to stop talking about this for now. Let’s watch something silly.” By the time morning came they were looking less battered and when it came time for them to go home they were acting normal.

A couple of days letter Mr. Richerd said. “There is a staff training day tomorrow so there will be no school. Use the day wisely.”

Once they were outside the school Vine turned to the others. “This is good to pass up. What do you say we all go home and set about convince the folks to let us take the eight am train to Overton? If they call around they will see that a bunch are going to go shoping for next semester, and I know I could use a few things and I want you to meet someone. But better not say that part.”

Paul said. “A chance to get out of town, how ca I say no. If I go now I might be able to get mom on my side. I’ll call you when I know.” The others agreed.

The next morning Vine led them to a train car away from the other kids and they took a bench about half way down the train. Once it was underway Vine said. “I thought we would go see a person I know and get you three some id’s. If you come with me it will be easyer if you have them. Though with luck they won’t be needed, and if you stay you might just find it usefull to have an id saying you are of age. All so we should go to a store and get you some better packs. The ones you have are a bit ragged.”

Keven said. “My dad said I was to go with you. I didn’t even say you were going just gave him the address did even say where it was from or just said that it was some news site I thought he might want a look at. He must have watched as he came to my room the next morning looking terrible and told me to go with you. I didn’t say anything.

Jul said. “My folks haven’t said a thing, but I think they looked at it. They have been frowning. But I am not letting those two go on there own. I will be there.”

Paul said. “I didn’t say anything.”

Jul said. “Your face said it for you when she made the offer. Vine are you sure?”

Vine said. “I would never have made the offer if I didn’t think I could get you there safe. We want the next stop. That will fool anyone sent to watch us, not that it is likely, but makes it funnier if it feels like you are seeking.” The others laughed and hoped off at the next stop.

Vine lead them into the station and they looked around a bit surprised. “Um Vine I think we are a bit under dressed.”

Vine said. “It all comes down to attitude. As long as you act like you belong no one questions you. That said I need you guys to put these pins on. Jul you might be safe enough, but just to be sure. Those just mean you are with me and I am not taking any offers. On your collars if you would. Now then I had best let my hair down.” Out of its braid it fell in waves to her waist. “Man it feels odd, been a few years since I walked around lie this. We just have a few blocks to go, then I will talk her out of her car to get the shopping done. The stores in this end of town won’t dare have a sticker showing, and this is all on me so don’t worry about that.” Vine led them down roads lined with tall fences behind which sat big houses. She turned and led them up the walk of one of them.

Jul blushed a bit at some of the images. “Um Vine isn’t this?”

Vine nodded. “Sall has a passion for men and turned it into a nice living.” Reaching the door she pushed the bell. “She must be getting ready to pull out, we should have been greeted by now.” She flipped a knife out and used the hilt to rap on the door. It opened. “About time. Has things slip so much that you mistress lets guest stand on the door setp?”

The lass said, moving aside and blushing. “I am terribly sorry, we are a bit understaffed now as we are moving soon. Do come in.”

Vine entered. “In that case I will see my self to the red room and you can run tell her that her Vine is waiting.”

The girl went white and bowed lower. “Right away Miss Vine, refreshments will be there.” The girl took off and Vine led the way down a few halls, taking her time. The paintings caused the others to cough a bit.

Once they were in the room Vine said. “Go ahead and look around the room, you can sit on the chairs at the edge, but not the couch and eat only if you are directly offered the tray. I wonder just what stories Sal has been telling them. I didn’t mean to scare her that bad.”

Jul was coughing a bit and Keven was a bight red when Sal swept in. “Vine dear. He is charming are you sure I can’t? Just for a few hours even? Marten could do teach him a few new tricks. From how tight you are it would be good for him and you. Embarrassed that easily why have you been doing? Clearly not what you should have been. So child what can I do for you?”

Vine smiled. “Well stop scaring your serfs with me wouldn’t hurt. But I need Ids for these three, just local ones, and a car. I want to do some shopping and not at the stores you can walk up to. Do you have a passage lined out sis?”

Sal said. “Yes and most everything is already gone but Richard will be able to get the ids taken care of. I kept enough for that. Jill show these three to Rich, tell him I will be checking so nothing funny.”

Vine nodded. “It safe to go with her, nothing will happen aside from getting some ids.”

Sall said. “Sadly. I do think he would benefit from some time with Mike. You at least should Vine. How long has it been?”

