Part Sixteen: Our Common Roots

Chapter 183

The RV was twenty meters long, black with brushed-silver trim, and nearly as tall as a double-decker bus. It had two levels, six axles, a tall Rolls-Royce grille, a wide windshield, and dark windows along both sides. Solar panels and sensor housings covered the roof. A large panel near the rear marked the motorcycle compartment. The Spirit of Ecstasy stood above the grille. The vehicle gleamed under the bright airport lights.

“Damn,” Maeve said, getting off the Ducati. “That’s a bus. A fucking armored bus.”

“It’s a 2030 Rolls-Royce Grand Continental,” Gladice said, circling the RV. “The latest model. Top-of-the-line. And very, very expensive. There are only six of them in the world. I saw one in a magazine.”

“You read car magazines?” Willa asked.

“I have a lot of hobbies.” Gladice winked.

“It’s so big,” Cherish said, looking up at the RV.

“It’s huge,” Donya said, taking a photo with her phone.

“It’s a fortress,” Savannah said. “And it’s ours.”

A man in a Dominion Guard uniform approached them. He was tall, with a circle beard, short black hair, and a sculpted jawline.

“Mr. Collins,” he said, saluting. “I’m Captain Jiro Yamamoto. The Supreme President appointed me as the head of your security detail for this mission. My team is in position. We will be your escort and your protection.”

“Captain,” Louis said, returning the salute. “Glad to have you with us. These are my family.”

Yamamoto nodded to the women. “Ma’ams. We are honored to serve you.”

“The pleasure is all ours.” Angelique nodded.

“Can you tell us about the vehicle?” Willa asked.

“My apologies, ma’am. The RV was delivered directly from Germany. My team has just secured it. The customs had finished its inspection and they said everything is in order,” Yamamoto said. “It’s an impressive piece of engineering, if you ask me.”

“I want to see the inside,” Maeve said.

“Me too,” Cherish said.

“Please take your time.” Yamamoto gestured a guard forward, who carried a briefcase. “The Supreme President had issued your driving licenses and security clearance cards of the Dominion, which recognize you as security consultants for the Dominion Guard during this mission. So you can carry weapons in the Central Union.”

“Thank you,” Louis said, taking the cards. “This will be useful.”

“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Collins,” Yamamoto said. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to brief my team.”

Louis nodded. Yamamoto walked away.

“Let’s go in,” Louis said, walking up the steps to the RV.

The door opened with a soft hydraulic hiss. They stepped inside. The floor was covered in dark wood, with cream leather panels along the walls and polished metal trim around the doors. A full kitchen stood on the left, with black counters, built-in appliances, and tall cabinets. On the right was a small sitting area with two sofas and a low table fixed to the floor. A staircase with glass railings rose to the upper level. Warm lights ran along the ceiling and beneath the cabinets. A hallway behind the stairs led toward the bathroom, laundry room, and rear bedroom.

“It’s beautiful,” Donya said, looking around. “And so spacious.”

“Of course it is.” Willa measured the space with her hands. “It’s the size of a small apartment.”

Angelique stepped onto the staircase, her heels clicking on the glass. She stopped and looked at the upper level. “There’s a lounge up here. And a bar.”

Gladice ran past them. “I want to see the bedrooms!”

She followed the hallway to the rear. The master bedroom took up the entire back of the vehicle. An enormous Alaskan king-sized bed filled the center of the room, with cream bedding and a padded headboard. Built-in wardrobes covered both walls. A narrow passage ran around the bed, and large dark windows faced the rear and both sides. Two doors stood beside the headboard, one leading to the closet and the other to the bathroom.

“Oh, I am definitely sleeping here tonight,” Gladice said, sitting on the bed and bouncing on it. “It’s perfect.”

“There is another bedroom upstairs,” Angelique called from the top of the stairs. “It’s spacious.”

“We should see it,” Willa said.

Cherish followed Angelique up the stairs. Louis went after her, the others trailing behind. The stairs opened into a wide lounge with cream sofas and panoramic windows across the front. A dining table stood behind it, beside a bar with glass cabinets and built-in refrigerators. A large television covered one wall. A short hallway led to the second bedroom at the rear, with another wide bed, built-in closets, and a private bathroom.

“It’s very nice,” Willa said, looking around. “I like the layout.”

“So who gets the master bedroom?” Gladice asked, coming up the stairs. “Louis and me?”

“Both beds are wide enough for four,” Angelique said. “We can decide later.”

“Or we can just switch every night,” Gladice said. “For variety.”

“That works too,” Savannah said.

“I’m glad you’re all happy with it.” Louis smiled. “Because we’re going to live in it for a while.”

