Saven Deception Read Online Free PDF Page B

Midi Circles doesn’t mean they are better
than me, smarter than me, or more ambitious than me.
    All it means is they were a part of the
right gene pool at the outset.
    I absolutely refuse to accept that because
someone was born into a certain societal classification it indicates they are a
better or lesser human being.
    I know I’m smart and I have an aptitude
for learning. I also want to make a difference in this world—to find a better
way. Maybe I’m stretching, but a girl has to have something to cling to.
    I’ve wandered off the point again. That’s
what happens when you spend so long being the only person in your world: You
get used to talking to yourself. But I’ve made a silent promise to act
differently in Thalassic City, and I fully intend to abide by that.
    ***
    The amphitheater is dauntingly huge with row upon row of
seats stretching back at a gradual incline. Tilting my head, I stare at the
vaulted ceiling, which narrows to a triangular peak at the top. Jenna and I
take seats in the middle and watch as the auditorium quickly fills.
    My head whips around continuously as I
observe the boys and girls, men and women, chosen to participate in ‘The
Experimento.’  I can’t help but fixate on their wrists. I’m swimming in bronze
stars. Everyone appears to be from the Outer Circle and I’m definitely
suspecting foul play now.
    I’m about to broach the subject with Jenna
when a tall man with graying hair steps out onto the podium. He holds himself
stiffly in his slim-fitting charcoal dress suit. The room quiets in a
nanosecond.
    “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, boys
and girls,” the man says in an authoritative voice. “President Bane sends his
apologies. Unfortunately he had a prior engagement this evening so he was
unable to be here with you in person.”
    I disguise my derisory laugh as a cough.
Jenna smirks beside me.
    The man continues. “My name is Vice
President Horace Tonnard, and I’m delighted to be here with you to officially
open the Thalassic City Experimento.”
    Yeah, he looks totally thrilled.
    “I’d like to start by highlighting the
importance of the task you are about to undertake. The issues that are a drain
on our society have been well documented. Overcrowding, spiraling rates of
illness and disease, declining energy and fuel resources, dwindling food
supplies, and increased political unrest with some of our neighbors. The
government has been working round the clock to identify solutions to address
the issues that threaten to derail our future. This project heralds the start
of a new era, and it’s one of many solutions we are testing.” He pauses,
letting his words sink in. “All of you have been chosen based on a specific set
of criteria.”
    From where I’m sitting, it looks like the
only selection criteria that mattered was the lower-class ranking in society,
but I wisely keep those opinions to myself.
    “This selection is indicative of the
diverse community that we hope will live in these new underwater cities into
the future.” He pauses briefly to take a drink from the glass in front of him
while I ponder his last statement.
    If my observations are correct, he’s just
stated that the government intends to house the lower classes in the new
cities. For the life of me, I cannot fathom why.
    “Nothing as bold or as brave has been
piloted before in the history of mankind,” he adds, peddling his particular
brand of bullshit.
    Spoken like a true politician. I roll my
eyes in exasperation.
    “You will spend three weeks in this
Mock-Up Facility in preparation for life underwater. It is not without its
challenges. While our scientists have done all they can to replicate the
atmospheric and gravitational components of our outside world under water,
there are certain side effects to living a life in artificial conditions. That
is the main reason why we implemented this pilot project. We need to determine
the effect on the human body and identify any health concerns