Project Blue Sky

By Kim Frauli

Once Julianna learns the shocking truths about the New Regime, she and Declan retreat to Abraham’s rural property and begin working with the Apostasy, a group of rebels seeking to overthrow the New Regime. They must be careful about their movements since Guardian Costma, the leader of the New Regime, is still searching for them. Through their adventures, they meet Colin, Declan’s Warrior brother, who is very close to Guardian Costma’s daughter Delilah. Will Colin and Delilah help or hurt them? With their newfound freedom, the two Scholars must learn to make decisions for themselves, everything from how to spend their free time to what they mean to each other going forward.

While still trying to remember where her father had hidden his Project Mnemosyne and if it even still exists, Julianna and her team prepare to launch an assault on the New Regime, using their brain power as their greatest weapon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Frauli
• Release date: Aug 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781978399914

Kim Frauli

Kim Frauli lives on a farm in rural Illinois with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of animals. She spent several years in marketing and communications for non-profit organizations, including serving as editor-in-chief of a hospital’s health magazine. She took a break from full-time work to focus on family and volunteer work and became involved in education. She has served as a PTO president, board of education member, reading tutor and youth sports coach, in addition to chairing various events.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Julianna Brenner rested her head on her arms tucked behind her as she stared up at the fluffy white clouds floating across the wide blue sky. She deeply breathed the fresh air and gave herself a moment to revel in her freedom. She cherished these moments when she was outside without time restraints and no one telling her where she needed to be next. This small taste of freedom was enough to wash away any lingering regrets she may have had about leaving her predictable home at the Scholars Compound, her only home since she was orphaned at a young age in the terrorist attacks.

She could scarcely believe it had been just over six months since she had found her father’s letter in the attic. At the time she did not think she would get over the heartbreak of knowing what her father had done. She remembered the shock of that moment like it was yesterday.

After she had finished reading the letter, she fell to the floor in a heap and closed her eyes, her mind alternating between trying to process it and wanting to forget what she had just learned. She had not even heard her best friend Declan O’Connor calling for her when she had been away for too long. She did not hear the sense of panic in his voice when initially he could not find her. She did not hear his footsteps climbing up the attic stairs. The first thing she could remember hearing was his voice as he called her name and gently shook her shoulder.

Her eyes opened and slowly began to focus until she could recognize Declan’s face in front of her. When he saw her coming back to the moment, he sat back on his heels, tried his best to fight down the adrenaline from the anxiety he had felt only moments earlier, and gave her a minute to gather herself. He patiently waited for her to speak first. Even though she knew what he needed, she could not bring herself to speak. She had no idea how to tell him what she knew. How could she admit that her father had helped the monster? Then another more terrifying thought ran through her mind. What if she should tell him nothing? She had absolute trust and faith in her father, and he had turned out to be in allegiance with the bad guys. How could she know with absolute certainty that Declan would not betray her trust as well? How could she ever trust anyone again?

She looked up into his concerned, compassionate eyes and instantly felt the truth in her heart. Declan would not disappoint her. If there was anyone in the world in whom she could trust, it was Declan. He was not her father. But what would he think of her once he knew the truth? When she still hadn’t spoken, Declan prompted her by softly saying, Julianna?

She slowly sat to an upright position, but she pulled her knees right back up to her chin and hugged her legs tightly.

Are you okay? Declan asked gently. He reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. Did something happen?

I don’t know what to say, she said slowly. She reached for the photograph and held it out to him. Do you recognize anyone in this picture?

Declan took the photo from her hand for closer examination. Sure, isn’t that your dad?

Yes, but the other man. Does he seem familiar at all? she hedged.

Declan studied the image thoughtfully. I don’t know. Maybe. But I can’t exactly place him. He handed the photo back to her. Should I know him?

She quickly let the photograph fall to the ground as if it was poisonous. "I know you might think I’m crazy, but I believe the man with my father is Guardian Costma. And if that’s true, it means my father and Guardian Costma were involved with the terror attacks. Guardian Costma was the terrorist! And somehow I unwittingly played a role in it all."

What? Declan asked, trying to absorb even half of the bombshell Julianna had just dropped. There’s no way that could possibly be true. You were just a child! What could you have done?

