Read The Variables for Free Online Page B

ragdolls. Then they cleaned the area with disinfectant wipes: the chairs, the table, and the ground beneath them. The whole spectacle took less than a minute. Scott couldn’t help but notice that the teenaged boy’s features had softened in death, and he looked so young and baby-faced. Without his scowl and his offensive demeanor, he was just a kid.  
    He looked away as the young man’s body disappeared out into the hallway.
    Shay tapped his microphone and drew everybody’s attention to his screen. “What happened, Huck? We are hopeful your answer is reasonable. Our people will demand it.”
    “You are in charge of what your people know about, Shay,” Huck said, annoyed. “Are you implying I should find someone with more discretion for your post?”
    “We shouldn’t discuss this remotely. I petition for an in-person Board meeting,” Morowa demanded.
    Huck sighed. “This is the way it has to be. We will no longer humor the entitlement. The Brikham family is one of many who felt that their money bought them the right to make requests and the right to break the rules. They thought they were better, and for no reason. And, as you know, we are not in the position to change course. Our Islands are perfect. They will be run with precision under my direct leadership. Had I anticipated their poor behavior, I would have rid our Systems of them before now. But we were busy implementing Release Day...getting people to our bunkers was enough of a hassle. Then we were supposed to add a second operation? No. It made sense to wait.”
    “These are the variables you wished to discuss with us?” Roman asked, his mouth open. “Huck—” he could not find the words to continue.
    “They are scum.” Huck spat the word with venomous power. “Scum. Fit only to be used for a time...but not qualified to benefit from our labor.”
    “You want to murder men, women, and children...who have already earned their safety?” Mueez continued. “And you wish to make that decision without consulting your Board?”
    Gordy leaned close to the camera. “Mueez and Shay. Are you saying you wish to continue to the Islands and live among men like Mr. Brikham?”
    “You know that from the start we have been on board with your ideals,” Shay answered. “When you first approached us, we understood immediately the beauty of a world depopulated and then filled with peace. You promised us peace. Calmness. Love. You said we would end war and live among each other in harmony. We were drawn to that message because we have lived through war.” Shay’s voice rose and trembled.
    Huck opened his mouth to reply, but the Israeli man continued.
    “We share a story. We have lost our daughters—”
    “Don’t,” Huck interrupted, his words stern. “Don’t.”
    Shay put up a hand in apology.
    Mueez took over. “Our System cannot partake in more slaughter. We will work together with those in our System who are unsavory, entitled, and unruly, and we will educate them.”
    Gordy looked to the ceiling and rubbed his chin with his hand. “Gentlemen, you are lacking self-awareness right now, and it would be humorous if it weren’t so dangerous.”
    He paused and waited. Each Elektos member waited. Their faces were a mixture of concern, fear, curiosity, and complacency. Yuri from Russia even appeared to nod off, his head bobbing up and down, his eyes fluttering. His Elektos partner from Japan, Kazuma, nudged him awake.
    “Go on,” Mueez said and he crossed his arms, waiting.
    “You cannot pick when you think murder is okay and when you don’t. You already agreed to the demise of nearly 7 billion people. And now... now ...you raise your voice against people who truly don’t deserve to live.”
    No one said anything.
    “Great,” Gordy said. “We’re understood.”
    “No,” Mueez pushed. “It’s different. And we refuse to accept that this is the only way.”
    “Victor is unusually quiet,” Huck said. “What does Victor think?”
    Victor leaned