“I’m more than happy,” Maeve said. “I can’t wait to drive it.”

“As soon as the service team finishes loading our luggage and supplies, you can,” Louis said.

A guard came up the stairs. “Mr. Collins. The captain wants to see you. He’s in the lead SUV.”

“Alright.” Louis frowned. “I’ll be right back.”

Louis went down the stairs and out of the RV. Yamamoto was standing beside a black SUV. Two other guards stood behind him.

“Captain,” Louis said. “What is it?”

“Sir, there is a complication,” Yamamoto said. “The Central Union Assembly passed the Youth Protection and Civic Responsibility Act just now. President Richard White is expected to sign it this afternoon, and it will take effect immediately upon his signature.”

Louis crossed his arms and looked at him. “Why should I care?”

“It raises the legal age of majority from eighteen to twenty-one under the Central Union’s youth-protection laws. The version passed this morning also applies to foreign visitors.”

Louis stared at him. “You’re kidding me.”

“No, sir. I’m not,” Yamamoto said. “It’s a new law.”

“So what does that mean for us?” Louis asked.

“It means all of you except Princess Bourbon will be legally classified as protected minors while inside the Central Union. You will not be permitted to purchase alcohol, and you may be subject to restrictions on sexual activity and other youth-protection regulations. Driving and licensed possession of weapons are specifically exempted. Your diplomatic immunity and our security arrangements will remain in effect.”

Louis felt anger rise in him. “This is absurd. And it’s discriminatory. We are not their citizens.”

“Sir, I understand your frustration. The provision covering foreign visitors was added during the final debate last night. The Supreme President lodged a formal protest as soon as our embassy confirmed the final text this morning. But it will take some time to resolve. In the meantime, we have to follow their rules. Or we could cancel the trip.”

“No,” Louis said. “We are not canceling. We are going. I don’t care about their laws. We are not minors. We are adults.”

“Sir, I respect your decision,” Yamamoto said. “And my team will support it. But we need to be careful. The local authorities might look for an excuse to cause trouble. Especially with us.”

“I know,” Louis said. “But we have to do it. We have a mission. And we will not be deterred by a ridiculous law.”

“Understood,” Yamamoto said. “We will proceed as planned. The Supreme President had instructed us to follow your orders under all circumstances within the limits of our duty. Even if they conflict with the local regulations.”

“Good,” Louis said. “Because I have no intention of following them.”

“Very well, sir.” Yamamoto nodded. “We are ready to depart when you are.”

Louis nodded and went back to the RV. The last service team personnel finished loading supplies and the Ducati into the rear garage. Maeve was already in the driver’s seat, her hands on the large wheel. The others were gathered in the smaller lounge behind her.

“How about our cars?” Cherish asked Angelique.

“They will be delivered back to Los Angeles,” Angelique said. “The service team will take care of it. Don’t worry.”

“What’s wrong?” Willa asked, looking at Louis.

“There’s a complication,” he said, sitting on a sofa. “The Central Union is going to raise the legal age of majority to twenty-one for everyone.”

Maeve looked up from the driver’s seat as she started the engine. “What does that mean?”

“It means we are all minors in their eyes,” Louis said. “Except for Angelique.”

“Minors?” Savannah asked, her voice sharp. “Are they insane?”

“Apparently, yes,” Willa said, looking out the window. “This is a moral panic law. A political stunt to appeal to their paternalistic base.”

“And to make our lives difficult,” Donya said, crossing her arms. “It’s not fair.”

“I don’t care,” Maeve said, her hands gripping the wheel. “I’m still driving this beast.” She drove the RV out of the hangar and onto the private road leading to the airport exit. Four armored SUVs fell into formation around them.

“It’s ridiculous,” Angelique said. “I’m only six months older than Louis. And I’m the only adult here?”

“Technically, yes.” Willa looked around the space. “As the youngest among us, I’m especially concerned.”

“Wait, I thought you were the same age as me, Willa.” Donya stared at her. “How old are you?”

“I’m eighteen.” Willa shrugged.

Cherish raised her voice. “So I’m older than you? I’m nineteen!”

“Yes, Cherry. You are.” Willa smiled. “But we are all minors now, in the eyes of the Central Union.”

“Y’all can’t be serious,” Savannah said, shaking her head. “They’re trying to mess with us. Age ain’t nothing but a number. Not after what we’ve been through.”

“Tell that to the Central Union,” Willa said. “They have a different definition.”

“When will they pass this law?” Angelique asked. “And why didn’t we know about it?”

“Today. This afternoon,” Louis said, checking his phone. “I don’t know why we weren’t warned. Maybe Robin didn’t know it would affect us until this morning.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Gladice said. “We’re still going. Right?”

