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irony?”
    Todd expresses his gratitude by giving Dean a grizzly bear hug. “I love you, Papa Dean,” he blurts out unexpectedly.
    Dean laughs and hugs the boy tighter. “I love you too, son.” Kissing the top of Todd’s head, he promises, “And I will always be here for you.”
    * * * * *

Salve!
    Illegalizing Outsider Technology
HNN—Melissa Eagleton Reporting
    As many of you are aware, Hadrian’s government officials have met numerous times to discuss whether or not outsider technology should be made illegal. The debate is proving to be a most volatile one, and our opinion polls show that many of Hadrian’s citizens are divided on the issue. For some, it is a matter of cost. Outsider technology comes cheaper than the contact vocal lens. For others, anything brought into Hadrian from the outside world could potentially be contaminated. We must remember that disease is rampant in the outside world, and the possibility that some deadly bacteria, for which there is no cure, can spread through such importation is very real. Yet, as my producer wisely puts it, “We still import rice, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables that are unable to be grown this far north. Coffee and cocoa,” two of his favorite vices, “although nearing impossible to acquire except at exorbitant prices, are also among those items imported into Hadrian.” As these are items we consume, it seems, he claims, to be rather ironic—silly in fact—for Hadrian citizens to be over-zealous when it comes to the use of outsider technology. “These, after all,” he stated at our pre-production meeting, “we do not eat.” I must admit, what he says makes sense, yet it still sends a chill down my spine when I think of Hadrian’s citizens making use of outsider technology. When one citizen uses outsider technology to contact another connected by voc to our wave, the ramifications are frightening. Viruses intended to damage our wave network can do substantial damage to Hadrian’s businesses, government, and educational institutions. Then there are the numerous instances of spam messages, voicemails, and videos containing hate sent intentionally to destroy our citizens’ morale and frighten our children. Too many times have these insidious viruses littered our wave network. The importation of food items does none of these. As inconvenient as it might be for some
of our citizens to abandon the less expensive communication devices purchased through outside companies, remember, Hadrian’s government offers wall screens and tablets credits below the least expensive outsider tech. Everyone in Hadrian can still be connected to the wave. The potential ban of outsider technology will not see the less fortunate of Hadrian citizens bereft of communication. Government devices may be slower but they are definitely a lot safer for Hadrian.
    Vale!

Illicit Communication
    The following Sunday, Todd fails to join the Hunters for their family dinner. Dean demands to know why. Frank’s answer is evasive, “Todd’s sick.”
    Angered by Frank’s dismissive attitude, Dean stretches his hand across the table, demanding, “Give me your cell phone!”
    Frank gasps, flabbergasted. “My what?” He has not told anyone that Todd, Crystal, and he own cell phones. No one knows they communicate through an outsider satellite phone service. Although using such a service is not illegal in Hadrian, it is certainly frowned upon.
    Geoffrey looks up, dismayed and discontented. “You have outsider technology?” His voice is curt and solemn.
    “No!” Frank protests.
    “Don’t lie!” Dean insists, still holding out his hand, palm upward, waiting for the recalcitrant technology to be handed over to him. “It’s how you communicate with Todd, isn’t it?”
    Geoffrey glares at his son. Frank shivers. Roger pales, suddenly very afraid for his older brother. Neither father has ever raised a hand against his children, but the look in Geoffrey’s eyes