Pretties

Tally, Fausto, and Zane meet in a machine shed empty except for a middle-aged pretty blowing glass. The space gets so hot when occupied that there can be no smart walls. Zane directs them to a machine called a crusher and places a memory card into its computer. It activates and Zane practices, smashing metal into a lunch tray. Fausto realizes Zane’s plan a moment before Tally does: to use the crusher to snap their bracelets off, or at the very least destroy the technology powering them. Fausto talks about the safety precautions that will prevent this, including heat-sensing technology meant to prevent limbs from getting caught in the crusher. Zane and Fausto begin to argue as Tally walks deeper into the shop and talks with the woman blowing glass. She tries to call Shay but is told her friend is unavailable. Tally leaves a message instead.

Tally reflects on the afternoon, which she and Zane spent preparing to escape. She goes back to the crusher to listen to Zane explain that he will make his hand cold in a bucket of ice water to overcome the safety precautions. Fausto reiterates what is at stake, saying that the bones in Zane’s arm will liquify if the crusher’s technology hits him.