long and posably duping but as I forgot were i stoped.

Keven said. “So what goods do you need to wage a war? People, food and weapons what else?”

Jul said. “Everything it takes to make those weapons. So um plastic computer chips and explosives. “

Paul said. “Mare actuale had a list in her plan of what was needed for it to work. It’s eight years old but I doubt if it has changed a lot. Let me see if I still have that on my reader. Just don’t tell.”

Jul said. “When and how did you get it? I want a copy!” Keven nodded.

Paul said. “I um found it on a chip in dads office and cloaned it. Let me see your reads and I will load it for you. Just not on the school one.”

Keven said. “I don’t even know where the school one is I must admit I never even turned it on. I don’t think anyone uses them. My brother even uses his own over it for text books so you know it has to be bad. I have a new chip here will that do?” Vine took it from him Paul looked at her.

Vine pulled a netbook out of her bag and said. “Jul Will you read take this kind of chip? Epub format all right or do I need to change it? Do you want General Kev’s righting as well? Just the plan or Mares’ diaries? I worn you they can be sick. She has some very twisted ideas. One of them full advocates child rape for instance. Likely that is why they locked them I was going to pull Kev’s list up here in a bit, I think it is a bit more complete than Mare’s. But I don’t think we should turn in the real thing.”

Paul said. “You have Kev’s? I want it to please. That disc I couldn’t clone, and I the diaries I have must be censored, so would you mind? Where did you get that, it is the smallest? Rights right to the chip? Nice mine needs an adaptor. Epub works for me.”

Vine said. “It is Aldain made and no problem. Just know it can be night-mare making reading. What else do you want?”

Keven said. “Epub is good for me as well. Do you happen to have any of Miltons work on the stability. Yes I know it is sickening, but I want to know the truth of what it says.”

Vine said. “I can give you a copy of his findings but not the test. I am not going to be responsible for you seeing the actual test data. But I will add a copy of Riners as well.”

Jul shuddered. “Why would you have the experiment data? I can take epub as well. By any chance do you have any of Emits writings? I can’t find anything but that censored copy of Right Wing.”

Vine said. “I don’t have the complete data, but do have bits of it, I was looking for someone. As to Emit, well I have full access to my Grandfathers library. He gave up trying to censor me after finding me reading and enjoying one of Hince’s tombs.”

Olver said. “You all are being quiet over here. Do I want to know what you are up to?”

Vine said. “Likely no, but I am sharing books with them. They wanted to read an old text book of mine and as give them a copy I thought I would see what others they wanted. All of them are legal to share. Though I am tempted to add Raights’ translation of Mikes History as well, which is still protected. If it would let me I would just buy more copies, but for some reason I can’t.”

Olver said. “Raights is a heretic so he is banned. Can you make me a copy as well? See if you can find a address for the publisher and I will send them money and explain. What other books do you have there?”

Vine said. “Right down you e-mail and I will send it to you that way. You know how to change formats right? I can access my Grandfathers full library, with his permission. He loves history and keeps up on trade issues, and well he has a large e-library.”

Olver said. “And I am to believe it is just clean and safe texts being shared. I see. Well here is my e-mail, yes I can handle format changes. I might be e-mail you a list of titles after I get that book, to see if you can get your hands on them if you don’t mind.”

Vine nodded. “No problem as long as they are open for sharing.”

Olver said. “Just where did the computer come from? I didn’t think they had went that far.”

Vine deliberately misheard the question. “The school said we could have them as long as they stayed in the bags. Most don’t carry them as that is the case but I like having with me.”

He looked at her. “You are not forgetting your homework are you?”

Vine said. “Would you go with Mare’s or Kve’s war good list?”

He choked. “I was right I don’t want to know. Just use the approved text books for you turn in, all right?”

Paul said. “Sure thing we don’t want to ruin our hard errand reps after all. Don’t worry we will be turn in our normal work, we just wanted to know a bit more. You don’t really mind us looking do you Dad?”

“Now if I did you think I would have left that un-coded chip out where you could find it? Just remember I know nothing about it. That said I would like to know what you find.” He head back to his kitchen.

Paul said. “You knew he knew I coped that chip.”

Vine said. “I suspected he might and thought it worth the risk to find out. After all I was the one making the copies, so you could reasonable deny knowing what I was talking about. And there are ligament books on these disks that I can show him to prove that was what you all were getting. Now then I wonder what he saw that he wants confirmed badly enough to turn away from our snooping?”

Jul said. “I was wondering the same thing. Something is defiantly wrong here. So let see those lists, we had best get the paper done then go digging.”

