Tonedeaf: Part 5

We interrupt our regular broadcast to +++ NO SIGNAL +++ foreign broadcast of unknown origin interfering with the Harmony +++ NO SIGNAL +++ stay where you are while we restore balance +++


Kay tripped over her feet as she ran out of the Feathered Crown. Her head felt like it was being curdled. Through watery eyes she saw Mac walking ahead of her down the street. Around her the ground was littered with broken glass, cars ground to a halt and people were just standing around looking upwards while this unholy scream was thumping out of every Amplifier.

“Wait!” Kay called after Mac. Her body didn't seem to be working properly, she felt like she was going to collapse from exhaustion. Frantically, she wondered what the scream was doing to her.

She felt a hand under her arm. Mac lifted her to her feet and started to guide her down the street forcibly."You're quite determined, aren't you?"

**

The Herald was standing in the courtyard at the front of the Monastery. Erith watched from the shadows as the giant moved around, examining the flowerbeds and the wishing well.

Do you know what I miss most of all?

Erith's heart leaped into his throat as he scrambled back into the shadows. Was he talking to him? There was a murmur from the other side of the courtyard - Erith squinted - he couldn't see who was talking.

Green.

Erith breathed a sigh of relief. There was another murmur.

Everything green. Plants I particularly like. I will enjoy building a garden and filling it with flowers and trees.

Erith shimmied around at the sound of approaching footsteps. It was Brother Pica, looking shaken and distracted.

"Y-your excellency," he stammered, looking resolutely at the ground. Pica looked terrified. Erith wondered what it took to un-hinge the great Brother.

Good. How are your Brothers?

"Recovering in the chapel, Herald."

You will all have to be adjusted. Your reaction to the Call was most disappointing.

"I don't understand."

Don't you remember the Texts, Brother? You embarrass yourself. The Herald was running his hands across the flowers, sampling their fragrance. 'And the faithful will be singled out by the great Call and rewarded with Paradise. Those who fall will be Damned.'

Erith watched as Brother Pica wilted visibly, the strength seeming to fall from his shoulders.

You understand now, good Brother? You have strayed from the path that was laid out for you. You left the City that your gracious Masters gave to you. This Monastery you have founded has made you weak. You have all broken the Dictates of Harmony.

"We wanted to strengthen our faith by removing distractions - we thought this was what they wanted." Brother Pica replied, his voice hollow.

All They want is for their children to live in Harmony. You disobeyed, and you have paid the price.

"Forgive us," Brother Pica muttered, his voice hushed. He was sobbing.

Forgiveness. That I cannot grant, our mutual Masters have very particular ideas concerning right and wrong.

"W-What will you do?"

I will do what needs to be done.

There was a long, drawn out silence between the Herald and Pica. In a burst of anguish, Pica broke down and fell to his knees. "I beg you -forgive me! Please. I'll do anything. Let me, please. I will do anything you ask!"

I believe you, Brother. The Herald walked over to the wishing well and picked a penny out of the water. You will be forgiven, if you submit to an adjustment.

"Anything - anything," Pica muttered, blubbering in the dirt. Erith looked away, he couldn't bear to look at the man degrade himself.

Good.

**

Mac closed the man-hole cover behind Kay as they both descended into the sewers. He held her under the shoulders as they advanced into the network of tunnels. She found it increasingly difficult to walk through the sludge beneath her feet.

Mac eventually led her to a junction where they stopped. How long it had taken them to get there, she wasn't sure. Every now and then she seemed to fade in and out of reality. Every time she realised where she was, the smell would hit her she'd begin to convulse. Several times Mac jammed something in between her clenched teeth and forced her to swallow.

Slowly, sanity returned to her and the fever began to pass. Although what replaced it felt like euphoric drunkenness.

"What have you done to me?" She whispered, deliriously.

"Jacked you up on Din, isn't that what you wanted?" Mac replied, concentrating on the wall in the low, gloomy light. "You'll thank me in a little while."

Suddenly, the wall swung open and a new tunnel was revealed. It was strongly lit with intense blue lights and the smell of bleach cut through the excrement like a knife.

Mac maneuvered Kay into the new tunnel and followed her in. Safely inside, the door swung closed. They were standing in a knee high bath of cleaning solution.

"Step forward." A voice over an intercom instructed. They did as they were told. The tunnel then proceeded to clean them with a series of showers. Sufficiently drenched and recovered by the end of the experience, Kay was just about ready to kill when she was handed a fluffy warm towel and some clean clothes.

After changing, she was led into a low-ceilinged chamber where a group of assembled misfits were gathered on mess hall benches and tables. They were all watching her. Mac stepped forward.

"Welcome," he said, scratching his head.

"And you say she'd built up a partial resistance?" A gruff looking man eyed her skeptically but spoke to Mac.

"She chased me down the street while everyone else stared up at the sky like morons. Yeah, she resisted all right." Mac replied.

"What's going on?"

"Can't you guess? We're the face of evil. The scum who've been polluting the streets and lower nests with Din and raves and debauchery and sin." Mac replied, stepping forward. "We're what classical literature refers to as a 'resistance cell'."

Kay nodded, "I know this might sound like a really stupid question, so forgive me in advance, but... a resistance to what?"

"Spoken like a true sheep." The gruff man spat, standing up and walking off.

"Sorry - what's a sheep?"

"Have you ever wondered where the Harmony comes from, or what it does? Have you ever read too much into the Texts and found strange links between words which were supposedly written thousands of years ago, and now? Well, you're looking at all the people who ever did." Mac waved at the people standing around him. "We were demoted, fired, seconded, downgraded - all in an effort to shut us up. Over the years we've taken stock of our situation, gathered resources and paved the way for a Brighter Future." He continued with an ironic smile.

"A Brighter Future..."

"One of the many slogans we're fed on since birth, as our resident Psychologist will tell you. He was silenced for conducting research into what were deemed 'heretical theories'; or, in other words, whether or not the Harmony is brainwashing us." Mac continued.

Kay sat down on one of the benches. The screech had left her weak, but the realisation that these people were her only hope made her feel worse.

"We've been preparing for this day for a very long time; working with the outsiders to get people out of the city. Unfortunately, the young were the only people who paid any attention to our 'wild theories'. That did nothing for our PR, I can tell you." Mac said, sitting down next to her. "What all this boils down to is this: we think the Ancient Texts are bit too prophetic to be just prophecy. There is evidence to support the theory that our civilisation has been staged. By whom, we don't know, there are theories for that too. The screaming we heard earlier - we believe that is what the Texts refer to as the Call. If this is true, then the Herald has arrived on Earth and what comes next is the Last War."

"An Age of Prophecy," Kay whispered, thinking of all the bill-boards advertising new estates. All those slogans.

"The Harmony, as far as we're concerned, is a means of controlling the masses."

"What if you're wrong?"

"Then we'll all look very stupid."

The ground shook - what sounded like thunder could be heard in the distance. Dust fell from the ceiling.

"You aren't wrong, are you?" Kay asked, meekly.

"We don't think so." Mac smiled, patting her on shoulder gently.

**

It was night and the stars were out, framed by the circle of trees in the clearing. Jon was staring up. The full moons were bright tonight, Luna One glowing white and Luna Two glowing grey.

Jon looked down at the ruins of the Museum. The people of the camp were gathered within its broken walls, fires were lit and the feeling of excitement and dread in the air was palpable.

"Come on, let's get her out," Walter muttered. Jon and Sol turned to the off-road beast and grabbed the ends of the enormous cryo tube. As they slid it out, the moonlight shone down onto the pale, round face of the girl sleeping within. A countdown was flashing on the mounted panel, ticking down to when the tube was ready to open.

They carried her across the clearing towards the gathering. The crowd hushed down as they approached and watched as they placed her unevenly on the foundation stone.

Walter took a step forward to address the gathering.

"We all know why we're here." He began, scanning the crowd. "This day hardly needs any introduction. If the Rain of Fire wasn't hint enough, then the noise we heard across the Harmony earlier was proof. The Call has gone out and now decisions must be made."

Jon looked at Sol who was standing very near Walter as he addressed the audience. Beyond, faces flickered in the crowd, lit by the light of the fires.

"If we're right, then what will come next is the Swift Justice. It's too late to consider loved ones back in the city, chances are the Harmony has done its job and now they are beyond our immediate help." Walter, who had at times seemed very sanctimonious to Jon, was a natural leader. "We will do what we can for them in time, but now we need to consider ourselves. As I see it, we have two choices. We can either stay here and re-establish contact with our people in the city and fight; or we can run, establish a colony elsewhere and begin a new life."

"We can't go anywhere," a face called from the crowd, one of the older ones, "We can't run. We have to stay. There is nowhere for us to go."

The crowd murmured its agreement. Walter smiled, nodding along with them, "I had a feeling that would be your reaction. However, there is something to consider. We all know of the Texts and their significance. We have argued over their truth as prophecy, coincidence or deliberate knowledge of the future. But as some of you know, there is another Text. One that was found in the Wilderness. One which speaks of the individual known as Din."

Jon felt all the eyes in the crowd turn to him, he looked down at the girl in the glass coffin and thought of her, while everyone else wondered about him.

"There are other players too that we are aware of, what their roles may entail we do not know. However, it is my belief that these people should go. We can barely protect ourselves out here." Walter gestured around to the ruins, the trees and the open sky. They were exposed, on the run. Ultimately, they would be found.

"How would we escape? Where would these people go?" The inevitable question was asked by another face in the crowd.

"We found another bunker today," Walter stepped back and stood next to the cryo tube, "In it we found this young lady. Who she is, where she comes from - when she comes from. We do not know. But, we did find a ship with her. A very advanced ship, but one of human design. We think. We believe that an escape could be made in this ship." The crowd was abuzz with chatter and hands went up to speak, Walter waved them down. "The forgotten Text refers to a Red Frontier. We believe that the ship could be made to go there. Wherever it is."

The crowd broke into shouting and talking, Walter struggled to control them but ultimately failed. One of the older ones, a woman with a lined face - Jon recognised her as one of the original team of explorers sent out into the wilderness. "Your plan is very nice Walter, but there are things we need to consider here. Who would go? Who should go? What are the people who stay going to do? And, crucially, I feel, because we're hardly an able body of people - who is going to fly your ship?"

There was a silence, Walter looked around to Jon, who shrugged.

"I will."

The crowd's attention spun to entrance of the ruin. Captain Nithes was standing in the firelight, his arms wrapped around Cho's shoulder. "I'll fly your gods-damned ship."

