Infinity Reaper by Adam Silvera (best new books to read txt) 📗

arms since he considers celestials to be walking weapons. For health care, the Senator deflects how many celestials aren’t insured because of their powers and instead advises for broader guidelines that would allow better coverage for properties damaged by gleam, and he completely doesn’t mention how that would suit his donors and raise taxes on everyone else. He dismisses the idea that underground camps have made their way into our country, designed to hold pregnant celestials hostage throughout their pregnancies to prevent the children being born under the skies and reaching the full potential of their powers.

I’m not some bystander in the audience. I’m one of the two liars on this stage.

I’ve been tasked with portraying Sunstar as someone who is cracking under the pressure of her campaign, especially in light of the Silver Star Slayer’s videos, and I argue back with an aggression that Sunstar hasn’t once demonstrated in any of her debates. When asked, I don’t condemn specters as a whole, stating that there are good, well-intentioned people who seek out power to further their lives, and I applaud the risks they take, especially those who are older, given how blood alchemy isn’t always kind to their bodies. I want to warn everyone, no matter their intentions, that becoming a specter isn’t worth it, but I’m too busy not offering sympathies as requested by the Senator to those who have lost their children because of gleam cross fires.

I can’t imagine that the celestials currently holding seats in government aren’t cringing during this entire debate. Maybe some of them will even be suspicious, having worked with Sunstar and shared her views for how she would shape the country. But between the Senator presenting himself as a grounded candidate who will be remembered as strong and me fighting back—sure to get Sunstar labeled as unhinged—it’s impossible to believe anyone will expect anything except the Senator taking the White House next month.

Hugh Cooper regains control. “We’re wrapping up shortly, so I’d like to shift and ask you, Congresswoman, about your recent announcement of your plan to abolish the Enforcer Program and put an organization you’re calling the Luminary Union in its place. What would you say to Americans who are nervous about relying on powered guardians?”

I don’t know all of Sunstar’s intentions on this since only one video of her talking about it has been shared with me, but I suspect she simply wants to stop seeing people in her community killed by enforcers who use wands charged by celestial blood. I can’t push this message, and may the stars have mercy on me.

“The Luminary Union is designed to protect the public, but namely the extraordinary celestials who are the backbone and heart of this country. It is time that we become the authorities and leaders.”

“So you’re giving even more jobs to celestials,” the Senator says. “And leaving our citizens disadvantaged against those with power. This vision for the future is bleak and will only lead to more Blackouts. I promise no one wants to receive the call that I did telling them that their child was blown up because of a power brawl between Spell Walkers, whom you not only won’t condemn, but would bring into the fold of your new division. Can you really look me in the eye and tell me in front of the American people that the terrorist group that killed my son should become our new law enforcement?”

The anger on Sunstar’s face is the realest it’s been all night.

I try arguing that the faults of some cannot fall on an entire community, but the Senator is louder and more forceful.

“I didn’t think so! I didn’t think so! Americans refuse to build the bricks of your celestial supremacist country.” The Senator comes out from behind the podium, creating an intimacy with the audience hidden in the darkness. “A Sunstar presidency is preventable, but we should be concerned that she’s gotten this far. We have a record number of celestials in seats of power, and you’ve heard the rumors of qualified opponents who wanted to serve you but were too intimidated to run against celestials. Between stories of Sunstar using her husband’s hypnosis to control minds of politicians and voters, we have to protect ourselves now!”

I want to argue that mind control isn’t even a real power, and that Ash would never use it that way if it were, but it would be pointless even if I were allowed.

To my horror, they’re applauding him.

The Senator points at me. “You deserve to be locked up in the Bounds.”

The applause grows louder and Hugh Cooper is having a difficult time getting the audience to settle down. I’m terrified that I coexist in a country with these people.

“Thank you,” Hugh Cooper says as everyone finally quiets down. “I’d like to open the floor for closing statements. Congresswoman Sunstar, you may go first.”

I stare directly into the camera. I’m supposed to push some more Celestials First ideals, and I’ve figured out how to do it my way. “Celestials are fireflies who have been suppressed for so long, suffocating in jars that have become our homes. We demand to be freed from our jars, but we need your help to unscrew the lids. Thank you.”

This might sound like nonsense to the majority of this country.

I only need one person to understand.

Fifty-FourBreaking

EMIL

Sunstar is talking about fireflies.

I pop my head up from Wyatt’s shoulder and drag Brighton’s laptop closer to me, rewatching the closing remarks. This entire debate has been wild with how Sunstar has hit absolute one-eighties with her stances, but what if something has gone terribly wrong? And maybe even a little bit right?

“I think that’s Ness,” I say, staring at my frozen still of Sunstar.

“Ness-Ness?” Wyatt asks.

“What are you talking about?” Brighton asks.

My heart is absolutely pounding against my chest, even though I’ve barely moved. “Look, for the past two hours we’ve been confused about why Sunstar seems so off and is saying so many dangerous things. What if