“I’m not interested in the glow gene,” Jane said. “Have the computer run a comparative scan. I want to see if there were any changes in any of the soybean cultures relative to the others.”
“Professor?” Mai-lin asked.
“I’m looking for differences, Mai-lin,” Jane said. “Just get me the data.”
“Certainly,” Mai-lin said.
Twenty minutes later, Mai-lin and Jane were clustered in front of the monitor scanning the results. “This is big,” muttered Mai-lin. There were differences in the soybean cultures. In fact, every culture had slight differences in its DNA. Not only that, but every cell in every culture also had differences in its DNA. The agrobacteria had caused different mutations in everything it touched. They had created what Dora had intuitively pointed out was needed: a mutagen X that created not just new genes, but an endless variety of healthy new genes.
Chapter 6: The Trials
“You want me to carry that for you?” Flora asked.
Flora had woken up this morning with her mind already fully awake, not from anticipation for today’s trek to the Institute, but because it felt like she had never gone to sleep. Her body was rested, but to her mind, it felt like she had gone from being Flora to being Jane and then back again without skipping a beat. Yet so much got lost in the transition. She had woken up overjoyed with a wondrous sense of achievement, and yet she wasn’t so sure what she had done, or rather, what Jane had done.
Either way, her mother had been glad to see her so happy, even as she was sad to say their final goodbyes. Now here she was, hiking out to Podek with Mendel to meet up with the other future scholars, all her belongings on her back except for one thing. She kept the snow globe in a small leather pouch tied to her waist, not wanting to let it far from her side.
“No need,” Mendel replied. “I’ve successfully arranged my luggage to optimize for stability and visibility.” It seemed that Mendel had in fact decided that he would need all his books. In addition to his backpack, he had a shoulder bag on each side with additional storage sewn onto the top of the straps. His bags were stuffed so high that they swayed precariously over his head on both sides and behind, leaving only a narrow window in front of his face so that he could see.
“Are you sure?” Flora asked. “You might want to conserve your strength. If I black out again, you’ll have to carry my stuff and me.”
“Unlikely,” Mendel countered. “I already ran the numbers, and taking recent improvements in your control into account, there is only a 3% probability of a blackout event.”
“Suit yourself.”
************
When Flora and Mendel arrived at the Mayor’s office, several people were already gathered outside. The Mayor sat in his comfortable arm chair which had been moved outside for the occasion. Lucy stood by the door beside Flora’s favorite constable, the ever stoic Jerry. She eyed the four teenagers that had gathered in a rough circle in front of the Mayor. Her condition had kept her a bit antisocial but also made her mildly famous. So while she didn’t recognize any of the students from the other schools, she was sure that they recognized her.
Immediately to the right of the Mayor, a tall, well-built boy shuffled back and forth impatiently. He had dark wavy hair and strong chiseled features that managed to look handsome despite the anxiousness they clearly portrayed. When he caught her looking at him, he gave her an ambiguous smile. Unsure of whether it was meant to be mocking or friendly, Flora looked away.
On the other side of the Mayor, another boy sat on the ground, leaning against his pack. He was just as thin as Flora but looked to be twice her height. His skin was whiter than that of anyone she had ever met. Flora tried to imagine how it was possible. Perhaps he was too thin to tan. She looked up at the sun, which smiled back at her. “It’s true,” the sun said, throwing a ray of sunlight at the boy. “No matter what I do, I can’t seem to hit the kid.” Flora grinned.
“What ya laughing at?” the spindly giant demanded, staring directly at Flora.
“My face is my own business,” she retorted brazenly but then carefully masked her expression with nonchalance.
“Ah, our representatives from Southern Cross have arrived,” the Mayor said, greeting them heartily as they walked towards the group. “Come, grab a spot in the circle. We have just one more, and then we’ll begin.”
Closest to Flora and Mendel, two girls rested on their packs, facing away from them. One was rather small, just slightly bigger than Flora. The other was almost a head taller and much wider. Yet they wore identical clothes and both had their brown hair tied back in ponytails. Flora could see the taller one’s muscular triceps peeking out under her short sleeves. Mendel and Flora dropped their packs in between the girls and the boy who had just stopped pacing and sat down to rest.
