Glitch

the Guards who contacted Central
    Systems, underwent transport and extensive testing once
    back at a treatment facility and was returned to my family
    quarters by the next eve ning.”
    “Yes, I know all that,” the woman snapped. She lifted a
    hand to smooth the side of her hair, collecting herself. She
    reached over to the table next to her, lifting a teacup and
    saucer to her lips. She sipped her tea, her eyes studying my
    face closely.
    “Do you know why I’ve been appointed here?” she asked.
    She paused as if expecting a response, her eyes again search-
    ing before she continued.
    “The Uppers requested me specifi cally for this position
    because I always produce results. They require an explana-
    tion for the assault and subsequent disappearance. I have yet
    to produce any explanation, and that is unsatisfactory.”
    She set down her teacup and leaned toward me. “But I
    don’t believe it was your intention to harm anyone. I think
    someone else was there, perhaps someone who incapacitated
    you both and then kidnapped you. I’d like to help but you
    must tell me what I want to know.” She reached out, touch-
    ing the top of my hand and piercing me again with her sharp
    eyes.
    “So tell me, Subject Zoel, who else was there? What else
    did you see outside the city?”
    I met her gaze. “I have no details of that time period. I
    was informed that a memory disrupter was utilized.”
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    Heather Anastasiu
    Her nostrils fl ared slightly at my answer. If she were ca-
    pable of emotion, I would say she seemed frustrated. Her face
    smoothed, and her eyes looked at me calmly.
    “The Uppers will fi nd this highly dissatisfying. These
    anomalous events are grounds for deactivation, but it is at
    my command that you remain here at the Academy.” Her
    face shifted suddenly and she seemed about to say some-
    thing else to me, but she sighed and thought better of it. Her
    eyes fl icked to a black circle on the ceiling of her offi
    ce.
    “I trust my command will not have to be overridden due
    to additional anomalous behavior. You will notify me im-
    mediately of any anomalous behavior you observe in your
    systems.”
    I stood, a slight tremor passing through my hands. “I will
    report to you directly if anything does occur. Community
    fi rst, Community always.”
    I had turned toward the door when suddenly the Link
    dropped, knocking me off balance with the sudden rush
    assaulting my senses: the musty smell of the carpet in the
    room, the acrid taste in my mouth left over from my daily
    dietary supplement, a choking rush of fear. It was dizzying,
    but with all of my strength, I willed myself not to reach out
    to steady myself. The beeping of my heart monitor fi lled
    the room.
    I bit my lip, willing myself to stop shaking from wave
    after wave of clear, vibrant sensation. My head was buzzing
    in fear, and my hands started to tremble and pulse with heat.
    I willed myself to be still, to not show the panic that had
    gripped every part of my body.
    128

    G L I TC H
    “Subject Zoela Q-24,” the Chancellor said, crossing the
    room in a few quick strides.
    Oh no, oh no, oh no.
    “What is the cause of this disturbance?”
    I squeezed my eyes and took a deep breath. There had
    to be an explanation she’d believe— something that would
    save me from the deactivation which she’d seemed all too
    ready to command. I reached a hand down to rub my shin.
    I took my time, breathing in slowly and thinking of Mar-
    kan. I had to be still, for Markan. If he ever glitched, he
    would have to struggle all alone if I didn’t survive. By the
    time I raised my head to look at her, I’d managed to collect
    myself.
    “I miscalculated the distance from that chair.” I tried to
    keep my voice to its previous monotone. “I imagine the pain
    adrenal response tripped my monitor.”
    She leaned in closer, tilting her head to the side in a way
    that made her sharp- featured face seem birdlike. Something
    about her gaze made my scalp tingle. “Are you certain? Tell
    me again what just occurred.”
    I forced myself to return her piercing gaze without looking
    away. I repeated my previous explanation. She said nothing,
    only continued her unnerving stare like she could see right
    through my skin to my glitching V-chip.
    “May I leave, Chancellor?” I asked, fi nally breathing
    calmly enough that my monitor fell silent.
    She pursed her lips tightly, making the tiny lines around
    her lips multiply and crinkle. She pinched her face