chapter twenty-eight
A CHAT WITH GENA SHOWALTER: Q & A
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
—CHARLES DICKENS, A TALE OF TWO CITIES
TROIKA
From: A_P_5/23.43.2
To: L_N_3/19.1.1
Subject: Tenley Lockwood
Duuude. A heads-up would have been nice. Can you say whack shack?
If you failed to read my dossier, Nanne, I’m happy to bring you up to date on the highlights. I’m a well-trained and vastly decorated Laborer. Victory might as well be my middle name. What I’m not: a babysitter. Watching Tenley Lockwood is a waste of my many talents.
Oh, AND DID I FORGET TO MENTION SHE’S IN A WHACK SHACK??
With all due respect, I’d rather fish out my internal organs with a coat hanger than stay here. I’m officially requesting a transfer.
Light Brings Sight!
Archer Prince
TROIKA
From: L_N_3/19.1.1
To: A_P_5/23.43.2
Subject: Officially Denied
Mr. Prince,
I’m not your duuude. I’m your superior. You will only ever address me by my proper rank: General. Or the always appropriate sir.
You were selected for this mission for two very important reasons. You are young and (obviously) immature. Offense intended. Our older Laborers had trouble relating to Miss Lockwood, but you should fit right in.
On that note, continue “babysitting” Miss Lockwood, or I’ll fish out your organs for you.
Also, I expect daily reports. I’m not overstating when I say convincing her to make covenant with our realm is essential.
Light Brings Sight!
General Levi Nanne
TROIKA
From: A_P_5/23.43.2
To: L_N_3/19.1.1
Subject: You Suck (& I’m WAY Mature)
Dear Sir,
Laborer is below your pay grade, but aren’t you one of those “older” gents who failed with the girl? Just checking. (And prepping you for the time I succeed and rub it in your face.)
Anyway. I’m a good little robot, sir, so of course I’ll do as you asked. Sir. Here’s the thing, though, sir. If I have to watch/listen from the outside a minute more, I’m going to bleach my corneas and stab a pencil through my ears.
I want my Shell, and I want to go INSIDE the whack shack. Sir.
Also, here’s the first report as demanded. I mean so sweetly requested. Sir. During the institution’s version of creative writing class, your precious had to write a poem to express her feelings about life. I’m including a copy for your perusal. I defy you NOT to jump off a bridge after reading it. Sir.
The grave is the end
And I will never accept that
I have been set free from the chains that bind me.
I know
“Death has lost its victory”
Is a lie, because there is no greater truth than this:
“Life is hopeless”
Gotta say, I don’t think Darkside McDowner is a great fit for Troika. I know, I know. We love the unlovable. We champion the weak. I don’t need a lecture. Just tell me what makes her so “essential.”
Your humble servant,
Archer
TROIKA
From: L_N_3/19.1.1
To: A_P_5/23.43.2
Subject: Poem, Among Other Things
I didn’t fail with her, puppy, I cleared the way for you. There’s a difference. Want to succeed? Learn it.
Expect a Shell at 0800. Just don’t expect yours. I’ve selected one from GenPop. And before you reply with your typical flare—General Population? Are you kidding me (dramatic pause for effect), sir?—save your fingers the trouble of typing. I’m not sending what you want. I’m sending what you need. You may thank me later.
Also, in regards to the poem. Miss Lockwood understands there are two sides to every story. Why don’t you? Do yourself a favor and read the poem again. This time, start at the bottom and work your way up.
And, Mr. Prince, the fact that I have to tell you what’s so special about this girl means I need to schedule you for an emergency jackhammer to the brain. Do yourself a favor and pay attention to the pearls I’m about to throw. Light. Conduit. Loss...darkness.
Oh, and here’s a good one: Moron. Again, offense intended.
TROIKA
From: A_P_5/23.43.2
To: L_N_3/19.1.1
Subject: Four Things
1) Sir Dude. I don’t want to point out your obvious lack of intelligence, but Tenley Lockwood can’t be a Conduit. Given your advanced age, you’ve clearly forgotten Conduits are raised by Troikan parents. They are the most loyal among us, from beginning to end.
2)