“Hi, I’m Aster,” the smaller one said. “And my little sis’s name is Kava.” She extended her hand out to Flora. Now that she could see their faces, Flora realized how much they looked alike. Despite the almost comical difference in stature, the two must have been twins.
“I’m Flora,” she responded, accepting Aster’s handshake. She was immediately surprised by the strength of her grip which threatened to fuse her fingers together.
“My name’s Mendel,” added Mendel.
“It’s wonderfully ripe to meet you,” Aster continued in an overly-bubbly manner. She took Mendel’s hand and pumped it vigorously, oblivious to Mendel’s obvious discomfort. Flora wasn’t sure if it was because Mendel didn’t really like to be touched or if it was because Aster’s enthusiasm threatened to loosen all his joints.
“We’re from Eastern Cross, and we’re so deliciously excited to be here.” Her sister silently nodded agreement. Where Aster was almost aggressive in her desire to meet them, Kava seemed much more shy, pulling in her shoulders as if she could hide her giant body behind her older sister’s tiny frame. Indeed, she looked like she could pick her sister up with one hand, and yet her face had soft, delicate features to match her sister. When she smiled, she reminded Flora of Rina. She liked Kava immediately.
The boy across from them lifted up his hand. “Garland,” he said. “I’m the only one from Western Cross.” He spoke with confidence, almost as if he was issuing commands. His voice was strong and masculine, but somehow soft.
The gangly giant was the only one left to introduce himself, but he hadn’t looked up the whole time. “And you sir are...” Garland prodded, gesturing towards the pale boy who seemed to be fully engrossed in examining the dirt in front of him.
“I’m Stalk,” the tall boy said without raising his head. “I’m from Northern Cross.” He managed to make it sound like the most boring piece of information possible. “My classmate Bunsen should be here any moment now.” He shrugged apologetically and then finally looked up, a sly smile on his face. “He might have run into a little bit of trouble with his pack this morning.”
“Oh, I see him now,” the Mayor said, pointing over Stalk’s head in the direction of Mendel’s gaze. Everyone else turned to look. The first thing that Flora noticed was that Bunsen was extremely fat. She immediately felt guilty for her observation. Maybe she should be paying attention to his mousy disheveled hair. Or maybe she should have focused on the potted plant that he held cradled in his arms like a newborn. But no, her eyes snapped to his waistline and the way his stumbling steps sent waves of ripples across his pudgy body. Flora wondered if smashing Bunsen and Stalk together would form two regular-sized people.
“Sorry I’m late,” Bunsen muttered as he slid in next to Stalk. He looked very uncomfortable underneath everyone’s gaze.
“What happened to your pack, son?” the Mayor asked. Flora looked closely. There was a clump of dirt hanging below Bunsen’s pack. No, those were actually plant roots growing out of the bottom of his pack. She glanced over at Stalk who was trying to stifle a chuckle.
“Stalk and I packed our bags last night,” Bunsen explained. “But when I woke up this mo
rning, my pack had become rooted into the floor. It took me half an hour to dig out the roots.” By this time, Stalk was laughing wholeheartedly. “Yeah, I know it was you, Stalk.” Bunsen continued. “Very funny.”
“Hmm, that’s enough of that,” the Mayor said. Flora could see that Stalk wasn’t the only who had to try hard to keep from laughing.
“Let’s get started then, shall we?” the Mayor asked.
“For generations, the Institute has watched over Terrene, providing us with security, tools, agriculture, and knowledge.” The Mayor used his grandest voice, as if he was addressing the whole village instead of just seven teenagers. “In return, we send them our best and brightest students. You few have the honor and the privilege to have been selected as our representatives. You have each been told to pack for a two day journey. On the first day, you will travel north, up the hills to Waypoint Meadows. This is the closest to the Institute that any citizen of Terrene is normally allowed to travel. Here you will find fresh water and some shelter. Rest well, for the next day, you will ascend the mountain, encountering several trials along the way.”