Some time latter they started to gather up the books. Keven said. “I gat believe it got this late so fast. I still can’t find a reason for that blue dye on the lists of needed goods. I will do more digging after supper. Everything else on list make since. We must be missing something. There has to be another use for indigo.”

Jun said. “Or it is a code. But if so it is the only item that was coded. So why just that?”

Vine shook her head. “And why in the world are the stock pilling ginger? It is on nether list and it is not something they are known to use large amounts of. I will see if Grandfather has any thoughts when I talk to him. He will want to know they are buying up iron anyway. He has some to get rid of.”

Olver said. “I was just going to remind you that it was time you head home for super.”

Paul said. “Dad you know why they would want indigo or ginger? We can see no since for it yet indigo is on the lists, and they seem to be hording ginger. There were a few other odd things as well, but we could find reasons for them but not those.”

He said. “They are hording ginger? What makes you think that?” Vine noticed he didn’t answer the question.

Paul said. “It is what a few sites said, I wrote them down. Ah here. We only gave credit to items listed on more than one site. Information is so very closed down that if it is in multiple places it must have a good chance of be right. Or so we think.”

Olver nodded. “Good thinking kids I will look at this, now you had best get on. Paul supper is waiting on us.”

Vine met the others outside the school the next morning. “Paul was your dad home?”

He said, puzzled. “No. Why?”

Vine said. “Condor’s army started moving early this morning. It is expected that a formal announcement will be issued this afternoon, tomorrow at that latest. I was wondering if his sources were as good as Grandfather’s.”

Paul said. “I think they are pretty good. He knows what ginger and indigo are about. But he is make sure I don’t find out.”

 Vine said. “Grandfather can not find that they have the indigo, but they do have a lot of ginger. He is trying to find out  if the harvest was large or just what. Anther words he is not sure what they are doing with all of it. Juab dose use it in religious ceremonies, but he didn’t see how that could be relevant, as they have freely done without it in bad years.”

Keven said. “There is something we are not seeing, they wouldn’t do it for nothing. By they way I did ask my father did admit it was a ridicules assignment. However I do not think he and I had the same reasoning.”

Jul said. “Well at least you tried.” The school day went the  same as always.

Chapter 4

They left together and once away from the building Vine looked at the sky and shook her head. “So where to?”

Jul said. “Why do you do that?”

Vine said. “Do what? Oh, I did even notice. Just a bit of homesickness I guess. I keep hopping the sky will look right but of course it doesn’t.” They turned to a shop.

Jul pointed at a sign. “Is that a protest about trees or something?”

 Vine looked then said. “Not trees, but a nation. Aren’t there laws about discrimination?”

A man said. “It’s just a sign, hardly an act of discrimination.”

Vine said. “Tell a group they are not welcome in a public place is discrimination, and that is what that sign means. I am not from Cotton, but I will not support a place that fells they have they right to block person biased on where they were born.”

The guy said. “We should have the right to not fear for our safety. I prefer not to have to shop with Muts.”

Keven said. “Cotton is on the safe side of the Gypsen border, Sir. Come on I don’t want to catch his insanity.” He was shaking.

Jul said. “You all right Keven, just what is going on?”

Keven said. “Sorry guys. It is just getting scary. Those signs and others are all over my neighborhood. Folks seem to real be taking to this nonsense. I am tired of hearing about it.”

Paul said. “So your dad agrees then. Wonder how long the schools will be left alone.”

Jul said. “Separating them would take a law changes. Do you think they have the votes?”

Keven said. “Not yet, but they are working on it. They are close, or so he says. And if they get there way what we have now is going to look good. They are pushing for more sanitized texts and publishing standers. It will be a night mare. No one will learn anything. Condor would not have to worry about are army, there wouldn’t be one in a few years with these laws.” They were getting looks and Keven realized just how load he was speaking. “Sorry, it is just I get tired of not being heard.”

Vine said. “Well I think you can be sure you were this time. I knew they were whispering about something, but didn’t think it could be that bad. Wonder just what he is thinking.”

Paul said. “They stopped thinking sometime ago. If they hadn’t things would not be where they are. We were once a free society one that encouraged growth and learning. But now we are ruled by fear of learning.”

Jul said. “That sounds like the perfect opening for that current events essay to me. Start with that and the closed shops. How it is ignorance that is feeding the unreasonable fear. The test done at Marble are not yet out of bounds. There weren’t the best but we can use them to show how it can’t be contagious. It won’t do any good, and will just get us in trouble. But I would mother rather right that than all the lies they are saying.”

Keven nodded. “I am up for that. I have all ready lost my allowance for the next year, so not much more he can do anyway. So far there isn’t a military school that will take me for another year or two.” That had them all laughing as the sat down at an out door table and started to work.

