The Octopus Effect by Michael Reisman Read Free Book Online

before and gave no indication of starting one up now.
    â€œIn fact,” he continued, “this boy might not remain a Keeper at all.”

CHAPTER 7
    KEEPER NO MORE
    Janathus’s statement drew gasps, grunts, grumbles, groans, and a lot of grousing among the Council members, which just goes to show how versatile the letter g is for describing unhappiness.
    Alysha made the first coherent comment. “Oh yeah? Try and stop him!”
    Janathus stared at her; I noticed that he wasn’t blinking, nor had he yet during his entire time in this Chronicle.
    Ralfagon cleared his throat and held up a hand. “Forgive the young lady’s brashness. I think she simply wants to know why Simon can’t be a Keeper with me. I know he’s young, but the Book chose him, and he’s certainly proven himself.”
    There was the barest hint of an upturn at the corners of Janathus’s mouth. “Two points. One: the Board has decided that two Keepers cannot coexist with the same Book. We want no additional complications brought to this already messy system.”
    Janathus paused for a moment and then continued. “Two: I did not mean to say that Simon Bloom would definitely have to step down as Keeper. You, Ralfagon Wintrofline, may be told to resign from your post. Or perhaps you both might be removed and a new Keeper appointed.”
    If there had been an outcry before, there was an out-scream now.
    Ralfagon waited for his fellow Council members to quiet down. “What’s this about?” he asked in a polite but firm voice.
    â€œYou are respected throughout the Union, Ralfagon, but you’ve been at your post for a long time. Perhaps too long. Would a capable Keeper be so easily ambushed and lose possession of his Teacher’s Edition ? Can you still be deemed competent, or despite your ample service and legendary power, are you now unsuitable for the task?”
    â€œI think I—” Ralfagon began.
    â€œWe at the Board of Administration intend to determine that,” Janathus continued, cutting Ralfagon off. “Right now.”
    â€œIn two point five minutes, to be precise,” said a strong, cold voice. Another man walked from the building toward Janathus. He wore a crisp white dress shirt with thin blue stripes, a red paisley tie, and pressed navy blue slacks held up by navy suspenders. Unlike Janathus, he did have an expression; with lips tightly pressed, eyebrows bent, and nose slightly wrinkled, it was a look of distaste.
    â€œWelcome to the Board of Administration,” the man said. “For those who do not know me”—he directed his cold gaze toward Simon, Owen, and Alysha—“I am Standrus Presst, Lead Examiner and Chief Executive of the Board. I will oversee your case today. For your information, Ralfagon, that arch was installed last Saturday. Janathus and Madda requisitioned it four months, three weeks, and two days earlier.”
    â€œWhat’s a Madda?” Owen whispered.
    â€œ I am Madda,” a deep, female voice said. “Madda Roobet.” A curly-haired woman of medium height and more than medium girth appeared next to Standrus. She was wearing a well-pressed outfit that reminded Simon of his mother’s business suits, only more severe-looking.
    â€œIt’s getting hard to keep track of all these people,” Alysha whispered to Owen. “And the weird names aren’t helping.”
    â€œAs Chief Analyst of Keeper Affairs, I will be conducting your evaluation,” Madda continued, fixing Alysha with a frosty look. “I assume the Keepers have brought their respective Books with them?”
    The Keepers nodded sourly. I could tell they did not like the way the Board members talked down to them,
    Simon was bursting with questions but was far too nervous under the Board members’ joyless, pitiless gazes to say or do anything. Alysha had no such reservations. “And just how are you planning on