The Cube: A Novel

By Kelly Fumiko Weiss

"The Cube appeared as if from nowhere. He felt his eyes well up... It was beautiful."

Will barely remembers life before the Cube. He and Kim were early players of the game but since her death, he has been in a cocoon of grief, doing his best to ignore the Cube and people in general.

On a rare night out with friends, Will is as surprised as anyone that he still believes in the virtue and grandiosity of the game—and perhaps more startling, that he has emerging, yet deep-rooted feelings for his friend Molly. The night takes a turn when Will and Molly discover an enigmatic symbol on the ground by the game's stadium. Will uses Molly's interest in the symbol as an excuse to keep seeing her, but what starts off as a fun and flirtatious treasure hunt for more symbols quickly escalates and sets off a dangerous chain of events that puts their lives at risk.

Will soon realizes that unlocking the mysteries of the Cube may not only be the key to returning them to safety…the chase ultimately may give him a second chance at love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781941478646

Book preview

36

1

TRAFFIC WASN’T TOO BAD ON Lake Shore Drive. Normally, there was a little bit of backup coming into the Loop, but it was green lights and smooth sailing from Randolph all the way down past Roosevelt.

Stella, time to destination? Will asked as he glanced over his shoulder to change lanes.

You will arrive in fifteen minutes, Stella’s sultry, computerized voice answered back from the dashboard.

Thanks, Stella, Will replied. Turn on radio.

Radio was an antiquated term, but Stella still knew what he meant and turned on the streaming music station Will preferred. He caught it right during a rare commercial and sighed at his bad timing. Tonight, for one night only, come to the Illinois Cube for Exhibition Night—your chance for an inside look into new levels.

Stella, turn off radio. Will cut the commercial short. The car fell silent.

Wasn’t it enough that they were going to eat all the way down in Hyde Park, when they all lived on the north side, to a restaurant owned by the Cube? Did he have to hear Cube commercials, too? Why he agreed was also beyond him, but he shook off his default grumpy attitude about social engagements and reminded himself he was getting better. He wasn’t saying no to every single invite anymore. He was smiling at parties. He was laughing at jokes. Hell, he was listening to music again. He wasn’t even entirely faking it anymore, either. He just knew that none of them really understood. Understood that grief was like a wet blanket covering you all the time, occasionally twisting out the excess moisture to water board you where you stood.

Will saw some traffic up ahead, so he pulled off a bit early at the 47th Street exit and used his muscle memory to get to the restaurant. Back in another life, while he put himself through graduate school at The University of Chicago, he shared an apartment with his brother Chris who was finishing up an internship at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The budding entrepreneur and the zoologist, starving twenty-somethings, not a real care in the world. Seemed like a lifetime ago. It was a lifetime ago. Will barely recognized anything as he drove. Between ongoing city improvements, the Obama Library and the Cube, the south and west sides of the city were entirely different.

He found his way down to 57th Street and parked in front of Medici’s. He wished they were just going there. Medici’s had been there forever and he knew he liked the food. But they were going a few doorsteps down to a new place called The Cube’s Annex. Max’s choice, Max’s night, he reminded himself.

Stella, pay for parking, he said as he powered down the car.

Parking paid, Stella replied. Will climbed out of the car and pressed his palm against the side to lock it. He jogged across the street and stood in front of the restaurant. On the storefront marquee, instead of the word Cube, there was a holographic three-dimensional rotating cube in between the words The and Annex.

Subtle, he whispered under his breath and then pushed open the door to the restaurant.

Are you here to dine or to play? the hostess asked. Will looked around. He saw the far wall of the restaurant was lined with standing VR stations for headset play.

Dine. Pretty sure a friend of mine is already here. Yep, there she is, Will said, pointing to the back.

Sitting at a four-person table was Molly, captivated by whatever she was reading. Her long black hair was slightly covering her face. Will always wondered how women could see when their hair was in their way like that.

The hostess motioned for Will to go ahead, and Will made his way through the restaurant. Everything around him was white. White walls, white tables, white chairs, white uniforms for the waitstaff. Made sense for a Cube restaurant. There was nothing quite as blinding white as the inside of the Cube right before game play. The normal color of the clothes of the patrons was a bit jarring against all of the white—like a jelly handprint on a wedding dress.

