Rebels Read Free Page B

Dangerous.
    I give Veda a squeeze with my heels, and we gallop toward an enormous tree. On its branches hang the last of the apples. We’re going faster now, the wind blowing through my hair. When we’re practically flying, I draw the zinger from the sheath on my back.
    I swing as we race, cutting through the air, and the blade releases a few notes.
    The sound rises, growing angrier and more distorted. I hold the blade steady, the feedback disrupting the island’s well-preserved harmony.I pull myself to standing, balanced upright on Veda as she races forward, just as a burst of melody emerges from my zinger.
    Not a song, but closer than I’ve ever gotten.
    In the split second, we race under the tree and I launch into midair. I land where I started: sitting safely on Veda’s back. Veda halts. As I’m catching my breath, she turns.
    Beneath the tree looms a tall figure in white.
    Master.
    I don’t have swordsmanship today. Why’s he here?
    Is he constantly watching?
    Are others?
    He bends down, picking up an apple from the ground. He holds it out to me in his open palm, gives it a slight twist. The apple falls into two perfectly cut halves.
    â€œLivia,” he says. “We do not damage nature. We do not kill what grows.”
    â€œBut it isn’t real, Master. Nothing here is real.”
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    Excerpted from The Book of Indra, Chapter VII: “The Archives: A Universe of Wonderment”
    The Archives are a gift to Indrithian Society. Accessed via wrist implant, entering the Archives can be easily mastered by both child and adult. A fully immersive environment, these Archive experiences range in nature and are entered via access chips.
    As for your memory Archives, they are stored on an individualized chip assigned to each Indrithian citizen by the High Council at childhood.
    From replications of historical events pre–Great Catastrophe and educational training programs (“simulations”) to reduplication of your personal memories, the Archives serve to Educate, Entertain, and Enlighten.
To Access Archives:
    â™¦Â Find a calm, quiet location that is free of distraction. The Archives can be accessed from any location, though many prefer to do so in the comfort of an Archive access center. Archive access centers are located throughout Upper Indra, the City of Indra, and the HCP Hub. (For a complete listing of locations, see appendix LXIV.)
    â™¦Â Administer two quick, firm taps to the wrist to circulate the blood. Insert Archive access chip into left wrist slot.
    â™¦Â Quickly place thumb tip to pulse point.
    â™¦Â Once thumbprint has been matched, DNA activation will be immediate.*
    â™¦Â The length of the simulation is dependent on the Archive accessed. Memories provide the briefest duration, while historical archives can be looped to ensure the most satisfaction with your experience.
    â™¦Â To end an Archive, within the memory or simulation tap your wrist twice to remove the access chip. Upon removal, you will immediately regain consciousness within the safety of your Archive access location.
    The Archives: just another example of Indra’s greatness!
    The Archives: offering a wealth of knowledge, a virtual preservation of your personal history, and hours of fun!**
    The Archives: a universe of delight at your fingertip!***
    * Your Archive access is monitored by the High Council via thumbprint DNA matching. Your individual Archive access is restricted at their discretion.
    ** If you attempt to access an Archive the Indra High Council has not made available to you, you will face immediate dismissal from the Archives. This process, also referred to as “flinging,” is both shameful and illegal. Repeat offenders will face punishment as dictated by the High Council. In extreme cases, the High Council Archive Commission may choose to give the offending citizen permanent “shadow” status. Shadowed citizens are rendered voiceless and