Free Road to Clover (The Breanna Raven Series) by Katarin Haley Pope Page B

to face the crowd, and they’re wearing serious expressions on their faces. Instantly, I don’t like them. They have an aura of superiority, like they are better than us.
    A woman with black hair pulled tight into a bun in the back of her head goes to the podium. She has thin eye brows and dark angry eyes. She’s pale with thick full unpainted lips. She is standing like a statue at the podium with her hands behind her body. She’s waiting patiently for everyone to turn their attention towards her.
    The other six people that are on the platform are standing beside her, three on each side. They have taken the same stance in what I consider their show of intimidation.
    The woman starts speaking with an unemotional , but undeniable serious tone of voice. “Citizens, I am here to report to you that your nation is no longer recognized. The United States of America does not exist.”
    Murmuring begins to rise. The crowd is clearly in shock of this news, but honestly, how can anyone be surprised? From what Agni and I have seen and heard, there is no doubt that her statement is true. And I’m sure they’ve heard the bombings on the mainland, as well.
    “ We are the Enlightened, one people of one nation in one world.” She announces with pride, the first emotion I’ve seen thus far from her. She starts eyeing the crowd from the left to right before she continues, “Some of you may be asking what does the Enlightened mean? It is a worldwide consortium of unique achievers, accomplished thinkers, and boundless dreamers whose only goal is achieve the perfect society. We have made a huge step towards that goal in the past twenty four hours, and we are here to offer all of you an opportunity to join us in this brand new society.”
    “What if we say no?” A man yells from the crowd.
    “Consider your choice carefully. The alternative is permanent.” She remarks as she looks in the direction of the man.
    “ It sounds like we have no choice!” A woman screams, but her comment is swallowed by others shouting their opinions, as well.
    The woman at the podium lifts both of her hands, and she waits for everyone to settle down before she continues her speech. “The Enlightened will make all of you a vital part of the new world. Your skills and knowledge will be put to use not only for the betterment of society but for you, as well. Aren’t you tired of the way your government has treated you? Don’t you want something new, something better? We will offer you and your families a life of success and extraordinary privileges. You will reap the rewards of being a citizen of the world, of the Enlightened!”
    Someone shouts over her, “We don’t believe in your enlightenment!”
    The voices in the crowd come up in unison as a thunderous noise. I can’t make out what anyone is saying, but it is apparent no one wants what she’s offering. The bullhorn squelches, and it works in quieting the crowd.
    The woman steps closer to the podium and says, “In the next 24 hours, registration stations will be set up here in Allium Center, in King Potrea, Penny Valley, and Perennial Lock. You will have up to three weeks to register. After such time, anyone that is not will face dire consequences. Don’t think for a moment you will be able to continue to live the same old American way. If you’re not a part of the Enlightened, you will suffer and ultimately, you will die. The only choice is to join the world.”
    Her words settle on the crowd. No one is speaking against her now. I wonder if everyone will go with her offer. My question is soon answered.
    A man screams out “U.S.A.” and a pop echoes throughout the crowd. Someone has shot the woman behind the podium, and she’s flat on the platform. Chaos has broken out, and people have started running anywhere they can. Agni and I take off down the sidewalk, as well. Out of nowhere, the helicopters are back, and they’re shooting into the dispersing crowd. People are falling down around us,