After supper Vines father turned on the tv as was his habit. That night though instead of the usual spill there was a news cast on. “In just minutes we will be hearing from President Roman on the disturbing events to the South. For those of you just joining us, Condor has attacked Mur and passed some new laws limiting property and movement. Now we go live to President Roman.”

A tired looking man appeared on the screen, standing behind a worn wooden podium, in front of a bright flag. A buzz of voices started “He is so regale. You know that is real wood, honest. Bet there will be new taxes.” The last Vine knew was Robert, he had just learned what it meant to get a pay check.

Her father said. “All right all of you quite now let’s hear what he has to say. And listen good, that way you can impress your teachers.”

Vine rolled her eyes, but the other did quite down so she could hear what he was saying. “Roughly six hours ago Chanler Dunm of Condor put six new harsh laws into effect. Those laws make the country unwelcoming to a number of its population, who are now seeking security with us and other nations. We have decided that we will welcome those that make it to our lands, but will not aid them in gaining entry. I know this new refuges will put strain on our limited resources, but we can not send them back. We have laws strongly forbidding slavery and send the refuges home would violate those laws. No new rationing is needed, but I would ask that business make room for your fellow Humans in need. Take a look around you and see what you can donate to help house these refuges, to assist them in making a home here in any way you can. Let us welcome our neighbors.”

“The stress that will be added means that all emigration requests pending from the eastern neighbors will be on hold as we deal with this cries. All work visas are revoked as we must find jobs for our own before we can help others. We will provide them transportation home if that is needed. Good night.” He turned and left the stage.

Amy said. “Can you believe it. that is real wood my teach said that the capital has wood tables to. So are we going to have more people here? What will they be like? Do they speak our langue or will we have to help them to?”

Ethisbth said. “They speak Britsh, which you will learn in a few years. It is close to this, but they might be a bit confused by the differences. I am sure that the welcoming areas will help them with that as well. Now why don’t you go check that math before I do?”

Vine waited until the younger ones were out of the room then said. “You do realizes it is time I leave, don’t you? This is just going to give more power to the anti-east protests. They are going to latch onto his use of the word human and use it to exclude those born there.”

Daved said. “Don’t be silly Vainty this is your home you a citizens of Normal not on a visa. Stop jumping at shadows. You are home now, you don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder for monsters.”

Vine said. “One can only bury there head for long then the must raise it and breath or die. However, I am bound by my word, but I will not take the blame should your actions ruin what you have built. Good night, I will be in my room should you have anything to say.”

The next morning the kids dominated the breakfast table talk. The adults said nothing of the news or last nights evens. Vine ate in silence then left. As she walked to school she noticed a new type of graffiti had appeared on some of the gardens walls. It caused her to frown a bit. Jeamthon said. “I can’t see how they mange to keep adding new tags to the wall. Even if the cops are missing them you’d think the cost of paints would stop them.”

Vine said. “Most of the new is done with natural pigments, which are still inexpensive. Some might even be hand made. They won’t last as long, but that isn’t the point. As to the cops, as long as the property owns don’t complain they aren’t wasting time on this. They are to busy. Or so Jul’s older brother said. According to him a lot of the owners welcome the color as it is hard to come by.”

“I don’t see why you hang out with those wild kids. You know it upsets the folks. They worry you are let them lead you into trouble. See you.” Vine shook her head wishing he would just once hear more that just what he wanted to.

As the day went by there were shorts of the refuges who had to leave everything behind. They told stories of solders coming and making them leave there homes and business. Those on temporary visa found them selves without jobs, and left. But there were still more people than jobs. Adds started appearing urging women to be stay at home mothers. Shows suddenly had more moms who didn’t work. More shops were sporting anti-east slogans, and the stings of number and symbols painted in the graffiti were becoming more common. One morning Vine walked into the kitchen earlier than normal Daved had the news on, something he didn’t let them watch. A man was holding a sing that read Humans first was being interviewed. “It is time we do as the president said and help our fellow humans. We must stop putting Mutts above our own kind. What Jefferson and co did is the right move, They were the first to clean, but they will not be the last. We will soon be safe, and free from fear of contention. This will get better once the blight is gone.”

The image went back to the news room. “There is still no statement from the Capital but we were able to confirm that none of the displaced works are consider eligible fro any type of works compensation benefits. Mean time new studies were published showing that there is a high instability in the genes of those born east of the safety line. Just what those instabilities mean” Vine banged the door.

Daved shut off the television and turned. “Good morning, it looks like it will be a sunny day and no school. So what are your plans for the afternoon?”