“Wait, trials?” Stalk interrupted. “I already passed the test.”
“Yes, didn’t we already pass the entrance exam?” continued Aster.
“I didn’t pack all my books.” Mendel exclaimed. Flora surveyed the circle of bags around him. That was hard to believe.
“Now, children,” the Mayor said slowly. “Your journey in life has just begun. Yes, there are trials along the way to the Institute. I don’t know what they are, but you are the best and brightest Terrene has to offer. I am sure you will succeed. And you will continue to succeed in your time at the Institute. Be strong, and help each other.”
“Crap, I don’t know if I can pass any more trials,” Flora whispered to Mendel.
“You’ll do fine,” Mendel whispered back. “These are likely group trials that we’ll engage together.”
It felt odd to have someone boosting her confidence. She looked around at her new compatriots and felt a twinge of optimism at the thought of her fresh start at life. She wasn’t alone in this.
“Cos!” Stalk called out suddenly, startling everyone. Flora didn’t think he could hold enough air in his chest to make so much noise.
Flora followed Stalks’ gaze, and immediately her heart sank. What was he doing here? She watched in horror as Crick smugly walked up to the Mayor and handed him a note.
The Mayor read the note and then cleared his voice. “Ahem. It looks like one other will be joining you on your journey. Please welcome Crick Gardner from Southern Cross into your ranks.”
The Mayor stood up from his chair and raised his arms high. “Good luck, and make us proud. The way to Waypoint Meadows is clearly marked on the map which I gave to Garland. You will receive further instructions when you get there. Farewell.”
Crick patted Stalk on the back. “You didn’t think I’d let you leave without me did you, Cousin?” he asked as he steered him onto the path. “What are you guys waiting for?” he called out to everyone. “Let’s go.”
Garland quickly took off after them, waving his map as if it were the winning ticket to the lottery. “Hold up. The Mayor designated me the leader,” he called. The others slowly followed afterward until Flora was left staring blankly ahead.
“Crap,” she muttered, sliding into her pack. “How do you think he got in?”
“Here,” Mendel said, handing her his two shoulder bags.
“What’s this for?” Flora asked.
“Considering the addition of Crick and the trials, I’ve had to reevaluate the numbers,” he replied. “You now stand a 74% chance of suffering a blackout, so I better conserve my strength.”
She shoved the bags back at Mendel. “I’m not going to black out,” she insisted angrily. “If I do, just leave me there to rot.” Before Mendel could argue the point, she turned and began trudging along on the path towards her not-so-fresh start.
************
Walking uphill was hard work. It was tiring, but each step was one step closer to the Institute and one step closer to the answers she sought. Flora was used to grueling hikes, but Mendel was not. He struggled to keep up and found himself bringing up the rear even after Flora took pity and grabbed his shoulder bags. Flora stayed back with him to give moral support, but inside she itched to get going.
In front of them, she could see Stalk and Bunsen walking together. Though Stalk was a head taller than Bunsen, he walked bent over so that his head was just barely higher than his companion’s. Bunsen carried the potted plant in his hands as he walked. Flora wondered if he was chatting with Stalk or with the plant. In front of them, the twins chatted together, hardly breaking a sweat. Garland and Crick walked silently in the lead. Crick seemed to be trying to stay slightly in front of Garland. But since Garland held the map, Crick needed to keep Garland in sight to avoid getting lost. Meanwhile Garland appeared to be ignoring Crick completely, striding along effortlessly, his dark wavy hair blowing in the breeze.
“That Bunsen kid’s in better shape than I thought,” muttered Mendel as he struggled to keep up. And indeed, while Mendel was huffing and puffing, all two hundred pounds of Bunsen seemed to bounce up the hill with no effort at all.
After a while, Flora lost sight of the others as the path twisted up the hill through trees and brush. When they caught up, they found that the rest of the group had stopped to eat lunch around a set of rocks that served as impromptu chairs and tables. Bunsen was talking when Flora and Mendel joined them.
