The Spark by R.J. Wade

Author:R.J. Wade [Wade, R.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781916069237
Publisher: R. J. Wade

Chapter 38

Once we’re out of immediate danger, the adrenalin coursing through Opal’s veins recedes, and her body starts to process what I’ve done.

She wasn’t made for this.

Thanks to Aldrich’s medication, I've not had to deal with the real aftermath of using my Gift – the aching and nausea and the relentless pounding in my head.

Somehow, in this eleven-year-old kid’s body, it all feels ten times worse.

I huddle down into my seat, hugging myself, wishing I had a warm coat.

“There’s a blanket under the seat,” Seb says, glancing at me.

I find the blanket and wrap it around my shoulders.

“How long will the Cogs be unconscious?” he asks.

“Maybe two hours?” I guess. I’ve never been around long enough after knocking them unconscious to find out.

He yawns. “Man, I’m flagging.”

“Can you set this to self-drive?” I ask.

Seb shakes his head. “I should stay awake.”

We pass a digital sign at the roadside.

Inner Sanctum – 100KM

“How are you holding up?”

“I’ll feel better when we get to the Old City,” I say.

“This ‘person’ we’re looking for in the Old City,” Seb says, keeping his eyes on the road. “Do you really think he can help you get back to yourself?”

"Opal and I would need to be in the same place somehow," I mutter, "but yes, he knows how to do – and undo – what Aldrich did."

Seb glances at me. “You’re sure?” he asks, doubtful. “Who is he? How do you know him?”

"He's a scientist who used to work with Aldrich," I say. "His name is Edward. I met him by accident when I left The Society with Selena…"

Seb waits for me to go on, but I don’t know where to start. “There’s a lot you don’t know, Seb.”

He shrugs. “Spill, Jax. I’m not going anywhere.”

I pull the blanket tighter around me, trying to think of a place to start. “Do you remember Alex Harper?”

Outside, a light rain starts to fall, and Seb turns the wipers on. "Sure. What about him?"

I take a breath and look up at the ceiling. “Alex Harper was a hybrid AI that Edward created,” I say. “He transferred my memory disk into Alex’s body the same way Aldrich swapped my memory disk with Opal’s. That’s how I know he can help me.”

Silence.

I look at Seb apologetically. “You did ask.”

He shakes his head but keeps his eyes on the road. “Alex Harper was… you? Why? I don’t understand.”

I tell Seb about Edward’s exile. About the deal I made to get him back into the city in exchange for his help saving Dad – and about how he’s been in contact with the SLA to help us succeed.

I tell him about my training in the bunker, my time undercover in The Telepathe, and my failed mission as Alex.

“But you know that part,” I say. “You tried to warn me – and I barely made it out of there alive.”

“And then you tried again,” Seb says. “That’s why you wanted me to get you into the server room on the night Rivers disappeared… Wait, you weren’t responsible for –”

“Rivers is Edward’s son,” I interrupt him.

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