The computers, Declan. I think I helped them with the cyber-attack. I suppose the silver lining of all this is I’ve finally figured out why I can’t seem to really remember my father. It’s because he used Project Mnemosyne on me. He tried to erase himself from my memory. Her eyes filled with tears as the reality of what her beloved father had done to her really hit home. The man she had loved so dearly had tried to completely erase himself from her consciousness. He didn’t want me to remember, she squeaked out as her voice cracked.

Declan cupped her cheek in his hand and said tenderly, That’s silly. Why would he do such a thing?

So I wouldn’t know what he’d done. And so I couldn’t help them - the New Regime. Apparently, he had last-minute doubts about his affiliation with them. She couldn’t stand to talk about it anymore. She thrust the letter she had found at Declan. Here! Read it for yourself.

Declan sat down next to her with his back resting against the wall and read the entire letter. Then he turned to her with wide eyes and said, Wow, I don’t know what to say.

Julianna managed a little giggle. You don’t know what to say! How do you think I feel?

Declan reached over and hugged her tightly. You must feel so much right now. I have no idea what the protocol is for a situation like this, but if there’s anything I can do to help make it better for you, please tell me.

I don’t know what to do right now. I guess I just need to think about it. About where I go from here. What, if anything, I can do about any of it, she said, her mind racing almost too much for coherent thoughts.

She rested her head on Declan’s shoulder, and he wrapped a protective arm around her. We have nothing but time, Declan reminded her. You don’t need to do anything in the next five minutes or even the next five days. We’re safe, and you can take all the time you need to figure out what you want to do next. Just relax for now. You’ve had quite a shock.

She was grateful for his companionship as he fell silent and simply sat with her.

Hello? Greta called out loudly when she walked in the house. Starla got up from the sofa where she was watching a television program to greet Greta with a smile. Hi, Starla! When no one followed the little girl, Greta gave Starla a puzzled look and asked, Where’s Julianna? Where’s Declan?

Starla shrugged. I don’t know.

Greta fought back a sensation of panic as her mind quickly jumped to Warriors coming to the house again. She gave the child a nervous smile. Well, let’s see if we can’t find them. Where should we look first?

Upstairs, Starla answered, pointing at the ceiling.

Greta dashed to the top of the stairs and shouted hello with a sense of nerves in her voice.

Up here, Declan called back.

I can’t explain it again. I just want to be alone for a while. I need to think, Julianna said, her eyes begging him to run interference.

Okay, Declan said. I get it. He put a kind hand on her shoulder as he pushed himself off the floor. I’ll talk to Greta.

She gave him a weak smile as he walked toward the stairs with the letter and photograph in hand. Greta was taking the first step as Declan started to descend. Relief flooded her face when Greta spotted him. Her shoulders relaxed as she sighed in relief. Is Julianna up there, too? she asked.

Declan nodded. Yes, but she wants a bit of time to herself.

Greta looked bewildered. Why?

Well, something has come up. Something bizarre. Have you got a few minutes for me to explain?

Sam arrived just about the same time that Declan was getting ready to tell the story of Julianna’s discovery in the attic, so he and Greta sat at the kitchen table to hear Declan’s recount together. Greta seethed with anger at the thought of her father not only becoming involved with such sordid characters, but of involving his young daughter as well.

Some genius he turned out to be, she ranted. Not only do you not realize you’re staring evil right in the face, but you offer to help!

After Declan had spoken for a bit more, she interjected, And he tried to fry her beautiful little brain to cover his tracks. What was he thinking? What if it hadn’t worked the way he thought? From what I remember, he wasn’t at a point to try human clinical studies, let alone perform the first trial run on his own child! I can’t even imagine.

When Declan had finished his story, Greta took a deep breath and spoke more calmly than she felt. I think I’ll go upstairs and check on her. See how she’s doing.

Are you sure you don’t want a few minutes to yourself? Sam suggested. Maybe work through some of your own anger.

She gave her husband an appreciative smile. "I understand what you’re thinking, but I have to go be the sister she needs me to be right now. I’ll keep my own feelings in check, but you will be hearing about them this evening. I hope you’re ready for some really colorful pillow talk tonight."

Sam returned her smile and nodded his head. She did not wait to entertain Declan’s thoughts on the matter and quickly rose from the table to march to the attic. She took a deep breath to push aside the bubbling resentment she felt for her father and tried to focus on being the loyal family Julianna needed in the moment. She climbed the stairs slowly and quietly and gave Julianna a hesitant look, waiting for an invitation before approaching.

Julianna, who had rolled back onto her side on the floor, sat up again and greeted Greta with a half-hearted smile.

