Futureland, p.21
Futureland, page 21
“Ew! Creep!” I cried out with a laugh.
“Hey, nephew,” he said in a singsong voice that I knew meant he was up to something. “What color were those sneakers Dooley used to wear?”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Purple. Why?”
He smiled. “And your parents gave her a birthmark design, right? One to match yours? Which side was it on? Oh, wait. The left side. I can see it from here.”
“Uncle Trey! What’s going on?” I asked.
“Oh, nothiiiing,” he said. “Have a good class.” He shut the door and was gone.
Oh, jeez! I almost forgot about class!
Mrs. Espinoza was at her wit’s end with me. I had missed a lot of virtual school during the Glider fiasco and hadn’t done much better catching up in the last month. Even though there was no more danger, I spent most of my time trying to help my parents and Uncle Trey make the park as good as possible for New Yorkers. We’d had a rocky start, but people loved us here.
I scrambled to get my tablet and set up my wall-o-gram for class, which had started two minutes ago. I flung the projection onto my wall and found myself stuck in the virtual waiting room. Yusuf had once said that Mrs. Espinoza treated the waiting room as if a kid had shown up to class after the bell, keeping them stuck outside looking in.
“Yoo-hoo!” Mom and Dad cracked my door and poked their heads in.
“Mom! Dad! Why does no one knock around here?!”
“Hey there, superstar,” Mom started. “You may solve the mysteries, but we pay the bills. Don’t get too smart at the mouth. Besides, we came with news!”
“Good news and bad news,” Dad clarified.
“Really? What’s the news?” I asked. I checked the wall-o-gram. Still stuck in the virtual abyss.
“Bad news first,” Dad said. “Certainly, we all thought that our visit to New York would be different than Atlanta, but…luck wasn’t on our side this time. We had a sit-down with the mayor earlier. We’re not in trouble or anything—technically. But after the advice from Mrs. Mayor, our lawyers, and the public relations company—”
“We’re moving again, aren’t we?” I interrupted.
Dad gave an empathetic frown. “Sorry, Big Man.”
I cycled my thumbs over one another. Moving was stressful. I mean, jeez, I just got here! I would miss Inaya. I would worry about Jordan, too. Seems like lately, as soon as one adventure got started, it was time to move to another.
I frowned. I missed when our lives were simple. Just me, Dooley, Uncle Trey, and my parents, safe inside the park. Nothing could shake us or knock us off course. But those days were over.
“Hey, hey, hey, pick your chin up, Cam-Cam,” Mom said. “We’ve still got the good news! It doesn’t make much sense for us to keep trying American cities with all the drama going on in the media. So…we’re going abroad!”
I jumped back, caught off guard by the news. “Wait, really? Out of the country? Where?”
“That’s the best part,” Mom said. “It’s up to you! Any ideas?”
Thoughts zoomed through my brain. I remembered us visiting Brazil and Australia and England. Those were some of the most fun times I’d ever had. Maybe this was a good idea—a way to hit the reset button and get back to good times at Futureland. But where to?
The swirling symbol on the virtual waiting room disappeared and I was placed into class. My view of the classroom populated on the wall-o-gram and I could see Mrs. Espinoza and the entire class staring back at me, Mom, and Dad.
“Mom! Dad!” I hollered. “Go! I’ve got school!”
“We tell the kid to pick his own destination anywhere in the world and he’s wrapped in a bundle about school,” Dad said. “I’ll never understand the new generation.”
“Oh, hush up, J.B. Our Cam-Cam is a little scholar.” Mom backed out of the room, and Dad slipped behind her. “Just keep thinking about it. Come up with some options—a list! We’ll look it over and decide as a family.”
I blushed with embarrassment. I noticed Yusuf on the screen, shaking his head while holding his laugh in. My classmates chuckled as Mom blew me a kiss and shut the door gently.
“Well, well, Cam-Cam,” Mrs. Espinoza said, grinning. I heard a chorus of giggles from my classmates in the background. “How nice of you to rejoin us. You’ve been absent from class for quite a while.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’ll get those assignments in as soon as I can.”
“Oh! I’m sure you will,” she said. “While you’re in the sky, everyone here is abuzz with talk about your research trip project you completed with your friends. They’re saying it’s one of the best Eastside has ever seen. I should be positive I can expect work of the same quality for your Human Innovation presentation, right?”
“Uhh, yes, for sure. When is that due again?” I asked. I had no clue what she was talking about. A bead of sweat formed at my hairline.
Mrs. Espinoza grinned. “We’re sharing our presentations today. Even though you haven’t been here, I just know you’ve been following along in the syllabus and are ready to talk to the class about your project, right?”
