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Every moment Quote by Imogen Howson

“Elissa became aware that she had both hands held out in front of her, as if to push the sight away, as if to make it not real, not true, not THERE. She'd known they were doing something awful to Lin, to the others, but she'd never imagined something like this. Never imagined there were shutting…” quote by Imogen Howson
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““Elissa became aware that she had both hands held out in front of her, as if to push the sight away, as if to make it not real, not true, not THERE. She'd known they were doing something awful to Lin, to the others, but she'd never imagined something like this. Never imagined there were shutting them away in the dark, trapped and drowning, every moment waiting for the pain that would tear through them when the ship went into hyperspeed. A memory pierced her. "You said the others -other Spares- were taken away. It was this. It was for this." Lin's face turned to her, as pale as that of the dead Spare. In the dim room, her eyes were black hollows. Her jaw was slack with shock. "NO," said Cadan. "No. It cant be. This cant be what they-" He broke off. "Oh, G-d in heaven, hyperdrives last five to seven years." For a moment Elissa didn't pick up on what he meant. Then it hit her, a huge fist clenching her hers stomach. "SEVEN YEARS? That's how long he's been there?" "No. Not this one. The PHOENIX is only two hears old. This one - somethings been malfunctioning all along. He must-" Cadan choked again. "Ah, G-d what have I been doing to him?" "Two years." Elissa found her head turning back toward where the Spare floated, limp and helpless. Out there, in all the other spaceships, other Spares were floating in the same way, kept alive by tubes, kept - Oh G-d, were they conscious the whole time? As she looked, unable to turn away, other details revealed themselves, details she didn't want, things she didn't want to know could happen anywhere, EVER.””

Imogen Howson

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Phoenix Paradox by Imogen Howson, 2023

Elissa confronts the horror of a secret experiment that traps beings in endless suffering, realizing the true cost of hidden atrocities.

In simple terms: She discovers a hidden cruelty that keeps victims alive but in perpetual torment.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and expose hidden suffering.

Themes

ethics science humanity secrecy suffering

Mood

disturbing urgent reflective

Type

literary cautionary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • space exploration
  • medical ethics
  • whistleblowing
  • psychological trauma

Key Concepts

bioethics existential dread power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do creators have to reveal truth?
  • How can societies prevent hidden atrocities?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may dramatize sci‑fi elements, limiting real‑world applicability.

3.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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