Read Blackout (Darkness Trilogy) for Free Online Page B

how they might be linked, and I have no reason to think that they are, other than these are the only two strange things that have happened in Dark DC for as long as I can remember. At the very least, it’s something to think about.
    Star return s alone and her eyes are gleaming. She clasps her mittened hands excitedly in front of her as if she’s holding something precious. The last time she looked like this, we had just found a full vending machine in the basement of Adelaide Elementary. I took an axe to it, half-euphoric as I imagined downing the brightly packaged foods, but that’s not what Star wanted to do. She wanted to haul the stuff around Dark DC and give the deliciously crinkling bags to everyone else. So that’s what we did. I’ve never seen her more alive than on that night, being able to give such precious gifts.
    A nd now she has that same look. I know before she admits it that she wants to go talk to the Frontmen.
     
    *
     
    The gate has already been rebuilt. I can see it in the distance, the shining new titanium cut into old concrete. Star and I hasten toward it past the stairway entrance to an old subway. I look down and see darkness obscure the bottom stairs, as if the staircase descends into an endless black pit. When the Blackout struck, I hear trains down there stopped mid-ride. What’s left of the commuters is probably still trapped in the underground cars, but I’ve never had the heart to check.
    Star jogs ahead, and I hurry after her. She’s gone into one of her dazes again. I know her well enough that I can tell she expects this exchange will save Wick. The part about having to hand people over clearly hasn’t hit her yet, but she isn’t rational when she gets like this. That’s why I have to protect her. Stop her if she gets too reckless. Closer now, I can see three Frontmen on the ground in front of the repaired gate, and their guns dangle threateningly from straps slung sideways over their shoulders. My eyes widen in surprise, and from Star’s gasp, I know she’s seen them, too. This is only the second time I’ve seen Frontmen standing in the Dark Zone. One green-suited guard holds a clipboard and points at the gate. The other two nod.
    “Hey!” Star calls after them. She breaks into a run. “What happened with the truck?”
    The Frontme n ignore her. I bolt after Star, fast. She can’t just throw herself in harm’s way like this. She repeats herself, yelling with her hands cupped around her mouth as we approach. Nothing changes. She slows to a stop just a few feet from them, and I position myself between her and the guards. I press my palm against her heaving chest, keeping her back. Containing her carelessness for as long as possible. The Frontmen continue to ignore us. They’re all bigger than I am, and Star shows no sign of letting up.
    “What about the exchange?” she asks. “Can you talk about that? Electricity for DZs?”
    The Frontme n stop talking to each other.
    “Carnival request ,” one says into his black wristband. “Over.”
    All three of them turn slowly toward us. Their big jaws and broad chins jut menacingly beneath their black goggles. Star rests her hand fearfully on my forearm still pressed against her chest. I can feel her heart pound through her orange parka, but she’s not going to budge. The Star I know will stay here until she gets her answers.
    “Proceed ,” a crackled voice orders from his wristband. “Over.”
    Staring at the Frontmen, I gulp.
    “Power will be restored to every residence that surrenders a DZ to the United States of America,” one guard says in a deep voice. “The resident must be between sixteen and twenty-one years of age. He or she may consent to be exchanged for electricity, or two co-residents may consent for him or her. All surrendered residents will be collected on the first day of the new year.”
    I shiver. That does not feel right.
    “What happens to the DZs on the other side?” Star asks.
    T he Frontmen turn