The Dome by Camille Picott

Author:Camille Picott [Picott, Camille]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pixiu Press
Published: 2017-01-14T22:00:00+00:00

***

It’s the middle of the night by the time Claudine releases us from Vex. The stress of our interrogation has left me limp and exhausted. Riska sits in a tight ball in my lap, his ears flat against his head. His tail lashes.

Ironically, I see a gleam in Billy’s eyes after he pulls off his Vex set. His mind must be in overdrive after tonight’s events. This is probably the most fun he’s had in weeks.

Kerry regards us with bleary eyes. She opens her mouth, clearly intending to ask a question, then snaps it shut. A beat later, she summons her perky smile and says, “Well done tonight. Very well done. The crowd was very pleased with your performances.”

The two of us look at her without speaking. I’m so tired I’m half tempted to curl up in the chair and go to sleep.

Kerry produces her clipboard and consults her schedule. “Sulan, you’re due back here with Hank tomorrow morning at eleven. You’re scheduled to talk to a group of students about the importance of studying. Billy, I need you back here at nine in the morning. There’s another anti-establishment group that wants you to speak to their membership. You can both go back to the Village now. Good night.” Somehow, she manages another enthusiastic smile.

I haul my butt out of the chair, slinging Riska onto my shoulder. My brain is numb from all that’s happened tonight. It swims with clips of dialogue from Gun and Claudine.

I’ve missed you, Short Stuff.

That young man you frolicked with in the Cube is not who he seems.

Watch out for Project Renascentia.

If all he wanted was your friendship, Sulan, he wouldn’t have so meticulously concealed his VI.

It’s enough to make my head explode.

As Billy and I exit the media room, he says, “For what it’s worth, Sulan, I think Claudine brings up some valid points about your friend. Everything I’ve seen him do requires … monumental resources.” He stops, turning to look at me. He goes so far as to push aside his bangs so I can see his eyes. “There’s one fact Claudine can’t change, though. That guy, whoever he is, saved our butts from the League. Only true friends come to your rescue in a time like that.” He releases his hair, once again shielding his eyes from sight. “I just wanted to say that to you.”

“Thanks, Billy.” His words mean more than I can say.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.