Read Online Divided Worlds Trilogy 01 - Disconnect by Imran Siddiq - Free Book Online Page B

BLOCKS. PENALTIES WILL BE DEALT. REMOVE BLOCKS.”
    Zachary held the Intercom to the droid.
    Patch’s eye glowed brighter. “MOSD. Matter of Security Deletion. I have not seen that for eighty-nine years.”
    “What is it?” stammered Zachary.
    “Techniques utilised to cross-search and eradicate information considered a high-priority risk.” Patch shook his finger. “I would not be concerned with the penalty warning. It can only track back to the registered owner of the device. Rosa Kade. Her method of interference-blockage will not last. Unless protocols have changed, the MOSD requester will force a harsh delete to invade.”
    “I didn’t understand a word you said.”
    Zachary stared at the replaying message. What did Rosa have on her Intercom of importance? She’d said it was for her personal recordings.
    “Opening message to eradicate,” whirred a voice from the Intercom.
    “That is the harsh delete,” observed Patch.
    A blue-tinted image burst into the air of two men separated by a vertical line. The man on the left appeared familiar. With swept back hair, his tight-skinned face looked down. He knocked back a large mouthful of fluid from a thumb-sized glass.
    Rosa’s dad.
    On the right sat an older man with receding hair, and a mole under his right eye. His stare remained sharp as he spoke, “You’re not confident with me?” The tone imitated the powerful accent of the Russian family across the street. “Bickering will stand in the way of progress.”
    “Article 39a is entrenched in our foundations,” said Rosa’s dad.
    “When did we let laws stop us? The House of Representatives still holds you in high regard, and will reinstate you, if you want.”
    “The Integrated Confederation won’t look kindly.”
    The Russian smirked. “They will see how we have moved on from the past.”
    Her dad’s tone grew serious. “What you’re asking for was never part of the deal. It goes beyond what any reasonable man would do. I need more time.”
    “We don’t have that, Jordan.” The Russian’s fist slammed down onto a table, sending a ping through the speakers.
    “I’ve had nine years, Sokolov. What could go wrong if another day passes?”
    Was that the same Sokolov that Rosa had mentioned?
    “Everything,” replied the Russian.
    The recording scrambled before switching off.
    “MOSD deleted,” said the harsh delete. “You will be contacted with regards to the terms and conditions of use, and the inappropriate use of interference-blockers. Thank you and have a nice day.”
    Rosa had intercepted an important conversation involving her dad. Either Jordan Kade or General Sokolov had authorised the removal of the conversation. What kind of progress did Sokolov fear would be delayed? Could it be connected to the paper drop? Article 39a? The Integrated Confederation? The House?
    “What does ‘reinstate’ mean?” asked Zachary.
    “To re-establish or return something to an earlier state,” replied Patch.
    Zachary’s eyes widened. He grasped the corded-tube. “Time to sleep.”
    “Do not ignore Rosa Kade’s request to wipe …” Patch’s eye blanked.
    Zachary paced around his home, groaning. Rosa knew her dad would become an ambassador again. Isn’t that what she wanted; to be allowed to visit Assayer, rather than be cooped up in her home? So, why did she behave as if it was never going to happen? She was so sure that she’d always stay at home. Always be alone. What else is there?
    He eyed the Raptor.
    Rosa would call again, wouldn’t she?

Chapter 9 - A New Friend
    Zachary walked along the end-border of the Wastelands.
    It’d been two days since the mysterious drop of papers.
    And Rosa hadn’t called.
    As he and Diego crossed the ledge held by crooked nails that separated them from the Black Lake, he couldn’t help but wonder if Rosa had regretted having anything to do with him. Maybe she was already with other people in Assayer and the need to bother him had disappeared. Though, he