Read Online Progtopia: Book 1 of The Progtopia Trilogy by Eula McGrevey - Free Book Online
Authors: Eula McGrevey
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world were registering extreme displeasure with the Judge’s response. Cassandra knew this because she continually received instant feedback on the audience’s reactions to her questions. She constantly adjusted her interview according to the feedback. The Judge also knew this and would rephrase his answers depending on the direction she gave him.
“Well, Judge, it seems our viewers are big fans of what Marco did tonight. I don’t think anyone would like to see him at The Trials —unless he was just working them with the camera.” The Judge didn’t like this. He needed to remain popular, but he also couldn’t have people breaking the law openly on live VRS—and getting away with it. He was a shrewd politician, though, and could easily get out of this.
“Why wouldn’t they be fans of this? My daughter’s a beautiful, intelligent, and extraordinary woman. Any father would be proud of her, but at the same time, quite protective. It’s in our nature. It seems that she’s having a fine time with Marco tonight, and that is all that matters. So you young men out there, don’t get any crazy ideas in your head.”
He flashed a smile, knowing his answer satisfied the audience when Cassandra said, “Judge, you are certainly right, but I don’t think anyone out there will attempt such a brash move. They know the rules, but I see you are expertly evading my question about The Trials .”
She laughed and turned to Jonathan. “I hear you’re helping your father with planning the upcoming Trials . Surely, you can give us a little morsel to keep us going until they begin?” Jonathan smiled. He was fully expecting this question. “Cassandra, all I can say is that we have some fantastic surprises up our sleeves. Some things my father doesn’t even know about.”
She turned quickly to the Judge and asked, “Do you know what he’s talking about?”
“I can speak to the fact that we will be doing something this year that has never been done before with The Trials , and not in entertainment in over 150 years. Obviously, there are certain things my son and the planning committee have not shared with me yet. I have left the selection of the criminals to them this year. In fact, I will not know who they are until they are announced live. One of the criticisms we have received over the years is that by me being involved in the selection, I am biased as to the guilt or innocence of each person on trial. Therefore, I have recused myself from this process. Hopefully, the public will see that I am unbiased in my questioning of the criminals during the proceedings this year.”
“Well, Judge and Jonathan, this sounds like it’s going to be quite an exciting show this season. We’re looking forward to it!”
345 and 888 were still watching, but they couldn’t help but wonder, just like all the other viewers, what this year’s Trials would be like. They were mandatory to watch, yet often entertaining. However, the last few years were getting repetitive with the same types of crimes and the same line of questioning that led to the foregone conclusion of guilt and death for those on trial.
Finally, the speeches were over and dancing was to begin. The Benefactor himself always introduced the beginning of the dancing at the Ball. All watched as Benefactor Simon approached the podium. A hush fell over the crowd. Before he spoke, he cleared his throat. What he lacked in size and stature, he possessed in power, ruling the entire planet with an iron fist. “Tonight, we celebrate the achievements of our Progtopia. We are one people, whom under me, are indivisible. Each and every one of us, through our work, our achievements, and our progress, has helped society evolve into what we have today. As Benefactor, I’m responsible for everything that each and every one of you has. Without me, there is nothing, but without you, we also have nothing. We are linked in our success as well as in our failures. Our society has grown,
“Well, Judge, it seems our viewers are big fans of what Marco did tonight. I don’t think anyone would like to see him at The Trials —unless he was just working them with the camera.” The Judge didn’t like this. He needed to remain popular, but he also couldn’t have people breaking the law openly on live VRS—and getting away with it. He was a shrewd politician, though, and could easily get out of this.
“Why wouldn’t they be fans of this? My daughter’s a beautiful, intelligent, and extraordinary woman. Any father would be proud of her, but at the same time, quite protective. It’s in our nature. It seems that she’s having a fine time with Marco tonight, and that is all that matters. So you young men out there, don’t get any crazy ideas in your head.”
He flashed a smile, knowing his answer satisfied the audience when Cassandra said, “Judge, you are certainly right, but I don’t think anyone out there will attempt such a brash move. They know the rules, but I see you are expertly evading my question about The Trials .”
She laughed and turned to Jonathan. “I hear you’re helping your father with planning the upcoming Trials . Surely, you can give us a little morsel to keep us going until they begin?” Jonathan smiled. He was fully expecting this question. “Cassandra, all I can say is that we have some fantastic surprises up our sleeves. Some things my father doesn’t even know about.”
She turned quickly to the Judge and asked, “Do you know what he’s talking about?”
“I can speak to the fact that we will be doing something this year that has never been done before with The Trials , and not in entertainment in over 150 years. Obviously, there are certain things my son and the planning committee have not shared with me yet. I have left the selection of the criminals to them this year. In fact, I will not know who they are until they are announced live. One of the criticisms we have received over the years is that by me being involved in the selection, I am biased as to the guilt or innocence of each person on trial. Therefore, I have recused myself from this process. Hopefully, the public will see that I am unbiased in my questioning of the criminals during the proceedings this year.”
“Well, Judge and Jonathan, this sounds like it’s going to be quite an exciting show this season. We’re looking forward to it!”
345 and 888 were still watching, but they couldn’t help but wonder, just like all the other viewers, what this year’s Trials would be like. They were mandatory to watch, yet often entertaining. However, the last few years were getting repetitive with the same types of crimes and the same line of questioning that led to the foregone conclusion of guilt and death for those on trial.
Finally, the speeches were over and dancing was to begin. The Benefactor himself always introduced the beginning of the dancing at the Ball. All watched as Benefactor Simon approached the podium. A hush fell over the crowd. Before he spoke, he cleared his throat. What he lacked in size and stature, he possessed in power, ruling the entire planet with an iron fist. “Tonight, we celebrate the achievements of our Progtopia. We are one people, whom under me, are indivisible. Each and every one of us, through our work, our achievements, and our progress, has helped society evolve into what we have today. As Benefactor, I’m responsible for everything that each and every one of you has. Without me, there is nothing, but without you, we also have nothing. We are linked in our success as well as in our failures. Our society has grown,
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