Prodigy
Chapter 7: June 4
by Lu, MarieThe chapter begins with the protagonist, June, being led away from Day by a Patriot named Razor, steeling herself for a dangerous mission. She struggles with the fear of potential failure—arrest, torture, or death—but resolves to stay focused. Razor’s plan involves her pretending to hide in a barrack room within the Pharaoh pyramid, where she will be captured by Republic soldiers. The tension is palpable as June enters the chaotic military environment, her thoughts oscillating between determination and dread.
Inside the pyramid, a Patriot guide escorts June through a narrow walkway to a first-floor barrack. He instructs her to resist capture convincingly, ensuring the soldiers believe she is a fugitive. The guide, revealed to be a skilled Hacker, disables the hallway’s security cameras using a modified button, showcasing the Patriots’ technical prowess. June is left alone in a dark barrack room, where she meticulously assesses her surroundings, preparing for the impending confrontation.
As June waits, she hears the bark of her dog, Ollie, and realizes Thomas—her brother’s murderer—is leading the patrol searching for her. The revelation shocks her, as Thomas’s involvement was orchestrated by Razor to ensure her capture by a specific unit. The emotional weight of facing Thomas, combined with the joy of hearing Ollie alive, leaves June shaken. Her hands tremble at the thought of confronting the man who killed her brother, adding a personal layer of tension to the mission.
The chapter ends with June bracing herself for the inevitable encounter, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. The arrival of Ollie and Thomas signals the next phase of Razor’s plan, but June’s personal trauma threatens to undermine her focus. The stage is set for a high-stakes confrontation, blending tactical execution with deep emotional stakes.
FAQs
1. What is the protagonist’s mission in this chapter, and what risks does she face?
Answer:
The protagonist’s mission is to be captured by Republic soldiers as part of Razor’s plan, which involves her pretending to hide in the barracks before attempting to board the RS Dynasty. The risks are severe: she could be shot on sight, subjected to brutal interrogation, or killed before the Elector even learns of her capture. The chapter highlights her internal conflict and fear, as she acknowledges that “a million things could go wrong.” This underscores the high-stakes nature of her mission and her vulnerability.2. How does the Hacker assist the protagonist, and what does this reveal about the Patriots’ capabilities?
Answer:
The Hacker disables the security cameras in the barracks by rewiring them using a metal button from his jacket. This demonstrates his technical expertise and the Patriots’ sophisticated infiltration skills, as he mentions having previously “rewired things” in command centers. His comment about their operations in Denver’s Capitol Tower further suggests the Patriots have extensive resources and coordination, capable of undermining Republic infrastructure. This detail builds tension by hinting at larger, unseen operations.3. Why is the appearance of Ollie, the protagonist’s dog, significant to the plot and her emotional state?
Answer:
Ollie’s presence signals that Thomas—the soldier who murdered her brother—is leading the patrol hunting her. The protagonist realizes Razor intentionally arranged for Thomas to capture her, which heightens her distress. Her joy at Ollie’s survival clashes with dread at facing Thomas, creating emotional complexity. This moment also foreshadows a confrontation with her past trauma, as Thomas represents both personal loss and the Republic’s brutality, making her mission even more perilous psychologically.4. Analyze the protagonist’s preparation while waiting in the barracks. What does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
She meticulously measures spatial details (e.g., doorknob height, door frame dimensions) and rehearses the environment in her mind. This reflects her disciplined, strategic mindset—a survival trait honed through military training. However, her shaking hands when anticipating Thomas’s arrival also humanizes her, showing vulnerability beneath her calculated exterior. The juxtaposition highlights her resilience under pressure while acknowledging the emotional toll of her mission.5. How does the chapter use sensory details to build tension? Provide examples.
Answer:
The author amplifies tension through stark sensory contrasts: the “pitch-black” barracks versus the “burst of sparks” from the cameras, and the silence punctuated by Ollie’s sudden barks. The protagonist’s hyper-awareness (e.g., measuring distances in darkness) immerses the reader in her precarious situation. The chaotic noise of soldiers earlier in the pyramid also contrasts with the eerie quiet of the hallway, creating a rollercoaster of suspense as danger oscillates between looming and immediate.
Quotes
1. “If the mission goes well, it’ll only be a short separation. Day’s concerns about my well-being really hit home now. Razor’s plan for me sounds good, but something could go wrong.”
This quote captures the protagonist’s internal conflict and vulnerability as she prepares for a dangerous mission. It highlights the tension between hope and fear, setting the tone for the high-stakes operation ahead.
2. “I’ve seen it happen plenty of times. I could be dead before this day is over, long before the Elector learns I’ve been found. A million things could go wrong.”
This passage reveals the protagonist’s traumatic past experiences with Republic brutality and her realistic assessment of the risks. It underscores the oppressive nature of the regime she’s fighting against.
3. “I’m a Hacker,” he whispers back as we run. “I’ve worked the command centers here before. I rewired things a little to suit us.”
This quote introduces the technical capabilities of the Patriots’ operatives and their subversive tactics against the Republic. It demonstrates the organized resistance’s sophistication and preparation.
4. “Of course the patrol—the person—Razor had in mind would be Thomas. Thomas must’ve been assigned by Commander Jameson to track me down. He’s using Ollie to help.”
This revelation marks a major turning point, as the protagonist realizes she’ll face her brother’s murderer. It heightens both the personal stakes and the psychological tension of the mission.
5. “But of all the patrols I’d prefer to be arrested by, Thomas’s ranks last on the list. My hands start to shake. I don’t want to see my brother’s murderer again.”
This powerful emotional moment reveals the protagonist’s trauma and personal connection to the conflict. It adds depth to her character while foreshadowing a potentially explosive confrontation.