C0NV3RG3 (Sequel to M3RG3)

Chapter 31

Lyla

Saturday

"Have you read the Republican Daily? The Revolution is totally bombarding the headlines." Cassandra shoved her Tabloid in my face, the words 'Revolution Uprising Begins Once More' in bold.

"Yeah, things have been a little crazy lately," I admitted. Ever since the last meeting, the Revolution had begun spreading awareness across the entire city. They knew exactly what would rile the people up, make them angry and furious towards the Republic. Slogans such as 'Return of the Golden Era' or 'No more Merging Processes' were everywhere. The Republic had tried their best to cover up most of the footage, but the constant broadcast of Anthony's anonymous letter had triggered many massive uproars that never seemed to stop.

"No more lies!" The people would scream. "No more serums! No more simulations!"

Even by staring out the window, colourful posters and banners would be nailed over the once faded grey walls. The Republican Daily also captured photos of neon paint doused over Affluent houses, mostly in colours of vibrant red, orange and yellow.

The reporter stood among a screaming mob, her hair tousled, clothes rumpled as she stuck the tiny chip at the base of her throat.

"This is the second protest within this week. Protestors are marching towards the Merging Institute in response to the anonymous letter." Her voice was barely heard over the roaring crowds and stomping footsteps.

"Many people gather here today; mostly parents of Merged members and other supporters of the Revolution. Many wear clothes splattered with vibrant paints. The Affluents continue to stay at home in fear of getting mobbed. We will now turn over to-"

"It's totally crazy," Cassandra breathed out. "I never thought that the Revolution was capable of this, but apparently they are."

"How does the Republic ignore this though?" A leader could never rule without its people. When they became uncooperative, any massive events, such as the Merging Process, would be impossible to continue.

"I have no idea, but according to the news, they've gone completely silent. No signs of senior Republicans anywhere." Cassandra shoved the Tabloid into her backpack. "Speaking of which, have you seen William lately?"

"No," I said, eyeing the clock above us. "I would be surprised if I did. The people hate him."

"Are the Republicans rebelling too?"

"If they did, the Republic would be taking extreme measures to resolve this by now. Besides, according to Arista, they're acting as a distraction. I'm still shocked they pulled this off in two weeks." Logically, it did make sense. The people's anger had always been there, buried under mountains of technology the Republic created. Once they saw through that façade, it didn't take long for them to come to their senses and climb out of the Republic's lies.

"Anyways, how's the Layla thing going?" Cassandra nudged my shoulder. I forced a smile back. There was no way she thought of me as a friend. I ignored her for the most part, she was only being friendly because of the Revolution.

"I'm going to see her now," I said, taking a sharp left. Cassandra continued following me, her hazelnut curls bouncing.

Then, she gently touched my shoulder. "Update me on the plan when you're done, Astrid. See you." Her curls bounced as she skipped down the hallway.

Are you sure she isn't your friend? She seems nice. Arista commented.

"She wasn't friendly until she knew I was a 'Revolutionary'," I muttered, knocking on Layla's door.

"Come in," she called out. I twisted the knob, opening the door. As usual, her room was organized, tidy and clean. There was an exception though.

"Warwick?" I asked, my eyebrows raised. "Why are you here?"

"I told him you were interested in breaking down firewalls and wanted a sample for your research. He generously offered to lend you his prototype. It should be able to take down a firewall that is as strong as the Republic's." Layla's voice was a perpetual calm, but her eyes communicated something else.

I tensed. Warwick wasn't here just for that. "What else?" I asked, my voice guarded.

"He wanted to ask if this has anything to do with that previous fiasco. The one where the Revolution held you hostage."

Lie! Lie now! Arista shrieked in my head.

"Things change, that was in the past." Not lying. Omitting.

"What are your motives with this prototype?" Warwick asked, running a hand through his hair. "Is it to destroy the Revolution's server?"

"Yes," Arista quickly inserted.

"Well, I trust that Layla is going to guard this prototype well and ensure you put it to good use." Warwick gave us a quick nod before leaving the room.

When the door slammed shut, I raised my eyebrows, sending Layla an inquisitive stare. "Why did you really bring him here?"

"I wasn't lying when I said that he was curious, only that he found it suspicious that I was asking him for this sort of prototype. I had to quickly weave in a lie that you were interested in these sorts of things since you were one of his best pupils."

She placed the thumb-sized chip onto the table. "Obviously, most people underestimate my other abilities. Just because I work in the serum and simulation department doesn't mean I can't hack. This prototype can destroy multiple firewalls, but it'll destroy the computer's drive once it's done."

"Arista wants to take down the firewalls so she can transfer the Republic's database onto her Tabloid. Then, the Revolution will come in while we take down the remaining computers."

Layla shook her head. "That's not doable. You're all untrained and new to the Republic. The Security can easily kill you easily with their guns. You won't win. Not like this."

"Then how?" I asked, my voice rising. "Do you have a better idea?"

She clasped her hands together. "I will teach the Revolutionaries how to take down the database. The rest of you will be in your rooms. If there is any strange commotion, do not go out. Only attack when the Security makes the first move. Otherwise, stay in your room until everything is over." Boiling frustration simmered beneath my skin, but this anger wasn't mine. It was Arista's.

"We aren't children," Arista snapped. "We've gone through the genocide. We've gone through the Merging Process. We can handle this."

"You are children that have experienced things beyond your years, but you are still children. And children need to be protected. Arista, if you are to leave your room under any circumstances, you're not only risking your own life but my sister's and Natasha's." She leaned back against the chair, peering at me with depthless sapphire eyes."Your recklessness has paid its price before, and I fear you may not handle the consequences this time."

Arista flinched, retreating deeper into Astrid's body until I could no longer feel her.

"Take me to the next meeting," Layla stated. "I will negotiate with them and debrief you once we are done. Wait for my further instructions and do not do anything rash."

Bossy, manipulative- Arista muttered under her breath. In the end, Layla was my sister. A sister who had gone through as much as me. If anyone knew how to lead and plan, it was her.

"I will tell the others." I nodded.

Next update: 16th August