Extract Post: Intercludae, by Felicia Ketcheson

Blurb 

In the isolated city of Lexum, following your heart’s desire against the will of the collective 

could be deadly. But for seventeen-year-old Breel Sorep, the urge to express herself is just too tempting.

With her passion for drawing on the list of banned activities, Breel is devastated when she receives her final warning. Art offers an escape from the harsh realities of her life, but to be caught once more would have dire consequences for the rebellious teen.

If only Uncle Famut’s stories of the fictional world of Intercludae were real. Then Breel could be free to express her creativity instead of being trapped in the field of computer programming—a career chosen for her as a small child. 

Starting in a new role, Breel encounters Cafrec, a co-worker with striking sparkling blue eyes, who’s unlike anyone the young woman has ever met. Together, the pair begin to decipher a series of clues which seem to reveal that Intercludae may not be so fictional after all.

Using her programming skills and cunning, Breel must decide how far she’s willing to go to have the freedom she so desperately wants. But as Breel and Cafrec try to escape the forces of oppression, can Breel leave everything she knows and risk her own life for the faint hope of finally finding freedom.

Extract

Excerpt 1 Intercludae

When Breel Sorep entered the classroom, Mr. Progrio wasn’t at the front of the room. She frowned.

That’s strange…

“Nice not having Mr. Progrio ordering us to hurry,” said Sero, evidently not concerned.

He followed Breel to the first row of computers and sat beside her. Most of their fellow computer programming students were already in their seats.

The classroom had four rows of tables, each with ten computers. There was a small window overlooking the walkway into the school. Students raced to get to the classroom first and claim one of the two seats beside the window.

“True,” Breel said. She bit her lip. “But… where is he?”

Sero shrugged as Breel turned on her computer.

Around the room, fellow Leaders of Tomorrow whispered. “Where is he?” “What’s going on?” “Oh no… not again.” It was more conversation than the group usually had with each other. It seemed the only one not concerned was Sero. Mr. Progrio had chewed him out the other day for finding an error in the assignment.

The computer beeped as the login screen appeared. Breel entered her information.

“Oh!” said Sero.

An unfamiliar man stood at the front. He wore the same cobalt-blue pants, dress shirt, and smoky-gray sweater as everyone else who worked for the Department of Teaching. His career stripings, around each bicep, were two thick cherry-coloured stripes sandwiched between two thin lemon-coloured ones.

Breel and Sero exchanged glances, the latter’s brow furrowed. “A computer programming teacher we’ve never met before?” she asked in a whisper.

“I guess so.”

The man cleared his throat and clapped his hands once. “Class will come to order.”

All whispering stopped.

He straightened his posture and placed his hands on his hips. “I’m Mr. Stitus. I’ll be teaching this class for the remainder of the year.”

Breel raised an eyebrow.