My ears got hot with nervousness. My mouth as dry as sand. More chuckles from my classmates.
“Yes, yes, I have. If you could just…give me a second,” I said, frantically flipping through digital notes on my tablet trying to come up with something to say.
“Each student was supposed to research a topic about a technological science and its effects, for better or worse, on the human body,” she said. “So, are you ready? I think you should go first. Unless, of course, you have nothing prepared,” Mrs. Espinoza continued. “I wouldn’t want to put you on the spot. I’d just have to give you a zero.”
I thought for a second, and then it hit me. Thank Havens for the wristbands. “No, I’m good, Mrs. Espinoza,” I said. “I’ve got the perfect topic to discuss.”
“Is that so? Well, the floor is yours, Mr. Walker. I can’t wait to see how this goes.”
I spied Yusuf on the camera giving me a thumbs-up. I smiled. Here goes nothing, I guess.
I closed my eyes.
I took a deep breath.
I felt confident, unstoppable. For now, anyway.
This was my happy place.
THE NEW YORK CRIMES
All the News About Crimes You Choose
THE FUTURE IS HERE TO STAY
March 17, 2049
You’d think after all the trouble over the last few months at Futureland that park owners Dr. and Mr. Walker would be ready to give up. But that’s not even close to the truth.
Futureland came under intense scrutiny after arriving in New York last month and getting in trouble with the state government and community members alike over safety issues in the park. But the phoenix of Futureland has once again risen from the ashes, proving itself worthy of our support and trust, even in the most confusing of circumstances.
Cameron Walker, son of the park owners, recently led an effort to expose a slew of heinous crimes committed by corrupt ex-government official Clare Whitebourne. Whitebourne had been using her government position to unfairly sanction Futureland and other businesses in New York, as well as owning and operating several private interest companies in the city, violating the terms of her elected office.
One such company, Haventech, was recently found to be at the center of a scandal involving unsafe silicone wristbands, marketed as fitness trackers. These trackers sent damaging electrical signals to the brain, causing delirium, memory loss, and physical illness. There has been a nationwide recall on Haventech wristbands. Clare Whitebourne’s representative was not available for comment.
The investigation into Clare Whitebourne’s property holdings, tech companies, and other misdoings during her term in office will continue. Rumor has it that Futureland is set to depart from New York City soon, and who could blame them? A fresh start may be in order. We at the New York Crimes will keep following the story. Like we always say, Crime doesn’t pay, but it sure does make for good entertainment.
HOWARD T. TOWERS II
Editor
The New York Crimes daily newspaper, Government Division
Thursday, March 18, 2049
3:33 a.m.
I jolted awake in bed, lifting straight up and gasping for air. My clothes were soaked through with sweat and the knocking in my head made me dizzy. I fumbled in the dark on my nightstand for a glass of water, grabbed it and drank it down. Took a deep breath.
Tonight’s nightmare: me, desperately trying to escape Whitebourne’s Holo-pet firehawk by sprinting through New York City, block after block after block. Of course, I got lost. I could feel myself holding my breath in my sleep.
I always wake up right before the end. Right before it’s too late.
Even though things were better, even though everyone was safe for now…I knew in my heart that our troubles weren’t done. When we beat Southmore in Atlanta, I thought maybe the Walkers had had our share of bad luck and the dark cloud had moved past us. I wasn’t that naïve anymore. Whoever these people, these Architects, were…they wouldn’t stop until they got what they wanted.
Or until we stopped them.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
Yusuf’s Haventech prototype wristband vibrated on my nightstand. But how? The government had deactivated all of them. No LifeBuddy in the world should have been working. Unless…
I reached over and took the vibrating wristband in my hand. Clenched my jaw and stared at it. One by one, tiny blinking lights started to pulse around its circumference. Then the entire band illuminated.
Deet deet deet da-deet-deet da-deet.
My eyes shot over to the nightstand again, where the face on my corrupted Futurewatch was backlit. I scooped it up and held it in the palm of my other hand, side by side with the LifeBuddy band. My heart pounded so loudly I could hear it between my ears. Slow, tense. Line by line, a message began to populate my screen.
Cameron
This nightmare…is far from over.
You’ve bested two of our best.
But you can’t prepare for the rest.
No matter where you go, we will find you.
This is personal now.
See you soon….
Sooner than you think.
The Architects
CAM’S GUIDE TO THE PARK
So, you wanna know how to make your way around Futureland and have the most fun? Well, you came to the right place. I’ve been keeping this place “kid-approved” since…hmm…since I learned how to spell approved!