Vine said. “Paul has gotten bus passes to Eventa for us as they can’t believe I have never seen it. You gave me permission to go last week. I told you this would be coming. It is going to get worse if something is not said to end it.”

Daved said. “Yes that right, you have a good day and don’t give that nonsense although. That channel is not to be trusted all ways taking the extreme view of everything. Vine shook her head but as the others would be coming in she said nothing.

Chapter 5

The next day at lunch Vine was playing with her food when a bunch of noise from the other side of the room caused her head to turn. One of the jocks was stand on a table. “Well I say we start with the lunch room boys. Lets get the scum out of here. We shouldn’t have to eat with rats.”

Keven said. “Stupid hazing, let’s get out of here.” They nodded dumped there trays and went back to the classroom.

They were surprised to find a teacher all ready there. He was studying a string of numbers written on the board. He looked up as they entered. “You should be at lunch.”

Paul said. “So should you. We couldn’t take the name calling. That looks the graffiti that’s been showing up around town.”

“What do you know about this?”

Keven said. “Just that it is on all the walls around town.”

He said. “I know it is a message but I don’t know what it says. It is irritating, it was left for me, but I don’t know why.”

Vine said. “Have you any old military maps, or seen them? Those with grids? My grand dad has some, one has a place for note. Those notes look a like that second group and each of them was a place on the map. Does that help? Why would anyone leave you a message you didn’t know how to read?”

He said. “I think they meant it for my wife really, she was always getting things like this. Some made her laugh other made her cry, but we didn’t talk about them. Now though I wish we had. I whish I hadn’t let her hide, I think. But I shouldn’t be talking of this. Map cords, thanks I will try that.”

Vine said. “I am sorry, what happened?”

“Oh she’s not dead, or I hope not. I just got up one morning and she was gone. Left me a letter saying she would always love me but there were things she had to find out. That she had stayed to long. Like I said I wish I had of asked more. Now then I think.” He turned and started pulling wall maps down, “Yes here it is. I thought we had one. So why don’t we see where this is. It has been a few years bit I think I remember how these maps work. However you have permission to tell me if I am wrong.” He traced out the lines on the big map  “So it is in this area there for we need the smaller map of the Cotton border area. It should be in that chest there if one of would?”

Vine was closets so she opened the chest, and found that the maps were not in number order but location. Which explained why he hadn’t know that the code told him what map. She thought about telling him, but decided against it. She was to sure about this whole thing. “Here it is, sir.” She did make sure the label was on top when she handed it to him.

He took and said. “All right now we just do the same thing, but there is an extra set of numbers.”

Vine made a show of looking at the map. “That other number is in this box here and has a 10 under it. There is a 10 in the numbers around the map and they must be there for a reason. What happens if you move those line to the nearest 10 on the edge?”

He looked at the map then at her, pushed the map close to her and took a step back. “Mind showing me what you mean?”

Vine made a show of lining up the markers and tracing the lines. “It look like the point they intersect right on the border.”

“Thank you, I will have to think about this some more. Knowing part of it might help me come to know the rest. Now then though I had best start thinking about biology and not codes.”

Vine said. “Sir, I hope you won’t get to upset but I have been wanting to ask. Why is it that genetics is never covered? There have been many times it would have been relevant, yet it seems to be a forbidding word.”

He said. “I am not to answer that question, so I didn’t. I am not saying that the government is vastly limiting what can be taught and making it so that those going into seeking to go into those fields are underprepared. This is not a since school, so even less it allowed, but even in one it is touchy. Inheritance is to close to adult subjects.”

Vine shook her head. “I wonder why. Thank you for not answering. I will not do that again. What silliness, to avoid a subject for fear of offence. Not talking about it will not make it go away.”

After school they headed over to Paul’s Dad’s restaurant for some milkshakes and food as none of them had ate much of there lunch. They rounded a corner to see a man shove another one in front of the restraunit. “What are you doing here Mutant, why don’t you go home. At least stay to your side of town, we don’t need your filth here.”

Vine checked her braid as she started to them, not sure what to do but wanting to help the man who was now on the ground got to them and said. “Are you all right sir? Can you stand? I think we had best move away from him if you can.”

The other man said, loudly. “Just what are you doing? Get away from him are you insane child!” This close she could smell him and had to fight not to gag. 

 Paul’s uncle came out just then. “Why are you standing out here blocking the sidewalk? You kids are old enough to know better.

Vine said. “You are drunk and need to go sleep it off Mister. Before you do something silly. Now back off. This man was doing you no harm.”