**

Erith was sitting cross legged in the field, with his back against the wall. He'd been sitting there all day. He'd lost contact with his backside and lower legs a long time ago. All bodily concerns seemed to slip away. This was the turning point. Here was the proof he'd longed to see all these years. Hard evidence was sitting in front of him in the form of the ship the Herald had landed in. Why did he feel empty, then? Why wasn't he euphoric? Perhaps it had something to do with the psychotic effect he had on Pica. Maybe it was the hatchery buried beneath the Monastery and the endless sea of giant eggs. Maybe he just didn't believe after all.

He heard the rejoicing coming from over the wall. They'd broken out the ceremonial wine, it seemed, forgotten their vows for a few hours in celebration of the Call. But why had they all fallen - were they all damned? What did it mean?

The door to the garden burst open and a Monk appeared, one of the young brothers. Not used to alcohol, Erith thought, remembering his school days and the behaviour that had prompted his parents to send him here.

The Brother was clutching his stomach, gasping. The party was going on behind him, louder now. He'd be sick, Erith thought, then stumble back to the party.

But the Brother wasn't sick, he just stood there, clutching his stomach. Erith leaned in - he was shaking. Suddenly, another figure appeared in the doorway.

"There you are," Pica muttered, his voice unmistakable. Erith's blood turned cold. Pica pulled out a long implement. The Brother fell into the dirt, pleading and crying out. But Pica loomed over him, the weapon raised. It was a knife - Erith could see it, but his mind stumbled to comprehend what he was seeing. With swift violence, Pica plunged the knife down into the chest of the Brother while he screamed in the dirt.

There was a moment, an eternal image in Erith's mind where he saw Pica's shoulders rising up and down, his breath heavy and guttural.

"Run Erith."

For a second, Erith didn't register that he'd spoken. But this wasn't the voice of a murderer. This was a scared man.

"Run boy." He spat again. In an instant, Erith was on his feet, stumbling and fleeing into the night. He didn't think, he didn't look back. He just ran.

**

Is that all of them?

"Yes."

Good. You will be adjusted. I'm proud of you Pica, your faith is very strong.

"Thank you."

Now come, we have an appointment to keep with the City.

Pica stood in the moonlight, shaking. Beneath him, the gound seemed to swell deflate. From below, raucous cries could be heard from the earth. Behind him, from the Monastery, he heard the enormous Birds bursting up from the catacombs and taking to the sky. As creature after creature took flight the Monastery fell in on itself burying the dead and swallowing Pica's life with it.

**

"Is this how you treat all of your women?" Kay asked as they moved through the sewer complex.

"Only the ones worth saving."

"How comforting. I'm honoured." She replied making sure her hand never left his.

There was something going on above - the ground hadn't stopped shaking. They didn't have time to wonder what it was. All they could do was run.

"How long do we have?" Mac asked one of the people up ahead.

"About five minutes," The grumpy man replied, referring to a piece of paper covered in scribbles and equations.

"Until what?" Kay asked, dreading the answer.

"One of the little features we found out about the city. Ever wondered why the architecture is all uniform?"

"Not really."

"Well, we did. The city has a funky design feature - it reacts to certain frequencies in different ways. It, like everything else is designed to work in Harmony. The Call, it seems has activated the most esoteric function."

"Dare I even ask?"

Mac laughed, "The city is closing everything down. Locking all the doors, sealing all of the holes. We suspected at first it was designed to be implemented if another city attacked us. We were wrong. Naturally, we planned for this eventuality, but it isn't without its shortcomings."

Kay shuddered.

"Four minutes people - lets move!" Shouted the man up ahead, his voice ringing down the cramped space.

**

Below him, through the transparent bottom of the Herald's ship, Pica could see the city of Avian One. One half jutting into the sea, the other surrounded by the dense Wilderness, ringed in its entirety by the enormous perimeter wall.

Magnificent. The Herald muttered.

Pica looked down at his hands. They were dull red, his sleeves soaked up to the elbows, his habit splattered and messy with blood.

Underneath the ship, descending in formation were the Birds. It was then that he noticed that the City itself was moving, smoke and dust rising into the sky.

"What's happening?"

The people will be judged tonight Brother Pica; their faith tested. We have taken total control of the Harmony. The city is now ours.

"Why is it moving?"

To leave no stone unturned, so that the sinful cannot hide. Pica looked up at the cowled, technicolour beast.

"Why are you doing this?"

The Herald did not respond, it was clear that he was watching the Birds land on rooves, in the streets.

Why? The Herald laughed softly, Because I want my planet back.

**

"You wont have long," Walter shouted back to them as he sat down at the console in the Bunker. Behind him, the ones who were leaving flooded into the cylindrical silo and stared at the ship. "Get everything on board now."

Volunteers swept past - Jon was overseeing the cryo tube with Syd; Captain Nithes was helping Cho mount the gantry into the belly of the ship, others were carrying supplies.

"So much for going back to the city." Jon muttered. Syd looked up and smiled.

"Don't worry. We'll see them again." Syd replied. Jon nodded, lifting the cryo tube onto the gantry and into the ship.

"It all seems to be on a timed, auto setting Captain," Walter spoke into the intercom. There was a short silence.

"I see it."

"Can you work the controls?" Walter asked. There was another silence.

"Yes."

Syd emerged from the belly of the ship and smiled. "Everything is onboard." He nodded.

The ship began to shake as the engines warmed up. "You might want to get out." Captain Nithes's voice boomed over the intercom.

Jon appeared at the hatch and launched himself across the gantry. "You don't escape that easily." He grabbed Syd and bear hugged him. "Take care of him." Jon said, looking at Walter intently. "I've lost him once already."

Walter nodded and Jon let go of his brother. Syd backed away. Jon shook them both by the hand and bid them farewell. "I'll send you a postcard from the Red Frontier." He smiled before disappearing back into the ship.

Onboard, Jon climbed into his seat in the spacious cockpit and strapped himself in. "You ready?" Nithes asked, not waiting for a reply. The ship fired its ignition and began its rapid ascent.

"Are you doing this?" Jon shouted over the noise.

"It's all pre-programmed. I barely have any control." The Captain shouted back.

"Is that good or bad?"

"We'll soon find out."

**

Syd and walter jumped back into the off-road beast as the ship thundered into the heavens overhead.

"They'll be fine." Walter said, without much conviction.

Syd didn't reply, he just followed the ship with his eyes until all that could be seen was a trail of vapour and smoke.

**

Kay and the others emerged from a low tunnel onto a plateau that overlooked the City. They watched as the Birds landed; they watched as the Herald's silver ship landed somewhere in the upper nests; they heard the curious thundering noise rising into the sky and saw the trail of smoke that it left.

They all stood in silence and awe. It took a moment for Kay to realise that they were out in the Wilderness. It was so absurd she had to laugh.

After a moment she lost control of herself and the hilarity of the entire situation dawned of her. The world was coming to an end - certainly her life as she knew it was over - her parents were in the city, her brothers were dead. And all she could do was laugh.

Slowly, the resistance moved its way into the forest, leaving Kay and Mac on the lip of the plateau.

"You're crazy." Mac muttered fondly.

"You're a drug dealer and a scoundrel," Kay replied, wiping the tears from her eyes, chuckling.

They both looked up as the Birds in the city looked up and as one, leaped into the air and flew overhead into the Wilderness.

"Where do you think they're going?" Kay asked.

"The same place we are. To find the other half of the Resistance." Mac replied grimly. He turned around and walked into the forest, leaving Kay with a funny, niggling thought in her head.

"Wait. What other half?" Kay demanded. Spinning around, she followed him into the undergrowth and disappeared after him. Mac's booming laugh could be heard up ahead, growing fainter and fainter.

**

The beast ground to a grassy halt in the clearing. There was no one there.

Syd and Walter leaped out of their seats and looked around. The fires were dying out. There was nothing. No one.

"Where-"

"Sshhhh!" Walter hissed, looking around.

There was a fluttering sound in the darkness - a chirrup.

"Who's there?" Walter asked, stepping forward.

He was answered by a burst of chatter - high, bird-like sounds.

"The Harmony?" Syd whispered.

Walter shook his head. Pairs of yellow, glistening eyes appeared in the darkness. Forked feet stepped forward in the dirt and into the low moonlight. Syd looked down at the ground and saw trails of blood and ominous forms, lingering in shadow.

Walter's hand slipped into Syd's as the Birds advanced towards them.

"Nice knowing you."

"You too."


**

Good Morning Avian One, this is the new voice of the Harmony speaking. You will stay in your homes and await further instructions. Today is a bright new day and we look forward to working closely with you to build a Brighter Future. We are living in an Age of Prophecy and things are changing, but there is no need to be afraid. You will have questions to ask; all of these will be answered in time. We hope you have a nice day.

++ We apologise for the disruptions. Normal service will now resume. Thank you. ++ ++ We apologise for the disruptions. Normal service will now resume. Thank you. ++ ++ We apologise for the disruptions. Normal service will now resume. Thank you. ++ ++ We apologise for the disruptions. Normal service will now resume. Thank you. ++ ++ We apologise for the disruptions. Normal service will now resume. Thank you. ++ ++ We apologise for the disruptions. Normal service will now resume. Thank you. ++ ++ We apologise for the disruptions. Normal service will now resume. Thank you. ++

Tonedeaf: Part 4

Good Morning, here are today’s headlines. The clean-up operation is in its thirty-first day since the Meteor Shower. Efforts across the city are said to be going well with communities pulling together to clear neighbourhoods of the devastation left in the wake of the shower. A memorial will take place for the astronauts of the Falcon later this day; the Space Programme gave a press conference last week commending the crew posthumously for their efforts. Psychologists from the University of Avian One are still studying the effect of the disaster on the survivors. Of particular interest is the phenomenon that saw many people try to escape the city by climbing the Perimeter Wall. Global Harmonics today will be reduced due to technical difficulties – expect interrupted service throughout the d—

Adept Erith tapped the side of the Amplifier and adjusted the tone control as the signal spluttered.

“Leave it.” Brother Pica muttered irritably.

Erith jumped. Brother Pica was standing in the doorway of his nest, he was frowning. “Come. We have work to do in the fields.”

Erith tidied his habit and followed the Brother out of the nest and down the central corridor of the Monastery towards the gardens.

This was the third week of his mentorship under Brother Pica. The decision to partner him with the strictest Brother hadn’t come as a surprise to Erith. He lacked structure, perception and most worryingly, faith. Apparently.

He believed in the Gods, which was important, but he still asked questions, which was bad. Brother Pica’s reputation as a stern taskmaster, however, was an understatement. His knowledge of the Texts was flawless and he expected the same standards from all of the Adepts.
“Today we’ll be covering the word of the Gods on the law of the land.” Pica instructed as Erith followed close to the Brother’s heels. “Maybe working with the earth and seeing the truth of their wisdom in the most elemental of tasks will strengthen your floundering faith.”

