Radioactive by Maya Shepherd Read Free Book Online Page B

something very close about her. Her support means a lot to me because maybe I can finally change something for the better for the people of the safety zone. That’s what I always wanted. Perhaps no blood must be shed to transform the world for the better. Maybe words can change the world more than fists.

06. COMPROMISE
    A s I lie awake at night in the soft, but too big bed, the light of a thousand stars illuminates my room. I cannot manage to sleep. Too many thoughts race through my head. On one hand, I want to fully devote myself to the Legion, especially to the people in the safety zone, but on the other hand it feels like betrayal. What would Finn say about this? I can almost see the look of disappointment and hurt in his eyes. He would probably say something like, ‘ I always knew you were one of them, I never should have doubted it. ’
    Perhaps it’s even. Ever since I was born I belonged to the Legion and now the more I learn about it, the more I understand their motivations, though that does not mean I agree with it. There are so many things that I want to change, but I cannot do it without starting a war. Even though the Legion has made some bad decisions in the past, they always did it with the intention of avoiding another war, I agree with that. Finn always said that one should take risks in order to gain anything, but in my opinion there is nothing that would be worth it to endanger the lives of innocent people. Finn would not understand it, but perhaps his sister would. Zoe has lived in the safety zone. She knows the people. Would she really risk all their lives so that only she could live in freedom? Does she and Clyde not care? Every one of us living in the safety zone has a unique personality waiting to be allowed to shine.
    Suddenly it occurs to me that I am now a Legion commander, which means that I can do whatever I want to. If I want to pay a visit to the safety zone, I only need to step in the elevator. I can even see Zoe whenever I want.
    Excited, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed. The door of my room opens easily. It’s an incredibly liberating feeling to be able to go wherever and whenever I want. There are no barricades, no locks, and no prohibitions. If I wanted to, I could probably go outside into the fresh air. All paths are open to a Legion commander. Nevertheless, my heart beats wildly in my chest as I reach the glass elevator. Nervously I put my thumb on the scanner and wait. It takes a moment, then a red light appears and the computer announces, “Access denied.”
    That cannot be! I am a Legion commander. Perhaps my thumb was too wet from the sweat of my palms. Shakily I wipe my hands on my thighs and put my thumb on the scanner again. Again, the red light appears followed by the words, “Access denied.”
    This is just unreal! Why is it not working? Am I not registered in the system? But I can open my room door.
    Startled, I turn around. Next to me is a Legion commander of my generation. I did not even hear him coming.
    “I just...” I falter and feel really stupid “I just was going to the atrium, but the door will not open.” I finish the sentence because I cannot tell him the truth. Even A350 would not approve of a visit to see Zoe in the sickbay. They may even ban me from ever going there.
    “It’s no wonder you don’t have any authorization,” the boy replied with a triumphant smile on his lips and a head held high.
    “I’m not authorized?” I repeat, confused. I thought I was a full member.
    “You have to prove yourself as being trustworthy,” he says with a shrug before adding, “I got my full rights after a week.”
    He says it in a tone that makes it clear to me that he does not expect it will go just as fast with me.  It is difficult for me to judge him. Although he is not as cold as the senior Legion commander, there is something that makes me uneasy about him.
    He seems to remember that I’m new because he suddenly waves off, laughing. “Excuse me, I