Species Traitor: A Science Fiction Dystopian Novel by Kate Mary (books to read to get smarter txt) 📕

I didn’t see him before I left the District that night, but as I descended the spiral staircase, I had the odd sense that someone was watching me. I was near the second level, so I paused to look around. It wasn’t terribly late, a little after ten, but the homes were dark and silent—empty feeling. There was movement in some of the shadows, but I couldn’t make out even the silhouette of a person.

I told myself I was imagining things and kept moving.

Chapter Ten

When I dragged myself from my bedroom the next morning, my head still throbbing and my brain groggy from sleep, I was greeted not by the voice of Veronica Waters, but by a much more masculine one. Pausing to listen, it only took a moment to register who it was. Mayor Gunderson was being interviewed by Karl Winters.

It was about time the current mayor got some airtime.

Instead of continuing to the kitchen, I turned into the living room. Mom was on the couch snoring, an empty glass beside her on the table. She’d been up drinking and watching the news when I’d gotten home the night before, and the few words she’d tossed my way had been slurred, so it wasn’t a big surprise to see her passed out. She must have had a lot if she was able to sleep through the earsplitting news.

On the viewing screen, Mayor Gunderson and Karl Winters were discussing the election. The newscaster was as put-together as usual, even if his skin was a bit on the saggy side and his makeup much too thick, while across from him, the mayor looked slightly unkempt. His shirt was just a little wrinkled and his wispy, white hair disheveled as if he’d gotten caught in a strong wind, and the bags under his eyes said he’d either been having trouble sleeping or the rumors about his poor health weren’t as fabricated as I would have liked to believe they were.

“I’ve heard everything Ms. Waters is saying,” the mayor said in a scratchy voice that lent even more credibility to the possibility he was ill, “and I can assure you she is way off base. I’ve been the mayor for three terms now, and I know more than anyone that the problems facing our great city have nothing to do with the Veilorians. These issues were around before the visitors arrived, and they would have progressed this way no matter what we tried to do to prevent them. I’m afraid humans have abused both themselves and the planet for too long.”

“You’re saying nothing can be done?” Karl asked, his expression grave.

“I’m saying we’re at a crossroads, and it’s time to make some tough decisions. On our own, the human race will go extinct. There is no doubt in my mind. However, if we work with the Veilorians, we just might be able to figure out a way for things to go on.”

Karl’s beady eyes were narrowed when he leaned closer to the mayor. “Are you suggesting we not only keep alien-human relations legal, but also encourage it?”

“I’m saying there’s a way to keep life going.”

“But not human life.” Karl shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help pointing that out.”

“No,” the mayor admitted reluctantly, “we’ve run our course, I’m afraid.”

“What exactly do you plan to do, assuming you win the election?” It was clear by Karl’s tone he thought it was a long shot.

“Take steps toward integration. We tried once, but not very hard, and it’s high time we try again. We’ve let things go on this way for much too long, and they’ve only gotten worse for humans. It’s time to try something else.”

“You’d push this even though the majority of the population doesn’t support integration?”

“I would,” the mayor said, “because it’s the right thing to do.”

Karl pressed his lips together like he was holding his words in, after a second blowing out a long breath before switching gears. “Let’s discuss the upcoming Landing Day celebration.”

The mayor nodded as if giving his assent.

“In just six days, the Veilorians will celebrate twenty-two years on this planet, but with hostility toward the visitors at an all-time high, there’s concern that extremist groups might try to disrupt it. You claim to have a plan, though. Can you tell us what it is?”

“I can.” The mayor sat up straighter. “I’ll be posting extra guards outside the District that day, as well as putting up barriers that will help hold the crowds back. This is a sacred day to the Veilorians, and I want to make certain they’re able to celebrate without fear of persecution.”

Footsteps entered the room behind me, and I turned as Lena stepped into the room. “They’re talking about Landing Day?”

“Yeah.”

On the screen, the mayor and Karl Winters were still talking, the newscaster looking more than a little perturbed by the radical idea that the Veilorians deserved to celebrate in peace.

“It would be fun to go to the Landing Day celebration,” my sister said, her voice low as she stared at the screen. Almost like she was talking to herself.

“Really?” I lifted my eyebrows in surprise. “Have you ever been inside the District?”

As far as I knew, she’d never shown any interest in going inside, and I hadn’t really expected her to. Lena was a rule follower. The type of person who did everything expected of her, who always looked impeccably put-together and had perfect grades. Lena was going somewhere, and tainting her flawless persona by cavorting with aliens wasn’t her style. Not that I could really fault her for it when I was as determined to make sure she got out of here as she was.

“No.” Her dark hair swished across her shoulders when she shook her head. “Some of my friends have, but it seemed like a big risk to take.”

Just like I’d thought.

“You can go with me,” I said. “I’ll keep you