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He nods. “Yes, some family. Dominican is safe, except for radiation and the lockdown obviously.”
“Would you like to go back?” He doesn’t say a word, just stares at me. “If there was a means of transportation and clearance. Would you like that?”
I push back any emotions that try to seep through—mostly guilt and unease. I want to be done with this as quickly as possible.
“I spent the last five years on Ayana,” he finally says. “I wouldn’t have left Ayana if it weren’t for the circumstances two years ago.”
“Got it,” I cut him off. “So here is the plan. And it will only work if you, Maddy, and Droga make it work. Because obviously, I am the wrong person to try to approach the Eastsiders.”
I take a deep breath and exhale, raising my eyes at Bo.
“Maddy has a phone now.” I turn to her. “I hope you had a chance to talk to Droga.” She nods. I turn back to Bo. “Hurricane season is approaching. As per historical data, a bad hit is way overdue. If it’s major this year, it will take out the east side of Zion. Probably do some damage on Ayana, and definitely Port Mrei. I need to relocate the Eastside. They won’t be safe anywhere but Ayana. But Ayana is an enemy. Their pride will go on strike.”
We sit quietly for a moment, the only sound the beeping of Bo’s heart monitor.
I thought this would be hard, but it’s actually liberating to let things go. When I don’t have to worry about the safety of the Eastside, I can get more shit done in Gen-Alpha. This is pure business.
“So what I want—” I pause, then correct myself—“would likeis to relocate to Eastsiders to Ayana—I will provide accommodation and everything else. I will put them in touch with the mainland. I know I banned their access to any communication, and that was harsh. So let’s correct that. Most of them have substantial accounts, funds, and surviving relatives. Once they sort out their business on the mainland, they will have a choice of whether they want to stay here. If they want to leave, I will provide the transportation and my father will ensure the clearance from the mainland.”
Bo’s eyes shift to Maddy. I look at my hands, fingers entwined in front of me.
“If they want to stay,” I continue, keeping my voice monotonous, “I will put them in touch with HR. They won’t have to deal with me—there are plenty of people in management these days. This all needs to be done within a month, smoothly and with no fighting. I don’t have time for this nonsense anymore. And I am not taking responsibility for whatever happens to them during the hurricane season.”
I get up right away.
Maddy studies me with a soft smile that’s more polite than really genuine, but it doesn’t matter.
“I’ll talk to Kai again,” she says softly.
God, this girl. I never really liked people, per se. But if I had a sister, I would’ve liked her to be like Maddy—understanding.
Dark wavy hair gathered loosely at the back, pretty face, no makeup, simple Ayana clothes…
“Why are you still wearing Ayana apparel?” I ask, studying it. “Didn’t you get to HR yet?”
Her face lights up with a smile. “I did. Thank you. It’s taking time. And I’m fine with this, really. Thank you.”
Always thankful. Always grateful. She reminds me of war nurses in the old movies—the type of person who would work day and night saving soldiers and sacrificing her own life for someone else.
“Are you working with Doc? Is that alright?” I ask more out of politeness than interest.
“Yes. It’s… It’s my habitat.” She laughs. Even her laughter is soothing. It could probably heal wounds.
“Alright.” I turn to Bo. “Think about what I offered. There is really no choice for the Eastsiders to stay there. But they can choose what happens next. It’s important. I’m done with this shitshow and need to set things straight.”
Maddy flickers a glance at Bo, but I’m already turning toward the door.
“Archer,” Maddy stops me. “Kai said something about some kid from Port Mrei.”
“Shit,” I curse, realizing I completely forgot about his request. “I’ll get someone on it. Thanks, Maddy.”
But before I leave, I turn to Bo, who seems to never stop watching me. “If you decide to stay in Ayana, I would like you to take your old job back.”
With that, I leave.
Handling Ayana now is different from two years ago. It’s a bigger job. More responsibilities. And I just offered it to Bo. It’s an olive branch, and we both know it. It took me a while and two crazy years of world lockdown and being cooped up on this island to realize that it’s easier to make enemies than friends but much more productive to choose powerful people to be at your side than to exile them.
I exhale with a full chest when I walk out to the reception hall.