Paul’s uncale said. “What?” then he looked. “Shes right you had best get off the street children are on the streets now and they should hear this.” Ingnoring the man on the the uncle moved and took the other one by an arm trying to trun him towds the near by appertment building.

The other said. “Drity scum needs to learn its place.” He aimed a kick at the man but hit Vine insetd and then being so off blance fell. “You damn mutt you will pay for hiting me.”

An offciec came around the cornern to see him fall and hear that. Vine said. “He did not make you fall. You are just to drunk to go kicking people. Now then why don’t you just go on in and sleep it off?”

The offcer said. “Not so fast. Anyone see what happened?”

Keven said. “Not all of it sir. We, the four of us, came around the cornor there to see that man shove the one on the ground there. He was yelling words, I didn’thear the other one, the one lieing there, say anything. That one shoved him again and he went down. Vine went to try and get them apart. Them Mr Over came out and was trying to lead him away, but he turned back, kiked Vine and then went down.”

The officer said. “He what? Are you all right child?”

Vine nodded. “But this man looks to have a broken leg.”

The office said. “I will call for some help. We told them it wasn’t save to come into this part of town. I don’t know what he was thinking. You sir are coming with me. Public drunkenness will not be unforgiving. This is not the tavern area! Child you go on about your way. Help will be here in a bit to see to him.” The officer led the drunk man away, not even looking at the one on the ground.

Vine’s jaw clinched, she ran her hands along his left leg, which was bent the wrong way. “It is not bad but your not going anywhere on it tell it is set. Paul could you get some water?”

Mr. Over said. “Just what are you doing?”

Vine said. “Waiting to see if that help is coming.”

The man on the ground said. “I am fine. Just need to catch my breath you can go on you way?”

“And let that man’s friends over there finish what he started? Not happening, as long as I am out here they won’t move in. this city’s crazy laws are on my side this time. Fighting in front of a child makes it worth jail time. Children should be protected from displays of anger.” Paul handed her the glass of water, she took a small pinch out of her bag and add something to it. then offered it to the man who took it.

“What did you put in it?”

Vine said. “Just a pinch of fervwort for the pain, it is not strong enough to mess with anything the paramedics will give you but will help a bit. Now drink it as fast as you can.”  The paramedics got there a few minuets latter and gave him a shot then straiten the leg and loaded him onto the ambulance.

Mr. Over said. “Why were you carrying that pouch in you bag?”

Vine absently rubbed the leather band on her wrist and said. “Just an old habit, growing up as I did I learned to be prepared for anything.”

Paul said. “I will just take the glass back and drop my books in my room then we can go.” The others looked at him he pointed at the window. “I don’t think this is a good place to study anymore. I am sorry.” In the window was the sticker with Cotton’s tree and a line though it. Next to it was a second sticker showing a twisted staff with a line though it.

Mr. Over said. “Don’t be silly.” Paul didn’t answer just took the glass in.

Olver saw missed Paul as he headed to the back but saw the others out the window. He opened the door. “Why are you out here? The doors not locked. Vine you are looking pale. Get in here and eat. You all skipped lunch again?”

 Keven pointed to the window. “We voted and are not supporting any business that are supporting dissemination. Paul is dropping off his books then we will go someplace else.”

Olver said. What are you talking about?”

Vine said. “Those stickers. You do know what they mean don’t you?”

Olver said. “The local business association decided yesterday to support the hireling of westerns over easterners. That is what they mean.”

Vine said. “Not on this side. From here they are saying you do not want any Zailantings or people from Cotton in you restraint. Tell me will you accept the money of one so I can settle my tab or have you just cleared them off your books?” Not waiting she opened her wallet and took out a twenty handed it to Keven. “If you wouldn’t mind. I wouldn’t want to risk harming him by coming closer. That should cover what I owe you. Apply the extra to any others that can not enter to pay you.”

Looking at the money he said. “I am sure your father said you were from Gather.”

Vine nodded. “I am, well some of grandfathers farm is in Alda, but the main house was in Gather. Zailnat is a religion not a place sir. It just happens that most of us live in Alda.” She reached up and pulled a golden pendent from under her shirt. It was etched with the same twisted staff, but the staff on the pendant had leaves. “I was not meaning to hide it. Just didn’t think it mattered, now I see I should have been more obvious about my beliefs. I think I need to go home. I will.”

Jul said. “Great about time we went to your house.”

Paul said. “Sounds good. I will be back around supper time dad.”

Vine said. “That is not what I meant. I don’t think.”

Olver said. “Run along, I will see you tonight.” Vine shook her head but led them to her house.

Once there she raid the kitchen for a snack then lead them to the study. Missing the one at home with it big windows over looking the valley.