“Yes,” Louis said, putting away his phone. “We are still going. But it’s going to be complicated.”

“What’s the complication exactly?” Savannah asked. “Can we still go into a bar? Or buy a beer?”

“No,” Willa said. “And we can’t have sex. Legally.”

“What?” Maeve said, looking in the rearview mirror. “They can’t tell us what to do in our own RV.”

“They can try,” Savannah said.

“I’m going to fuck Louis in their park if I want to. Right in front of the rangers.” Gladice laughed.

“Please don’t,” Angelique said, rubbing her temples. “We don’t need an international incident.”

“I think it would be fun.” Gladice smirked. “And it would send a message.”

“It would send us to jail,” Willa said, adjusting her glasses. “Or at least get us expelled. Which would ruin our mission.”

“I dare them to try to arrest us,” Louis said. “We are the First Family of the Dominion. And we have sixteen armed guards. They are veterans. And very loyal.”

“That’s true,” Savannah said. “They wouldn’t dare.”

“They might,” Willa said. “If they have a reason and enough backup.”

“After what we have been through? That will be a declaration of war with the Dominion,” Louis said.

“A good point,” Willa said. “But they can still demand us to leave.”

“I’m not leaving until I have what I want,” Louis said. “They are harboring our enemies. And they are insulting us with this stupid law.”

“I hate this.” Donya shook her head. “It’s so invasive.”

“Me too,” Cherish said. “Are they going to treat us like children?”

“Yes,” Willa said. “That’s the whole point. They are going to treat us like children. Because in their eyes, we are. Until we’re twenty-one.”

“So Angel will be our chaperone?” Gladice asked. “That’s ironic.”

“Yes,” Angelique said, her voice dry. “I will be the only adult in the room or in this RV. Isn’t that fun?”

“Very,” Gladice said. “I hope you’re a good chaperone. I can be a handful.”

“I know,” Angelique said. “Believe me, I know.”

“I don’t care what they say,” Maeve said, her eyes fixed on the road. “They can pass all the laws they want. I’m still an adult. And so are you. No matter what they think.”

She drove the RV onto the highway, with two SUVs in front and two behind. The vehicle was wide enough to fill the entire lane from line to line. The traffic slowed down as they passed. Drivers stared. Some took photos.

“Look at them,” Savannah said, looking out the window. “They are impressed.”

“They should be,” Gladice said. “This RV costs twenty million dollars. Maybe more. And we are in it. Living our best lives.”

“Until we get expelled for having a beer,” Willa said.

“One more reason to get drunk, then,” Gladice said. “Rebellion is always fun.”

“Not when you’re in a foreign country with limited rights,” Willa said. “Let’s not be reckless.”

“Come on, Willa. We’re still in Oregon.” Gladice rolled her eyes. “Let’s enjoy the freedom while it lasts.”

“It won’t last long,” Willa said, leaning back to the sofa. “We’ll cross the border in a few hours.”

“You mean six hours.” Savannah glanced at the GPS screen. “This tank moves slow.”

“She’s heavy, but she’s smooth,” Maeve said from the driver’s seat. “Smoother than the trucks I used to drive. And quieter.”

Cherish looked up from her phone. “I checked the news about the law. It was already discussed several weeks ago.”

“Until the news of our abduction and the war between the Collective and Dixie pushed it aside.” Gladice clicked her phone. “Now they’re rushing it through.”

“That’s a political move,” Willa said, her eyes narrowing. “The Central Union knows why we’re going there. They are making it harder for us to operate. A preemptive strike.”

“Do you think they are specifically targeting us?” Donya asked.

“Maybe not us specifically,” Angelique said. “But the Dominion in general. They don’t like our lifestyle or our influence. This is their way of pushing back.”

“Then we should push back harder,” Gladice said. “Show them we don’t care about their laws.”

“Venessa will have a field day with this,” Willa said. “She’s probably already writing the statement.”

“She is,” Louis said, scrolling through the secure channel. “Robin says my father is already on a call with the Central Union president.”

“Who’s that?” Cherish asked.

“Richard White,” Angelique said. “Former Governor of Montana. A career politician. A centrist. But a paternalist one.”

“A boring old white man,” Maeve said. “What a surprise.”

“He’s not a theocrat, at least,” Donya said.

“Better than Dixie, I guess,” Savannah said.

“Everything is better than Dixie.” Gladice shrugged.

“So what’s the plan?” Maeve asked. “We just drive and act like we’re normal tourists? A bunch of twenty-year-olds on vacation?”