BEFORE YOU GO
Futureland is huge! So you’re gonna want to wear some comfy shoes. Sure, the Jet-Blur pods will zip you across the park skies wherever you want to go, but personally, my favorite way to explore Futureland is on foot. You get to see much more. Speaking of, make sure you bring your phone, your camera—stuff like that. Futureland is one of a kind—the pictures and video you’ll be able to get inside the park are top-quality content. There are streamers who have entire channels dedicated to Futureland!
GETTING INSIDE FUTURELAND
First things first: you have to get into the park. And there’s no cooler way to arrive in style than by floating up to the entrance in our antigravity beam. It’s basically like a warm green light that picks you up off the ground and makes you feel like you’re flying. You’ll get so high in the air that you’ll be able to see the whole city! But don’t worry—if you’re scared of heights, you can always take the stairs.
BY ANY DREAMS NECESSARY
You have to experience these things.
#1 Future Falls and the Future Ring: Everybody loves our nature-based destinies, but here’s some insider advice if you want to have real fun: Head over to Future Falls and the Future Ring. Take a tube around the ring with a couple of buddies. Or splash-dive from the top of the waterfall if you’re brave!
#2 Snacks! After all that adventuring, you’ll probably need some refreshments. Stop by one of the vendor stands in the park (they’re everywhere, you can’t miss ’em) and grab a chocolate sky—a Futureland-shaped block of pure milk chocolate—and my favorite drink, a fizzy flow. It’s like a bubbly tropical explosion. Top-secret recipe, of course.
#3 Holo-pals and Holo-pets: Interested in making your own Holo-pal? Of course you are. We’ll have to get you a Futurelink band first. None of those pesky Haventech bands, either! You’ll be surprised at how cool your Holo-pal looks, but don’t worry. All you have to do is relax and clear your mind. Itza will take care of the rest. Start thinking about what you might want for your Holo-pet, too. I’m still growing on Sarafina. I’ll win her over one day. Pick an animal you’ve never had a chance to see in real life. That’ll make it more fun!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
We’ve been on some wild adventures together, huh? Believe it or not, New York City is pretty awesome when it’s not in the middle of a Glider crisis. You can catch unbelievable music acts in the subway. High Line Park has the best stargazing. And, I mean, how could you not visit the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park after knowing what we went through!
Whether you’re uptown, in Queens, or in the Bronx, each part of the city has something cool to offer. You’ll meet some of the most interesting people you’ve ever known. My grandma likes to say that big places make big people. She means that sometimes, even if a place seems overwhelming at first, you can grow into it. Each and every one of us is capable of growing more than we realize. You just have to go for it! Have fun, friend. See ya around.
Your friend,
CJ
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I have to continue to express my gratitude to the entire team at Cake Creative for sticking with me on this wild ride. Dhonielle, Shelly, Haneen, Carlyn, Clay, and everyone else without whom there would be no Futureland.
I’d also like to thank Suzie Townsend, Sophia Ramos, and the whole team at New Leaf Literary & Media for keeping the Futureland train rolling with all their excellent advocacy, support, communication, and passion.
Same goes for the Random House #TeamFutureland squad. My editor, Tricia Lin, and her editorial team. Jen Valero and her design team, the marketing and public relations teams, and everybody who is working hard when I don’t even realize it. Thanks to Kris Kam, Futureland’s publicist, for helping readers all over the continent join the Futureland journey.
Thanks once again to the indomitable Khadijah Khatib for the art that continues to astound everyone!
Personally, there are more folks for me to thank than I could successfully name. I wrote this book during one of the hardest, most painful years of my life. My head could not have remained above water without my community and their love and support. Tiffani A., Madison W., Taylor Byas, Huyen N., Hannah Lee Kidder, Jamar J. Perry, L. P. Kindred, Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, Shingai Njeri Kagunda, Alicia, Epiphany K., Ryenne C., Kendra J., Antwan Eady, Ravynn Stringfield. All of ESA. All of PiDD. Everyone who took care of me. Made sure I ate. Made sure I breathed. Thank you.
Much appreciation to the bookstores, schools, librarians, teachers, reviewers, and students who helped me kick off Futureland back in 2022. Thank y’all for getting in at the ground floor.
And finally, thanks to the kids—the readers. You’re the most important part of this. Always have been. Always will be.
P.S. Never thought I’d ever, ever say this—but thank you to New Yorkers. Consider this novel my peace offering. Thank you for letting me write about your city. I took it seriously, and I hope I did it some justice.
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H.D. Hunter, Futureland
