Read Online The Legend by Melissa Delport - Free Book Online

this to the General. I have become obsessed with only one immediate goal: to find Jupiter and his lab, and convince him to Gift all our willing soldiers. Unfortunately, there is no way I can guarantee my success in reaching him if my Gifts do not return. David who, despite his strength, is more brains than brawn, with the added benefit of having been a chief engineer in the town planning office when he was still working undercover in Chicago, is working on a few ideas as to how we can access the States. I have a few ideas of my own that I have not yet shared with the others, but everything depends on how quickly I recover. Morgan suggested they head to Missouri without me, but I rebuked her loudly for undermining my authority.
    â€œBex,” my father’s voice interrupts my musings. I am sitting alone in the dining hall, my empty plate on the table in front of me. I ignore the implication as my father glances around the crowded room and then at the empty chairs beside me. “Eating alone?”
    â€œI’m meeting Kwan at the dojo in a few minutes,” I reply so that he knows that I am in a hurry.
    â€œI’ll be quick, then.” He takes a seat. “I wanted to talk to you about this morning’s meeting.”
    â€œWhat about it?” Nothing of particular interest had arisen this morning as far as I could recall. I narrow my eyes as I catch sight of Jenna and Chase entering the hall and my father swivels in his chair to find the source of my irritation.
    â€œHe hasn’t done anything to intimate he can’t be trusted.” His voice is reproachful.
    â€œHe hasn’t done anything to prove otherwise either,” I retort. “But he can stay where he is for now. I have plans for Chase . . .”
    â€œI don’t even want to know.” My father shakes his head. “Now, about this morning. I wanted to talk to you about your conscription proposal.”
    â€œWhat about it?” I am curious.
    â€œWell, I think it’s a bit extreme, for one thing.”
    â€œWe’re at war, Dad, not a tea party.”
    It is inevitable that he would disagree with my idea to force members of our community to enlist in the Legion. In fact, a few months ago I was dead set against the idea myself. The General thought of it first, but in my stubborn naivety I had refused even to consider his suggestion. The thought of forcing people to risk their lives appalled and disgusted me. But that was then. Now I know better. Without more Gifted soldiers we are doomed to fail – a few deaths are an acceptable collateral in order to save thousands.
    â€œIt’s hypocrisy, Bex, plain and simple!” He raises his voice. Although I am not surprised that he disagrees with me, I am surprised by the level of anger radiating off him. “One of the basic premises that the Resistance is based on is free will. It was taken from us, and we want it back. How is forcing people against their will any different to what Eric Dane did . . . to what Kenneth is doing now?”
    â€œDon’t you dare compare me to that son of a bitch!” I hiss, my lip curled as my own anger threatens to boil over.
    â€œDon’t lose sight of our values, then.”
    â€œThe General agrees with me,” I say smugly.
    â€œThe General has always wanted us to take this line,” he snaps back, “which is precisely why he has never been in charge.” The implication of his words is like being doused in icy water.
    â€œYou’re saying I’m not fit to lead the Legion?” My chest swells in outrage.
    â€œI’m saying that your beliefs and values have always been what makes you the best person to lead us. My concern is that those values have changed, and if they have, where does that leave our people?”
    â€œI will do what is best for everybody. I have to go. I’m late,” I add dismissively, getting to my feet.
    Looking back, I should have known that I was being