by Carol Riggs
While she does that, Daniel leans closer to my ear. “The killing site at Fort Hope was the hospital, like we feared. If you have kids who doubt the creatures really ate humans, we can arrange a transport to show them proof. Gassing chambers with soft music, butchering machines. Stations for workers to jar the organs and grind the bones. Otherwise, I’ll keep the place locked up.”
“Gotcha.” I shudder. “Maybe we can incinerate everything after a few weeks.”
“I’d like to demolish the entire freakin’ building eventually.”
Peyton and Leonard wander up and introduce themselves to Daniel.
He smiles, then ducks his head and slips into gruff mode. “Pleasure to meet you, rebels. Hey, apologies to everyone, but I need to see if Blake wants to keep Ajax. I’m not sure what to do about Sadie…” He pauses for a few uncomfortable seconds. “Anyway, then I gotta head back to Fort Hope.”
“Take it easy,” I say.
Leonard watches him stride away. “Dudes. Time for a spot of business, myself. I’m heading for the database hub to double-check some info about dairy cows.”
Peyton rolls her eyes. “Better you than me.”
“Seriously, that’s a great thing to do,” I say. “Someone needs to know how.”
He hooks his thumbs in his pockets and gives a loud belch as he watches Rachel and Tammi bond with Kenna. “That’s my thinking. Besides, I like cows. See ya later, Peyton. You too, Jay-Jay.”
I wave a farewell. As he heads for the road where his newly awarded vehicle is docked, I turn toward the perimeter fence that stands a half kilometer away and stretches into the distance. It nearly encloses us, but it doesn’t confine us.
In three weeks, I’ll pack a UHV and leave with Peyton and Sean to explore parts of the planet I’ve never seen. At last—even though it’s on a hard backdrop of loss—we’ll have freedom, adventure, and new experiences.
My gaze sweeps back to the roadside.
Leonard drives off in Commander Farrow’s sleek black UHV, weaving a little as he begins to redefine everything I ever thought about life on the planet Liberty.
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Acknowledgments
Undying gratitude and appreciation to Stacy Abrams, my beyond-wonderful editor at Entangled Teen, who not only chose this novel to be published, but gave me great ideas how to improve it and make it become much more readable. To the whole Entangled Teen team, from publicity to cover art to copyediting—thanks so much!
To my friends who read and critiqued all or part of this manuscript in its various fledgling stages: Carolyn Lee Adams, Kimberly Afe, Nazarea Andrews, Deanna Carlyle (Gwen Ellery), Rosie Connolly, Catherine Felt, PK Hrezo, Michelle Merrill, Danielle Stinson, Emily White, Lynda Young, and Nicole Zoltack. You’re awesome!
Thanks also to the supportive online community of writers, as well as my great friends in the Oregon SCBWI. Many hugs and much love to my husband, who read an early version and then suffered through countless hours listening to me ponder details when I transformed the novel from a post-apocalyptic dystopian into a science fiction tale; thanks also for the term “imprintus image.” To my mom, my loyal reader and proofreader, who amazingly is willing to read all my books. And again, most importantly, heartfelt thanks to God, who gives meaning to my writing and my life.
About the Author
Carol Riggs is an author of young adult fiction who lives in the beautiful green state of Oregon, USA. She enjoys reading, drawing and painting, writing conferences, walking with her husband, and enjoying music and dance of all kinds. You will usually find her in her writing cave, surrounded by her dragon collection and the characters in her head.
www.carolriggs.com
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