“That was part of the brilliance of the design. People were recruited by the United States Navy with the intention to aid in constructing the city, but instead of calling Oceania a city, it was merely referred to by the title ‘The Oceania Project.’ Robots were used to build the majority of the city via operators on land. After the completion, the Navy was to aid the city in getting started and maintaining a constant residence nearby, until it was self-sustaining enough to be on its own. The presence of the Navy in Sunnyville was only a front for the real operation.”
Finally, something made sense. It was the first time any of Dylan’s words fit in with what was going on around here. Why the town was mostly deserted. Why people were not allowed to go on the beaches here.
“You don’t believe me, do you?” Dylan’s shoulders slumped slightly.
“To be honest, Dylan, even with this holographic image hovering in front of me, no I don’t. I don’t understand how an underwater city could be fully self-sustaining so far beneath the surface or why it would have to be a secret experiment. I simply cannot fathom what an underwater city would be like or why you’re even telling me about this.”
Dylan’s entire face brightened as he reached out for my hand. “I’m telling you about this place because I want to take you there.”
Chapter 4
I was convinced that either I’d lost my mind, or the small town vibe of Sunnyville had made me too trusting. I accepted Dylan’s offer and waited as he readied the watercraft for departure.
Taking the moment to examine the vehicle in front of me, I realized it differed from the other watercrafts I had ridden on before. For one thing, the entire body of the vehicle was wider and longer. Two full-size seats with backrests for both made it resemble a two-hump camel. Around the sides, beneath the seat pads, ran a solid blue stripe perforated with tiny little dots nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. A single groove dug around the edge of the footrest area and continued all the way to the front. Encompassing the space in between the handlebars was a touchscreen with light indicators surrounding it.
Paying attention to Dylan, I watched as he pressed his palm flat on the touchscreen. Aqua lights traced his handprint, starting at the base of his wrist, outlining his fingers to the other side of his wrist. Flashing once, the monitor came to life. Choosing the appropriate selections, he sped through the start-up menu lightning fast before typing on the holographic keyboard projected in front of him.
I thought of something as I sat down in the seat behind him. “Dylan, I thought you said Oceania was a secret place.”
“It is.”
“Then how can you take me there? It doesn’t make sense.”
As Dylan continued tapping virtual buttons all over the touchscreen, he replied, “Well, it was a secret at its inception. Now all the residents believe no more humans exist in the outside world, so it doesn’t really matter anymore. I simply want you to know I’m not lying and that underwater living is possible.”
Not knowing what else to say, I asked, “Why?”
Dylan paused and twisted his head over his shoulder so he could see me. “Because I was always taught not to lie and I want you to see my city.” Returning to face the screen, he added, “Besides, there’s not much for you to do here on this beach, is there?”
“No.”
“Well, wouldn’t you rather have an adventure? Do something no one else ever has before?”
I considered what he said as a gust of wind off the ocean blew my hair back. “I guess.”
“Also, since you’re the first terrestrial human I’ve ever met, I’d like to get to know you. I’ve been coming to this beach whenever I could for the last two years and never knew billions of humans still lived on land. I’m very curious about your world and what you would think of mine.”
I paused to think for a moment, the incessant lapping of the waves against the front of the vehicle repetitively breaking my focus. I knew this was a potentially dangerous idea, but at the same time, I could definitely use an adventure to take my mind off reality for a while.
“And you said that everyone in Oceania thinks all terrestrial humans are dead? Haven’t they ever returned to the surface to find out?”
Dylan shook his head and returned to the touchscreen. “Other than the occasional scientific observations and recordings, no. From what I learned in school, everyone on land was wiped out during the second Great Plague—that’s all I know.”
Puzzled, I realized further questions would only muddle my brain even more.
The engine of the watercraft purred to life; its power vibrating beneath the seats. Dylan pressed yet another button and then used both feet to slide the watercraft into the water. It took off, jerked for a moment, and then floated gently in the surf.
“Hold on tight to my waist and plant your feet firmly on the footholds. Keep your limbs within the seamobile at all times.”
Seamobile. So, that was its name. Feeling a little awkward, I tentatively held onto Dylan’s sides.
“You’ll have to hold on tighter than that. Don’t worry, I won’t bite.”
Shaking off my embarrassment, I increased my grasp and waited for us to start moving. Abruptly, the seamobile surged forward like a speedboat. Not ready for it, I gripped Dylan’s waist tighter in surprise. The seamobile carved through the roaring waves like a large vessel, barely taking air as it road over the crests. Sharp wind bit
