2400 AD

Gauntlet

Callum sat in a leather chair in Gideon’s office. He’d showered and eaten in the culinary quarters where breakfast, lunch and dinner was served daily. His brown eyes were quiet, unlike a few hours ago when they were filled with anxiety and fear.

Gideon sat opposite him, his laptop lying flat on the surface of the desk. He removed his glasses and placed them gently before him, then moved the laptop aside.

“We run a gauntlet twice a week.”

Callum frowned. “I’m sorry, gauntlet?”

“Security missions above ground. We call them gauntlets. They can last anything up to three days. But we need leaders to make every gauntlet a success. Many have died, lost loved ones during these operations. We try to save as many people from Xenocon.”

“And you’re telling me this because…”

“Man, this is hard. I’d like you to join me on our next gauntlet. I think you have what it takes to become one of us. But you have to do it voluntarily. I’m not going to force you into anything. If you agree, you’ll be doing it as an observer.”

“Between one and ten, how dangerous is the gauntlet?”

“Ten. Xenocon has the capacity to destroy us all.”

“If I refuse?”

“We’ll place you where your skills are most needed.”

“Soldiers don’t quit.”

“I know. I also know you’re a damned good one. You’re decorated. You have no siblings. Your mother’s name is Sally and she’s Lebanese, your father’s name is Brian and is a British Jew. You were born twenty-six years ago in London. Your family immigrated to Mzansi when you were 6 years old. You’re a logical thinker, you don’t do anything without reason. We need someone like you. Will you at least think about it?”

“You’ve done your homework.”

“I need to know who I’m dealing with. I’ll need an answer by tomorrow morning. The midweek gauntlet starts tomorrow night. I’ll ask Kendall to show you around for the rest of the day. I’m sure you’ll find it both strange and enlightening.” Gideon brought his laptop within range and put on his glasses. “You can go now.”

***

Kendall met Callum outside Gideon’s office and beckoned him to follow her. In silence they took an elevator to the 8th level and stepped into a long corridor. At the end of the corridor she pressed a button on a wall.

“Good day. My name is Connie. No one is home.”

“It’s Kendall, please open the door.”

“Certainly. How are you, Kendall?”

A door opened into a fully furnished apartment.

“Fine thank you, Connie. I’ve brought your new tenant.”

“Your living quarters,” she said, inviting Callum to step inside.

“I’m staying here?”

“It’s all yours.”

“Who stayed here before?”

“Why do you ask?”

He pointed to a crack on the wall.

“We don’t discuss previous tenants.”

He was taken aback by the abruptness of her reply. “Just curious.”

The first thing he noticed was the warmth; moderate. No windows. No pictures on the walls. A sand colored two-seater couch in the lounge. Wooden floors. The queen-sized bed with fresh linen and pillows in his bedroom, the shower and toilet on suite. The small kitchen with a granite tabletop.

“There are no windows. Not even a picture on the wall.”

Kendall grinned cynically. “We’re eight levels below ground. There is no need for a window. As for pictures, you can decorate the place however you want. We assume you’ll want to hang something on a wall, we don’t presume to do it for you.”

“I get you.”

She handed him a bracelet. “This is your access bracelet. Put it on. I’ve cancelled my own access. It will only respond to you.”

“How does it work?”

“Say, hello Connie.”

Callum brought the bracelet closer to his mouth.

“No need to speak directly into it. Just talk normally.”

“Hello, Connie.”

“Good day, Callum. Nice to meet you. My, you are a handsome specimen. Welcome to your new digs. I am your personal assistant. Once Kendall is gone, we can get acquainted.”

Kendall said, “Connie is cheeky. She likes her privacy.”

“I’m sure we’ll get along just fine. Tell me about Gideon. Should I call him Commander?”

“On gauntlets you should respect his rank, otherwise it’s just plain Gideon.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“He loves the Tango.”

“The Tango?”

“It helps him to keep focus in this mess of a world.”

“Gideon asked me to join the next gauntlet. Should I be honored or scared?”

“Both. When you’re up there on the surface, you’ll see why.”

“You certainly don’t mince your words, do you?”

“You’ll be going as an observer. Nothing more. But even being an observer needs training.”

“Training?”

“Self-defense and weapons training.”

“Who facilitates the training?”

“Gideon.”