Catalyst by Kristin Smith

Author:Kristin Smith
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: romance, young adult, science fiction, teen, futuristic, ya, dystopian, survival story, alpha romance, scifi fantasy adventur
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing, Inc.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“We lost one of our own tonight,” Trey says, addressing the crowd after we return to the Compound. “I want you to know I take full responsibility. I wasn’t careful enough, and because of it, Garrett Johnson is no longer with us.” He bows his head for a moment. When he lifts it, I see the sorrow in his eyes.

“Does anyone have anything they’d like to say on Garrett’s behalf?” Trey asks. No one says a word, and I think, Come on people, nothing? Really?

When the silence becomes unbearable, I slowly raise my hand.

Trey nods for me to speak, and I begin, hesitantly at first, but then drawing my confidence from the type of person Garrett was.

“I didn’t know Garrett that long,” I start. “In fact, I only met him tonight.” A chuckle breaks out from the crowd, but Trey silences the boy with a look. I feel dozens of eyes on me, and I continue. “Even in those few moments that we spoke, he made an impression on me. He told me his mom died a noble death. When I asked if it bothered him what the government did, he said, ‘I can’t change the past. But I can improve the future.’”

I pause for a moment, letting the words sink in. When I continue, my voice is stronger, and I only hope that what I’m saying would make Garrett proud. “Garrett understood our purpose for being here. It isn’t to bomb, burn, and destroy, but to improve the future. If that means hiding GMs and rescuing inmates, then let’s make it count. Garrett Johnson gave his life to save another, someone he’s never even met. He’ll always be a hero in my book.”

Dropping my head, I turn to go inside the Compound and steal away to the quiet of my room. A voice speaks from behind me, and I stop to hear what he has to say.

“Sienna, I’m sorry.”

I turn to face Trey. “It’s okay,” I say, my eyes never quite meeting his. “It couldn’t be helped.”

“No, not about Garrett. Although, I’m sorry about him too. I mean, about the Megasphere.” My eyes lift to his. “If I had known how much it meant to you, I wouldn’t have chosen it.” His blue eyes are kind, sincere, but my heart aches so badly that I don’t have room for compassion.

I shrug. “It was just an old ride. It wasn’t meant to hold meaning.”

Neither of us speaks for a moment, and I can tell Trey is struggling to find the right words. The ones that will relieve me of my pain—that will allow me some comfort.

“Please tell me that Jeff was able to extract that inmate,” I say. Please tell me Garrett didn’t die for nothing.

“Yeah, he did.” Trey clears his throat. “Thank you for your words. About Garrett, I mean,” he says.

“Somebody had to say something,” I reply in a tired voice.

“Yes, but you said the right thing. So, thank you. Garrett would have appreciated it—” Trey breaks off, overcome with emotion.

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