“More like a bunch of teenagers on a school trip,” Willa said. “With our responsible adult, Angelique, supervising us.”

Angelique sighed. “I can’t wait.”

“Cheer up, Angel. You can be our den mother.” Gladice wiggled her eyebrows. “You can punish us if we misbehave. With a ruler. On our bare asses.”

Angelique rolled her eyes. “Grow up, Glads.”

“I’m a minor now.” Gladice laughed. “I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”

“Right,” Willa said. “That’s going to be your defense in court.”

“I don’t need a defense,” Gladice said, winking. “I have Louis. He will get us out of trouble with a missile.”

Louis smiled. “I think we may need more missiles. A lot more.”

“We can start a war,” Maeve said. “I’m in. We can take over the Central Union and build a waterpark in Yellowstone.” She paused. “What’s a waterpark by the way?”

“It’s a park with water slides and pools,” Donya said. “For fun.”

“For fun?” Maeve asked. “Not for washing clothes or cooling the engines?”

“No,” Donya said. “Just for fun. And for getting wet.”

“I like getting wet,” Gladice said. “In more ways than one.”

“We all know that, Glads,” Angelique said. “You don’t have to announce it every five minutes.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Gladice asked.

The RV drove on, the landscape outside changing from urban to suburban to rural. The Dominion Guard SUVs stayed close, their lights flashing. Cherish looked out the window.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “All the green. And the river.”

“We are following the Columbia River,” Angelique said. “It’s the border between Oregon and Washington.”

“Can we stop by the river?” Cherish asked. “I want to touch the water.”

“Sure,” Louis said. “We can pull over at a scenic viewpoint.” He turned on the comms. “Captain. Pull over at the next viewpoint. We want to stretch our legs.”

“Copy that, sir,” Yamamoto said.

The Two SUVs behind them slowed down and stopped in the middle of the highway, blocking traffic. Maeve drove the RV into the other lane as the other two SUVs blocked the oncoming traffic. She drove to a viewpoint on the side of the road.

“Hell yeah,” Maeve said, parking the RV. “I’m getting used to this.”

They all got out. Louis saw a few cars stopped by the road. A few people were taking photos of the RV. Their guards kept them at a distance. Cherish walked to the edge of the viewpoint and looked at the river below.

“It’s so big,” she said. “And so blue.”

“It is,” Louis said, standing beside her. “And it flows all the way to the ocean.”

“Can we go down there?” she asked. “To the water.”

“We can,” he said. “Let’s go.”

Louis took her hand and led her down a dirt path to a small beach on the riverbank. The others followed them with four guards. The beach was rocky, with patches of green grass and driftwood.

“I want to touch it,” Cherish said, walking to the water. She knelt down and dipped her hand into the river.

“It feels nice,” she said, smiling. “It’s so clean.”

“It is,” Louis said. “We have the cleanest water in the world.”

“Can we go in?” Gladice asked, pulling off her top. “Skinny-dipping?”

“No,” Angelique said. “We are on a schedule. And the water is cold.”

“Party pooper,” Gladice said, putting her top back on.

“I’m a responsible adult now,” Angelique said. “I have to be the boring one.”

“You’re good at it,” Gladice said, nudging her.

“I’m trying,” Angelique said, smiling.

“Let’s take a picture,” Savannah said, taking out her phone. “We should remember this.”

She gave her phone to a guard, who took a photo of all of them with the river in the background. They looked like a normal group of friends on a vacation. Louis almost believed it.

“It’s a good photo,” the guard said, handing the phone back to Savannah.

“It is,” Savannah said. “Thanks.”

They walked back to the RV. A crowd of people had gathered on the viewpoint, watching them.

“It’s the Collins Eight! The Collins Eight!” a teenage girl screamed.

“It’s Louis! And his girlfriends!” a boy shouted, taking a video with his phone.

“Look at that RV! It’s a monster!” a man said to his wife.

Louis smiled and waved at them. He did not go closer. The guards formed a wall between them and the RV. Maeve drove the vehicle back onto the highway. The crowd cheered. The guards followed them.

“That was fun,” Gladice said. “I like being famous.”

“I don’t,” Willa said. “I prefer privacy.”

“You won’t get it in this RV,” Maeve said. “It’s a rolling billboard.”

“I know,” Willa said. “But I can hope.”

“Take a break, Maeve,” Louis said. “Turn on the autopilot.”

“Alright,” Maeve said, pressing a button on the dashboard. “Let the German robot do the work.”

“It’s British, actually,” Gladice said.

“Whatever,” Maeve said. “It’s still a robot.”

Louis stood up. “Let’s go upstairs and have a drink.”

“Before we lose our rights,” Gladice said, standing up.