“And?”
“And nothing. It’s not a high priority. The Committee thinks once the extra levels are completed and the scrubs get more space, everyone will be happy to return to work.” His sarcastic tone implied otherwise.
“Is it the same for all the systems?”
“Except for maintenance and security, they’re busy and productive. Why? Do you care now?”
I laced my hands together to keep from punching Jacy. “Okay tell me. What should I be doing?”
He jerked as if I surprised him. “Truthfully?”
“Always.”
“Disband the Committee. Appoint a few people to be in charge.”
I laughed. “Is that it? And here I was ready for something that would be hard to do.”
“You asked.” He kept his expression neutral.
“I don’t have the power to appoint people. I’m just a?—”
“A scrub?”
“No. A citizen of Inside. I’ve done my part. It’s time for other people to step in and set up a better system. I wouldn’t know the first thing about running a society.”
“Uh-uh.” Jacy leaned against a bunk. “And you’re here because…”
“I need to talk to you.”
“So talk.”
I glanced around. There were too many people nearby who seemed interested in our conversation. “Some place private.”
He frowned with annoyance then snapped his fingers at his people. They cleared a wider space around us. Impressive.
“Better?”
“Yes.” But I hesitated. His hostility worried me. Plus he acted like he had before the rebellion—as if we were enemies. Yet he had been a key member, rising to the occasion and being invaluable. I suppressed my doubts and asked him if he knew or heard of an expert in explosions.
He whistled. “You think someone damaged the power plant on purpose?”
Trust Jacy to put the pieces together so quickly. “Let’s just say I’d like another opinion.”
“Uh-uh. And what if this expert is the one you’re searching for?”
“There is always that possibility.”
He tapped his fingers on the bunk’s metal support beam as he considered my request. “I do know one scrub that would be regarded as an expert, but you need to do something for me in return.”
No surprise. “And that would be…”
“Remember the listening device you planted for me in Karla Trava’s office?”
“Yes.” It had been removed after the rebellion.
“I need you to plant some for me.”
“Why?” I asked. “The Pop Cops are gone, and you should know everything that’s being decided from the Committee meetings.”