“Yes, Brother.” Erith responded mechanically.

Outside, Pica found him a hoe and a basket and led him out into the gardens. The grounds of the Monastery were divided into different sections, ornamental, kitchen and economic.

“We’ll start with the economic section,” Pica said as they walked through the busy kitchen garden. They came to an ancient wall, half reclaimed by nature with a large gate set into it. On the other side was the field where they grew wheat and barley to be sold in the city on their rare visits.

“The Gods told us that the land is the key to maintaining the heavens. Without it, the sky doesn’t exist and it is necessary to separate the Gods from people. That said, its maintenance is uppermost in their regard. The ground must be tilled and worked to produce fruit as it supports Gods and People alike.”

Erith listened. He knew all of this, it wasn’t like he was an idiot – he just had issues with elements of the Texts which the others seemed to take for granted. They didn’t seem to realise that this had nothing to do with his faith. As far as he was concerned the Gods existed and that was that. The problem he had was that the texts were written by people not the Gods, and, therefore must have imperfections.

“Ah! But the Gods were speaking through the individuals who wrote the Texts.” He was constantly rebuked. Largely speaking he kept his mouth shut these days, it wasn’t worth bothering with an argument. The older Brothers though interpreted his reticence as proof of his stupidity.

“We’ll begin with the Dictates of Seed. As we know, the Gods were born of eggs, just like their earthly replications – birds. Seeds, like eggs, are the origins of life. So, seeds are sacred and have an inherent right to be planted and become life. To control life is to commit the greatest of sins. This is why we reject technology beyond that which is necessary to maintain the harmony. These free thinkers, with their good intentions of controlling nature will doubtlessly burn in the Last War.”

“Yes, Brother.”

Erith looked back at the Monastery of Chimes, so called because its cone-like structure channelled the wind through it creating an approximation of the Great Harmony.

“Next to the Dictate to Live in Harmony, the Dictate of Seed is the most important of our fundamental social rules. This is why you are going to plant an entire crop of barley by hand, by your self.”

Erith sighed. He had a feeling something like this was going to happen. “Until you learn that ‘Living in Harmony’ doesn’t just include gluing your ears to the Amplifier from the city, you will be made to perform menial tasks so that you understand the severity of your undertaking.” The Brother continued, without breathing. Erith began to scatter seeds from the basket, combing over the soil with the hoe. He wondered whether Brother Pica realised that he spoke in monologues.

The wind began to pick up and it became harder to scatter the seeds. Erith’s habit began to flap and a nasty draft threatened to expose him. He looked up and saw that Brother Pica, normally the picture of habit perfection was struggling too.

The wind got stronger and stronger, and a thunderous sound from above was swelling, getting closer. The Amplifiers scattered around the field, normally pumping out gentle Harmonic tones, began to spit and curse with static.

A shadow was approaching, sweeping across the fields towards them – Pica and Erith looked up and saw a great winged creature approaching. It was as big as the monastery and had long silver wings growing from a sleek curved body. Arms grew from its underbelly, extending out like fingers. As it got closer it slowed down and gently began to lower itself down onto the field.

Brother Pica was staring agape at the beast before him. “The Chariot!” He shouted, prophetically.

The image came into Erith’s mind instantly. The Great Vessel that would deliver to earth the messenger of the Gods. The Herald.

A black hole appeared on the underbelly of the beast. Behind him, Erith heard the other Brothers and Adepts pouring through the gate into the field.

Footsteps were distinctly audible over the noise as a figure appeared in the hole. Underneath its feet, steps appeared. The light revealed a tall human figure swathed in a technicolour cloak. A hood was pulled over its head; the whole thing covered in a coat of coloured feathers.

The figure approached the assembled Monks and stood before them, a clear foot taller than even the tallest Brother.

I am the Herald. I believe you know what I want.

Erith blinked and looked around, uncertain whether or not what he thought had happened had actually happened. The Herald spoke in pure Harmony - it was like feeling, tasting, smelling and feeling words all at once.

Brother Pica stammered forward, “Yu-yes – come with me. I will show you the way.”

Splendid.

The figure strode forward and past the assembled Monks, who had to almost leap out of its way. Erith was stunned. It was true – the Texts were actually correct. There was no question of it.

“While the doubtful till the land, the Herald will arrive to awaken the faithful.” He muttered under his breath. As the other Brothers and Adepts followed the Herald and Brother Pica, Erith was left wondering exactly how the Herald planned to ‘awaken the faithful’.

**

Ten minutes twenty, twenty one, twenty two, twenty three, twenty four –

The sweat was beginning to gather on Kay’s forehead. Her body was knotted with concentration as she sat, crossed legged in the darkness. Her thoughts began to blur and she found counting increasingly difficult, she clenched her teeth and forced her mind to pinpoint the numbers as they rattled on.

- thirty seven, thirty eight, thirty nine, forty, forty one, forty two, forty three, forty –

As her consciousness swirled about her, Kay switched on and her foot shot forward and kicked the door in front of her. In a sudden the Harmony flooded back into the room and she found herself on her back gasping for breath. She began to laugh and stood up, grabbed the towel next to her and wiped herself down.

Sipping from a bottle of water she walked into the next room, out of the padded ‘sound-proof’ chamber she’d created in her pantry. She looked out of the window and saw the city. Ten minutes and forty four seconds. It was a new record for her, but it still wasn’t good enough. She needed to be able to last longer if she was going to stand any chance with what had to be done.

She’d never considered herself religious, but there were things you just took for granted. The dependence on the Harmony was just part of life – wasn’t it? Were would we be without it? Rang the glorious slogans adorning every other street corner. If her brother could live without it, then why couldn’t she? Besides, there were things she was beginning to question. The shootings at the Perimeter Wall. What had driven so many people to actually try and escape? Even to her, the thought was difficult to consider.

She turned from the window and sat at her desk. Laid out before her were photos and news clippings. These were all of the missing people – lists of their families, contact details, notes. A vast, methodical network of people. For the past weeks she’d been moonlighting as her brother’s secretary, using his name as a means of asking them questions. When was the last time you saw your daughter? How was she then? How did she feel?

Throughout, one name recurred over and over. One friend seemed to link most of these youths. Mac a’Denu. She knew in an instant that she'd found their dealer, the one who supplied them all with Din. Now she had to find him, because he might be the key she needed to develop a resistance to the Harmony.

**

Jon stepped down into the down straw building. He was carrying two bowls of soup. Within, Amplifiers were set up around two beds in the centre of the room. Light streamed through tiny slit windows around the room, blocking the sight of the trees beyond. Jon took a deep breath and smiled.

“Good morning Captain,” Jon said.

Captain Neor Nithes stood up from his bed and backed away from the door. Jon set down the bowls within the Amplifier circle and then stepped back. In the other bed was the comatose woman. Captain Nithes was protecting her like a mother bear and her cub.

“What’s that?”

“Broth – soup. I’m afraid the people here have nothing more exciting.”

Captain Nithes picked the bowls up tentatively. He sniffed them.

“They aren’t poisoned – well, they have Din in them, but in your position that’s a good thing, it’ll help you adjust.” Jon stammered. Captain Nithes took a deep breath as he sat down next to the woman. Jon wondered what had become of his social skills.

“Where are we?” Captain Nithes asked quietly, turning his attention to the woman.

“Well, we’re about fifteen miles from Avian One. Beyond that, it’s hard to say. It’s just the Wilderness.” Jon shrugged. Nithes was spooning soup into the woman’s mouth. “What’s her name?”

Captain Nithes gave Jon a cool side-long gaze. The man was about fifteen years older than Jon, but he seemed an entire generation older. He was part of the generation that looked to the stars, he was one of the first people into space. The good Captain held himself differently – he was a man who didn’t slouch, he was reserved and calm.

“Chordata Diomedea, or Cho, to her friends.”

“Very pretty.” Jon replied glibly. Neor was still spooning broth into her mouth steadily. “How is she?”

“Still in a coma. The shock after the crash…” He stopped for a second, “The silence was astonishing. I can’t remember carrying her through the forest.”

“We found the shuttle. We’ve brought back the other bodies, so they can be buried when you’ve both recovered.”

“Bodies? Those people were my friends.”

“Sorry.” Jon looked away, quietly he edged his way towards the door.

“She isn’t going to wake up.” Captain Nithes said clearly, but without looking around. Jon looked down and backed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

**

Jon tapped on the door and Sol opened it. “How are they?”

“Captain Nithes is as stoic as ever and his friend is, well she’s in a coma.” Jon replied, stepping into the Harmonic Outpost.

The Outpost was filled with Amplifiers and consoles displaying different signals being picked up from different directions. Walter was sitting in the centre of the room surrounded by all the machinery. At their feet, snakes and coils of wires linked the computers to the receivers outside.
“Look, I can’t stay – this place is giving me a headache. I was wondering whether it would be possible to return to the pyramids in the hills.”

"Forget the pyramids. We’ve found something.” Sol replied, excitedly. “A strange sound has cropped up. Just recently – since the Meteor Shower, in fact.” Sol looked away sheepishly.

Walter turned around, “We heard about you on the Harmony – your discovery, that is.”

“Yes, well. Someone else discovered the sound, I was just able to go down and dig it up.” Jon replied.

“Yes, but that’s the point. Those ruins underground wouldn’t have been found without you.” Walter said.

“Nothing’s stopping you from investigating this.”

Walter spun around and smiled, “Of course. But you’re quite welcome to come along.”

**

“Mac?”

“Who’s asking?” The surly man countered. He was sitting at the bar of the Feathered Crown. Kay hopped up on the stool next to him and ordered two drinks.

“Does it matter?”

“No, I suppose not.”

Kay kept her voice low, she felt incredibly stupid. “I’m wondering whether you can help me?”

“You haven’t done this before, have you?” Asked the drunk Mac.

“Er, no.”

“I should think not – why would a pretty girl like you be interested in what I’ve got, eh?”

“Look – I just need some Noise – you get me?” Kay stumbled over the slang, blushing. Mac laughed. “Be quiet, will you?” She hissed, terrified that someone might guess what she was doing and report her.

“You really are green, aren’t you?” Mac chuckled, “Look lady, you seem nice, so I’ll give you some free advice. Walk out of this bar and don’t come back. It’s over. Go home.”

“What do you mean?”

“Crack down. Sources have dried up. The game’s over.” Mac replied, belching.

