Rebel
Chapter 19: Ross City: Eden 10
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with Eden being forcibly taken into a private elevator and blindfolded, triggering traumatic memories of her past in the Republic. The sensory deprivation—darkness, unfamiliar voices, and the elevator’s movement—rekindles her childhood horrors of painful experiments, illness, and displacement. These memories, long suppressed, now haunt her dreams, exacerbated by her current captivity. Her fear intensifies as she recalls her brother Daniel’s unconscious state, wondering about his fate while enduring the disorienting journey to an unknown destination.
After an unsettling ride, Eden is brought into a windowless, opulent living room where she meets Dominic Hann, a powerful figure who appears as a hologram. Hann’s rough voice and calculated demeanor unsettle her, but she confronts him about Daniel’s safety. Hann dismisses her concerns, instead probing her motives for venturing into the Undercity as a privileged Sky Floor citizen. Eden’s sarcasm and defiance hint at her resilience, while Hann’s interest in her drone-building skills suggests a deeper agenda. The tension between them underscores Eden’s mistrust and Hann’s manipulative charm.
Hann reveals he has researched Eden’s academic achievements and unusual Undercity visits, framing her as a rare talent. Despite her demands to see Daniel, Hann shifts focus to her potential, claiming she is the “focus” of their meeting—a notion that resonates uncomfortably with Eden. His flattery and gentle tone contrast with the implied threat to Daniel, leaving Eden torn between suspicion and a latent desire for recognition. As Hann leads her deeper into his facility, the guards’ deference hints at his authority and the stakes of her compliance.
The chapter culminates in a vast, high-tech factory where Hann showcases a mysterious, glowing engine—a fusion of machine and organic design. Eden’s awe at the scale and complexity of the project momentarily overshadows her fear. Hann positions himself as a visionary, drawing parallels between their interests, though his true intentions remain unclear. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Eden, still grappling with uncertainty about Daniel, is left to ponder Hann’s cryptic motives and the unsettling allure of his world.
FAQs
1. How does the protagonist’s experience in the elevator mirror her past trauma in the Republic?
Answer:
The protagonist’s experience in the elevator triggers vivid memories of her traumatic past in the Republic. The darkness, the firm grip of her captors, and the disorienting movement of the elevator all parallel her earlier experiences of being transported in a glass cylinder, blindfolded and terrified. She recalls the physical and psychological torment she endured—painful injections, fever-induced hallucinations, and the presence of corpses—which now resurface in her nightmares. This moment reinforces how deeply her past trauma affects her, as the present situation forces her to relive those horrors, amplifying her fear for her brother’s safety and her own vulnerability.2. What does Dominic Hann’s holographic presence reveal about his character and motives?
Answer:
Dominic Hann’s decision to appear as a hologram rather than in person suggests he is cautious and values his safety above direct interaction. His translucent figure and ability to pass through objects highlight his desire to maintain control while minimizing risk. This choice, coupled with his calculated questioning of the protagonist, reveals his manipulative nature. He strategically appeals to her ego by focusing on her talents and independence, distancing her from thoughts of her brother. His guarded demeanor and the presence of obedient guards further emphasize his power and the calculated nature of his actions.3. Analyze the significance of the protagonist’s reaction to being told, “This is about you.”
Answer:
The protagonist’s reaction to Hann’s statement—”This is about you”—reveals her internal conflict and longing for recognition. Throughout her life, she has likely been overshadowed by her brother’s reputation, as hinted by Hann’s remark about Daniel’s fame. Hearing that she is the focus unsettles her, as it challenges her self-perception and tempts her with validation. However, her skepticism warns her that Hann is exploiting her vulnerabilities. This moment underscores her struggle between yearning for individuality and fearing manipulation, reflecting her complex emotional state and the power dynamics at play.4. How does the setting of the “vast, cavernous space” with its machinery contribute to the chapter’s tone and themes?
Answer:
The cavernous factory-like space, filled with rows of blinking machines and the eerie glow of the central structure, creates a tone of awe and unease. The scale and precision of the technology suggest Hann’s immense resources and ambition, reinforcing themes of power and control. The organic yet mechanical design of the central engine mirrors the duality of Hann’s world—both advanced and oppressive. For the protagonist, the overwhelming environment heightens her sense of isolation and vulnerability, emphasizing the stakes of her predicament and the unknown dangers of Hann’s plans.5. Why might the protagonist’s skill with drones make her valuable to Hann, and what broader implications could this have?
Answer:
Hann’s interest in the protagonist stems from her exceptional ability to design and build drones, a skill he describes as “once in a generation.” Her technical prowess, combined with her willingness to venture into the Undercity, suggests she possesses both ingenuity and fearlessness—qualities valuable for his operations. This implies Hann may seek to exploit her talent for his own technological or strategic gains, possibly involving surveillance, warfare, or control over the Undercity. For the protagonist, this presents a moral dilemma: her passion for creation could be weaponized, forcing her to choose between her ambitions and her ethics.
Quotes
1. “I’ve never spoken to my brother about those days when we were first separated. There’s too much to say, and it all bleeds together into one continual nightmare.”
This quote reveals Eden’s deep trauma from her past experiences in the Republic, showing how her childhood suffering remains unresolved and haunts her present. It establishes the emotional weight she carries and her fractured relationship with her brother.
2. “Always known in relation to Daniel, even down here.”
A pivotal moment where Eden recognizes how she’s consistently defined by her brother’s reputation rather than her own identity. This fuels her frustration and sets up her character arc in the confrontation with Hann.
3. “I brought you here because I think you are the kind of talent that I see only once in a generation.”
Hann’s flattering yet manipulative pitch to Eden, marking a turning point where the power dynamic shifts. This quote reveals his strategy to exploit her desire for recognition while foreshadowing potential recruitment into his operations.
4. “This is not about him. I’m not interested in your brother. This is about you.”
A psychologically astute manipulation by Hann that targets Eden’s deepest vulnerability - her longing to be valued independently of Daniel. The quote captures the chapter’s central tension between familial bonds and individual identity.
5. “This is a world-class engine I’m building, so I suppose you could say we have similar interests.”
The chapter’s climactic reveal of Hann’s mysterious project, hinting at both the technological marvels of this world and the dangerous alliance being proposed. The quote underscores the merging of Eden’s technical passion with Hann’s ambitions.