Rebel
Chapter 4: Ross City: Daniel 2
by Lu, MarieDaniel, a high-ranking AIS agent, intervenes when his younger brother Eden is threatened by thieves in Ross City’s dangerous Undercity. The thieves flee upon recognizing Daniel’s authority, but Eden reacts with irritation rather than gratitude. Their tense exchange reveals a strained relationship, with Daniel’s protective instincts clashing against Eden’s desire for independence. Daniel’s internal reflections highlight his deep care for Eden, contrasting with their distant and argumentative dynamic.
The brothers walk through the Undercity in uncomfortable silence, drawing attention due to Daniel’s intimidating AIS suit. Daniel presses Eden about his reasons for being in the area, suspecting his involvement with a girl named Pressa, whose family runs an illegal apothecary. Eden deflects, mocking Daniel’s personal life and mentioning June—a figure from Daniel’s past who still emotionally affects him. Their conversation underscores their inability to communicate openly, with Eden resisting Daniel’s attempts to guide or protect him.
As they board an elevator reserved for AIS personnel, Daniel confronts Eden about his lack of trust. Eden challenges Daniel’s seemingly indifferent attitude, expressing frustration that Daniel isn’t more visibly angry. Daniel admits he’s concerned about Eden’s well-being but struggles to bridge the gap between them. Eden’s resentment grows when he realizes Daniel tracked him using the city’s geolocator system, further fueling his defiance.
The chapter ends with their unresolved tension, emphasizing their conflicting perspectives. Daniel’s protective nature clashes with Eden’s need for autonomy, while hints of deeper emotional wounds—such as Daniel’s lingering attachment to June—add complexity. Eden’s rebellious actions, like hacking the geolocator, symbolize his rejection of the system Daniel upholds, leaving their relationship at an impasse.
FAQs
1. How does Daniel’s appearance in the black suit immediately affect the would-be thieves in the alley?
Answer:
The black suit Daniel wears instantly identifies him as an AIS agent, striking fear into the thieves. When they recognize his affiliation, they release Eden and flee without confrontation. One thief even shudders upon looking back at Daniel, emphasizing the AIS’s intimidating reputation in Ross City. This reaction highlights the power dynamics in the society—where law enforcement commands immediate compliance, even from criminals. The scene also establishes Daniel’s authoritative presence, which contrasts with his more vulnerable personal struggles revealed later in the chapter.2. Analyze the sibling dynamic between Daniel and Eden. What does their conflict reveal about their relationship and individual struggles?
Answer:
Daniel and Eden’s relationship is strained by mistrust, overprotectiveness, and unresolved emotional tension. Daniel tracks Eden’s movements (via geolocator) and intervenes in his affairs, which Eden resents as intrusive. Their argument reveals deeper issues: Daniel’s trauma over nearly losing Eden to illness (referenced through Eden’s purple-tinged eyes) fuels his controlling behavior, while Eden craves independence and rejects Daniel’s authority. The dialogue—especially Eden’s jab about June—shows how both use emotional vulnerabilities against each other, masking care with sarcasm and defiance. This dynamic reflects their struggle to reconcile familial bonds with personal growth.3. What role does the “Level system” play in Ross City’s societal structure, as depicted in this chapter?
Answer:
The Level system enforces a rigid class hierarchy through technology. Access to amenities (like elevators) is tiered by Level; Daniel (Level 87) and Eden (Level 54) qualify, while a Level 26 man is barred by a force field. This system creates visible inequality, with whispers about Daniel’s suit underscoring societal awe/fear of high-status figures. Eden’s attempt to disable his geolocator—a tool for monitoring lower-Level citizens—hints at resistance to surveillance. The system thus perpetuates control, privileging elites like AIS agents while marginalizing others, such as Undercity residents like Pressa’s family.4. How does the chapter use Eden’s connection to Pressa to explore themes of privilege and danger?
Answer:
Eden’s visits to Pressa in the Undercity symbolize his rejection of his privileged status. Daniel warns that Pressa’s father runs an illegal apothecary, framing the Undercity as a space of risk—both from crime and law enforcement. Eden accuses Daniel of using this as leverage, revealing his awareness of systemic bias (e.g., AIS tolerating the apothecary to avoid “shaking up their community”). Their debate reflects clashing perspectives: Daniel sees the Undercity as inherently dangerous, while Eden views it as a place of authenticity, challenging Ross City’s stratified norms.5. Why does Daniel’s mention of June create tension, and how does it connect to his character development?
Answer:
June represents an unresolved emotional anchor for Daniel. Eden’s casual mention of her arrival stings Daniel, who wears a paper clip ring (a likely memento of their past). This hints at June’s lingering impact—she’s someone Daniel compares other relationships to, as noted in his inability to sustain connections beyond six months. The tension underscores Daniel’s vulnerability beneath his authoritative exterior, suggesting he prioritizes duty (AIS work) and familial obligation (Eden) over personal happiness. It also mirrors Eden’s own rebellion, as both brothers avoid confronting emotional pain.
Quotes
1. “The boy I’d bled to protect.”
This poignant line encapsulates Daniel’s deep, protective bond with his younger brother Eden. It reveals the emotional core of their relationship and Daniel’s lifelong role as Eden’s guardian, tying their present tension to their shared traumatic past.
2. “You indulge in your life. Let me indulge in mine.”
Eden’s sharp retort highlights the central conflict between the brothers - Daniel’s overprotectiveness versus Eden’s desire for independence. This quote perfectly captures the generational divide and Eden’s frustration with his brother’s controlling nature.
3. “It would be something, an emotion, at least.”
Eden’s cutting remark reveals his complex feelings about their strained relationship. This quote shows his frustration with Daniel’s emotional guardedness and suggests he’d prefer angry confrontation to the current emotional distance between them.
4. “Everything you do is my business. I’m in charge of you.”
This declaration by Daniel represents his authoritarian approach to their relationship and the fundamental disagreement about boundaries. The quote starkly illustrates the power dynamic that Eden is rebelling against throughout the chapter.
5. “Maybe our definitions of danger are different.”
This exchange captures the brothers’ contrasting worldviews - Daniel’s institutional perspective as an AIS agent versus Eden’s more rebellious nature. The quote underscores their different life experiences and values that fuel their ongoing conflict.