“Look. I know you’ve got what I want. All I need is a little bit – I’ve got money.”

“I don’t doubt it, but you don’t seem to understand. I’m not in the business any more.”

Kay knocked back her drink. It seemed she had a choice. She could either press him further or walk out of the bar now with her dignity and reputation in tact. Thoughts of her brothers came into her mind. She necked the second drink and raised her finger.

“Listen to me. I know you’ve got what I want and I’m not leaving until I get it.” She was about to launch into a tirade when she heard a sound. The patrons of the bar looked to the windows – they’d all heard it too.

“Well, that’s my cue to leave.” Mac muttered, downing the last of his drink. “It was nice meeting you. See you in another life, eh?”

Kay got up to follow him as the windows exploded.

**

The doors to the Catacombs swung open and the Herald strode through and down the dusty staircase. Behind him, the Brothers of the Monastery followed. Erith squeezed his way through his brother Adepts and tried to keep Pica in sight. The crowd was buzzing with chatter. Harmonic waves seemed to flow from the Herald. It was like he was on fire and they could feel the heat emanating from him. Erith shook his head and woke up from the trance they seemed to be walking under. It was strange, no one was blinking, no one was looking around. They were talking, but no one seemed to be able to look away from the Herald.

The Catacombs hadn’t been opened in an age. Some of the Brothers had lit lanterns and torches. The strange orange glow danced over the walls illuminating passages of text carved straight into the wall. Erith squinted – it was all from the Book of Prophecies. It talked of the Awakening and how the faithful would be saved from the Last War. Erith shuddered.

The staircase opened out into a large bowled chamber. The lights were swallowed by the darkness as the group of Monks crossed a stone bridge. Before them was a central column, below was darkness. Erith looked over the edge and thought he saw round objects in the gloom.

The Herald strode up to the column. As he approached it he emitted a strange, low sound. The Monks kept their distance and watched. Brother Pica loomed closer than anyone else. Erith watched as the column shook, dust and dirt was loosened from above, a crack of light appeared and grew as the column rose into the ceiling. Like everyone else, Erith leaned forwards to get a closer look. The herald stretched out his hand and for the first time they could see his marbled blue skin as it hovered above a jewelled egg, sitting in a gold nest and bathed in light.

The Herald lowered his hand and touched the egg and an unholy scream filled the chamber.

Cracks of light appeared in the ceiling as the room shook, the Monks all fell to the ground, their hands covering their ears. The light from above revealed the contents in the pit beneath the bridge. A sea of pearly shelled eggs.

**

Neor leaped to the edge of the circle. Cho was sitting bolt upright and screaming at the top of her lungs. All around the Harmony was going crazy, the Amplifiers peaking and cracking under the strain.

Even with his hands clamped over his ears, Neor could still feel the scream tearing into his head. Through watering eyes, he watched as Cho sat up from the bed and began to walk, zombie-like towards the door. She passed out of the range of the Amplifiers as Neor darted forward to stop her. When he looked up again, she was gone. Bracing himself, he grabbed one of the Amplifiers, tore it out of the ground and kicked down the door. Outside, he was surrounded by trees, a wall of greenery pressing in on him. Delirious, he pushed on, stumbling through the dirt towards the blurry shape of Cho up ahead.

She was entering a clearing – other figures were appearing from the forest, crowding her. She was still screaming. Neor knew that she would stop if only he could get close, but he was slipping. The Harmony was weakening and all he could hear was the scream. His knees buckled and he fell to the dirt. - -

**

The off-road beast skidded through the undergrowth. Walter was driving, with Sol in the passenger seat. Jon sat behind, trying to hold on to his lunch.

Then they heard it – in the distance, an explosion. Walter slammed on the breaks and they came to a stop. There was silence, followed by the sound of birds fleeing the canopy together in fright.

“Do you hear something?” Sol asked, he could hear a distant whine growing in intensity. Walter shook his head. Sol looked back to ask Jon – but Jon was on the back seat fitting, his legs and arms spasming erratically.

Sol immediately jumped in the back and held him down. The whine was growing into a throbbing screech, louder and louder with every second.

“How far away are we?” Sol shouted.

“Not far.” Walter replied, he jerked the beast into gear and then floored the throttle.

**

The heavy steel door groaned open, its hinges rusted and worn. Walter stumbled through the gap, followed by Sol who was supporting his brother. When they were all in, Walter slammed the door shut.

"I'm fine - I'm fine," Jon muttered feverishly. Sol ignored him and wiped his brow with his sleeve. "Bollocks you are." He replied under his breath.

"Where are we?" Jon asked, teeth chattering.

"One of the many bunkers littered throught these hills. They're Harmony-proof - which is why we haven't done much exploration. Most people at the camp sleep better with the Amplifiers whispering in the dark. It's in these places that you truly come to understand what Silence really is." Walter said, striking a match and holding it to a lamp. Safely lit, the lamp cast its dim light on the steel walls. They were in a tunnel that looked like it extended into the hills.

"Come on, we'd better get moving." Walter said, brandishing an Harmonic Display. The line was steady - but every fifth second it flickered.

They got up and started to move. The tunnel seemed to go on for ever. Jon recovered and became more perky as the Silence became more pronounced. By contrast, Sol and walter only got more anxious.

The tunnel eventually led them to a low room, lined with lockers. Beyond that were bunk rooms, storage facilities and kitchens. Further in they came to a tiered control room with a bank of monitors on the far wall.

"I don't recognise any of this technology." Walter muttered. "It must be ancient."

"If only it were that straightforward. Some of this looks far more advanced than our technology." Jon commented, running his finger along a dusty panel.

"All designed to work without the Harmony." Sol mused.

"I have a sneaking suspicion these people, whoever they were, had nothing to do with the Harmony."

"Sounds unthinkable. Do you think they were alien?" Sol asked.

Jon turned to him in the low light. "Nope."

He pointed to an empty box, it was partially decayed but it was clear that it had once contained food. On it was a picture of a smiling man with bright red hair and a white face.

"Looks pretty alien to me." Sol muttered.

They pressed on into the complex, "This place must have a purpose." Walter kept saying, leading them onwards. Eventually, there was only one door left. On it were strange letters, like the ones on the foundation stone of the natural history museum.

"Main Silo - What do you suppose that means?" Walter asked aloud.

They opened the stiff, steel door with effort and it swung open to reveal a tall, cylindrical chamber that towered above them and carried on going below them, deep into the earth.

"Wow" Jon said, under his breath. Before them was a ship; a tall, elegant vessel the likes of which none of them had ever seen. They walked along the walkway which hugged the wall and stroked the cool surface. It was in perfect condition - around them, it seemed, the cleaning systems were still operating, sucking out the dust and purifying the air.

Walter led them down to a bank of consoles built into the wall.

"I thought you knew bits and pieces of this ancient language," Jon mused aloud.

"We've only been able to translate what we've found. We never found any military handbooks." Walter said, sitting down in front of the console. "It says that there are over forty million unread emails."

"Look at this," Sol was pointing at a door built into the wall.

"Cryo Storage." Walter translated the text on the door. Tentatively, he pushed the door open. they were greeted by the wail of the Klaxon.

"Well, there's your sound." Jon said, stepping into the next chamber. "And that's my professional opinion." The other two ignored him. They were standing in a cylindrical space like the 'silo' But in this room the walls were covered in man-sized glass tubes, built into the wall.

"A distress signal." Walter said, flipping the switch on the control panel. "Set to go off and transmit to all other stations." The sound died away and the flashing red lights ceased.

"Who's in distress though - there's nobody here." Sol muttered, looking around - all the tubes were empty.

"Want a bet?" Asked Jon, pointing down to the floor, fifty feet below. One of the tubes was occupied.

"Walter - what does 'Thawing in Progress' mean?" Sol asked in a small, distant voice. The other two didn't answer, they were too busy staring at the shape emerging from the glass tube.

Tonedeaf: Part 3

- - reports of rioting, following mete - - hundreds injured, gunshots being heard from the walls - - citizens are warned to stay in their homes - - do not attempt to - -

++ We are very sorry, but this broadcast has been suspended until further notice. For further information, please contact your Harmonic Broadcast Provider. We apologise for the inconvenience. ++


The Harmony screamed in his ears, pumping out of the helmet speakers like a wounded animal. Neor's hands grasped at the controls, his mind slipping in and out of consciousness, while the lights of the console board flashed at him.

He looked up, he could see the station beyond the glass of the porthole windows. The main solar sail of the Telescope was destroyed, fragments floating like stars around it in a halo. Beyond, was the eclipse. Luna One and Luna Two engaged in an ominous embrace. Only now, he wasn't so sure of what he was seeing.

The meteors had come out of nowhere and had immediately disabled the Shuttle and the Telescope. They'd lost control instantly and were now caught in a fierce battle to control the ship as it lost its orbit.

His teammates were screaming at each other, Neor got on with what he had to do. When he spoke, his voice was calm. They were going to crash, this much was certain; many of them, if not all of them would die, but he didn't feel afraid. His hands worked on auto-pilot, dancing over the panels, readjusting the pitch as they began to accelerate and switching broken components to auxiliary systems.

In his mind, something had been turned on and now it stuck on all his thoughts like a splinter. He couldn't concentrate on his immediate fate because it no longer felt real.

They were only testing the Telescope, lining it up to face the Eclipse. They'd been focusing the lens when they'd noticed something. An imperfection on the surface of Lunar Two. Highlighted by the intensity of the sun's light, it became clear on the printouts of the first test pictures. It didn't so much suggest the radical as it screamed a terrible oversight.

Luna Two wasn't a moon.

Before him the azure curving horizon of Earth surged towards him, the cockpit began to buckle and tongues of flame flickered over the window as they shot into the atmosphere. The Harmony squealed in his ear along with the cries for help from his co-pilots, but he couldn't hear it any more. The Harmony was beginning to sound like bir-

**

- - contact with the Shuttle - - believed lost in the Wi - - riots still breaking out acro - - Harmonic Insanity is said to be cause of th - - hearing reports of gunshots across the perimeter wall as people try to es - -

++ We are very sorry, but this broadcast has been suspended until further notice. For further information, please contact your Harmonic Broadcast Provider. We apologise for the inconvenience. ++

Kay stepped into the glass strewn hallway of Jon's apartment. Outside, dawn was edging her way inbetween the buildings, casting long shadowy fingers in the low light. The Emergency Harmony was ringing soothingly throughout the city and pheromones were being pumped out to control the masses. It wasn't working. Last night had seen the worst violence and public disorder in recorded history. Fortunately, the meteor shower had stopped, but the chaos that had been left in its wake was only just beginning.