“What do you think the trials are going to be? Will they be like the exams?” he asked anxiously.
Kava shrugged.
“That’s right sis,” Aster said. “It would be kind of redundant to test us again. Plus, the Mayor said ‘trials,’ not ‘exams,’ which sound infinitely more fun.”
“And we have a lot of ground to cover before we get to the Institute,” Bunsen chimed in. “The trials will have to be on the way there.”
“Like physical challenges?” Flora asked hopefully. She didn’t trust that she’d be able to pass another exam.
“Isn’t this hike already a physical challenge?” Mendel asked.
Garland spoke out. “It’s pointless to sit here and wonder. We don’t have time to prepare for the trials anyways. We should just make sure we keep a good pace and get to Waypoint Meadows in time to set up camp and get a good night’s sleep.”
Crick cut in. “Yeah, it’s pointless to sit here and wonder.” Then he looked directly at Flora. “Of course some of you probably won’t make it through this, but I’m gonna kick these trials’ butt. Just try to stay out of my way.” She seriously considered punching him again.
“Actually, I believe these are group challenges,” Garland said. “The Mayor said we need to help each other get past them, and we will.” He said the last bit while staring at Crick pointedly.
The rest of them sat in awkward silence as Garland and Crick locked onto each other. Finally Crick looked away. “Whatever,” he muttered.
Then Bunsen started again. “What do you think happens if we don’t pass the trials?”
************
Fifteen minutes later, Garland had them up and hiking again. Flora was glad to get going. It allowed her to get further away from Crick. This time, Aster and Kava hung back with Flora and Mendel, who were once again bringing up the rear.
“Whatcha thinking about?” prompted Aster, seemingly uncomfortably with silence.
“Umm, stuff,” Flora replied vaguely. She kept desperately trying to remember all the details of her dream. The images were just barely starting to sit still in her head long enough to see them.
“Oh come on, this hike is boring me to death,” said Aster over-dramatically. “The boys aren’t very talkative either. Tell me you’ll help me surmount this first trial of silence.”
“Sure,” Flora said, sensing that she wouldn’t be able to get rid of the twins politely. “So, uh, what makes you
want to go to the Institute?”
“Our father works for the Mayor,” Aster replied. “He’s a tool smith.” Aster’s face lit up. “I’ve always been amazed at the complex machines he would work on. Machines like the giant mills along the aqueduct and the clock tower...they’re fascinating. I want to understand more about how they work, but my dad can only teach me how to fix them. All the really complex machines come from the Institute. That’s where I’ll learn more.”
Flora looked over at Kava. “How about you?” she asked. Kava just shrugged.
Aster jumped in. “Kava’s my little sis. She follows me around everywhere.” She smiled, giving Kava a quick one-armed hug. “How about you guys?”
Mendel looked at Flora, then back at the twins. He shrugged. “I’m smart,” he said matter-of-factly. “I just understand things, especially abstract concepts like mathematics which hold a real beauty in its structure. I’ve outgrown the mathematics that they teach at school, and I don’t want to work in the fields or open a shop to make a living. The only way to continue studying mathematics is to become a scholar.”
“And you?” Aster asked, looking directly at Flora.
“I,” Flora said. “I guess I just want to find someone who can give me some answers.”
“Answers to what?” Aster asked.
She had already decided not to tell anyone else about her dreams. She had enough of a reputation as a freak as it was. “Like what’s outside,” Flora said.
“Uh...” Aster said. “We are outside.”
“No, I mean outside of Terrene,” she explained. “I want to know what lies beyond the mountains. I want to know how big the world really is. I want to...”
She was interrupted by Garland’s voice. “Come on guys,” he said encouragingly. “You’re almost there.”
Garland stood in the distance, his finely sculpted body silhouetted at the top of the ridge. Crick was nowhere to be seen. “Welcome to Waypoint Meadows,” he declared, arms high up in the air. Flora welcomed the sight. It had been a long day. The meadow must be right behind him. Bunsen and Stalk were already surmounting the last uphill climb to the top. The rest of them would get there in just a few minutes.