The Overlander by Jenny Brigalow

Author:Jenny Brigalow [Brigalow, Jenny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-01-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Mia didn't know which was the most disturbing. The hideous wounds on the hybrid's body, the look on Volta's face or the question she was about to ask. What was worse, to have a parent who was implicit in such cruelty or to have a parent who was a victim? All she knew was that she would never see the world the same way again.

She bent down, picked up the green and grey singlet and gave it back to the hybrid. He took it wordlessly but she was relieved to feel the aura of aggression that had accompanied him waning. Not that she could blame him.

Finally she gathered her strength and turned to Shyboy. "Is this what has happened… is happening… to my father?"

Shyboy met her eyes. "No. Your father is a special case. Most of the… patients… are hybrids captured like D2, often very young. Most of them die there. Convicts can end up there too. If they are unlucky or have a rare tissue type. And of course, it is an ideal location for political prisoners. But your father is there for a specific reason. The government wants to unlock the secret to divination. Scientists are convinced the answer is in the DNA. That's why they took him. And that's why they want you."

Mia struggled to assimilate it all. "What is 'DNA'?"

Volta answered. "It is your genetic makeup. It is all the parts of your parents that are passed on to you. Their eyes. Hair. Intelligence. Character, even. Whoever manages to find the exact genetic formula for divining would be wealthy beyond imagining."

And there it was. Mia felt strangely relieved to know the worst. The confusion in her head dissolved. She looked around the room, at the several sets of sympathetic eyes. "We must stop them," she said.

Shyboy flexed his long pale fingers. "That is what the Mutant Liberation Front has been working towards for years."

"So, what's the hold up?" said Volta.

Shyboy sighed. "The whereabouts of the hospital is a closely guarded secret. It is in the north, that much we know. A facility that size must have deliveries, waste disposal and turnover of staff. But, despite my best endeavours, I have been unable to pinpoint its location. I am planning to head up north and see if I can find it." He paused and looked around at his audience. "You are welcome to join me if you wish."

Mia didn't have to think about it. If her Da was alive she was going to find him. "I would come with you. But, before I do so, I feel I must get word to my people. And, I feel that I owe you all a great debt and would repay you. Tell me what I can do, and if it is in the power of my people it will be done."

"I want a horse like yours!"

Mia looked at the boy. "This can be done. It is a small thing after all your kindness."

Then Shyboy stepped forward. "The MLF has need of arms.

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