How’s it going? Greta asked. Declan told me about what you found.

Well, I’ve certainly been better, Julianna confessed. But at least I have some answers. I’m relieved to know that I wasn’t going crazy.

Greta scoffed. Oh, you didn’t really think that.

It did cross my mind, she admitted. If my brain kept misfiring and not functioning properly in that one respect, maybe it was only the beginning of my descent into complete madness. If my brain had always been a bit of an anomaly, wouldn’t it stand to reason that no one could predict how it would work in the future? Of course that thought led me to think maybe our father could’ve focused on helping people with real mental issues instead of toying with perfectly functioning minds.

Greta shook her head in disgust. I know Mom was never in support of that project, but I’m sure she never imagined him using it on you. I know I didn’t!

I guess there’s another mystery solved. We now know why I was taken out of school on that horrible day. He picked me up from school so he could erase my memory. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. He wanted to make sure I would never remember him, only he wasn’t sure if it would work. He used me like one of his lab rats.

Greta made no attempt to defend their father. Instead she sat down next to Julianna and put an arm around her shoulder. I can’t believe he would do that to you. I shudder to think about what he could’ve done to you.

Julianna heaved a sigh. It’s been a bit of an overwhelming day, but at least I finally have gotten some answers, about my past and my future.

What do you mean? Greta asked.

I know why I can’t remember everything about Dad, so I can stop obsessing over it. And I know what I have to do going forward. She squared her shoulders in resolution. I have to join Abraham and everyone against the New Regime. People need to know what he’s done, who he really is. He caused the deaths of countless people and used the tragedy to leverage power. You can’t get more sick and demented than that. If he’s allowed to remain in power, then who knows how much more damage he’ll do. You know with Declan and me gone from the Compound, he has just reassigned Project Death to another team of Scholars.

Greta nodded. You’re probably right. Then she added, But if you join the Apostasy, it shouldn’t be a knee-jerk reaction. It should be because you really believe in what we’re doing.

The Apostasy? Julianna asked. Is that what you call yourselves?

Greta nodded.

I do! Julianna exclaimed. I already believed in it before I knew such a group really existed in any organized form. I had a feeling growing in my heart that I did not belong at the Scholars Compound anymore. Apparently, I never belonged there in the first place. She shook her head. At least I can take comfort in knowing that our past work there actually served a purpose in helping people.

If that’s how you really feel, I know Abraham and the others would be happy to have you join us. You would be a huge asset to the movement.

When can I get started? Julianna asked, filled with new resolve and a strong desire to make amends for the wrong that had been committed with her assistance, even if she had been an unwitting participant.

Greta laughed gently and gave Julianna a little squeeze. How about you take a day or two to relax before you jump in to something new?

I don’t need to relax, Julianna insisted. I’m ready to help. Should we call Abraham?

Colin O’Connor knocked on Delilah’s door. I’m ready to head to my quarters for the night. Do you need anything before I turn in?

Delilah’s face brightened. She tossed her book aside and patted a spot on the bed next to her. Come! I want to talk to you.

Colin walked into the room with a smile. What do you want to know?

How was your day? she asked in a singsong voice.

My day was fine.

Did you have any adventures? Don’t hold out on me. You know I have to live vicariously through you, Delilah begged with an exaggerated pout, tossing a red curl over her shoulder.

No, it was a pretty boring day today. Nothing very exciting for me either. Just the same old, same old.

They never found your brother, did they? Delilah asked.

No, they never did find him.

How do you feel about that?

Colin had been very distracted lately as thoughts of Declan frequently invaded his mind. He often found himself preoccupied, thinking about his older brother. No one had found Declan yet, and this left him wondering what could have happened to Declan. Although each and every Warrior had been briefed on the situation and were always to be on constant lookout for Declan and his partner, Julianna, none of his fellow Warriors mentioned the fact that Colin’s big brother was the man they sought. This left Colin to ponder his thoughts alone, afraid of bringing up the subject around the other Warriors for fear of what they may think of him. He believed many of them had not even made a connection between the runaway Scholars and Colin. Most of the Warriors did not have relatives in the Scholars Compound, so the thought likely had not occurred to them.

Colin shrugged and said to Delilah, I don’t know. Indifferent, I suppose. It’s not like it makes much of a difference in my life these days.

