The guard shifted uncomfortably. Im not supposed to leave her unattended.
You can wait right outside the door, Dr. Lahiri said with exaggerated patience. Shes an unarmed seventeen-year-old. I think Ill be able to keep things under control.
The guard avoided Clarkes eyes as he removed the handcuffs. He gave Dr. Lahiri a curt nod as he stepped outside.
You mean Im an unarmed eighteen-year-old, Clarke said, forcing what she thought was a smile. Or are you turning into one of those mad scientists who never knows what year it is? Her father had been like that. Hed forget to program the circadian lights in their flat and end up goie ud end ung to work at 0400, too absorbed in his research to notice that the ships corridors were deserted.
Youre still seventeen, Clarke, Dr. Lahiri said in the calm, slow manner he usually reserved for patients waking up from surgery. Youve been in solitary for three months.
Then what are you doing here? she asked, unable to quell the panic creeping into her voice. The law says you have to wait until Im eighteen.
Theres been a change of plans. Thats all Im authorized to say.
So youre authorized to execute me but not to talk to me? She remembered watching Dr. Lahiri during her parents trial. At the time, shed read his grim face as an expression of his disapproval with the proceedings, but now she wasnt sure. He hadnt spoken up in their defense. No one had. Hed simply sat there mutely as the Council found her parentstwo of Phoenixs most brilliant scientiststo be in violation of the Gaia Doctrine, the rules established after the Cataclysm to ensure the survival of the human race. What about my parents? Did you kill them, too?
Dr. Lahiri closed his eyes, as if Clarkes words had transformed from sounds into something visible. Something grotesque. Im not here to kill you, he said quietly. He opened his eyes and then gestured to the stool at the foot of Clarkes bed. May I?
When Clarke didnt reply, Dr. Lahiri walked forward and sat down so he was facing her. Can I see your arm, please? Clarke felt her chest tighten, and she forced herself to breathe. He was lying. It was cruel and twisted, but itd all be over in a minute.
She extended her hand toward him. Dr. Lahiri reached into his coat pocket and produced a cloth that smelled of antiseptic. Clarke shivered as he swept it along the inside of her arm. Dont worry. This isnt going to hurt.
Clarke closed her eyes.
She remembered the anguished look Wells had given her as the guards were escorting her out of the Council chambers. While the anger that had threatened to consume her during the trial had long since burned out, thinking about Wells sent a new wave of heat pulsing through her body, like a dying star emitting one final flash of light before it faded into nothingness.
Her parents were dead, and it was all his fault.
Dr. Lahiri grasped her arm, his fingers searching for her vein.
See you soon, Mom and Dad.
His grip tightened. This was it.
Clarke took a deep breath as she felt a prick on the inside of her wrist.
There. Youre all set.
Clarkes eyes snapped open. She looked down and saw a metal bracelet clasped to her arm. She ran her finger along it, wincing as what felt like a dozen tiny needles pressed into her skin.
What is this? she asked frantically, pulling away from the doctor.
Just relax, he said with infuriating coolness. Its a vital transponder. It will track your breathing and blood composition, and gather all sorts of useful information.
Useful information for who? Clarke asked, although she could already feel the shape of his answer in the growing mass of dread in her stomach.
Thereve been some exciting developments, Dr. Lahiri said, sounding like a hollow speeches. You should be very proud. Its all because of your parents.
My parents were executed for treason.
Dr. Lahiri gave her a disapproving look. A year ago, it wouldve made Clarke shrink with shame, but now she kept her gaze steady. Dont ruin this, Clarke. You have a chance to do the right thing, to make up for your parents appalling crime.
There was a dull crack as Clarkes fist made contact with the doctors face, followed by a thud as his head slammed against the wall. Seconds later, the guard appeared and had Clarkes hands twisted behind her back. Are you all right, sir? he asked.
Dr. Lahiri sat up slowly, rubbing his jaw as he surveyed Clarke with a mixture of anger and amusement. At least we know youll be able to hold your own with the other delinquents when you get there.
Get where? Clarke grunted, trying to free herself from the guards grip.
Were clearing out the detention center today. A hundred lucky criminals are getting the chance to make history. The corners of his mouth twitched into a smirk. Youre going to Earth.
ʀublishe
ʀublishe
ʀublishe
CHAPTER 2
Wells
The Chancellor had aged. Although itd been less than six weeks since Wells had seen his father, he looked years older. There were new streaks of gray by his temples, and the lines around his eyes had deepened.