Steelheart

After Abraham returns from a supply run, David unloads heavy boxes while Megan, pointedly unhelpful, reads a book. David is relieved that the tension between them has alleviated, despite Megan’s confession. Prof emerges and shares that the data chips that David and Megan discovered at the power plant contain false propaganda that makes Steelheart appear more terrible than he really is. Without looking at Megan, David asks Prof whether he believes the city will really improve after they kill Steelheart. Prof admits that Newcago will probably struggle, but he doesn’t take responsibility for that undertaking: “It’s good for you to think of this, son. Ponder. Worry. Stay up nights, frightened for the causalities of your ideology. It will do you good to realize the price of fighting” (223). His answer isn’t good enough for Megan, who accuses him of choosing this destiny for the people. They argue, and Prof maintains that people should not normalize Steelheart’s tyranny because otherwise the system will never change. Abraham, ever-composed, reveals that he is one of the Faithful—a person who believes the good Epics will one day save humanity—just like David’s father.