Vine said. “I don’t know that Keven needs Mike’s help. He seems to do just fine. You just want a chance to get him out of his clothes. That won’t be happing with any of them. They don’t exchange.” Paul choked a bit. Vine laughed. “Go on and go with Jill.” The nodded and left.

Sall said. “Fine they will keep all there clothes on. I will see to it. But that didn’t answer me.”

Vine said, “To long, but I didn’t come here for that. Are you sure you can make it? I have one address that you can get a car though. Ken is one of the commanders. I have seen him. You must go.”

Sall said. “I am fine, my passage has been secured. There is no danger for me. You on the other hand. You know what will happen if she catches you again.”

Vine said. “I will be going before long. Once school lets out if not sooner. I have a dozen of unpublished crossing. All that they can handle easy and a few more that they will have to struggle with. So mare has been seen then? I was wondering, but haven’t seen word of it.”

Sal nodded. “Let me set you up with Mike. I know you aren’t sleeping with any of them, no matter what you tagged them with. What were you going to buy?”

Vine said. “The need better packs and camping gear. I want to stay clear of towns as much as I can, but they will have nothing. I thank you but.”

“No buts. Mike will see to you, and Jim can outfit you kids from my stores. It is just going to be left anyway. He will be able to pick out things that don’t shout ‘I am going to run’ to there parents. You want the ids or are they smart enough.”

Vine said. “They are smart kids and know how to keep there mouths shut. But all I need is”

Sall said. “Mike, and there he is. Mike see to it that Vine has a nice afternoon.” Vine gave up and let her self be led away.

Latter when the met back up the others all had there pack, and were wearing sturdy boots. Jim said. “Just the shoes came off nothing else. I didn’t feel that shoes counted. I all so exchanged there coats for ones more fitting. Looks enough like what had that most won’t notice. Sal had some business to see to. I am to see you four to your train.” Seening them to the train ment just that. Once he had lead them to a table in the dining car and been assured buy the servor that food would be on the table in menutts he handed Vine a packet. “Sal said to read this at home, its you Mother.”

Vine nodded. “Tell her I have it covered and to stop worrying about me. I will call once I am across the border and she had better be there.”

Jim said. “Not to worry we will be, but if she doesn’t here from you.”

“She will, you just stay with her.” Jim shook his head and left, once the train was under way and food had been brought. Vine said. “Sall was the favart of one of Mare’s generals  she wasn’t a lab rat, but we still spent a lot of time together. Trying to keep each other in one piece tell we could get away. Old habits and all. Take those pins off by the way.”

Jul said. “Just where did you go? Not that I mind, the storage was bigger than any store I have seen, but it wasn’t expected.”

Vine said. “Sall didn’t trust my shopping since and felt I needed to relax. I should have known better. But her ids are the best.”

Paul said. “So you kept our clothes on, but not yours? That has to be a new one. I so want to tell my dad where I was today.”

Vine laughed. “I can just see him.”

Daved was waiting when the train pulled in. “I said I would get this one. So did you all have fun. Lots of bags there Jeamthon.”

Jeam nodded. “Found a number of good sales. Say just where were you all? Nice packs, I didn’t see them.”

Vine said. “I took them with me to see an old friend, she hooked us up. Then had her guy take us back to the train, where he put us in the dinning car.” Daved looked at her she shrugged. “Only clothes they took off were coats and shoes. I made sure it was safe. She was worried about me best I go see her before she came looking for me.”

Daved choked. “Yes it was better you go to her. But couldn’t you have met her someplace.” Vine shurged.

Jea was pulsed. “I am missing something.”

Daved said. “No I just forgot that Vine knew anyone there is all.”

Chapter 9 December

Vine kept her markers with her and updated the code as she head of crossings getting closed, and saw the other knew how to make that symbol and to do so. Paul was reading over her shoulder. “Last seen. Isn’t that you grandfathers place?”

Vine nodded. “I should do that on this one. It is a risk, but that address is safe enough. Still this person is safe if believed dead. But I just couldn’t say it.” He looked at the number then at her. She nodded.

Paul said. “We had better run or you dad will make you start walking to school with Jea again.”

She nodded. “Thanks for helping. They are closing them so fast these days it is hard to keep up. The news should be posted on down the line, but the sooner it is seen the better for the travelers. With the new rules though I needed a spotter, not the cops are enforcing it unless it is in there faces. Still one of them might decide to.”