Prodigy
Chapter 15: June 8
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with June Iparis preparing for the assassination of Elector Anden, orchestrated by the Patriots. A guard informs her of the plan: after her pardon at Pierra’s Olan Court Hall, she must separate Anden from his convoy during their return to the military base. The Patriots will trigger an explosion, prompting June to redirect Anden’s jeep, isolating him for execution. June spends the night restless, anticipating the mission while noting the cold, tense atmosphere of the court hall and the hidden presence of Patriots among the crowds.
As June enters the courtroom, she scans for Patriots, hoping Day—her ally with distinctive blue eyes—understands her signal to flee. The hall is frigid, and June’s anxiety is palpable. Guards treat her with uncertainty, torn between guarding her as a criminal or deferring to her as a pardoned Agent. June, weakened by illness, struggles to focus but meticulously memorizes escape routes and observes potential Patriot spies among the soldiers and civilians.
The pardon ceremony begins with Anden and reluctant Senators, some visibly displeased. Anden formally pardons June on probationary terms, assigning her to capital patrols under close surveillance. Senators warn her of their distrust, but June maintains composure, acknowledging their “mercy.” Anden’s gratitude carries a double meaning, hinting at his reliance on June and Day’s aid. June avoids his gaze, haunted by the knowledge that Day is outside, poised for the Patriots’ attack.
The chapter closes as June’s group prepares to leave the hall, the tension mounting. Her internal conflict—between loyalty to Anden and the Patriots’ demands—mirrors the physical unease of her illness. The impending assassination looms, with June’s role as the linchpin in the plan leaving her emotionally and physically strained. The stage is set for the convoy’s departure, where the Patriots’ trap awaits.
FAQs
1. What is the Patriots’ plan for assassinating Elector Anden, and what role is June expected to play in it?
Answer:
The Patriots plan to ambush Anden’s convoy after his pardon of June at Pierra’s Olan Court Hall. They instruct June to separate Anden from his guards by convincing him to change routes after a staged explosion. Once isolated, the Patriots will drag Anden from his jeep, execute him, and broadcast the assassination across the Republic. June’s role is critical in gaining Anden’s trust to manipulate his movements, ensuring the Patriots can intercept him without interference from his security detail (Chapter Content: “Watch for an explosion on the road… leave the rest to us”).
2. How does June’s physical and emotional state reflect the tension of the impending assassination?
Answer:
June’s physical and emotional state underscores the high stakes of the mission. She experiences cold sweats, dizziness, and a fever, exacerbated by stress and illness. Her trembling and light-headedness mirror her internal conflict—balancing loyalty to the Patriots with her growing unease about betraying Anden. The chapter highlights her hyper-awareness of her surroundings (e.g., memorizing street names, noting suspicious onlookers), which amplifies the atmosphere of paranoia and impending violence (Chapter Content: “Inside my black gloves, my hands are cold with sweat… I tremble nonstop”).
3. Analyze the dynamics between June, Anden, and the Senators during the pardon scene. What does this reveal about power structures in the Republic?
Answer:
The pardon scene reveals a fractured power structure. Anden, though Elector, faces dissent from Senators like Kamion and O’Connor, who visibly disapprove of June’s pardon. Anden’s authority is contested, as seen in the Senators’ tight-lipped silence and veiled threats toward June. June’s ambiguous status—both pardoned and distrusted—reflects the Republic’s instability. Anden’s subtle gratitude (“Thank you for all of your help”) hints at his reliance on June and Day, suggesting he lacks unanimous support even within his government (Chapter Content: “Some Senators hang back… ‘You will be watched at all times’”).
4. How does the setting of Pierra’s Olan Court Hall contribute to the chapter’s mood?
Answer:
The hall’s imposing, cold environment—high ceilings, polished synthetic floors, and winter chill—creates a sterile, oppressive mood. The lack of warmth mirrors June’s isolation and the Republic’s rigid control. The echoing boots and bustling streets outside contrast with the tense silence inside, emphasizing the dichotomy between public order and hidden rebellion. The physical discomfort (e.g., June’s breath clouding) heightens the sense of vulnerability as she awaits her fate (Chapter Content: “The ceiling’s at least twenty feet high… Not very conducive to retaining heat in winter”).
5. Why might June’s observation about Day’s potential presence among the Patriots be significant for the story’s development?
Answer:
June’s speculation that Day is nearby introduces dramatic irony and emotional stakes. If Day is among the Patriots, he’s unwittingly part of a plan to kill Anden—a man June knows Day might later need as an ally. Her anxiety (“nauseous with anxiety”) suggests she fears Day’s involvement could jeopardize their future collaboration or put him in danger. This foreshadows potential conflict between Day’s loyalty to the Patriots and June’s shifting allegiances (Chapter Content: “Day will be amongst the Patriots… The thought makes me nauseous”).
Quotes
1. “Tomorrow you’ll be pardoned by the Elector and his Senators, and they’ll release you at Pierra’s Olan Court Hall. Now, listen closely. When you’re all finished at the court hall, the Elector’s jeeps will escort all of you back to Pierra’s main military quarters. The Patriots will be waiting along that route.”
This quote reveals the pivotal assassination plan against Anden, setting the stage for the chapter’s tension. It introduces the Patriots’ scheme and June’s conflicted role in it.
2. “Watch for an explosion on the road. When you hear it go off, have Anden order his convoy to take a different route. Make sure you separate the Elector from his guards—tell him to trust you. If you’ve done your job, he’ll follow your lead.”
This instruction highlights the calculated manipulation at play, showing how June is being used as a pawn in the Patriots’ plot. It underscores the theme of trust and betrayal.
3. “Even if he saw my signal, will he understand what I meant by it? Will he know to drop what he’s doing and make a run for it?”
June’s internal monologue here captures her anxiety about Day’s safety and her secret communication attempt. It shows her dual loyalty and personal stakes in the mission.
4. “June Iparis, Congress has pardoned you of all crimes against the Republic on the condition that you will continue to serve your nation to the best of your capabilities.”
This formal pardon scene represents a key turning point where June’s status changes, while also being layered with irony given her secret revolutionary ties.
5. “Thank you for all of your help,” Anden says with a subtle bow. I keep my head lowered so I don’t have to meet his eyes, to see the double layer of meaning in his words.”
This moment of verbal irony highlights the complex relationship between June and Anden, where surface formalities mask deeper tensions and unspoken understandings.