On the wall opposite the VR stations was a giant interface, split into multiple views, all showing Cube stadiums from around the country. A small child was touching one of the screens, each touch flipping the view to another live shot, the name of the Cube flashing at the bottom of the interface panel—Alaska, Montana, West Virginia. The largest view, in the center of the wall, was locked and was broadcasting the Illinois Cube (although everyone called it the Chicago Cube). The Cube was huge, about three stories tall, hovering at an angle over the Cube Deck base. It was radiant with light bouncing and reflecting off the thousands of tiny solar panels that made up the surface of all six of its sides. Surrounding the Cube was a large stadium and miles of grounds and open park space, but the interface was zoomed in on the Cube itself, slowly spinning in place.

On the view screen wall behind Molly was the typical Cube Project Board. Will quickly glanced at its marquee and winced. Kim used to love the Project Boards. She said they proved the world would be all right. He forced himself to read it. All proceeds from this Cube-funded restaurant go straight into local Hyde Park improvements. The list below showed the most recent projects funded: street repaving on 51st Street; a landscape improvement at Nichols Park; system upgrades to the smart grid; upgrades to the solar-paneled street lights.

Molly glanced up, spotted Will, and smiled. Her smile always warmed Will up a bit. It made her cheeks rise and brush right up against her dark brown eyes. Took you long enough, she said.

Nice to see you, too, Will replied as Molly stood up and they hugged. Will eagerly accepted the hug. This was a corner he had turned. Right after Kim died, he didn’t let anyone touch him. Then, about a year ago, some sort of shift had happened where he realized how desperately he needed physical touch, and he went on a little bit of a bender attempting to scratch that itch. Thankfully, he escaped the unhealthiness of that pattern and now just found himself a little more affectionate than he had been—not shy to put his arm around a friend, give hugs to relatives, give pats on the backs to coworkers—anything to tether him to the people around him.

I actually wasn’t sure you would come, Molly said as they sat down. Will took the spot next to her, leaving the other side of the table open for Max and Sam.

Oh yeah, why’s that? Because I’m an old grumpy hermit who never leaves his house?

Well, what’s it been, a year since just the four of us have been together? No, once I saw where Max picked, I figured you wouldn’t show because you’ve spent the past three years pretending the Cube doesn’t exist, Molly answered.

Better than you, believing that the Cube is out to ruin the world, Will teased back.

Well, Molly said as she waved her hand, pointing around the room, look at this rampant consumerism. Capitalism at its worst. Seriously, can you blame me?

You say as you sit below a Project Board, Will bantered back. Molly gave him a begrudging smile. Will tapped the table and a menu screen appeared in front of him. All organic food. All locally grown or raised. I’d kill for a Hot Pocket right about now.

That’s a pretty random craving, Molly said with one eyebrow slightly raised.

Just a memory association. I used to live down here with Chris when we were both just starting out. Pretty much all we ate.

I don’t think I’ve ever met Chris, Molly replied. That’s your brother, right?

The one and only. He lives in Cleveland now. Moved out there ten, maybe twelve years ago. Doesn’t come back too often.

Ah, before my time then.

Yes, before we met. Will paused.

Will and Molly settled into an awkward silence, although what Molly was feeling awkward about, Will hadn’t the faintest. Please let her talk next, he internally pleaded.

Molly did speak next, although so quietly Will almost didn’t hear her. Seems like forever ago, doesn’t it? Me working with Kim?

Will took a deep breath. Yes. Yes it does, Will answered, knowing that if he just took a few more deep breaths, the wave of nausea he usually experienced when really thinking about her would soon pass. Always seems to go back to Kim, doesn’t it?

I suppose, but I didn’t work for Kim for very long after all. Almost right after I started, Graphically Speaking got the Cube account and I quit.

So, we both love that we’re at a Cube restaurant then. Will and Molly both smiled, his sarcasm breaking the moment.

Molly smiled. I’ve come to terms with the world we live in—the insanity of it all. Besides, we’re both here for Max, she replied as she looked up. Speak of the devil! She stood up and walked toward Max and Sam. They were holding hands as they walked in, only breaking apart to hug Molly one at a time. Will stood up and joined in the salutations.

As they sat down, Molly said, "Will and I were both commenting about how much we just looove the Cube."

Stop yer sass, Max said with his typical Texas twang.

So, Max, let us in on the big surprise. Why are we here? Will asked as they all sat back down.

Well, as y’all know, I dragged y’all to come here cuz I have a big announcement to make. At exactly 8 p.m. tonight, a new project will be goin’ up on that board, Max said, pointing the Project Board behind Molly and Will. I am pleased to announce that Veer Construction Company has been chosen for the Promontory Point expansion project, work to begin next month!

