The walls of the underground hideout were green and cream tiles with elegant archways framing the broader spaces. Over time, some of the tiles had been chipped away and missing, but deep in the belly of the tunnel, hidden from the main path and obscure tourists, was their little protected sanctuary. The walls were decorated by the occasional roots of the fig trees that lined Hyde Park above them, snaking through the concrete and tiles in their search for life. Trains rushed past them at a distance, creating a false wind that would flow through their own living space, but over the years, Armand found that he was more relaxed by the noise than concerned. He can not believe how quickly technology has evolved over time, and Armand wondered if a time will come when they would no longer be in physical bodies. The rise of AI and hybrids seemed to be a scientific certainty these days instead of a fever dream.
At one end, there was a black lake, created from the bad planning of the city, and at the other, bomb shelters and old bunkers that had been used for a long-forgotten RAAF operation. Their little corner was just out of sight and, so far, had never been disturbed. Armand had installed a bed, a bathroom that was complete with a shower and flushing toilet, and their little kitchenette because home cooking was still Natalie's preferred way of preparing a meal.
If not for his partner, Armand would have changed more of their secret space, but Natalie could never let him completely upgrade their sanctuary and leave all the old-world charm behind. Natalie was sitting by candlelight, staring at the computer screen with her chin resting in her hand. There was electricity down here in the abandoned train tunnels that ran under Sydney, but Natalie liked to work with candle light
“I thought we were further along than this.” She murmured to herself, and Armand pretended again that he didn’t hear her. He knew she was disappointed with their notes, but nothing could be done about it. Taking her glasses off and inspected them again with a slight grimace. There was a lot to be desired in this lifetime. Her usual likes had not made a large impact, and her glasses' bright frames seemed to be a personal affront.
Armand sat at a pile of newspapers, slowly looking through them and trying to find patterns or outcries that might give the pair a new starting point. When Natalie sighed again, he rose out of the comfortable chair and headed over to their little bar fridge. She had protested the fridge once upon a time, but when he poured her a glass of wine from the bottle and presented the cool drink to her, he knew that she appreciated his long-ago efforts to convert the unfinished train tunnel into something that resembled a proper living space. It was getting dangerous to leave their information just sitting around. Once upon a time, there had been files and records of information just sitting in boxes. A small stick of digital information left in a box for years was not so odd and far more accessible. Modern technology was a godsend, even if Natalie liked to pretend they didn’t need it.
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Natalie took her time with that first sip of wine, letting the fruity flavours settle on her tongue before she swallowed. “I just thought we had more.” She sighed again.
“You will work it out.” He promised with a kiss on her forehead. “And then we will save the world.”
Natalie smiled to herself. “I remember when we were both young and believed that we could make a difference.” She stopped staring at the computer and looked up at Armand. “We really did think that joining that cult meant something progressive and exhilarating.”
Armand sat on the desk. “I still feel like it was the best decision I ever made. It got me to you. We have a life no one else can imagine, and it isn’t a lonely one.” He pointed out, and Natalie found herself nodding.
“I know that, but Nostradamus was a mysterious and enigmatic man. He spoke about things we never should be aware of, ideas too big for us even to comprehend then and barely make sense even now. It is a lot of pressure.” Natalie sipped her wine again. “What if they picked the wrong people? What if we misunderstood his words?”
“You need to stop thinking about what might be Natalie and start thinking about what is. The world is full of distractions. I need you to stop wondering and start knowing.” Armand caught her chin with his hand and forced her to look up at him. “Whatever is coming, we can handle it. But we won’t be doing the world any favours if we stop working.”
Natalie’s resolve grew, and she nodded, setting her drink down. “You are right Armand. Thank you.” She got up from the desk. “Here, you look at the files while I go back through the newspapers.”
Armand didn’t argue; he just let her change direction and hoped it would be distracting enough to engage her. Natalie was not acting like herself, and Armand was concerned about how this would affect the mission. Usually, she would be all over the case files and look up the smallest of leads. Twice now, she had been close to hysterics, challenging the very thing that brought them together in the first place.
Rescuing her wine from the table, he set it before her. “Let me know if there I anything else you need,” Armand said, and when she gave a gruff noise in response, Armand wandered back to his assignment. Armand would always be her protector while he had picked up a thing or two from her over the years. Nothing would change his feelings towards her or his desire to keep her safe. Armand was starting to feel the first tiny seeds of doubt. Never did he need to consider it before now, but Armand would be a fool if he weren't concerned with just how well he could protect Natalie from herself.