Mind’s Edge by R. Morello explores themes of prejudice, corporate corruption, and the consequences of a nuclear event through dialogue and descriptions that highlight the divide between the “worlders” and the “radios.”
“The two men looked at Edge’s dark suit and short brown hair, then at his light brown skin. They then glanced nervously at each other, their faces etched with a palpable discomfort.” – Describing the discomfort of Digitech colleagues around Edge, a “radio” (infected).
“He had a long hanging tumor over the bridge of his nose, and his face was drawn with the sadness of a thousand years.” – Describing Uncle Carney’s physical mutation and the sadness associated with the infected.
“You look like a worlder… why are you wearing a radio headband?” – A local artist (Dorn)’s initial suspicion of Edge, highlighting the strict visual segregation and mistrust between the two groups.
“You think I would bring them into the Infected Sector? We left for a reason.” – Edge’s father, James, expressing his deep prejudice against the infected and his decision to move the family away.
“She was a radio, one of the stronger psychics, able to protect Edge from having his brain scanned by the other radio.” – Describing Kyree’s crucial role and strong psychic ability.
“A transparent red plastic headband with wiring across the top of his skull… a blocker for radios with psychic abilities.” – Describing the headband that Edge wears, a piece of technology used to shield his mind from being read.
“I see the image clearly now, the blonde curls, the tumor on her shoulder… I’ll give you a sketch.” – Dorn, the artist, using his psychic abilities to translate a mental image from Kyree into a physical sketch of the killer.
“He contorted and yelled. The blonde woman rolled away from him to stand on the floor. Jack’s body convulsed on the bed as blood seeped from his nose and ears.” – A visceral description of the “mind shock” murder of Jack Carver, demonstrating the deadly power of the radios.
“He’s not ready to see her like that… I told him he would need help getting them back to New England.” – Edge’s Uncle Floyd speaking about Edge’s emotional struggle to deal with his mother’s death and the task of spreading her ashes in the Infected Sector.
