Sun & Smoke by Theresa Shaver

Author:Theresa Shaver
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: post apocalypse, apocalypse, teen reads, young adult, dystopian, nuclear war, young adult adventure
Publisher: Theresa Shaver
Published: 2018-04-05T00:00:00+00:00

Four Years Ago ... Joslin

I’M MAKING MY WAY THROUGH my final calculus unit when AIRIA interrupts me.

“Joslin Frost, General Mallor has inquired about your current location.”

My whole body freezes and my pencil drops from my nerveless fingers to the floor and rolls away. Three years, it’s been three years since I left the levels and not one person has given me or my location a second thought. Why now? What’s happened that triggered his memory of me? I have to clear the fear and uncertainty from my throat to get my voice to work.

“AIRIA? Can you replay the conversation to me?”

“Joslin Frost, replaying audio.”

“Sir! AIRIA has reported a development in the West bunker. Daniel Ross is no longer registering life signs. AIRIA has listed him as deceased and increased his daughter, Skylar’s clearance to green.”

There’s a pause in the audio long enough that I’m getting ready to ask AIRIA a question when the voice of the General comes through the speakers.

“That’s...unfortunate. It also complicates things. I had counted on Daniel being there to set up what we will need on our arrival. The last time I saw Skylar she was just a small child. I am uncertain how she will react when we arrive. It’s a complication and I don’t like complications.”

“Sir, we could lower her clearance back to yellow so she wouldn’t have access to AIRIA’s higher functions. It would also keep her and the boy contained to the Ross’ quarters.”

“No, that would tip our hand. I think it’s best if Miss Ross remains in the dark about our presence in her life. Leave her access at green but modify it so she has no access to the bunker’s military defenses, more sensitive equipment, and the power plant level. We wouldn’t want her to get curious and stumble onto anything we will need as she ages. Most importantly, we will need to step up on monitoring her.”

“Sir? You want me to watch her feeds continuously? A thirteen-year-old girl?”

If I wasn’t so worried, I would laugh at the incredulous tone the soldier asked that in. I’m also extremely curious about what this west bunker is and about the girl, who is the same age as me.

“Yes, Johnson. I’m aware that it will be tedious but none of us has any experience with the nature of young...girls? AIRIA, what is the current location of Captain Cote? I believe I assigned her to mentor the young female that arrived with my son. Her name is...Jackeline...Jossie...JOSLIN! Joslin...last name unknown.”

I start cursing. There it is! Some girl in another bunker rang the bell in the General’s memory and I’m about to pay for it!

“General Mallor, Captain Cote is listed as deceased.”

“What? When and how did that happen?”

“General Mallor, Captain Cote’s death was recorded fourteen days after her arrival in the bunker. Cause of death is listed as suicide by overdose.”

“That was over three years ago! Who’s been taking care of the girl all this time and why wasn’t I notified? Someone get me Donnelly!”

“General Mallor, Joslin - last name – Frost, has been monitored by me for the last three years.

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