Rebel
Chapter 33: os Angeles: Eden 3
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with the protagonist arriving in Ross City, Antarctica, where the usual vibrant technological landscape has been replaced by a scene of chaos. Skyscrapers loom ominously, and smoke rises from the Undercity, while virtual markers and lights are conspicuously absent. Military troops patrol the buildings, evoking memories of war-torn scenes from the protagonist’s past. The absence of technology exposes the city’s vulnerability, heightening the tension as the protagonist prepares to face an uncertain mission.
The protagonist is accompanied by Pressa and Daniel, who provide emotional and logistical support. Daniel equips the protagonist with a discreet communication device—a drone resembling a cockroach—that will self-destruct if tampered with. This device carries a critical patch to alter the city’s Level system, symbolizing a deeper revolution. The protagonist’s fear is palpable, but Pressa’s presence offers reassurance, grounding them in the face of overwhelming odds. The group’s dynamic underscores themes of trust and solidarity in adversity.
Upon landing, they are met by AIS agents and soldiers, who claim the Undercity rebellion is under control, though their defensive tone suggests otherwise. Daniel challenges their assertions, highlighting the systemic abuse fueling the unrest. The protagonist and Pressa prepare to descend into the Undercity alone, exchanging tense farewells with June and Daniel. The emotional weight of the separation is evident, particularly in Daniel’s reluctance to linger, revealing his unspoken concern for the protagonist’s safety.
As the elevator descends, the protagonist and Pressa confront the stark reality of the Undercity—barricades, shouting crowds, and a heavy police presence. The chaos mirrors the protagonist’s traumatic past, triggering a sense of dread. Pressa’s steady presence becomes a lifeline, and they navigate the streets together, seeking a quieter path to their destination. The chapter closes with a sense of foreboding as they step into the heart of the rebellion, their resolve tested by the surrounding turmoil.
FAQs
1. How does the narrator describe Ross City upon arrival, and what does this reveal about its current state?
Answer:
The narrator describes Ross City as a place where the usual vibrant technology—virtual markers, building names, and resident scores—has been shut down, replaced by troops monitoring elevators and plumes of smoke rising from the Undercity. This stark contrast reveals a city in crisis, where the absence of its advanced technological systems exposes its vulnerability. The scene mirrors wartime conditions the narrator recalls from the Republic, emphasizing the breakdown of order and the shift from a controlled, high-tech environment to one of chaos and martial law.2. What role does the insect-like drone play in the mission, and how does it function?
Answer:
The drone is a critical tool for communication and espionage. It carries a chip that will patch the Level system, altering its functionality as part of a revolutionary act. Solar-powered and disguised as a cockroach, the drone is designed to evade detection. It tracks the narrator, delivers messages, and self-destructs after one use. Tampering triggers a defensive mechanism: it simulates a bug bite and erases its data. This highlights the high-stakes, covert nature of the mission and the ingenuity of the resistance’s methods.3. How does the interaction between Eden and Daniel reflect their relationship dynamics?
Answer:
Their interaction reveals a mix of deep care and unspoken tension. Daniel corrects an agent who misidentifies Eden as “the brother,” asserting his own role protectively. Yet, their goodbye is awkward, a departure from childhood closeness, suggesting emotional distance forged by circumstances. Daniel’s abrupt turn—avoiding watching Eden leave—hints at his struggle to reconcile duty with fear for his brother. This moment underscores the weight of their mission and the unvoiced bond between them.4. Analyze the significance of the Undercity’s portrayal in this chapter. How does it connect to broader themes?
Answer:
The Undercity embodies systemic inequality and rebellion. Barricades, jailed protesters, and open defiance illustrate a population pushed to revolt against lifelong oppression. The agent’s claim that it’s “under control” contrasts with visible chaos, exposing government denial. This mirrors real-world themes of class struggle and the fragility of authoritarian control. The narrator’s recognition of parallels to the Republic’s war suggests cyclical patterns of conflict and resistance, emphasizing themes of power, survival, and collective trauma.5. How does Pressa’s presence impact the narrator’s mindset as they enter the Undercity?
Answer:
Pressa serves as both a practical and emotional anchor. Her reassurance (“You’re not going to be alone”) counters Eden’s fear, transforming overwhelming solitude into shared purpose. Their mutual support—seen in Eden’s grateful smile and Pressa’s relieved response—highlights trust forged in adversity. Her familiarity with the Undercity’s alleys also provides literal guidance, steering them past danger. This partnership underscores the chapter’s emphasis on solidarity as a counter to despair in hostile environments.
Quotes
1. “But to see Ross City—Antarctica—without its blanket of technology, is to see a superpower suddenly vulnerable and exposed.”
This quote captures the striking contrast between Ross City’s usual high-tech facade and its current state of chaos. It highlights the theme of technological dependence and how its absence reveals systemic fragility.
2. “This is no longer a game I’m playing with my own life.”
A pivotal moment where Eden realizes the gravity of their mission and the stakes involved. It marks a transition from personal survival to responsibility for others’ lives.
3. “A revolution within a revolution.”
This concise phrase powerfully describes the dual nature of their mission - not just restoring the system, but fundamentally altering it. It encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict about systemic change.
4. “Even a city like this place is going to have trouble quelling a lifetime of abuse against an entire population.”
This observation reveals the deeper societal tensions underlying the surface chaos. It shows the author’s commentary on systemic inequality and the inevitable consequences of oppression.
5. “Her presence gives me the strength I need.”
A simple but profound statement about human connection in times of crisis. It contrasts with the technological themes by emphasizing the irreplaceable value of personal relationships.