Free 2085 by Alejandro Volnié

heavy rolling of the train made everything in its path shake.
    The beast stopped amid a concert of squeaks. Until then peaceful, the station suddenly became a whirlwind of activity. The clanking of heavy metal doors opening and closing could be heard over the bellowing of the cattle as the herds, raising a cloud of dust that blocked the view, approached the wagons.
    Taking advantage of the commotion , he ran and climbed with a jump to the penultimate wagon, which was empty. Soon he had settled in a corner where it would be hard to be spotted from outside.
    So far everything was going well. The railroad was starting to move and for the first time since the beginning of his long journey he was traveling sitting. The next stop would be in the city. Finally he would come to a place where he could hide by mingling with the crowd. Things should be easier thereafter.
     
    It was eleven o’clock when the train slowed down to enter the terminal, located on the outskirts of the city. The stowaway was getting up in preparation to get off the wagon, when with no warning the door was opened from the outside. He froze for a second, and still in this condition he saw two security officers crossing the door. They were wearing the same uniform as those who had sought him on the farm, but he could tell a hint of sloppiness in their grooming. He stood still as they approached. He was having a hard time deciding between trying to escape and peacefully putting himself in their hands. It was impossible for him to guess who they were serving, but something inside was telling him that he wasn’t really in danger. Finally, he decided to wait as he was.
    The ir mocking tone puzzled him.
    “ Look what we have here! This cow is riding the wrong wagon! You’ll have to come with us. We’ll give you a tour of our headquarters.”
    He joined them quietly . While traveling at full speed in the patrol car he was trying to keep his calm. He had been taken by surprise and he couldn’t decide what to do. Again, his uncertain fate was in the hands of others.
     

9
    Inside the small interrogation room time kept passing. He was sitting alone, and it would still be quite a while for the officer in charge to show. The man who finally came in wore his uniform with untidiness. His face reflected the light of the lamp hanging from the ceiling. He also was giving off a slight odor of alcohol. He carefully observed the prisoner. Then, deep from his throat, his guttural voice produced some words.
    “ Must be my lucky day. Falling out from the blue I’ve got a valuable prisoner,” he started. “Do you know that a small fortune is offered for your capture? You must have done something terrible back in your world, because they are willing to pay for you ten times the typical fare. Will you tell me why you’re so important?”
    “I’ m just a dissident who has not committed more crime than getting tired of living a lie,” he said trying to look calm.
    “Had you p erhaps an important position?”
    “ Yes, a very important one. So important that I came across many of the best kept secrets of those who now are chasing me. However, all I know is worth nothing to those who do not belong to the corporation. In fact, the most zealously concealed information is the one that has to do with your existence. Where I come from there is the belief that people on this side of reality is on the verge of extinction. At least, that’s what people get told.”
    “I have never sympathized with your leaders and do not see why I should serve them; however, I feel tempted to send you over. I could buy a new car with such an amount. What do you offer to help me make my mind?”
    “I o nly have what I carry along,” he answered showing his empty palms.
    “ I think it’s a good deal.”
    “A s urprised face poked in the prisoner.”
    “You will give me all your belongings and I will deliver them to my contact. He will surely pay me the reward after I tell him how I gave you