That’s fantastic! Will responded. Dude, you totally deserve this!

Yes, Max, that’s such great news! Molly added.

Will and Max high fived and Sam flagged the waitress over. Madam, I would like your finest bottle of champagne, please. My amazing husband deserves the best!

No problem, the waitress replied. Can I get anyone anything else?

Yes, we’re starving! Molly answered.

After they all ordered, Sam asked, So, Will, what are you up to lately? Seen any good candidates? Will was grateful for Sam. Sam had never met Kim, so he never asked Kim-related questions or brought up Kim-related topics. He was like a life raft at every dinner party.

We just had one group come in and pitch that I think might have something. They want to figure out a way to reduce the number of power lines. They think they’ve developed a chip what would act like an energy-radio buoy between intersections, eliminating the need for wires below or above ground, Will responded with enthusiasm. It might be Hartz & Tanier’s biggest client yet.

Man, I’d love it if we didn’t have to deal with power lines anymore, Max replied. Sometimes workin’ around existin’ power lines can be the bane of my existence!

I love how many different projects your firm takes on. It must be like learning a new language every time you vet a new submission, Sam added.

Yeah, we still have a lot of questions to flush out, but I think the real implications would come into place in developing countries. If there’s a way to get power from point A to point B without intense infrastructure and in a safe way, it could really change things for developing areas, Will said.

I’m surprised nothing like this has come up before, although I can’t quite wrap my head around how energy would transfer without a conduit. I am just sitting here picturing someone getting zapped by an invisible electrical current with lightning bolts coming out of him like in a cartoon! Sam said, acting out the motion of being electrocuted as they all laughed. Then Sam continued. I actually think that’s one of the hard limits on whether or not a Cube can go into a country, isn’t it? Access to power?

I’m not sure, Will said. Probably.

Molly sighed. Do you know what I want to know? I want to know when the last time was that anyone, anyone in the entire world, got together and the damn Cube didn’t come up in conversation.

Everyone laughed again. Don’t fight it, Molly, Max replied as he slightly nudged her. It’s like social media or breathin’ air. The human race will never be without these things again!

I suppose, Molly said. I just don’t understand why the whole world has to revolve around it.

I honestly can’t remember the world without it, Sam said.

Molly let out an audible harumph.

Will poked her in the side. "What’s your deal? What, you still think that Bradley Wallace just unleashed a grand scheme onto the Earth, died, and we’re all a big post-death practical joke?"

Unleash the Kracken! Max laughed.

"So, Molly, what is the latest conspiracy theory about the Cube? Is it something interesting enough for me to research for my exhibit on Wallace at the museum?" Sam asked.

Guys, I’m not some conspiracy nut. I don’t go trolling for dirt on the Cube. I just don’t believe it’s as good as everyone thinks it is. I mean, no offense, Max. I’m super happy for you and your project. I just think that there’s no way a company like Wallace Enterprises, one of the most loathed companies in the world, just all of the sudden ups and changes its entire business model, and sets about to save the world one project at a time.

And yet, my darlin’, that’s exactly what happened, Max answered just as the champagne was arriving.

Will grabbed the bottle from the waitress and poured each of them a glass. I propose a toast. To good friends, to Max’s work, and to all of us agreeing that Max will do a great job on the Promontory Point project!

Here, here! chimed Sam as they all clinked their glasses together and drank.

Of course Max will do a great job, Molly added. That’s not in question.

Well, what is in question then? Sam asked innocently enough.

Oh, sugar, these two have more baggage than an airport hangar, Max answered.

Well, I can’t disagree with that, Will said.

People think the Cube is a gift from above—a moral imperative to be a part of its work in any way possible. Like Kim, for instance. She was convinced it would be part of our life legacies to work for ‘the greater good.’ Bullshit. Call me crazy, call me whatever you want, but there’s an ulterior motive here, Molly added.

Woo boy, you haven’t changed yer tune one bit in all these years, Max said. But even you can’t ruin my buzz, cuz in about five minutes, my project is gonna be up there on that board and I couldn’t be happier.

I can be happy for you and a skeptic at the same time. I’m that talented, Molly chimed.

No doubt, Max smiled back at her. Besides, no one was a true believer like Kim Hartz. She was uniquely obsessed.

That’s true, Will said with a half smile.

I can tell you from all my research into Wallace, nothing is black and white. That man was fascinating, Sam added.

When will the latest Sam Bishop masterpiece be up at the Chicago History Museum? Will asked.