Across the city, the best and worst of society had scrambled into the city; looters and rescuers crawling over burning craters and the shattered husks of buildings, toppled and felled by the bombardment. She shuddered, hoping against hope that her brother had had the sense to stay indoors. It was a shallow, lonely hope.

She scaled the stairs as nimbly as she could, her legs were weak with fatigue after the long night at Mission Control. Half an hour ago they'd sent half the staff home with orders to come back after six hours rest.

Using the spare key, she let herself into his apartment. It was clear that he wasn't here and hadn't been for a few days. From his windows she could see the devastation across the city, columns of smoke rising up into the red morning sky. She slumped onto the sofa and felt herself slipping into sleep, when she noticed a note on the coffee table with her name on it. Suddenly wide awake, she dove forward and tore it open, within was a letter from Jon, it read...

**

"Natural History Museum."

Sol turned around, beaming.

"Since when can you read hieroglyphics?" Jon asked, standing up. He was standing with the others in a wide clearing. Around him were the remains of several stone buildings now consumed by the forest. Tentacles of vine and blankets of undergrowth covered what would have once been an incredibly large building, if the broken pillars and staircases were anything to go by.

"What do you think I've been doing for the past months?" Sol asked, gazing up at the columns, stroking the moss-eaten stone. "You're worse than Mother."

Jon didn't reply, before him was evidence of a vast and sophisticated civilisation. Family bickering somehow seemed to pale.

"There's something about these long, wavy symbols. It's strange - to think another people walked here. We think this was the foundation stone." Sol looked down at the stone, clearly excited by what he'd learned. Jon thought for a minute of calling him sweet, but now didn't seem to be the time for that either. "We still don't know what the numbers mean - we have no point of reference to our calender. The whole thing could be a thousand years old or ten thousand. We're pretty certain it's over a thousand, but without access to the city's facilities there's only so much we've been able to find out."

Jon nodded. He looked around at his brother's motley friends. Young, wrapped in simple clothes. Dirty, smelly - very un-Harmonic - and all with an odd glow about them.

He'd survived his brother's driving through the forest to the camp about fifteen miles from the city and hidden deep in the next valley. When they arrived, Jon was fascinated to find the structure of the camp was comparatively recent. They were all living in the shelter of the ancient ruins, but their dwellings were made out of a combination of natural materials and modern camping equipment.

All the people who had ever 'gone missing' were gathered here. Some were researchers who'd been reported lost nearly twenty years ago - most of the camp's people were now Jon's age and younger. They had a second generation - children born totally free of the Harmony.

"We were all lured out with Din and the promise of life beyond the Harmony," Sol explained as they'd entered the camp. "It has taken this much time to break my body's need for it - at first, I fainted and felt weak, but as the weeks went by the dizziness and sickness passed. Now it just sounds like buzzing - like birdsong."

Jon listened to the sound of the birds. Sol was right.

"You're very quiet."

"I'm worried - about Kay and the parents."

Sol looked distant for a moment, "I'd forgotten. How are they?"

"They're fine - as far as I know. Mother never gave up on you. She's still harassing the police about your case. Father concentrated on his work. He's suffered the most, I think. Particularly after the way you and him left things before you disappeared."

"I didn't think he'd care."

Jon gave his younger brother a hard look.

"I know - knew that he cared for us. He just had a funny way of showing it."

"Kay and I had each other. I thought you were dead. I think she did too, in her own way. But she was always the mediator. It's hard to tell what they think."

"Funny how things are easier when you forget - then, when you remember, things don't feel the same." Sol said, kicking his feet. He looked ten years younger all of a sudden. Jon looked away, he wanted his family back. He wanted security and normality and all those boring little things you took for granted.

Sol began to walk off. In the distance, food was being prepared. "I'm not going back there. I can't - I belong here." Sol said. Jon nodded, knowing instinctively that this was the case.

"I have to get back."

"I know." And with that, their agreement was reached. No arguments or squabbles. Just a simple statement of the facts.

Jon looked away and saw dark lines of smoke tracing their way into the sky. Being out of the city was possibly the most exhilarating thing that had ever happened to him. He felt like he should have some connection with the place, but he felt nothing.

"There is something you have to see," Sol said, stepping forward, his voice lowered, "It's not something that Walter and the leaders have shared with the others. But I can persuade them to let you see it."

**

Dear Kay,

Whatever they've told you about where I've gone is probably a lie. I met with Mr Oule after you left the other day and he offered me another job. I've gone beyond the city wall to search for the missing people.

I left letters with the solicitor to be given to you if I don't return, but you deserve a better explanation than the one they're likely to give you. I'm doing this because I think this is the best way of finding out what happened to Sol. For better or worse I believe his fate is connected with Din and the activity they've been trying to hush up in the lower nests. If I return, it wont be without an answer. All those parties he went to, all those 'heretical' books he read - I believe that they are all connected somehow.

I can't express in a letter how much of a friend you've been to me. More than anyone else you have tried to understand my disability and for that I can't thank you enough. All the problems I had with school, finding work, prejudices - all of it - my ability to cope with it has stemmed directly from you. I hope that in my absence your kindness and compassion will enlighten the world.

With love,

Jon

Kay sat back in the chair and shook her head. They were both gone.

A dark, knotted ball of dread swelled inside her and she knew that she would not see him again. Before her she could see her reflection in the window. She saw a rag doll in pinks and reds, smartly attuned to convey sophistication and elegance, but reduced by last night's catastrophe to a shadow of herself. Her make-up was running down her cheeks, her hair dishevelled and she smelled awful. It would have been inconceivable yesterday that she could get to this state - but now, looking beyond her reflection to the devastation outside, it didn't seem to matter.

She stood up, put the letter down and wiped her eyes. Her hands were already dirty, but her make-up marked her hands with black stains. Gathering her things she then departed. Below, she walked out into the morning sunlight, the warmth cutting through the early morning mist.

She looked up, a Police Officer was walking down the street carrying a mobile Harmonic Amplifier. Behind it men, women and children were following, huddled together like a flock.

Someone screamed from down the street - the Officer stopped - she tried giving the Amplifier to one of the crowd but they wouldn't take it, forcing it back on her in fear. Kay stepped forward and took the Amplifier, the Officer smiled briefly before darting off in the direction of the scream.

Kay held the Amplifier high, its diminished song playing out intermittently. Each time the service skipped she saw the crowd flinch. They were shaking from the cold, but more so from the withdrawal from the Harmony. Her mind made up, she started to walk, and the people followed.

**

The off-road beast tore to a halt, tearing up the earth in clods. Walter and Sol leaped out and Jon followed cautiously. They were deeper in the forest; here, the canopy was thicker and the vines were longer.

"This is it," Sol called back to Jon, who was lagging.

Jon scanned the clearing around him. They were out of the valley and in the hills. If it weren't for the dense forest then he was certain they'd be able to see the sea. The forest seemed to end abruptly with a cliff face consumed by vines, blocking the way before them. Sol and Walter led him up to the wall of green and then stopped.

"When the first ones left the city - that is, the researchers looking into forest life, they travelled extensively in these hills." Walter began as he started to pull down the wall of leaves, "They were looking for natural habitats and animal lairs. They thought they'd found a large animal's den here - a bear or wolf pack. When they dared to look closer though-"

He gave the covering one last yank and the loose rock came away, bringing with it the leaves. Underneath, the wall was dark and smooth, with deep bands of different coloured rocks all polished flat. Into it were chipped long and elegant hieroglyphics.

"I recognise these." Jon stepped forward, blinking. They were the same letters he'd found in the cave below the mine. Walter and Sol turned to look at him.

"Where?" Walter asked, sharply.

"In the veins of a mine," Jon explained, Walter looked blank, "I investigate rogue sounds and elements that upset the Harmony. I went down into the mine to sort out an 'Harmonic Discrepancy'."

Jon stroked the surface of the stone. Walter continued to stare at him intently. "Do you mean to say you're a Clash Man? You're Tonedeaf?"

Jon nodded, "Yes. Why?"

"Come with me." Walter said decisively and walked off. Jon looked to Sol, but his brother was watching Walter. They followed.

"When they found this place they immediately started to explore, take notes, pictures - anything to record such an historic discovery." Walter continued as he walked. "No such discovery was ever reported however, because they never returned to the city. They stalled for time and pleaded to stay out longer and longer working on translating the text, desperate to record as much as they could. That's when the accidents started to happen.

"Amplifiers broke, equipment malfunctioned and the whole expedition began to fall apart. they were stranded in the Wilderness, with no way of reaching the City without going out of range of the Harmony. The survivors don't talk about those months much. Suffice it to say they refined a technique for easing people off the Harmony. By this time they'd translated much of the text and, based on their new-found independence and the writings they discovered, they decided to never go back to the City."

Walter led them to a square hole in the wall, a tunnel that led into the darkness. There was a high pitched whine whistling through on the wind, it throbbed like it was alive.

"It sounds like the Harmony." Jon said.

The other two nodded. Walter led them into the tunnel and guided them through the darkness, but it was hardly needed, the sound seemed to guide them. Immediately the Harmonic parody began to give Jon a headache.

"That wall is a record of history. Since the dawn of time until now. Or at least it should be." Walter continued, his voice cutting against the Harmony like flint on steel, "We worked out the time line and it matched our calendar perfectly. It tells of a time when a person who could resist the Great Lullaby would arise from the City and deliver the people unto the Gods. The Gods, according to the wall are great deified birds, which is obviously in keeping with our history and legends. The time of this 'hero' would be marked by the heavens opening with fire and stone - a rain of punishment and chaos, as it is described by the wall - or to give it its full name, The Rain of Fire."

"I've heard that somewhere." Jon muttered.

Sol continued the story, "It was when the Rain began. Arthur let it slip. A theory was formed when the translation was completed, one that wasn't proved right until the Rain actually happened. You see, the time line on the wall matches our calender perfectly - but the ruins near the camp have absolutely no connection to this language or our calender. At first we thought they were two separate civilisations from two different times - but the ruins near the camp predate the wall. Which would make it predate known history and our calendar, which would make a degree of sense. If it weren't for a tiny little detail."

Jon stopped him, "By how much?"

"By at least a thousand years." Sol replied, his voice quiet, "We've tried to establish a connection between them but there simply isn't. We've tried connecting the dots, but they just aren't there - the Wall is younger, far younger than the ruins near the camp. But not only that, the Rain of Fire and the emergence of the 'hero' aren't meant to happen for another hundred years."

The wind picked up, sending a ghastly howl down the dark tunnel. Icicles seemed to form along Jon's spine. A splinter of light appeared at the end of the tunnel and grew until it blinded them. Jon followed the others out into the sunlight.