Aren’t you even the tiniest bit jealous of the fact that he has freedom now? I am! Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like to experience that kind of freedom? To be outside of the confines of these walls! she questioned in a far-off, dreamy voice. Just imagine it!

Colin chuckled. I wouldn’t exactly call him free. He still has Warriors looking for him. If he’s smart, he’s in hiding and always looking over his shoulder. Besides, I don’t know what I would do with myself. We don’t have it so bad in here, you know.

Delilah’s pout returned. Maybe you don’t.

Neither do you, Colin chided gently. Don’t you know how many girls would love to trade places with you?

All those girls have never been me. They’re welcome to my place. I’ll gladly trade.

Don’t let your father hear you talking like that, Colin warned. I’d better get going now. I’ll see you in the morning. He lightly kissed the top of her head.

I’m sure you will. I’ll be here - just as always.

CHAPTER 2

That Saturday, Abraham stopped by the Hartford residence again. This time, he wanted to speak directly with Julianna. They sat at the kitchen table with cups of tea.

I’m glad you remembered, he said.

I didn’t remember, she corrected. I was informed of the truth. I still cannot recall what actually happened that day. I don’t know what exactly it is that I did to the computer networks, and I don’t know how I could ever begin to repair the damage I have caused, but I’m willing to try.

The crimes committed were not yours, Abraham stated. You need to understand that.

I do understand, Julianna replied, but I still have a heavy heart about all the people who were hurt.

Abraham gave her an understanding nod.

Tell me more about my father and Gary Adams. I believe you know something. Can you share it with me?

I was never one-hundred percent sure that Gary Adams was Guardian Costma, but I had my suspicions. I was told that Gary Adams had perished in the attacks, along with everyone in his family, but when this man emerged as Guardian with all the heavy makeup, I immediately questioned what he was trying to hide.

It was the eyes, Julianna said. When I saw the eyes in that photograph my father enclosed in the letter, that’s how I knew who he was. How did you know him before the attacks?

I knew him from the university. I worked there with your father, and Gary Adams was a businessman who was claiming to be a philanthropist who was looking to donate a significant sum of money to the university for research projects. Naturally, several of the faculty were tripping over themselves trying to get him to throw some money in their direction. I, myself, was a history professor, and I had very little use for his money. I got to know Adams through your father. Your father had once collaborated with me on an experiment involving some of my history students and the rote memorization of facts. Your father and I became friends throughout the course of the experiment, and we continued to be friends long after the experiment was over. Your father introduced me to Adams.

So my father got to know him because he wanted research money? Julianna asked.

To be perfectly honest, I don’t think your father sought out Adams. I think it was the other way around. Your father was well-known enough in his field that he did not have to go looking for people to contribute to his research. He always had willing and eager backers. I think Adams was only involved with the others at the university as a way to make sure he could get in good with your father. The university administration would apply a bit of pressure to make sure that he worked with Adams in order to make sure the cash flowed more freely throughout other parts of the campus.

What was Gary Adams’ background? How did he get all his money? Julianna inquired.

He inherited a great sum of it. Then he built upon that with wise investments to increase his wealth. He made some fortunate choices in the stock market and got in on the ground floor of a couple of lucrative business opportunities. Essentially, he was a lucky gambler. He never built or created anything himself.

So my father really didn’t want to work with him? Julianna asked with a hint of hope in her voice.

Now, I didn’t say that, Abraham said with a shake of his head. Your father and Gary Adams really hit it off. He thought Adams had some revolutionary ideas, which I guess was absolutely true. Your father got really excited about some of those ideas, and Adams was always very complimentary to your father about his work. Adams took a great interest in everything that he was doing.

Who had the idea for Project Mnemosyne? Julianna asked.

That’s an interesting question. I would say the idea for Mnemosyne came from your father, but I believe the suggestion may have been planted by Adams. Your father was not really interested in mind control before. In fact, he really didn’t see Mnemosyne as mind control. In his mind, he believed he could help people who were suffering and give them a new lease on life. I believe he had good intentions when he started down that path, and I don’t think he realized the monster who was next to him until much too late.

Julianna nodded thoughtfully. Her father had been her hero. She wanted to be able to forgive him for what he had done to her, but she found that so difficult to do when he was not there to defend himself or tell his side of the story. Perhaps understanding how he had been brought to the decision could help her to get there.

I apologize for asking you this question, but given the circumstances, I cannot seem to recall for myself, Julianna explained. Did you know me as a child?

"Of course, I