The Octopus Effect by Michael Reisman Read Free Book Online Page B

out, as if he’d found an answer to a pressing question. He cleared his throat. “Actually, Janathus and . . . er . . . others, that won’t be necessary.”
    One of Janathus’s eyebrows arched ever so slightly; it was a tiny movement, but for him it was a monumental expression change. “Oh? Why not?”
    â€œBecause I’ve decided to resign my post as Keeper in favor of Simon Bloom.”
    â€œWhat?” everyone shouted at once.
    Ralfagon turned to Simon. “I’m old, I’m tired, and I have a lot of television to catch up on. Besides, the Book has been eager to return to Simon’s side.”
    The Book floated out from within Ralfagon’s jacket and, after sending a quick flash of blue at Ralfagon, zipped over to Simon. It hovered over him until he put his hand out, and then it descended gently into his grasp.
    Simon was too stunned to react. Finally, he found the ability to speak. “But . . . I’m not ready for this!”
    Ralfagon smiled warmly. “I believe you are.”
    â€œThe Board will discuss this,” Janathus said. “Everyone go into the building.”
    Standrus frowned. “That is not possible. We must reschedule everything.”
    â€œSurely we can judge the boy’s merit now?” Madda said.
    Standrus shook his head. “ We are the Board of Administration. We make agendas and we follow them. Changing our procedures for simple convenience would make us no better than”—he wrinkled his nose at the kids—“than everyone else.”
    Standrus turned to Ralfagon. “You’ve already yielded your Book to Bloom, so he shall be acting Keeper.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out what looked like a black plastic postage stamp. He tapped it, and a multicolored, three-dimensional display of a calendar appeared in front of his face.
    After a moment’s examination, Standrus grunted. “I suppose I can move some things around for the good of the Union. We shall reconvene here the same time next Sunday to discuss Simon Bloom’s place as Keeper and to decide what knowledge, if any, Ralfagon Wintrofline will be allowed to retain for his retirement. Until then, he will remain in Lawnville and not engage in any excessive formula use.”
    Janathus’s mouth came as close to a frown as it ever had. “But, Standrus, surely—”
    â€œWe exist to maintain order, Janathus, not disrupt it any further.” Standrus nodded to the assemblage. “I expect you all to be prompt next Sunday.”
    Standrus turned and walked swiftly to the BOA headquarters.
    The Keepers rushed to Ralfagon’s side while Simon, Owen, and Alysha stared at one another. That’s why none of them noticed what I did: Madda and Janathus turned to face each other and exchanged an unreadable look.
    Madda made a subtle gesture and mouthed, “ What now ?” Janathus, stone-faced, nodded once and mouthed the words, “ Not to worry .” Then they hurried after Standrus.
    As friends and fellow Keepers raised their voices in confusion and anger, Simon looked down at the Book and sent it a mental message. I didn’t want to give everything up, but I didn’t want this to happen! What will Ralfagon do? Will they wipe his memories? He paused and looked at Owen, Alysha, and the assembled Keepers. And me? Simon thought to the Book. A leader? How can I possibly be ready for this kind of responsibility?
    If the Book had an answer, it chose not to share it.

CHAPTER 8
    GIRL IN THE HOOD
    After a long, grim night thinking about all that had happened, I was happy for morning.
    It was Monday: a new day for Simon and his friends. (Obviously it was a new day—otherwise it would be called Sunday Part II.) Instead of showing me how Simon was dealing with the turn of events, my Viewing Screen focused elsewhere.
    I briefly stared in confusion at a large building of ivy-covered brick. Part of the advantage