Still a few more months, Sam answered. We are still debating how much attention to devote to each part of his life. He had such an interesting way of doing things, I think a whole museum could be dedicated to him.

I’m sure it’s already in the works, Molly said snidely, and it will be in a giant Cube-shaped building, no doubt.

Yes, ma’am, because it’s so rare that buildings come in cubical shapes, Max teased.

Come on, Molly. The man is about to be awarded a posthumous Nobel Peace Prize, Will said.

Hmph. Nobel Peace Prize, Molly retorted. Will saw Max roll his eyes.

Oh, here we go, Sam said enthusiastically, breaking the moment. Almost eight o’clock!

They all looked up at the Project Board. At exactly 8 p.m., Max’s project popped up right at the top, and all the other projects flashed to complete and then cleared off the board. The whole group cheered and clinked glasses again.

So, should we order another bottle of champagne? Will asked.

I thought we were going to go over and walk around Promontory Point and see it one more time as it is now before you start tearing it up? Sam replied.

Won’t it be too dark out? Will asked.

Not on Exhibition Night, Max answered. The whole city will be all lit up.

Oh right, Exhibition Night. Maybe we should go there later, too, Molly joked.

I know yer kiddin’, Miss Molly, Max said, but I’m thinkin’ that’s exactly where we should be headin’.

What? Molly and Will said almost simultaneously.

If memory serves, sweetheart, you and I had a bet as to whether or not good ol’ Will here would actually show up. And that bet was left undetermined. Well, I knew he wouldn’t let me down, and so as the winner of that bet, I’m cashin’ in and makin’ up my prize. I’m sayin’ that Will here has to stay up past his normal octogenarian bedtime, and you, ma’am, you need to come with me and celebrate all the Cube has given me tonight.

Crap, Molly answered. Fine.

You made a bet on me? Really nice, guys. Real nice, Will said as he nudged Molly.

How will we even get there? We will never find parking, Molly countered.

I guess we could take the fifty-one over to the Green Line, Sam answered.

Nah, we’ll catch a taxi, Max said as he tapped the table to bring up the bill. He typed in a tip and placed his phone on top. Dinner’s on me! Now let’s get moving. We’re off to…da dun dun dun…the Cube! he said as he offered Molly his hand. She hesitated, then dramatically took it. Max kissed her hand, and Will and Sam clapped as they rose up to leave.

Before he left the table, Will did a bit of a gut check. A drastic change of social plans was still out of his comfort realm. Could he handle it? He looked at his friends as they were walking out and thought about how much he adored each of them, and then he thought of Molly and how much he was enjoying being around her again. He wouldn’t be the one to spoil the evening. He took a deep breath and followed them out of the restaurant. They were going to the Cube.

2

THEY STEPPED OUTSIDE AND HAILED a taxi right away. Quietly, Will cursed to himself that he’d have to come all the way back to Hyde Park for his car. Max jumped in the front while the others loaded into the back with Molly in the middle seat. The Cube, kind sir, Max said to the driver. Then he turned around to the group. Hey, remember when car sharing was a thing?

I tried so hard for my five-star rating and poof—sayonara to all the apps! Sam said.

See, Molly chimed in. Everyone thought car sharing was going to change the world, and then it collapsed and taxis are back. She sounded exasperated.

Looks like we need us some Cube evangelism in this here taxi cab. Max shouted in an evangelist voice, Praise be to the Cube! All holy Cube, come down here to this taxi and convert this heathen, one Miss Molly Carpenter, into a true believer! and placed his hand on her head as he did so. She swatted it away but did laugh.

I can only drive you as close as Homan and Jackson. They’ve blocked off the rest of the area to drivers tonight. Pedestrians only, the taxi driver chimed in.

That’s no problem, my friend, Max said. We can walk and let Molly here soak up the whole experience.

When the taxi pulled up, the streets were full of cars and people. Before Max could pay for anything else, Molly placed her phone on the front/back seat divider and accepted the charge. As they emerged from the car, Will felt a little bit of panic. It had been a long time since he’d been around so many people.

It’s changed a lot since the last time I was here. Look, there’s a whole forest over there now! he said to no one in particular.

Have you ever played before? Sam asked.

Yes, when it first was released years ago, Will said quietly.

Max chimed in, looking at Will. I’ve played it a bunch, too. Last time was just earlier this year, and boy do I want to try it again. It’s crazy hard. I can’t believe there are actually people who have cracked all fifty!

More than fifty, Sam reminded them. DC has one now, too. And some of the Royal Players have moved onto the ones in other countries.