When his eyes adjusted he blinked - below was the next valley, sweeping out before him. Dotted in amongst the trees were ruins, tall pyramids of stone, crumbling at the sides.

"Wow." Jon muttered.

Sol tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around. Behind him, the other side of the wall was apparent - it was another pyramid. They'd emerged in its ruined belly, all the while the wind whistled down through the cross section of passageways.

"What's that?" He asked, squinting upwards. The other two didn't answer.

A metal frame seemed to be running through the pyramid, a skeleton of black iron. It was strange, he felt like he'd seen them before.

He turned around - it was the same on all of the pyramids, they all seemed to look half-finished.

"How old did you say these were?" Jon asked.

"Well according to the writings, a thousand years old. But according to the same device that measured the ruins near the camp, not even a hundred." Walter replied. Jon felt dizzy.

"Why? - I don't understand-"

"A lie?" Sol said, grinding a toe into the dust, "A fiction? How long has our glorious City been around? Five, six generations? Hardly that. What happened before? Why haven't we left the cities? Why is our architecture designed around birds?"

Jon waved his hands - this was too much. "And we were meant to what? Discover it in a hundred years? Then why now?"

Jon looked to Sol, but his brother was looking down at the ground, flushed. Walter however was staring at Jon, his eyes bright and intent.

"Because Din walks among us."

"Pardon?"

"The name of the 'hero', the one who can resist the Great Lullaby, is Din. It implies a someone who is Tonedeaf, don't you think?" Walter replied. "Or so the lying wall tells us."

Jon suddenly remembered to breath and life seemed to come flooding back to him.

A sound came from behind, a movement in the grass. Jon turned and saw a great white Bear standing behind him, a bright shining face, carrying another one close to its chest.

He scrambled back as the thing approached like a demon.

From a distance the bear revealed itself to be an astronaut, the white Bear's giant body transformed into skin and a helmet. The figure struggled with the other astronaut in its arms before falling to its knees. Jon, Walter and Sol rushed forward to catch it, and ended up being pulled down too.

Air was escaping from a crack in the visor of the walker. The other's helmet was already smashed. Within was a woman's face.

Walter reached in and checked her pulse quickly. "Help me move her." He said. Jon and Sol dragged her from the walker's arms and laid her out on the ground. The Amplifiers in the woman's helmet were smashed. All they could hear was static.

"She's probably gone into shock." Walter muttered, removing the helmet. Suddenly the other astronaut surged forwards to stop him. Jon and Sol held the figure back, all the strength expended from it in the struggle.

The visor's reflective mask shimmered and changed revealing a drawn, middle-aged man within. His eyes were wide and vacant, his expression desperate. He was screaming at them. Jon and Sol held him as he shook their arms and pleaded with them, but he was losing consciousness. In a staggered slump he too fell to the ground, dead to the world.

As Walter tore at the fabric of the space suits, Sol scarmbled to his feet and walked backwards.

"Sol - I could use your help - Sol?" Walter spat.

"And the Pilot will appear, dressed in white, and bearing in his arms the mother of humanity's future." Sol muttered, pointing at the comatose astronauts.

Jon, frowned and stared at his brother. "Another pearl of wisdom from the lying wall?"

Sol nodded.

"Come on - help us." Jon barked, his mind racing ahead of him. Sol meekly joined them on the ground and proceeded to lose himself in the work.

While they stretchered the unconscious astronauts back to the beast, Jon bit his tongue and thought. All his worst fears seemed to be coming true. He'd always wondered whether he was truly able, while everyone else was disabled. Looking down at the limp figures between them, it certainly felt that way.

As they tore off back towards the camp, the sun set behind them, beams of light fractured through the fake ruins and highlighting the wiry hieroglyphics. Jon watched as they faded out of sight.

Tonedeaf: Part 2

And now this evening's headlines: After evidence of a pre-historic civilisation was found in Mineral Mine X2 by local Clash Investigator Jon Card, major archaeological initiatives are said to be underway to document and record the discovery, however, Aves Passer from the museum of natural history has spoken of the difficulties of operating in such a hostile environment. Organisers of the bi-lunar eclipse party in Avian Square are promising the largest firework display ever seen, the light show may be seen and heard as far away as Avian 3. The orbital mission to repair the BBL Telescope is in its fourth day and repairs are said to be going well, the Telescope should be ready in time for the Eclipse on the weekend. A raid was carried out on a rave last night in the lower nests. Believed to be in connection with the illegal stimulant Din, several organisers were arrested and two known drug dealers are now in custody. Police have issued missing reports for several youths who have not been seen since the rave. The weather today will be bright again with humidity rising throughout the day, Global Harmony will be strong today with reports of over thirty decibels. Thank you for liste----

Kay knocked on the door to her brother's office and sat down opposite him, his earphones were in and his eyes were closed. After a while he opened his eyes and smiled, not in the least bit surprised or worried that someone had walked into his office.

"What brings you here?" He asked, pulling out his earphones.

"Mum wanted me to drop these off," She passed a folder across the table. Jon sighed.

"She couldn't face coming to see me herself then?"

Kay smiled forcefully, "Well it's not like you've got the courage to see her either." Jon nodded, opening the folder and pulling out photographs, he slid them onto the table - the face of a bright seventeen year old in a formal school uniform. "She wants you to look over the whole thing again and see if there's anything you can do."

"The Screech couldn't find anything - how she expects me to find something, I don't know." He shook his head sadly.

"I think she saw your moment of fame on the Harmony and had a flash of hope. If you can find evidence of a lost civilisation then maybe you could find your baby brother." Kay shrugged.

"You know where I stand on this." Jon replied quietly.

"I know. Just indulge her." Kay said, "Look, I have to go. See you soon."

She gathered her things and left quietly, leaving Jon pondering over the clinical print-offs describing his brother. 'Tall for his age, a wide smile and sparrow's eyes.' Read one description. Further down, 'possibly heretical thoughts. May have taken Din. Dealer?'. Jon tossed the pages onto the table and exhaled sharply. Fascist Screech bastards, the thought, cathartically.

"Am I disturbing you?"

Mr Oule was standing in the doorway. Jon stood up and extended his hand. Oule strode across the room and shook it eagerly. Jon smiled.

"You washed your hands."

"Yes, a small concession I'm afraid. I contemplated wearing mis-matching clothes and leaving the cologne, but..." He shuddered.

"I appreciate the gesture, thank you." Jon said, "Now, what can I do for you?"

"Well, mostly I'd like to congratulate you on your discovery. We didn't get much time to talk. My people settled your fee, with a little extra."

"Thank you - you're too generous."

"Not at all - we owe you Mr Card. In fact, we have another task for you. Now that we understand the extent of your talents, there's a small task that we'd like you to attend to." Mr Oule was watching Jon, gauging his reactions. "You're aware of the recent disappearances and murders that have crippled the lower nests. There's been little coverage of it on the Harmony, you understand that we're trying to keep the noise on this down to a minimum. If the public were aware of our suspicions there would be mass panic." He paused.

"You've also heard of the designer narcotic "Din", yes?" Jon nodded, "Good. We believe that this drug is coming into the city from the Wilderness."

Jon nodded again.

"You understand the significance of this?" Oule asked with a note of uncertainty, as if Jon had misheard him.

"Of course, it implies that there are people living beyond the city, in the Silence. It's not totally beyond comprehension." Jon replied.

"Yes - I suppose, to you it might be different."

"I know."

"Well, my department was wondering whether you'd be able to assist in the investigation."

"By going beyond the wall to find out whether or not there are people supplying the city with Din."

"Yes, partly, but we're also concerned about the reports of missing people. We'd like you to explore deep into the Wilderness to ascertain whether or not people are escaping the city, or being aided to escape."

Jon looked down at the pictures on the desk. His brother smiled back at him.

"I'll do it."

**

That night Jon wrote two letters and left them with his solicitor with instructions to deliver them to his parents and his sister should something happen. At midnight he met Mr Oule outside and got into his car. He'd packed a few odd things, but Wilderness survival was something that no one had considered before, so it was difficult to ordain what might be needed. Luckily, Mr Oule had prepared something for him.

"We're meeting some people from another department at the site to finalise your prep, then, with any luck you'll be released into the Wilderness."

"Where exactly are we going?"

"There are warehouses that run flush with the perimeter wall which belong to the government. If there are people escaping the city then we don't know how they are doing it. It was assumed a long time ago that no one would actively wish to leave the city - so there have never been armed guards along the perimeter, just a friendly watchman who could shy away the morbidly curious. But these days..."

Jon had heard the conspiracy theories about the government hiding things beyond the wall; the fact that no one could survive without the Harmony was a lie to control the masses. The Harmony itself was alive with such nonsense in certain circles. Jon knew that with a population of just over three million people there was only so 'secret' the government could get.

The means of getting to the warehouse proved to be extensive. They had to check in at several different checkpoints and verify themselves time and again of their identities. Finally they were ushered to a series of long buildings that ran against the fifty foot concrete wall. Dotted around were Harmonic Amplifiers which enhanced the broadcast - there was a fear that the Silence would interfere with the Harmony and drive the people working on the wall mad.

In the distance, the city glowed. Its high feather-like sky-scrapers stroking the sky, the domed, egg-shaped flats and apartments filling in all the spaces around them. Jon shuddered and turned away to face the cold, imposing wall.

Inside the warehouse a team of men and women were preparing a vehicle for him. It was an open top, roll-caged monstrosity that looked more like a feral animal from an illustration than a vehicle. They were busy piecing together the last of his equipment. The team all shook Jon heartily by the hand, they, if anything appeared more nervous than he was. After a brief period of instruction it was decided that Jon would leave through a purpose built driveway that led out under the wall and into the Wilderness. The soft hum of the nighttime Harmonic broadcast was meant to be soothing, and certainly the others found it a small comfort, but Jon found the high pitched buzzing distracting. At the appointed hour he was ushered out of the hangar-like warehouse, the engines of the off road beast filling the air with raw sound; down the ramp, into a short tunnel that led under the wall and out towards the Wild beyond.

**

Six months ago...

Day One:

Sol's eyes burst open and for a moment he thought he was blind. Around him he heard the indistinct sound of the Harmony. Several times, he flinched at the echoes and imperfections in the broadcast. It was as if he was hearing it from far away, then again, it might just be the hangover from the Din.

He didn't recognise his surroundings. He was in a dark, low ceilinged room with a dirt floor and, what looked like straw walls. He sat up quickly and all the blood rushed to his head. He was sitting on a bed, but around it in a circle were four poles dug into the ground, each supported a small Harmonic Amplifier. They were old, so old, they didn't even give off pheromones.

