Free Unknown by Jane Page B

wait.
    6. ASSIGNED
    //
    reboot

ALERT
    sectors 1, 6
    violation: roland
    code: 1221
    description: moving sxsw along wayward
    creek
    time: violated sector 1 at 13:42 hours
    status: monitor until further notice,
    boot stun chip
    report: x informed
    violation: jacob
    code: 1221
    description: entered red barn premises,
    mustang security violated
    time: violated lockdown status, trespass
    authority via marcy_298631 at 13:02
    status: monitor until further notice,
    boot stun chip
    report: x informed
    system run, additional staff:
    marcy: compliant, heart rate elevated
    gordon: compliant, heat status
    questionable
    jimmy: no signal
    x: denied access
    aberration:
    1. anima security breached, assignment
    late, location unknown, checking status
    2. electromagnetic field surge, checking
    source, sector 12
    running system wide reboot and analysis
    estimated time of completion 22:34 hours
    end
    //
    7. ROLAND
    I pull on my jeans and zip up the fly. Stuffing my shorts and t-shirt in the bag I button up the long-sleeved shirt leaving it unbuttoned half way. It’s still hot here in the shade by the creek, but at least there is less flesh exposed. Kneeling down by the creek I scoop up a handful of water and washing my face, drink from its chill. A deep breath, and momentary sigh of relief, and I must be on my way.
    “Where you headed bro?” a tiny male voice chirps.
    I glance around leaping to my feet, pulling my bag up, ready to take flight.
    “Who’s
    there?”
    “Down here Roland. In the grass.”
    I look down into the long, wild grasses. Sitting there on his hind legs is a fidgety, brown chipmunk. I look up and down, around, back and forth.”
    “Where....what the...” I stutter, looking for the source of the voice.
    “It’s me Roland,” the chipmunk chitters. “It’s okay. Don’t freak out.”
    I stare at the creature. It must be the heat. I’m losing it and I’ve only just begun.
    “It’s alright man. Take a breath. No fainting please, it’s okay. Dude, I’m just a talking chipmunk. Nothing too weird going on here. Like Thumper or Bambi. Just think of it as a movie. I’m here to help you. There is a meeting coming up soon and you need to be prepared.”
    “Um. Okay. What?”
    “My name is Raymond. I’m one of many. You know there are things happening here on the island, but you’ve been captive in the village. You haven’t ventured out. It’s okay. Most don’t. Most don’t want that burden or responsibility. You’re different.”
    I sit down quickly, my head swimming.
    “Look...Raymond. I need to get out of here. I don’t have time for a breakdown, so just go about your merry business, go play with your nuts or whatever it is you do. Go scare some little girl or have dinner with the dwarves. This isn’t for me.”
    “I know. You’re not much of a believer. It’s okay. That’s good. I know all about Marcy, your mother. I know all about your resentment. Look at me. I haven’t always been like this. You’re not the only one to get your Wheaties pissed in. We have to go though. We need to get out of his range. I need to get that chip out.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Too much to explain. Here bend over. I’m going to ride with you. We need to make our way downstream fast, there’s a place we can rest and hide. There’s work to be done before the meeting.”
    “Okay, sure, why not,” I laugh. “Not exactly what I thought would happen when I finally went insane, but sure, why not. I can use the company.”
    Raymond scampers up my outstretched arm and onto
    my shoulder. His tiny claws dig into my flesh but don’t piece the skin. Turning my head I gaze into his beady black eyes, and for a second there, I see oblivion. I see my reflection, pale and transparent. I see my mother straddling a naked man as she moves up and down, her body
    glistening with sweat, her head tipped back in pleasure. I see a bonfire, and six people strapped to poles, blood dripping from their ears, eyes wide in