True enough, Max said, smiling at Sam. He took Sam’s hand, kissed it, and then held it tightly as they walked.

As they walked down Jackson, Will realized they’d extended the grounds in all directions. Max was leading the way heading toward a large black-and-wrought-iron archway that Will hadn’t seen before, either. It was grounded with large stone-pillared bases.

Isn’t that the same as the archway at Northwestern? Will asked.

Looks like a cheap rip-off of it at least. Isn’t it all a bit tacky? Total theme park! Molly exclaimed.

I like it! You can visit the best parts of the whole state without ever leaving Chicago, Sam said.

Molly groaned. Look, the archway doesn’t even say Northwestern. It says ‘Giving Is the Solution.’ Barf.

Take it down a notch there, Molly, Max replied. Really look around. This isn’t cheap knock-off stuff. Whoever built this did a bang-up job.

Will gave Molly a pleading look; she took a deep breath in. Okay, I’ll try to see it from that perspective.

As they walked through the archway, Will noticed a map of the grounds and gravitated toward it. When the Cube was first erected, and he and Kim were frequent visitors, the grounds weren’t nearly as built out. They relied much more heavily on what was already a part of Garfield Park with the Conservatory to the north as the main additional tourist focal point. He scanned the map. Miles of extra grounds had been added just in the last year, and the forest he had been marveling about earlier was designed to look like Shawnee National Forest. The new area was complete with an older public climbing wall now made out to resemble the Little Grand Canyon.

Let’s go to the Starved Rock area, Max said, motioning for Will to come with them. It tends to be a li’l less crowded over there because the waterfall is kind of loud. People think it stays on all the time, but I discovered last Exhibition Night that they actually turn down the waterfall during the show. Slows to almost a trickle. Best spot to watch.

Will continued to follow Max, and as they turned the corner, the Cube appeared as if from nowhere. He saw it from the taxi, but once they got out, it had been partially shielded by the giant public viewing screens set up around the grounds. For years, Will had avoided seeing it in person, and now there it was before him. He felt his eyes well up with tears. It was beautiful.

Molly saw Will staring, unmoving, and walked over and squeezed his hand for a second. Despite being around throngs of people, the sudden intimate contact startled him.

Sorry, Molly said. You just looked like you needed some reinforcement.

It’s just been a while, Will replied. I almost forgot how momentous it is to stand next to it. Look at it, just hovering there, like it is as light as air. It’s breathtaking.

Have you really not seen it in all these years?

It’s actually pretty easy to avoid. You can’t see it from where I live in North Center. I take the El into work. You can’t see it from the Loop, either. I mean, obviously I see it on the news and across my interface feeds… Will’s voice trailed off as he turned and looked at Molly. She was looking at him with such a gentle face. He squeezed her hand back and then let it go. Come on. Let’s catch up with them.

Will and Molly made their way through the crowds. Luckily, at 6′ 2″ with a flop of black wavy hair, Max was easy enough to spot. Will felt himself getting a little amped up. The energy from the people around them was palpable, kinetic. It was next to impossible not to get swept up in the excitement of the night.

As they turned the corner, a giant, rocky cavern about two stories tall appeared before them. It seemed to be about a city block deep. At the far end was a dazzling, roaring waterfall.

They really do know what they’re doing, Will remarked.

You mean like what Max was saying about how well it is built? Molly asked.

Well, yes, but no. I mean, look at how beautiful this is. If a replication is this beautiful, imagine how amazing the real place must be. Doesn’t it make you want to go check out the real Starved Rock? Will asked.

I’ve actually been before. This doesn’t even come close to doing it justice, Molly retorted.

Exactly, Will said. Molly rolled her eyes only slightly, but then broke into a small smile as their eyes locked for just a moment.

So, guys, tell me—what should I expect? Will said, turning back to the rest of the group.

Max and Sam simultaneously turned around and faced him. Dude, c’mon, Max prodded.

What? They only started doing these last year, Will defended himself.

You really do live under a rock sometimes, don’t you, man? Max chided. Well, you at least know the general gist, right?

Sure, Will said as they sat down. One of the walls of the faux canyon that was surrounding them was now a giant viewing screen. They found a set of rocks not too far from it that acted very suitably as chairs. The Cubemakers showcase their latest tech developments.

It’s more than just that, Sam added. "The game developers also try out new levels so we all get to see them as they test the simulations. It’s like a preview. People from all over the world watch, trying to get clues as to how Wallace Enterprises