Suddenly, a door opened in the wall - a tall man walked in, dressed in overalls. His skin was bronze and his eyes dark. He was holding a plate of food. Purposefully, the man put the food down on the floor and smiled, he then walked out of the room without a word.

Sol stood up and went to walk beyond the boundary of the Harmony then stopped...

What would happen? Would it extend beyond the bed? He frowned, the Harmony is an exaggeration, he thought without much conviction, even my dullard of a brother can survive without it. But as he stepped beyond the circle he began to get dizzy, his head fuzzed up and the lack of stimulation in his ears threatened to topple him.

Determined, scared and starving he pressed on - -

Day Three:

Sol's eyes opened. He was back in the low, straw room. He felt awful; his stomach was crying out for food and his mind crying out for the Harmony, which was becoming ever more indistinct. He looked around the room - the first thing he noticed was the the circle of Amplifiers had widened, but the sounds and sensations were more quiet. For the first time in his life Sol began to grasp how the Harmony had to be maintained and how much he had taken it for granted.

The door opened again, the tall man in overalls was back. This time he was holding a flask. He tossed it into the circle and Sol dove on it instantly.

"I'd sip if I were you," the man said, his accent indistinct, "The Din has left you weak."

Sol looked up.

"Where am I?"

"If I told you that, you might believe me and you might not - it all depends on how well adjusted you are."

Sol thought back over the past few months, the disappearances, the murders and the raves. All tied in with Din - or so the authorities wanted everyone to think.

"There is a story, from something I like to call the Old World, which tells of a man who played a very sweet music. He was employed by the folk to rid their poor town of rats. They promised to pay him a large sum of money, so he played his music and drew the rats away to a river where they drowned. However, the people went back on their promise and refused to pay him - angry and vengeful the piper returned to the village and played a different tune, this one lured all the children away, never to be seen again."

Sol looked down.

"I'm not in the City, am I?"

The man smiled.

"No. You are not."

Sol took a deep breath and began to see the completeness of his capture, the walls of his prison weren't built like the walls of the city, they were built with ideas and fear. He wrung his hands around the neck of the flask.

"Where is everyone else? The other people you've kidnapped?"

"They aren't kidnapped. They are free."

Day Seven:

Sol found that he could move the Amplifiers around. By doing so he could move around the room and stretch his legs. If he moved them too far then he'd start to feel faint, but it meant he could walk around as far as they would extend. Unfortunately they didn't extend as far as the door. On the seventh day the man in overalls was surprised when he walked in with Sol's breakfast to find him standing almost in front of it.

"Good morning," Sol said.

"Ah, I see you've figured out how to manipulate our little cage."

"How can I be free if I am caged?" Sol asked, he was beginning to enjoy the conversations with the tall bronze man.

"A good question. Do you want us to take away the Amplifiers?" Sol looked away. "We didn't make the walls of your little prison."

"They don't work very well." Sol muttered, kicking the stem of the amplifier. The Harmony buzzed with static.

The man considered this, "They are old, yes, but have you thought about how we might be trying to ween you off the Harmony?"

"Yes, but at the same time you're keeping me drugged. I know what Din tastes like." He kicked one of his old plates across the dirt to the man's feet.

"Your addiction to the Din is a necessary step in the process of removing you from the city. We will also ween you off that eventually, but for now it aids in the readjustment of your perception."

The man looked up to the ceiling, adjusted a pair of protective ear covers over his ears and nodded - suddenly the Harmony became louder and louder, roaring out of the speakers until the Sol was forced to the floor with the volume, his hands covering his ears in pain.

After the Harmony receded, the man pulled off his ear muffs and Sol looked up from the floor.

"I never knew," he managed to utter, shakily.

"Knew what?"

"My brother - he has lived with constant ringing in his ears, headaches, rashes. But I never knew what it felt like." His hands were shaking and his mind felt like it had been cooked.

The man smiled, "All I hear these days is the twittering and chirping - like birdsong."

"Birdsong?"

"Yes, you will hear it too. My name was Harpia, when I lived in the city. Now my name is Walter." The man in overalls introduced himself, offering his hand in aid. Sol took it and stood up.

There was a pause.

"Walter?"

**

Midday - Day of the Lunar Eclipse.

Kay was staring at the screen of read-outs, the Harmony was whispering its commentary in her ears and through her finger tips.

She was looking at an image of the Shuttle docked to the BBL Telescope. Beyond, she could see the Luna 1, the closest moon to Earth, beyond, its orbit shadowing the first was Luna 2. She shuddered. In space, there was no Harmony - it was just another Wilderness. Somehow, that excited her.

To most of her colleagues, the space programme was a scientific oddity. The most radical of them spoke of extending the Global Harmony beyond that of the major cities using satellites. They dreamed of re-taming the Wilderness through space travel. Pipe dreams, for the most part, their ideas were beyond the realms of modern technology, science fiction fodder.

"The second solar panel arm is repaired," A voice spoke over the Harmony from the Shuttle. It was Neor Nithes speaking, the leader of the mission. One of Avian 1's famous faces, it was he who went up on the famous space flights in the twenties, ten years on he was one of the City's greatest living assets.

"Received Captain Nithes - you may begin the first test pictures."

"Understood Mission Control."

Gallie, one of Kay's colleagues leaned in closer to her from another console.

"So, what are you wearing to the Party?"

"Haven't decided - I was thinking of trying a variation on the Elation Harmony."

"I'm going with Up! - it promises to keep you and those around you high for six hours."

Kay looked away, wondering what her brother was up to - they hadn't spoken in a couple of days and he hadn't returned any of her calls. This wasn't anything new though.

"Is your brother coming?" Gallie asked, like everyone else since his discovery she was keen to meet the flavour of the moment. Kay was glad that the buzz on the Harmony mostly went over his head.

"I doubt it, he isn't really the party type. Although, if we could get him some Din then he might join."

"Don't joke about that stuff - I heard it makes your hair fall out. Besides, think of all those murderous raves." Gallie shuddered and Kay frowned. "No, he's better off without that stuff, even if he is Tonedeaf."

Kay was about to make a sharp comment when an alarm began to cry out over the Harmony. She looked down at her console - there was static coming from the Amplifiers and her screen was blank.

"We've lost contact with the Shuttle!" Came a cry from across the Mission Control hall. There was a palpable gasp that echoed across the Harmony. Kay's heart turned to ice.

It was then that the explosions started.

**

On a hill overlooking Avian 1 Jon's off road beast ground to a halt. The jolting monstrosity was beginning to make him feel ill; parking on the edge of a clearing, he decided to take a rest.

There was a continuous stream of Harmony coming from the truck, but Jon was more interested in sampling the Silence he'd been promised. Grabbing some field rations he began to wade through the undergrowth, out of the shade and into the fading evening light. He'd been out for three days and sleeping, sitting, eating and living in the truck was driving him mad. So far he'd found nothing, and for want of conversation and company, not to mention the sore rear, he decided to claim some downtime.

The city looked incredible from the hill. He'd always wondered what it would look like from afar, though he'd never imagined it looking so small. The forest and landscape beyond looked as though it was pushing the city out into the sea.

He looked down at his watch. The Eclipse should be starting soon, he thought.

Silence.

It was a strange thing; mostly, because it wasn't that silent. There was the constant sound of buzzing, chirping and general chatter from the animal life that plagued the Wilderness. It was irritating, far more than he expected it to be because it just sounded like the Harmony. All chirps and twitters.

The bird life he'd come across were by far the loudest and prominent of the animals. He watched them move and thought of the architecture of the city - it did look like one big nest. Briefly, he wondered who'd actually decided to design the city around this one idea -

He turned suddenly - there were three figures standing in the high grass. They were masked and dressed in strange cloaks. They were poised, waiting to attack when there came a cry from one of them.

"Wait!"

The stranger pulled off his hood to reveal a bronzed face - it was longer than Jon remembered, the hair dustier and longer, but it was still Sol.

"Hello brother," Sol said confidently, striding forward and clasping him by the shoulder in a hug. Dimly Jon noticed that his brother was now taller than him. He laughed.

"I thought you were dead."

"I know..." Sol replied, his face wide for grinning, "I'd hoped you'd find me. If anyone could - I knew it would be you."

Sol was quieter, more reserved. His gait was disciplined, unlike the slouchy adolescent he'd known. The days of rebellious Din parties were clearly over. His little brother had become a man.

In the distance came a roll of thunder. They looked into the distance and saw smoke coming from Avian 1.

"The city..."

In the evening light the city was burning - the sky above was streaked with lines of smoke tearing towards the city. A moment later and it was clear, balls of flame were thundering through the sky and hitting the city in waves.

"The Rain of Fire!" One of the strangers gasped. Sol was watching the display intently. Out at sea and across the Wilderness too, balls of burning rock were peppering the landscape.

"Meteors," Sol said gravely, "Come on Jon, we have to go."

"What's happening?"

"I'll explain later. We have to get underground. Quickly. How fast is that truck?"

"Fast enough. But the undergrowth is too thick-"

"Don't worry, I'll drive."

They ran from the clearing as the Eclipse began - the sky dimming slightly as Luna 1 passed ominusly in front of its sister Luna 2.

Tonedeaf: Part 1

In the News this morning - Preparations for the Bi-lunar eclipse are underway in Avian Square this week and organisers are promising the party of the century; the investigation into the anti-Harmonic drug Din and its connection to a spate of murders in the lower nests has run dry according to senior Police officials, they are now pursuing 'other avenues'; the Orbital mission to repair the BBL Telescope is in its second day and a spokesman for the programme told us that everything was going well. In the weather today, skies will be clear with a chance of showers in the late afternoon; Global Harmonics will be below twenty-five decibels throughout the day, with a slight increase in the Nasal Count, from three to five at midday. Thank you for liteni - - -

Kay looked up from her notes and around the cafe - he was coming. She could feel the waves of disapproval wafting her way. Then she saw him. She leaped across the cafe and banged the window, waving like a lunatic until her brother finally noticed. Typically, his white headphones were dangling from his ears and around his neck like noose. He turned to her and smiled, waving like they were the only two there, casually unaware of the stares and frowns they were receiving from the cafe's patrons.

Only when he sat down from her did he pull out the earphones, she watched his smile falter as his ears grew accustomed to the noise beyond his private world. She pushed over a small mug of coffee and swept aside her work. He was looking ill again, his clothes ragged and unwashed, his face unshaven and eyes glassy. He nodded his thanks for the coffee and took a sip. Her hand moved across the table to his and squeezed.

