Page 64 of Jude

“We need to make you aware of what’s going on. We have discovered information that the State are not who they claim to be.”

Octavia looked around at everyone. Some expressions were curious, but most were blank, their eyes unfocused.

Heath continued. “The creatures in charge of this country, in charge of this planet, are not human.”

Octavia heard several surprised gasps. Most people remained silent.

“We have been deceived. In truth, Dinnorms are ruling us.”

There were a few murmurs around her.

“They have lied to us about why they are here. They are not protecting us or keeping us safe. They use us as a slave labor force. They hunt down and kill anyone who speaks out against them. We have to stop this. Everybody must know the truth.”

“What’s he saying?” asked the woman next to Octavia. “It makes no sense.”

“Do you believe him?”

The woman blinked and shook her head. “I’m... not sure. I mean, the State are our rulers. Why would they deceive us?”

“Look beyond the masks the leaders wear and see the truth,” said Heath. “These are the true faces of the creatures in charge.” Several images of Dinnorms flashed onto the screen, showing them in their true form, with long serpentine bodies and sharp teeth.

There were more startled gasps.

The woman beside Octavia frowned. “He can’t mean it. Isn’t he a fugitive? Why is he talking to us? The State shouldn’t allow this.”

“He’s trying to help,” muttered Octavia. She looked over her shoulder and tensed as she saw the guard who’d been following her enter the room.

She slid deeper into the group, making her way to the other side of the room where she’d spotted a door. Her fingers tightened around the security pass as she approached it, forcing herself not to run and draw attention.

“You! Stop right there.” The guard was behind her. His hand fell on her shoulder.

Taking a deep breath, Octavia turned and smiled at him. “How may I help you?”

The guard’s gaze ran over her shaved head and the scars on her face. “What are you doing?”

“I told you before, I had to deliver a message. I’m running late and must get back to my station.”

His eyes narrowed. “Where is your station?”

“At the other end of the building.”

“If that’s true, why are you heading toward the maintenance area?”

Octavia’s mouth felt dry. “I need fresh air after hearing that broadcast. Can you believe the message?”

“I don’t care about that,” said the guard. “Show me your security pass. I need to see what clearance you have. You shouldn’t have been near the interrogation rooms.”

“No problem.” Octavia raised the pass.

The guard looked at it. His hand rested on his pulse laser. “That’s not you.”

She looked at the security pass and shrugged. “I must have picked up the wrong one.”

He shook his head. “Who are you?”

This was not going to end well, for him. “I’m just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Octavia slammed her fist into the guard’s stomach, before smashing his face against her knee. Then she turned, unlocked the door, and raced out.

She’d made it to the end of the corridor, the smell of bleach and cleaning fluids in the air, when footsteps behind her echoed along the walls.