Rebel
Chapter 5: Ross City: Eden 3
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with the narrator, Daniel’s younger sibling, working on a perpetual energy machine in their room while waiting for Daniel to return home late at night. Despite their earlier argument, the narrator monitors Daniel’s movements through a geolocator, relieved when he arrives safely. Daniel’s dangerous job and his spotty memory, a lingering effect from their past in the Republic, weigh on the narrator, who quietly manages small tasks to help him. The tension between them is palpable, with the narrator refusing to acknowledge Daniel’s return, still irritated by his dismissive attitude earlier in the day.
The narrator reflects on their strained relationship, contrasting their childhood closeness with the current distance caused by Daniel’s secretive AIS job. They resent Daniel’s overprotectiveness and inability to understand their connection to the Undercity, a place tied to their shared past. While Daniel appears emotionally detached and functional, the narrator struggles with lingering trauma—nightmares, anxiety, and unresolved memories. This contrast fuels their frustration, making them question whether they’re truly “still a kid” unable to move on, as Daniel implied.
As the narrator prepares to leave for a drone race with their friend Pressa, they notice Daniel perched precariously on the balcony ledge, lost in thought. The scene underscores Daniel’s enigmatic nature—calm yet haunted, his past struggles hidden beneath a composed exterior. The narrator wonders if he, too, grapples with unresolved memories of their Republic days or his feelings for June, a topic they’d earlier used to provoke him. The moment highlights their mutual isolation, with both siblings guarding their inner worlds.
The chapter ends with Pressa’s call confirming the narrator’s participation in the race, prompting a fleeting hesitation. The narrator’s conflicted emotions—resentment, concern, and a longing for understanding—linger as they prepare to sneak out. The unresolved tension between the siblings and their unspoken burdens set the stage for further exploration of their fractured bond and shared history.
FAQs
1. How does the narrator demonstrate their concern for Daniel, and what does this reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
The narrator shows concern for Daniel through constant monitoring of his geolocator and daily habits, as well as small acts like thawing his dinner. This reveals a protective, caretaking dynamic where the narrator compensates for Daniel’s memory issues (a lingering effect from their Republic days). However, their relationship is strained—while the narrator still worries, they avoid direct communication after their argument, choosing instead to keep secrets from each other. This tension highlights how their once-close sibling bond has become distant and guarded, especially since Daniel took his AIS job.2. Analyze the significance of Daniel’s memory issues and how they connect to the broader themes of the chapter.
Answer:
Daniel’s spotty memory—recalling distant past events but forgetting recent ones—symbolizes the lingering trauma of their Republic upbringing. Physical triggers like street signs evoke déjà vu, suggesting repressed memories or unresolved pain. This ties into the chapter’s themes of unresolved pasts and emotional baggage: while Daniel appears “functional,” his memory lapses hint at deeper scars. The narrator’s efforts to compensate (e.g., medication reminders) reflect their shared struggle to move forward, contrasting with Daniel’s outward practicality and the narrator’s inability to let go of their own nightmares.3. What does the narrator’s perpetual energy machine and drone project reveal about their character and motivations?
Answer:
The narrator’s sleek, precision-engineered drone (inspired by a Colonies jet from the Republic war) reflects their technical skill and connection to the past. Their focus on the project—especially amid tension with Daniel—suggests it’s an escape or a way to assert independence. The race notice from Pressa hints at a desire for excitement or rebellion, contrasting with Daniel’s controlled demeanor. The machine’s “perpetual” energy might metaphorically represent the narrator’s unresolved emotions, which, unlike Daniel’s suppressed memories, continue to “hum” beneath the surface.4. Why does the narrator hesitate before leaving to meet Pressa, and how does this moment encapsulate their internal conflict?
Answer:
The narrator’s hesitation reflects their torn loyalties: between their rebellious drive (symbolized by the drone race) and their ingrained concern for Daniel. Seeing him on the balcony—seemingly contemplative but still “perfectly balanced”—mirrors their own unresolved feelings about their shared past. The guilt over mentioning June earlier underscores their desire for mutual understanding, even as they resent Daniel’s secrecy. This moment captures their central conflict: craving independence while still seeking validation from the brother they no longer fully know.5. Compare how Daniel and the narrator each cope with their traumatic past, using specific examples from the chapter.
Answer:
Daniel copes with compartmentalization: his tidy room, locked door, and hidden mementos (like boxed Republic medals) suggest a controlled, orderly approach to trauma. He appears “unscathed” but avoids introspection, as seen when he deflects conversations about June. The narrator, meanwhile, is openly haunted—cringing at loud noises, dwelling on nightmares, and fixating on shared history (e.g., Lake, the Undercity). Their cluttered room and impulsive racing plans reveal a more volatile response. Both siblings observe each other (Daniel tracking the narrator’s safety, the narrator watching him on the ledge), yet neither bridges the emotional gap.
Quotes
1. “Well, to me, you’ll always be twelve.”
This quote captures the central tension between the narrator and her brother Daniel, highlighting his persistent view of her as a child despite her growth and independence. It represents the emotional core of their strained relationship.
2. “But things linger in my head. They don’t go away.”
A powerful statement about trauma and memory, contrasting with Daniel’s apparent ability to function despite their shared past. This quote reveals the narrator’s inner struggle and the psychological impact of their Republic experiences.
3. “He’ll spend all his time digging into my life without ever telling me anything about what’s going on with him.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates the one-sided nature of their current relationship, showing Daniel’s secrecy and the narrator’s frustration with his lack of openness. It represents the communication breakdown between the siblings.
4. “With my blurred vision, a glow of light from the skyscrapers behind him outlines his figure in blue-white.”
This visually striking description of Daniel on the balcony ledge serves as a symbolic moment, representing both his dangerous nature and the narrator’s altered perception of him. The imagery underscores the emotional distance between them.
5. “There used to be a time when all I wanted to do was talk to Daniel. Now I don’t know what I want.”
This poignant reflection shows the evolution of their relationship from closeness to uncertainty. It captures the narrator’s conflicted feelings and the central theme of lost connection between the siblings.