"How's business?" She asked, casually.

He smiled, "Awful. As ever, but the ongoing mysteries keep me going. Creaks under the floorboards and whistling drafts - you know, the ones that take weeks to find."

She nodded, "And you?"

"I'm good." He lied, smiling. He looked across at her spread of paperwork, the colours on the different sheets, the pheromones they were giving off. Already the noise around him was giving him a headache. He took out some pills and washed them down with coffee, burning his tongue.

Kay was looking smart, dressed in one of her tailored suits, her make-up and perfume were sending him confusing signals - in anyone else the overall effect would, no doubt, have conveyed elegance, beauty and professionalism.

"How are the parents?" He asked.

"They're fine, wondering when you're going to sum up the courage to call them." Kay replied.

He nodded, and changed the subject. "You look good. I can't quite tell what the Harmony is trying to tell me, but I assume it's something nice."

"'Chirpy'," She replied, blushing, "Someone at work suggested I combine my perfume with a different shampoo and change the tone of my clothes."

"Chirpy?"

She nodded, sipping her coffee, avoiding his gaze.

"And how is the Space Agency? Still with its head in the stars?"

"Haha," She replied glibly, "It's going well - the mission is underway, safe and sound."

"Working late again?"

"We both work late, so you can't throw that one at me."

They were silent for a time. Jon was beginning to attract attention. His inability to Harmonize his appearance always put him at odds with his surroundings. People were turning away from him, staring in disgust or pity and generally conveying their annoyance by signals he simply couldn't pick up. Kay, on the other hand, was wriggling uncomfortably as the inevitable waiter crossed the floor, shoulders raised in preparation.

"Well, it was fun while it lasted." Jon said, finally noticing the waiter. Kay crossed the name of a cafe off on a list she kept in her diary. "Where are we meeting next week?"

"The Bird Flew - it's on the other side of the Branch." She replied, gathering her things together. Their coats were on before the waiter arrived and the odd couple left the cafe, arms linked and smiling.

**

Jon waved goodbye to his sister and immediately put his earphones back in. He smiled as the music drowned out the sounds around him and the threat of a headache receded. It was time for some work, he decided, or at least, time to pretend there was some work to do. He began to walk back towards the office, his legs on auto-pilot and his mind drifting away to wherever the music took him. These were his favourite moments of the day, the mechanical process of getting from A to B transformed into a journey into the unknown.

The white lettering on his door read 'Jon Card, Clash Investigator', the man who'd installed the letters had told him that anyone passing would get a strong sense of relief and satisfaction from reading the words. Jon had nodded, grateful but guessing it would probably make his eyes water.

He opened the door, pushing the pile of letters across the floor and into the corner, to be ignored and opened at a later date. The office was an absolute mess - papers strewn everywhere, old clothes piled head height on chairs and sofas, decaying food clinging to forgotten plates and crockery. Jon smiled - next to the ordered world around him, this was paradise.

A man sat up from one of the chairs in front of Jon's desk and turned to face him. He was tall, smartly attired in a long black coat and had a perfectly crafted face - long nose, yellowing eyes and hair slicked back and feathered. In short, he was Jon's exact opposite.

"Mr Card," the man offered his hand in greeting, "How nice to finally meet you."

Jon shook the man's hand - he was wearing a greeting pheromone, his hand started to tingle.

"I'm so sorry - I meant to wash my hands before coming."

"It's fine," Jon replied, "It tickles."

The man was gleefully excited, he cast a look around the office, "May I congratulate you on your office - it's sublimely awful. It's almost as if you'd designed it to be intolerable - I can barely keep my dinner down. Your reputation as the best Clash Investigator in town is well deserved."

"Thank you." Jon replied, not sure whether to be insulted or complimented, yet another difficulty his condition left him with - the struggle to read emotion.

"I'll get to the point Mr card, I'm sure you're a very busy man, (may I call you Jon?) - I'm here with a request from the government. I work with the department of complaints and we have a particular difficulty which needs a professional's attention."

Jon gestured for the guest to sit down as he waded around his desk, undoing his coat.

"We've had reports of an incident in the Mine near the perimeter wall - the one which supplies the city with its basic minerals. Apparently, there have been reports of a disturbance deep within the lower shafts, beyond the range of the mechanised equipment. Obviously it'd be impossible, what with all the noise that the machines make, for someone apart from yourself to investigate the matter. We're willing to pay quite handsomely."

Jon sat down, the earnest man's owl-like eyes regarding him with warmth and anticipation. "Why not?"

**

The industrial areas of the city were built in such a way that they didn't interfere with the Harmony. Even one loose noise, or interfering smell could upset an entire neighbourhood so, precautions were made to keep the factories and mines as enclosed and separate as possible. The young man from the government, whose name was Oule, drove Jon out along the outer Branch and into the Industrial Zone.

Mr Oule parked the car and they got out, the government man walked towards the main office with Jon hanging back. Oule emerged from the office with a young woman around Jon's age, wearing overalls and a hard hat. She walked over and shook his hand, her smile faltering slightly at his appearance. "My name's Teos - you must be the Clash Man."

"I prefer Clash Investigator," Jon replied, Teos looked away sheepishly but Mr Oule laughed, clapping him on the back. Jon failed to see the humour as did Teos, they shared a look of mutual bewilderment, an unusual occurrence for Jon who was usually on the receiving end.

Mr Oule left them, preferring to take care of other business, he promised to return in a couple of hours.

"So, how long have you been a Clash Investigator, Mr Card?"

"Going on five years."

"And do you enjoy it?"

"After a fashion - there are not many things people like me can do."

"People like you?"

"I'm Tonedeaf."

"Oh." Teos looked away, blushing furiously, "I'm so sorry - I didn't mean to intrude, I thought that Clash Investigators were born with an immunity."

Jon shook his head. "Anyway - what exactly is wrong with your mine?"

Teos led Jon into the office. Before them, laid out in a holographic image was a cross-section of the Mine. The colours and twittering sounds made Jon wince. Teos began calling up different windows.

"I noticed it about a week ago - in the lower shafts, there was a sharp note coming from the processing centre on that level. I thought I was hearing things for a while but it became obvious that something was wrong. Look." She showed him some graphs and figures. The pitch was fluttering into the red in several places.

He nodded. "Okay, I'll take a look."

**

Jon stood in the maintenance shaft elevator, its reinforced walls designed to be totally sound-proof, but they weren't much use against the cacophony coming from below. Jon smiled, this kind of noise he could deal with - there was something quite soothing about natural, everyday sounds. Teos had politely declined to come with him, Jon knew that there was no way she could come down here, the lack of Harmony would send her into shock.

Tonedeaf. The word rolled in his mouth like a curse, he rarely had to say it out loud because normally people would guess, but sometimes someone would have to be reminded. Luckily, he'd never really thought of it as a disability, it was just something you had to live around. He remembered his sister telling him that it wasn't the disabled person who had problems with the disability - it was the able who had to truly learn to cope.

The elevator ground to a halt and a red light flashed. 'Ensure your ears are protected.' The warning above the door told him. He ignored it and opened the doors. The noise that greeted him was incredible - a vast chamber of mechanically carved stone was filled floor to ceiling with incredible machines, all automated down to the repair units scattered around, so that potentially a human being would never have to set foot down here. He was truly alone, Jon thought, in a place that no one else would dear to tread.

The map Teos had given him led him down a series of carefully mined tunnels, following a network of conveyor belts and strategically placed mining units, drilling away at the polished walls.

He could hear distinctly the high pitched sound above the din, and on a Harmonic Display in his hand he watched as the readings bounced increasingly into the red. He was getting closer.

At the end of the current branch of tunnels he came to a stop. There, before him were three new branches that had been cut but hadn't been installed with belts and mining units yet. It was down the longest of these that the alien sound was coming. Carefully he began to walk down the tunnel, following the wall in the gloom with his hand. Before long there was only the light of the Harmonic Display to light his way.

At the end of the tunnel he found a small chink of light, it was here that the sound became clear - it was the whistle of wind coming from a chamber beyond this wall. Carefully, he peered into the gap and squinted. The chamber was tall and indistinct, the shadows marked out strange shapes but this was nothing next to the smell - it was unlike anything he had ever smelled before. Earthy, smokey and wholly alien to the Harmonic balance - anyone else would gag and pass out.

Suddenly the wall seemed to move, he stepped away and watched as the hole became bigger, the stone falling away and opening to reveal the chamber beyond. The Harmonic Display whined its disapproval, flashing danger signs at him and giving off a stimulant pheromone. He dropped it in the dirt and crouched down through the hole into the room beyond.

The light was coming from a distant hole in the ceiling. A shiver ran through him as he imagined that he was beyond the limits of the city. Above him was the Wasteland, a forbidden land of absolute silence where people feared to tread. The thought was exciting - would it be possible for him to venture beyond, where no one else could tread?

Another stone moved behind him and Jon was brought back from his reverie to the chamber. On closer inspection the irregular shaped walls channelled the draft from above creating a spectrum of different sounds. He laughed - it was an incredible feeling, to hear a totally natural sound, not one that had been crafted to appeal to the human being's higher senses. He leaned in and looked at the rock formations, it was then that he noticed that the shape of the stone wasn't entirely natural. He brushed away the loose stone and squinted - ancient words, carved into the walls with crude tools, below the lines of text were images - men, tools and enormous winged creatures. The men were bent in supplication to the moons and the skies were full of giant birds.
Jon's heart began to beat faster and faster - this was incredible - he'd found evidence of an ancient civilisation. He laughed, the sound bouncing off the walls, rising in an echo higher and higher until it sounded indistinguishable from the raucous cry of an eagle.

**

Later, armed with pictures and an incredible story, Jon stood before the Harmonic cameras, telling the entire city of what he'd found. Overnight he became the centre of attention - suddenly everyone wanted to know about the Tonedeaf misfit and his historic discovery.

Deep in the chamber, the wind whistled down the rock face to the floor below and out into the mine. The wall, with its story, written in an unintelligible writing stood patiently waiting the return of the people, armed with their learning to decipher its secrets.

In the dark recesses of the cave, something moved. Jon's discarded Harmonic Display peaked again - the pattern changing as the sound grew louder. Into the light a pearly blue object rolled out from the darkness. Its uneven surface shimmered in the soft light -the pattern cracked, splitting into fragments as it moved. A new sound emerged, one that the Harmonic Display simply couldn't read - its cry was soft and even, like water over stone - the Display changed, the red spikes diminished and softened until the hard line of equilibrium was restored. All other sounds were gone - the wind and clamour of the Mine diminished until there was only the gentle, rhythmic song from the egg.