Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 43367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
“Or not,” I say. “Chin followed them, right?”
“Yes.”
“We have no idea what he has held back from us. And who says humans won’t follow him, Katie? The GTECHs could become like royalty. The humans will hope to be made into GTECHs.”
“Zodius,” she said. “That’s what the Army is officially calling the GTECHs who are under Julian’s command to distinguish those who follow him and those who follow Caleb. Caleb’s followers are now the Renegades because they’re standing against Julian, but refuse to report to the government.”
“That’s because my father destroyed any hope Caleb will ever trust us again,” I say, still reeling from what he’d done.
“Regardless,” she says. “Caleb is hunting Julian, Addie. He’ll stop him before he becomes a bigger threat.”
“Surely, we can end this with some sort of covert attack?”
Katie reaches for the remote control on the nightstand. “Once upon a time, I had a good bedside manner, but I don’t seem to be doing the comfort thing well today nor do I think you want me to hold back.” She flips to the news where they’re showing images of a casino enveloped in flames before the images flash to one of a high-rise in downtown Manhattan, also on fire. “That’s how Julian is keeping Caleb in check. He’s seized Area 51 as his operating headquarters and promised that for every attack on Area 51, he’d retaliate. The government had to learn the hard way.”
“Of course, they did,” I say tightly. “What else?”
“There’s an inquisition into your father’s actions. He may face a court martial. And…there are guards stationed at your door in case Julian tries to kidnap you.” Translation—Creed might try and kidnap her, but Katie doesn’t want to say that or maybe she really doesn’t know how serious Creed and I became, how bonded. “Not that anyone has any reason to believe he might,” she adds quickly. “Though Caleb shared a scary piece of information with me. He told me that Ava was planning to kidnap us and use us for fertility testing.” She shivers. “That woman was going to offer us up to their entire male population. Bottom line here is that you’re safe. We’re just being cautious until things settle down a bit, in case they try to use you to lash out at your father.”
Ava was going to offer us to the entire male population. She would have found out about me and Creed. Something is going on here that I don’t fully understand, and I need to talk to Caleb. I think of the way Creed used the wind to push me away from Julian. I think of my missing keys when I never lose my keys. I believe in my gut he took them, trying to ensure I stayed away that morning. Creed saved me. I know he did, but why is he with Julian? Is he with Julian?
Our last words to each other play in my mind now:
“What exactly are you protecting me from?” I call after him, because it’s not those lab rats, not wholly. It’s about Julian showing up here tonight.
He pauses but doesn’t look at me. “Everything, Addie. And more.”
***
Julian
Two weeks after the Area 51 takeover, now inside a covert warehouse location, I sit at a conference table with Ava to my right, and Creed, now my second-in-command, to my left. Also present are twelve of the country’s most influential powerhouses—men who represent banking, technology, pharmaceuticals, and even governments.
“As you know from prior conversations,” I announce, “we are here today because our government is failing our people, and you want to be a part of a better nation. You want a country free of corruption, free of human illness.” I tap the table “You want a Zodius Nation. Each of you is so very close to being a part of the future, and a perfect world. I know you can taste it. All you have to do in order to ensure that you’re one of the first one hundred conversions to GTECH is to dedicate yourselves to our success. And that, among other commitments, starts when you write a check.”
An immediate rumble of assurances quickly follow—promises of generous donations that border on begging. I ease back in my chair, satisfaction filling me. I really do enjoy when these humans—high-ranking amongst their race in power and prestige—beg for my approval. The game is changing. Let the bidding war begin.
The end…for now