WAR GAME XRI
YOUR SCHOOL. YOUR HONOR. YOUR DUTY.
It doesn’t take long for rules to be broken, for people to fight dirty...
Published: February 2018
WAR GAME XRI
YOUR SCHOOL. YOUR HONOR. YOUR DUTY.
These words have more meaning than fourteen-year-old Cassie Routhier and her classmates can comprehend when a strange group called the Chi Rho Iota Corporation take over their high school. Suddenly, they are thrust into a state of the art war simulation that is supposed to prepare them for World War III.
It doesn’t take long for rules to be broken, for people to fight dirty, and for it to seem like something is amiss with the federally mandated simulation. Cassie and her squad are faced with discovering the intentions of the Chi Rho Iota Corporation as well as partaking in a war game that claims to be harmless when it’s anything but safe.
Nothing is as it seems in LIMITED TRUTH.
EXCERPT
Good morning!” Owen called over the
crowd. “And good luck.” He turned and faced the principals. “If the principals
would shake hands.”
“Wait!” I shouted, alarmed. “That’s
it? They’re just going to start it?”
For once Patrick had nothing snarky
or sarcastic to say. He looked terrified, his face as white as a ghost. This
was really happening and there was nothing we could do about it.
“Students, face each other.”
I looked over my shoulder at Kara
and Jared. Their hands were interlaced, bodies ready to spring.
“Enter the simulation now.”
The tingling sensation was back as I
pressed the button on my I.D. bracelet with a trembling hand. Just like the day
before, the outside edges of the high school disappeared with a blue ripple and
the vivid colors returned, but I was too scared now to enjoy them.
Owen’s voice continued to give
instructions: “Turn on all weapons.” The sound of tasers activating became a
dull roar while the excess electricity seemed to dissolve into air already
thick with expectancy. I clutched my weapon tightly as I watched Aaron several
feet away twirl his taser in his hand in anticipation. I knew the only way
Squad Treble stood a chance was to never
let our weapons go.
Owen, the woman, and the principals
moved toward the Super Children, out of the way of the battle about to take
place. I looked to Patrick who held onto his staff like his life depended on
it. It would have been so easy to watch him run to his own demise, but I
couldn’t do it—I was too terrified to be alone. Despite everything I felt, I
knew I had to follow him to that supply shed or be eliminated as I stood there
in fear.
“Prepare to battle! Ready…”
Patrick gave me a curt nod as he got
into position, ready to run. I took one last glance around, trying to remember
partnerships and positions, even faces I recognized from other squads, just in
case.
“Set…”
I took a deep breath and attempted
to focus; what happened now would set the stage for everything else. A moment’s
hesitation and it could all be over. I had to believe I would make it longer
than that. I had gone toe-to-toe with a Chi Rho Iota lackey. Knock out in the
first few minutes was not an option.
You know that feeling when someone
is watching you and you can feel it? I turned my head just in time to see
Brayden’s soft brown eyes looking at me. His face was grave, and it made my
heart palpitate. I would have been elated had my time not run out.
“Go!”
About the author:
Kay Bennson is from Northwestern Connecticut where she lives with her husband and son. She doesn't remember a time where she wasn't writing stories (in fact, some of her best ideas were forged in high school classes and at part time jobs). When she isn't writing, she enjoys video games, Irish dance, gymnastics, and fanfiction.
Author's Giveaway
2 comments:
Sounds different!
Sounds great
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